Search A Light In The Darkness

Thursday 31 January 2008

'Hollow Years'

Dream Theater live



I got hold of some Dream Theater over in Brisbane and was VERY impressed. A new group for me to listen to even though I've heard the name for years. Never been tempted in past. Saw one of their albums (Scenes From A Memory) on sale cheap in a shop in Surfer's Paradise .... so I bought it thinking 'what the heck' ... put it on and it blew me away ....

Been on Lime Wire tonight and this is one of the tracks I listened to earlier tonight. This 'ole rocker' is now very happy having another group and genre to explore!

Quick Insight:: The Shining Star

Transcript
For Thursday 31st January 2008
Using Servants of the Light tarot

Analysing the image of The Star image itself is deemed of relevance at this time. The pressure is on the situation at the moment. At the needle's eye point. Pressure being forced through the non-return valve. The semi-permeable membrane where certain information is divulged into the public arena and the subsequent reaction monitored without comment. The silent screen. The oppressive feeling of 'suspicion' all adding to the tension of the drama.

And still the little girl is missing. Sensing the vibrations around the image of her distinctive eye ... little or no change. She KNOWS those who holds her. She trusts them. There is prior meeting of them before ever she disappeared. This shines through the vibrations .... these eyes of mine seeing this impression after a couple of weeks away.

Not one contact from the ethereal worlds imparts any knowledge of her passing. I still stress Madeleine is VERY much ALIVE. There would have been a contact confirming if she had indeed passed from this world. There is no such contact. No sight of her in the spirit plane. Several deep shamanic travels have not been successful in finding her location in the spirit world. I can only say with strong conviction that she is indeed still on the earth plane. A locality was put before my eyes in recent days. Somewhere North .... somewhere I am awaiting a confirmation. There is no threat to her safety at this time or at any other time. She is in safety and in hiding. She is out of the way ... for some reason not yet posted in any insight.

The image of The Star places the image of a little girl with blonde within the confines of an ornamental garden with tropical flowers. This is indeed relevant it appears. As are the mountains at the rear of the image. There is a place north with both. The lens at the centre of the image .... the stretch of water links with the crescents and the moon and the emotions of the situation. Also the distortions to conceal something which is quite 'obvious' ... quite out there in the open .... the locality of the little girl. That which is the 'rainbow's end' as shown with the colours of the background of the image.

We know the rainbow from the User of Spheres ... the little girl content with 'The Juggler' ... around the time of her journey beyond Malta. Find The Juggler and you find the little girl this suggests ...

The Juggler is seen 'juggling the spheres' ... change the spheres to pots of money and hey there is a picture forming. He was seen around the time of the stormy seas but is in the background now .... he took a very foolish risk at the time of the Malta sighting. He's behind the scenes aiding the distortion. A powerful man indeed. Part of the network which is benefitting so much from the continued disappearance of the little girl. He has benefitted too. But if he is close to the parents ... how can he hide his link to where she resides ... how can he go about his daily business without suspicion ... without being affected by the intense emotions of the family? He is loyal to his cause and this somehow helps him through.

Four of Staves .... four branches linked to the crown. But which crown does this imply? What organisation ... a government official known to those who hold the little girl ... possibly? This connection and indeed the other three is somehow hidden in all the subterfuge it seems.

Seven of Staves ... more obstacles and general feelings of stasis before someone permits 'the investigation' to journey to better ground. Delay is necessity here ... eyes watch this unfold as meant ... and the pointing in the right direction cannot occur until it is the right time. Too soon it will not be. Sufferance of the family of the little girl is catalyst and also the focal point .... the McCanns do indeed appear to be the scapegoats and the unwitting pawns in this political game. It seems their connections and their contacts led to them being 'chosen' as the scapegoats. Their little girl seems to have the mark which someone somewhere .... who resides in a parallel reality to most ... decided was too 'perfect' not to use.

The numbers of the cards 1, 17, 4 and 7 are somehow relevant ....

Tarot Card of the Day

When the Knight of Swords comes up to indicate a man, he will be intelligent, subtle and clever. His capacity for abstract thought will be well developed. He is also highly intuitive and perceptive.

His nature will be elusive and ethereal, yet he has a strength and fascination that is hard to deny. He compels attention, except when he doesn't want it, and at those times you will not even notice him pass by.

Because of the enquiring and analytic nature of his mind, you will often find him involved in occult study, and following spiritual pursuits. Whilst tolerant of those who know less than him, he will not divulge his knowledge easily. Rather those who wish to learn from him must fight to see him clearly, rather than falling for the projections he readily casts around him.

If this man is badly dignified his subtlety turns to manipulation, and his fascination to glamour. In this way, he becomes unprincipled and self-seeking. There is a certain ruthlessness present in the Knight of Swords at all times.

Even when we meet him at his best, he makes a hard task master, and an acutely keen observer. The sword in his hand will quite often be used to cut to the heart of things - and sometimes we will not be comfortable with what is revealed.

When this card comes up to indicate a state of mind in a man not normally seen as a Knight of Swords, we are then dealing with quite another issue. Now we must address the darkest qualities of the card. This is an angry man, who has quite possibly been emotionally hurt, and may well be looking for revenge.

He has the potential to be physically violent and mentally cruel. He is a nasty enemy and somebody who needs to be treated with the utmost caution.

Goat Symbolism

The goat has long been a visual aid in symbolic and mythological literature and stories. It has a varied significance: gentleness in one tradition and sensuality in another. Both sexes of the goat symbolize fertility, vitality and ceaseless energy. The he-goat (buck) is the epitome of masculine virility and creative energy, while the female (doe) typifies the feminine and generative power and abundance. Symbolically, the goat can be interchanged with the gazelle or the antelope. The wild goat of the Old Testament and Arabic lore is the Ibex.

The goat was probably, after the dog, the earliest domesticated animal. Goats grazing or at rest, or being milked by a goat-herder, are frequent subjects for idyllic scenes, representing the paradisial state; as such they appear on both pagan and Christian sarcophagi.

The Sumerian god Marduk often has a goat as an accompaniment, and it also appears with hunting goddesses. The wild goat was sacred to Artemis and is an attribute of Dionysos, who took this form when fleeing from Typhon, and of the satyrs, who are half-goats with goats' horns. Pan also has the legs, horns and beard of a goat. Zeus Dictynnos was suckled by the goat Amalthea, whose skin became the aegis and her horn the cornucopia - she thus represented the protector and preserver, abundance and plenty. The goat was sacrificed to Faunus, who guarded the woods, fields and sheperds of flocks; also to the other nature gods such as Silvanus and Pan.

The goat was used as a draft animal and is depicted at such at Pompeii, with Dionysos/Bacchus reclining in a cart deiven by Cupid and drawn by goats. The she-goat was sacrificed to Artemis at her Athenian festival of Munichia. Herodotus says that the goat skin or aegis was worn by the statues of Athene in the Lybrian sacrifices and rites.

The use of a scapegoat to bear the sins of the entire community is a universal custom, appearing from the rites of ancient Babylon to those of modern-day Japan. The name is derived from the Hebrew ceremonies of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur,) when a goat was used to carry away the sins of the people into the wilderness, thus freeing them from the consequences. The scapegoat is delegated guilt and escape from the consequences of sin. The Hebrew Scapegoat was chosen from two goats, one of which was for the Lord. The other, the sin-bearer, was sent into the wilderness for Azazel (Leviticus 16:7-10.) In Christianity, the scapegoat is used as symbolic of Christ suffering for and bearing the sins of the world.

Being Gentle With Ourselves

During those times when our lives are filled with what seems to be constant change and growth, it is important to remember that we need to be gentle with ourselves. Since it can be easy to use our energy to keep up with the momentum of our lives, we may not be aware of the fact that we are much more likely to run ourselves down. When things seem to be moving quickly, it is especially essential that we make a point to slow down and be gentle with ourselves.

It might be difficult to notice what is happening to us for we may be so caught up in the whirlwind of our lives that we lose sight of the direction in which things are heading. Being gentle with ourselves doesn’t mean that we don’t accomplish things. Instead it means that we honor ourselves on an ongoing basis and take care of the needs of our bodies.

This means different things to different people. For instance, it could mean having a session with a healer; taking a remedy, herbs, or vitamins; or getting extra sleep. Putting our energy into ourselves in this way helps create space for a more positive, loving, and accepting view of our lives. By setting the intention to do so, we will be more cognizant of our energy levels on a daily basis and more able to replenish them as needed.

The more we are able to treat our bodies with gentleness, the more tenderness and compassion we will call forth into our lives. Learning to understand and pay attention to what our self needs will in turn allow us to fill our lives with unlimited loving and healing energy and to truly take care of the things that mean the most to us.

How UK scientists could make men redundant in creating babies by turning WOMEN'S bone marrow into sperm

British scientists are ready to turn female bone marrow into sperm, cutting men out of the process of creating life. (Daily Mail Thursday 31st January 2008)

The breakthrough paves the way for lesbian couples to have children that are biologically their own.

Gay men could follow suit by using the technique to make eggs from male bone marrow.

Researchers at Newcastle upon Tyne University say their technique will help lead to new treatments for infertility. But critics warn that it sidelines men and raises the prospect of babies being born through entirely artificial means.

The research centres around stem cells - the body's 'mother' cells which can turn into any other type of cell. According to New Scientist magazine, the scientists want to take stem cells from a woman donor's bone marrow and transform them into sperm through the use of special chemicals and vitamins.

Man Utd 2-0 Portsmouth

Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning double in the space of three minutes was the highlight as Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League table. (BBC Sport Thursday 31st January 2008)

With the influential Paul Scholes back, the champions ran riot early on and Ronaldo put them ahead after a slick one-two with Nani on nine minutes.

Moments later the Portuguese winger lashed a 30-yard free-kick into David James' top corner in typical fashion.

Wednesday 30 January 2008

Daily Tarot Card of the Day

The challenge of what has traditionally been known as the Hermit card is to be able to recognize a teacher in a humble disguise. This font of mysterious knowledge will not make it easy for the student to acquire his wisdom, as it takes time and long contemplation to fathom what he knows. He often speaks wordlessly, or in ancient and barbaric tongues, communicating with the elements, animals and Nature herself.

While the hourglass was an identifying feature on the earliest Hermit cards, more modern ones have shifted the metaphor, showing more or less light released from his lantern. In either case, the Hermit card reminds us of the value of time away from the hubbub of civic life, to relax the ego in communion with Nature.

Every Step Is Forward

There are times when we feel that we are spinning our wheels in the mud in terms of our spiritual progress. This can be especially true following a period of major growth in which we feel as if we’ve gained a lot of ground. In fact, this is the way growth goes—periods of intense forward movement give way to periods of what seems like stagnation. In those moments when we feel discouraged, it’s helpful to remember that we don’t ever really go backward. It may be that we are at a standstill because there is a new obstacle in our paths, or a new layer to get through, but the hard work we have done cannot be undone.

Every step on the path is meaningful, and even one that seems to take us backward is a forward step in the sense that it is what we must do to move to the next level. In addition, an intense growth spurt requires that we rest for a time in order to fully integrate the new energies that have been liberated by our hard work. When we feel we are not making progress, we can encourage ourselves to take a moment to rest. We can meditate more, feed ourselves well, and get extra sleep. Before we know it, we will be spurred on to work toward the next level of our development, and this rest will make sense then as something we needed in order to continue.

Once the sun rises, it doesn’t go backward but instead follows its path in one direction. It may appear to stand still for a moment in time, or to move more slowly at some point or another, but really it is steadily moving forward on its path. We are the same way, and once we have moved through something we can never really go back. We may be resting or revisiting issues that seem old, and it’s natural to feel stuck, but in truth we are always taking the next important step forward on our path.(Daily Om)

Portuguese police accuse Home Secretary Jacqui Smith of stalling investigation

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith was yesterday accused of stalling the Madeleine McCann investigation. (Daily Mail Wednesday 30th January 2008) Portuguese police said the nine-month case had reached "a stalemate" because the Home Office had failed to respond to a list of demands sent almost a month ago.

Investigators sent a formal letter of appeal to Whitehall on January 7, asking that the seven friends who dined with Kate and Gerry McCann on the night of May 3 should face fresh police interrogations.

Three weeks have passed and the Home Office has yet to make any response to the letter, the Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha reported. British police cannot carry out the interviews on behalf of their Portuguese counterparts until the request has been rubber-stamped by the Home Secretary. And Portuguese police claim they cannot progress with their investigation until the interrogations are carried out.

A source said the latest delay had stalled the entire case, adding: "It is very strange that we have heard nothing. There seems to be no sense of urgency on their part. But we cannot proceed until these interrogations have been carried out. It is a stalemate."

The police and the public prosecutor were notified three weeks ago that the letters had been delivered to the Home Office, the newspaper said.

'We're Back'

Ok, we're back! We arrived back in NZ in the early hours of this morning (4am) ... it was around 6am when we finally turned the key to our abode in Hamilton.

I managed to catch a few hours sleep. Kristine had a 'wee' nap just now.

We are tired and hot ... its 30 degrees at the minute ...

We've about another 6 weeks before we move over to Aussie for good. In those 6 weeks we've got a crazy amount of things to do ....

I can guarantee that Daily Merlin Insights WILL resume ... maybe not as frequently as before (we've so little time to get everything sorted as it is ....). I'm back at work from tomorrow. It's going to be a real behind the 8-ball scenario for us from now .....

Saturday 19 January 2008

matthew james is on holiday with family until end of jan

for those who missed the last post on the 12th jan ,just a reminder that matt and kris are on holiday ,in austraila ,

Saturday 12 January 2008

Australian Bound!

Well that's me. Time for 'the land of Nod' ... a relatively early night with such a fresh and early start tomorrow. Our flight over to Australia is 12 noon at Auckland ... we have to be there for 9 am check in ... its nearly 2 hrs to the airport ...

IF there are any Internet Cafes close by to where we are staying then I may well add some posts from time to time ....

Daily Merlin Insights may or may not be undertaken in the next two weeks. I will still be 'linked in' to the situation. No doubt there will be flashes of inspiration and contacts in the next two weeks ... I have no doubt because I'm never actually 'switched off' ... I'm always on 'open channel' ...

Anyway. Its now definitely time for the land of nod with such a long day tomorrow ....

Before I know it ... such is the way of things ... the two weeks will have flown by and normal service will have resumed .....

Worry not. If anything of great significance is 'given to me' ... I will make sure I find an internet cafe and post it on the blog ....

Daily Merlin Insight

T r a n s c r i p t
for Saturday 12th January 2008
Using Servants of the Light tarot
NZ: 10:20pm - 10:48pm

'Insights based on an open channel ... "moving forward" in time to Mid-April 2008 to assess the mystery at that time ....'


'A circle of 6 around the fool'. The Charioteer still calling the shots and shaping the image which the public is permitted to see through the tabloid misrepresentations. Issues relating to The Emperor and his apparent relationship with his children. Not content with all which has previously gone on like water under the bridge it seems like the time for more scrutiny through the microscope. So much unfounded nonsense has been and gone. This is also very much the same.

No child's body found in recent revelations. The wheel round the round with the Portuguese law enforcement unfounded in all they do and say.

The 4 of Weapons and the 4 of Spheres appear like two versions of the same charade ... two sides battling it out with their version of events.

A child perhaps seen being held by The Emperor obscuring his face ... many obstacles and hurdles put in his way ... the Seven of Staves the challenges faced ... the Seven of Spheres the rehash of old 'evidence' and the continuation of 'new evidence' coming out of the closet to confuse and deceive ...


One of the crystals is the island stone .. upon The Fool it sits ... to its right the stone of yin and yang though in this instance it relates to someone who has two children ... one of each ... within the group of 6 ... the stone touching on the boundary of the Keeper of Crescents ... a known link to one of the 'perpetrators' involved perhaps in the cover up. Statements reassessed and all connections known ... to the stone of intelligence upon the Keeper of Crescents ... The Keeper linked to the Charioteer ... though any findings by intelligence will not be revealed to common mortal man ...

It appears another 'celebrity' may well assist with the fund once more. Perhaps one already seen to have been involved in previous days ...

The Fool bears scant belongings and a white rose of trust ... The Emperor looks away not gazing at that emerging figure ... his attention is elsewhere ... thus news 'revealed' at this time he will disregard no matter how compelling it may seem ... his attention on more 'probable' things ... his actions and reactions either the opposite or in contradiction to those reported. Nothing given away this month ... legal teams or campaigns locking horns once more ... different members of their team pitted against the Charioteer and his merry band of tabloid 'bollocks' merchants. More papers to sell and more deceptions to weave ... seems nothing has changed at all ... more rounds of accusations and assumptions ... a 'fresh sighting' which seemingly has captured attention but so many eyes are not looking in that direction. a child linked to the 'island' stone ... linked to the parent of two children (one boy and one girl). Accusations as to who and why ... misrepresentations or truths ... two versions of the same event. Is this speculation as to the who and the why MM was taken? Interestingly the pink stone of a child 'fell' on the emperor in the working. His child? Or another child ... revelation or something from the past returned to haunt him ... his parenting skills questioned ... or revelations created speculating his motive for a crime?

But most surely something around The Emperor has gathered steam ... some other campaign or some other direction. Plus a legal loophole which permits him or others to speak of what they most surely need to say ... It seems 3 of the Tapas 9 will most definitely be out of the running .... thus 6 remain around The Fool and its emergence .... The Hanged Man relates perhaps to someone else 'filling' the breach .... a connection between the two opposing forces ... a go between ...

Troed y Rhiw

Troed y Rhiw Stone Circle, Pembrokeshire

'Shameless and Offensive'

Gerry and Kate McCanns' spokesman has criticised a model agency touting a Madeleine lookalike for hire as "shameless and offensive". (Sky News Friday 11th January 2008)

Madeleine's double has been taken on by the Juliet Adams Model Agency, alongside doppelgangers of stars like Elvis, Harry Potter and Little Britain's Vicky Pollard.

According to newspaper reports, agency boss Shona Adams thinks three-year-old Kelsy Lynn Kudla could make millions if she plays Madeleine in a Hollywood movie.

Ms Adams, 41, has reportedly defended the move, saying "it's entertainment".

On her website she advertises child models from the age of '0 to 12' and tells parents: "Here's your chance to get your child into the modelling and talent industry - and maybe even launch a whole new career for you and your child".

Rich to its core, little mystery planet is god's gift to Earth

If someone ever figures out a way to mine it, they could become very rich indeed. On Tuesday morning a robot explorer named Messenger will sweep 200 kilometres above the first rock from the sun. (Sydney Morning Herald)

The planet was named Mercury, after the Roman messenger of the gods. However, if the little world has anything to tell us, it has been keeping it very a tight secret. "Mercury," says Nick Lomb, the astronomer at the Powerhouse Museum's Sydney Observatory, "is the least known of the planets."

Averaging just 58 million kilometres from the sun, it is the most difficult planet to see from Earth. "It never rises very high in the morning sky before sunrise, and sets soon after the sun."

One puzzle is why Mercury, just 4880 kilometres across, is so dense. Scientists estimate an iron-rich core must make up 60 per cent of the planet.

"If Mercury is 60 per cent iron," Dr Lomb said, "then we have 198 million million million tonnes of iron ore. That should be enough for anybody."

With lump iron ore selling for about $US60 ($68) a tonne on world markets, that would make the planet worth $US11,880 million million million.

Some scientists suspect Mercury was once a much larger world that smashed head-on with another planet. Mercury's outer rocky crust was ripped off, leaving the iron core.

Another mystery is its slow rotation. While it whips around the sun in 88 Earth days, 176 pass between one sunrise and the next - so any Mercury resident would enjoy two birthdays every day.

But it is unlikely the planet is inhabited - the temperature soars to 430 degrees during the day and plunges to minus 170 at night.

Despite the searing heat, reflections from radar signals beamed from Earth suggest that deep craters at Mercury's poles, where the blistering sunlight never shines, may be filled with ice.

Mercury has been visited previously by only one spacecraft, NASA's Mariner 10, which flew past the planet more than 30 years ago.

Plunging Temperatures After Flash Floods

Roads and railways brought to a standstill by flash floods are expected to be hit by more problems today with plunging temperatures causing perilous travelling conditions. (Sky News 12th January 2008)

Most regions would see a cold and icy start to the day, weather forecaster Julian Mayes said.

Motorists had been warned overnight of freezing roads.

More rain was expected this evening, and mild, unsettled weather was forecast for the coming week, Mr Mayes said. More than 30mm of rain fell in parts of western England and the Midlands on Friday. Surface water gushed into homes and offices and motorists were left stranded in their cars. Many suffered motorway closures on the M5 and train diversions on the Great Western railway.

Among the worst hit areas were Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset.

Knight of Disks: Tarot Card of the Day

With the Knight of Disks we see a man who is deeply committed to practical matters in life - work, career, home and family are his major spheres of influence. He is diligent, hard-working and pays great attention to detail.

His progress in life is a steady, sure development of ongoing projects, which he works through with great industriousness and perseverance. Not for him, risky schemes, nor extravagant business deals. He moves with caution and circumspection, consolidating each step forward before taking the next one.

Some would consider him dull and boring - others would call him prudent and reliable.

The card often comes up to represent a quiet man, whose approach to life is measured and calm. However it's as well not to be taken in by the sturdy exterior. Disks males have a capacity for deep and boundless passion - they just don't shout too loudly about it. Whilst life with him may not be a roller-coaster ride, you will surely know what to expect, and what you can count on.

He makes an excellent business partner, particularly for the high-flyer, because he introduces forethought and pre-planning. He's a faithful and dependable partner, and a committed father.

Friday 11 January 2008

Sigil 'art'

'The Circus Cycle'
Original Sigilart inspired by Daily Merlin Insight
Original artwork by Matthew James

Maybe I Maybe You

Performed by The Scorpions



Taken from the "Unbreakable" album. A classic Scorpions ballad

Hour 1

Music Video by The Scorpions



Taken from their latest album 'Humanity'

Inner Hierarchy

Most of us were born and raised in cultures that value the head over the heart and, as a result, we place our own hearts below our heads in a sort of inner hierarchy of which we may not be conscious. What this means is that we tend to listen and respond from the neck up, often leaving the rest of our bodies with little or no say in most matters. This is a physical habit, which sometimes feels as ingrained as the way we breathe or walk. However, with effort and awareness, we can shift the energy into our hearts, listening and responding from this much deeper, more resonant place.

The brain has a masterful way of imposing structure and order on the world, creating divisions and categories, devising plans and strategies. In many ways, we have our brains to thank for our survival on this planet. However, as is so clear at this time, we also need the wisdom of our hearts if we wish to continue surviving in a viable way. When we listen from our heart, the logical grid of the brain tends to soften and melt, which enables us to perceive the interconnectedness beneath the divisions and categories we use to organize the world. We begin to understand that just as the heart underlies the brain, this interconnectedness underlies everything.

Many agree that this is the most important work we can do at this time in history, and there are many practices at our disposal. For a simple start, try sitting with a friend and asking him to tell you about his life at this moment. For 10 minutes or more, try to listen without responding verbally, offering suggestions, or brainstorming solutions. Instead, breathe into your heart and your belly, listening and feeling instead of thinking. When you do this, you may find that it’s much more difficult to offer advice and much easier to identify with the feelings your friend is sharing. You may also find that your friend opens up more, goes deeper, and feels he has really been heard. If you also feel great warmth and compassion, almost as if you are seeing your friend for the first time, then you will know that you have begun to tap the power of listening with your heart.

Madeleine search was 'hijacked' by McCann publicity machine, Portuguese police claim

The search for Madeleine McCann has been hijacked by her parents' "gigantic propaganda machine", Portuguese police have claimed. (Daily Mail 10th January 2008)

Officers lashed out against Kate and Gerry McCann's slick PR operation after learning they had granted an interview to glossy magazine Vanity Fair, and could even make £2million from a film about their daughter's disappearance.

A source close to the investigation said detectives were furious about the latest publicity, which came as formal requests for the McCanns' friends to be reinterviewed were sent to Britain.

The attacks are a clear indication of the anger that the McCanns' publicity campaign has caused in Portugal, where police investigations are usually carried out in secret.

They came as Gerry McCann revealed he is tortured by guilt that Madeleine's disappearance is his fault.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, he also admitted there was only a "slim" chance his daughter was alive - the closest he has come to conceding the fact.

"I wish I hadn't gone to the tapas bar," Mr McCann told the society magazine. "I wish I'd stayed in the apartment that night. I wish I'd stayed in the room when I checked on her five minutes longer. Of course we feel guilty about not having been there and that is just something we have to deal with for the rest of our lives. We live this 24 hours a day."

Mr McCann, 39, gave the interview alone in October, without his wife Kate, after being approached by the magazine.

Vanity Fair also spoke to the couple's friends and family as well as to the other suspect in the case, Robert Murat.

Mr McCann's sister Philomena told the magazine that he had called her on the night Madeleine vanished and sobbed: "It's all my fault, because Kate and I went out to dinner."

Clarence Mitchell, the family's spokesman, said Mr McCann had not been paid by Vanity Fair and had instead requested donations to the fund in return for cooperation with future projects.

Anomaly 2


Stars In The Evening Sky? Or Space Machines?
After dozens of hours of videotaping bright lights in the night sky with a camcorder only, Mr. Walson has come to the conclusion these 'stars' are, in many cases, the same large spacecraft he has been capturing through his modified telescope.
These bright star-like lights are at high altitude, or in orbit, and appear as 'orbs' when captured by a regular camcorder at full zoom without his telescope because they are beyond the optical resolution capabilities of a normal camcorder which sees them as round 'orbs.'
The footage which follows shows a number of these orb-shaped lights as videotaped from the ground without the use of a telescope. You will also see footage taken through John's (modified) telescope which shows what these bright 'star-like' lights really are: large machines in space.
Many skywatchers report observing what appear to the naked eye as 'stars' which seem to move to different locations if watched carefully. (John Lenard Walson/www.rense.com)

Mantras in Magic

Magicians have used mantras in the performance of magic since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Assyrians. Mantras are considered "names of power" and have been used in conjuring up deities and casting spells. The history of their use continues from the Egyptians and Hebrews through the Gnostics, especially Simon Magus, as well as in the Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, and sects to the present.

The secret names of God such as Yahweh, Adomai and Elohim were considered very powerful mantras. (See: Law of Names) Nonsensical syllables derived from selecting the first letters of various scriptural verses also composed mantras.

Om, the Supreme Reality, is the most sacred mantra of the Hindu. It represents the sound from which the universe was created. There is a variety of Om mantras: Om, Tat, Sat, Om, meaning "O Thou Self-exisent One."

A Buddhist mantra is Om mani padme hum, which is translated as "O, Jewel of the Lotus, Hum," or "The Supreme Reality (is the) jewel of Oneness." The Om mani padme hum mantra also is called the Mani mantra and is used by many Buddhists constantly for many purposes such as enhancing bodily washings and eliminations, and to heal. In the Pure Land sect, the mantra is used to ask fore entry into the Pure Land after death. Many wear these mantras as amulets to ward off evil and bad luck.

In Buddhism the repetition of Om in meditation helps to create spiritual light and power to cleanse the subtle body and do away with disharmony.

Daily Merlin Insight - The Shining Star

T r a n s c r i p t
For Friday 11th January 2008
Using Servants of the Light tarot
NZ: 10:40pm - 11:20pm

'Insights around the shining star at this time ....'

The Star image is placed at the centre of the working prior to the commencement of the working ....

1. Confirming her wellbeing;
2. Deducing her locality;

3. A sense of her custodians.

I ask that the two dears make their presence known if they are able plus any of the other awareness's which have made contact in recent months ....

Nothing in the working contradicts the 'stance' made early in the mystery which continues to this moment in time. Intuition still has the overwhelming sense MM is still alive. She is minded ... looked over ... kept safe until after this crisis resolves itself. There is a conflict ... the 5 of Weapons reveals the battle between two sides of the same side of the coin. But why one side had to take the little girl ... then turn the media toward attacking the Mother and the Father. It is most surely a power struggle way above the heads of most people.

The 6 of Spheres shows the hand of the Jester handing out orbs/spheres to THREE children ... one slightly older than the other two. The Jester can be deemed as Gerry McCann as in the eyes of certain factions he is the foolish one.... the Jester ... but even this has two meanings. For in one sense as the fool he is the journeyman embarking on new ground. Anything to ensure the resolution of the crisis and the safe return of their little girl.

Who she is with, is the most surprising thing intuition decrees. Back in earlier weeks someone was suspected ... a direction was considered .... somewhere there is a grievance .... at the bottom of the right foot of the Charioteer is the wounded heart stone .. it links directly to the jester ... who has the purple crystal of cognitive processes ... on his mind it appears is this grievance or worry perhaps. There is a sense of comprehending who is this nemesis.

The over-riding sense again is of one little girl kept out of harm's way at this point. The tabloids still report the media speculation ... but it seems the little girl is out of the picture for good measure. Safe and well ... though the mystery may not seem to be any different than it was weeks before on the outside ... within the concealment there seems something unexpected since the crystals create a cross over X to the right of the conflict ... Gefu the gift ... the rune of the unexpected ...

The 8 of Staves are the apparent steps up which this mystery appears to be leading to the crowning glory which the speculation so surely pushes towards. As far as the figure in the World image is concerned ... the momentum of this charge is sweeping away the situation in that inevitable direction. But it is most certainly not like that ... it is a different thing altogether elsewhere ...

The group do not wish to be unveiled ... the Keeper of Crescents reveals insights into those behind the mystery. Their lines of attraction and compulsion which others are bound to act upon. Loyalties and acceptances of roles. Orders given and undertaken. The apparent kingly one ... whom the acquired crescent was placed ... there was time created by the skullduggery for such a meeting to take place. Diversions and confusion ... people made to expect and accept the worst ... a little girl taken from her family in a foreign country the 'storyline'. Separation from her family is most surely true ... an unknown locality and an unknown time span apart ... elders and seniors to decide when this must surely end ... but when it does and she is returned ... so few outside of the family will know ... and even then it will not be broadcast directly. A time for space and for reflection. For readjustment and rest ... but even then the mystery will be kept as it was .... the shell in place ... for there are other things to come ...

Awarenesses confident with the information provided. There is no new addition to their lands with them. There is no little girl there with them. She is still upon the earth plane .. her ancestors look over here and see ones to trust around her ... keeping her safe and warm. A tartan shawl with predominant red around her ... her little nose red with the cold ... she is in a cold climate. A slate fire ... a cup of hot milk. A laugh and a shout ... she had an Xmas after all ... in a room not at her home ... but it was something for her ... they are not that cruel to deny her an Xmas. She is special to them ...

Blair accused of taking blood money over £1m job with US bank profiting from Iraq war

Tony Blair has taken a lucrative job with a U.S. bank which is profiting from the Iraq war. JP Morgan is expected to pay him £1million a year as a part-time adviser.

It is the first of a series of posts that could see the former prime minister rake in a staggering £40million.The move brought fierce criticism last night. Reg Keys, whose soldier son Tom was killed in Iraq in 2003, said it was "almost akin to taking blood money".

He added: "If he had a conscience or any sensitivity, he would not have taken this job".

Tory defence spokesman Gerald Howarth said: "It will be viewed with some contempt by the armed forces that he picks up this large cheque when he was happy to send British troops into battle ill-equipped and in insufficient numbers."

JP Morgan is heading a consortium set to make billions as Iraq's economy recovers from the war spearheaded by Mr Blair and U.S. President George Bush. (Daily Mail)

An Anomaly?

Whilst star gazing tonight ... I noticed a 'golden star' low on the horizon in the north east .... it was unmistakable as I'd not actually seen it there before in recent weeks. Thinking then of the Yank who'd taken photographs of stars in the night sky ... and being surprised by his results .... I quickly went inside for our Fujifilm Digital camera which only has a 10X digital zoom on it.

I was not expecting very much when I located the star in the viewfinder and zoomed in .... suddenly, there before my eyes was a large orb like object .... surely not the star I'd just seen with the naked eye? The size of the orb seemingly belays the distance of the star if that is the case ..... unless of course it is merely a light source which is being picked up by the camera ... its magnification unable to determine the source of the light ....

It is an anomaly to say the least. See for yourself ....

Nearly Holiday Time .....

.... we will be Brisbane bound on Sunday morning (7am). On our way to two weeks holiday in Australia ....

DO NOT be alarmed therefore when the volume of posts on A Light In The Darkness reduces dramatically over the next two weeks.

DO NOT think the worst if there are no Daily Merlin Insights in the next two weeks. The Servants of the Light tarot will be making the trip with me ... should there be an internet cafe nearby to where we are staying then I may well add the odd post.

Normal service should resume around the 29th January 2008 ...... after a two week holiday which we really really need ....

The Navel Chord

We possess some spiritual, etheric organs which can be utilised on many ways. One of them (besides the third eye) is the navel chord. Everyone has one and there is a german slang-word "an etwas hängen" (=cling to, hang on, be attached to) which can be seen as a reminder of old knowledge in this context.

The chord´s origin is the navel, even in the spiritual version. We can awake it from this point and use it. The awakening is very easy done with the power of your imagination. It looks like a shiny, bright rope-like thing, which grows from our navel and pulsates slowly. It can be directed according to your will. It is an energetic organ with many utilizations. The key for functioning in any of the desired ways is the power of your intention. The greater this power is the faster and better are the results to be expected.

Putting the third eye at the distal end of the chord enables you to see "around the corner" - at the place, where your chord is being directed: into the clients body, through walls or into plants and animals. Using this clear, visions tend to be very clear and precise.

The chord can be used for energetic exchange within shamanic seances (to be used with caution), in your sexual life (with your partner) as a version of the inner circuit of the Tao Yoga. Within drumming circles you can use the chord as an additional connection to the other members of your circle: A large circle is being built by the attendants and their chords are meeting in the centre of the circle, the center of the universe, where the primordial fire or the axis mundi can be found. It looks like a wheel, then.

Another very powerful utilisation is the drawing or sending of energies from or to target objects. Many people do this unconsciously. The power or energy of plants, animals, natural phenomenon, spirits and even people can be drawn through the chord. A simply connection (like a sucker disc) at the target is enough. It can be done with additional breath-exercises: breathing in - sucking, breathing out - sending. Not to mention that this technique can be misused very easily. You are not going to be loved by your surrounding friends and spirits if you use it against them ...

Another option for the chord is the control of animals. The chord completely encases the brain of the animal. Now the shaman "listens" to the thought-patterns of the animal. Then he starts to influence the thoughts along the current points of interest to his endings. An hungry duck can be influenced to seek nutrition nearer a certain point the shaman has in mind or an animal on the street can be urged to find more interesting things then the approaching car back in the fields (usually this can be a very intense sequence of influence, done in seconds with high success rates). Principally it can be used in a similar ways on humans, but it is far more difficult.

The chord can be used as a safety-rope or guiding-rope in difficult terrains in the wilderness (or civilisation). Fix one end at your destination (should be in visual range) and the other end at your starting point. On this way you create a stable rope which you can use as additional help to master the terrain.

If you are redrawing your chord you should seal it in putting your both hands over the navel with the strong intention of sealing it safely away. It is a remarkable perception that an actually misusing or egoistic use of the chord is not possible without problems. Clearly the spirits and the users moralistic codex is influencing the whole thing. To use this technique efficiently you need the clearance of thoughts and will, which can also be described as your "True Will".

Many things we are unconsciously clinging to. If you want to end some of the more threatening connections: It is similar as a navelchord between you and the partner (in relationships, for example). Energy flows in both directions. If you want to end the relationship simply redraw this navelchord, which you can see in shamanic vision easily if you concentrate upon it. Such chords can be attached to material things, too. The redrawing ends this connection with success.

Tarot Card of the Day: The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man is numbered twelve and is depicted as a figure, usually male, hanging upside down from a tree or branch. He often has his hands behind his back, as though tied (though as you can see the Thoth interpretation moves away from this aspect of apparent helpnessness). Usually one leg is tucked behind the other to form a triangle shape. Strangely though, he tends to look quite happy and content with his situation.

Not a very popular card, the Hanged Man deals with sacrifice, delays and waiting - and also being bogged down and helplessness. We sacrifice every time we make a choice - reading this web page means you have sacrificed reading the alternatives. Since sacrifice can mean giving up one thing of value for another thing of equal or greater value, this card can easily be seen as representing the natural and normal function of disposing of something that no longer suits its purpose as well as its replacement will.

The Hanged Man is totally vulnerable, his attitude is "whatever will be, will be". He accepts everything that happens with equanimity and courage - he is, after all, simply giving in to his destiny. He can sometimes represent the person who has waited too long, who is perhaps scared to change. We should endure with strength and inner peace, but also be courageous enough to take action when destiny calls.

Ready For Change

There comes a point in most of our lives when we feel ready to experience a change we’ve had trouble carrying out. Maybe we’ve been stuck in a home, a relationship, job, or a town that hasn’t felt right for a long time, but we’ve been unable to shift our circumstances in the direction we want to go. At times like this, it can help to declare to the universe that we are ready for a change. Think of it as informing a helpful friend that you need her assistance to move to the next level in your life. If the time is right, the universe will respond with opportunities and offers designed to help you create the change you wish to see.

You can begin the process of making your declaration by getting clear within yourself about what exactly you want to change. Whenever we ask anyone for help, they can assist us that much better if we are specific. The universe also appreciates our clarity and has an easier time answering a direct communication than a vague yearning. When you are clear on what you want, write your declaration on a piece of paper and place it on your altar, if you have one. If you don’t, you can also place it under your pillow or in a box on your nightstand. Set aside a period of time every day to be silent with your wishes for change, repeating your declaration like a mantra. This lets the universe know that you are ready to change and will be receptive to its efforts.

Feel free to continue to refine and redefine your declaration, and remember to be open to the many different ways in which the change you seek might come to be. Remember also to be active in your own efforts, taking opportunities that come your way, watching for signs, and always taking responsibility for your intentions. If things don’t happen quickly, try not to be discouraged; it might take time to free up energy that has been blocked and possibly serving a purpose beyond what we can understand. If you continue your conversation with the universe, declaring yourself clearly and openly, you cannot help but experience the magic of changing and being changed.

McCanns 'to sack Spanish private detective firm' as Madeleine fund runs dry

The private detective agency hired by Kate and Gerry McCann is facing the sack after failing to come up with any real new evidence of what happened to missing Madeleine. (Daily Mail Thursday 10th January 2008)

Spanish agency Metodo 3 has cost the dwindling Find Madeleine fund £50,000 a month since September, but has so far failed to find any concrete evidence about what happened to the girl.

Its director Francisco Marco also angered the McCanns with a series of public boasts that he knew where Madeleine was and would find her within five months.

The agency's six-month contract is up for renewal in March and a source said: "We will carry on the search for Madeleine, but not necessarily with Metodo 3. We are stuck with them to the end of the contracted period. The question of whether it is renewed or not has still to be decided. They have faced not having their contract renewed every since Francisco shot his mouth off... It was made clear what they were doing was foolish and unhelpful."

Thursday 10 January 2008

Power Animals: Ferret/Ermine

Domestic ferret or ferret these are the names of one of the most wonderful animal, who has ever been living next to a human being for the whole history.

Ferrets were already known by ancient people. In the times of Aristotle they have already been used for hunting rabbits and secure barns from rodents. Long time ago Ferret predator from the mustelidae family became a good friend and a little helper for a human.

Nowadays, domestic ferret is not only a pet or an animal-companion, but also a symbol of new way of living. This animal, in our days rush, does not allow us to forget all the eternal values and moreover helps us to be more attentive and cautious with the nature. All this is well known by ferret owners.

The ferret is a ferocious carnivore and so could easily be used to represent aggressiveness or forceful seeking of ones needs. It is also a great survivor, so can represent survival. The ermine was traditionally linked with virgin saints and thus purity.

Throughout the Renaissance, the ermine was a very important symbol of purity. The ermine is depicted in heraldic symbols, royal gowns, and in significant portraits of the Renaissance. The ermine, classified as Mustela erminea, is of the weasel family, and is commonly found in Canada and Northern Europe. The ermine is known for its pure white fur with its noticeable black tip on its tail, which has been highly prized by trappers since the 16th century. Ermines are very small animals, only 6 to 12 inches from head to rump, with a long, bushy tail. It is the tail that is prized by traders to make coats, stoles, or robes for monarchs, clergy, and the extremely wealthy. Legend has it that the ermine, with its beautiful white coat, would die before soiling its fur, which idea has lent itself to the ermine as a symbol of purity and chastity. We can find numerous examples in art, literature, and heraldry of the ermine representing the purity that its white coat suggests.

'Too Much Love Will Kill You"

Promo video by Brian May



The 'companion' song to 'Driven By You'. Incidentally tonight's episode of Coronation Street was the one where Cilla found out her cancer results; Bev buys an Xmas tree and Steve finally acts Kim Marsh out for a drink. In this episode Kirk is clearly heard saying 'Mad eh?' ... but it sounded like 'Maddy' ... coincidence or what?

Tony Blair to earn £500,000 a year from PART-TIME advisory job at top Wall Street bank


Tony Blair came under heavy fire today for accepting a lucrative job with a Wall Street bank. Mr Blair, who quit as prime minister in July, is to become a part-time adviser to JPMorgan on a salary rumoured to be at least £500,000 a year. It puts him on course to become the richest former premier in recent history.

He also revealed he expected to take a "small handful" of similar jobs with other companies in the near future.

But his bonanza contrasts with the experience of thousands of British soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many faced poverty and hardship on their return because their injury compensation payouts took up to three years. (Daily Mail)

Daily Merlin Insight

T r a n s c r i p t
for Thursday 10th January 2008
Using Servants of the Light tarot
NZ: 10:35pm - 11:25pm

'Insights around the "Three of Weapons" .... the significator for what is perceived as "the three hands" .... the agencies/persons involved in the disappearance of the shining star'

For several weeks it has been intuited there are 'three hands' behind the situation. Three hands driving the swords deep into the backs of the McCanns. The working is intended to explore this intuited information.

Music: "Mirror of the Sun" by Sambodhi Prem

The image of the 3 of Weapons is placed on the table prior to the working. Eight tarot images are chosen to be placed around the 3 of Weapons at the centre of the working.

It appears to be way off track to consider these three hands as three individual people. In recent weeks there have been 'sword' attacks directed at the McCanns via tabloid media; via television media and via internet media (web sites and forums) .... a force appears to have control of these three hands ... directing these three swords deep at the heart of the campaign to find MM. Unfounded speculation permitted to flow through these channels unchecked ... the rumour mill stocked up by the fires of subliminal suggestion ... letting the rumours rise through all the levels until they become almost accepted fact. The three of weapons is indeed the three weapons used to attack ... one person or a group of persons hidden in the black veil of secrecy ... black is seen as evil ... yet black is the colour which absorbs and does not reflect. It does not give anything away. Thus those who instigate give nothing away. They merely place the seeds and let the human collective do the rest ...

MM could just about be anywhere with anyone. It is only the speculative journalism which keeps everyone informed what is 'going on' ... rumour without truth. The media has the full control of this situation. It is impressing on freewill that she is dead and has been buried somewhere by the parents .... completely unfounded and so far from the truth .... being 'black and secretive' enables consciousness to pierce the veil of black which shrouds those behind the mystery. Being as part of the veil to pass through undetected. What lies beyond bears no resemblance to what is on the outside ... it is a different climate completely. Where is MM? Safe ... alive .... and well ... her 're-emergence' not yet permitted but it is written into the script. One side made to appear as two sides in conflict is what is seen within the veil ... rightly or wrongly but I must say what I see ....

Profound. To have the User, the Maker and the Keeper of Crescents together in one working. All aspects of the same situation. Two groups of three crystals ..... the 3 of Crescents. Certainly a high proportion of combinations of threes within the working.

The three of Crescents is the 3rd of May 2007 ... the hand apparently appearing out of the waters to grab/take one of the three crescents. In accordance with the planning made in the image of the User of Crescents ... the disappearance of MM during a peaceful time. A family holiday when the family was part of a group also on holiday attending something of great significance to them all ...

The User of Crescents suggests the moment when the 'taken crescent' became part of this great delusion ... when the even became 'live' before the world ... the Maker of Crescents aboard his ocean vessel, which is the media speculation campaign that is intent on damning the McCanns ....

Those who are behind this mystery know darn well Madeleine McCann is very much alive. They know too that the McCanns are innocent of any crimes. The McCanns are very much like them ... little more than puppet dolls controlled by someone somewhere who is intent on keeping this power play active before the world ....

The biggest mystery is how the McCanns became the ones who would be the unfortunate victims in all of this. How their daughter was made 'the chosen one' ... the girl child to be 'taken' and then made to disappear. Upon the stage the actors are seen to be involved in the situation all 100% convinced that the girl child has disappeared ... that the search is real ... that the accusations by the Portuguese police are real. It has been created as such ... but from the stage director's vantage point ... he holds the scripts ... he sees the curtain on the stage ... he knows the scenes ... and he can see the girl child kept safely entertained by the theatre creche behind the curtains ... awaiting the scene where she is to be returned ....

Upon the 3 of Weapons fell the Fool's Gold .... all that glitters is not necessarily gold. It is most certainly not what those, behind the swords in the 3 of Weapons, say. The Devil image appertains to the way that human nature is tied to the tabloid tales by fear ... by assuming the worst. Taken by what is read and what is heard and what has be created ever so carefully in the months since the disappearance.

It is like a side show or a distraction ... when viewed from the perspective of the theatre director once more. It is a captivating human interest scenario. An awful reality which anyone on holiday could have had happen to them.

........ (section withheld) ....


The Giver of Weapons relates perhaps to the reason why she was made the chosen one ... and appertains perhaps to her current locality. Again the woodland and the deer. A place where marriage ceremonies are often undertaken. A place steeped in history and of spiritual significance ...

The Prime of Weapons indicates the veil of secrecy which surrounds MM herself. There is an enigma within an enigma here perhaps? Two couples aware of something more than they say appertaining to her .... perhaps linking to why it had to be MM that was taken and it had to be her parents who were the unwitting victims ....

Bush opens Mideast tour with new warning to Iran

US President George W. Bush issued a new warning to regional archfoe Iran on Wednesday as he began a Middle East tour under the shadow of a weekend naval face-off between the two countries. (AFP Wednesday 9th January 2008)

Bush threatened Iran with "serious consequences" if it attacked US warships, saying "all options" were on the table to protect US assets after Sunday's standoff in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in Jerusalem after talks with Israeli leaders, Bush also said that he remained convinced like them that Iran's nuclear programme made it a threat to world peace, despite a recent US intelligent report that said Tehran abandoned an atomic weapons drive in 2003.

"All options are on the table to protect our assets," Bush said when asked about the confrontation between US and Iranian vessels.

"We have made it clear publicly and they know our position and that is that there will be serious consequences if they attack our ships, pure and simple. My advice to them is don't do it."

Tehran and Washington have given sharply differing accounts of what transpired between their navies in the key waterway for world energy supplies, with an Iranian commander accusing the Pentagon of "clumsily" fabricating video footage claiming to show Iranian speedboats harassing US ships.

"The pictures that the Pentagon broadcast of the naval incident are file pictures and the voices have all been fabricated," the Fars news agency quoted a senior commander in the Revolutionary Guards as saying.

The Pentagon released a video and audio tape on Tuesday that it said confirmed US charges that Iranian speedboats swarmed around US warships in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and radioed a threat to blow them up.

"The voices and pictures broadcast by the Pentagon about the latest incident have been fabricated so clumsily that the pictures and voices in the video are not even synchronized," the Guards commander said.

"That fact that it is a fake is clear to all."

"Open Arms"

Journey live



A classic Journey track ....

Practice Detachment

"Until we take how we see ourselves (and how we see others) into account, we will be unable to understand how others see and feel about themselves and their world. Unaware, we will project our intentions on their behavior and call ourselves objective." -- Stephen Covey

As our consciousness rises, our perspective becomes more and more impersonal. What does this mean?

It means we are increasingly able to view our lives and the rest of the world with detachment. This does not mean we are cold and uncaring. Rather, we are self-contained. We have well-defined boundaries and we are able to think and act objectively, clearly and responsibly.

When we have learned detachment, we do not get hooked into the thoughts and feelings of others. We are not easily upset or manipulated. We may feel compassion for others but this does not cloud our ability to choose how we think, feel and behave. We also do not need others to behave in any particular way.