Search A Light In The Darkness

Tuesday 30 June 2009

The Path To Real Freedom ...

Although we have been made to believe that if we let go we will end up with nothing, life itself reveals again and again the opposite that letting go is the path to real freedom.

Just as when the waves lash at the shore, the rocks suffer no damage but are sculpted and eroded into beautiful shapes, so our characters can be moulded and our rough edges worn smooth by changes.

Through weathering changes, we can learn how to develop a gentle but unshakable composure. Our confidence in ourselves grows, and becomes so much greater that goodness and compassion begin naturally to radiate out from us and bring joy to others.

That goodness is what survives death, a fundamental goodness that is in each and every one of us.

The whole of our life is a teaching of how to uncover that strong goodness, and a training toward realizing it.

Buddhist Inspiration ..

For a barrier could only arise from association with the past or expectation of the future. So the present moment has no barriers at all. And then he finds there is a tremendous energy in him, a tremendous strength to practice patience. He becomes like a warrior. When a warrior goes to [a spiritual; not physical] war [which he must participate] he does not think of the past or his previous experience of war, nor does he think of the consequences for the future; he just sails through it and fights, and that is the right way to be a warrior. Similarly, when there is a tremendous conflict going on, one has to develop this energy combined with patience. And this is known as right patience with the all-seeing eye, patience with clarity"--- Chogyam Trungpa Meditation in Action

Mars Intrigue Once More ...

More 'negative image' artwork derived from Google Mars imagery. If it is more than coincidence, like it has been said before, that these negative imagery exercises reveal a truer picture of Mars (because someone out there is going to great lengths to hide the truth about Mars) then these two images suggest something more than natural rock formations ...

Just what are the shapes at the base of the 'cliff face' and come to mention it ... what are the white areas in the picture?

The similar area to the last image


No. 44, Coming To Meet / Temptation:

"Coming to Meet. The maiden is poweful."

"The temptation to leave our path intrudes, either in reaction to the inferior nature of others, or because of internal pressure of our own desires. It is important to acknowledge this danger." Carol Anthony

We received this hexagram without changing lines, which means this Temptation is likely to be beckoning to you for the indefinite future. You need to identify it, right now, so you can deal with it correctly.

However, this may not represent a "danger" - it may be an opportunity. R.L. Wing views receiving Temptation in its static form as representing "a dynamic interaction that finds example in the prolific coming together of positive and negatives. From such encounters, great things are born and order is established. This may represent a renaissance within, a sudden enlightenment, or an encounter of true significance in the outside world. "

"If attitudes are correct and virtuous and no guile or cunning is involved to create imbalance, then this Temptation may well mark the birth of a new era."

Mystic Insight - Going Over Old Ground

Using Servants Of The Light tarot to provide insights with regard to a 'rather well known' image on the left ...

"Judgement" ... an image that suggests a deliberate action cast like pearls to the swine for scrutiny and debate. A cleverly contrived event. There is the sense of a trickster very much linked to this event. Not a chance roadside snatched photograph but a carefully planned event, almost like a game of chess with the next moves and the eventual 'checkmate' perceived. Incidentally it seems to culminate with the video sighting in Belgium. The two events are inexplicably linked.

'Two Of Spheres' ... and the sense that scales had to be tipped in a certain direction. A hand controlling both sides forcing the reaction of one side and the anti-reaction (or consequential action) of the other side. Playing the media ... using the media to influence ... clever symbolism here with the image of the famous little girl clearly seen in the image and then a very poor 'cover' story being presented. All part and parcel of the effect. Very clever indeed. The subsequent 'father and girl' happened upon by the journalists and the like ... contrived and a thin glossy sheen over what the real truth was about the picture. Brush the sighting under the carpet ...

'Six Of Weapons' ... A distraction tactic. Eyes on the new's story with some event occurring elsewhere. The real 'story' elsewhere ... but what story? Who and what is represented by the robed figure in this image? An issue or a secret uncovered as a result of the abduction which threatened parties had to keep hidden at all cost. Hence the development of the media coverage and its twisting and winding trail. Time given for threatened parties to hide their muck it seems.

'The Tower '... The Tower Of Strength ... a significator for MM. Not The Star image ... which is the obvious image used to indicate MM ... but an image that conjures the name associated with MM by members of her family. A suggestion it was indeed MM in the photo and her who was used in the deception ... to keep the media story alive and the distraction very much alive. Powerful agencies have jumped on this bandwagon and now call the shots on something which was going to be resolved a lot sooner ... than it is currently not doing. A sense MM was going to be returned then higher aspects of an organisation gave orders to prevent the return ...

'Three Of Spheres' ... Do not trust the media or media reporting on this event. Deliberate spin related to the situation. Pinch of salt territory around this photo.

Copyright Matthew James 30th June 2009

Buchanan: Climate Bill Is Transfer Of Wealth To World Government

'During an appearance on MSNBC, political commentator Pat Buchanan correctly defined the “Climate Bill” for what it really is, not just a new tax on the American people, but a complete transfer of power and wealth to a global government that is using the manufactured fear of global warming to grease the skids for total domination.

Referring to the passage of the climate bill and global warming in general, Buchanan said that the legislation was passed through the use of fear and that, “More and more scientists are coming forward to say this is a hoax and a scam which is designed to transfer wealth and power from the private sector to the government sector and from the government of the United States to a world government. Which is what we’re going to get in Copenhagen when we get this Kyoto two agreement".'

Read more...

Pyramid and All-Seeing Eye – Their Occult Meaning and Use in Corporate Logos

'No other symbol embodies so perfectly the occult nature of America’s roots. The Great Pyramid and the All-Seeing Eye are printed right on the currency and are used in numerous corporate logos.

This might give you an idea of who owns the financial and the business world.Some websites go through great lengths to debunk the “myth” of the Great Seal being a masonic symbol.

Through sophist style reasoning and vaguely insulting explanations, these sites deceive readers and seek to cut short their inquiries. Do you really want to know if the Seal is a masonic symbol? If so, go right to the source and see what the Founding Fathers and masonic authors say on the subject. This is what we’ll do.'

Read more...

New Zealand Maori Elder Warns Of Coming Earth Changes

"Every country has its original people, for America it is the Native Americans, for Australia it is the Aboriginals, for New Zealand it is the Maori. What do these people all have in common? They are spiritually gifted, closely knit people who generally keep to themselves, share their tribal prophesies with very few outsiders and generally lead simpler lives closely tied to the Earth.

This story started on Tuesday the 4th of August 1998, when I was visited by a lady who was a Elder of one of the Maori Tribes. Even though she's probably only about 45, she's a descendent from the Royal Bloodline of the Maori Queen. She has what is called, great "Mana", and although there isn't an English translation for the word, it means that the person has to have great wisdom, earned INCREDIBLE respect, and has abilities like inner visions and intuition.

During her second visit she told me that Lake Taupo would "blow" (her words); and, she added, she could take me to nearby places where there were valleys that would be filled with 100's and 100's of bodies just floating there after Taupo blows. Then, she went on with her other explanations of how the whole of New Zealand would be effected with all the twisting and turning it would have to endure (not a pretty thought!). Of course, I asked her when all this would happen and - just like the Hopis - she said "soon, very soon" but she did go a little further than that. "

Extract taken from 'NEW ZEALAND MAORI ELDER WARNS OF COMING EARTH CHANGES ' by by Karen Lyster

Read More ...

Image Of The Day - The Final Crop Circle For June 2009?

Knoll Down (2), nr Beckhampton, Wiltshire.
Reported 28th June 2009.

Quote For The Day

Everything you are seeking --insight, understanding, fulfillment
and completeness --is inherent within the present moment.
None depends upon external circumstance.
Find the still, clear, undisturbed field of Awareness
within which your identity resides,
and everything will be revealed
as a dynamic manifestation and reflection
of THIS.

Squirrel Medicine

Native Americans considered all living beings as brothers and sisters that had much to teach including squirrels.
These small creatures taught them to work in harmony with the cycles of nature by conserving for the winter months during times when food was plentiful. In our modern world, squirrels remind us to set aside a portion of our most precious resources as an investment in the future. Though food and money certainly fall into this category, they are only some of the ways our energy is manifested.
We can conserve this most valuable asset by being aware of the choices we make and choosing only those that nurture and sustain us. This extends to the natural resources of our planet as well, using what we need wisely with the future in mind. Saving and conservation are not acts of fear but rather affirmations of abundance yet to come. Squirrels accept life’s cycles, allowing them to face winters with the faith that spring will come again.
Knowing that change is part of life, we can create a safe space, both spiritually and physically, that will support us in the present and sustain us in the future. This means not filling our space with things, or thoughts, that don’t serve us. Without hoarding more than we need, we keep ourselves in the cyclical flow of life when we donate our unwanted items to someone who can use them best.
This allows for more abundance to enter our lives, because even squirrels know a life of abundance involves more than just survival. Squirrels use their quick, nervous energy to enjoy life’s adventure. They are great communicators, and by helping each other watch for danger, they do not allow worry to drain them. Instead, they allow their curious nature to lead the way, staying alert to opportunities and learning as they play. Following the example set by our squirrel friends, we are reminded to enjoy the journey of life’s cycles as we plan and prepare for a wonderful future, taking time to learn and play along the way.

Waihi landslide fears prompt Lake Taupo no-go zone

A no-go area is likely to be imposed on the southwest edge of Lake Taupo later today because of the threat of a major landslide above Waihi Village, Civil Defence says.

Residents were temporarily allowed back in this morning to feed pets, fetch personal belongings and pray in the church. Two more earthquakes shook the central North Island last night but there has been no major reports of damage at Waihi Village. Residents of the village are barred from their homes until Friday due to fears of a landslide after a swarm of earthquakes. A handful of residents briefly returned home around 8am today, with some needing to feed pets and two men offering a karakia at the Catholic church. This morning at about 4.50am an earthquake measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale at a depth of 5km shook the area, while at about 8.40pm last night a 2.8-magnitude earthquake at a depth of 3km was felt.
There had been no reports of damage, a northern police communications spokesman said this morning.
Civil Defence and Emergency Management staff intend to conduct an aerial survey this afternoon. Senior technicians from GNS Science are also monitoring the area.
The historic village - the ancestral base of Taupo iwi Ngati Tuwharetoa - is on a seismic fault line in an area of known instability near the Hipaua Cliffs geothermal area at the southwest corner of Lake Taupo. (http://www.stuff.co.nz/)

Eerie pictures show Michael Jackson rehearsing on stage for London comeback gigs just 48 hours before he died

This is one of the last pictures of Michael Jackson on stage, taken just two days before he died.

The images of the singer hard at work rehearsing for upcoming tour This Is It give a glimpse of what was in store for fans at his planned gigs in London's 02.

Michael Jackson was due to begin the first of 50 dates at the arena on July 13, but died on Thursday after being rushed to hospital in Los Angeles. In one of the newly-emerged images, taken on Tuesday at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, the singer points towards the audience as backing dancers perform in front of a huge This Is It banner.

Despite looking frail, the star strikes a familiar pose and appears to be in full flow during the rehearsal. (Daily Mail)

Monday 29 June 2009

A Word on "Wolf Medicine"

Wolves have been long regarded by Native Americans as teachers or pathfinders. Wolves are fiercely loyal to their mates, and have a strong sense of family while maintaining individualism. In the stars, Wolf is represented by the Dog, Sirius, thought by many aboriginal tribes to be the home of the Ancients.

Wolves are probably the most misunderstood of wild animals. Tales of cold-bloodedness abound, in spite of their friendly, social and intelligent traits. They are truly free spirits, even though their packs are highly organized. They seem to go out of their way to avoid a fight. One is rarely necessary when a shift in posture, a growl, or a glance gets the point across quite readily. Traditionally, someone with Wolf Medicine has a strong sense of self, and communicates well through subtle changes in voice inflection and body movements. They often find new solutions to problems while providing stability and support that one normally associates with a family structure.
Wolf's medicine includes facing the end of one's cycle with dignity and courage, death and rebirth, Spirit teaching, guidance in dreams and meditations, instinct linked with intelligence, social and family values, outwitting enemies, ability to pass unseen, steadfastness, skill in protection of self and family, taking advantage of change.
If you have Wolf Medicine...you will know this in your heart of hearts. With the power of Wolf, you will have the ability to share your personal medicine with others. Your Spiritual connection to the great Mystery will be strong. As you step into a Higher Consciousness and share your truths, you will feel the Wolf stirring inside and the power that this Medicine brings. As a chosen member of Wolf Clan, you have been honoured with the responsibility of sharing knowledge that will help others to better understand themselves and their uniqueness.
It is the Medicine of the Wolf that will gently awaken the masses from a long and deep slumber so that they may recognize who they are and take their rightful place as heir to all that IS.This Earth Walk is a chosen honour...for those who have travelled from the Great Star Nation to help these younger souls rouse and begin the journey home. (magicalmaha)

Classic Songs "The Spirit Of Radio"

Classic Rush filmed in Rotterdam on their 2007 tour in support of the Snakes And Arrows album, this DVD captures Rush at their very best in front of a fervent Dutch audience. Rush are one of the most successful rock acts of all time with worldwide album sales estimated in excess of 40 million units and with a line-up unchanged since 1974. Snakes And Arrows was the bands first new album of original material for five years and was a both critically acclaimed and commercially successful going to No.3 in both the USA and Canada and to No.13 in the UK. The tour in support of the album traversed the globe and finally drew to a close in August 2008.

Buddhist Inspiration ..

... the fools of this world prefer to look for sages far away. They don't believe that the wisdom of their own mind is the sage... the sutras say,

"Mind is the teaching."

But people of no understanding don't believe in their own mind or that by understanding this teaching they can become a sage. They prefer to look for distant knowledge and long for things in space, buddha-images, light, incense, and colours. They fall prey to falsehood and lose their minds to insanity

Merlin Falcon Totem

The Falcon animal totem comes to us when we require higher vision, or higher knowledge in solving current dilemmas in our lives.
In European tradition, the Falcon represents the huntsman and is associated with the Germanic sky-gods Woden as well as Frigg and the trickster Loki. In European culture the Falcon is considered a warlike symbol.
At its core, the Falcon animal totem represents visionary power, wisdom, and guardianship. This powerful bird awakens visionary power, and leads you to your life purpose. The Falcon carries with it a message of transition and change - perhaps in your vocation, work, career, etc.
The Peregrine Falcon lives up to its Latin name: Falco Peregrinus which means foreigner or stranger because it is a migratory bird rather than sedentary - it is found throughout the world and tends to travel great distances.
The Peregrine is most often used in falconry due to its keen intellect and incredible ability to calculate or judge its prey.
Falcon animal totem encourage us to calculate and strategize. If we have a goal, Falcons beckon us to make plans and strategies to obtain these goals. Falcons are all about focus - strong, one-pointed focus. When they show themselves to us, we are being called to focus on our desires and our goals, and do what is necessary to bring our desires into our reality.
The fact that the Falcon is a solar creature could mean there is something in your life that you are highly passionate about, and the Falcon is asking you to take action on this passion. But be smart about it - don't jump into something without doing research and planning. Make your passion a reality by pursuing it methodically and as strategically as the Falcon would pursue his hunt. (what's your sign.com)

More 'The Ridiculous & The Sublime'

"Latvian Firm Accepts Souls as Guarantee for Loans" ... A financial company in Latvia is offering residents loans secured by nothing but their immortal soul.

Riga-based firm, named Kontora, does not require credit history record or proof of employment. It grants loans of 50 to 500 Latvian lats ($100 to $1,000) to any adult after he or she signs the a very short agreement.

According to the agreement, the only security required of the borrower is their immortal soul, which they are asked to confirm as their previously un-mortgaged property.

The loan is subject to one percent per day in interest until full repayment.

The period of full repayment is 90 days, and in case the borrower fails to return the money, the creditor gets full possession of his soul.

Criminal Rothschilds

Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD).

The Fraudulent Mediums Act 1951 was repealed from April 2008 by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading 2007 (CPR’s) which implement the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD). The CPR’s include rules prohibiting conduct which misleads the average consumer and thereby causes, or is like to cause him, to take a transactional decision he would not have taken otherwise’. Conduct could be deemed unfair if it deceives the average member of (i) the group to which it is directed or (ii) a clearly identifiable group of consumers who are particularly vulnerable to this type of practice.

The original Act required proof that the medium or healer was fraudulent. The changes will mean that a complainant can say they believe the medium or healer was fraudulent and it will be up to the medium or healer to prove they weren’t.

Spiritualism, and its associated practices, is a properly constituted religion recognised by an act of parliament. Spiritualism is a belief in life after death and one part of its practice is to show this through mediumship. Mediums can either be independent or affiliated to Spiritualist organisations. In other words you can be an independent medium and still a Spiritualist even though you don’t belong to a church group or consider yourself to be religious.

Most Mediums have been trained by Spiritualist organisations who work hard to train and support Mediums to work to the highest possible standards of truth and integrity. It is not the fault of either Spiritual organisations or Mediums that the training, for which they pay and to which they commit a considerable amount of time, is not recognised. Leaving them vulnerable to the flexibility of the Consumer Protection Regulations does not reflect the unique nature of the calling and the legality of practising mediumship and healing under the umbrella of the religion.

We are also deeply concerned that the flexibility of the Consumer Protection Regulations will result in the practice of Mediumship, Healing and other Psychic works being forced underground. This will be counterproductive because it will enable frauds to prosper in a way that is impossible if the field is legislated by an Act that reflects the uniqueness of the work

Finally, part of Spiritualism’s philosophy is that we each have free will and thus are responsible for our own choices and the results of these choices. Unfortunately, the culture prevailing within today’s society is not to accept any responsibility for one’s actions but to look for some one else to blame. Matters of spiritual belief have always been highly personal and nothing to do with consumerism, even if a service is being provided. (Read More ...)

Ipod Playlist - Top 30 Most Played 'Rock' Genre


Image Of The Day - Another Crop Circle

Milk Hill (5), Stanton St Bernard, Wiltshire.
Reported 27th June 2009

Quotes For The Day

"The first and worst of all frauds is to cheat one's self." -- Phillip James Bailey

"The longer the excuse, the less likely it's the truth." -- Robert Half

"When we know deep down that we’re acting with integrity despite impulses to do otherwise, we feel gates of higher energy and inspiration open inside of us." -- Dan Millman

Sunday 28 June 2009

A Word on "Magical Talisman"

Talisman comes from the Greek word "Teleo," which means to consecrate a sacred place or magically charge an object.

From ancient times, talismans have brought protection, power, and prosperity to the wearers. Many people use magical alphabets when engraving talismans. One of the most well known of the magical talisman is the Pentagram. Here the five points of the pentagram represent the four elements plus and additional element - spirit. Each of these elements can be represented with the following colours ... Air = Yellow, Water = Blue, Earth = Green, Fire = Red, Spirit = Violet

The Line Of The Sun

The Line of the Sun, which is otherwise called the Line of Success or theLine of Brilliancy, is one of the most important markson the hand to consider.It has in its symbolism almost the same significance as the Sun itself has to the Earth.

Without this line the life has no happiness, no sunshine, as it were, and even the greatest talents lie in darkness and do not produce their fruit.

The quality that the Line of Sun denotes is, what is generally called"luck"; with a well-marked Sun Line even a poor Line of Head promises more success, and it is the same with the Line of Fate.

People with the Sun Line appear to have more magnetism, more influenceover others. They more easily secure recognition, reward, riches, andhonours.They also have a happier and brighter disposition, and this has naturally a great deal to do with what is called success.

From whatever date in the hand the Line of Sun appears, things becomebrighter, more prosperous and important. The Line of the Sun may risefrom the following positions:

From the Line of Life, the Line of Fate, the Plain of Mars, the Mount ofthe Moon, the Line of Head, and from the Line of Heart, or it may onlyappear as a small line on its own Mount.Rising from the Line of Life, it promises success fromwhatever the life is that is led, but not from "luck."
From the Line of Fate, it is a sure sign of recognition for the career adopted, but brought about by the personal effort of the subject.From the Plain of Mars, and not connected with the other lines, it foretells success after difficulties. From the Mount of the Moon, success is more a matter dueto the caprice of others. It is more changeable and uncertain and is by no means such a sure sign of riches or solid position.

It is more the sign of success as a public favourite, and is often found in the hands ofthose who depend on the public for their livelihood, such as actors and actresses, singers, and certain classes of artists, speakers, clergymen,etc. For all such professions it is, however, fortunate, and an extremely lucky sign to have, as it promises in all cases luck, brilliancy, andrecognition in the world.

Rising from the Line of Head, the Sun Line gives success from the mental efforts and qualities, but not until after the middle of life is past. It is found on the hands of brain workers, students of some particularbranch of study, writers, scientists, etc. From the Line of Heart, success will come late in life in some way depending on, or through, the affections. In such cases it generally promises a very happy marriage late in life, but it is always a certain sign of eventual ease, happiness, and worldly comfort.

Marked only on its own Mount, the Line of Sun promises happiness and success, but so late in life as to make it hardly worth having.



Read More ...

How To Legally Say 'NO' to All Vaccines

Millions of Americans have come to distrust vaccines and mainstream medicine's vaccine agenda. There is a growing movement in this country and around the world that questions the safety and effectiveness of all vaccines for obvious reasons. Many childhood disorders such as autism, ADD/ADHD, SIDS and others have been linked to vaccines. Thousands of soldiers who served in the military have been severely disabled or in some cases even died after receiving their mandated shots. Vaccines are the most controversial subject in all of medicine.

Read more...

Martian 'Crater Anomaly'

A recent sojourn around Mars, courtesy of Google Mars, heralded these interesting negative image anomalies ...
Interesting shapes #1

Interesting shapes #2

No. 41, Decrease

" Decrease combined with sincerity
Brings about supreme good fortune
Without blame."
One may be persevering in this.
It furthers one to undertake something.
How is this to be carried out?
One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice."

We were told by the Yi that a radical Reform is necessary, and a Decrease - which has either arrived or is coming - is probably why.

"Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come in their own time. What matters is to understand the time and not try to cover up poverty with empty pretense." [Wilhelm]

In fact, Decrease may be a very good thing indeed, if you change your focus to what truly matters, and abandon that which is frivolous or unnecessary.

"Just as Alice had to shrink herself to enter Wonderland, we must shrink our view of ourselves to gain partnership with the higher powers." [Walker]

The Origins of the Buffalo Dance

When the buffalo first came to be upon the land, they were not friendly to the people. When the hunters tried to coax them over the cliffs for the good of the villages, they were reluctant to offer themselves up.

They did not relish being turned into blankets and dried flesh for winter rations. They did not want their hooves and horn to become tools and utensils nor did they welcome their sinew being used for sewing. "No, no," they said. We won't fall into your traps. And we will not fall for your tricks."

So when the hunters guided them towards the abyss, they would always turn aside at the very last moment. With this lack of cooperation, it seemed the villagers would be hungry and cold and ragged all winter long.

Now one of the hunters' had a daughter who was very proud of her father's skill with the bow. During the fullness of summer, he always brought her the best of hides to dress, and she in turn would work the deerskins into the softest, whitest of garments for him to wear. Her own dresses were like the down of a snow goose, and the moccasins she made for the children and the grandmothers in the village were the most welcome of gifts.

But now with the hint of snow on the wind, and deer becoming more scarce in the willow breaks, she could see this reluctance on the part of the buffalo families could become a real problem. Hunter's Daughter decided she would do something about it.

She went to the base of the cliff and looked up. She began to sing in a low, soft voice, "Oh, buffalo family, come down and visit me. If you come down and feed my relatives in a wedding feast, I will join your family as the bride of your strongest warrior."

She stopped and listened. She thought she heard the slight rumbling sound of thunder in the distance. Again she sang, "Oh, buffalo family, come down and visit me. Feed my family in a wedding feast so that I may be a bride."

The thunder was much louder now. Suddenly the buffalo family began falling from the sky at her feet. One very large bull landed on top of the others, and walked across the backs of his relatives to stand before Hunter's Daughter.

"I am here to claim you as my bride," said Large Buffalo.

"Oh, but now I am afraid to go with you," said Hunter's Daughter.

"Ah, but you must," said Large Buffalo, "For my people have come to provide your people with a wedding feast. As you can see, they have offered themselves up."

"Yes, but I must run and tell my relatives the good news," said Hunter's Daughter. "No," said Large Buffalo. No word need be sent. You are not getting away so easily."

And with that said, Large Buffalo lifted her between his horns and carried her off to his village in the rolling grass hills.

The next morning the whole village was out looking for Hunter's Daughter. When they found the mound of buffalo below the cliff, the father, who was in fact a fine tracker as well as a skilled hunter, looked at his daughter's footprints in the dust.

"She's gone off with a buffalo, he said. I shall follow them and bring her back."

So Hunter walked out upon the plains, with only his bow and arrows as companions. He walked and walked a great distance until he was so tired that he had to sit down to rest beside a buffalo wallow. Along came Magpie and sat down beside him. Hunter spoke to Magpie in a respectful tone, "O knowledgeable bird, has my daughter been stolen from me by a buffalo? Have you seen them? Can you tell me where they have gone?"

Magpie replied with understanding, "Yes, I have seen them pass this way. They are resting just over this hill."

"Well," said Hunter, would you kindly take my daughter a message for me? Will you tell her I am here just over the hill?" So Magpie flew to where Large Buffalo lay asleep amidst his relatives in the dry prairie grass. He hopped over to where Hunter's Daughter was quilling moccasins, as she sat dutifully beside her sleeping husband. "Your father is waiting for you on the other side of the hill," whispered Magpie to the maiden.

"Oh, this is very dangerous," she told him. These buffalo are not friendly to us and they might try to hurt my father if he should come this way. Please tell him to wait for me and I will try to slip away to see him."

Just then her husband, Large Buffalo, awoke and took off his horn. "Go bring me a drink from the wallow just over this hill," said her husband. So she took the horn in her hand and walked very casually over the hill.

Her father motioned silently for her to come with him, as he bent into a low crouch in the grass. "No," she whispered. The buffalo are angry with our people who have killed their people. They will run after us and trample us into the dirt. I will go back and see what I can do to soothe their feelings."

And so Hunter's daughter took the horn of water back to her husband who gave a loud snort when he took a drink. The snort turned into a bellow and all of the buffalo got up in alarm. They all put their tails in the air and danced a buffalo dance over the hill, trampling the poor man to pieces who was still waiting for his daughter near the buffalo wallow.

His daughter sat down on the edge of the wallow and broke into tears. "Why are you crying?" said her buffalo husband.

"You have killed my father and I am a prisoner, besides," she sobbed.

"Well, what of my people?" her husband replied. We have given our children, our parents and some of our wives up to your relatives in exchange for your presence among us. A deal is a deal."
But after some consideration of her feelings, Large Buffalo knelt down beside her and said to her, "If you can bring your father back to life again, we will let him take you back home to your people."

So Hunter's Daughter started to sing a little song. "Magpie, Magpie help me find some piece of my father which I can mend back whole again."

Magpie appeared and sat down in front of her with his head cocked to the side.

"Magpie, Magpie, please see what you can find," she sang softly to the wind which bent the grasses slightly apart. Magpie cocked his head to the side and looked carefully within the layered folds of the grasses as the wind sighed again. Quickly he picked out a piece of her father that had been hidden there, a little bit of bone.

"That will be enough to do the trick," said Hunter's Daughter, as she put the bone on the ground and covered it with her blanket.

And then she started to sing a reviving song that had the power to bring injured people back to the land of the living. Quietly she sang the song that her grandmother had taught her. After a few melodious passages, there was a lump under the blanket. She and Magpie looked under the blanket and could see a man, but the man was not breathing. He lay cold as stone. So Hunter's Daughter continued to sing, a little softer, and a little softer, so as not to startle her father as he began to move. When he stood up, alive and strong, the buffalo people were amazed. They said to Hunter's Daughter, "Will you sing this song for us after every hunt? We will teach your people the buffalo dance, so that whenever you dance before the hunt, you will be assured a good result. Then you will sing this song for us, and we will all come back to live again." (powersource.com)

All The Lost Children

A reminder of all the children who are still missing, and the group of dedicated volunteers who need support to keep the profiles of these children high.

Another June Crop Circle

What's the message here then? What pictographic code is this in? Clearly a message being passed forth to someone, somewhere ... as a question or is it an answer; or a response to something we mere mortals know nothing about? It's language code in my eyes ... something being communicated right before our eyes ...
South Field, Nr Alton Priors, Wiltshire.
Reported 27th June 2009.

Inspiration For The Day

"Poverty is in separatism. Abundance is in unity." -- Torkom Saraydarian

"If we are to achieve a rich culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place." -- Margaret Mead

Saturday 27 June 2009

Image Of The Day

Long Meg standing stone, Cumbria, UK

Classic Songs: "Shooting Star"

Classic Bad Company live ... in 2002.

Ronaldo Completes 6-Year Deal With Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo will complete his world record £80m move from Manchester United to Real Madrid on 1 July after agreeing a six-year deal.

United, who accepted Real's offer for the 24-year-old winger on 11 June, confirmed on their website that the transfer had been finalised. A statement on Real's website read: "The player will be tied to Real Madrid for the next six seasons. He will be presented on 6 July at the Santiago Bernabeu."
Ronaldo was on holiday in the United States at the time the offer was made by Real, on 10 June. During that time, United stated that the decision came at the Portugal international's request after he "again expressed his desire to leave". (Daily Mail)

Australia Has Standing Stones!

The Celtic Council of Australia decided a stone monument should be built in Australia to commemorate to contribution of the Celtic Races to the development of the Australian nation.
Glen Innes was chosen and creates a meeting place for the Celtic Communities. An array of stones is set, representing Australia as a stone circle, superimposed with five stones representing the Southern Cross. It was in Australia's 1988 Bicentenary Year that the Celtic Council of Australia developed the idea of erecting a national monument to honour all Celtic peoples who helped pioneer Australia. Glen Innes responded with a 46-page submission for Australian Standing Stones, inspired by the Ring of Brodgar in Scotland's Orkneys. John Tregurtha, a pharmacist, chairman of the committee delegated to build the array, and Lex Ritchie, then the town's tourist officer and an expert bushman, spent three months scouring the bush within 50km of Glen Innes for the stones. They had to stand 3.7 metres from ground level, which meant each to be 5.5 metres in total length. They found only three stones which could be used in their natural state - others had to be split from larger rock bodies. A former Snowy Mountains Scheme worker and local alderman George Rozynski, who at 17 migrated with his family from Poland, came up with the solution. He remembered his rock drilling work on the Snowy and heard of a new expanding compound which could split rocks without using explosives.

With another alderman, Bill Tyson, he spent hours in the bush drilling massive granite rocks. "The compound was a powder which was mixed to the consistency of a slurry and poured into the drill holes," Mr Rozynski recalled. "When we returned the next morning the rock was cracked..."

It took more than six months of further effort, spearheaded by Bob Dwyer, who went on to become Glen Innes's Mayor, and businessman Ted Nowlan, using a 12 tonne forklift and other heavy equipment to load and transport the stones on a timber loader to the Centennial Parklands site. The weight of the stones averaged 17 tonnes.

Most stone circles in existence throughout the world, were built 3500-5000 years ago, and used as calendars. This concept has been followed here with alignments to mid-winter and mid-summer dawn, and sunset. There is also a replica of the Gorsedd Stone for the Welsh, Cornish and Breton Communities, an Ogham Stone and a Manx Emblem.

Read More ...

Inspiration For The Day

"...conflict is the primary engine of creativity and innovation. People don't learn by staring into a mirror; people learn by encountering difference." -- Ronald Heifetz

"Homogeneity makes for healthy milk but anemic friendships. We need relationships that cross culturally imposed lines to enlarge our hearts and expand our vistas." -- Dan Schmidt

A Word on "Enki & Enlil"

According to the ancient Sumerian texts, the Sumerian god, Anu, the “supreme Lord of the Sky”, the currently reigning titular head of the Sumerian Family Tree, had two sons. They were Enki (Ea), Lord of the Earth and Waters (whose mother was Antu), and Enlil (Ilu), Lord of the Air and Lord of the Command (whose mother was Ki). These two half-brothers -- surprise, surprise -- did not get along.

Critical to their rivalry -- particularly from Earth’s viewpoint -- was the fact that Enki had been the first of the Anunnaki to hazard a trip to Earth to begin a mining operation for gold. When this effort did not apparently produce gold in sufficient quantities, Enlil was brought in, given command, and armed with a new plan (an early version of the New Deal). The revised program was to mine gold from deep mines in the Earth.

Enki was not happy about his brother’s promotion because, although Enlil was the elder of the two, his mother (Ki) was Anu’s junior sister, whereas Enki’s mother (Antu) was the senior sister. True kingship, claimed Enki, progressed as a matrilineal institution through the female line, and by this right of descent Enki maintained that he was the first born of the royal succession.”

“I am the great brother of the gods. I am he who has been born as the first son of the divine Anu.”

If there is a philosophy of Enki, it manifests and explains itself in early Mesopotamian and Egyptian thought, where the true creator of the universe was manifest within nature, and that nature enveloped both the Anunnaki, and the humans. Nature, as the Great Mother, was still supreme, despite any patriarchal scheme to the contrary. Admittedly, Enki’s claim of his birthright, the one being based on a matrilineal succession -- essentially the mitochondria DNA link, which is wholly passed through the female line -- was in Enki’s best interests. But Enki was also the maternal grandfather who came to the aid of Inanna when things went badly during her Descent into the Underworld.

With the arrival of Enlil, however, who in his best interests must demean the matriarchal line of succession, and thus nature itself -- everything changed. The Great Mother was dethroned and replaced by a supreme male (as opposed to a male consort for the Queen). The idea of cooperation -- as exemplified by the council of Anunnaki making cooperative decisions -- was quickly replaced by competition, and harmony was forsaken in favor of subservience. The supreme god became abstract, and any physical connection with human or nature was lost -- and thus the link between nature and human also destroyed. When Enlil hit town, there was a whole new deal put into effect.

Read More ...

'Everyone's a Pagan Now'

'From morris dancers in mirror shades to green activists getting in touch with their spiritual side, paganism is going mainstream. Cole Moreton reports on a new national faith.'

Read more...

Heal The World

In Memory Of Michael Jackson:

Dzogchen, Sem & Rigpa

Dzogchen (rdzogs-chen, the great completeness) is an advanced system of Mahayana practice that brings enlightenment. It is found primarily in the Nyingma and Bon traditions, but also appears as a supplementary practice in some of the Kagyu traditions such as Drugpa, Drigung, and Karma Kagyu. Let us speak here of dzogchen as formulated in the Nyingma school.

To reach enlightenment, we need to remove forever two sets of obscurations:

emotional obscurations (nyon-sgrib) – those that are disturbing emotions and attitudes and which prevent liberation,

cognitive obscurations (shes-sgrib) -- those regarding all knowables and which prevent omniscience.
These obscurations bring us, respectively, the suffering of uncontrollably recurring existence (samsara) and the inability to be of best help to others. They are fleeting (glo-bur), however, and merely obscure the essential nature (ngo-bo) of the mind and limit its functioning. In essence, the mind (mental activity) is naturally pure of all fleeting stains. This is an important aspect of its Buddha-nature.

Mental activity occurs on two levels, with limited awareness (sems) and pure awareness (rig-pa). Since many Western students are already familiar with the Tibetan terms, let us use them for ease of discussion. Sem is mental activity limited by fleeting stains. Rigpa is mental activity devoid of all fleeting stains of obscuration.
Sem may be conceptualor nonconceptual and, in either case, is always stained. Rigpa, on the other hand, is exclusively nonconceptual, in a purer manner than is nonconceptual sem, and is never stained by either of the two sets of obscurations.

Since mental activity, whether limited or pure, is naturally devoid of fleeting stains, rigpa is the natural state of sem. Thus, rigpa, with its essential nature of being devoid of all stains, can be recognized as the basis of each moment of our cognition. Dzogchen, then, is a method of practice, grounded in bodhichitta and nonconceptual cognition of voidness, enabling us to recognize rigpa and stay forever at its level of mental activity free from all obscuration. In this way, rigpa’s “great completeness” (dzogchen) of all enlightening qualities for benefiting others becomes fully operational.

Buddhist Inspiration ..

In the ordinary mind, we perceive the stream of thoughts as continuous, but in reality this is not the case. You will discover for yourself that there is a gap between each thought. When the past thought is past, and the future thought has not yet arisen, you will always find a gap in which the Rigpa, the nature of mind, is revealed. So the work of meditation is to allow thoughts to slow down, to make that gap become more and more apparent.

Michael Jackson ... Conspiracy Theories

At this current sad time for all family, friends and fans of Michael Jackson ... there are a number of conspiracy theories, surrounding his recent death, floating around the internet. We at A Light In The Darkness do not believe in any of these current conspiracy theories ... nor are we going to cover any of them on A Light In The Darkness. Our thoughts are with Michael Jackson's family and close friends at this time. It is a total tragedy ... and one which so many of us will take a long time to come to terms with.

Most Frustrating!

It's has been a most frustrating day and a half ... a 6-month old 'stable' laptop running on Vista suddenly developed a conflict/windows issue with its USB port drivers and refused to let any USB plug & play devices work including my wireless stick and all memory sticks. A computer restore was enabled this morning ... I'm still installing and restoring the laptop now some 8 hours later! So A Light In The Darkness may not have its usual flavour tonight ...

Friday 26 June 2009

Moonwalker ...

Michael Jackson's Moonwalker-The Movie



Michael Jackson was phenomenal with his music, his professionalism, his genre ... it came as a total shock this morning to learn of his sad demise. Our thoughts go out to his family and his children at this very sad time. He will sadly be missed. Even me, a rocker at heart, appreciated the contribution he made to the music industry. His influence has been incredible. He will never be surpassed ... MJ

Quote for the Day

Do not underestimate the value of the opportunity you have here and now. Your life and presence here are a gift to you --and you will determine the nature of gift you become for others.

The Aztecs

The Aztec were a people who, through military alliances with other groups, dominated central and southern Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. After the death of Moctezuma II in 1520, the divisions and internal strife among the 38 tributary provinces and the fiercely independent peoples at the fringes of the Aztec Empire, made it easy for the Spanish conquistadors -- led by Hernán Cortés -- to defeat it in 1521.

The name Aztec is derived from a mythical homeland to the north called Aztlá¡n; the Aztec also called themselves the Mexica. Their language belongs to the Nahuatlan branch of the Uto-Aztecan family. (Ancient History.com)

'Ark of the Covenant' about to be unveiled?

The patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia says he will announce to the world Friday the unveiling of the Ark of the Covenant, perhaps the world's most prized archaeological and spiritual artifact, which he says has been hidden away in a church in his country for millennia, according to the Italian news agency Adnkronos.Abuna Pauolos, in Italy for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this week, told the news agency,

"Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries."The announcement is expected to be made at 2 p.m. Italian time from the Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. Pauolos will reportedly be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D'Acosta.

Read More ...

London gigs killed Michael Jackson: Family lawyer says ailing star was on massive medication to get him ready for O2 concerts

Michael Jackson's family lawyer today blamed his sudden death on his inner circle pushing him too hard in the run up to a series of comeback gigs in Britain. Brian Oxman, who was with the Jacksons in Los Angeles overnight, revealed the 50-year-old singer had been taking drugs for months in his battle to be fit for the string of concerts next month. He suffered a massive heart attack and stopped breathing last night. His personal doctor, thought to be Dr Tohme Tohme, was with him but could not resuscitate him. There is growing speculation today that the catastrophic cardiac arrest was triggered by an injection of the painkiller Demerol after rehearsals in his home town. Paramedics were told he was 'not breathing at all' and rushed him to UCLA hospital where a team tried to revive him for more than an hour but he never came round. An autopsy will be held in Los Angeles today but those close to the star believe it is an addiction to prescription drugs as he prepared for the gigs in London that killed him. (Daily Mail)

Jack In The Green

Jethro Tull live on 10th Feb. 1977 at Golders Green Hippodrome

A Word on 'Jack In The Green'

A Jack in the Green (also Jack in the green, Jack-in-the-green, Jack i' the Green, Jack o' the Green etc) is a participant in traditional English May Day parades and other May celebrations, who wears a large, foliage-covered, garland-like framework, usually pyramidal or conical in shape, which completely covers their body from head to foot. The name is also applied to the garland itself.

In the 16th and 17th centuries in England people would make garlands of flowers and leaves for the May Day celebration. After becoming a source of competition between Works Guilds, these garlands became increasingly elaborate, to the extent that it covered the entire man. This became known as Jack in the Green. For some reason the figure became particularly associated with chimney sweeps; there are several explanations thereof, but none has been proven conclusively.

Jack is a colourful figure, almost 3m (nine feet) tall, covered in greenery and flowers. In Whitstable, he is accompanied by two attendants, almost invariably drawn from the ranks of
Oyster Morris, representing the legendary figures of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. In Hastings, he is also accompanied by attendants, here known as Bogies, who are completely disguised in green rags, vegetation, and face paint. The attendants play music, dance and sing as they guide Jack through the streets to celebrate the coming of Summer.

Amongst modern "
folkies" and neo-pagans the Jack in the Green has become identified with the mysterious Green Man depicted in mediaeval church carvings and is widely felt to be an embodiment of natural fertility, a spirit of the primeval greenwood and a trickster; by extension he is linked to such mythological characters as Puck, Robin Goodfellow, Robin Hood, the wild man, and the Green Knight, among others. (Wikipedia)

Image of the Day - Another Strange Crop Circle

Martinsell Hill, nr Wootton Rivers, Wiltshire.
Reported 25th June 2009.

Buddhist Inspiration ...

When you are strong and healthy,
You never think of sickness coming,
But it descends with sudden force
Like a stroke of lightning.

When involved in worldly things,
You never think of death’s approach;
Quick it comes like thunder
Crashing round your head.

Thursday 25 June 2009

The King of Pop is dead: Michael Jackson passes away - aged 50 - after being rushed to hospital in a coma

Singer Michael Jackson has died following a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles this afternoon. Jackson, 50, went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a coma.

Celebrity website TMZ and the Los Angeles Times are now reporting that the singer has died.

Jackson was seen being taken into an ambulance by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics and moved to the UCLA Medical Centre, says TMZ. The Los Angeles Times reported that Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home.

Captain Steve Ruda told the LA Times that paramedics responded to a call at Jackson's home in LA around 8:26p.m. The paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Jackson and took him to UCLA Medical Center.

The paper says Jackson then fell into a coma before arriving at the medical centre. Both the LA Times and TMZ claim that Jackson has died, although this has not been confirmed by official sources.

A spokesman for UCLA said that due to patient confidentiality the medical centre could not comment on or confirm the reports.

Fans have started to gather outside the hospital, hoping for news of the King of Pop. His family have been arriving at the hospital to be with the singer. Jackson's sister, La Toya, was seen running into the hospital sobbing.

As news broke of Jackson's heart attack, a member of the Jackson family told TMZ that 'Michael is in really bad shape'. The website also spoke to Joe Jackson, Michael's dad, who said "he is not doing well". (Daily Mail)

Martian Panorama

... another interesting anomaly derived from Google Mars imagery.

It appears to indicate a hillside scene complete with trees ...

The Ring Of Saturn

What is called the Ring of Saturn is very seldom found, and it is by no means a good sign to have. It is also a semi-circular line, but found lying across the Mount of Saturn.These people seem cut off from their fellow beings in some peculiar and extraordinary way. They are isolated and alone, and they appear torealise their lonely position keenly. They are gloomy, morbid, and Saturnine in character. They seldom marry, and when they do it is always a ghastly failure.They are terribly obstinate and headstrong in all their actions, they resent the least advice or interference in their plans. Their lives generally close in suffering, poverty, or by some sinister tragedy or fatality. It is the most unfortunate mark ever to find.. (palmreadings.org)

"The Ancient One"

Ancient One sat in the shade of his tree in front of his cave. Red People came to him and he said to Red People, "Tell me your vision."

And Red People answered, "The elders have told us to pray in this manner, and that manner, and it is important that only we pray as we have been taught for this has been handed down to us by the elders."

"Hmmmm," said the Ancient One.

Then Black People came to him and he said to Black People, "Tell me your vision."
And Black People answered, "Our mothers have said to go to this building and that building and pray in this manner and that manner. And our fathers have said to bow in this manner and that manner when we pray. And it is important that we do only this when we pray."

"Hmmmm," said the Ancient One.

Then Yellow People came to him and he said to Yellow People, "Tell me your vision."

And Yellow People answered, "Our teachers have told us to sit in this manner and that manner and to say this thing and that thing when we pray. And it is important that we do only this when we pray."

"Hmmmm," said the Ancient One.

Then White People came to him and he said to White People, "Tell me your vision."
And White People answered, "Our Book has told us to pray in this way and that way and to do this thing and that thing, and it is very important that we do this when we pray."

"Hmmmm," said the Ancient One.

Then Ancient One spoke to the Earth and said, "Have you given the people a vision?" And the Earth said, "Yes, a special gift for each one, but the people were so busy speaking and arguing about which way is right they could not see the gift I gave each one of them." And the Ancient One asked same question of Water and Fire and Air and got the same answer. Then Ancient One asked Animal, and Bird, and Insect, and Tree, and Flower, and Sky, and Moon, and Sun, and Stars, and all of the other Spirits and each told him the same.

Ancient One thought this was very sad. He called Red People, Black People, Yellow People, and White People to him and said to them. "The ways taught to you by your Elders, and your Mothers and Fathers, and Teachers, and Books are sacred. It is good that you respect those ways, for they are the ways of your ancestors. But the ancestors no longer walk on the Face of the Earth Mother. You have forgotten your own Vision. Your Vision is right for you but no one else. Now each of you must pray for your own Visions, and be still enough to see them, so you can follow the way of the heart. It is a hard way. It is a good way.”

By Bearwalker

Buddhist Inspiration ...

Spiritual practice is difficult in the beginning. You wonder how on earth you can ever do it. But as you get used to it, the practice gradually becomes easier. Do not be too stubborn or push yourself too hard. If you practice in accord with your individual capacity, little by little you will find more pleasure and joy in it. As you gain inner strength, your positive actions will gain in profundity and scope.

A Word on "Brocken Spectre"

The Brocken Spectre appears when a low sun is behind a climber who is looking downwards into mist from a ridge or peak. The "spectre" is the shadowy figure - the glow and rings are of course a glory centered directly opposite the sun at the antisolar point.

But how is the ghostly figure produced? It is no more than the shadow of the climber projected forward through the mist. All shadows converge towards the antisolar point where the glory also shines. The sometimes odd triangular shape is a perspective effect. The Brocken Spectre is a similar effect to anti-crepuscular rays and cloud shadows.

The spectre sometimes appears to be huge. This is probably caused by the presence of the glory and the mist obscuring more familiar reference points with which to judge its size. (atopics.co.uk)

No. 59, Dispersion / Dissolution

Dispersion. Success.

"The king approaches his temple.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Perseverance furthers."

Another hexagram received without changing lines. This Dispersion is likely to take awhile. Something is separating you from those with where you should be joined. It is likely a rigid attitude - probably yours, but possibly someone else's.

To achieve the Dispersion necessary to enter this "new era," the Yi advises "cooperation in great general undertakings that set a high goal for the will of the people; in common concentration on this goal, all barriers dissolve . . ." [Wilhelm] What "great general undertaking" can you join in?

Classic Songs: "Dedication"

Thin Lizzy's video for their song "Dedication" with the awesome dual guitars and late frontman Phil Lynott.

Lights Down Under ...

... has been neglected in recent days. It needs an update. There is also the matter of a remote viewing exercise which was mentioned a week or two back. That is being planned still; it is just the logistics of how to set it up. Lights Down Under has been neglected. There are not enough hours in the day to do everything!

A Dream Sequence ....

... from the early hours of Thurs 25th June 2009 (a waking dream) ... except it wasn't a dream. It was 'an astral projection' or 'a walk between worlds' ...

I entered a school yard landscape, aware I had a blue string fastened to the back of my jeans. In the instance I arrived in the scene I knew the string was my 'astral chord' or 'the manifestation of the means to make my way back into the mortal world' ... for I knew this realm was part of the spirit world. Ahead of me was an old lady sitting on a bench watching me. A guardian in disguise? On walking towards the bench I became aware that an old school friend of mine, who's since left the earth-plane through suicide, wandered over to me and joined me in my sojourn. We were pleased to see each other. I'd journeyed with him since he'd passed over, and we'd ironed out our earthly differences. A while later another of my old school friends joined us. Someone I'd not seen in years ... we shook hands and were pleased to see other. With him were two others who he'd met up with and knocked around with in this realm. I gleaned at this point that these school friends must have passed. However, because I was aware the situation was 'real' at that time and not a dream sequence, I continued the conversation with them unperturbed. However, I was aware they presumed because I was there, that I too must have passed! We began a striking up a conversation about where we now were living ... and I proceeded to fill them in with my current earthly location. A while later we all then began going our seperate ways ... but agreed to meet up at a designated place. I parted company with them all and made my way back to the school yard ... picked up the blue string and fitted it back to my jeans ... the alarm woke me up in the process of this --MJ