Live life to the best ...

“A loser seldom lives in the present, but instead destroys the present by focusing on past memories or future expectations.”
-- Anon

Life is only worth living when we experience the gifts of vacations in delicious moments, day in and day out. Qualities like freedom, play and joy do not depend on external conditions. They can be realised any time, if we open to their presence right now.

"You had better live your best and act your best and think your best today; for today is the sure preparation for tomorrow and all the other tomorrows that follow."
-- Harriet Martineau

Hermetic Alchemy

Alchemy is commonly known as a medieval process of making an elixir to prolong life or converting gold out of base metals. However those alchemic processes were originally used in a symbolic sense to describe and define "mastery of mental forces". Alchemy was forbidden by Christianity. This mental oriented use of alchemy is also called Hermetic Alchemy or Hermetic Philosophy, after the ancient philosopher Hermes Trismegistus (3000 BC) who is considered the discoverer of this occult wisdom.The basis of Hermetic alchemy rests on the Seven Hermetic Principles. These Principles form part of a compilation of Basic Hermetic Doctrines called the The Kybalion .

The Kybalion was not written down, but passed on from mouth to ear for several centuries, and forms the basis of several occult wisdoms and ancient philosophies. It was a collection of maxims, axioms, and precepts, which were non-understandable to outsiders, but which were readily understood by teachers and their students.

Update: Satellite NZ-Tasman

NZ-Tasman Infrared Satellite Image

12.06pm
29 June 2007

The 'eye' is on the move again. Heavy rain & floods in Victoria, Australia .. but where is the 'eye' moving to next?

Australia: Road closures update

Motorists are being urged to avoid all non-essential travel to East Gippsland, Victoria, with many of the region's arterial roads closed because of the flooding. The Princes Highway East at Stratford remains closed in both directions, with large trucks the only vehicles allowed access. The Highway is also closed in both directions at the Mitchell River Bridge at Bairnsdale, which remains completely cut off. A number of roads and bridges have also been closed around the towns of Boisdale, Briagolong, Dargo, Maffra, Traralgon and Moe. Fallen trees and debris have also caused road closures around the Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort and Licola Road. (Sky News Australia)

Australia: Crews sandbag homes

Emergency service crews in Victoria's Gippsland region have banded together to help sandbag homes and businesses, as floodwaters continue to rise. Victorian Premier Steve Bracks has declared the floods in Gippsland the worst in 37 years. A severe weather warning has been issued for East Gippsland, with winds of up to 110 kilometres an hour forecast in elevated areas. Major flood warnings remain for the Mitchell, Avon and Macalister rivers. Moderate flooding is still expected for the Snowy, Latrobe, Tambo and Nicholson Rivers, while minor flood warnings are in place for the Buchan, Genoa and Cann river catchments. (Sky News Australia)

Pasha salvage in jeopardy

The salvage effort for the stranded coal carrier Pasha Bulker is in jeopardy after a second tow line snapped early this morning. The line to the Queensland supertug Pacific Responder snapped with an explosive crack just before 7am (AEST). Last night a line to the smaller tug Keera snapped.The Pasha Bulker is now secured only by a line to a third tug, the Woona, and lines to three sea anchors. (Sydney Morning Herald)

'Arrests in Maddie kidnap'

The Sun Headline:
CONFUSION was growing tonight after a variety of reports suggested that arrests had been made in connection to missing Madeleine McCann.The flurry of conflicting information is sure to further distress stricken parents Kate and Gerry McCann who are still searching for their daughter. Reports by the Spanish El Pais newspaper website said an Italian man has been arrested in Spain suspected of possible links with the kidnap of missing Madeleine McCann.This was followed by further reports that a Portuguese woman had also been arrested, which was confirmed by Portuguese police.They added that they had not found direct links with the case of missing Madeleine. Spanish television news reports said the arrested man may have tried to extort money from the McCann parents, offering them information about the whereabouts of their daughter, though police did not confirm that. Gaynor Jesus, a journalist in Portugal who has been acting as an interpreter, said police had arrested an Italian man and a Portuguese woman. She said: "The source of this is PJ, so it's an official source who has given me this information that it is not just an Italian man but a Portuguese woman.They have been arrested on suspicion of being connected with the Madeleine case."

Spanish police were said to have arrested the man near the southern port city of Algeciras, according to the El Pais report.

The Italian man was said to have been detained on an international arrest warrant in the southern province of Cadiz.

The operation began at 5am local time this morning. Detectives are still at the site of the arrest and are combing the area around the property, according to neighbours.

But the police refused to make a statement about the incident and its relationship to the disappearance of Maddie.

**Update 11am 29/6/07**
Opinion

Wheels within wheels .... circles around circles. Someone within the situation knows the who, the why and the where ... they are seemingly stalling time by pointing the network forces elsewhere.

Normal day life goes on at this side of the world; during those ever changing events I've had time to think this through ... I've had moments to contemplate what has been implied here. This news story is extraordinary. It confirms there is so much going on behind the scenes. These indications of the McCanns being victims of extortion ... that is an interesting angle. Perhaps ... maybe ... another smokescreen. Some chickenfeed; part truth with a glaze of lies maybe. This is suspicious in the light of Gerry & Kate's refusal to listen to 'the bounty hunter'. I'd sensed something or someone behind all of this. This is perhaps the next 'hologram' which I'd perceived was being created.

Events are unfolding which I sense are much like the circles within circles. An eagle perceived by inner vision spiralling round and round the real story; requiring something as a subterfuge. I'm still positive that someone in the media world is aware of Madeleine's location ... they are going to great trouble still to keep all eyes averted from there. This insight is concurrent in everything I gaze at .... that stance remains clear in all this confusion. There is such an array of confusion ... almost impossible to penetrate. The 'brilliant countenance' of The Shining Star is also a constant insight in all of this too.

Madeleine McCann is still very much alive ... in other words. This sentient insight hasn't changed ... it remains. Attention has been drawn away from the possible location ... distracted by the sense of two trails. However, contemplative focus will once more to pointed towards that reality. A strong sense that the 'danger has possibly passed' ... now it is merely 'treading water' until the instruction is given for the situation to be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

Reports: Man Arrested For Madeleine Kidnapping

The Portuguese police have told Sky News that an Italian man and a Portuguese woman have been arrested in Spain for the suspected kidnapping of Madeleine McCann.The website of the Spanish El Pais newspaper says the man was picked up in the port city of Algeciras in the south of the country near Gibraltar in the early hours of this morning. Sky News producer, Gaynor Jesus, who is based in the town, said police had confirmed to her that there had been two arrests but that they would give no further details. (Sky News)

UK: More Floods to come

The flood rescue operation has been dubbed "the biggest in peacetime Britain" - as fears mount that vast areas of England and Wales will soon be swamped in more floods. The fire service has saved some 3,500 people in the past few days after torrential rain overwhelmed streets across a swathe of the UK. The Met Office has issued 'severe weather warnings' across the whole of England and Wales for this weekend. (Sky News)


Severe flood warnings have been issued across the North East, the Midlands and East Anglia as Britain braces itself for more heavy rain over the weekend. The Environment Agency gives such warnings - the highest danger level - when there is imminent threat to life and property from flooding. Sky News weather presenter Sarah Pennock said every region will be hit by the bad weather."The whole country can expect 1-2in of rain on Saturday," she said."Obviously, the risk of flooding is greatest for those areas already under water." (Sky News)

THE NORTH

In the North East the main watercourses affected are the Ea Beck, the Burstwick Drain and the Rivers Dearne, Don and Rother.

These will cause problems for people around Kingston upon Hull, Doncaster and Rotherham.

Already 3,500 people have been rescued by the fire service in Yorkshire and the Midlands over the past few days.

The Met Office shows a 60% chance of disruption across Yorkshire for the weekend.

THE MIDLANDS

In the Midlands, a severe flood warning has been issued for the River Idle, which is south of Doncaster.

The Met Office also shows a 60% chance of disruption across the area.

EAST ANGLIA

Homeowners and businesses in the area around Langworth, west of Lincoln, have been alerted.

Met Office: 60% chance of disruption.

SOUTH AND SOUTH WEST

Flood watches - meaning a flood is possible, so be aware - have been issued along the Thames.

Met Office: 40% chance of disruption.

WALES

A flood warning has been issued for the area between Llangollen and Chester, as well as some flood watches.

Met Office: 40% chance of disruption.

SCOTLAND

The Scotland Environment Protection Agency has no warnings in force and the Met Office shows only a 20% chance of disruption.

Tony Blair Quizzed Over Scandal

Sky Breaking News:
Former prime minister Tony Blair has been questioned for a third time by detectives investigating cash-for-honours allegations, sources have confirmed. Mr Blair was quizzed possibly in the past week, according to the unnamed informants.The Metropolitan Police are investigating claims that senior Labour figures awarded honours in return for donations to the party.

McCanns 'Refuse To See Theorist'

The face of the 'bounty hunter'

The parents of Madeleine McCann have reportedly refused to meet a Spanish investigator who claims he knows who abducted the missing girl. Antonio Toscano flew to Portugal to hand over his evidence to police investigating the four-year-old's disappearance 56 days ago.The journalist alleges the child was abducted by a French sex offender, as part of a Europe-wide paedophile network. After talking to police, he was told Gerry and Kate McCann were not interested in seeing him.He went to meet the girl's parents regardless but was turned away at their rented apartment, reports said.In interview, Mr Toscano said he had learned a paedophile network child provider called "El Frances" was on his way to Portugal before the abduction. Mr Toscano suggested there was too much media coverage of Madeleine at the moment for the alleged abductor to deliver the child "safely". But he insisted: "Madeleine is in Europe. She's alive and well. I'd like to tell the parents that but I haven't been able to get a meeting with them." (Sky News)

Well done Kate & well done Gerry ... if this news item is true. You don't trust this bounty hunter either. His face is transparent ... so easy to 'read'. The insight I felt last night was overwhelming relating to this individual. I sense nothing but misinformation with his claims ... it feels like a weight is lifted from Gerry & Kate's shoulders by not listening to Mr Toscano! I'm only working on instinct myself ... and technically therefore a 'theorist' myself ... but the trail he presents as the direction along which to seek the Shining Star does not match the trail which my 'seeker' now explores . He is providing a real misdirection ... but if he truly believes this information is correct; then he has been deceived by someone who is a master of illusion ... be wary Mr Toscano ... it appears you have failed in your mission. It seems someone will not be happy with you.

Daily Merlin Insight
Using Merlin Tarot

VI Judgement
VIII Magician
10 of Beasts - Opportunity

These images feel very buoyant and positive. Nothing relating to what Mr Toscano claims is related to these images. His claims are unimportant and have no bearing on the case. He may appear a man of adult years ... but basically he is like the child within a man's frame; naive and easily swayed. His path is clearly one opened up most readily by those who weave false trails ... like the parting of the red sea only for the waves to come crashing onto those who follow these leads. Somewhere the Weaver Goddess lurks ready to judge those who believe these words.

They are of minor importance when compared with the presence of the Magician ... his influence is now set to change the tone and the attitude.

Some change of mind comes over those in the fold. Glaciers & ice fields concealing the trail to melt (symbolic only). Clues found within the entrance of a cave or crypt. A letter of scribbled words somewhere. Left in a sacred place like a holy shrine. Clear directions or clear insinuations. This is not a trail which is false. This direction is real. A truest link with France. Not the Frenchman of the theorist's claims ... but an Englishman abroad in a foreign shore ... a man within the locality of that fatal crash. Sees or overhears one who lays bait to a fabulous claim. The wait is most surely nearly over.

A network provides links and names to those who are truly the guilty parties. But know though this leads to busy progress ... this may well be the false trail laid down by higher places as a means to finalise this case. For those who are on high know those on the lower branches who created and devised and undertook ... and those who had the shining star in their care. It can all be revealed with the click of a finger. Now is the time it shall ... because lion has been replaced with unicorn ... and the flaming sword rests now in a new scabbard. It is nearly time ...

Ceremonial crossed swords lie across a circle. The chalice lies at their centre. Raised hands and intentions uttered. Soon ... so soon ... but know these swords are blunt along their edges ... they are for ceremony alone. All is almost fitting into place. Soon eyes will discover the hiding place.

Daily Merlin: The Cards of Ra-Maat

Daily Merlin Transcript
Thursday 28th June 2007
10:45pm - 11:10pm
New Zealand

Using a different divination tool represents a new approach to the situation. 'A breath of fresh air' ... approaching from a different angle. Therefore, I've chosen to use the Cards of Ra-Maat ... a beautifully designed set of oracle cards based around the transition between the old cycle of 'Pisces' and the new age of Aquarius. Their themes are based on the characters and laws of ancient Egypt. I'm sensing their insights will prove interesting & provide a stimulating new angle to the Madeleine enigma. I always enjoy using this fantastic divination tool ...

The lord of air, Qheben-sun-ef makes itself known ... he who deals with all forms of communication. He is known as the Lord of the East and his season is the summer months. Qheben-sun-ef was the messenger of the gods who carried the word of the gods to man ..

Arit 3 (the arits are the connecting point between the environment and the inner self --- effectively chakras) ... deals with competition & aggression. Signifying the force of nature in the external world. Consider it to be the fuel which perpetuates motion through life. It controls health ... and is a dangerous energy if aroused. This can lead to quarrelsome situations.

Cubit 26 - Closeness - relates to family and suggests a cause for celebration ... a fringe element of this cubit involves a person and some concern for their safety ... but know the positive bias of this cubit denotes this person is safe.

Pylon 21 - Honour - marks the smooth end of one cycle and the beginning of a new cycle. Pylon of spiritual evolution.

Unchartered territory ...ahead ...

The Ancient Egyptian Oracle

We, the inhabitants of Earth, are living in a time of great power and opportunity. One of the great cycles of time is coming to an end, and a new cycle of existence lies before us like unchartered territory. During the coming years we will have to realise our potential for growth; accept the the challenges that are sure to be there during the next millennium, and are work within the advanced concepts and philosophies of the Aquarian age and the wisdom of the past. (Norman Plaskett)

On the Wand of Double Power

When we apply this definition to the Tree of Life, the nature of the Wand of Double Power becomes clear. The Waas Sceptre symbolizes the various attributes of divine rulership, a quality of Chesed. The Phoenix Wand is attributed to Geburah as the Wand of the Second Adept, as well as due to its fiery and destructive nature. Geburah is the active force, and Chesed is the passive force. That which controls or mediates the forces of Chesed and Geburah is Tiphareth. Furthermore, the "Lord of the Double Wand of Power" is Ra-Hoor-Khuit, the Sun-god.

If we link the colors of the first two Wands to those of the Sephiroth, the same pattern emerges. The Waas Sceptre is green, the color of Netzach and Venus, the passive force. The Phoenix Wand is red, and is associated with Geburah and Mars, the active force. Therefore the color of the Wand of Double Power is yellow or gold, the colors of Tiphareth and Sol, the mediator of the active and the passive forces.

Three Aeons, Three Wands

The Wand of Double Power is actually the latest incarnation of a Wand that has evolved throughout the Aeons. The first incarnation of this Wand was the Waas Sceptre of the Egyptians, corresponding with the Aeon of Isis. The second incarnation was the Phoenix Wand, which corresponds with the Aeon of Osiris. The Wand of Double Power corresponds with the present Aeon of Horus. In each Aeon the symbolism and color of the Wand is different; thus each wand must be examined in order to fully understand the symbolism and significance of the Wand of Double Power.

The Waas Sceptre

The wand pictured in the Stele of Revealing, taken in historical context, is the Waas Scepter. The waas sceptre was a symbol of health, happiness, and divine prosperity but also of power and dominion.The waas scepter was associated with the qualities of divine rulership, and was carried exclusively by gods and goddesses until late in Egyptian civilization, when the pharaohs took on this attribute in funereal works. In Egyptian art as well as in the Stele, the waas scepter is green in color. To the Egyptians, green was a symbolic of fertility, life and resurrection.

The Phoenix Wand

The Phoenix Wand of the Golden Dawn is described by the Second Adept in the Adeptus Minor Ritual: "Mine is a Wand terminating in the Symbol of the Binary, and surmounted by the Tau Cross of Life, or the head of the Phoenix, sacred to Osiris. ...It symbolizes Rebirth and Resurrection from Death."

By Frater Osiris

Gardai undertake search for Madeleine McCann in Boyle

THE WORLDWIDE search for the missing toddler Madeleine McCann took a strange twist last week when an English psychic led police to Boyle.

Local Gardai searched an area in Boyle last week for the four-year-old child after they were contacted by Interpol in Dublin. Sergeant Mick Carty of Boyle Garda Station confirmed to the Roscommon Herald that Gardai searched “a certain area in Boyle”.

“We got a tip off from a member of the public in England and as a result of that we searched a certain area in Boyle. We checked this out and regrettably nothing came of if. We would have liked to have been in a position to help the McCann family,” said Sergeant Carty.

It is understood that a psychic working with the English police believed that the missing Leicestershire toddler may have been in the Boyle area.

The tip off was relayed to local Gardai in Boyle and they searched an area last week. Gardai would not reveal the exact location where they carried out the search but simply said it was a “certain area in Boyle”. (Roscommon Herald 13th June 2007)

Sacred Trees: The Alder

The Alder is associated with courage and it represents the evolving spirit. Bran was a mighty warrior of ancient Britain. Not always the victor, but never defeated. In one battle Bran fights the Ash King on behalf of the Alder King. Though he loses the battle, he is still recognized as a great warrior. The period of the Vernal Equinox is an extremely important period in the Celtic year. as it represents free will and liberty in a moral context. It is still considered a crime to cut down a sacred Alder tree and he who does is considered the cause of any trouble in the village.

The audience is watching ..

Today's news has yet to herald anything regarding Madeleine McCann or the McCanns. It is another 'quiet moment'. Antonio Toscano has apparently divulged information relating to 100% proof of the abductor of Maddy. It doesn't surprise me however that there is nothing in today's news. I didn't rush to scour the internet this morning to find the outcome of his apparent revelations. I anticipated stony silence. The blank wall. I perceive it as a form of psychological conditioning ... 'the audience is watching' .... wanting to know the details, the news ... its a way of keeping the 'story' going. Revealing this information too soon means another revelation would need to be 'created' to fill this breach. By there being nothing, no news ... it keeps people on their toes ... it keeps the saga at the front of their minds. They must know what was revealed. They will therefore remember it more. Will be desperate to know what was said. So in another few days or a week or whenever it is reported ... the story is perpetuated that bit longer. Meaning less revelations & less news has to be given out to the watching audience. In other words ... it is intentional 'torture' by someone somewhere.

I admit I'm intrigued what will be reported. I sense already it will be an anti-climax. He is not going to divulge her current location ... basically because he DOESN'T know. It is a smokescreen nothing more. Nothing new will come from it, of that I am fairly certain.

Yesterday's and today's headlines, have been filled to saturation point, with the resignation of Tony Blair as Prime Minister of the UK. Tony Blair, an Englishman (the Lion) ... and the appointment of Gordon Brown as the new Prime Minister. Gordon Brown, a Scotsman (The Unicorn) .... It is an interesting parallel news trail in my opinion ... remember the Punch & Judy red herring? This just an interesting thought with Tony Blair now off to the Middle East .... what I muse cryptically over with this analogy is 'the lord of misrule' linked with the Punch character ....known in Scotland as 'the abbot of unreason ...this is the link to 'The Lord Of Misrule' which has a rather apt and ominous 'message' with regard to the situation occurring round this current affairs new's story. My attention is drawn to this cryptic analogy due to the pulling of the Ten of Weapons for Tony Blair a few weeks ago.

As far as Madeleine McCann is concerned, the audience will still wait and wait ... if need be. We collectively now must know the outcome of the situation. We must know what is the fate of the Shining Star. I still have no doubt she will be returned safe and well. That appears to be carved in stone now; ceremonial stone. The unusual aspects of the entire thing truly concern me. These aspects are never likely to be revealed to the watching audience. We are all likely to be 'sold a pup' with this regard. We are going to speculate the finite details of the case for years to come.

The entire affair will be assigned a place in conspiracy folklore for a long time (quite rightly in my opinion because there are too many suspicious circumstances appertaining to it) .... but the most important thing will be the new's stories which will arrive some time in the future which show the smiling faces of Gerry & Kate McCann proudly showing their daughter Madeleine to the world press. This is the only outcome I can see. Any doubts of this outcome faded from my mind several weeks ago.

Avebury Sarcen

Avebury Sarcen
Original artwork by Matthew James

Dream your reality ...

The dreams you choose to believe in come to be.
When you feel in your innermost being
that you will achieve what you set out to do,
you open the way for miracles.

Choose to believe something good can happen.
Expecting it to happen energizes your goal
and actually gives it momentum.
What you expect to happen, happens.

Life responds to your outlook. 

Look its a UFO ... ??

Finally ... here it is at last ... a close up of a UFO. Absolute proof of extra-terrestrial visitors! Somehow I don't think it is likely ... really. This photograph is very suspect ... thus its inclusion in The Sceptics Corner. However, I could be wrong ... so decide for yourself ....

Sedna: the solar system's most distant object

Back in March 2004, NASA announced it might have discovered a new planet in our solar system. The last time astronomers and astrologers got so excited was when Pluto was discovered in 1930. Sedna was actually discovered back in November 2003 but was officially confirmed in the press on March 15, 2004.

A perception exists that the discovery of a new planet throws everything out of whack and is more of an aggravation than a cause for celebration. As at June 2007, the scientific community is still debating whether or not Sedna is a genuine planet or an icy body. Certainly from an astrological point of view, it would be advantageous if it was decided that Sedna is a planet as icy bodies and asteroids are not nearly as influential in a chart. There has been some controversy surrounding the recent announcement that Pluto has been discovered to be an icy body and not a planet as originally thought. There is, however, much to reinforce Pluto's position astrologically through its discovery in 1930 coinciding with a global recession in 1929, the rise of fascism and World War Two and the discovery of nuclear power.

A perception exists that the discovery of a new planet throws everything out of whack and is more of an aggravation than a cause for celebration. As at June 2007, the scientific community is still debating whether or not Sedna is a genuine planet or an icy body. Certainly from an astrological point of view, it would be advantageous if it was decided that Sedna is a planet as icy bodies and asteroids are not nearly as influential in a chart. There has been some controversy surrounding the recent announcement that Pluto has been discovered to be an icy body and not a planet as originally thought. There is, however, much to reinforce Pluto's position astrologically through its discovery in 1930 coinciding with a global recession in 1929, the rise of fascism and World War Two and the discovery of nuclear power.

Sedna is approximately 10 billion kilometers from Earth and has a temperature that does not rise above 400 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.

It resides in the Kuiper Belt, a distant ring of icy planetoid bodies that orbit beyond Neptune.

It has an erratic orbit approximately 10,500 years long.

Sedna will become brighter over the next 72 years before her orbit brings her back the outer reaches of space.(Jeff Prince)

Beltane

Beltane or Bealtaine is an ancient Gaelic holiday celebrated around May 1. Historically, this festival was celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. There were similar festivals held at the same time in the other Celtic countries of Wales, Brittany and Cornwall. The festival survives in folkloric practices in the Celtic Nations and the diaspora, and has experienced a degree of revival in recent decades.

For the Celts, Beltane marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season when the herds of livestock were driven out to the summer pastures and mountain grazing lands. In modern Irish, Mí na Bealtaine ('month of Bealtaine') is the name for the month of May. The name of the month is often abbreviated to Bealtaine, with the festival day itself being known as Lá Bealtaine. The lighting of bonfires on Oidhche Bhealtaine ('the eve of Bealtaine') on mountains and hills of ritual and political significance was one of the main activities of the festival.In modern Scottish Gaelic, Là Buidhe Bealltaine ('the yellow day of Bealltain') is used to describe only the first of May.

In ancient Ireland the main Bealtaine fire was held on the central hill of Uisneach 'the navel of Ireland', the ritual centre of the country, which is located in what is now County Westmeath. In Ireland the lighting of bonfires on Oidhche Bhealtaine seems only to have survived to the present day in County Limerick, especially in Limerick itself, as their yearly bonfire night, though some cultural groups have expressed an interest in reviving the custom at Uisneach and perhaps at the Hill of Tara. The lighting of a community Bealtaine fire from which individual hearth fires are then relit is also observed in modern times in some parts of the Celtic diaspora and by some Neopagan groups, though in the majority of these cases this practice is a cultural revival rather than an unbroken survival of the ancient tradition.

Another common aspect of the festival which survived up until the early 20th century in Ireland was the hanging of May Boughs on the doors and windows of houses and of the erection of May Bushes in farmyards, which usually consisted either of a branch of rowan (mountain ash) or whitethorn (hawthorn) which is in bloom at the time and is commonly called the 'May Bush' in Hiberno-English. The practice of decorating the May Bush with flowers, ribbons, garlands and colored egg shells has survived to some extent among the diaspora as well, most notably in Newfoundland, and in some Easter traditions observed on the East Coast of the United States.

Beltane is a cross-quarter day, marking the midpoint in the Sun's progress between the vernal equinox and summer solstice. Since the Celtic year was based on both lunar and solar cycles, it is possible that the holiday was celebrated on the full moon nearest the midpoint between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice. The astronomical date for this midpoint is closer to May 5 or May 7, but this can vary from year to year. (Wikipedia)

What is Paganism?

One important thing to remember is that Paganism isn't a religion any more than Monotheism is a religion. Both Paganism and Monotheism are collective terms used to group very different religions that happen to share a few important classifying traits in common. For example, Monotheism includes the all the various forms of Judaism, Christianity and Islam (and many minor faiths). The beliefs of the individual religions grouped under the term "Pagan" probably vary even more than (say) Reform Judaism differs from Shiite Islam. As Wicca is currently the most well-known modern Pagan religion, many people tend to assume that all modern Pagans share the specific beliefs of Wicca (e.g. belief in a God and Goddess, the eight festival "wheel of the year," the Wiccan Rede, etc.). That assumption is simply incorrect. People who make that assumption generally end up very confused when they encounter some of the many modern Pagan religions that are not based on Wicca.

'Eye' see something heading for New Zealand

NZ-Tasman Infrared Satellite Image

3.08pm
28 June 2007

It's been relatively calm here on the North Island over the last week. We've sat and watched the torrential rain in the UK and counted ourselves very lucky. It appeared we'd missed the Storms of 2007. However, new flooding occurred in East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia overnight and we began to feel slightly concerned once more.

Travelling through the Waikato today we noticed some very strange looking cloud formations above us. Crystalline web like in their appearance .... long fingers across the sky ... very unusual and perhaps a portend of something ominous about to arrive?

Now, looking once more at the Satellite imaging above ... we see there is perhaps cause for concern once more as a swirling 'eye' like structure can be seen clearly in the left of the image just east of the coast of Australia. Perhaps heading for New Zealand?

Posh 'purchases £250,000 closet that scans her body and tells her what to wear'

Her enthusiasm for all things fashion has seen her occasionally wear some real howlers. But if reports out of America where Victoria Beckham is soon to move are to be believed, the chances of her making such mistakes again are about to be dramatically reduced. Mrs Beckham has reportedly paid out for some extraordinary hi-tech computer wizardry which will scan the outfit she is wearing and allow her to view 360-degree images of herself before she meets the paparazzi on a night out. The report, in America's In Touch Weekly magazine claims the Beckhams have splashed out £250,000 on a walk-in closet at their luxurious new Los Angeles mansion. The room apparently comes with a "CAT-scan" such as those used in medical practice which will give her a detailed picture from all angles of herself wearing an outfit on a computer screen within seconds.

Mrs Beckham also, it is said, has a computer system set up to archive all of her outfits so that she can find them instantly, and most importantly not wear the same ones too often. (Daily Mail)

Update: Environment Agency warns that 'almost nowhere will escape floods this weekend

The devastating floods that killed six people and left thousands homeless could return to wreak more destruction at the weekend. A severe weather warning has been issued by the Environment Agency - and flood experts say Britain is only experiencing "a lull between the storms". The Environment Agency has warned that almost nowhere will escape the flood threat at the weekend."It's not just the North that's going to be hit with more heavy rain, but the whole of England and Wales," said a spokesman.

Flood-hit UK braced for more rain

Britain is set to be hit by more heavy rain following severe floods which claimed the lives of four people. Forecasters say up 50mm of rain could fall in parts of the country on Saturday, and the Met Office has issued an early warning of severe weather. There is expected to be rainfall of 15-25mm on Saturday, although some places could see 40-50mm. BBC weather forecaster Jay Wynne said: "Today it's a pretty reasonable day. One or two light showers. There will be some rain overnight. "The main event is going to be this weekend. There will be plenty of wet, windy weather across the country on Saturday."It could be quite nasty. The good thing is it's not going to be a stalled weather front where it's stuck in the same place. This system will be moving through." (BBC News)

The Fool: Origins of the image

The Fool is traditionally regarded as the most important, yet least significant of all the tarot images. In many systems, The Fool is not even given a number, being outside of the regular order of trumps. The Fool partakes of all images in the entire tarot pack, but particularly the trumps --- thus there are twenty two ways of defining The Fool. These definitions are given form by the trump images, so when we consider the trump of The Fool in its own right, we must consider an overview of the tarot as well as one specific image.

When a cosmic pattern of tarot is defined, we are observing a map which acts as a working definition of the universe on one level of meaning; or of interactions between the inner & outer worlds upon another; both levels are represented by landscapes filled with images or symbols; both levels are reflections of one another.

The Fool is an individual who travels through the landscapes, both on a universal and a human level. Therefore The Fool is originative divinity or pure being and expressed humanity. He is a transpersonal androgynous entity; he/she is the root of consciousness becoming self aware. Such self-awareness may be in the human sphere where the mind begins a long, slow process of reflection, assimilation and self examination; it may also be in the supernal or stellar sphere, where the the unknown source of existence breathes force or uttrs stars as reflections of itself. These ultimate extremes, and all reflections between them are The Fool; though in the connecting Images the role become very firmly attuned, polarised and specific. This specialisation of course gives rise to the trumps and their set of relationships. (RJ Stewart)

Spiritual paths ...

"In any way that men love me in that same way they find my love: for many are the paths of men, but they all in the end come to me."
-- Song of God, Bhagavad Gita

Spirit - the life force - exists in everything. It follows, then, that ANY path, any encounter is spiritual if we have the awareness to see it as such. Going deeper, going higher, emptying, connecting, believing or disbelieving, bouncing off the bottom, experiencing the heights, in pain, in ecstasy ....

Too often, we search afar for our own purpose when it is in our lives all the time, waiting for us to express it more openly. Bring greater awareness to each encounter and situation in life. Tune in to what you are inspired to do, who you are inspired to be. Your answers are waiting for you to pay attention - every moment!

"...focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it."
-- Greg Anderson

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Update: The Arab's Boat & The 'Bounty Hunter'

All ports in the region are being monitored and Malta’s special forces have been sent to the area. The total number of reported sightings of Madeleine in Malta has reached 29 since she disappeared on May 3 from the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz while on holiday with her family.

Last night a Portuguese official said: “It is a distinct possibility that Madeleine has been held captive on a vessel like the one seen in Malta so we are very keen to track this boat very quickly”. A charity telethon broadcast in Malta on Sun­day was dominated by Madel­eine, with the island’s 1992 Euro­vision song contest entry Mary Spiteri dedicating her song Little Child to the missing girl.

Today a Spanish investigator who claims to know Madeleine’s kidnapper is set to hand over his evidence to police. Antonio Toscano says he is certain the four-year-old was snatched by a French sex offender on the orders of the wealthy kingpins of a Europe-wide paedophile network.

Toscano’s claims first came to light three weeks ago but have so far prompted a lukewarm response from the Portuguese authorities, who want him to provide evidence to support his allegations. Television investigator Toscano, whose story was published in Spain’s respected daily El Mundo, also works as a private eye specialising in missing children cases. Last week he emailed the Portuguese police with the full name and a picture of the French paedophile. He said Portuguese and Spanish police are working on tracking down the mystery man, a convicted paedophile said to use the alias “ The Frenchman”.

Toscano added that he has also passed on the names and photographs of the paedophile’s associates, who are known to be at large after serving jail sentences for child sex offences. The 36-year-old investigator insists he is “100 per cent certain” the Frenchman snatched Madel­eine. He claims the Frenchman told an informant of his that he was going to the Algarve to visit friends – only to vanish after the girl disappeared from the McCann family’s apartment. Toscano said: “I’m not willing to make any of the names public yet. The police need time to work on the information I’ve given them. But I hope in due course they will make both the names and pictures public as part of an appeal for information on their whereabouts.”

He added: “Every other lead has fallen down. The police are now working on the first piece of credible information they’ve had since Madeleine went missing.”

The investigator, who has solved 14 missing children cases, claims to have met the mystery Frenchman twice while investigating paedophile cases. He has offered anguished parents Kate and Gerry McCann his services for free. A spokesman for the family acknowledged con­tact with Toscano but said he declined to provide a name for the suspect at every stage. (Daily Express)

"Au revoir, auf wiedersehen, arrivederci"

The long goodbye, the brisk hello. Tony Blair left Downing Street for the last time today, the culmination of a seven-week farewell tour that has seen him grandstanding around the world with everyone from Nelson Mandela to the Pope. The greatest actor-politician of his generation left the grand stage of the House of Commons with a flourish worthy of a Shakespearean tragi-hero. His last Commons appearance as PM was surprisingly jovial. When asked the traditional question about his duties that day, he replied: "I have had meetings with colleagues earlier today but have no further such meetings later today, or any other day."

"Au revoir, auf wiedersehen, arrivederci" was his response to Tory MP Sir Nicholas Winterton who unsuccessfully demanded a referendum on the new EU treaty. "I am really not bothered about that one" was Mr Blair's response, after a pause, to a questioner who asked about the possibility of the disestablishment of the Church of England, for the outgoing PM has been the subject of speculation that he might become a Roman Catholic. (Daily Mail)

Mercury Retrograde – June 15 - July 10, 2007

The planet Mercury will turn stationary retrograde on Friday, June 15 at 11-degrees tropical Cancer, and will remain retrograde until turning direct on July 9/10 at 2-degrees Cancer. A planet is retrograde when it appears from the perspective of a person on Earth that the planet is moving backward in the Zodiac.

Mercury’s retrograde occurs three times a year, and often does so in the same element (earth, air, fire, water.) This year, Mercury’s retrogrades are in the element of water.

Mercury’s retrograde usually brings along disruptions in communications related to the element, and its position in the zodiac. From June 15 to July 10, Mercury will be retrograde in the tropical constellation of Cancer, and after turning direct on July 9/10 will move slowly until picking up speed in late July, and early August 2007.

When Mercury is slow, people tend to have problems communicating. Slow responses, mistakes, poor scheduling, and major technical disruptions that affect travel, professional and personal progress.

Look for these areas to show unexpected disruptions, slowdowns, failures in negotiations, and overall frustrations:

Ø Slow decision making by others
Ø Mistakes in decisions, poor judgments
Ø People constantly rescheduling, cancellations, etc.

During times of Mercury’s retrogrades, expect slowdowns in communications with people often changing plans, being indecisive, unsure, that often that lead to widespread confusion. The results are missed appointments, loss of work and profit, and general frustration because things are not operating normally. Astrologically and practically, the best way to handle such problems is to take the time to avoid signing contracts and making promises one cannot keep during such retrogrades of Mercury. It is best to use the Mercury retrograde cycle to take the time to think over all the consequences of decisions and actions that are possible while not settling on a plan of action until after the retrograde is over.

These retrogrades sometimes can become blessings in disguise because it allows time for unresolved issues and decisions to be re-considered. Business and personal affairs can be carefully thought over while allowing for unfinished tasks that were started before the retrograde to be handled with more introspective and wiser action and thought ~ allowing for practical decisions to come to light. Mercury’s retrograde in mid-June to July lasts throughout the entire month of July because right after Mercury heads stationary direct, the transit continues to be slower than normal. This will last to about July 24, when Mercury picks up speed.

Update: The Boat sighting of Maddy

A girl resembling Madeleine was reportedly spotted being taken aboard the yacht of an Arab family in Malta, the Daily Express said. Police have been trying to find the boat. A Portuguese official told the paper: "It is a distinct possibility that Madeleine has been held captive on a vessel like the one seen in Malta, so we are very keen to track this boat very quickly".

There have been a total of 29 alleged sightings of Madeleine on the island of Malta so far. But officers have investigated reports of sightings across the world and none of them have been proven to be Madeleine. (Sky News)

Daily Merlin
Transcript
10:40pm - 11;10pm

'Was it Maddy sighted on the boat?'

My instinct is a strong 'no' ... no indications at all it was Maddy.

Two of Weapons .. Two arms with hands bearing a flaming sword are seen appearing out of the black background in the image. One of the arms points the flaming sword to the top of the image; its arm wears a blue garment and has no gauntlet. The 2nd arm points the flaming sword to the bottom of the image; with a black garment; wearing a gauntlet. The card indicates 'quarrels & disagreements' ... there is divided views on the legitimacy of these sightings. There is mixed reaction ... judging by the way the swords point in opposite directions ... I sense that it was not Maddy on this boat ... it makes no sense for it to be Maddy at all.

21 - The World
8 of Crescents

Many people are looking for sight of the Shining Star, which is understandable with her abduction so high profile. I intuit that all eyes seek the face which is connected to the balloons which soar above the world ... but no eyes actually look where the shining star is located. They gaze in all the logical & anticipated directions. But nobody has yet focussed on the place she resides. Even the Hawk overlooks that concealed locality. Though its eyes come closer to the direction than realised. Eyes of the lion and the bull look completely in the wrong direction. However. Know some European eyes do look right through the visage of the shining star each and every day without knowing it is her.

He is a darkly tanned man with flowing brown/ginger hair. He works in a profession which is similar to the parents of the Shining star ... he is unaware because her appearance appears to have really changed. Her eyes appear darker when seen by an observer however he only gets to see her in shadow ... she still has her compelling smile and her infectious laugh ... around her is an older girl however, with flowing blond hair ... with make up, jewellery and the poise of someone born into an aristocratic family. This girl is perhaps 14 or 15; she knows the Shining Star is Maddy but her lips are sealed. She is one who is able to keep the aura of illusion surrounding Maddy. There is a cover story which fits perfectly which knits Maddy into it well. This girl bears a passing resemblance to Maddy; could almost be in truth her older Sister ... she is her chaperone and companion during the hours that the holy Mother doesn't attend.

This young woman could have quite a tale to tell ... her experiences are many. However, she will remain invisible and obscure ... she does her 'job' very well. Linked to the aged man ... that Master Knight ... the black robed figure in the 8 of Crescents. Perhaps in truth from him she was indirectly descended. Into family traditions she will never question. Honoured by the bow of infinity in her hair and at her feet ... she proudly bears the family jewels on her crown with pride. Often she will walk with purpose and poise through busy streets; see pictures, hear news of Maddy ... but not once does she flinch. Not once is she nervous ... even with the close company to it all she keeps.

I sense the 21 and the 8 are significant with these images. 21 is likely to be 21 days ... leading the trail towards the end of July and into the 8th month which is August. The previous image .. that of disagreements & quarrels will begin to play a much more involving row. Apparently a split in the way things are to be reviewed and reported will occur. Some kind of mutiny or desertion. Some kind of subterfuge and a refusal to conform to what demanded within the mould. Something gives around the very core of it all ... cracks in the ice ... a break in the wall ... and there are no thumbs there to fill in the hole.

**Update**

It is truly time Maddy was found or returned to the McCanns ...

Turning my attention in the same way I've been doing now for the last few weeks ... focusing on an image of Maddy ... I sense there is no change in the impressions she is alive & well. This is a constant thing. Her environment however is changing ... there is something afoot. A sense of something I cannot describe ... nothing life threatening to Maddy. But just a sense of regret/relief around Maddy. The word 'tenure' was whispered to me ... the ending of a tenure or a responsibility. It is a blank, dark sensation I receive when I attempt to remote view where Maddy is. She's not in darkness ... of that I do know. Because I have the sense of sunlight & flowers with Maddy ... she appears to respond to flowers and bright colours? Sunshine through a window and she is gazing out through a window ... over water? Perhaps the sea though that is not totally clear. The presence I sense near her is cunning ... and a deep thinker; not a forward planner though. The decisions have already been made.

Where is the locality?
Not Portugal I hear.

Sometimes but not always on the move. Tedious routine. Changing scenes trying to keep the girl occupied. So many questions. Too many questions. Tiring me out .. a live wire energy. A fig-git. Make promises to keep. Occupy her mind and her day. Then she gives that look and the day just melts ...

The presence close to her is kind. Though a male or sometimes males are not as kind. But they leave them be ... there's is a job to do. Plenty of shade and water ... she needs her water, not pop.

Day 55: Vigil As Reporter Backs Up Claim

A vigil for Madeleine McCann will be held at Ireland's holiest shrine, as a Spanish investigator prepares to hand over evidence about her alleged abductor. It is now 55 days since the four-year-old disappeared from a holiday apartment in a Portuguese seaside resort. Hundreds of well-wishers in Ireland have been sending messages of support to the girl's parents Gerry and Kate McCann, including many from Knock Shrine. Madeleine's maternal grandparents Sue and Brian Healy, from Liverpool, asked for the service at the church in County Mayo. It will run from 8pm until midnight on Friday. Spanish investigator Antonio Toscano has insisted the four-year-old was abducted by a French sex offender, as part of a Europe-wide paedophile network. He is set to hand over his evidence to police in Portugal this afternoon.(Sky News)


Daily Merlin
Transcript
10:20pm - 10:30pm

Bells are ringing in warning deep in my subconscious. Proof of an abduction by a sex offender. Right ... so that's it all nice and neat & tidy. Sorry, but the resonance of this 'revelation' does not feel right. I sense something ominous here like black dirty water quickly filtered to pass it off as pure drinking water. It is very wrong the information. This is going to be misleading. This is going to resound like danger ... I sense this VERY strongly. I find it truly hard to breathe with this information. It stifles me and defiles me with something really obscene. What does this Toscano guy deal with? What goes through his mind ? What passes cross his eyes. He is not as clean as the driven snow as he would lead us to believe. Do not let him deceive us with his fragranced words. CON man ... deceiver. Man with two heads. Man with multiple loyalties ... a mercenary, a liar, a thief is around this guy feeding him what he wants to hear and charging him the earth ... no way do I believe what I anticipate I will soon read....

Seven of Crescents
Giver of Weapons

Something is not right here. Seven of Crescents ... untapped resources ... 'making a dream a reality' ... an illusionist at work here. Somewhere and somehow this links to the scenario described previously of the Giver of Weapons, the flaming sword & the kneeling receiving knight. This situation apparently about to unfold .... 'someone will try to wash their dirty linen in public' ... will try to tidy it all up ... and bag an informant or trouble maker in the process. This illusion is so easy to spot ... this deception not as hidden as it could have been. Almost like this is meant to be found ... the flaw in the story ... ??

This insight may have come out a little bit too strong ... its energy truly overwhelmed me. Some force somewhere disapproves of the way this evidence will be presented. By a man without any scruples within the confines of a gentle place ... appalling to someone.

**Update**

However, I sense a breakthrough indirectly. A clue. An overlooked conversation or observation around the time of Maddy's disappearance. A German car like a BMW or Mercedes ... dark in colour ... a link to boats once more ...

Brown to take over as British PM

Gordon Brown will today become British Prime Minister, bringing an end to Tony Blair's decade-long tenure in 10 Downing Street. Fulfilling his promise to work to the end of his premiership, Blair, who is set to become an envoy for Mideast peace, will attend his last Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons at noon (1 p.m. GMT). The 30-minute session, pitting Blair against opposition Conservative leader David Cameron across the despatch box for the final time, is expected to be a good-humored farewell. Blair will then be driven the short distance to Buckingham Palace to formally hand his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's head of state.Minutes later Brown, who has served as Blair's finance minister throughout his 10 years in power, will travel to the palace where the queen will invite him to form a government.

Then Brown, now prime minister, will be driven back to Downing Street and pose for pictures outside the famous front door. He will then set to work appointing his cabinet and the rest of his government. (CNN)

19 The Sun (reversed)
10 Wheel of Fortune
8 of Crescents

The 8 of Crescents depicts the black robed 'priest' crossing a bridge under the cover of night ... leaving the past behind. With the reversal of the Sun indicates little or no success will be achieved due to the new helmsman at the wheel of fortune. Little or nothing appears to change.

Thelemapedia

This door below leads to Thelemapedia, the original open-source encyclopedia of Thelema and Magick, including topics on Qabalah, astrology, yoga, godforms, biographies, and the works of Aleister Crowley.

BE WARNED ...
Entry through to what lies beyond is NOT for the faint hearted.


OK ... so that's as far as I go ... here it is:

**THE DOOR TO THE THELEMAPEDIA**

... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Cathar Overview

The Cathars were a medieval Gnostic movement that flourished for a time in the Languedoc region of Southern France. They are thought to be an offshoot of the Bogomils, a Bulgarian gnostic sect, in turn most likely influenced by ideas from Manichean and other eastern gnostic sects,* brought West through trade routes from the Middle East.

The Cathars believed themselves to be the only "true" church, and dismissed the Roman Church as corrupt, greedy, hypocritical, and power-hungry Roman paganism. They eschewed materialism and hierarchy, and attempted to emulate the earliest Christians, living simply and ascetically.Very little is known about the intricacies of Cathar doctrines, but it is known that they had a dualistic view similar to that of the Zoroastrians and the Manichean gnostics- that good and evil were eternal powers that existed in almost balanced measure, in constant opposition. They believed the material world to be a prison- that Satan was the personification of chaos, and the earth a construct that allowed the dark forces to imprison and partake of the nature of the light. The taught that it it was a Cathar's spiritual duty to liberate the spirit from its material prison.

Cathar views of Jesus were also gnostic in character. They taught that Christ was not a physical man, but a being of pure spirit who visited the earth only long enough to teach his apostles the doctrine of salvation from the Old Testament God, the Demiurge who was synonymous with Satan as the creator of the material world. The realm of Light was the abode of the good and of freed souls, but the forces of the earthly god worked to keep the souls of men imprisoned. Some believed that the spirits of men were those of fallen angels, lost to matter after the fall from heaven.

The Cathars considered the rituals of the Catholic Church to be inventions, and decried the veneration of saints, relics, and especially the crucifixion, to be works of the devil. They rejected the crucifixion and those that upheld it as a symbol, and they denied the virgin birth. They found the eucharist to be abhorrent, and decried the possibility that something that "met such a bad end" in the sewers could in fact be the body of God.

Cathars did not believe in hell, but in reincarnation into the created world. The ascetic life of the Parfait was intended to aid in overcoming the cycle of rebirth, as one who became pure would have the strength to fight the evil spirits who would continually hound human souls into new bodies. Those who received the consolamentum late in life or while dying were thought to have the opportunity to return to a more spiritual life- this death-bed baptism was referred to as "making a good end."

Taken from 'The Cathars'