Touch the Earth, Feel the Sky

Earth

Earth, we wake up to her, we spend our day with her, we lie down with her.

Earth is our home our special place in the universe; a place where we rest our feet, where we look up at the stars, where we play football, listen to outdoor concerts, where we play dominoes and cards, sit out and enjoy tapas and wine, pizza and beer, where we skip and jump and play and a jumping off point for our space ships to blast off into the heavens on a never ending search for what's out there.  

Earth..where we bury our loved ones.  


And, yet, how many of us really give earth a second thought? 

We humans inhabit this planet, only one in a million of other species who occupy the same space we do.

When I walked out this morning to water my lawn I noticed a little tree frog (not much bigger than your little finger) on the head of the hydrant and carefully picked it up and placed it on a leaf. 

I looked down at my feet at the busy ants scurrying away trying not to get stepped on, I listened to the little wren who has taken up residence in an old box in the corner of my garage singing her heart out.  The sun is coming up and showering its golden rays over everything.

I am ever mindful of just how transient life is.  How, one moment everything can be wonderful and blissful and then, in the blink of an eye how it can change.  

Today, touch the earth and feel the sky.

Make the connection.

Connections, isn't that what it's all about, anyway?   
- - -
https://youtu.be/mmxBoFzdqVI

Gary B.B. Coleman - The Sky is Crying

Truisms

"In school you're taught a lesson and then given a test.  In Life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson".

Severe Drought Affecting Livestock, Farmers and Winter Forage

https://www.yahoo.com/news/no-grass-europes-livestock-sector-stricken-drought-031300962.html

Way to Go!

Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines - 2013

Today, take stock of where you are in life.  Look around you, do you see a piled up heap of garbage in the corner of your room?  Are there unwashed dishes in the sink?   Have you been putting off getting rid of something that has outlived its usefulness you no longer need but haven't done it yet? 

Do it.

Preparation is the order for today and none of us are truly prepared for anything until, of course, a disaster happens to show up on our front door.

How convenient, for the disaster but how inconvenient for us. 

Preparation is a disciple of discipline.  In order to make headway in life one needs to be prepared.  Where do I want to go?  What do I want to do?  How will I get there?  These steps are all part of getting you from point a to point b and these steps work well in good times as well as bad.

Make Preparation a Way of Life.

The Most Astounding Fact - Neil deGrasse Tyson

"Revelation"

https://revelationmovies.com/?mc_cid=14dfc424e&mc_eid=a31f2f645f

The Scapegoat

Full of Sin

In ancient Hebrew the name Azazel, Azaz meaning "rugged" and el meaning "strong" was originally thought to mean the mountainous region in which a sacrificial goat was thrown off a cliff,  "cast down", during the ancient Hebrew Day of Atonement.   Thus, the name Scapegoat we're all familiar with.  

Azazel is depicted in both Judaism and  Islam and is referred to by the Hebrews as belonging to the class of Ser'irim (hairy beings) or "goat demons" who wandered in the desert.

In Islam, Azazel is thought to be Iblis (meaning confusion) or Satan.  Iblis was the Jinn (any of a class of spirits that influence mankind for either good or evil) or spirit that worshipped Allah (G-d) from among the angelic realm.  He made a promise to tempt mankind and lead them all astray and was transformed by G-d from an angelic deity into a demonic one. 

Azazel is connected to the Hebrew ancient Day of Atonement in which three animals, a ram and two male goats were offered as sin offerings on behalf of the Jewish people.

The ram was  sacrificed as a burnt offering on an altar while one goat was sacrificed to Yhwh (G-d) and the other goat laden with the sins of the Hebrew People by the High Priest as he impugned and condemned the animal, sending it back to a place of desolation and ruin (the desert, wilderness) which was believed to be the source of all Corruption, Temptation, Impurity.  This is why No. XV, The Devil Card in Tarot (meaning Temptation and Corruption) is portrayed as a man looking like a goat.   

Azazel is mentioned in the Book of Enoch as the leader of the giants (who roamed the earth during this time) preceding the Great Flood.  Azazel taught men the art of warfare and women the art of deceiving and seducing men by beautifying and adorning their bodies and hair along with the secrets of sorcery and witchcraft.

Azazel's corruption finally gained the attention of the L-rd and He commanded the Archangel Raphael to bind him hand and foot and cast him down into darkness where he would stay until the Day of Judgement.

In Christianity, Jesus Christ was born into the world to save people from their sins and was referred to as The Lamb of G-d.  Interesting analogy because both goat and sheep are closely related.  Jesus came to earth to take on humanity's sins into and unto Himself in order to save humanity from its evil ways.   

His growing flock and popularity caught the attention of the Pharisees (Lawgivers) in the Sanhedrin (ancient Jewish Supreme Court) who began to fear Him because of the signs and wonders he performed.  They even went so far as to label Jesus as being in league with the Devil with whom Jesus was accused of helping.   

After many months of seeking Jesus and doing investigative work they caught up with Him, accused Him of blasphemy (breaking Jewish Law) bound him, hand and foot and put Him on trial even though there had been many mock trials before this one.   Jesus was found guilty and condemned to death.  Because Jewish Law prohibited crucifixion, the Romans were assigned to kill Jesus by nailing him to a wooden altar (a cross).

I appreciate being able to bring forth interesting and long forgotten information relating to subjects of interest that I feel are of importance to all of us.

If, after reading you have any any additional clarifications, comments or questions, I would appreciate hearing from you.
 
     ~Nightshade

In the Shadow of the Cross

 This was the reflection in my kitchen this morning

 

Golden Tresses

Our Ancestors Believed the Willow Could Heal Us

Magical Properties:  Inspiration, Binding, Love and Healing

There is something magical happening today.  It reminds me of a weeping willow with its long tresses gently swaying back and forth in tune with the earth's rotation.  

Something magical, indeed.  

Maybe the Gods and Goddesses are finally coming to humanity's plight; maybe more of the Unknown is to be revealed so Man will know his True origins.

No more hearsay, no more innuendoes, no more lies, no more doctrines of darkness keeping the Truth buried.

More and more we are learning about the Good within us.  We have so much to offer this planet if we could only remove our shackles.

~Liberation is at hand~ 

Listen to the trees; listen to the earth and most of all, listen to your heart.

Getting to Know You

Choose from the list below.  Pick out one action that will define your week.   Identify those things that are pulling you down and holding you back.  Make a note of them in your phone or write them down in a notebook that you carry with you.  Whenever you catch yourself behaving as the word describes take note if it's negative and/or positive.  If negative, vow you'll try and do better.  Keep score assigning any amount (number) for positive and negative. 

Tally up your score at the end of the week. 
__________________________

Relentless
Easy Going
Methodical
Punctual
Team Player
Reliable
Lazy
Honest
Hard Working
Purposeful
Decisive
Forgiving
Driven
Happy
Shy
Lonesome
Responsible
Conscientious
Selfish
Bewildered
Suspicious
Courageous
Cruel
Awkward
Unattractive
Spiteful
Egotistical
Tolerant
Intolerant
Respectful
Careless
Careful
Cowardly
Diligent
Anxious
Fearful
Fearless
Worthless
Worthy
Sad
Abusive
Hateful
Weak
Stubborn
Hopeful
Faithful
Merciful
Betrayed
Angry
Vengeful
Reluctant
Neglected
Dedicated
Arrogant

Tormented

Do you ever feel like pulling a heavy blanket over you, and wanting to hide in a very dark place?  Maybe you've got a bottle of wine with you or something else that makes you feel good.   

It's okay.  I've been there. 

Nobody to talk to, nobody understands, leave me alone, what's the point of even talking to anybody,  anymore because nobody has a clue as to how I'm feeling, right?  

You are experiencing something that will continue to define you as a human being, (emotions) someone who is vulnerable, someone who is having trouble accepting things, someone who was taught to believe in something but, somehow, now his or her trust has been betrayed, someone you looked up to is now someone to be feared, or something you believed in has now proven to be false.   

When you lose all trust in someone or something it's a big deal.

I'm here to help because I know.  I've been struggling with this trust thing my whole life.

The dark you're experiencing is nothing to be afraid of.  It's actually a womb where we are able to go and hide in order to sort things out.  (Think of depression).

It is there for us to see us to help us through a period in our lives where what we perceive is impenetrable or the seemingly impossible as we grope our way along a darkened path.       

Whatever it is that brought you here to this dark place, think of it not as something negative or to be feared but as something positive to you regaining a healthy balance in your life.

You are not an earthworm but a firefly who metamorphosis at just the right time in order to let his or her light shine.  

I was prompted this evening, after I had gone to bed, to get up and post this because I felt there was someone in need of hearing this.   

Whoever you are, you are in the process of self discovery and will do what is necessary to get yourself back on track.

First Faith and then Trust, 

         ~Blessings,
               NIghtshade

CREATION - Cinematic Fantasy Orchestral Music Mix | Epic Emotive Musical...

Gone with the Wind

This is the time to make important decisions

Because the wind is at your back and

Not in your face

We are on the cusp of something wonderful

Happening here on earth

The winds aloft are steadily pushing us

Gently steering us forward

Along our paths

We look neither left or right but straight ahead

There is no Wrong Turn

This is good and positive energy

Coming out of Heaven and 

Raining down on earth

We are all Scribes, now

Knowing what is best for us

And what is not

The universe will have its way

You are part of the universe

And not just along, for the ride

Get a Life

It's amazing how a compliment can affect you.  You've had a bad day, you've had a bad week, then someone takes the time to take you aside and compliment you for something.

It could be a simple thank you or something more.  

Suddenly, you're feeling better about yourself and everything negative that was pulling you down begins to fade away.

Negativity is an oppressive thing and we're all subjected to it day in and day out.  No wonder there are so many people with mental issues.

Our environment (what we're subjected to, where we grow up, where we work, etc.) has much to do with whether we're happy or miserable in life.   It really boils down to people.  Look at who's creating all the problems in the world...it's not the plant and animal kingdom, its people.  

If you start taking note of how your day starts, the television news, the people around you and whether they are constantly putting something or someone else down, can definitely contribute to whether you're feeling confident and happy or down and miserable.  

Pretty soon it can become a permanent part of your life as you're always expecting the worst in yourself as well as in everybody else. 

There are so many chains that hold us back in life and many times we're the ones who made the links. 

It's time to assess and readdress so....make today a positive day not only for yourself but someone else. 

Get a new life and say something nice. 

    ~ Blessings,
          Nightshade 🙆


 

Forgiveness

Are you having trouble accepting yourself with all your faults and imperfections?  Are you ignoring parts of you you don't like?

If we are to move forward in life with any confidence at all we need to address this issue in order to create a positive and healthy mental attitude within us.      

We all have two sides, a dark side and a light side.  The two are separated and don't intermingle unless we first acknowledge their presence and ask them to meet one another.  Your light side is what you show to others while your dark side (you could call it your primal force) stays hidden and in the shadows.

The trick is learning how to get both of them to meet and then work together.  These two sides are what make us who we are (our needs, wants and desires, our personalities) and blending them together is necessary to our spiritual growth.

Today we can see examples of how the dark side (primal force) has taken over people's lives.   We read accounts every day of someone murdering somebody or going into a violent rage or sexually assaulting someone or taking their anger out into the streets.  The mistake was not acknowledging their lust, or  mental illness, or a hidden rage and then finding ways of dealing with it. Then, all of a sudden, they couldn't handle it anymore and took it out on others. 

If you choose to acknowledge your dark side and slowly learn how to integrate it with your light side this effort will be ongoing throughout your life.     

Sure, we can ignore subtle signs that our dark side is reaching out to us, trying to get our attention, for example, you did something out of the ordinary and it hurt someone or maybe even yourself.  It wasn't in your character to do so and you ask yourself, "why did I do that?"  But sometimes, these prompts for our attention can be far from subtle.  The trick is to take action early to correct a problem and not let things get out of hand.

If you've noticed, the world is not about bringing people together, coalescing or living in any semblance of harmony but tearing and breaking things apart, division, categorizing, programming and control by any means necessary.

The world is sorely divided and can't make up it's mind but we can.  We can choose absolution over  revolution.   

In so doing you will not only be helping the world but your decision will inspire others.

There is a saying, "When it's all over it's not who you were but whether you made a difference." 

***

The Dark Side of the Witch

The Dead Zone

I had an interesting experience this morning.

I walked into the bathroom to brush my teeth and then started back toward my bedroom but something made me stop before I entered. 

As I looked into my bedroom the first thing I felt was dead silence and no air movement.  The sun was shining through the closed blinds showing narrow slats of soft golden yellow bands across the bed, the ceiling fan was on when I left but now appeared to be off and specks of dust hung suspended in the air.

The room had a vacant, hollow feel to it like everything had been sucked out of it.  It felt like a movie set with all the props in place but none of the actors.  It actually felt that time had ceased.  The room was no longer full of life but now only a hollow shell, a reminder, a remnant of once was.

For a brief moment I believe I had crossed over into another realm and was the observer and not the participant.

I wonder, is this what death must be like?  That you're here and then you're gone and now able to stand on the other side and view your life in snapshots as it plays across the wide screen?

It is rare moments such as this that one is able to get a tiny glimpse into what we call the other side, the Supernatural and what we consider life to be but, rather where the experience turns our ordinary, humdrum lives and beliefs upside down because now we've come face to face with the realization that things are not what they are, not what they seem, not what we've been taught but much, much more and, at the very least, hopefully, an experience that will leave us a little more spiritual, a little more enlightened.     

This morning's encounter was all that and so much more.         

It reminded me of the movie, "Interstellar", where the astronaut is suspended in time, floating between two worlds, the real and the unreal as he desperately attempts to reach his daughter because he left without her approval.  But, now a solid library wall separates the two of them.  He can see her on the other side of the wall and she can sense his presence but they cannot connect with each other.  

Today is just another day, but is it, really?  Everything you experience today, everything you see, everything you feel, everything you think, everything you taste is it real or not?

Or is today, just another one in a long line of illusion, just another day in which you rehearse your lines and say them right on cue, moving among cardboard props and cardboard people or is it much, much more?

KJV, Philippians 4:8:  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.


Blessings,
     ~Nightshade

Another Solar Eclipse in 2018

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2018/08/09/saturday-sees-the-third-final-and-best-solar-eclipse-of-2018/#67f561072ddc

One Life Gone But Another Saved

http://www.lifenews.com/2018/08/07/mom-heroically-refused-abortion-to-save-her-life-when-she-died-doctors-saved-her-23-week-old-baby/

Stepping on Ant Hills

Have you ever thought about all all the different life forms that accompany you as you go about your work?    

Do you consider animals your friends or are they nuisances?  Do you cringe in horror when you see a slaughter of wild horses or poachers going after African Elephants?  Have you ever wondered what an ant's day is like as they scurry under your feet or do you focus on stepping on as many of them you can?

Do you stop and look at a flower, in the midst of a patch of weeks and marvel at her beauty and wonder how it is that this one little flower can do so much to change your attitude?  

When you woke this morning and looked out the window, did you happen to see a solitary bird sitting on a wire, singing her heart out?  She showed up because you had a very bad night and she wanted to brighten your day by offering encouragement.   

Do you ever watch as dragonflies and butterflies soar all around you?  Do you ever stop your car to move a stranded turtle in the middle of the road?  Do you ever wonder where Hummingbirds go in the winter?  Do you feed the deer?    

This life we lead down here is pregnant with life. 

The Ancients say that even the stones we walk upon have a life force and a voice can be heard when we pick one up and hold it close.

These life forms guide us and educate us  as they connect, interconnect with us.  They reach out and touch us guiding us and help us grow. 

If we are ever able to make this world a better place for all, we must first acknowledge and then affirm our belief that we can't make it on our own.

We need to accept and understand that our co-companions are not just here to be caged or consumed.  They are here as our guides and helpers in understanding who and what we are and more importantly, our roles on earth.   

Learn how to make a Prison Chimichanga with a Dorito Bag - Spreads 2.9