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[ The Star and the Moon ] & [ Getting Started Building your Sacred Space ]

Well Summer is here and we are working on or outdoor sanctuaries and gardens.  This time of year is wonderful for all our outdoor activities and getting involved in our communities.  This season is a time to think of peace in the world.

Cindy's Feature Article:

The Star and the Moon

The Star
Whether you thought it wonderful or terrifying, after you experienced the Tower Card, you have a clean slate to redirect your new priorities. Through the Star, we are aware of our strengths and weaknesses, because we have been through the darkness of the Devil and the chaos of the Tower. Now we know we can survive seeing our entire self.

Realizing the importance of a healthy body and a strong mind, The Star can teach us to work on what is really important to us, not just material or emotional gratification. The Star brings out a level of honesty with our own self and acceptance of others that we didn't have before. We are forced to see ourselves and others clearly, with our humanness and all that goes along with being human. We realize that we all have strengths and weaknesses and we need to not judge ourselves and others for being human. Instead, we put our focus to work to strengthen our mind and body so that we can put our best foot forward in each moment and be there to support others to be the best they can be as well.

The Moon
The Moon can often be confusing. The Star has taught us to have a strong mind and body as well as to not judge others. In seeing people without judging, it forces us to see much more of the world than may be comfortable. We start to distrust our new insights, not wanting to accept that we are all fallible and human. We like to think the moonlight is playing a trick on us. Disillusionment, once accepted, helps us to learn we can survive our disappointment with our self, others and the world and remind us that we are all evolving at rates, though different, that are perfect for our individual soul. Striving to improve our self doesn't guarantee others will follow our suit. We can be stronger when we are willing to face disillusionment and allow everyone to be where they need to be on their own evolutionary path.

You have permission to reprint what you just read.  Use it in your ezine, at your web site or in your newsletter.  The only requirement is including the following footer...
Article by Cindy Griffith visit www.PsychicSupport.com for more original content like this.  Reprint permission granted with this footer included.
 

Dave's Feature Article:

Getting Started Creating/Building your Sacred Space

One thing I stress when starting is to quiet and calm your-self. Becoming centered will help you to be more intuitive and to recognize the sacredness of the task before you.  The important thing is to bring respect to the altar that it deserves.
 
Margaret Keen a spiritual teacher to me taught me; "The way you clean your house is the same way you approach spirituality".  With that in mind, clean the area you are intending to be your Sacred Space.  Then clear the area by either sprinkling water or smudge-burning your favorite incense over and around the Sacred Space.  I love to use Sweet grass and sage when I smudge and I use an abalone shell to burn in and a turkey feather to move the smoke and fan the space with smoke.  As I am doing this I honor the four directions as well as Father Sky and Mother Earth.  You may want to use your favorite incense, drumming, ringing bells, chanting or your prayers.
 
Some believe that the way you build your scared space and the intention used gives your altar the energy it needs.  Other folks may perform a small or elaborate ritual each time they approach their altar.  What you feel comfortable with is what will energize your scared space and make your connection to it.
 
Nothing is written in stone, (although there are stone altars) but I like a definition of where the altar is, "boundaries".  To do this I use a cloth, box, or a whole shelf of a bookcase to define the altars dedicated space.  The idea behind this is to separate the altar from your day to day items, like your car keys.  But do not forget the purpose of sacred space in your home or yard is to bring the sacred into your daily activities. 
 
With your area now dedicated you can start placing items on your altar.  Another thing I like to incorporate into many of my altars is the use of earth elements and imagery.  The four elements are fire, water, earth, and air (in China there are five elements). Having these represented on your altar will tend to 'ground' the sacred place, and show that your personal spirituality has a profound relationship to the physical universe, and in particular to our home planet.
 
You might want to give some thought about a safe place to burn incense. The power of scent to help set the intention as calm and loving has been used for many generations and belief systems.  It can represent air and the presence of Spirit.
 
A candle on your altar can represent the element of fire, illumination, grandfather sun, passion, or purification.  Thinking this when lighting the candle can set your intention.  Remember to place the candle on a non-flammable surface like a stone slab.
 
Oils, candles, incense, and scents can have different effects on us, so take time to find your choice depending on your needs.  You might try some of these suggestions; for cleansing try sage, sweet grass, or pine.  For meditation,or spiritual retreat try sandalwood, nag champa, frankincense or any temple incense.  For calming you mind and spirit rose, lavender or any floral scents can be helpful.  If you're looking for more get up and go energy try lemon, lime, spearmint or peppermint.  All scents do not work the same for everyone but these are just some simple suggestions.  For more information we have a dear friend that blends her own custom scents and sells most regular oils and herbs. You can find her at; www.Hillwoman.com .  Use oils and incense to purify and cleanse your altar & sacred space to create an atmosphere for prayer and meditation is your choice, but try not to use a scent that is too overpowering, because that may become a distraction.
 
Stones, sand or dirt can represent mother earth, solid, grounding, strength and help bring a balance to your sacred space.  Many crystals and stones have a variety of meanings and properties associated with each type and mineral family.  There are a number of good books with definitions for stones. 
 
Water is the forth element many place on their altars, some may scent the water with flowers or lemon peals.  This can represent the purity of Spirit, our higher spirituality, or God.  Many think of water as the flow of life.
 
Those are some basic items you might consider, but you probably have some items sitting in a drawer that you saved a long time ago that you couldn't part with that has a special meaning. Something from a trip or retreat, or a flower you received at church or service that gives you peace.  Maybe you were gifted with something that represents unconditional love, photographs of loved ones, living or departed; tokens that remind you of particular achievements or life events; that carry for you messages of the spirit.
 
As you add to your altar over time you may need to increase its boundaries or create other altars in your living space.  We have many altars in our home that have different meanings to each and relate to different aspects of life and death.

You have permission to reprint what you just read.  Use it in your ezine, at your web site or in your newsletter.  The only requirement is including the following footer...
Article by David Bennett visit www.dharma-talks.com for more original content like this.  Reprint permission granted with this footer included.

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