Chinnamasta Yantra

Chinnamasta

The sixth of the Maha Vidyas, Chinnamasta is the Goddess who causes us to ‘cut off our own heads’, or, in other words, freeing ourselves from the limitations of the mind. She is the shakti or power of Indra- lightning, the electrical energy of transformation. This represents direct perception, cutting through everything and revealing the Infinite beyond all forms.
Chinamasta is also the Kundalini in her active role. Her activity is in the Sushumna nadi, where She traverses up and down and distributes this electrical energy through all the nadis throughout the body.
She is also Yoga Shakti, or power of Yoga in its most dramatic action.
One way of meditating on her is to see the light that makes the object visible, and not the object itself.

Meditation:
Look at the light in the centre of the yantra and keeping your focus there, take in the feeling of light cutting through the dark forms in the surrounding areas. Breathe in this light, and visualize it moving up and down your Sushumna nadi. Keeping this focus on the Sushumna nadi, let any thoughts drift into your mind. Sometimes you may get an unexpected resolution to a problem, or insight into something you were contemplating.

Heron

I saw Great Blue Heron today on my run...

Heron: Aggressive Self-Determination and Self-Reliance

Herons are a part of the group of birds known as the waders. All waders have similar physical characteristics-long thin legs, long necks, and sharp bilss. Legs enable animals and people to move about on the earth. They are symbols of balance, and they represent an ability to progress and evolve. The longer the legs, the deepr the water...The deeper life can be explored. The long thin legs of the heron reflect that you don't need great massive pollars to remain stable, but you miust be able to satnd on your own. Especially significant for those who see a great blue heron, as it is a lone hunter.

When the heron feeds it stands on the water, reflection a connection to the earth[while implyig the exploration of other dimensions (water). On the surface, this may seem as a form of dabbing, trying it on for size, but in reality, the heron's ablilty to hunt in water and live on land, fly great distances, signify that it has expertise in many areas.



This ability enables them to follow their own path. It is not a structured way and does not seem to have stabilty and security, it is though just a matter of perspective. Heron medicine, gives the abiltiy to do a variety of tasks.
They stand out in thier uniqueness, and they know how to snatch and take advantage of things and events.

When it flies, its head is folded back in a flat S-shaped loop. This reflects the innate wisdom of being able to maneuver through life and control its life circumstances. It follows its own innate wisdom, and path of self-determination. There are distinctive color changes of this bird. The irises of the eyes will turn from yellowish to bright orange, as will the legs. Meditaion of this color will provide insight to its role in your life.

I'm branching out here and trying to become more savvy with You Tube and adding video to posts here are some I came across recently they are fun, Enjoy:)

Dol-FINS

I thought this was pretty amazing to learn so I thought I would share...

Earth

If last week was water, this week was earth...

I was drawn more toward earth this week, home, family, grounding, however, the water in me allowed me to still go with the flow of life.

In Chinese astrology Earth is the balance of yin and yang, the masculine and the feminine together. This whole week I was trying to balance the right and left side of my body, my thought, my actions. I was trying to balance my body when I was running to help with the pain I have been having in my foot. In thoughts, I have been thinking about Burlington, how I miss it there. The movement of earth is inward focusing on centering and stabalizing. Something to focus on.

Back to Chinese Astrology. Earth is associated with the color yellow and the planet Saturn.

Saturn is seen in Massachusetts this month in the early morning 12:54 AM, and in the afternoon 1:45 PM. Saturn is associated with the sign Capricorn. Saturn reminds us to add structure and meaning to our world. It asks us to admit our boundaries, and not to forget our responsibilities, and commitments. Saturns lesson is: Learn from the past, let go, and grow. The glyph that represents Saturn is also interesting. It is a cross over the soul. It also represents Karma and time.

Strangly enough also this week

a Aurora has developed

over this planet.

All things being equal, where ever life is taking me, I'm enjoying the ride. I am thankful for each day that I am alive.

Simple Practice

After running with the SISU Project yesterday, I led the team in a yoga practice.  I was really inspired afterwards when one of my friends on the team, Jeff, came up to me and asked me if I could write down the yoga poses that we did!  I thought I would also put up some pictures of the poses for everyone on my blog.  Each pose should be held for three to five breath.  Work with each posture slowly and carefully.  Hopefully, you can right click, download, and print this asana series if your heart so desires.  If you double click on the images they get bigger.  Enjoy!

Jump for Joy

I felt that this following week had alot to do with the element of Water.

The element of water is connected with the Signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. A quick synopsis of these signs are as follows: Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac and associated with the home. Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac. The eighth house of the zodiac (which is associated with water) is the House of Sex. I stumbled upon this little piece of French advice: "The French refer to an orgasm as 'le petit mort' or 'the little death.' When we reach a state of communion, we leave a little of ourselves behind." It is a process of death and rebirth. Back to Scorpio... Scorpians take their life and what they learn very seriously. Pisces, the fish, is the final Sign in the Zodiaca. This sign culminates many of the other signs which come before it. . Pisceans are very focused on their inner journey. Heavy wieght is placed on feelings. The world of illusion is the happy home of the Pisces. The Twelfth House of the Zodiac is called the House of the Unconscious. The unconscious state can help procreate our success and help to cope with failure. This house is the confrontation of pain, sorrow, suffering, secrets. The Twelfth House being the last looks upon our Karma, our acts of life, the results of everything we have done. The question this house presents: "How can we accept our actions both consciously and unconsciously?" It is the House of Positive Transformation, learn from the past and present, and move into the future.



12th House: Jupiter: Evening 8:08 PM constellation Bootes...

and Neptune near Aquarius and Pisces.

4th House Moon: Full Moon in Gemini: November 13, 2008.

8th House: Mars: Not visible. and Pluto in Bootes.

The element of Water is intuitive and sensitive. Think about when you are in water, you Feel it all around you. Water feels, it gives, shapes, and takes on new forms. It translates to the entire world. Water can also destroy, wreak havoc, become stale, and be in control.

When I was outside this week and it was raining I felt connection with the drops, it was almost as if every drop brought with it something new. Also, each day that I was in the pool swimming this week I felt so at home in the water, my body felt so nice being embraced by this element. I also looked back this week to come to terms with my past, present, future. I've decided to look forward to the future. While I'm here I'll make sure to Jump for Joy!

Cosmos

There is always something beautiful out there...

Mantra for Divine Illumination

I thought I would share another mantra...

Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha

Tat Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi

Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

Om Earth.  Atmosphere.  Heaven.  

May we focus our awareness on the alluring 

radiance of the rising sun, the Vivifier; may

it inspire our thoughts and mediations.

This Savitri Gayatri mantra is over 3,500 years old!

It is one of the many mantras that invoke the Divine.  

This one in particular focuses on the rising and setting sun,

called the "Vivifier"  because it brings natural and renewed life

on Earth.  "Savitur" is the illuminator of life, which is symbolized, 

but not literally, the sun.  It is also the mantra repeated by many 

in India at sunrise and sunset.  

May it bring renewed energy into your day!

Invocation for Harmony and Joy

This is one of my favorite yogic prayers...

Lokah Samastah Sukino Bhavantu

(Low-kaah Suh-muh-staah Soo-khee-no Bhuh-vuhn-tu)

May everyone everywhere be happy

May the whole world be joyous

This is a well known Sanskrit blessing, unlike a mantra, which invokes a specific divinity.  When we bless something it has intention.  An intention is a focused thought with purpose which used correctly has the power to affect the world.  Yogic philosophy believes that the world is shaped through consciousness.  When a blessing is heard and echoed through another's heart, the intention grows.  Try using this mantra yourself and see what it does for you.

Juice

I made my first juice today with the juicer I got this weekend.  It was blueberry, banana, and white grapes.  I added some maca and flaxseed.   Simple but sweet, now I am going to try my hand at the second and third series of Ashtanga Yoga.  I also found out that you can sprout the flaxseed so I am going to try that also!  My message for the day is:  Dive in!

Dreams

I have decided to start this blog with the intentions of having a positive space to share my dreams with others. It is my hope that through the creative act of writing dreams will become realities, and realities will become dreams. It has taken awhile to decide to commit to writing. However, I am a strong believer in healthy pursuits. This, being one of them.