#natural remembrance of the Supreme

[talonabraxas]

The Kerubim, “The Strong Ones”

An “Angel” (Greek angelos or “messenger”) is considered to be a heavenly spirit, a messenger or intermediary between God or the gods and humankind. All religions possess one inherent commonality–the relationship of human beings with the Spiritual realm. In ancient Greek religion, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, this relationship is thought to involve angels–divine messengers sent to humans to instruct, inform or command. An angel can function also as a protective guardian, as a heavenly warrior, and even as a cosmic power. Moreover, the line between a good angel and a bad angel, or demon, is sometimes unclear.

Therefore, angels can be broadly described as personified powers meditating between the Divine and the human. Even in its devotion to monotheism, ancient Israel was able to embrace the image of a council of gods by turning all of them into angels that serve the One God. This acceptance of a belief in angels was a development made relatively easy because lesser gods and angels could be referred to as “sons of God.” Later development in both Judaism and Christianity shows a remarkable growth of angelic folklore as a result of continuing this ancient practice of absorbing the gods of polytheistic religions by turning them into angels.

After the period of Israel’s Babylonian exile (597-538 BCE), Jewish thought about angels was considerably altered and enriched. Drawing on Mesopotamian art, artists and writers began to provide wings, even for the anthropomorphic angels, and an interest developed in angels’ garments, names, and relative ranks. In addition to the Mesopotamian influence, the Persian dualistic tradition of Zoroastrianism added another dimension to the Jewish conception of angels by positing hostile and destructive angels who are rebellious against God. The Jewish Qumran sect, or Essenes, saw the world as a battleground, the scene of the struggle between the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Wickedness, the latter an angelic power opposed to God called Belial or more commonly, the “Devil.”

In Judaic Angelology, there are nine classes of Angels: the Seraphim, Kerubim, Thrones, Dominations, Powers, Virtues, Principalities, Archangels and Angels. According to Henry Cornelius Agrippa, in his Three Books of Occult Philosophy, aspects of the Elements can be attributed to the natures of these orders of Angels as follows: Fire to the Seraphim, Authorities and Powers; Water to Thrones and Archangels, Air to the Dominations and Principalities, and Earth to the Kerubim. Placed in superior hierarchy are the supercelestial angels, who, mediating the pattern of Divine Will, are: the Thrones as the Wisdom of God; the Seraphim as the Goodness of God, and the Kerubim as the Essence and Form of God. As stated by Agrippa, from the Angelic Orders humankind is strengthened with extraordinary attributes.

“From the Angels, Mankind perceives messages of Divine Will and a clearer comprehension of the Mind of God. From the Archangels, humanity obtains rulership over beasts of the field, fish of the sea and fowl of the air.”

From the Principalities, all things are overcome, engendering a comprehension of the ascendancy of all things, and drawing spiritual power to oneself by a secret and divine force. From the Virtues come the power and strength against enemies of Truth. From the Powers, the ability to conquer these enemies within ourselves. From the Dominations, subjugation of these adversaries. From the Thrones we are woven together and collected into ourselves with remembrance fixed on Eternal Visions. From the Seraphim we acquire the perfect flame of Love, and from the Kerubim comesthe light of mind, the power of wisdom, and the exalted images by which we contemplate the Divine.

As stated in Three Books of Occult Philosophy, the Hebrew theologians numbered and called these orders as follows: in the supreme province, are the Chayoth ha Qodesh, or Creatures of Sanctity, to which EHEIEH gave the gift of life. In the second place are the Auphanim, Forms or Wheels, whereby YHVH differentiated the chaos. In the third place are the Aralim, great, strong and mighty angels, by which YHVH joined with Heh (HHYVH) to provide form to the liquid matter. In the fourth place are the Chasmalim by which AL framed the image of bodies. In the fifth order are the Seraphim by which ELOHIM GIBOR drew forth the elements. The sixth are the Malachim which ELOAH produced metals. In the seventh sphere are the Elohim or Gods, by which YHVH TZABAOTH produced vegetation. In the eighth reside the Beni Elohim, Sons of Gods, by which ELOHIM TZABAOTH produced animals. The ninth and lowest sphere contains the Kerubim by which SHADDI EL CHAI created Mankind.

The above has been a short introduction into the realm of Angels. The subject of the Kerubim alone could involve voluminous amounts of information as there are many different classes and functions of the Kerubim–they are not simply limited to the Sephirah of Yesod. The Elements have their analogies at every level, and these attributions can be applied to every Sephirah, but particularly the central Sephiroth on the Middle Pillar. The Kerubic forces of Kether descend the central Column from Kether to Malkuth. This is indicated by the Kerubic signs about the corners of the Tarot Trump XXI, The Universe. Malkuth is the sphere of the Elements and Yesod is its foundation, which, being on the Second Plane, is the sphere of contact with Natural Forces. Tiphareth is the Sephirah from which the Elements are controlled, the Sephirah of the Elemental Kings (Elementals which have begun to respond to Spiritual vibrations).

The Seraphim (derived from the word “Seraph” meaning “burn”) are another class of angels considered to be an upper octave of the Kerubim. Their function is to burn false doctrine and convert man back to righteousness. It is said that they pass on information drawn from the Neschamah during sleep, to the Creator in Atziluth, for the Seraphim are the Holy of Holies, or the Highest Heaven in Briah.

The focus of this paper, however, covers only those Kerubim which include Gabriel, the Angelic Choir of the Kerubim of Yesod, the Archangels of the Elements, and the Right and Left-Hand Kerubs, Metatron and Sandalphon.

Gabriel

Gabriel’s name comes from the same Hebrew root as Geburah (GBR) indicating a relationship between the 5th and 9th Sephiroth. Gabriel serves a triple function, Annunciator, Guardian and Guide. Gabriel is the divine messenger who relays information between the Divine and humanity and bestows the gifts of vision, hearing and psychic abilities as well as the powers of life, procreation and equilibration. This angel is referred to as Gabriel Yesodel (Archangel of Yesod) and as Gabriel Kerubiel (leader of the Kerubim).

As an angel of high eminence in Jewish, Christian and Muslim tradition, Gabriel is one of the four most often noted in Judaism and Christianity, the others being Michael, Raphael and Uriel. Gabriel is the heavenly messenger who appears in order to reveal God’s will. In the Old Testament, Gabriel interprets the prophet’s vision of the ram and the he-goat (Daniel 8:15-26) and explains the prediction of the 70 weeks of years (490 years) for the duration of the exile from Jerusalem (Daniel 9:21-27). In the New Testament, Gabriel announces to Zacharias the birth of his son, John, who is destined to become known as John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20), and in Luke 1:26-31 reveals to Mary that she is to be the mother of Christ. Among Muslims, Gabriel is believed to be the spirit who revealed the secret writings to the Prophet Mohammed. As the Annunciator, Gabriel is most likely to speak to us through dreams.

Gabriel means “Strong one of God” or “Strength of God.” As seen by the position of Yesod on the Tree of the human psyche, the name is not without reason. From the position on the central Pillar of Consciousness on the Tree, Gabriel is the firm and stable foundation of the Spirit. As Yesod in the World of Briah, it is the ego consciousness of Briah, and the Sephirah occupied by Gabriel is a crucial one. It is the last stage before the aspirant reaches the Kether of incarnation, or the Tiphareth of Briah, for beyond lies the threshold between Raphael in Hod and Haniel in Netzach. At this point, he is still Man but may be referred to as “Hero of God” under the guidance of Gabriel. To pass, the initiate must rise up the Tzedek Path of Righteousness where the shadow side of the personality is destroyed, and all remnants of being as a separate entity are dissolved. Only then can one attain Tiphareth in Briah and come under the direct influence of Archangel Michael, or “One Who Is Like Unto God.”

The Kerubim

The Kerubim can be conceived of as a reflection of the Four Holy Living Creatures of Kether, the powers of the Eternal Elements. The duty of the Chayoth ha-Qodesh is to formulate the primary pattern upon which the rest of existence is built. These Kerubic forces descend the Middle Pillar to Yesod where the Kerubim, as the structural powers of the Universe, support this existence. Therefore, the Kerubim are the formative powers of the Elements stationed in the sphere of Yesod, the etheric substructure that supports the physical universe. As these etheric powers, the Kerubim are the formative forces of the world and humankind. As Angels of Lunar Yesod, the Kerubim also have an association with time, the four Kerubic points in the year which are the Hermetic Qabalah’s cross quarter days. Their name means “the Strong Ones” which is derived from the Akkadian word Karibu which means “one who prays” or “one who intercedes.”

The work of the Kerubim is to influence communication between the inner and outer worlds by serving as Guardians, Heralds, Equilibrators and Guides. They work on the building of knowledge and the harnessing of force in etheric or Yesodic methods. One of these methods is the use of symbols relating to Yesodic perception within the depths of the unconscious mind. With the progression of time, these symbols become less ritualistic and more psychic, becoming tools in the hands of the aspirant. These images are the contents of the Treasure House of Images, and the forces behind these images are the Angels of Yesod.

The Tetradic Kerubim are the animated powers of YHVH working through the fixed signs of the Zodiac. As given in Exodus 25:18-19 and 37:9, their shapes represent the aspects of the four dynamics of the Elements. These energies are not the Elements themselves, but rather are placed between the Angels and the Elements in hierarchy. One of the functions of the Kerubim is to take these energies and set them into motion and as such,, this Choir of Angels has a direct affect on the Earth and Man. As presidents of the Elemental Forces, these Four Kerubim are each assigned one of the letters of the Divine Name YHVH, and they operate in and through the four astral Elements in Yesod before these Elements are formulated in the physical world of Malkuth.

This Tetrad serves as Equilibrators by creating a stable nucleus from which the physical world comes forth into being. These four Vice-Gerants of the Elements, under the Presidency of Spirit (Gabriel), are synthesized in the formula of YHSHVH. Yod, Lion, Nequaquam Vacuum, Nowhere a Void; He, Eagle, Libertas Evangelii, Liberty of the Gospel; Vau, Man, Dei Intacta Gloria, Unsullied Glory of God; and Heh (f), Ox, Legis Jugum, Yoke of the law; and in the midst of the four letters is Shin, the letter of Spirit, which, formed from the Tetragrammaton, gives the Divine name of Yeheshua, The Pentagram represents the concentrated force of the Spirit and the four Elements governed by the five letters of the Name of the Restorer, YHSHVH and is not only attributed to the planet Mars, but also shows the Kerubim and the Wheel of Spirit. The Kerubim of Ezekiel have four faces, those of the Lion, the Bull, the Man and the Eagle, alternating with each other by rotation. Beside them was the symbolic form of the Spirit, symbolized by the wheel. As suggested by the two wings that covered their bodies and the two wings that stretched upwards to each other, the synthesis of the Kerubim is found in the revolving Cross, in the Pentagram, and in the idea Spirit dominating the four Elements.

The Kerubim are winged celestial beings which, unlike most conceptions of angels as anthropomorphic, are zoomorphic. On the 32nd Path between Malkuth and Yesod, the Zelator encounters these Four Kerubim who perform elemental purifications which aid in the alchemical transformation of the aspirant. In this ritual, the aspirant learns that the Elemental Spirits are invoked through the power and governance of the Kerubim and their Zodiacal symbols. They are given Hebrew names but their appearance is primarily Egyptian:

Adam (Hebrew for Man), Kerub of Air, stationed in the East, human-headed Aquarius. “The Priest with the Mask of Osiris spake and said, ‘Thou canst not pass the Gate of the Eastern Heaven unless thou canst tell me my name’.” of which is replied “Thou art NUT, Goddess of the Firmament of Air. Thou art HORMAKU, Lord of the Eastern Sun.”

Aryeh (Hebrew for Lion), Kerub of Fire, stationed in the South, Lion-headed Leo. “The Priest with the mask of the Lion spake and said, ‘Thou canst not pass the Gate of the Southern Heaven unless thou canst tell me my name’.” Of which is replied, “Thou art MAU the Lion, Very Powerful Lord of Fire. Thou art RA, the Sun in his strength.”

Nesher (Hebrew meaning Eagle), Kerub of Water, stationed in the West, Eagle-headed Scorpio. “The Priest with the mask of the Eagle spake and said, “Thou canst not pass the Gate of the Western Heaven unless thou canst tell me my name’.” of which is replied “HEKA, Mistress of HESUR, Ruler of Water, is Thy name. Thou art TOUM, the Setting Sun.”

Shor (Hebrew meaning Bull), Kerub of Earth, stationed in the North, Bull-headed Taurus. “The Priest with the mask of the Ox spake and said ‘Thou canst not pass the Gate of the Northern Heaven unless thou canst tell me my name’.” of which is responded, “SATEM, in the abode of SHU, the Bull of Earth, is Thy name. Thou art KEPHRA, the Sun at Night.”

The arrangement of the Theoricus Hall of only four officers suggests the conciliatory Element of Air reconciling the opposing energies within the Hall, resulting in a perfect balance of forces. The number four is associated with Chesed, the first Sephirah to manifest below the Abyss, but it also refers to Yesod as the firm foundation within which the Four Elements are given etheric form which then later materialize in Malkuth during the course of the Lightning Flash.

In the Theoricus Ritual, as the Hierophant addresses the candidate on the meaning of the Cross within the Triangle, it is stated that the Cross, placed upon the Altar at the base of the Tree of Life, refers to the Four Rivers of Paradise. It is Gabriel who rules the “Living Water streams that well from out the Highest Throne.” “…And he showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Revelations 22:1). These Rivers are referred to in Genesis 2:10-14: “And a River, Nahar, went forth out of Eden to water the Garden, and from thence it was parted and come into four heads. And the name of the First River is Pison, it is that which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good. There is Bdellium and the Onyx stone. [–Leo.] And the name of the Second River is Gihom, the same as that which compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. [–Scorpio.] And the Name of the Third River is Hiddekel, that is it which goeth forth to the East of Assyria. [–Aquarius.] And the Fourth River is Euphrates. [–Taurus.]” This indicates the Presidency of Spirit (Gabriel) over the four Elements.

In the Zelator Ritual the aspirant is told. “And Tetragrammaton placed Kerubim at the East of the Garden of Eden and a Flaming Sword which turned every way to keep the Path of the Tree of Life, for He has created Nature that Man, being cast out of Eden, may not fall into the Void. He has bound Man with the Stars, as with a chain. He allures him with scattered fragments of the Divine Body in bird and beast and flower, and He laments over him in the Wind and the Sea and in the Birds. When the times are ended, He will call the Kerubim from the East of the Garden, and all shall be consumed and become Infinite and Holy.” …. “This drawing of the Flaming Sword of the Kerubim is a representation of the Guardians of the Gates of Eden.

As the Qabalah teaches, the everlasting abode of the Higher Self is in the Eden of Paradise, the supernal sanctuary which is forever guarded from chaos by the Flaming Sword of the Kerubim whirling across borders of the Abyss. After the descent from Grace, the Kerubim were stationed at the Abyss to separate the Supernals from the effects of the Fall.

The Four Kerubim, through their assignation to the four Archangels, are Four of the Seven in the Presence of the Lord. This description of the Kerubim is from John’s vision (Revelations 4:7-8): “And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night saying, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, is and is to come.’ ” Here, the Kerubim are seen as single-headed but having six wings, thus uniting the powers of the number seven (the Planets) with the number four (the Elements).

The Invisible Stations of the Hall of the Golden Dawn

The Stations of the Man, the Lion, the Bull and the Eagle are the Four Cardinal Points without the Hall and these are the invisible Guardians of the boundaries of the Temple. They are placed according to the Four Winds and are stationed beyond the thrones of Hierophant, Dadouchos, Hiereus and Stolistes.

The Kerub of Air, behind the throne of Hierophant, is the power of the Goddess Hathor who unites the powers of Isis and Nephthys. The sign of Aquarius, the zodiacal sign of Air, is the Water-Bearer, the container of Rain. The Egyptian name for the Sign of Aquarius is Phritithi.

The Kerub of Fire, face and form of a lion, with large, flapping wings, is behind the throne of Dadouchos, and is the power of the Goddess Tharpesh or Tharpheshest. The action of the Lion Kerub is through the Flaming Fire of Leo with the Egyptian name of Labo-Ae.

The Kerub of Water, which has the face and form of a great Eagle with large, glinting wings, is behind the throne of Hiereus. It is the power of the God Thoomoo, and his operation is through the Sign of Scorpio, which is called in Egyptian Szlae-Ee (in Egyptological works the name of this god is Tum or Tmu).

The Kerub of Earth has the face and form of a Bull with heavy, dark wings and is situated behind the throne of the Stolistes. It is the power of the God, Ahaphshi, operating by the Sign of Taurus and its Egyptian name is Ta-Aur.

Sphynx, the Synthesis of the Kerubim

The Sphynx is a synthetic of the Kerubic figures. In the Ritual of the 32nd Path leading into the Theoricus Grade, it is written, “The Sphynx of Egypt spake and said, ‘I am the synthesis of the Elemental Forces. I am also the symbol of Man. I am Life. I am Death. I am the Child of the Night of Time.’ ” As stated in Regardie’s Golden Dawn: “Now learn the mystery of the Wisdom of Egypt: ‘When the Sphynx (synthesis of the Kerubim) and the Pyramid (synthesis of the Elements) are united, thou hast the formulae of the magic of nature. These are the keys of the wisdom of all Time; and its beginning–who knoweth it? In their keeping are the sacred mysteries and the knowledge of Magic and all the Gods.”

According to Levi in Transcendental Magic: “You are called to be the king of air, water, earth and fire, but to reign over these four living creatures of symbols, it is necessary to conquer and enchain them. He who aspires to be a sage and to know the Great Enigma of Nature must be their heir and despoiler of the Sphynx, his the human head, in order to possess speech; his the eagle’s wings in order to scale the height; his the bull’s flanks in order to furrow the depth; his the lion’s talons, to make a way on the right and the left, before and behind.”

The Kerub, or Symbolic Bull, which Moses placed at the gate of the edenic world bearing a fiery sword, was a Sphynx which had a bull’s body and a human head. It is the Assyrian Sphynx, symbolic of the combat and victory of Mithras. This armed Sphynx represents the Law of Mystery who watches at the door of initiation to warn away the profane.

The Mosaic Kerub also represents a great mystery in which the elements are expressed by the number seven, without, however, giving the final word. This word is what the Qabalists write as YHVH and interpret by Aleph Resh Aleph Resh Yod Tau Aleph, expressing the triplicity of the secondary principle, the alliance between the triad and the tetrad, in a word composed of four letters, which form seven by means of a triple and double repetition. This word is pronounced “Ararita.”

The universal key of all magical operations is that of the ancient religious doctrines, and it is the key to the Qabalah, the Bible, and the Lesser Key of Solomon. With this key, we are able to understand the enigmas of every Sphynx and penetrate the Mysteries–and the key is this: (1) a hieroglyphic and numerical alphabet, expressing by characters and numbers, a series of universal and absolute ideas, (2) a scale of ten numbers, multiplied by four symbols and connected with twelve figures representing the twelve signs of the zodiac and (3) the four angels of the cardinal points.

The symbolic tetrad, represented in the Mysteries of Memphis and Thebes by the four forms of the Sphynx, i.e. the man, eagle, lion and bull, correspond to the four elements. Now these four signs, with all their analogies, explain the one word hidden in all the Mysteries. It is the name of the four primal letters of the Ineffable Name: YOD, symbol of the paternal scepter of Noah; HE, the cup of libations and also symbolic of maternity; and VAU which emerges from and joins the two. This is the triple sign of the triad in the Divine Word; but the mother-letter, HE appears a second time, to express the fertility and abundance of Nature and of woman to concisely express the doctrine of universal and progressive correspondences, which descends from cause to effect and ascends from effect to cause. Moreover, this sacred word is not pronounced, it is spelled, and expressed in four letters which are the four sacred words, Yod He Vau He.

Metatron and Sandalphon

One of the most common appearances of the Kerubim is the great dyad of Metatron and Sandalphon. These two holy Kerubim are the Sentinels of the Briatic Mother Temple of Light. Metatron is the Great Masculine Kerub, corresponding to the White Pillar of Yakhim, and Sandalphon is the Great Feminine Kerub, corresponding to the Black Pillar of Boaz. These Two Pillars, positioned on the right and left sides of the Tree, are symbolic of the concepts of Active and Passive, Male and Female, Adam and Eve and refer to the Pillars of Fire and Cloud which guided the Israelites in the wilderness. In the Theoricus Ritual, the hot and moist natures are further marked by the Red Lamp and the Cup of Water. These Two Kerubim are the Angels of the Devir, the Holy of Holies of the Hebrew Tabernacle and Temple. In this Temple, one inunense pair of Kerubic Images spread their wings from wall to wall and a smaller pair stood at the two ends of the Ark itself. Between them was the Kaporeth, the Presence of Yahweh.

Eheieh denotes breath and the sound that every being pronounces all its existence, and it is the Name of the Lord of Life. By the inspiration and expiration of Eheieh through the two Great Pillars (Macroprosopus is Aima and Abba, Mother and Father), all things are thrown into vibration. As Guardians over Malkuth, Metatron and Sandalphon are the Two Pillars, but the work of these Dyadic Kerubim is not solely relegated to the role of Guardians. They function also as Equilibrators, balancing opposites and defining the center, the place of balanced power. As Equilibrators, these Two Kerubim are closely related to the Egyptian Godforms of Isis and Nephthys. Nephesch ha-Messiah (also called “Kerubim”) is the animal soul of Messiah, or the Shekinah, and is the Presence between these two Kerubim. The Shekinah represents Aima Elohim, the Supernal Sephiroth as a synthetic unity of the Divine White Brilliance. Since this is spoken of as between the Kerubim, it is the Middle Pillar of the Tree and as such, is the Path of the Redeemer.

The vibrations of the Briatic World of Kether are shown through the influence of the mighty Archangel Metatron, the Great Angel of the Presence and the World Prince. Also called the “King of Angels,” Metatron was the guiding angel that led the children of Israel through the wilderness. Metatron, alone, sees the Face of God. He presides over the Tree of Life in its entirety and is considered the Right-hand Masculine Kerub of the Ark. It is said that Metatron communicated the Qabalah to humankind, and as stated in the Abodah Zarah of the Talmud, he is the “teacher of the prematurely dead children of Paradise.” He is known as the Metatron Ketheriel and is also called IOEL – “I am God.” Metatron functions as the link between God and Man, and the vibration of this Archangel’s name will generate a yearning to return to God or the pure state of Kether. Therefore, he is the guide or source of aspiration in attaining the higher levels of the self and by vibrating his name, we draw down that part of him to aid us in this effort.

The effect of the Briatic World of Malkuth is through the Archangel Sandalphon. She is also the Left-hand Kerub of the Ark of the Covenant. Translated from the Greek “Sandalfon” which means “Co-Brother,” Sandalphon is considered the twin of Metatron or another form of this Archangel. Another translation of the name is “Lord of the Extent of Height” and because of this remarkable height, she is said to be able to reach her twin in Kether, which points to the idea that Malkuth is Kether–but after a different manner. As the Archangel of Malkuth, Sandalphon reconciles the material energies which are brought forth into the physical world. She is also said to convey the power and beauty of the natural world to the Souls of humanity and influences worldly affairs in general by creating the building blocks and designs for each civilization.

On the Microcosmic Tree of Life, Malkuth of Briah is the equivalent to the self of Man. The archangel Sandalphon watches over the Kether (the most spiritual essence) of the physical body and the Tiphareth (the consciousness) of the psychologically unawakened individual. When initiates begin to evolve, Sandalphon guards them as the Neschamah grows, always keeping consciousness on the Middle Path. As the Neschamah becomes stronger, an image of the Briatic World, the realm of Spirit, begins to form. Slowly a foundation is formed on the lower portion of the Briatic Tree, and the initiate begins to perceive and comprehend the images of this World, as is demonstrated by the Chariot and Throne of the vision of Ezekiel. It is here that the creation of a purified consciousness is originated, and with this fusion of consciousness comes the development of an awareness in the Ruach triad. When the crystallization is complete, when it is stable within, it is no longer a passing flash or a gift, but a permanent foundation.

Conclusion

The word “Kerubim” might be better understood as a matter of function, rather than as a title, indicating the working together of groups, or polarities, i.e. dyads, tetrads, enneads, etc. Viewing the Tree as functioning simultaneously, the Elements originate in Kether through the Fylfot or the Spiral–“God breathes.” Chokmah is the pure, inexhaustible force of this “breath,,” and Binah is its vehicle of definition. These two Sephiroth originate the channel whereby the Kerubic forces descend the Middle Pillar, and the Side Pillars maintain this passageway through which they move. These Elemental forces are drawn forth across the Abyss by Geburah, working in conjunction with Chesed which equilibrates them, and it is these two Sephiroth which bring these forces through to individualized potential. They are then manifested as the heart of self through Tiphareth which rules and controls them. Netzach and Hod duplicate the efforts of Chokmah and Binah and of Geburah and Chesed in the lower personality of the self; and it is in Yesod, or the ego consciousness, that these Kerubic forces are structured. Malkuth is the manifestation of these elements within the physical body, the grounding of the circuit. The function of the Kerubim seems to be in guarding the gate of this action.

art: Spitblossoms

[strawberry-soot]

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 🦁LEONA BIRTHDAY SSR FLOWER ANALYSIS* 🦁*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

*Mandatory reminder that I’m no flower specialist, which means these are all very subjective opinions. Take everything with a grain of salt!

Before I can talk about Leona’s flowers I quickly want to give a bit of a deeper look into the colors of his bouquet and how they affect its meaning – with the reading of yellow flowers ranging from friendship, joy, and hope in Europe and America to honoring the dead in Mexico and Egypt to sacredness in China to representing royalty in and around India. Generally speaking, in Asia the meaning of wealth, royalty, hope and disappointment, abundance, and jealousy, are most likely what the cards’ artist was going for so keep that in mind while reading this!

In the Victorian Language of Flowers yellow roses were symbols of jealousy and greed – which is also true for their Japanese and Korean meaning, though in traditional Mexican culture they more commonly symbolize remembrance. By gifting someone yellow roses one would show a decrease in love, or subtly tell the recipient to “try to care more”, though nowadays they stand for friendship, happiness, joy, innocence, and appreciation, and are typically sent during birthdays, promotions and graduations. However, they could also be an apology for previous wrongdoings.

The more orange flower I believe to be a gaillardia or blanket flowers, which on one hand are associated with charm, abundance, aristocracy, and modesty, or on the other hand, with joy, optimism, and happiness. Because of their ability to thrive in all conditions, they stand for resilience and strength, courage, fearlessness, and even were a symbol of bravery and hope in the Victorian Language of Flowers.

While hibiscus flowers are associated with positivity and joy thanks to their vibrant colors, they’re also symbols of wealth, generosity, hospitality, and the upper class. They’re reminders to live in the moment and to seize opportunities as they come. In Chinese culture they’re gifted to represent how short lived the beauty of glory or fame is since they have a relatively short vase life.

Gerbera Daisies, or African Daisies, typically represent either beauty, or a happy life. They symbolize friendship and happiness, but mostly are gifted to someone recovering from an illness, or to cheer someone up. In Japan they stand for ultimate beauty, hope, and a way forward (often with a romantic connotation). Notably, in ancient Egypt they stood for a closeness to nature and devotion to the sun.

Zinnias are associated with endurance, remembrance, and thoughts of absent friends/friends you haven’t seen in a while. They bloom even in draughts or when plagued by bugs so they’re the perfect gift for someone with a strong mind.

Since crocuses are early blooming flowers they symbolize new beginnings and rebirth, though they’re also linked to wealth, power, and divinity. In Asia and the Middle East they stand for hope and a prosperous future.

The yellow flower with the thin leaves is a pincushion flower or protea which represents transformation, diversity, and courage. In the Victorian Language of Flowers they stand for unfortunate love, and in hanakotoba (the Japanese Language of Flowers) they mean “I have lost all.”

Finally, the dark purple/red flower in his bouquet is a cymbidium orchid. It stands for morality and virtue, as well as beauty, strength and opulence. Being gifted such a flower is an honor since they’re difficult to grow and care for. They hold a reputation of being luxurious, and are a symbol of power, respect, and admiration – in the Victorian Language of Flowers one of supreme luxury and wealth. They also convey a feeling of strength, absolute power, or authority.

Naturally, these are only my un-educated guesses considering I’m by no means a flower specialist so take everything with a grain of salt, and feel free to let me know if I got anything wrong/what flowers I might’ve missed.

[srbachchan]

DAY 5400

Jalsa, Mumbai                 Nov 26,  2022               Sat 11 : 33 PM

💛🪔 , A candle of respect and admiration is lit on the day birth of Babuji .. November 27th .. may his love and blessings are ever guiding our steps .. 🙏🏻 .. 🕯️ .. 💜💜💜✨ .. and on this blessed day .. EF Kala Yadav .. the poetess saheba .. is blessed to be sharing the same date birth with Babuji .. and to be gifted herself , with the gift of writing and verse .. ✒️ Blessed may her kalam be .. and blessed is her Spirit .. Nov 27th .. is also the birthday of Vinita S (VinniDePooh) from UK .. Ef Gaganpreet Singh from Chandigarh .. and Ef Babita Gupta .. and to you we extend our wishes and love .. from your Extended Family of this Blog around the globe .. ❤️❤️❤️ November 26 .. birthday happiness to Ef Pankaj Kanodia from Bangalore .. and Ef Shamika .. .. and .. to Ef Yogesh Sharma .. for the 26th .. Happy 26th Wedding Anniversary .. love and togetherness .. 💍💕💐 November 25 .. birthday greetings to Ef Ekaterina Shchukina from Russia 🪆 .. all happiness and wishes .. 🌸❤️❤️❤️

.. and so it be the moment of prayer and thought .. to be in the air and breathe the environ that delivered 115 yrs back the creator that created me .. my Father .. Babuji .. for long called Dad .. till the responsibility and the need to address the right address - Babuji .. !

much is remembered , much is lost in remembrance , but some remains alive and in the light of the night the early morning to follow .. the early rise to hear the sound of the birds and the like, but also to hear the voice of Babuji , matching his tone to the whir of the table fan that brought in the cool of the summer heat .. his bed ever in the veranda .. in the open ever .. to imbibe nature .. in the summer and in the winter .. the same ..

his folk song written verses .. ever often .. फुल  माला ले लो , लाई है मालन बीकानेर की .. phul maala le lo , lai hai maalan bikaner ki  ..

and the times of discourse , un accounted for .. never in any planning .. to be given deliberate advice or moderation on it .. staid, meaning ful only after it has been sunk by experienced happen .. an example to set , long after the means of its presence has been lost ..

the supremacy of supreme wish .. never fulfilled .. were it to be ? DEVASTATION ..

In life be not expectant .. it shall not be ..

Be ever ignorant of the expectant ..

Do .. and be not in remembrance ..

Love .. 

And remember .. 

perform and provide .. in no expectancy  ..

That be idyllic ..

And be accepted ....

.. the best and most lasting performances come in the deepest of pain .. to hide , to resist , to cover , to be unknown in its company , to be in normalcy despite ..

the be all and end all of the GREATEST PERFORMANCES OF LIFE  !!

love and the night be good .. shubh raatri  !  

🙏🙏

Amitabh Bachchan

[aoihono96]

2023/09/01 - Hirano Ryo's Twitter Post

The first day performance of

Musical "Moriarty the Patriot - Op.5 - The Final Problem"

Has ended.

Dear God of Fire, please support us.*

The supreme mystery of charm.

Please look forward to it.

#Morimyu

#Heavy-ho!

*100 years ago, on 1st of September 1923 the Great Kantō earthquake struck Japan, being followed by extensive firestorms and even a fire whirl. Since 1960, September 1 has been designated by the Japanese government as Disaster Prevention Day, or a day in remembrance of and to prepare for major natural disasters including tsunami and typhoons. Source: x

[regalfairytaleacademy]

Homelands for My OCs and their origins

Dragon Empire

Dragon Empire is also the origin for Dragons as the ancestor founded and built as the domain. Some dragons are sending to the Isle of Cornelia for protecting the school and riding by the students or staffs if there's any danger. Also they used for train students for improve their bravery and have a bond of the relation.

This empire was a strict monarchy with the king and queen of Draconaheart family raising Laurel to be the next queen of the kingdom, while Seraphine and Isabella shall be the youngest princesses.

It is also the home of Nymphs. Their mission is gone to protect the world. Laurel is the one of them, later become a Supreme Nymph. They lived in the Forest of Dreams further to the kingdom.

The language of the history book is written in kingdom's official language which only those live in the past century know to read, and made it difficult for young generation.

Lived in: Laurel, Seraphine & Isabella Draconaheart

Celebrations: Remembrance Day of Dragon Fire

➽──────────────❥

Aurora Empyrean

The neighboring kingdom of Dragon Empire and is known for the home to many brave heroes and natural-born leaders, with the members of the current royal family being ones themselves.

It was monarched by the heiress whom related to Dragon Empire. She is the only queen who lead a group of skilled warriors in order to protect the magic world from the dark forces.

The rulers of two joint the team for long after the war against the forces. Soon after, two neighboring kingdom were have a fight due to unavailable reason.

Likewise, it has an unknown isle near the kingdom where the magic school built for magicians to study. The current Headmistress to the school is the friend of the late queen.

Over the years, the queen gave birth to an infant girl and sealed the barrier for a protection. The palace was in frozen over the hundred years and the queen eventually death in the long slumber. It became a desolate realm with ice and snow, cursed by the Dark Wizard. However, the princess was missing after the wizard's spirit conquered the place.

Years pass, Ella and her friends revive the kingdom. After defeats the spirit of the wizard with the help of the her late mother's magic, life returns to the kingdom. As a result, Ella ruled the land of her birth and then married Albert, once again uniting the two kingdoms.

➽──────────────❥

Dreamy City

In the last century, the city was unknown and used to be the main part of Aurora Empyrean. It is an area of ​​protected islands where only magicians and knights are allowed to live. They were used to be racists that prejudice towards humans based on their magic and personalities.

Yet when the evil forces came, all the armies lost a lot in the war, thinking it was over. Fortunately, many human magicians stood up to help at the first time, and finally defeated the enemy. They later decided to unleash magic around the kingdom to work together to protect and undo racially discriminatory laws.

Over the years, the queen named the land "Dreamy City". This means they dream of being anything they want and create astonishing things they want. Soon it has attracted more tourists and visitors to see the amazing things that surround the city.

It is the country where Elise and Jennifer's family lived there. The Dufour family runs the cafe.

Aiden sometimes performs magic tricks to customers at the café, while Vanessa acts as the magical enforcement officer.

Lived in: Elise Dufour • Jennifer Jester

➽──────────────❥

Queendom of Quartz

It also known as the Valley of Quartz before.

However, after the monarchy discovered the valley and found minerals, they decided to build kingdoms and towns around the forest. It is ruled by Ariel's family.

The Fairy Guardian of the Galaxy and her families have hosted many events and festivals for the kingdom over the years, such as "One-Day Royals", which is like a coronation to the royalty but is actually a quest for what the royal family give their heir has never dealt with royal duty. It's also a celebration in the Vougefleur dorm, where students perform activities such as passing the magic mirror and labyrinth tests.

In addition, crystal-loving citizens must not miss the "Crystal Festival". Still, it's not just Thanksgiving, it's also a big day for shopaholics to buy what they want at every store. Plus her parents have been so busy buying materials for their business that they've been huddling with a bunch of people. This is why Celine often has to go home for a few days off.

"Parents' Day" is also a celebration that citizens will not miss together, it refers to the Fairy Guardian of the Galaxy's parents who have long since divorced and she wants to be reunited with them.

Another festival in its kingdom, the "Fashion Ball", refers to the idea of ​​the fairy guardian, who planned a fashion show of her dreams.

Lived in: Ariel Stellareinette • Rozebelle Adoria (Blomst) • Celine & Richard Stellareinette • Claire Beaute Spiegel • Sophia Azurinova

Celebrations: One-day Royals, Crystal Festival, Parents' Day, Fashion Ball

➽──────────────❥

Mélodie Kingdom

It's a most peaceful country that the citizens will live in forever and never moved out. However, the monarchy and government occasionally got a lot case from the country.

It is also where Charisse and her family resided, after she was created.

The country's architecture features traditional Chinese architecture. Therefore, it is famous for its Chinese poetry, traditional costumes, historical legends, etc., and many tourists cannot put it down.

Melody Day is a school holiday in the kingdom and a major celebration, only on May 30th. All the citizens are playing the any music instruments they be good at. Also there has a concert that are presenting to the students from schools in the kingdom.

Music Competition always presenting at every year for build a linked harmony that the Fairy Guardian of Music and her spouse had been play.

Lived in: Cadence & Calliope Symphonie • Carolina Ringelblume • Charisse Locks (/MC)

Celebrations: Melody Day, Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Fest, Qixi Festival, Donzhi Festival, etc.

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Serpentine Ocean

The land where Alcina and Delphine's family ruled in, split it to the dry land and underwater. Before the unite to two kingdoms, there have been a war between of humans, fairies and merfolk. Until the mermaid who rescued a human prince, they fell in love and eventually married by their family's permission. Soon, they have their hybrid heir.

Moreover, the kingdom was united by Alcina's great ancestor and the King of the Ocean.

People said there's a riddle to their country for finding the treasure, "Water to the ocean sink in, snake deep onto." Currently, it written in the history book and the motif to the domain.

Most citizens are successful people and patriotic actors of the country. The nation places higher priority on physical education and psychology than on other disciplines. So, a lot of athletes and psycho doctors are born in this country.

Lived in: Alcina Oceane • Delphine Mermaid • Rory Magnus • Adonis Roseo Avalon

Celebrations: World Ocean Event • Turquoise Grand Ball

➽──────────────❥

Cherry Imperial

It is the oldest kingdom still in existence on the Twisted Wonderland map. However, only citizens who live there can enter or leave the kingdom when the teleportal is open. It is ruled by the Emperor and his daughter, Crown Princess Mizuno Sakura.

The kingdom has a bumper harvest of cherries, plums, apples, etc., which is one of the reasons why the country holds the "Flower and Fruit Harvest" festival. This celebration brings together tourists alike, and has even made the country a favorite tourist destination.

Not only this festival, but the various famous poets who live there and the beautiful cherry blossom forest are also the reasons why tourists want to come. Therefore, the kingdom organized another celebration, "Poetry Appreciation Day" to honor all the poet.

In addition, its kingdom has other festivals, "Cherry Day", to commemorate the romantic love between the Fairy Guardian of Nature and her husband.

Lived in: Erika Rostlina

Celebrations: Flower and Fruit Harvest, Poetry Appreciation Day, Cherry Day

➽──────────────❥

Isle of Elements

The ancient island that least people know where to. It is a small island off the coast of Briar Valley. It is the domain for the people with element powers.

The fairies take over the sovereign to their realms in ancient times. All the Fairy Queens are take orders from the Fairy High Queen, till some extent, the Fairy Queen of Justice who treat friends and enemies remain neutral to the Good and Evil people all as being equal and cannot take sides.

All places in the island are designed to medieval europe and colored in the less gloomy.

There is a cottage in the dark forest of the distant kingdom where Valeria is quarantined due to her photophobia. It is also a habitat for animals such as squirrels, rabbits, owls and more.

Lived in : Valeria Roxia

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Magnolia Kingdom

The kingdom that ruled by Darling's father and it had contracted with his wife's country by the marriage. It is where Darling and her older sister born. Though it ruled by Ryder family, her family runs the pharmacy as her mother suggested and what she desires to be rather than living in royal life.

The reason why this country is called the "Magnolia Kingdom" is because it used to be a place full of magnolia trees, and it was also a place where pharmacists came to pick magnolias. They say the flowers and bark can be made into medicine to treat symptoms like weight loss and anxiety.

Living there: Darling & Artemis Ryder

➽──────────────❥

Prunus Empire

The country where Darling's mother was born and lived with her relatives before marrying her father to unite the two kingdoms. It is formerly ruled by Darling's maternal grandfather until her aunt ascended the throne as Empress.

Her mother often came back to deal with emergencies or tantrums in the palace, though had been escaped from the realm long years.

Likely to Melodie Kingdom, the nation is the famous local for the visitors. Many stores around the town that comes from other countries, most of the beauty cosmetics, fashions and ancient artifacts.

➽──────────────❥

Flutterville Meadow

The small village where Silvia and Annabelle lived in. It is a part of the Spring Greenland.

There is a story that these two places were started by the Harvest sisters. The older sister built an orchard and the younger sister a garden. They all focus on the plants in their locale.

The story sparked speculation about what the sisters had been unidentified. Some people think they quarreled and separated. Others have speculated that the sisters were part of a half-family where their mother died and they moved away from their father.

Pretty like Harveston Village, Flutterville Meadow is the place where many elderlies lived. It has many tourists come to see the beautiful flower meadow and celebrate the flower fest together.

There is a special place that only the villagers are familiar with, that is the Willow of Life. This is the magic tree planted by the sister on her deathbed. The wind blows, every leaf has its own melody. Villagers can hear its leaves ringing like small bells while tourists only can hear the sound of rustle.

Lived in: Silvia Schlummern, Annabelle Paragon

Celebrations: Flower Festival

➽──────────────❥

Spring Greenland

It's a country with cottagecore and retro. It has fruitful harvest same as the Cherry Imperial that the citizens have worked so hard to cultivate. It has four seasons every years.

It has a pair dancing competition each years of the spring, and the winner will get the legendary prize.

There are various species out there like fairies, elves, paladins and others. Athena has lived there for many years since she was born, until she decides to live with her mother, Aurora.

Lived in: Athena Palladium • Aurora Layton

Celebrations: Fairy Gala

Homelands Not by me:

Land of Pyroxene

Living there: Cascade Bluesette (originally lived in Queendom of Quartz)

Rose Kingdom / Queendom of Roses

Living there: Elaina Camilla

[bhagvadgita]

Verses 10.12 & 10.13 - Vibhuti Yoga

अर्जुन उवाच |

परं ब्रह्म परं धाम पवित्रं परमं भवान् |

पुरुषं शाश्वतं दिव्यमादिदेवमजं विभुम् || १२||

आहुस्त्वामृषय: सर्वे देवर्षिर्नारदस्तथा |

असितो देवलो व्यास: स्वयं चैव ब्रवीषि मे || १३||

arjuna uvācha

paraṁ brahma paraṁ dhāma pavitraṁ paramaṁ bhavān।

puruṣhaṁ śhāśhvataṁ divyam ādi-devam ajaṁ vibhum।। १२।।

āhus tvām ṛiṣhayaḥ sarve devarṣhir nāradas tathā।

asito devalo vyāsaḥ svayaṁ chaiva bravīṣhi me।।१३।।

Arjuna said:

You are the Supreme Brahman, the Supreme Abode, the Supreme Purifier, the Eternal Divine Person, the Primal God, the Unborn, and the Greatest. (12)

All the sages, such as Narada, Asita, Devala, and Vyasa, declare this about You; and now You Yourself are declaring it to me. (13)

In these verses, Arjuna expresses his conviction and faith in Krishna's supreme divinity. He addresses Krishna with various epithets that signify his transcendental nature and attributes. He acknowledges that Krishna is the source of everything, the ultimate reality, the purest being, the eternal self, the original lord, the unborn creator, and the omnipotent ruler. He also affirms that Krishna's glory is not based on his own words alone, but on the testimony of many sages and scriptures who have realized his truth.

Arjuna's declaration is a sign of his surrender and devotion to the Lord. He has no doubt or hesitation in accepting Him as his Supreme Lord and Master. He has heard his teachings on various topics such as karma, dharma, yoga, bhakti, jnana, etc., and he has also witnessed his cosmic form that revealed his infinite manifestations. He has realized that Krishna is not an ordinary human being, but the supreme personality of Godhead who has descended to this world for a divine purpose.

Krishna is pleased with Arjuna's faith and devotion. He considers Arjuna as his dear friend and devotee who is qualified to receive his grace and knowledge. He reveals to Arjuna more secrets about his opulence and majesty in the following verses. He tells Arjuna that he is the origin and support of all beings and things in this universe. He enumerates some of his special manifestations that represent his power and beauty. He also explains how one can attain him by Constant Remembrance and worship.

These verses are also important for us as seekers of spiritual wisdom. They teach us how to approach and relate to God as our Supreme Lord and Guide. They inspire us to develop faith and devotion in the Lord's words and deeds. They encourage us to study and follow the teachings of the sages and scriptures who have realized this truth. They also urge us to seek the Lord's grace and vision by engaging in his service and meditation.

These verses are in harmony with other Vedic texts that proclaim Krishna's supreme divinity.

For example, in the Rig Veda (1.22.20), it is said: "He is above all beings; he alone encompasses this entire universe."

In the Shvetashvatara Upanishad (6.7), it is said: "He is the inner self of all beings; he transcends material nature; he is the controller of time; he alone bestows immortality."

In the Brahma Sutra (1.1.2), it is said: "The source of this world is Brahman, who is the Supreme Lord."

In the Narayana Upanishad (1), it is said: "He is the Supreme Brahman; he is the Highest Self; he is the Supreme Light; he is the Supreme Lord."

[horror-fox]

🇺🇸: May 18 marks the 79th anniversary of the Soviet regime's deportation of Crimean Tatars from Crimea. According to a resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, May 18 is declared the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide of the Crimean Tatar People.

May 18 - Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide

On this day in 1944, the Soviet authorities launched an operation to deport Crimean Tatars, accusing them of mass desertion and collaboration with the enemy. More than 200,000 people were evicted from the peninsula.

According to the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, over 46% of all deportees died of starvation, exhaustion, and disease in the first years after the resettlement. Among those who died in the first year, almost half were children under the age of 16.

For more than 20 years, the Soviet authorities completely denied the criminal nature of their actions. In 1967, the Supreme Soviet of the Syrian Arab Republic recognized the groundlessness of the total accusation of the Crimean Tatars, but they were never allowed to return to Crimea. The ban remained in effect until 1989.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, by its Resolution No. 792-VIII of November 12, 2015 "On Recognizing the Genocide of the Crimean Tatar People," recognized the deportation of Crimean Tatars from Crimea in 1944 as genocide of the Crimean Tatar people.

At Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, on the day of mourning, students and staff joined a nationwide minute of silence at 12 o'clock to honor the memory of the victims of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people, and the university's academic buildings were decorated with black mourning ribbons.

At the Pedagogical Institute, the Institute of Journalism and the Institute of Philology, academic groups held curatorial hours on the Genocide of the Crimean Tatar People.

All academic departments of the University published information about the tragic pages of the history of the Crimean Tatar people on their websites and Facebook pages, as well as on the student telegram channel Kryivka.

Students of the Faculty of Law and International Relations familiarized themselves with materials and archival photos prepared by the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory. Maria Usenko, a student of the Faculty, presented a video of her performing Jamala's song "1944".

Students of the Institute of Philology and the Institute of Humanities watched the films "Haytarma" and "Someone Else's Prayer" and took part in an online tour of the Tamırlar Museum of the Deportation of Crimean Tatars.

[poppiesandamber]

Blooming Beauty: Exploring Poppies with Amber-Seaforth Florist

Introduction: In the world of floristry, certain blooms hold a timeless allure, captivating hearts with their vibrant colors and delicate petals. Among these, poppies stand out as symbols of beauty, resilience, and remembrance. Today, we delve into the enchanting realm of poppies, accompanied by the expertise of Amber-Seaforth Florist, as we uncover the secrets behind their allure and their significance in floral arrangements.

The Fascination of Poppies: Poppies, with their ethereal beauty and diverse varieties, have long held a special place in the world of flowers. From the vibrant red hues of the iconic Flanders poppy to the delicate pastels of the Icelandic poppy, each variety exudes its unique charm. Their striking appearance, coupled with a rich symbolism spanning from love and passion to resilience and remembrance, makes them a favorite choice for various occasions.

At Amber-Seaforth Florist, we understand the allure of poppies and harness their beauty to craft stunning floral arrangements that captivate the senses and evoke emotion. Whether used as focal points in bridal bouquets, symbolic accents in memorial wreaths, or cheerful additions to everyday arrangements, poppies infuse a touch of elegance and meaning into every creation.

The Artistry of Amber-Seaforth Florist: As seasoned floral artisans, we at Amber-Seaforth Florist take pride in our ability to transform nature's bounty into exquisite works of art. With meticulous attention to detail and a passion for creativity, we curate floral designs that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression.

When it comes to incorporating poppies into our arrangements, we approach each design with reverence for the flower's inherent beauty and symbolism. Whether crafting a romantic bouquet for a wedding or a heartfelt sympathy arrangement, we carefully select poppies that complement the overall theme and convey the desired sentiment.

Our Commitment to Quality and Service: At Amber-Seaforth Florist, we believe that excellence should extend beyond the beauty of our creations to encompass every aspect of the customer experience. From the moment you entrust us with your floral needs to the delivery of your meticulously crafted arrangement, we strive to exceed your expectations at every turn.

With a dedication to sourcing the finest blooms and a commitment to personalized service, we ensure that each arrangement reflects your unique vision and exceeds your expectations. Whether you seek a grand floral display for a special event or a simple gesture to brighten someone's day, Amber-Seaforth Florist is here to bring your floral dreams to life.

Conclusion: In the world of floristry, poppies reign supreme as symbols of beauty, resilience, and remembrance. At Amber-Seaforth Florist, we embrace the allure of poppies and harness their beauty to craft stunning floral arrangements that captivate the senses and evoke emotion. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for creativity, we invite you to experience the artistry of poppies with us and discover the transformative power of flowers.

Whether you're celebrating a joyous occasion or commemorating a solemn moment, let poppies serve as a poignant reminder of life's beauty and the enduring power of nature's creations. Join us at Amber-Seaforth Florist, where every petal tells a story, and every arrangement is a masterpiece in bloom.

[spiritualsoull1969]

Ancestral Veneration in African Traditional Religions: Honouring the Past

Ancestral veneration is a cornerstone of African Traditional Religions (ATR), permeating the spiritual, cultural, and social fabric of many African communities. It is rooted in the belief that ancestors continue to play an active role in the lives of the living, offering guidance, protection, and support. This reverence for ancestors is not merely a ritualistic practice but a profound spiritual connection that underscores the continuity of life and the enduring bonds between generations.

The Spiritual Context of Ancestral Veneration

In ATR, the concept of the ancestors encompasses more than just deceased family members. Ancestors are often seen as wise, spiritual entities who have transcended the physical realm and possess a closer connection to the divine. They are intermediaries between the living and the Supreme Being or other deities, playing a crucial role in maintaining harmony and balance within the community.

Spiritual Intermediaries: Ancestors are considered to have a deep understanding of the spiritual realm, making them ideal mediators. They can intercede on behalf of the living, offering prayers and petitions to higher deities.

Sources of Wisdom and Guidance: Ancestors are revered for their wisdom and experience. They are consulted for advice on personal and communal matters, ensuring that their knowledge continues to benefit future generations.

Protectors and Guardians: It is believed that ancestors watch over their descendants, providing protection from harm and misfortune. This protective role is a central aspect of ancestral veneration, fostering a sense of security and continuity.

Maintainers of Moral Order: Ancestors are also seen as upholders of moral and ethical standards. They ensure that cultural traditions and values are adhered to, thereby preserving the integrity of the community.

Rituals and Practices

Ancestral veneration involves a variety of rituals and practices that differ among African communities but share common elements of respect, remembrance, and communion.

Libations and Offerings: One of the most common practices is pouring libations, where water, alcohol, or other liquids are poured on the ground as an offering to the ancestors. This act symbolizes nourishment for the spirits and a sign of respect.

Ancestral Altars and Shrines: Many households maintain altars or shrines dedicated to ancestors, adorned with photographs, heirlooms, and offerings. These sacred spaces serve as focal points for prayer and reflection.

Feasts and Festivals: Communal feasts and festivals often celebrate the ancestors, involving elaborate ceremonies, music, dance, and storytelling. These events reinforce communal bonds and ensure the collective memory of the ancestors is preserved.

Naming Ceremonies: New-borns are frequently named after ancestors, ensuring that the legacy of the deceased continues. This practice reinforces the belief in the cyclical nature of life and the ongoing presence of ancestors.

Incorporating Ancestral Veneration into Daily Life: A Practical Toolkit

For those interested in incorporating ancestral veneration into their daily routine, here is a practical toolkit to help integrate these practices meaningfully and respectfully.

Creating an Ancestral Altar

Location: Choose a quiet, respectful spot in your home.

Setup: Place photographs, heirlooms, or symbols representing your ancestors on a small table or shelf.

Offerings: Regularly place offerings such as water, food, flowers, or incense on the altar.

Daily Ritual: Spend a few moments each day in front of the altar, offering prayers or simply reflecting on your ancestors.

Daily Libations

Morning Ritual: Upon waking, pour a small amount of water or another liquid onto the ground while speaking a few words of gratitude and respect to your ancestors.

Intentions: Use this time to ask for guidance, protection, or to express your hopes and concerns.

Ancestral Meditation

Quiet Time: Set aside a few minutes each day for meditation, focusing on your ancestors.

Visualization: Visualize your ancestors surrounding you, offering support and wisdom.

Affirmations: Repeat affirmations or prayers that honor their memory and seek their guidance.

Storytelling and Remembrance

Family Time: Dedicate time during family gatherings to share stories about your ancestors, keeping their memory alive.

Written Remembrance: Keep a journal where you write down memories, lessons, and thoughts about your ancestors.

Seasonal and Special Observances

Feasts and Celebrations: Mark special occasions, such as anniversaries of your ancestors' birthdays or significant festivals, with special meals or gatherings.

Community Involvement: Participate in or organize community events that honor collective ancestors, reinforcing communal ties.

Ethical Living

Moral Values: Strive to live according to the moral and ethical values passed down by your ancestors, ensuring their principles guide your actions.

Charity and Service: Engage in acts of charity and community service as a way of honouring your ancestors' legacy.

Food For Thought:

Ancestral veneration in African Traditional Religions is a deeply spiritual practice that fosters a profound connection between the living and the deceased. By incorporating these practices into daily life, individuals can maintain a continuous bond with their ancestors, drawing on their wisdom, protection, and guidance. This toolkit provides a practical approach to integrating ancestral veneration into modern life, ensuring that the legacy of the ancestors endures and continues to enrich the lives of their descendants. Through respect, remembrance, and ritual, the timeless tradition of honoring the past remains a vital part of the present.

[brookston]

Holidays 3.18

Holidays

Anniversary of the Oil Expropriation (Mexico)

Austria Asteroid Day

Awkward Moments Day

Bindus Diena (The Day the Bears Wake from Hibernation; Ancient Latvia)

Carnival of Body Music

Casey Jones Day

Cheikh Al Maarouf Day (Comoros)

Colonel Day (Battlestar Galactica)

Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence (Australia)

Day of Internal Troops (Belarus)

De Molay Day

Electric Razor Day

Flag Day (Aruba)

Forgive Mom and Dad Day

Gallipoli Memorial Day (Turkey)

Global Recycling Day

Grandparents' & Grandchildren's Day (Michigan)

International Day of Revolutionary Political Prisoners

Maidenhead Fern Day (French Republic)

Make Peace with Your Parents Day

Marien Ngouabi Day (Republic of the Congo)

Men’s and Soldiers Day (Mongolia)

My Whole Self Day (UK)

National Anthem and Flag Day (Aruba)

National Biodiesel Day

National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day

National Day of Remembrance for COVID-19 Victims (Italy)

National Farm Rescuer Day

National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day

National Public Defender Day

National Supreme Sacrifice Day

Oil Expropriation Day (Mexico)

Ordnance Factory Day (India)

Paris Commune Anniversary Day

Phoebe, Moon of Saturn Day

Saint Throw-Up Day

Stab e-Barat (Night of Records; Bangladesh)

Sheelah's Day (a.k.a. Sheela Na Gig; Australia, Canada, Ireland)

Sheikh Al Maalouf Day (Comoros)

Sheep and Goats Separation Day

South Carolina Day (South Carolina)

Space Walk Day

Sparky the Fire Dog Day

Supreme Sacrifice Day (Congo)

Take Down Tobacco Day

Teacher’s Day (Syria)

Transit Driver Appreciation Day

Trisomy 18 Awareness Day

World Eagle Day

World Juvenile Arthritis Day

World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Jambon Day (Ireland)

National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day

National Sloppy Joe Day

Oatmeal Cookie Day

St. Broccoli Day

3rd Monday in March

Act Happy Day [3rd Monday]

Benito Juarez Fiestas Patrias (Mexico) [3rd Monday]

Dangerous Dan's Annual Coffee Cup Washing Day [3rd Monday]

Dribble to Work Day [3rd Monday]

Labor Day (Christmas Island) [3rd or 4th Monday]

Wellderly Day [3rd Monday]

World Folk Tale and Fable Day [3rd Monday]

Weekly Holidays beginning March 18 (3rd Week)

Act Happy Week (thru 3.24) [begins 3rd Monday]

Global Money Week [thru 3.24]

International Teach Music Week (thru 3.24) [begins 3rd Monday]

Independence & Related Days

Aruba (from Netherlands; 1976)

Panay Liberation Day (Philippines)

Festivals Beginning March 18, 2024

AKFCF Convention (Las Vegas, Nevada) [thru 3.22]

American Meat Conference (Nashville, Tennessee) [thru 3.20]

Bar & Restaurant Expo (Las Vegas, Nevada) [thru 3.20]

Culpepper Downtown Restaurant Week (Culpepper, Virginia) [thru 3.24]

IDFA Women’s Summit (Washington, DC) [thru 3.20]

World Tea Expo (Las Vegas, Nevada) [thru 3.20]

Feast Days

Adam Elsheimer (Artology)

Alexander of Jerusalem (Christian; Saint)

Anselm of Lucca (Christian; Saint)

Asklepieia (Ancient Greece)

Barney Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Breasil of Hy-Breasal (Celtic Book of Days)

Cyril of Jerusalem (Christian; Saint)

Edward of the West Saxons (Anglican Church)

Edward the Martyr (a.k.a. Edward, King of England; Christian; Saint)

Exorcist Day (Make the Spirits Disappear; Pastafarian)

Fridianus (a.k.a. Fridian; Christian; Saint)

Goddess of Fertility Day

Hrethmonath (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

John Updike (Writerism; Humanism; Saint)

Oide Matsuri (Departure Festival; Shinto; Japan)

Philo Zilfinger (Muppetism)

Salvator of Horta (Christian; Saint)

Sheela-na-gig (Irish Pagan Fertility Goddess)

Sheep and Goats (Separation) Day (Shamanism)

Socrates (Positivist; Saint)

Usajingu Reitaisai (Shinto; Japan)

Vodka Day (Pastafarian)

Waqf al Arafa (Islam)

Orthodox Christian Liturgical Calendar Holidays

Great Lent begins [1st Monday in Lent; Orthodox Christian] (a.k.a. …

Ash Monday

Blue Monday

Clean Monday (Greece)

Collop Monday

Green Monday (Cyprus)

Hall Monday

Kathara Deftera

Merry Monday

Monday of Lent

Pure Monday

Rose Monday

Shrove Monday

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Unlucky 18th (Philippines) [1 of 3]

Premieres

Alexander’s Ragtime Band published (Song; 1911)

Allegiant (Film; 2016)

The Bronze (Film; 2016)

Cedar Rapids (Film; 2011)

The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown (Novel; 2003)

D.O.A. (Film; 1988)

Dominick and Eugene (Film; 1988)

Flora (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1948)

Getz/Gilberto, by Stan Getz and João Gilberto (Album; 1964)

Happy and Lucky (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1938)

The House Builder-Upper (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1938)

Ice Princess (Film; 2005)

The Lincoln Lawyer (Film; 2011)

The Lost Dream (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1949)

The Man Who Fell To Earth (Film; 1976)

Mickey’s Mellerdrammer (Disney Cartoon; 1933)

The Milagro Beanfield War (Film; 1988)

Naked Gun 33-1/3: The Final Insult (Film; 1994)

Paul (Film; 2011)

Pee Wee’s Big Holiday (Film; 2016)

Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Minor, by Sergei Rachmaninoff (Piano Concerto; 1927)

Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland Ride; 1967)

The Poet and Peasant (Andy Panda Cartoon; 1946)

Rio Bravo (Film; 1960)

Sanditon, by Jane Austen (Unfinished Novel; 1817) [Last Day She Wrote It]

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty James Thurber (Short Stories; 1939)

The Spine of Night (Animated Film; 2021)

Steamboy (Anime Film; 2005)

Strangled Eggs (WB MM Cartoon; 1961)

The Suicide Sheik (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit; 1929)

Wanted: No Master, featuring Count Screwloose and J.R. the Wonder Dog (MGM Cartoon; 1938)

The Well of Loneliness, by Radclyffe Hall (Novel; 1928)

Whatever and Ever Amen, by Ben Folds Five (Album; 1997)

White Riot, by The Clash (Song; 1977)

Today’s Name Days

Cyrill, Edward, Sibylle (Austria)

Ćiril, Edo, Eduard, Spasoje (Croatia)

Eduard (Czech Republic)

Alexander (Denmark)

Edi, Eduard, Eedi, Eedo, Eedu (Estonia)

Edvard, Eetu (Finland)

Cyrille (France)

Edward, Cyrill, Sibylle (Germany)

Edward (Greece)

Ede, Sándor (Hungary)

Cirillo, Salvatore (Italy)

Adelīna, Ilona, Razna, Sartite (Latvia)

Anzelmas, Eimutė, Eimutis, Sibilė (Lithuania)

Aleksander, Edvard, Sander (Norway)

Aleksander, Anzelm, Boguchwał, Cyryl, Edward, Narcyz, Narcyza, Salwator (Poland)

Chiril (Romania)

Eduard (Slovakia)

Cirilo, Eduardo (Spain)

Edmund, Edvard (Sweden)

Cyril, Cyrilla, Grover, Salvador, Salvatore, Sibyl, Sybil, Sybilla (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 78 of 2024; 288 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 1 of week 12 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Fearn (Alder) [Day 2 of 28]

Chinese: Month 2 (Ding-Mao), Day 9 (Xin-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025)

Hebrew: 8 Adair II 5784

Islamic: 8 Ramadan 1445

J Cal: 18 Green; Foursday [18 of 30]

Julian: 5 March 2024

Moon: 65%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 22 Aristotle (3rd Month) [Xenocrates]

Runic Half Month: Beore (Birch Tree) [Day 9 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 89 of 89)

Week: 3rd Week of March

Zodiac: Pisces (Day 29 of 30)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 3.18

Holidays

Anniversary of the Oil Expropriation (Mexico)

Austria Asteroid Day

Awkward Moments Day

Bindus Diena (The Day the Bears Wake from Hibernation; Ancient Latvia)

Carnival of Body Music

Casey Jones Day

Cheikh Al Maarouf Day (Comoros)

Colonel Day (Battlestar Galactica)

Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence (Australia)

Day of Internal Troops (Belarus)

De Molay Day

Electric Razor Day

Flag Day (Aruba)

Forgive Mom and Dad Day

Gallipoli Memorial Day (Turkey)

Global Recycling Day

Grandparents' & Grandchildren's Day (Michigan)

International Day of Revolutionary Political Prisoners

Maidenhead Fern Day (French Republic)

Make Peace with Your Parents Day

Marien Ngouabi Day (Republic of the Congo)

Men’s and Soldiers Day (Mongolia)

My Whole Self Day (UK)

National Anthem and Flag Day (Aruba)

National Biodiesel Day

National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day

National Day of Remembrance for COVID-19 Victims (Italy)

National Farm Rescuer Day

National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day

National Public Defender Day

National Supreme Sacrifice Day

Oil Expropriation Day (Mexico)

Ordnance Factory Day (India)

Paris Commune Anniversary Day

Phoebe, Moon of Saturn Day

Saint Throw-Up Day

Stab e-Barat (Night of Records; Bangladesh)

Sheelah's Day (a.k.a. Sheela Na Gig; Australia, Canada, Ireland)

Sheikh Al Maalouf Day (Comoros)

Sheep and Goats Separation Day

South Carolina Day (South Carolina)

Space Walk Day

Sparky the Fire Dog Day

Supreme Sacrifice Day (Congo)

Take Down Tobacco Day

Teacher’s Day (Syria)

Transit Driver Appreciation Day

Trisomy 18 Awareness Day

World Eagle Day

World Juvenile Arthritis Day

World Young Rheumatic Diseases Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Jambon Day (Ireland)

National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day

National Sloppy Joe Day

Oatmeal Cookie Day

St. Broccoli Day

3rd Monday in March

Act Happy Day [3rd Monday]

Benito Juarez Fiestas Patrias (Mexico) [3rd Monday]

Dangerous Dan's Annual Coffee Cup Washing Day [3rd Monday]

Dribble to Work Day [3rd Monday]

Labor Day (Christmas Island) [3rd or 4th Monday]

Wellderly Day [3rd Monday]

World Folk Tale and Fable Day [3rd Monday]

Weekly Holidays beginning March 18 (3rd Week)

Act Happy Week (thru 3.24) [begins 3rd Monday]

Global Money Week [thru 3.24]

International Teach Music Week (thru 3.24) [begins 3rd Monday]

Independence & Related Days

Aruba (from Netherlands; 1976)

Panay Liberation Day (Philippines)

Festivals Beginning March 18, 2024

AKFCF Convention (Las Vegas, Nevada) [thru 3.22]

American Meat Conference (Nashville, Tennessee) [thru 3.20]

Bar & Restaurant Expo (Las Vegas, Nevada) [thru 3.20]

Culpepper Downtown Restaurant Week (Culpepper, Virginia) [thru 3.24]

IDFA Women’s Summit (Washington, DC) [thru 3.20]

World Tea Expo (Las Vegas, Nevada) [thru 3.20]

Feast Days

Adam Elsheimer (Artology)

Alexander of Jerusalem (Christian; Saint)

Anselm of Lucca (Christian; Saint)

Asklepieia (Ancient Greece)

Barney Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Breasil of Hy-Breasal (Celtic Book of Days)

Cyril of Jerusalem (Christian; Saint)

Edward of the West Saxons (Anglican Church)

Edward the Martyr (a.k.a. Edward, King of England; Christian; Saint)

Exorcist Day (Make the Spirits Disappear; Pastafarian)

Fridianus (a.k.a. Fridian; Christian; Saint)

Goddess of Fertility Day

Hrethmonath (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

John Updike (Writerism; Humanism; Saint)

Oide Matsuri (Departure Festival; Shinto; Japan)

Philo Zilfinger (Muppetism)

Salvator of Horta (Christian; Saint)

Sheela-na-gig (Irish Pagan Fertility Goddess)

Sheep and Goats (Separation) Day (Shamanism)

Socrates (Positivist; Saint)

Usajingu Reitaisai (Shinto; Japan)

Vodka Day (Pastafarian)

Waqf al Arafa (Islam)

Orthodox Christian Liturgical Calendar Holidays

Great Lent begins [1st Monday in Lent; Orthodox Christian] (a.k.a. …

Ash Monday

Blue Monday

Clean Monday (Greece)

Collop Monday

Green Monday (Cyprus)

Hall Monday

Kathara Deftera

Merry Monday

Monday of Lent

Pure Monday

Rose Monday

Shrove Monday

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Unlucky 18th (Philippines) [1 of 3]

Premieres

Alexander’s Ragtime Band published (Song; 1911)

Allegiant (Film; 2016)

The Bronze (Film; 2016)

Cedar Rapids (Film; 2011)

The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown (Novel; 2003)

D.O.A. (Film; 1988)

Dominick and Eugene (Film; 1988)

Flora (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1948)

Getz/Gilberto, by Stan Getz and João Gilberto (Album; 1964)

Happy and Lucky (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1938)

The House Builder-Upper (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1938)

Ice Princess (Film; 2005)

The Lincoln Lawyer (Film; 2011)

The Lost Dream (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1949)

The Man Who Fell To Earth (Film; 1976)

Mickey’s Mellerdrammer (Disney Cartoon; 1933)

The Milagro Beanfield War (Film; 1988)

Naked Gun 33-1/3: The Final Insult (Film; 1994)

Paul (Film; 2011)

Pee Wee’s Big Holiday (Film; 2016)

Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Minor, by Sergei Rachmaninoff (Piano Concerto; 1927)

Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland Ride; 1967)

The Poet and Peasant (Andy Panda Cartoon; 1946)

Rio Bravo (Film; 1960)

Sanditon, by Jane Austen (Unfinished Novel; 1817) [Last Day She Wrote It]

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty James Thurber (Short Stories; 1939)

The Spine of Night (Animated Film; 2021)

Steamboy (Anime Film; 2005)

Strangled Eggs (WB MM Cartoon; 1961)

The Suicide Sheik (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit; 1929)

Wanted: No Master, featuring Count Screwloose and J.R. the Wonder Dog (MGM Cartoon; 1938)

The Well of Loneliness, by Radclyffe Hall (Novel; 1928)

Whatever and Ever Amen, by Ben Folds Five (Album; 1997)

White Riot, by The Clash (Song; 1977)

Today’s Name Days

Cyrill, Edward, Sibylle (Austria)

Ćiril, Edo, Eduard, Spasoje (Croatia)

Eduard (Czech Republic)

Alexander (Denmark)

Edi, Eduard, Eedi, Eedo, Eedu (Estonia)

Edvard, Eetu (Finland)

Cyrille (France)

Edward, Cyrill, Sibylle (Germany)

Edward (Greece)

Ede, Sándor (Hungary)

Cirillo, Salvatore (Italy)

Adelīna, Ilona, Razna, Sartite (Latvia)

Anzelmas, Eimutė, Eimutis, Sibilė (Lithuania)

Aleksander, Edvard, Sander (Norway)

Aleksander, Anzelm, Boguchwał, Cyryl, Edward, Narcyz, Narcyza, Salwator (Poland)

Chiril (Romania)

Eduard (Slovakia)

Cirilo, Eduardo (Spain)

Edmund, Edvard (Sweden)

Cyril, Cyrilla, Grover, Salvador, Salvatore, Sibyl, Sybil, Sybilla (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 78 of 2024; 288 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 1 of week 12 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Fearn (Alder) [Day 2 of 28]

Chinese: Month 2 (Ding-Mao), Day 9 (Xin-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025)

Hebrew: 8 Adair II 5784

Islamic: 8 Ramadan 1445

J Cal: 18 Green; Foursday [18 of 30]

Julian: 5 March 2024

Moon: 65%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 22 Aristotle (3rd Month) [Xenocrates]

Runic Half Month: Beore (Birch Tree) [Day 9 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 89 of 89)

Week: 3rd Week of March

Zodiac: Pisces (Day 29 of 30)

[thenonconformistcurmudgeon]

The Long and Short of It

Although he liked to imagine that he was a noteworthy character, in the end he considered himself an ordinary man who lived an ordinary life.  Ordinary in the sense that he lived and died like billions before him, leaving no legacy behind, and soon would be forgotten in a generation or two.  Like others before and after him, he lived, loved, lied, lauded, lamented, lusted, laughed, learned, lavished, looked, listened, latched on, loafed, luxuriated, and lollygagged as well as numerous other action words beginning with L and other letters of the alphabet.

In his later years, as he often thought about mortality, he became obsessed with leaving something in his wake for after he was dead. Something that acknowledged that he lived a life, some sort of remembrance. A legacy of sorts but not in the traditional sense.  He lived his life fairly anonymously and preferred privacy but he found it disturbing that someone could exist for 70-80 years and then vanish from existence as if they were never even alive. In some ways, he wished to be known more when he was dead than alive.

Regarding a legacy, he was not interested in fame, heroism, a public persona, or having moved humanity in a new direction.  If he were to have any type of concrete heritage, it would be more in line with General Ambrose Burnside whose facial hair style led to the term sideburns. He was so taken with the origin of this term, he attempted to develop his own unique facial hair style and thought if it caught on, it may be named after him.  His idea was to combine a pencil thin moustache with mutton chops, a look that you never see. However, he did not have the natural ability for the mutton chops and the bonsai trimming of the pencil thin was tedious. He quickly gave up on the idea of the pencil chops or mutton thin as possible monikers but it didn’t stop him from encouraging other men to give it a try. It seemed the facial hair specialty did a lot for the collective human consciousness for Fu Manchu, Dali, Van Dyke, and Mr. Handlebar.

He enjoyed watching old movies to better understand history, style, language, relationships and prior mores. He would look up the history and background of the players. Some were very famous in the 1920’s and 1930’s but are now largely forgotten.  How would he ever be remembered if even famous people who are on film can be forsaken. He especially enjoyed finding what he could about the bit players. For instance, Dewey Robinson was in 275 films with parts such as bartender, gambler at craps table, drunk, pipe smoking detective, mug, and was even a bouncer at Ricks Café in Casablanca. He wanted to know if Dewey was happy with his career of bit parts, some non-speaking, or did Dewey yearn for more. Was Dewey able to support himself and any family as an actor or did he have to do other work as well. Not likely to ever know. Despite the internet, there remains so many unknowns in a life.

Without a belief in a supreme being, he had great difficulties coming to grips with the lack of purpose and meaning to life. He would have an existential crisis at the drop of a hat. When walking in a mall or in a grocery store, he felt disconnected to most of human history be it hunting, gathering, farming, homesteading and basic hand to mouth survival. For most of history, people didn’t walk around a store with a list, a cart, and trying to decide which of 23 shampoos to choose on a supermarket shelf with differing ingredients, brands, sizes, hair types, and price comparison by ounce. Although never doubting his non-believer ways, if he turned out wrong, he felt this was a sure-fire example that it was a cruel deity.

Tenth grade English class assignment was a Tale of Two Cities. He identified with Sidney Carton but not for “It’s a far, far better thing that I do, then I ever done” heroic sacrifice.  Sidney was a lost soul, without meaning and purpose to his existence, cynical and empty. Certainly, something a teenager could connect to.  Unlike Sydney, who spent much time in a drunken stupor and had to find purpose through a way too close of a shave, he found solace, meaning and purpose through connection, friendship, laughter, and looking at human foibles, conundrums, and conformities with absurdism.

Although he would hate trite expressions throughout his lifetime, he was comfortable with the journey, albeit the destination may also be important. Others had trouble understanding his comfort with melancholy, isolation, and alienation. For they were only temporary states he allowed himself to bathe in, interspersed and balanced by thoughts of preposterous farce. To feel deeply, positive or negative, is when he felt most connected to himself, others, and human existence. Depth of emotion was perhaps his nirvana.

Up to now, we haven’t given him a name. To keep his anonymity, we will simply call him John.  I believe he would like that, like in John Q. Public or John Doe. He felt we all end up dead on arrival, anonymous to the undertaker.

It wasn’t that he wanted to be remembered for some great gift he gave to humanity but wished his thoughts, emotions, way of thinking, and sideways views could live on. He took up writing a blog but he only allowed a few people to have access to it or know of its existence. Soon before his death he changed the settings on the blog from private to public and his left brain and gut emotions could endure.  It gave him a purpose and satisfied his longings for a legacy.  

[leenakumbhkar]

Kabir is God....

Holy Yajur Veda Chapter 8 Mantra 13 proves that Supreme God can forgive your sins.

The glory and greatness of the Supreme Power is found in everything. We have been hearing since childhood that God has created the sun, moon, stars, water, mountains, air, plants, animals etc. and all human beings. Countless arguments about the existence of God have been the subject of discussion for ages. Till now the contemporary saints, Mandaleshwars, Mahants and religious gurus of all religions have never defined – Who is the immortal God?

Atheists strongly claim that God does not exist. While many traditions hold that God is possible, i.e. incarnate, on the other hand, some hold that the omnipresent God is 'impossible', that God is never born and is merely a point of intensely bright light, with no physical body. Not there.

Amidst this controversy, the most incredible and astonishing question remains for humans – Who is the superpower God who created the entire universe? How do planets rotate in their orbits? Who controls and manages? How is nature created? Certainly, there is some supreme divine being who is the overall controller, who is the creator of the entire universe, but is unknown to the masses till date due to lack of true spiritual knowledge.

God is omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, and in human form, with supernatural creative skills. He is indestructible. The attributes of God show that He is benevolent, ever forgiving, almighty, merciful and ever loving. Whose remembrance creates a special stir in our soul, to achieve which the contemporary great saints and many aspirants have exhausted their bodies by worshiping forcefully for many years; The Supreme Being who is seen as the complete and continuous embodiment of all qualities, powers is well defined in all religious books. The sacred scriptures provide evidence that the Supreme Power which is the overall controller of the entire universe exists in the form and is known by various names such as Param Akshar Brahm / Param Akshar Purush / Satpurush / Allah / Rab / Khuda / Parmeshwar / God who created the universe. The entire universe in all its magnitude.

[crimerecords-info]

October 30 - Memorial Day for Victims of Political Repression in Russia

The Russian people fought for freedom in 1917, and ironically found political repression. They began immediately after October 1917. Already in the first years of the Bolsheviks' stay in power, peasants - participants in anti-government protests, workers-strikers, members of socialist parties and anarchist organizations, clergy, sailors - participants in the Kronstadt "mutiny" of 1921, clergymen were subjected to mass repression. During the civil war, along with the "red" terror, there was also a "white" one. But then the right to political repression was privatized by the victorious Bolsheviks. They repressed not only individuals, but entire estates: nobles, Cossacks, clergy, wealthy peasants. There was an endless succession of lawsuits on professional affiliation: over the military, security officers, doctors, engineers, scientists. The peak of political repression was the notorious 1937. But even after that, at a later time, the repression did not stop. The regime brutally persecuted dissidents. The main object of the regime's repressive policy in the 1960s- 1980s was "dissidence". During the period from 1967 to 1971, the KGB authorities "identified" more than three thousand groups of a "politically harmful nature." Since the mid-1950s, psychiatry has been widely used to combat dissent.

The Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repression in Russia was first celebrated in 1991 in memory of the hunger strike of prisoners of camps in Mordovia, which began on October 30, 1974. Officially, this day was established by the Resolution of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR of October 18, 1991 "On the establishment of the Day of Remembrance of victims of Political repression." On October 30, commemorative events, meetings and rallies are held in our country, attended by politicians and public figures, human rights defenders, former political prisoners, young people, relatives and friends of those who died in Soviet camps.

Read more in the post "Memorial Day of Victims of Political repression in Russia"

*Translated using an electronic dictionary. The original text in Russian and much more on the criminal topic can be selected on the main page of the site - http://crimerecords.info/

[bkitwing]

Daily practice of #Rajyoga #meditation helps us build a deep #connection with the #supreme #soul & receive his #powers which strengthens our original qualities of #peace, #respect, #love, etc. We all are the children of #God. #Remembrance of the #relationship with God reminds us that we all are brothers. Thus giving love and respect to everyone comes naturally.

#bkitwing #brahmakumaris

[bhagvadgita]

Verse 12.11 - Bhakti Yoga

अथैतदप्यशक्तोऽसि कर्तुं मद्योगमाश्रित: ।सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं तत: कुरु यतात्मवान् ॥ ११ ॥

If, however, you are unable to work in this Consciousness of Me, then try to act giving up all results of your work and try to be situated in the Self.

This verse is part of the twelfth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, which deals with the topic of bhakti or devotion to the Supreme Lord. In this chapter, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna the different types of devotees and the ways to attain Him. He also reveals the essence of bhakti as the surrender of one's mind and intellect to Him.

The meaning of this verse is that if one is not able to practice the highest form of bhakti, which is to constantly remember and serve the Lord with love (Constant Remembrance), then one should at least perform one's prescribed duties without attachment to the fruits of one's actions. This is also a form of bhakti, as it involves offering one's work to the Lord and accepting His Will as Supreme. By doing so, one gradually becomes free from the bondage of karma and attains peace and Self-Realization.

This verse also implies that one should not give up one's duties or actions, but rather perform them in a spirit of renunciation and detachment. This is the essence of karma yoga, which is the path of action for the purification of the mind. By renouncing the results of one's actions, one becomes free from the dualities of happiness and distress, success and failure, honor and dishonor, etc. One also becomes free from the egoism and pride that arise from the identification with one's body and mind. One thus becomes Self situated, or established in one's True Nature as the eternal soul, which is part of the Lord.

Some similar verses from other Vedic texts that convey the same message are:

- From the Yoga Vasistha (6.2.10):

यदा नास्ति फलाकाङ्क्षा तदा नास्ति च बन्धनम् । कर्मण्येव ततो युक्तो भवेदात्मनि निर्मल: ॥ १० ॥

When there is no desire for the fruits of actions, then there is no bondage either. Then one should be engaged in actions only, and become pure in the Self.

- From the Mundaka Upanishad (1.2.12):

परीक्ष्य लोकान्कर्मचितान्ब्राह्मणो निर्वेदमायान्नास्त्यकृतः कृतेन । तद्विज्ञानार्थं स गुरुमेवाभिगच्छेत्समित्पाणिः श्रोत्रियं ब्रह्मनिष्ठम् ॥ १२ ॥

Having examined the worlds attained by the fruits of actions, the brahmana becomes dispassionate, realizing that there is nothing eternal in them. For the sake of knowing that, he should approach a guru who is well-versed in the scriptures and established in Brahman, with firewood in hand.