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The Teachers In Our Lives

When I think of the people who have impacted my life the most, I would bet that they have Teacher as part of their natal chart – as part of their Sacred Contract.  I can remember how my grandmothers taught me things that became instilled in me as a young child.  Then I also have one Teacher in each formative set of years in school – elementary, junior high, high school, and post high school.  I have also been blessed, as my inner circle of influence is mostly Teachers (not by profession) including family, friends, and my wonderful clients.

We must allow ourselves to be open to the possibility that each person in our lives, especially our significant other, is a Teacher and we can learn some of our greatest lessons from him or her.  Some Teachers we can clearly see as gifts, and others come disguised presenting challenging obstacles.  If we choose to shift our perspective to one that life isn’t just happening to us, we can realize that we’ve asked for our Teachers, and they’ve appeared, Divinely timed as they ALWAYS do.  Ask, and when the time is right, they shall come.

I have chosen the work I do because I have had the privilege of being taught by phenomenal Teachers who were passionate about their life’s work.  They ignited my deep desire to use their teachings in my life’s work.  Caroline Myss, Sonia Choquette, Lench Archuleta, Jacqueline Brenner, Wayne Dyer, Doreen Virtue, and Stephen Irestone DC, are just a few of my Teachers.

Stephen Irestone became my chiropractor about 12 years ago and instantly became an endearing Teacher and mentor to me.  This month I am very excited to have him share some of his wisdom spotlighting the Teacher Archetype.

I hope you will steal 30 minutes for yourself to read September’s newsletter while enjoying the last days of summer.

May each of you recognize a Teacher in your life who has challenged you and encouraged you to step outside of the box so that you continue to become who you are meant to be.  

THE TEACHER ARCHETYPE

Symbolic Living Through the Lens of an Archetype

Work Cited
Myss, Caroline.  Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential.  New York: Three
     Rivers Press, 2002, 2003.  Print.

A TEACHER TESTIMONIAL

The Teachers
by Dr. Steve Irestone

It is my true belief that doctors don’t fix patients.  Patients fix patients; they just need to learn what they need to learn.

As the word doctor is the Latin word for teacher, I believe the embodiment of the title Doctor is to wear the mantle of someone who is willing not only to study the concepts and facts of the chosen profession but also to educate and “walk the walk.”  In other words, you can’t take someone where you’ve never been yourself.

My personal journey:
I came to my profession out of necessity.  As a young man with chronic and debilitating back pain, I had seen dozens of doctors of many specialties before I came across a doctor who looked at me with a different set of eyes.  He not only looked at my structural body, but he also asked about my digestion, my energy levels, my mood, and my cognitive functions.  After further evaluation, he explained that I was intolerant to some of the food I was eating and taught me the correlation between my chemical body and physical body.  By changing my diet, I experienced less back pain.

The next chapter came in the course of studying yoga.  As a long-term martial arts practitioner I was strong and flexible, but as a very knowledgeable yoga teacher was able to show me, my strength and flexibility were not in balance creating distortions in my spine.  He taught me how to balance my body, and my back pain was better yet.

My biggest lessons have come from my journey into my psycho-spiritual life.  As a “spiritual being having a physical experience,” I understand that life experiences can be painful.  I found two teachers who helped me make sense of and process the pain I was holding in my body from my childhood.

One taught me the skills of Shamanic Breathwork (Shamanicbreathwork.org): the process of using music, breath, and trance to go into the shadows of my subconscious and bring the pain into the light, allowing my conscious mind to process and release it.  The other taught me the skills of Quantum Neuro Reset Therapy (QNRT.com): finding the ‘Emotional Threads’ from traumatic emotional experiences that were locked in my nervous system and resetting the neurological patterns that were keeping me stuck.

In all of these teachers, I found individuals who came to their knowledge and understandings through personal needs and experiences, allowing them to have a felt understanding of what they were teaching.  It is through these teachings that I have healed and am able to pass these teachings on to those I have the honor to work with.

IN MY EXPERIENCE

Using our "All Things Alchemical" Tools
by Anne Barton

As I shared last month, there was not a clear choice for an animal to write about in my Wisdom from Animals feature, based on the archetype we were featuring.  This month is completely different; the animal associated with the keyword Teacher is Wolf.  I am honored to share insights about this animal, because Wolf is one of my personal totems.  
 
Looking back at my life, I can see how the energy and spirit of Wolf have been with me for as long as I can remember.  When asked as a small child what I wanted to be when I grew up, I invariably would answer, “a Teacher.”  “Teacher” was my favorite thing to play make-believe, my younger sister and her friends often playing my students. When it was time to choose a college and a course for my life, I majored in education and graduated from college with a teaching credential.  However, the real learning for me began after college, and Wolf was an even more prominent influence.  This is when I began my lifelong path of personal growth and getting to know my true self. 
 
In my thirties, my path continued to become clearer.  By this time, I was no longer teaching in a traditional school setting, but it became clear that teaching was always going to be part of what I’d do.  What I was feeling more strongly at this time - and this feeling of purpose has just gotten stronger since then - was a desire to share what I know on a universal level.  To me this means sharing and teaching for the purpose of raising the consciousness and energy vibration of the world, one person at a time.
 
Just another little clue about my connection with Wolf, before I became familiar with her as a personal totem, is that I was raised with dogs.  While I like all kinds of dogs, the ones I’m attracted to are those that look like wolves or coyotes, another personal totem.  Finally, in Eastern Astrology, I’m a Cancer Rising, and Cancer is ruled by the Moon which has a specific connection to the energy of Wolf.
 
I’m sharing my story to encourage you to look at your own life’s patterns and desires and see if you know one or two of your personal totem animals.  Study the animal that comes to mind when you review your life in this way and take note of those qualities you share.  And when that animal spontaneously pops up in your life, take note again!  As I’ve suggested before, there can be a direct message for you in such encounters.  It doesn’t have to be the live animal that shows up, although that experience is always fun and significant.  (Yesterday a coyote literally crossed my path when I was out walking!)  It can be an image on a billboard or something that catches your eye on TV.   Stop and pay attention to what you are thinking.  Noticing what’s going on within yourself in any given moment and really being present take practice.  Use your animal encounters as part of this practice.

INSPIRED POETRY

An Apple For the Teacher
by John Morris
 
Can it be?  Is it already back to school time?!  When I was a kid, this was one of my favorite times of year.  Oh, I did love summer, but near the end of August I typically got bored and longed for the opportunity to see my friends and learn new things.
 
I was (and still am) a good student.  We looked at the Archetype of the Student last month; so, this month we turn to the other half of the learning equation – the Teacher.
 
A Teacher holds the key to learning.  We all remember very well that a good Teacher can ignite a flame of curiosity in any student, even the least engaged, while a bad Teacher… well, you remember that experience too, right?
 
In numerology, the number of the Teacher is Six.  I wrote about this number in a previous column when I discussed the Father Archetype.  You may wish to go back and read (or reread!) my column for June to find out about that aspect of Six energy.
 
So how could Six also contain the energy of the Teacher?
 
The broad energy of the single digit Six is that of love, nurturing, and service.  Clearly that energy is applicable to a parent, as well as to other family members and to lovers. It is applicable to any role that holds responsibility for the nurturing and growth of another human being.  The role of Teacher certainly qualifies.
 
Teaching is service-oriented, true to the number Six, and is often considered a calling.  Typically, not just anyone becomes a Teacher.  Many Teachers (especially the best ones) feel drawn to the essence of the role – that of a guide, one who takes joy in seeing others discover their own gifts, passions, and ultimately wisdom.
 
Yes, you may be familiar with the old saying, “Those who can’t do, teach.”  The implication?  People who can’t master and perform a skill settle for teaching about it.  Fortunately, that stereotype is changing.  In fact, the title of the textbook in a class I took about teaching is Those Who Can, Teach.
 
Teaching is itself a skill, as well as an art, embodied in the Teacher Archetype and in the energy of Six.  If you have strong Six energy in your numerology chart, you may well have a job as a Teacher.  If not, others may seek you out for advice and hold your opinion in high regard no matter what your job.  Sixes ideally support, nurture, and inspire others.
 
One challenge of the number Six is to make sure that you are not giving until you have nothing left – Teachers need to receive too!  Another challenge, however, is to make sure you don’t become addicted to giving advice.  True teaching empowers others to make their own discoveries, as opposed to simply telling others what to do.  Sixes can sometimes become rescuers motivated by the feeling of being needed.
 
Ultimately, the essence of Six comes back to love and service.  The Teacher Archetype at its highest level is sensitive, empathetic, and aware on a societal level.  The Teacher knows that the most powerful wisdom comes from the heart, in combination with knowledge provided by the intellect.  If this energy is strong for you, you have a vital role to play in society whether for your family, a classroom, individuals, or an organization.
 
At the same time, the Teacher Archetype may currently be one of the least understood.  In a world that has experienced an information explosion and is now moving past that preoccupation to consider the question, “What should we actually do with all this information?” – what is the role of the Teacher?
 
In a world where we as individuals are being called on to question the experts, take more responsibility for our own education, and make our own meaning from all this information – what is the role of the Teacher?
 
One explanation for the image of “an apple for the Teacher” may date back to the Middle Ages.  Knowledge was considered a gift from God, and one wouldn’t charge money for giving such a gift.  The Teachers were poor and had to be given apples so they didn’t starve!
 
Today, we need good Teachers and role models more than ever.  We are reinventing what makes a good Teacher.  To help us in that quest, we may benefit from remembering that love and service are at the heart of Six energy.  When we find those qualities in ourselves and in others, we may want to reward their presence with more than just apples.

WISDOM FROM ANIMALS

• Honor your Teacher within.

• Share knowledge and your personal medicine with others.

• Consciousness of humanity will attain new heights through this sharing.

• To live is to grow - you have called the highest teacher to yourself.

• Look for teachings wherever you are.  Does your intuitive side have an answer for you?

• Balance is preserved when you take no more or less than what you need.

WISDOM FROM ASTROLOGY

What to Expect with Jupiter in Taurus
By Vidya Dasi
 
I hope by now you have successfully identified two or three of the places in your life where you feel victimized, where fear occurs, or where you feel you have conundrums.  It is now time to begin to study these with the help of two well- respected people in your life.  With the wisdom of the exalted Saturn in Libra, you should be able to resolve these areas by taking responsibility for them and finding other ways of envisioning them, at the very least.  September and October should be the optimum time, astrologically, for bringing solutions to our difficult areas.  Good luck hunting and good luck reconfiguring.
 
This month we are going to discuss the powerful and elucidating planet Jupiter, as it moved into Taurus on May 16^th and will continue in that sign until the end of May 2013.  Jupiter rules expansion, wealth, philosophy, spirituality, family, marital partner, liver, increase, horizontal vision, fame, and impact in life.  Jupiter stays approximately one year in one sign.
 
Jupiter in the sign of Taurus, which is ruled by Venus and is an earth sign, makes us more fixed in nature.  So there will be some stubbornness, rigidity, and fear of change during this period.  It leads to careful expansion and practical steps forward.  There may be less travel than anticipated or than you had hoped for.  You may have trouble controlling your eating and other sensual activities.  You may be more interested than usual in finding a partner or lover.
 
During this period you may be reading more and looking for more creative outlets.  You have perhaps picked up or are spending more time with your artistic endeavors than you have for the past year or two.  You will be looking for ways to please yourself and others.
 
With Jupiter in Taurus you are more interested in your home and garden and may find yourself choosing to entertain at home.  You are probably feeling quite social, and everyone is enjoying your company.  You also are possibly searching for ways to expand your wealth and make yourself financially secure.
 
This influence will tend to draw you to spiritual, humanitarian, and philosophical causes and ceremonies.  It may make you feel somewhat lethargic or lazy at times and perhaps even stagnant.
 
You will be generous and well liked.  You will be more interested in connecting with old friends, and there is the potential of making new ones.  You will have to concentrate on speaking sweetly.  You may be more focused on your dress and looking good in society.  You may overspend on pleasure and comfort.  You may miss obvious opportunities because of an over-concern with immediate gain and advancement.
 
You must guard against inflexibility, becoming too proud of accomplishments, and thinking you are the doer.  You must make an effort to speak more softly and carefully.  You must attempt to curb your fault-finding tendencies as these deplete your positive forward energy.  You must attempt to find better and better ways to spend less and save more.
 
Now, according to your individual Vedic chart, Jupiter in Taurus will affect you in different ways.
 
If you have Jupiter in Taurus in the 1st house, you should be feeling happy, respected, and lucky.  There is a good possibility of finding a partner or having children.  A quest for self-realization will become manifest or become more important.
 
If your Jupiter in Taurus falls in your 2nd house, your wealth and opportunities for wealth should expand.  You should have opportunities for speaking your truth much more than before.  You will feel truthful, charitable, and virtuous.  Your imagination will flourish, and you will have opportunities for good eating.
 
If your Jupiter in Taurus falls in your 3rd house of desire, you must be sure to remain grateful.  You can make gains through speech, writing, and fine arts.  Practical communication will improve, and your talents and artistic abilities will increase.
 
With Jupiter in Taurus in the 4th house, you should be experiencing an increase in happiness in the company of good people, especially mothers or people with motherly qualities.  There may be opportunities for you to get a new home, property, or other fixed assets.  Your spiritual endeavors will be increasing.
 
The 5th house Jupiter in Taurus may bring teaching opportunities and the birth of children in your family.  There may be some romantic opportunities.  It should be a good year for successful investments.  Perhaps you will mentor one or more people this year.  Opportunities for spiritual growth are abundant.  Your intelligence will be keen, and others will appreciate you for your intelligence.
 
With Jupiter in Taurus in the 6th house, you should experience little if any health problems, except from overindulgence.  You may have problems with servants or employees and perhaps with your mate.  You must be careful not to surrender to corruption or low ethics.  It is possible that you could experience dishonor.  You will be sympathetic and cheerful and kindhearted.  Learning that life is not dichotomous is possible this year.  You could prosper in the fields of law, philosophy, therapy, food distribution, and medicine.
 
Jupiter in Taurus in the 7th house may mean that you meet or marry a fine partner who is rich and beautiful.  It also may bring success to your children.  You will be drawn to spiritual or religious meditation, chanting mantras, or other enlightenment practices.  You also could gain an increase in your family or gain a good quality partner in your business or occupation.  Your partners should also increase your verve for self-realization.
 
If your Jupiter falls in the 8^th house in Taurus, you will gain through other’s money or support.  You may take to healing practices.  Your marital stability could be threatened.  Your intuitive abilities will be heightened.  Your interest in metaphysical issues will increase.  Wealth could come from wills or legacies.  All mystical aspects of life will interest you much more than usual.
 
With Jupiter in Taurus in the 9^th house, you may travel overseas.  You will experience honor and will be attracted to performing religious acts.  You may gain from children this year or become a well-respected teacher.  You will feel spiritual, wise, and virtuous.  Luck is yours for the year, and you will be interested in gaining knowledge and philosophy.
 
Jupiter in Taurus in the 10^th house brings you expansion in your career.  Some honor could be forthcoming.  Your social contacts could increase, and you will experience good fame, power, and authority.  All-around success should be yours.  You will feel virtuous, high-minded, and spiritual.  Wealth should increase easily.
 
Jupiter in Taurus in the 11^th house should increase your circle of friends and influential people.  You will feel inspired, bold, and fearless this year.  Your goals should be fulfilled, and opportunities should avail themselves to you.  Your children should prosper, and your affection for your family will increase.  Your dreams and ambitions will affect your entire society.
 
With Jupiter in Taurus in the 12^th house, your interest in spiritual and humanitarian causes will increase.   There may be some feeling of burdensome responsibilities for family and especially children.  You may feel dissatisfied with your financial status.  You may travel a lot, be motivated or forced to serve others, and suffer from envious people.  Your ability to pursue material development may decline somewhat.
 
The above situations vary according to what rising sign is yours and whether Jupiter is debilitated or exalted in your charts.  Generally we read the transits of a planet from the Moon chart, which is formed by placing your Moon in the first house with its corresponding sign as the rising sign.  Where Jupiter in Taurus falls can be read from where it is in your Lagna chart and your Moon chart simultaneously.

Special Offer:  I am willing to map your Vedic Astrological chart for a nominal fee (to cover my costs) of $25.  If you email me the following information, I will mail your chart to you:

• full name
• address
• birth date with year
• birth place
• birth time

I think this will really help you follow the information I provide each month.  As you can see this month, I am getting more specific about the planets in YOUR chart.

Until we meet again……... Vidya

WISDOM FROM YOGA

In yoga, the Archetype of the Teacher builds on that of the Student. Just like the Student, the Teacher must learn to fuse the intellect and the heart, but now he must also learn to give voice to this harmony as he attempts to communicate his knowledge.

Khalil Gibran wrote:

"No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.  The Teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather of his faith and his lovingness. 

 If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind."

This is mirrored in the yogic concept of the guru.  Literally, “guru” means “from darkness into light.”  The individual human teacher is thus merely one particular embodiment of a more universal principle of enlightenment.  His role is not to dictate lifeless information in a one-size-fits-all approach.  Rather, he must lovingly and skillfully guide the student as she discovers her own inner light.
 
With this in mind, this month’s practices focus on connecting mind, heart, and voice, enabling you to communicate the essence of your own experience so as to inspire others to find their own.  Mahamudra is a yoga posture designed to connect mind, heart, and voice.  Anuloma pranayama is a breathing exercise that enables us to overcome our sense of self-importance and to access the space of humility from which all true teachers speak.  Kriya yoga meditation on the three chakras of mind, heart, and throat helps to code the physical effects of the posture practice into the deeper layers of our conscious experience.
 
As with last month, there’s an audio version so you can just practice straight through without all the explanation. You’ll probably want to watch the explanatory video first, though.  Good luck!
 
- David

CONSCIOUS EATING

This month's recipe ...

Lemon Pasta
from Alexandra Topp

Ingredients:

• 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 3.5 ounce jar of capers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 lemons
• 4 grilled chicken breasts (optional)
• 10-12 ounces of brown rice spaghetti noodles (enough for 4 servings)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shaved parmesan cheese

Preparation:

• Place the diced tomatoes, capers (along with juice in bottle) and olive oil in a saucepan.
• Bring to a boil and then continue to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
• Cook the noodles according to the directions on the package (I use rice noodles as they are easier to digest and healthier than white noodles).
• Once you are done grilling your chicken, let it cool slightly and then dice into pieces.
• Tip: Keep the seasoning on the chicken minimal such as garlic salt and pepper.
• Once tomatoes and capers are done simmering and the noodles and chicken are cooked as well, place everything in a large bowl. 
• Mix evenly. Add salt and pepper over top. And garnish with the shaved parmesan.

Enjoy cold or warm!