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The Path With A Heart

Anything is one of a million paths. Therefore you must always keep in mind that a path is only a path; if you feel you should not follow it, you must not stay with it under any conditions. To have such clarity you must lead a disciplined life. Only then will you know that any path is only a path, and there is not affront, to oneself or to others, in dropping it if that is what your heart tells you to do. But your decision to keep on the path or to leave it must be free of fear or ambition.

I warn you. Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself, and yourself alone, one question. This question is one that only a very old person asks. My benefactor told me about it once when I was young, and my blood was too vigorous for me to understand it. Now I do understand it.

I will tell you what it is: Does this path have a heart?

All paths are the same, they lead nowhere. They are paths going through the bush, or into the bush. In my own life I could say I have traversed long, long paths, but I am not anywhere. My benefactor's question has meaning now. "Does this path have a heart?" If it does, the path is good; if doesn’t, it is of no use.

Both paths lead nowhere, but one has a heart, the other doesn’t.  One makes for a joyful journey, as long as you follow it, you are one with it.  The other will make you curse your life.  One makes you strong; the other weakens you.

The trouble is nobody asks the question; and when a person finally realizes that they have taken a path without heart, the path is ready to kill them. At that point very few people stop to deliberate and leave the path.

A path without a heart is never enjoyable. You have to work hard even to take it. On the other hand, a path with heart is easy; it does not make you work at liking it.

For my part there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart. There I travel, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length.

And there I travel looking, looking, breathlessly.   

- Don Juan Apprentice to a Yaqui Sorcerer

I put that text first because I feel I really could not have written anything better that depicts the Mystic’s journey.  Although many could argue that Don Juan is not a mystic, the journey he speaks of in “The Path With a Heart”, I believe is a mystic’s journey. 

The Mystic’s journey is laborious and most certainly driven - driven and focused to make connection to divine experiences in some way.  Mystics have a very one-track mind and fill each day with this intention. Every action, every thought, all paths lead to this one intention that is the Mystic’s life.  

The Mystics that I know personally have encountered incredible journeys through physical obstacles that have provided opportunities for them to see their experiences symbolically. This challenging period Mystics go through aligns them with their deepest desire to know extraordinary states of consciousness and to go beyond their natural abilities of precognition and bilocation, thus many times thrusting them into spiritual suffering.  

‘Picking yourself up and dusting yourself off’ is repeated over and over for the Mystic. This path they have chosen, long before they are incarnated, is intended to be traveled with great devotion and heart. For the Mystic, there is no other way than to ‘traverse’ the path with challenges, suffering, and obstacles, which most of us would abandon. This path, the one with heart, is the only way to lead them through their journey.

I admire and honor the Mystic, as I quickly put that archetype aside and chose the Seeker for myself.  I think actually my exact words were, “Oh hell no! Why would I choose that archetypal pattern?”  I chuckle at the memory (as I was choosing my archetypes for my Sacred Contract).  Long live the Mystic! Thank you, for you are some of the great teachers of the world!

Blessings and enormous love to all of you during this beautiful season of renewal,

Kendra

 

THE MYSTIC ARCHETYPE

Symbolic Living Through the Lens of an Archetype

A MYSTIC TESTIMONIAL

Writing a testimonial about the Mystic archetype is a more challenging task than I imagined. I even thought of leaving the page blank to illustrate that so much of the Mystic's experience is internal, and its natural inclination is to be private, quiet, and intimate. It is not an archetype that would typically show up while being interviewed by Oprah. Know what I mean? 

This is perhaps one of the reasons why relatively few written materials exist about the Mystic's experiences, and the little we know is taken from accounts from personal journals and from third-party witnesses.  

I too have had the instinct to keep the Mystic quiet and private in my life. This is partly due to common sense, survival instincts, fear of humiliation, and having no idea how to explain myself. When I was eleven, I had a profound experience. It took me by surprise and completely blew my perceptions open. There was no way I could have manufactured the experience on my own. I was transformed in that moment; life has never been the same. 

This one experience had enough power to change my internal compass and alter the course of my life. Over and over again, the Mystic in me has influenced my choices and, more importantly, my needs.

Prayer, contemplation, silence, writing, movement, and spending time with nature are essential practices for me. If I stop paying attention to these and let other parts of my life take over, I begin to lose balance. I am not myself. The Mystic always calls me back home. It is like a great love story continually unfolding. The words “Be Still, Know, I Am, God” act like a cosmic chime inside me and wake me up.

The internal world of the Mystic is extremely rich. It took years for me to realize that I have a natural ability to commune with unseen forces (what some would call the divine) in nature, life, and the cosmos. I am wired in such a way that direct communication with these forces is a real experience for me. I have learned to trust what I know to be true, in spite of what others may perceive and believe. So in a way the Mystic is a great teacher of truth, stamina, and humility.

The Mystic has also taught me that it is the natural keeper of sacred knowledge. Some things simply are not meant to be shared or discovered until the time is right. It is good to honor the mystery of life. And when you find yourself at the door of mystery, get on your knees and knock. Who knows what you shall find?

Love

Yola

INSPIRED POETRY

WISDOM FROM ANIMALS

 

WISDOM FROM YOGA

The Mystic Archetype

The mystic is a figure who occurs in a number of traditions. His defining role is as a living gateway between the mundane and the beyond. Yoga, too, deals with man’s relationship to heaven and earth. As a result, mysticism and yoga have an interesting history. 

It’s clear that many of the early yogis were classic mystics in the sense that they straddled two separate worlds, only one of which was considered divine. On the other hand, as yoga evolved, its underlying philosophy shifted from one of dualism to a non-dual embrace of all things as inherently divine. Consequently, the role of the mystic in yoga also shifted. Rather than representing the divinely elected conduit for the common people, the yogi became someone who sought to point out the divinity already present in everyday life. In my personal opinion, this was an important development that has been hugely beneficial for humanity.

At the same time, as the classic role of the mystic declined in yoga, a new breed of pseudo-mystics arose. Perhaps emboldened by the newly accepted premise that everyone is special, self-styled gurus began to mimic the outward expressions of the classic mystics without undergoing the rigorous training or social selection that was formerly required. In many cases, not only did these impersonators lack training or tradition (both of which can be red herrings), but also they lacked the pure, unselfish motives that (at least in theory) were present in the true mystics of old. Mysticism became a means for manipulation.

Human beings have an innate need to pursue a sense of meaning and purpose in life. The promise of otherworldy insight holds great appeal in this regard – it is exotic, which frees people from the mundane drudgery they perceive in their normal life. It is also very hard to test with evidence, since it usually has a metaphysical rather than physical basis and because it is generally delivered by charismatic people in a theatrical manner that encourages psychological acceptance. The waters are further muddied by the fact that contemporary mysticism is often accompanied by pseudo-scientific claims that may appear to lend plausibility, especially for those who are inclined (sometimes with good reason) to reject the axioms of mainstream academic science. 

As the Vikram Gandhi movie Kumare demonstrates, we are all-too-willing to fall for the spell of the pseudo-mystic. And in today’s culture of spirituality-lite, it seems reasonable to conclude that healthy skepticism is the appropriate attitude to adopt toward most of the “mystics” who market themselves to us. On the other hand, a life devoid of mystery – which, after all, is the raison d'être of mysticism – is often dry, bleak, or marked by materialistic escapism. The answer, then, cannot be to reject the mystic outright.

So if a wise life is to be found not in the extremes of instant rejection or blind acceptance, where may we look? Perhaps it may reside in a sort of synthesis between classical “gateway” mysticism and the more modern democratization of the divine - a synthesis wherein each of us becomes our own mystic, living a life of realism spiced with the salt of mysticism. One needn’t be a sucker to be spiritual nor pigheaded to be practical. It is indeed possible that we neither lose our heads in the clouds nor bury them too firmly in the sand. However, this is a personal balance that requires vigilence to maintain – and one that no one, other than you yourself, can manage on your behalf - not even if he has a beard and an accent. 

- David

WISDOM FROM ASTROLOGY

Sun, Mars, Venus and Ketu are all Residing in Aries

This month should be an exciting one for almost everyone as Sun, Mars, Venus, and Ketu are all residing in the very fiery and active sign of Aries, ruled by Mars and the sign in which the Sun is exalted.  So we must first warn everyone, but particularly those with Scorpio rising and Scorpio moon to be more cautious than usual particularly when you are driving or using metal instruments.  Aries brings a passionate and sometimes rash energy with it.
 
Overall this should be a time of new ideas and change and movement.  It is a good time to rethink and revamp your career, love life, artistic endeavors, brainstorming efforts, and your dreams.  You may see people making relatively drastic changes in their lives and their direction.
 
Depending on where this four planet convergence occurs in your chart, you will receive activity and willfulness and impulsivity, and the bravery to make changes and try new possibilities.  Watch for impulsiveness which might lead to sorrow later on.  With the influence of exalted Saturn still being very active in the sky during this 4-star conjunction and balancing this conjunction from the opposite house, I do believe he will capably bring grounding and introspection to the wildly passionate ideas and actions that these 4 planets in Aries will create.
 
Sun in Aries will give us all a rise in self-esteem, power to our personality, a pioneering spirit and will make us more expressive, spirited, self-willed and enthusiastic.  This influence will make us busier than usual.  Fiery Mars, the ruler of Aries, will bring courage, adventurousness, travel, independence, and we must be careful of being too aggressive or extravagant.  Lovely Venus in Aries will make us more attractive and restless.  You will probably experience a rise in popularity and social activities.  We must guard against liaisons and must be sure to use our common sense when making decisions.  Ketu in Aries will bring a belief in oneself and the possibilities of attaining the objects of his/her dreams.
 
If this conjunction is occurring in your first house (Aries rules your second house):   you must be careful of being too argumentative or combative.  You will be outspoken, generous and feel the possibility of fame and power in your world.  You may get to travel and meet some famous people or experience some degree of fame yourself.  Success and ideas and respect should increase.  An attraction for self realization processes may increase as well.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your second house (Aries rules your second house): you will experience an increase in ideas relating to increasing your earning abilities.  You must guard against forcing your issues too strongly and must use the rays from exalted Saturn to give you the wisdom about which ideas are authentic and how to best accomplish these ideas.  Desires will run high and your fortune could increase through self-efforts, father and/or superiors.  You must beware of losses you may incur by competing with authorities.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your third house (Aries rules your third house):  you will feel bold, adventurous, and powerful.  Your efforts should succeed easily.  Your communications will be more successful and you will get something that you want.  Your reputation, health, and wealth should increase.  You will be called upon to help others and must be cautious not to conflict with brothers, sisters, neighbors and servants.  It’s possible to improve or initiate some artistic activities this month.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your fourth house (Aries rules your fourth house):  your family life should be very active.  There are good possibilities for acquiring land, property, houses or the products of the land.  There could be some gain through inheritance.  You must guard against feelings of unhappiness, irritability and quarrelsomeness. There may be a rise in your career and you may gain more power.  You may have increased desire for a higher degree.  You must be careful not to argue particularly with your mother or mother-like figures in your life.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your fifth house (Aries rules your fifth house);  you will feel very inclined to perform good deeds.  You will feel influenced by your children and will try to influence them.  They may play a larger role in your life and you must guard against conflicts with them.  It may seem as if there are a lot of politics in your life but you should experience a lift in romance, investments, and spiritual verve.  You must guard against an over indulgence in pleasure, pride, and dominating others. There is likelihood for travel.  Games and sports will interest you.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your sixth house (Aries rules your sixth house):  your vitality and health should be strong.  You should win over your competitors and your fame and power should increase.  Your desire to serve may become more prominent and you will gain from servants, subordinates, workers and/or tenants.  You may get a pet.  You may increase your involvement in self-improvement and purification techniques.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your seventh house (Aries rules your seventh house):  your career and personality should flourish.  There should be an increase in your confidence, health and power.  You may benefit from your father or authorities.  You must guard against friction and arguments with your mate and/or father and/or authorities and/or partners.  You will probably feel playful and may gain more friends and acquaintances this month.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your eighth house (Aries rules your eighth house):  your earning abilities may receive a boost.  You will feel interested in occult and metaphysical and healing interests more than usual.  You must be careful, especially while driving, as there is an increase in potential dangers to you.  Mystical ideas may flourish.  You may receive money from others or from your father.  You should feel more sensual as well.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your ninth house (Aries rules your ninth house):  you will be especially lucky and fortunate this month.  You may have the opportunity for long distance travel.  You will be inclined toward good deeds and your interest in spirituality will increase.  Your power and authority should also increase.  Possibilities for publishing can be there.  You must be cautious not to create arguments with father, authorities and or spiritual leaders and guard against rash behavior.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your tenth house (Aries rules your tenth house):  your reputation and career could receive a boost.  You may have some new ideas for ways to increase the possibilities within your chosen field.  You will be successful in all undertakings as long as you do not create unnecessary conflicts with your father or authorities.  Honor and popularity will increase.  You will feel confident and focused and you may become more purposeful.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your eleventh house (Aries rules your eleventh house): new sources of wealth may arise.  Some of your ambitions may be realized.  Your elder siblings could become more prosperous.  Primarily materialistic benefits will be there.  Your position in life may rise.  You may have some chance for teaching.  You will experience more popularity among your friends and may gain honor and esteem through friends.  You must be careful not to create arguments particularly with your children or friends.
 
If this conjunction occurs in your twelfth house (Aries rules your twelfth house):  your interest in spiritual activities and enlightenment will become heightened. You may get the chance for visiting remote lands.  Your debts and expenses could receive a boost. Your appreciation for subtle and soothing pleasures both spiritually and sensually could increase.  Introspection will also increase.  Be careful not to cause conflict with your father and/or authorities. Some feelings of karmic influence may occur.
 
Overall this is a good time to consider change in our lives and we will feel the courage, wisdom and strength to enable us to initiate this change as well.

Stay safe.  Until next month……..

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

This is meant to simply show you where your planets fall - in which houses - so you can follow this monthly column more specifically according to YOUR chart.  If you would like a full reading and consultation to go with your chart, that would be an additional charge.  If you are interested in a full reading, let me know in your email and I'll send more information on this. 

Coming Soon - my website, with a full description of readings and other services.

Until we meet again……... Vidya

CONSCIOUS EATING

This month's recipe ...

Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 rotisserie chicken
• 1 lemon
• 1/3 cup light mayo
• 4 green onion stalks, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1/2 red pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon Srirachi sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry's)
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Preparation: 

• Pull and shred the meat off the rotisserie chicken
• Place the shredded chicken into a large bowl 
• Squeeze juice of 1 lemon over chicken
• Mix the remaining ingredients into the chicken
• Serve on a wheat roll with lettuce and cheese slice or on a bed of greens.