Fire Buddha

Fire Buddha

 Red and Gold Painted Resin 8" high with red candle $26

Here in New England, Summer has now given way to the fifth season in Chinese five element theory; Late Summer. You may have noticed the days are still hot and dry but there is a different flavor to the day. There is a deep stillness in the gardens, as if the perennial plants are concentrating on drawing the energy back in to their roots, preparing for the coming of fall in 4 weeks. Although things will continue to bloom and grow and some plants will just be beginning to express their full glory like the pumpkins, things will begin to energetically slow down as the Element of Earth prevails. 

Fire season (summer) for many is filled with activities; traveling, socializing, exploring, outdoor projects, gardening, swimming, and hopefully having fun! When we are in alignment with the energy of fire we are engaging in the aspects of our life the give us pleasure, the things we enjoy, what we love and what fill us with happiness and enthusiasm. If we are out of alignment with the element of Fire we may find ourselves experiencing little or no joy in anything, never take time for fun and frolic, and have lost touch with what gives us deep pleasure. This is an excellent transition time to examine our relationship to personal happiness and what aspects of our life are draining on our quality of life. The Earth Element is considered the 'Great Transformer'. Ask yourself during this time of transition, what can I change, reevaluate or remove from my life Physically, emotionally, and mentally, that decreases my joy and Spiritual well-being?

This lovely Fire Buddha may help to remind you to stay connected to all the things that feed your soul, and keep your fire element strong and present in your life all year long!

Feng Shui Thought:

When we practice Feng Shui in our yards and in the exteriors of our homes we develop a direct connection to the 8 compass directions. North, South, East, West, Northwest, Southwest, Southeast and Northeast. Working directly with these natural energies of the earth and the heavens is a really powerful experience. I have spent a lot of time this summer fine tuning the Feng Shui of my yard and I'm happy to report that I have taken things to a new level! There's always more to do, and that's why practicing Feng Shui is so much fun because you're never completely 'finished'. There is always something more you can do to improve ,enhance and refine.

The image above is a beautiful metal sun that I have attached to the side of my garden shed. My shed in located in the south side (Fame and reputation area of the Bagua) of my yard that has a row of tall trees that is are very pretty, give some privacy, and act as a boundary for my yard from my neighbors, however, they  happen to block the sun for the most part on that side of the house which makes it shady almost all day. There's more light in the winter when the leaves are off, but in the summer when the Fire energy of the South is supposed to be strong it's the shadiest part of my yard! 

This is challenging from a Feng Shui perspective, so to bring in the consistent energy of Fire all year long, I hung this beautiful golden sun on the side of the shed facing the road which acts as a Feng Shui adjustment for the lack of sun). In this placement I can see it all the time. Whenever I look at it it makes me smile because it reminds me of the hot sun we experience in the summer, gardening, going to the beach and all the things I love about the summer season.

What's going on in the South Area of your yard? Does it express the energy of Fire? If not what could you do to adjust it? Remember, it's about aligning with more joy happiness and enthusiasm in your life, not to mention Love!

Tarot Inspiration:

3 of Wands - Fire

Experiencing

www.osho.com

The three of wands  reminds us that life is to be experienced, not just analyzed or run through our feeling or emotional body. So much of our human day to day experience is about the mind and the emotions, that we may forget to please the physical. Excellent nourishing food, enjoyable physical activity, being with those we love, expressing ourselves though activities we feel passionate about all help to connect us to the spiritual aspects of our lives, and help to raise our personal chi or life force energy. Energy is all around us all the time, both positive and negative. Aligning with positive energy will enhance our well being and allow us to take the action we need to increase the  life force that runs through our physical bodies, the result? More physical chi, a positive life outlook and a happier disposition! Now that sounds like the element of Fire!

Medicine Buddha

Medicine Buddha

'The Blue Buddha' Bronze Collection $38

Do You Have A Medicine Buddha in Your Home?

How to use the Medicine Buddha symbol for good feng shui

The energy of the Medicine Buddha is different from the energy ofKwan Yin, for example, or from the Laughing Buddha. In its essence, the Buddha energy is one - the energy of Light - but there are different paths to reach it.

The Medicine Buddha is, as the name implies, the Healing Buddha. In the traditional paintings (Tibetan thangkas) he is surrounded by various herbs and medicine, with halos of healing energy radiating from his head and body. As Medicine Buddha's vow was to help heal all the sick and the injured, he is often called upon to help eliminate sickness.

Usually portrayed seated with a jar of medicine in his left hand, often blue-colored, the Medicine Buddha's right hand is resting on his knee in the mudra of blessings, with a stem of a healing plant in between his thumb and forefinger.

Sometimes the Medicine Buddha is also called the Blue Buddha, or the Lapis Lazuli Light Buddha. According to the legend, he transformed himself into a radiant blue light Buddha at a large gathering of people, and taught/transmitted the knowledge of healing and medicine. Thus, he is often depicted with blue skin, or holding a blue medicine jar.

The Medicine Buddha mantra has powerful vibrations for healing, both mind and body healing. (The most beautiful Medicine Buddha mantra I found, and the one I loved for a long time without knowing yet what it is, is sung by Deva Premal, listen to her "Teyata".) 

www.maxilyrics.com/deva-premal-teyata-lyrics-210c.html

1.      Energy of Spiritual Health & Awareness. The Center of your home, the Spiritual Growth & Personal Cultivation bagua area (Northeast) (Knowledge Gua), as well as your personal altar, can also much benefit from the presence of the Medicine Buddha. As all illness ultimately originates in the mind with the so-called three poisons (attachment, hatred and ignorance), it is good to have the Medicine Buddha energy on guard. 

http://fengshui.about.com

The Spirit of Healing: Stories, Wisdom, and Practices from Native America [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

http://www.amazon.com/The-Spirit-Healing-Stories-Practices/dp/1604074337

http://www.mehl-madrona.com/

My friend Julie Plummer, http://www.pinewoodtms.com/ lent me this audio learning set. Simply put; it changed my life. Julie works closely with Dr. Lewis Mehl Madrona as he is her referring Psychiatrist for her work with TMS. He has recently moved to Brattleboro, Vermont so I have had the opportunity to speak with him in person. I have learned that the power of our personal stories, our families stories, our communities stories, our ancestors stories and the stories we tell ourselves over and over that effect our sense of health and wellbeing directly. What is the name of your story? Is it keeping you from creating a more empowering story? What will you future story be?

http://www.amazon.com/Lewis-Mehl-Madrona/e/B000APTWI6

Click here to see a full list of his Coyote Medicine books

 Feng Shui Thought:

In the center of the Feng Shui Bagua Map is the ‘Health Center’ It is represented by the Yin Yang or Tai Chi symbol:

http://planetvermont.com/pvq/v8n4/fengshui.html

 It represents Health on every Level Physical, emotional, Mental, Spiritual If you are having health issues you may want to correctly locate the Health area of your home and access what is there. A cluttered closet? A bathroom? A woodstove? A stairway? Diagnosing the health of your Health Gua, may help to diagnose your personal health challenges. If your apart,ment or house is irregularly shaped you may need to consult a professional Feng Shui consultant http://silvermoonvt.com/Feng_Shui.html .

Tarot Inspiration:

Major Arcana XIV –

Integration (Temperance)

                         www.osho.com

The coming together of opposites, the fusion of Yin and Yang, positive and negative, masculine and feminine, harmony, the center point of balance. The Major Arcana cards teaches us the Universal principles, Integrity, Trust, Compassion, Intention. As with all tarot cards, they have their positive aspects and shadow aspects, they remind us we always have a choice… choices that will ultimately affect the bigger picture of our lives. Temperance teaches us awareness of our personal responsibility to balance our expression of well-being on all levels, Physical, Emotional, and Mental. When we strive for balance and harmony on a personal level it effects humanity on a larger level and the quality of our interaction with others. What aspects of your Health are out of balance? What  choices can you make or actions can you take to heal them?

Protection Buddha

Protection Buddha

                   Green and Gold Painted Resin  13" high  $38

I find it fascinating that the message of the Protection Buddha is for us to become courageous or to overcome fear. You might think that the idea behind placing the Protection Buddha in your home is like placing a vicious dog, something that will do the job for us so that we can feel safe. Something outside ourselves that will scare away all bad things that intents to harm us. Hence the dictionary definition of protection:

pro·tec·tion [pruh-tek-shuhn] 

noun

1.the act of protecting or the state of being protected; preservation from injury or harm.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protection

This Buddha is suggesting something quite different. The possibility that we may feel 'safe' by practicing fearlessness is something that is created from within ourselves rather than something external that is separate from us. This is actually quite inspiring, because it suggests that we all have the natural potential to develop this ability . When we feel centered, peaceful and confident we can handle most challenges that come our way. It is when the emotion of fear overwhelms us that we feel paralyzed, vulnerable and at risk of harm. Next time you are  in a situation that evokes fear try to center yourself and find the solution from a calmer place within your heart and mind.

The Hand gestures that define the Protection Buddha

 "One of the most popular Buddha hand gestures called Abhaya Mudra, the energy of No Fear. 

What is Abhaya Mudra?Abhaya is translated from Sanskrit as fearlessness. The Abhaya mudra is made with the open palm of the right hand extending outwards at the chest level or slightly higher. If you look at this Buddha hand gesture, or mudra, you will also feel the energy of protection, peace and a sense of strong, deep inner security.
What is the best feng shui placement for the Abhaya Mudra Buddha?

·         The main entrance of your home or the living room."

http://www.thebuddhagarden.com/blog/buddha-poses/

Feng Shui Thought:

When we are creating environments that support us elementally and become up-lifting rather than depleting, it becomes easier to work through life's challenges. Being conscious about the physical possessions we surround ourselves with on a daily basis and how their energy affects us ( raises our chi or lowers our chi), will help us to make decisions in regards to what we keep, give away or throw away. Where did it come from? Who gave it to us? Do we love it hate it, feel nothing one way or the other? If we have a sense of removal from what surrounds us it will be more difficult to achieve an optimum state of well-being.

 Statuary, like the Buddha's are just an example of how to create more meaning in what we look at everyday. Just for fun, take energetic inventory of what you have in your bedroom, ask yourself if you, love it, hate it, use it, or don't really care about it. These are what surround you for hours and hours at a time while you are sleeping. Like the result? No? Than change it up and raise your personal chi!

Tarot Insight:

                           Ten of Cups - Water 

                                     Harmony

The cups are one of four suits of the Minor Arcana, ruled by water and emotions. 

The suits rule the qualities of being human.

The 10 cards are re-evaluation cards asking us to reconsider our position to the emotions.

Anger, Fear, disappointment, grief.... How long have they remained within us? 

How many hours have they robbed us of our peace of mind?

What could be the result if we were to release them? 

"The experience of resting in the heart in meditation is not something that can be grasped or forced. It comes naturally, as we grow more and more in tune with the rhythms of our own inner silences. The figure on this card reflects the sweetness and delicacy of this experience. The dolphins that emerge from the heart and make an arc towards the third eye reflect the playfulness and intelligence that comes when we are able to connect with the heart and move into the world from there. Let yourself be softer and more receptive now, because an inexpressible joy is waiting for you just around the corner. Nobody else can point it out to you, and when you find it you won't be able to find the words to express it to others. But it's there, deep within your heart, ripe and ready to be discovered"

                                                                           www.osho.com

Laughing Buddhas

Laughing Buddhas

Red and Gold painted resin      3" high       $8.50

It's hard not to smile back at the laughing Buddha! These Buddhas remind us that life is meant to be joyful, prosperous and and filled with good fortune. For those of you who have not been feeling that way lately, try placing a laughing Buddha somewhere where you will see it often. How about on the table where you eat breakfast? This energetic reminder may contribute to a whole new attitude for the day before you even leave the house. How about in your car? Maybe the next time you feel irritable, grouchy, and impatient while your driving, little Hotei will remind you to slow down take a deep breath and think of all the blessings in your life that you may momentarily have forgotten in your funk. How about on your desk at work? What if being annoyed by other people you offer a smile and a hello? Small gestures such as these can go a long way energetically and will actually attract more good fortune to you.

Hotei

The Laughing Buddha represents the later Buddhist notions that the good life was indeed attainable in this world.

 It consisted of self-mastery, a happy demeanor, purposeful endeavor, a deep commitment to the welfare of others and enlightened awareness.

Laughing Buddha ( Happy Buddha)Known as Hotei (Japan) and Pu-Tai (China), 

 He travels the country spreading joy and happiness wherever he goes.
His big belly is a symbol of happiness, good luck and generosity. Hotei is the deity of happiness, laughter, abundance and the wisdom of contentment. The image of the Hotei Buddha is almost always seen carrying a cloth or linen sack. It is usually filled with many precious items, including candy for children, food, or the woes of the world. His prayer mala is carved with a symbol meaning "good fortune". His large elongated earlobes are a sign of wisdom. The bag represents fulfillment of wishes or can also be the blessings of Buddha. Happiness is one of the Laughing Buddha's greatest gifts.

Many believe that rubbing the Laughing Buddha's belly brings joy, luck and prosperity. 

 Feng Shui has adopted the Laughing Buddha as a prime symbol of wealth & prosperity.

www.mercurytreasures.com

 The Laughing Buddha is seen in different postures,
  each having a different significance.

• Buddha with a money bag and a gold ingot represents wealth and good fortune.


• The Standing Happy Buddha brings riches and happiness.


• Buddha sitting on a large gold nugget with a smaller nugget in his hand ready for giving to others. This position of the Laughing Buddha is symbolic of good luck.


• Buddha sitting with his fan hat on his head represents enjoyment and good fortune.


• Buddha holding a gold ingot with his hands upright signifies abundant riches and good luck.


• Buddha with a fan in one hand and wu lou (bottle gourd) in the other hand brings blessings and good health. The fan wards off misfortune while the wu lou protects from illness.


• Buddha carrying a bag of gold on his shoulder symbolizes prosperity.


• Buddha carrying a bag of blessings on his right shoulder and a fan in his left hand protects you and keeps you safe during long journeys.


• Buddha with a travel stick in his hand protects you from harm during journeys.
• www.Buddhagrove.com

Feng Shui Thought:

I chose The laughing Buddha as the Buddha of the day because today was my day off and I told my dog Buddy that we were going to spend the whole entire day outside. He had no objection to that being he is a store dog five days a week. It was one of those rare perfect days, the sky was clear and blue the sun was hot and my gardens were humming with energy. Being that this is the last week of Summer according to five element theory, (there are five seasons not 4, Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Fall, and Winter. Late summer occurs the four weeks before the fall equinox, and is ruled by the element of Earth. So being that we're still in summer that is ruled by fire I actively circled my yard, weeding, tying, supporting, cutting back things that were encroaching, and basically checked in with everyone growing in my gardens that have blessed me with their presence, to make sure they were all happy. The tomatoes are huge but most are still green, I have eaten three so far but I'm positive I will have more tomatoes than I can eat so I will probably bring them to my shop and see if anyone is tomato-less. I have had to become more thoughtful about the way I mow my grass. I have created a Feng Shui-ed yard and in doing so have invited the elementals into it. There is so much busy life everywhere! Grasshoppers, butterflys, crickets, ants, hummingbirds, bees, and frogs. When I moved here 6 years ago the was nothing, except some wild Black rasperberry bushes that wanted to take over, and wild strawberry plants that never produced berries. Two weeks ago I had a near miss with my weed -wacker and sweet frog that looked at me reproachfully as if to say....you have to be kidding. I am happy to say I have vowed to give it away and never to use one in my yard again. Not sure what to do from there as the gross got longer ( I was hesitant to use my electric lawn mower as well. From a Feng Shui perspective I was very excited, my intention was to create a yard that would be a safe habitat for the all the elementals to live in and to plant things that would attract them. After my intense encounter with the frog I realized I had accomplished my objective. This is the kind of thing that makes me smile like Hotei! I call this FUN WITH FENG SHUI! 

I'm very happy to report that I have come up with an approach that satisfies all of us (even Buddy) he did a happy little swim on his back through the grass after I mowed it. I rake a section gently with the big bamboo rake to let everyone know I'm coming, then mow that section, and continue that way until I finished. It was actually more relaxing and I enjoyed it much more than usual. I also decided that mowing in the middle of the day is preferred than the morning or evening when there seems to be more activity. It was definitely a happy day for all involved, even the grass felt like it got a new haircut! 

The energy of Hotei was certainly all around today!

Tarot Inspiration: 

The Page of Wands - Fire

Osho zen Tarot Deck

The moment you start seeing life as non-serious, a playfulness, all the burden on your heart disappears. All the fear of death, of life, of love - everything disappears. One starts living with a very light weight or almost no weight. So weightless one becomes, one can fly in the open sky.

Zen's greatest contribution is to give you an alternative to the serious man. The serious man has made the world, the serious man has made all the religions. He has created all the philosophies, all the cultures, all the moralities; everything that exists around you is a creation of the serious man. Zen has dropped out of the serious world. It has created a world of its own which is very playful, full of laughter, where even great masters behave like children.

Osho Nansen: The Point of Departure Chapter 8

www.osho.com

Offering Buddha

Offering Buddha 

9.5 inches tall

painted resin

$42

This beautiful Buddha holding a leaf is perfect for creating a spiritual alter in your home. 
Throughout history people of all beliefs, traditions and cultures have designated a part of their home to display sacred objects.
Often statues of deities were placed on the alter, to inspire the individual  to develop the spiritual qualities it represents within themselves. The effect of the alter would encourage creating peace, happiness, good health and well-being, prosperity, a positive outlook on life and a feeling of connection to the universe and world around us. A Feng Shui alter will include objects that represent the 5 elements ( water, wood, fire, earth, metal) to amplify the intention of harmony and balance. Alters are small sacred spaces in your home that may include meaningful objects such as crystals, candles, shells, photographs, incense burners, feathers, and anything that holds special meaning for you. In certain cultures offerings were made to the images of the deities chosen to be placed on the alter. 
 Information on creating home or outdoor alters, shrines, or sacred spaces is available on the web or in books. 
The most important thing to remember when creating your alter is to personalize it so it reflects who you are, what's symbolic or important to you as an individual.

"Many adorn their sacred place with items that relate to their spirituality and gratefulness. An alter marks a special spot all your own, in your home or out doors, that helps to create an atmosphere of calm within. Prayer and meditation seem natural and comfortable.

An alter can be adorned with fresh flowers, favorite stones, and items that are precious. This helps to create a magical feeling of calm and peace within. 

· A home alter is apart from the mundane, every day, life of your household.

· Your home alter can be placed in your dining room, spare bedroom, anywhere you can visualize it surrounded by light and sacred space.

It is important to know that the best place to have an alter is within yourself. Sacred space is a mental state of being in which you talk to God, your Angels, or a higher power. Atheist’s too, need inner peace, regardless of spiritual belief. This peace within yourself would be your “inner alter.” The  Feng Shui Gypsy www.keen.com

"An altar is defined by its creator. A personal spirit altar can be a practical reminder the important elements of the spiritual journey on an everyday basis, a simple collection of items that makes the creator feel good, or a peaceful area to reflect and rejuvenate.

There are many reasons to create a personal spirit altar. Among them are:
· A peaceful spot designated for prayer, meditation, or contemplative thought;
· A way to direct positive energies into a living space;
· A memorial for a loved one;
· A way to honor the physical elements (air, water, fire, earth, ether);
· A spot to inspire and celebrate creative expressions
· A reminder of personal worth on a journey toward self-acceptance
· A reminder to express daily gratitude or for manifestation

Home altars are common in many cultures worldwide, both modern and ancient. There is no right or wrong way to create an altar and one may take ideas from cultures and times other than the creators, or the creator may choose to choose and arrange items that simply appeal to the individual. The key is to be conscious about what goes on the altar and its arrangement. As long as the items hold significant meaning, even if that meaning is as simple as the beauty or sensuality of the objects.
If you decide to create your personal spirit altar consider your reason for the altar. What is it for, and what does it represent to you? Then choose items that you associate with the significance of the altar. All items do not need to be added at once. It is perfectly acceptable to add items gradually as you discover them, and to change the altar as you see fit. Be sure to visit your altar each day, even for a few moments, and give some focus to its meaning and purpose.
Read more: http://www.lifeblisssolutions.com/build-a-personal-spirit-altar-for-inspiration/#ixzz23xAMupxp

Passion Flower

Feng Shui Thought:

Over the last year I have developed an inspirational relationship with a passion flower plant that was given to me last summer. Although it grew fairly well for being indoors, it didn't produce flowers and I assumed it wasn't getting enough light in  the corner of my bedroom(even though it was near a East facing window.) So when fall came and most of the leaves fell off I cut it way back to a few now almost bare, strands. I figured it would either come back or not As I had never grown a passion flower plant I had no idea what to expect. Plants just didn't seen to thrive in this corner and I had gone through several varieties with no luck. When I lay the Feng Shui Bagua over my house this area is the Knowledge Gua. Oddly this particular corner of my bedroom is also the Knowledge area. When Spring came I was almost prepared to replace the  corner plant stand with a table, bookshelf, statue... anything but plants when to my surprise the passion flower plant started growing. Within a short period of time it had turned into a huge climbing curtain of leafy vines seeking out anything it could curl it's strong tendrils around to climb up the walls across them and weave itself around the curtain rod. I finally had to give up closing the curtain so I wouldn't injure it and simply lowered the blind as best I could at night. I was deeply impressed with it's comeback, and by now there was no room for other plants anyway. Without expectations of anything further, one day I noticed small buds all over the vines.  At first I was too surprised to fully realize how many flowers it would produce if they all opened, but as it sank in I was overcome with joy that this determined plant and not only survived the winter but was actually thriving in a way I could not have imagined. What I learned from this exotic, highly intelligent, other worldly, plant was deeply profound. (Knowledge Gua). What I observed was that when the buds are large enough and begin to open the open very quickly, You could actually sit and watch them open like a time elapse video. They open fully within 12 hours and within 24 hours the close again retreating back into the leafy petals that contain the entire flower. Somewhat like the opening and closing of an umbrella. 24 hours... All that grandeur for a 24 hour life span. What a powerful expression, what a mysterious miracle, what a gift of presence. and then I thought, isn't that just like us as human beings.... a powerful, mysterious, miraculous expression of the divine creative energy of the universe, and here just for a little while walking on this earth. What will you do with this opportunity called Life? How will you express yourself to your fullest? Who will enjoy your presentation of grace and beauty? If no one else then for ourselves, our own personal experience of the miracle of existence. If no one saw the flower open it still would open just as grand.

 The Passion Flower Plant has been flowering for me all Summer. This was one of the last flowers that began opening this morning, and this is what I found when I came home this evening.

Tarot Inspiration:

In the Osho Zen Tarot Deck that I use for my 9 Essential Life area readings. There is a card called 'Courage' It is number 8 of the Major Arcana. 

This card tells that story of surviving vs. thriving. Could be that be your Life story? Our lives may be filled with personal struggles and challenging histories, but remember the stones that at one time challenged the seed now holds the roots of the radiant  flower.

www.osho.com

Kuan Yin

Kuan Yin

Approx 6" tall

The "Bronze Collection"

Retail: $38

The 'Bronze Collection" of Buddha statuary are defiantly my favorites!

The exquisite tiny details, (on both front and back!) The subtle but artfully designed colors, and the serene facial expressions, put these Buddhas in a league of their own.

One of
the deities most frequently seen on altars in China's temples is Quan Yin (also spelled Kwan Yin, . In Sanskrit, her name is Padma-pâni, or "Born of the Lotus." Regarded by the Chinese as the goddess of mercy, she was originally male until the early part of the 12th century and has evolved since that time from her prototype, Avalokiteshvara, "the merciful lord of utter enlightment," an Indian bodhisattva who chose to remain on earth to bring relief to the suffering rather than enjoy for himself the ecstasies of Nirvana. One of the several stories surrounding Quan Yin is that she was a Buddhist who through great love and sacrifice during life, had earned the right to enter Nirvana after death. However, like Avlokiteshvara, while standing before the gates of Paradise she heard a cry of anguish from the earth below. Turning back to earth, she renounced her reward of bliss eternal but in its place found immortality in the hearts of the suffering. According to one ancient legend her name was Miao Shan, and she was the daughter of an Indian Prince. Youthful and serene, she chose to follow a path of self-sacrifice and virtue, and became a pious follower of Buddha, herself attaining the right to budddhahood but remaining on earth to help mankind.( www.holymtn.com)

This statue of Kuan Yin is more closely related to the male expression, Avalokiteshvara in comparison to the 'White Kuan Yin" shown below:

In this form she is sometimes called 'The Asian Mary'. The more feminine representation of Kuan Yin will usually contain a tiny image of Avalokiteshvara, in the center of her head adornment. If you look closely you'll see the tiny image in gold.

This Kuan Yin is approx. 12", resin and retails for $42

She is known as the Goddess of Compassion and Healing. Kuan Yin is the divine mother we all long for: merciful, tender, compassionate, loving, protecting, caring, healing, and wise. She quietly comes to the aid of her children everywhere. Her Mantra is: 'Om Mani Padme Hum' Listen to her Mantra @ www.circleof light.com.

There are many many stories and legends that tell of Kuan Yin's life. One of my favorite is the story of Kuan Yin and her father and how her heart remained pure and free of anger even though her father was very cruel to her. It was not so much about forgiveness but the transcendence of the emotion of anger. With this transcendence we become free to express our essential loving nature, and find compassion or understanding of the human condition of suffering that creates anger in the first place. This is an essential aspect of what Kuan teaches.

 It is said she is the most popular diety in the world, found in homes and temples across the globe regardless of culture, religious belief, or geographic region. She is known as the omnipresent Goddess available to all of humanity at all times. It is said when in time of great need call her name out loud three times and she will come to your aid:either quite dramatically, in my own experience, or sometimes quietly, in the form of awareness or inspiration of how to overcome a challege or difficuilty. 

There is a lovely book compiled and written by Marina Lighthouse, www.fengshuishopper.com The title is 'The Kuan Yin Oracle'. This book is exquisetely translated from the original 100 Kuan Yin Temple Poems. and acts as a oracle or divination guide. I often have it in stock at my shop or you can order it from her web site.

Feng Shui Thought:

When we practice Feng Shui and apply ritual adjustments to our environments, we repeat the Kuan Yin Mantra nine times, to emphasize our intentions. When we understand the teachings of Kuan Yin and apply them to our expression of personal chi, we invite pure, loving compassionate energy into our homes and work spaces. From these pure intentions of the heart, we create fertile ground for our dreams to flourish.

 Without this purity, we may confuse intention with greed or selfish desire for a particular outcome that is self serving. When we create intentions that consider 'for the good of all, we too, become like Kuan Yin in our behaviors and we attract positive energy into our lives that will support us in developing gratitude, compassion and a loving heart.

Tarot Thought:

In the Major Arcana of the Tarot we find the archetype of the 'High Priestess' card number three. She represents the Universal Principle of 'Compassion'. Because the High Priestess is also interested in healing the suffering of humanity, there may be a tendency for those of us who embody the aspects of the High Priestess, to become involved in intimate relationships that are truly challenging to our well-being on every level - sometimes dangerously so. 

She is committed to see, even the smallest glimmer of the essence of the good in everyone, and is convinced that love can truly heal the wounds of the suffering. We must keep in mind ,The 'High Priestess' can forget she is in human form, and can remain in the 'trenches' longer than most, even to the detriment of her own well being. Remember Kuan Yin is a Goddess, and we are human. So the important thing to remember is: practice compassion, but not 'Blind' Compassion. Keep safe in your romantic encounters and turn your compassion towards those who will truly benefit from your efforts!

Welcome Buddha

I posted this very first blog Photo at exactly 12:12 am (not planned, I might mention); a very auspicious  time as we are currently experiencing the year of the Chinese Water Dragon 2012. This a year for expansion, creativity, and asking ourselves how we can reach beyond our comfort zones. Maybe the dragon has already challenged you in some way this year, asking you to stretch higher, reach further, over-come fears and apply your courage to situations that you might not have imagined that would occur back in 2011, the year of the Rabbit. Remember: the Water Dragon, will ask you to examine your relationship to emotions, and offer you the opportunity to balance and find peace with them. If we continue to cling to negative emotions that no longer serve us or perhaps we have outgrown, instead of flying with the dragon to new heights, we may find ourselves stung by the dragon's tail instead!

This week I'm going to share a photos of 7 Buddhas; One Buddha each day that I currently have at the shop. There are so many expressions, styles and stories that connect to each one, that I felt it might be helpful and educational to feature each one separately. Although it will be difficult to pick just 7, I will do my best to choose the ones you may enjoy the most!

Silver Moon Adornments

This first one I will simply call 'Welcome Buddha' as it is standing on the porch (for the photo) outside the front door of Silver Moon. I will say that it is made out of wood and stands approx 24" high. Tiny mirrors detail the robe's edge and the mysterious smile will entice you to learn more about Buddhas; what they represent, and why they are present in so many dwellings. 
This Buddha is for sale: $68.