The purpose for involution is to allow Spirit to penetrate deeper into matter so that eventually all things of matter realize their spiritual Essence. Evolution is the process by which this increasingly self-realized matter is reabsorbed back into the Source of creation. As each of us returns “Home,” we come back with more consciousness than our condition when we left. The Path of Return is such that the closer we get to our spiritual Self, the greater becomes the realization of our inherent Divinity. Such a realization is the result of our expanding consciousness which is itself a function of the Soul.

  —A.O.

Before we plunge more fully into Poseidon’s vast ocean, I would like to outline several areas of Neptune’s influence and meaning that we shall explore in this article. Indeed, just by stating that we are going to dive and swim with structure into this astral realm tells us a lot. As a rule, people strongly influenced by Neptune, places in life where Neptune dominates, and areas in consciousness determined by this planet’s influence avoid structure altogether. This is why Saturn, when well placed with Neptune in the natal chart, is a great help and blessing but if these two planets conjoin, square, or oppose, real difficulties ensue in terms of determining correct boundaries in life. But I diverge, postpone, and meander—how Neptunian of me!

The approach I will take in this writing will cover the following points:

1. Neptune, its Ray, and its place in consciousness.
2. Neptune and Venus, the Higher and lower octaves of the Love principle.
3. Neptune veiled and unveiled.

Neptune, its Ray and its place in consciousness. 
Neptune is one of the two planets in our solar system (the other is Mars) that carries the energy of the Sixth Ray. This primal energy field is known as “The Ray of Religion and Idealism.” The Sixth is strongly associated with the sign Pisces (the other two Sixth Ray associated signs are Sagittarius and Virgo), which makes this sign/planet combination even stronger, for as we know, Neptune is the exoteric ruler of the Fish. Neptune and the Sixth Ray are therefore the domination forces behind the Piscean Age (which as current events so clearly reveal, is not as yet over!).

In terms of the planes of consciousness, Neptune relates to the sixth, the astral plane, and by further correlation to the sixth chakra, the sexual. (Note: I am here speaking exoterically in terms of the personality and thus counting downwards; thus the seventh plane is the densest or the physical, and the seventh chakra is the root center located at the base of the spine and governs our material, physical life.) Neptune is therefore closely related to the illusions surrounding the desire nature as desires for all things of the senses are astral in nature. When excessive and expressed without boundaries, desires become obsessions and addictions, two other areas of the personality life governed by Neptune. Thus the square, conjunction, or opposition of Neptune and Mars in the natal chart give rise to what we can terms “Sixth Ray problems,” the most obvious of which is sexual obsession and other forms of addictions. As Neptune is intimately connected to the Twelfth House of “self-undoing,” and Mars to the Eighth House of death, then such a combination in the natal chart leads to those addictive practices that bring about strong self-destructive urges that are centered in the sensual/astral nature.

As the Ray of religion and idealism, the energies of Neptune (which are always aligned with Mars as the other planet of this Ray) when perverted give rise to religious and political warfare. This comes from the dualistic nature of Pisces and Sagittarius (two of the Sixth Ray signs) and the multiplicity inherent in the third sign of this Ray, Virgo. Thus we have a basic philosophy of suffering; one that states: My god and my religion (or my political party) is the true and universal one and yours is inferior, wrong, and should be conquered. We have seen this in action throughout the Piscean Age as the sword and the cross were/are fused and confused, and the sickle-sword of fundamentalist Islam places a Neptunian veil upon the face of the Mother slicing off compassion and inhibiting the love of the Soul from manifesting. This duality has created the most exaggerated polarization ever seen between the two major parties in the USA, causing huge collective anxiety and suffering, and allowing all types of negativity to flourish in our great nation.

The sad truth is that the vast majority of humanity does not know how to manifest the higher nature of the Sixth Ray, the astral plane, Mars, and of course, Neptune. And there is a Higher Nature to this planet, one that is known as the Christ Principle of universal and unconditional Love. I point out here that I am speaking from a transcendental perspective that is not Christian, but includes Christianity. The word Christ (and the esoteric, soul-centered essence of Neptune) comes from a Sanskrit word root “kris.” In Java, a Kris is a serpent-like holy sword used in temple ceremonies that symbolizes the rise of “kundalini” or the evolution of consciousness from the root center to the crown. In Hinduism, “kris” is expressed as Krishna, Lord of Love. In Russian, “kris” mutated into the word “tsar,” meaning emperor, but also meaning “anointed by God.” Kris in German became “kaiser,” while in Latin it became “Cesar” (originally pronounced in that language as “kaiser”), both words also meaning “emperor.” Thus Neptune stands for the Love Principle, and when we include the Mars factor inherent in the Sixth Ray and thus accompanying Neptune, we arrive at the principle of “He who rules through Love.” This is indeed the nature and mission of the Christ and the higher expression of Neptune available to us all. We but need to awaken the Heart.

Neptune and Venus, the Higher and Lower octaves of the Love Principle.
In traditional, exoteric astrology we know Neptune to be the higher octave of Venus. The latter is the planet of personal love, for Venus offers her heart but demands a heart in return. Venus rules Libra, the sign of the scales governing contracts on all levels, and marriage and relationships are indeed contracts of shared behavior. There is an inherent duality in terms of Venus and Libra for the scales imply there are two sides that need to be harmonized: the anima (female) and the animus (male). In this respect, there is the inherent opportunity for suffering when the balance shifts (as it often does in human relationships) and love becomes one-sided.

This cannot happen to the true Neptunian love, for this is not love from a personal standpoint, although it can be expressed personally. Love on the level of the higher octave of its expression is impersonal and self-sacrificing. In this respect, we can say that love becomes healing and istranspersonal by nature. What is so confusing in terms of our urge for romantic love is the underlining idealism and Christian principle of love-as-martyrdom. Thus when Neptune is acting in its lower dynamic, people seek to lose themselves in an all-consuming personal love; but when higher, love becomes salvation and then we find ourselves in Love. Neptune’s joy is in giving, while Venus takes pleasure in sharing. It is no wonder then that astrologers say that “Venus takes her exaltation when in the sign of Pisces in the natal chart.” It is then that the potential for the higher Neptunian principle may be expressed through the dynamics of human relationships.

It is very interesting to note the results when we combine the energies of Neptune and Venus through the geometric angles. On the soul-centered level, the union of these two planets gives rise to compassion. It also allows the individual with artistic talent to use the arts as a vehicle for healing, bringing the energies of the soul out into manifestation through film, painting, sculpture, dance, music, etc. It is on this level that the muses amuse, bringing joy and meaning, beauty and upliftment out into the environment. If the actual aspect is an easy one (conjunction, trine or sextile), the individual will have a simpler time finding and engaging this artistic expression within him or herself. If the aspect is a difficult one (square, opposition, or inconjunction), then such expression may have to come forth out of an oppressive environment and/or the individual will have a much harder time working through the lower Venus/Neptune energies (see below) before reaching the higher.

When Venus and Neptune are acting through the lower self, the senses will be certainly aroused, serving as powerful motivators through life. But that in itself is problematic as the “urge to merge” of Venus will combine with the addictive qualities of Neptune and the Sixth Ray. The result can lead to relationships with people who stimulate our erotic and romantic urges, but whose life styles are rather questionable in terms of personal evolutionary growth. A frequent challenge I have noted in horoscopes with powerful Venus/Neptune contacts is the reluctance or inability to see people for who they really are, but instead to engage partnerships through the lens of compulsively projected idealized visions. This leads to a great deal of romantic delusions and frequent disappointments about our choices in relationships. On the personality level, Neptune/Venus aspects also indicate artistic potentials. These contacts certainly foster social grace and kindness. Empathy and sympathy are possible, but true compassion is a quality of the soul, so if that is being expressed then the higher nature of these two planets is definitely in manifestation.

Neptune veiled and unveiled. 
Neptune is the most mystical and, from the level of the Soul, the most benefic influence in one’s life. Neptune’s place in our solar system is known in the Ancient Wisdom Teachings as the “heart of the spiritual Sun.” It is the planet most closely linked to the expression of the Work of the Soul in manifestation, and is thus, the vehicle for Christ/Krishna Consciousness which is, by Its very nature, the Heart of God in action.

In soul-centered astrology, Neptune is the ruler of Cancer and thus may be thought of as being a “higher octave” of the Moon. The Moon may be looked upon as a symbol for the Mother of All Forms, but in terms of the Soul form in any of its manifestations is to be a vehicle for Love/Consciousness. This expresses the fundamental meaning for the physical birth of Lord Krishna or Lord Jesus: the incarnation of the Heart of God in the form of a human being. Neptune beats most strongly in this Coronary Center. This is the “indwelling” Principle of Divine Love that serves in us as our personal redeemer. In essence, we are here speaking about “the Christ in you, the hope and the Glory.”

The personality-centered Moon veils Neptune just as, in the illusionary perceptions of the mass consciousness, matter veils the Love/Consciousness hidden, but alive within the form. Thus in terms of the natal horoscope of the vast majority of people, Neptune represents the veil and the illusion, the mask of form governed by the instincts of the separated self always seeking its own survival (the Moon in its basic manifestation). This illusion is that I am alone, separated from The Mother and the Divine Source of all Life. When Neptune is awakened in the heart, this feeling of separation is replaced by the sure knowledge of Union, of Oneness, and then all of our instinctual fears of survival disappear into Love. We embrace and are embraced by Life.

On the soul-centered level of our consciousness, Neptune functions as the Initiator, that force of the Will-to-Good that tears away the veil of the illusions of our primary instincts. Neptune’s trident symbolizes the Holy Trinities of life: Shiva-Visnu-Shiva; Father-Mother-Child; Spirit-Soul-Personality; Will-Love-Intelligence. These three essential dynamics fuse together into the Rod of Power held in Neptune’s hand telling us that the Three are One, and we are One with the Three.

Conrad Murray trial aka The Michael Jackson Death Trial- Michael on trial again? Nope but the talking head called that.

Michael Jackson On Trial Again --

Part I -3 by Rev Barbra Kaufmann

Posted: 11/17/11 12:54 PM ET

In the "trial of the century," the prosecution rested, the defense rested, the jury can rest now that they're dismissed. When does Michael Jackson get to rest? To the media this wasn't the manslaughter trial of Conrad Murray; it was "the Michael Jackson Death Trial." And much of the time, Michael Jackson, though dead, was on trial.

Michael Jackson was not treated as a human being, but as a cash cow. His death hasn't changed that. The exploitation of Jackson was legion -- by acquaintances, hired help, colleagues, the music industry, the justice system, by families looking for deep pockets, by hangers-on, sycophants and especially by the media. Millions were made off the Jackson brand. What the public doesn't know, is how cynical and deliberate the exploitation was. Author Joe Vogel wrote about the widespread cultural abuse of Jackson in a recent article titled "Am I the Beast you Visualized?"

The latest betrayal is a documentary by Conrad Murray -- the very doctor who is convicted of killing Jackson. Murray, charged with manslaughter, struck a deal two years ago with October Films for a documentary about his relationship with Jackson and his final days. Family and fans are asking how could NBC, in good conscience, produce and air a film that exploits Jackson yet again after death and by the very person responsible for that death? Murray inked a contract as Jackson was being laid to rest.

The documentary included scenes depicting "private rooms" in Jackson's home with clips recognized as photos of Neverland Ranch taken in 2003 after sheriff's deputies raided and rifled through it. The same photos, originally used to slant opinion about Jackson's private habits, made their way into Murray's "documentary" along with a few contrived comments designed to denigrate Jackson while elevating Murray. How honest is a film and its intentions when cleverly edited for impact and ratings? Reminiscent of MSNBC Martin Bashir's Living With Michael Jackson, another cleverly edited film called a "hit piece mocumentary" that was cynically produced for ratings and profit was refuted later by Jackson's own film crew who taped the same footage simultaneously with Bashir's crew. Murray's documentary circumvented the justice system allowing in the testimony he refused to give in court despite a family's frantic search for answers to what happened to their dead loved one, Michael.

Conrad Murray's manslaughter trial became "the Michael Jackson Death Trial" because media long ago learned that connecting Jackson's name to anything increased revenues. People promoting their own brand still cynically link to Jackson knowing that negative stories about him increases attention. Reporters invented stories and not to be left out of the profit making game, mainstream media soon followed suit. A large segment of the population still believes the tabloid caricature of Jackson and the accusations from which he was exonerated. And they mistakenly believe self proclaimed "Michael Jackson experts" -- who never even met the man and have an agenda and a reason to perpetuate the caricature myth -- to avoid being exposed for their past treachery -- using a human being for profit and to future careers. The propaganda about Jackson says more about the writer than it does about their subject. Nick Davies in his Flat Earth News exposé claims the public would be sickened by cynical media tactics and how they manipulate á la tabloid journalism gone mainstream.

Jackson fans, who have been trying to warn consumers for years about the racist agenda and media exploitation of Jackson, issued a statement this week: "Michael Jackson fans have had enough. Ridicule us if you must, call us names, tell us we only think of Michael as an 'idol' -- but we are not the ones selling his memory, objectifying him and making money off him." They have called for a boycott of NBC and its sponsors.

Murray may have administered the fatal dose of poison, but the media poisoning of public opinion regarding Jackson was relentless and protracted. Did the media torture a man to death for nothing more than ratings and profit? The most famous man in the world was also the most bullied. The tabloid campaign exploiting and lynching Jackson was unparalleled and lasted decades. Jackson's exploiters hail from every possible position -- from cleaning ladies to doctors and a rabbi spiritual director who published recordings of Jackson's private sessions -- all to make a buck off his brand.

Physicians are outraged by Murray's reckless treatment and his violation of HIPAA laws and patient confidentiality. They find it incredulous that a doctor, now convicted felon, skirted both the law and testifying in court and pimped his documentary that profits the very man he killed.

The fans, aware that public opinion about them has also been manipulated, are concerned that the public continues to allow salacious media exploitation of public figures and are duped into its consumption unawares. One fan writes:

"Our living rooms should not be dumping grounds for salacious materials that strip humans not only of their dignity, but their very humanity -- and ours in the process. Where is the public outcry that says 'enough is enough'? People were outraged when the Rupert Murdoch scandal broke about phone hacking for headlines for front page fodder with ill gotten sensationalized information; where are they now? Airing this documentary is shameful."

British Huffington Post journalist Charles Thomson chronicled the shaming irresponsibility of the media while covering the Jackson trial in 2005 in a piece called "The Most Shameful Episode in Journalistic History."

It might be worth pondering why a man who appeared to have it all needed such extreme measures to sleep. Why did he require medication that did not just help him sleep but rendered him unconscious nightly in order to rest? How did a vegetarian and purist who hated drugs come to rely on them? Remember, Jackson was found not guilty of exploiting children but the accusation would forever taint his legacy. Yet the Murray trial showcased, in Jackson's own words, his dream to build a children's hospital. His attorney, Thomas Mesereau voices concern about the recklessness of a slanted media that capitalizes and exaggerates drama for profit and ratings; he is joined by other attorneys like Matt Semino and Mark Geragos who worry that celebrity cultism and media manipulated public opinion preempt justice.

Authors Aphrodite Jones in Conspiracy: The Michael Jackson Story, Jermaine Jackson in You Are Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother's Eyes, and Joe Vogel with Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson, as well as Armond White and others, try to set the record straight by telling the true Jackson story with new books that counter the tabloid trash and chronicle history.

Even today few people are aware that in both cases accusing Jackson of harming children the same players appear -- the district attorney nicknamed "Mad Dog," the same attorney who recruited and represented both accusing families and the same psychiatrist reporting the accusations. Few people realize this gang still socializes together. Both the FBI and social services investigated Jackson and found no wrongdoing .

Few understand what really happened to Jackson because his dehumanization in tabloids was so deliberate and the caricature painted so thorough. His ruination by public opinion and the media was so disheartening, the violation of his civil rights by law enforcement so encompassing that it rendered Jackson so dispirited and disillusioned that he left his homeland, the place where a little black kid from the inner city made it to Hollywood.

The last insult came from Rupert Murdoch's Sun tabloid publishing a photo of the dead Jackson front page in Britain with the racist moniker "Jacko" -- whose origin describes monkeys and can be a slur used for those of African descent. Within hours after the release of that photo on HLN, extremely sadistic and cruel bullies send a copy to Jackson's children with the message "From Daddy with love."

The second generation of Jacksons, including Michael Jackson's children, have themselves been victims of bullying -- their lives, relationships and paternity made fodder for gossip because tabloid reporters apparently eschew the legitimacy of adoption or fertilization techniques for childless families, and find alternative paternity and parenting somehow aberrant. Masks in public prevented them from being recognized at playgrounds later when accompanied by bodyguards who substituted for a father unable to accompany them in recreational outings without causing a media circus and security problems for police. Yet public opinion ridiculed Jackson for protecting his children from harm.

There are those who seem to insist that public figures and their lives belong to the public instead of to themselves, who expect to be privy to any and all private information, who feel that celebrities are not entitled to the same civil rights everyone else enjoys. And there are those who pander to those compulsions and serve up the dirt whether true or not, for ratings and profits -- doing it with illegal phone hacking, checkbook journalism and paying large sums for stories -- the more salacious the story, the more zeroes on the check for stories that lynch and carve up real people on front pages -- for profit.

Adults wonder out loud where children get the ideas that seem so cruel and heartless. Enamored by celebrity, kids imitate the most popular, and are keenly aware of the values displayed by the adults around them. The new generation has just rediscovered Michael Jackson since his passing. Do you think they naively miss the tabloid battering of Michael Jackson? Where do they learn bullying? They are watching the media and watching us!

  Michael Jackson On Trial Again -- Part II

 Conrad Murray's trial for manslaughter predictably became about Michael Jackson instead of his doctor because the use of Propofol was unusual and the patient was famous. In court, the displaying of medication bottles was high drama and the media pounced and rushed to publish "Michael Jackson's addiction."

A close look at the dates, the number of pills prescribed measured against the number taken, number left and span of time the pills sat in that bedroom proves not that Jackson was an addict, but that he was actually non-compliant with medications he was prescribed. But that isn't sexy; and it's all about sexy and getting viewers for a trial that was predicted to be "bigger than the Casey Anthony trial." Except it wasn't. Hysteria fatigue, perhaps? Have we had enough?

Pundits on HLN seemed to push the "addict" label because it suited their agenda to promote books and careers. "Michael Jackson" has promoted many books and careers involuntarily as people conscripted his name for their own purposes. HLN was no exception. An addiction specialist physician jumped on the same "addict" meme despite the conflicting information between addiction, bottle labeling and usage, and despite medical records entered in evidence that were unsigned and confusing. The physician's questionable records were allowed in court but the physician was not and he wasn't made able to explain his treatment of Jackson for facial procedures to reconstruct his face. Jackson had Vitiligo and Discoid Lupus -- the same disease which has left the entertainer Seal, facially scarred. It is entirely reasonable that Michael Jackson's face be treated and re-sculpted; he made his living on stage.

That same physician also hypothesized that the nightly use of Propofol accounted for the poor condition of Jackson's lungs while it was well known to insiders that Michael Jackson had a Tryptophan Synthetase Deficiency which is a lung disease characterized by a lack of protein for lubrication. Jackson's fans could have enlightened any one of these talking heads but they didn't fact check nor ask fans. If you want to know something about a sports or pop culture figure, ask fans who know everything about them.

In fairness to the pundits, the coverage could have been much worse and the fans could have been depicted in a much poorer or darker light. Unfortunately the fringe elements of fandom were highlighted and that included conspiracy theorists who believe that Jackson is alive and in hiding. And for the most part, fans behaved well except for an occasional scuffle.

Mainstream Jackson fans who get less attention than the vocal fringe, are articulate, thoughtful, bright, and interested in justice and vindication. Many are professionals who contribute to society, pay their taxes and raise children in the suburbs and cities. They have an interesting story to tell society should anyone ever want to listen. What they have to say is shocking.

The trial, it seems was all about Michael Jackson despite Murray's dalliances are well known -- seven children with six women, his methodology even in his clinic appeared reckless to other physicians and one who ventured: "The only thing Murray could have done that was more dangerous was to push Jackson out of an airplane without a parachute." And what doctor ships a stockpile of medication to a private residence? What doctor using a dangerous drug does not have the proper emergency equipment required for safety and for resuscitation when he is the only one there in case something happens to the patient? The drug labeling requires it as do protocols. A simple regulator pump that would have saved Jackson's life by regulating the flow of Propofol according to body weight and dosage guidelines would have cost $1,500 of a salary one hundred times that per month. Murray owned a clinic; if he could order Propofol in bulk, he could order medical equipment that would have saved Jackson's life.

Yes, it was the Michael Jackson trial because once again, Jackson was put on trial even in the afterlife. And it's ironic that the most compelling piece of evidence came not from the prosecutor or from the defense, but from Michael Jackson himself. Jackson, whom a nurse anesthetist says sounded like he was under the influence of Propofol -- with no cameras filming, no media in attendance, was clear about his motivation, his intention and his future plans even in that sedated state. He said:

"Elvis didn't do it. The Beatles didn't do it. When people leave my show I want them to say 'I've never seen nothing like it in my life. Go. Go. I've never seen nothing like this. Go. It's amazing. He's the greatest entertainer in the world.' I'm taking that money, a million children, a children's hospital, the biggest in the world. Michael Jackson's Children's Hospital.

Gonna have a movie theater, game room. Children are depressed -- in those hospitals, no game room no movie theater, They're sick because they're depressed, Their mind is depressing them I want to give them that, I care about them angels. God wants me to do it. God wants me to do it. I'm gonna do it, Conrad.

Don't have enough hope; no more hope. That's the next generation that's going to save our planet starting with - well talk about it. United States, Europe, Prague, my babies.

They walk around with no mother. They drop them off, they leave -- a psychological degradation -- that. They reach out to me -- please take me with you.

I want to do that for them. I'm gonna do that for them. That will be remembered more than my performances. My performances will be up there helping my children and always be my dream. I love them. I love them because I didn't have a childhood. I had no childhood. I feel their pain. I feel their hurt, I can deal with it.

'Heal the World,' 'We are the World,' 'Will You Be There?', 'The Lost Children.' These are the songs I've written because I hurt, you know, I hurt."

A children's hospital or healing center was Michael Jackson's dream. And this is not the first time the subject of medical treatment and healing of children has come up in Michael Jackson's legacy. When Jackson's slurred declaration was first reported Jane Velez Mitchell of HLN declared on air that this recording of Jackson proves what Michael Jackson fans have been saying all along -- that Michael was misunderstood and mischaracterized and Neverland Ranch was misrepresented to the public. She called the conversation vindication for Michael Jackson. She only said it once as that very same day people who made money with "hit piece" biographies chastised her on Twitter and she went silent.

Conrad Murray is not the first nor the last person to be privy to Michael Jackson's dream for children. In an article by Italian journalist Silvia Bizio, Anjelica Huston who played opposite Jackson in the Captain EO film for Disney, accidentally ran into Michael Jackson about a month before he died. They hugged, hunkered down in a room together and caught up on each others' lives.

Huston remembered Michael as being tender and fragile, having trouble mustering up enough anger to carry out his role as Captain EO with a spaceship crew who sings 'We are here to change the world.' She said it was as if anger didn't live in his DNA. He needed her there, in costume and sneering her lines to play off her villainous character. Huston said he seemed even more fragile especially emotionally, during their brief encounter. She put her arms around him; she says:

"We talked about how he had felt humiliated by the accusation of sexual harassment and about the sorrow for the loss of Neverland, where he had lived many years. I remember his words: 'They ruined my dream. I had this dream, perhaps childish and foolish, a place designed to celebrate the innocence of that childhood that I never had, and they took it from me. I love children, I could never do them harm. I spent all my life loving them and trying to do good things for them. The libel of harming a child--that breaks my heart. It is an unbearable pain, those accusations are unjust and terrible...' As he said these things, he began to cry. I held him in my arms...He was so skinny and frail."

Jackson told her he was preparing for the London concerts. She remembers:

"He was training hard because he would have 'no more hope to be loved back again.' He wanted to be let back in to the hearts of the public after his public lynching for something he said he didn't do and a jury of his peers agreed with. Huston goes on: "he was thin and pale; I could feel so much pain in him for the past and a lot of anxiety and uncertainty for the future."

When asked by Bizio, "What do you think really killed Michael Jackson?' Anjelica Huston didn't hesitate: "Michael had a broken heart. For this he died. The truth is that they broke his heart."

Michael Jackson On Trial Again -- Part III

 When Michael Jackson, in a drug-induced altered state of consciousness and slurring speech, talked about building a hospital for children, it wasn't the first time Michael Jackson had talked about building medical facilities for sick children. He equipped a burn wing at Brotman Medical Center in Culver City and built a 19-bed wing at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York.

Artist David Nordahl, Michael Jackson's friend for more than 20 years, and whose work was commissioned for Neverland Ranch, recently shared some memories of Jackson:

"That conversation they played in court was so Michael. Taking care of sick children is what he talked about in every conversation we ever had. He took care of sick children all over the world. He paid for Bela Farcas' liver; the cost was $125,000 and when they found out it was for Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson who decided to split the cost, the price jumped to a quarter of a million. Bela got his liver.

"I didn't do just paintings for Michael; he asked me to do sketches for rides he invented at Neverland and the drawings for condos he planned to build for critically ill children and their families. He knew that critically ill children heal better in an environment of hope, positive thoughts, laughter and magic. The darkened and quiet sick room fosters depression, not joy and joy heals according to Michael. His condos had large bay windows in the front and they were supposed to look like tree houses in the forest.

"He wanted the large windows because he knew that very ill children often can't sleep and wake up at night afraid, so he built an outdoor theater to run cartoons 24/7 so that if the children woke up, they would be able to see the cartoons from the window."

Nordahl spoke about Michael's mischaracterized love for children. How was he during that time when he was accused, I wanted to know.

"Michael knew, I mean absolutely knew -- without a doubt -- that his personal destiny was to heal children; it was his calling. He visited orphanages all over the world, built some, built children's wings on hospitals, he sent doctors to the Balkans and even sent a 737 with medical supplies to Sarajevo.

Michael loved children; he lived for children. They were the most important thing in his life; in fact, they were his reason for living. All Michael's work was dedicated to children -- to the children of the world or to the child in all of us. Neverland Ranch was dedicated to children and it was always under construction. Its similarity to Disneyland was intentional. Michael saw helping children in this world as his life mission. He traveled the world advocating for children and contributing a great personal fortune to children's causes. It was his life and it was his reason for living. Can you imagine what it was like for him to be accused of harming children?"

The story told is that as Michael befriended a divorced family with a boy diagnosed with cancer and brought them to Neverland because children healed there from all kinds of troubles and wounds, he came in contact with the boy's father who believed himself to be creative and an unrecognized talent as a playwright. Ravaged by a mental illness and prone to its delusions, the father believed he would become Jackson's partner in his planned production company -- Lost Boys Productions. Jackson, with $40 million in start-up money from his record company, commissioned Nordahl to design some logos for the project. Before the paint was dry, the boy's father realized he was never going to be Jackson's partner in the venture, and he demanded half the money. When Jackson refused, the rest became easy: make an accusation and collect $20 million earmarked for filmmaking -- Jackson's passion and next venture.

Unfortunately Jackson never got to realize his dream of making films. His reputation suffered and some will always think him guilty of a crime when his only crime was being "different." But geniuses usually are often outcasts of their peers and culture. And we can guess, given the times, that more than a little of what happened to Michael Jackson was racially motivated.

I pointed out to Nordahl that the blueprint for the condos at Neverland included waterfalls that produce negative ions which are uplifting and make people feel good; he had to know about endorphins.

"Of course he knew; he had music piped in at Neverland for the flowers because he knew it encouraged them to grow," Nordahl replied, "Michael read all the time. He knew a lot about healing; he knew joy and delight had an effect on hormones and mood. He wanted some of the construction at Neverland to be secret so that children visiting would not know ahead of time everything they would encounter there, so that there was the joy of surprise. He knew how it would delight them and make them feel."

"But the magic for Michael was gone. Michael loved magic; he asked for it in paintings. He saw the world that way and he deliberately looked through the magical eyes of a child because he preferred it. It's true he felt the loss of childhood, but more than that, Michael liked seeing the world through fresh un-indoctrinated and fresh eyes, so he chose it. Looking with those eyes and through the lens of innocence allowed his creativity to flow freely and fiercely like a river. When the accusations came, especially the last one, his river of creativity was dammed and went dry."

The media, in a frenzy, used Jackson to sell their wares -- the tabloid headlines, the stolen and unflattering pictures. He took to wearing a mask to discourage them. Fortunes were made on fictionalized stories and unauthorized biographies by people who never met him or knew him only on at the fringes of his orbit.

The loudest Jackson detractors are often the most guilty of using Jackson and riding the hysteria surrounding him to launch and sustain careers "reporting" on Michael Jackson's life. Those same people know sensation sells and knowingly contributed to it. They still ride his coattails even in death, revisit the crimes whenever in front of a camera, and claim guilt to this day despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary and a not guilty (14 counts) verdict. They can't afford to be exposed for their bullying so they stubbornly occupy their position. They bullied him for his skin color lightened by the disease Vitiligo; the paternity of his children despite modern adoptions and fertilization methods for couples unable to conceive, for his surgeries in a culture that reveres youth and eschews 'aging rockers.' Deep pockets and a racist agenda explains much because Jackson was born into and grew up in a racist culture and married white women. The rest is explained by the ego that: sees people not as who they are but as who you are being.

"Some called Neverland a child magnet," Nordahl reminded me. "And it was really; that was deliberate. But Michael did not have the agenda they said he had -- his agenda was not to harm children; his only agenda was to bring joy and magic to kids. I watched him do that for 20 years. Michael himself had a kind of magical attraction. Kids just followed him. We were once in a Toys-R-Us store where Michael was buying toys for kids and I turned around to find a sea of kids following us. And Michael was in disguise."

"People said he was a recluse; he wasn't. He just always drew crowds. There was something about him; watching people descend on him was like watching a wave crashing to shore. He had to practice getting out of any article of clothing quickly because people around him went into a kind of frenzy. He could get out clothes faster than anyone I've ever seen."

Nordahl remembers too, the loneliness that Michael suffered.

"Before and during the trial he felt abandoned. He was being convicted in the court of public opinion and he worried about getting a fair trial. He worried about what would happen to his kids if he went to prison. He had trouble sleeping. We were staying at a friend's beach house on the ocean and I told him if he couldn't sleep to come down and visit me. He was worried he'd keep me awake but I didn't mind; I knew he was lonely and worried. We spent many long hours talking and sometimes walking on the beach waiting for sunrise. He couldn't sleep. When you take away someone's reason for living, the reason for his life, what's left?"

I wanted to know if David Nordahl had been watching the trial.

 "Sure; it's hard because you know they had to make it about Michael. I wish the world could know the real Michael. Michael always said that if you talked about the good you did in the world, you cancelled the beneficence of the gift, so he was very private about his humanitarian work. Nobody will ever know how much he did for this world and for the children. The world will never know what it lost because they took Michael from his work and that cheated not just him of his future, but it cheated all of us."

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Am I the Beast You Visualized?" The Cultural Abuse of Michael Jackson

by Joe Vogel

We have heard the point made over and over these past few weeks: It is not Michael Jackson currently on trial; it is Dr. Conrad Murray. But, of course, we know the reality. This is the "Michael Jackson Death Trial." He is, as he always was, the main event, the tantalizing spectacle. It is Michael Jackson who is under the microscope as we pry, one more time, through his home, his medical records, his body. And while the public at large is much more sympathetic now that Jackson has passed, he remains the subject of endless scrutiny and judgment.

Does any of it matter now that the man himself can't feel the abuse? Should the average person even care whether a "celebrity" like Jackson is treated with callousness or disregard? Projects like Voices, whose "Words and Violence" series highlights the disturbing trajectory of our social discourse, says yes. Words matter. No matter the target. Words, as we have witnessed with the recent attention on youth bullying and suicides, can lead to devastatingly tragic ends.

They can also be used to inspire and heal.

Michael Jackson knew this. In 1988, he befriended AIDS victim Ryan White, a young boy forced out of his school in Kokomo, Indiana because of relentless verbal assaults and threats of violence. Jackson, White said, made him feel normal. "[Michael] didn't care what race you were, what color you were, what was your handicap, what was your disease," recalled Ryan White's mother, Jeanne. "[He] just loved all children."

White is one of thousands of "outsiders" to whom Jackson reached out, befriended and treated with kindness. He identified with them. He understood their pain and loneliness. He felt empathy for their struggle to live in a world that refused to accept them for who they were, whether because of illness, physical appearance, race, sexual orientation or some other reason.

Even as a young boy, Jackson possessed this sensitivity. Listen to the song, "Ben." There is genuine pain and compassion in Jackson's delivery ("They don't see you as I do/ I wish they would try to"). The song can be seen as one of the first artistic statements Jackson made on behalf of the marginalized and misunderstood. Many more would follow.

Jackson's outsider role may have begun in childhood (as there was never a time Jackson felt "normal" and never a time he was perceived as such). Yet the intensity and hostility caused by his difference grew over time. In his 1996 essay, "The Celebrity Freak: Michael Jackson's Grotesque Glory," David Yuan argued that Michael Jackson was the defining "freak" of our time. No other public figure in the world evoked the same level of ridicule, scrutiny and hyper-interrogation. As early as 1985, Jackson was being labeled "Wacko Jacko" by the tabloids, a term he despised (as recently as this year, some mainstream news organizations continued to refer to him as "Jacko"). In the press, he was frequently described as "bizarre," "weird," and "eccentric." Indeed, there was very little he said or did from the mid-1980s forward that wasn't described in these terms by the media.

Jackson was mocked incessantly for his skin disorder, vitiligo, which most people didn't believe was real until it was confirmed definitively in his autopsy. He was mocked for his love of animals; for his love of children; for his love of the planet. He was mocked for his marriages, for his three kids, for his Neverland home. He was mocked for his sexuality, his voice, his childlike behavior. Even reviews of his music couldn't resist filling up the majority of the space with pseudo-psychoanalysis and ad hominem assaults. Can there be any doubt that this treatment by the media and culture at large was abusive?

Certainly the victim of these dehumanizing attacks felt that way. Listen to the lyrics of his songs. In "Tabloid Junkie" he describes the mass media as "parasites" sucking the life out of him, while drugging/distracting the general public with a steady dose of sensationalism. In "Stranger in Moscow" he is an artist in exile, used up and spit out by his native country. "I was wanderin' in the rain," he sings from the lonely role of vagabond, "Mask of life/ Feeling insane."

In "Scream" he is so weary of being bullied, he pleads, "Oh brother, please have mercy 'cause I just can't take it." The song, however, also serves as a vehicle of strength and resolve ("Kickin' me down/ I got to get up"). Michael and sister Janet deliver a fierce counterblow to a system they rightfully see as corrupt and unjust. "You're sellin' out souls," Janet sings in one verse, "but I care about mine." It is a defiant song about standing up to cruelty, even when the pain and indignation is so deep it can only be expressed in a guttural scream.

In numerous songs, Jackson uses his music as a rallying call for others who have been mistreated. In "They Don't Care About Us," he witnesses for the disenfranchised and demeaned. "Tell me what has become of my rights," he sings, "Am I invisible because you ignore me?" "Little Susie" draws attention to the plight of the neglected and abandoned, telling the story of a young girl whose gifts go unnoticed until she is found dead at the bottom of the stairs in her home ("Lift her with care," Jackson sings, "Oh, the blood in her hair"); "Earth Song" offers an epic lamentation on behalf of the planet and its most vulnerable inhabitants (represented by the choir's passionate shouts, "What about us!"). Through such songs (as well as through his life and persona), Jackson became a sort of global representative of the "Other."

The mass media, however, never held much regard for Jackson's other-ness, just as they held little regard for the "others" he spoke of in his songs. Rather, they found a narrative that was simple and profitable -- Jackson as eccentric "freak" -- and stuck with it for nearly three decades, gradually upping the stakes.

Perhaps Jackson's most compelling response to the public perception of him that resulted comes in his trio of late Gothic songs: "Ghosts," "Is It Scary," and "Threatened." It is here that Jackson holds a mirror up to the society that scorns him and asks it to look at its own grotesque reflection. "Is it scary for you!" he demands. The songs, and their accompanying visual representations, are not only keenly self-aware, they demonstrate a shrewd understanding of the toxic forces that surround and haunt him.

In the short film, Ghosts, the Mayor of Normal Valley (a conservative figure of authority inspired, in part, by Santa Barbara District Attorney, Tom Sneddon) taunts Jackson's character: "Freaky boy! Freak! Circus freak." Interestingly, it is Jackson himself (disguised as the Mayor) that delivers these words, and one can feel the way they have been internalized. They are slurs intended to mark, marginalize and humiliate (which was ultimately the purpose of the witch hunts of 1993 and 2005). For the Mayor, Jackson's presence in the community is intolerable. It is not that Jackson has done any harm; it is simply that he is different and that difference is threatening.

In such artistic expressions, Jackson clearly recognizes what is being done to him. He is being defined by outside forces. He is a phantom they have constructed in their own minds. As he sings in "Is It Scary," "If you wanna see/ Eccentric oddities I'll be grotesque before your eyes." He will be grotesque, in other words, because that is what the public "wants to see." It is how they have been conditioned to see. Later in the song, he anticipates his audience's reactions, asking: "Am I amusing you/ Or just confusing you/ Am I the beast you visualized?" Has he become something less than human? Why is this? Is it his physical appearance? His ambiguous identity? His unusual life story? There is no question Michael Jackson was different. The question is why this difference incited such fervent disparagement and abuse.

One of the remarkable qualities of Jackson's life and work, however, is that he refuses to compromise his "difference." He never becomes "normal," as the term is represented by, say, the Mayor of Normal Valley. He doesn't conform to expectations. Rather, he is true to himself and flaunts his unique, multi-faceted identity, to the frustration of those who would like him to fit in more predictable boxes. His differences, as Susan Fast notes, were "impenetrable, uncontainable, and they created enormous anxiety. Please be black, Michael, or white, or gay or straight, father or mother, father to children, not a child yourself, so we at least know how to direct our liberal (in)tolerance. And try not to confuse all the codes simultaneously."

Even over two years after his tragic passing, it seems, many people don't know what to make of Michael Jackson. He is reduced, therefore, to easy labels like "drug addict." A picture of his lifeless body is callously plastered on news sites. It is cruel, abusive behavior masquerading as "normal." Perhaps this is why Jackson chose the medium of the Gothic to fight back. It was a way to turn the tables, to symbolically represent the world as it often felt to him: monstrous and grotesque. His "horror stories" certainly weren't intended merely to entertain.

"Freaks are called freaks," observed author James Baldwin, "and are treated as they are treated -- in the main, abominably -- because they are human beings who cause to echo, deep within us, our most profound terrors and desires." In Jackson's case those "terrors and desires" were manifold, including race, sexuality, money and power. Yet as much as Jackson became the symbolic magnet onto which many of these cultural anxieties were projected, he was also an actual person trying to live his life. Toward the end of "Is It Scary" he explains, "I'm just not what you seek of me," before revealing to the compassionate listener: "But if you came to see/ The truth, the purity/ It's here inside a lonely heart/ So let the performance start!"

Ironically, it is in the "performance" of his art that we find "the truth, the purity." This is where he exorcizes his demons, where his anguish is transfused into creative energy. This is where the walls come down and the mask comes off. To the outside world, he may be a spectacle, a caricature, a freak; but here, finally, inside his music, he bares his soul. He is a human being.

The question is: What do we see?

This article is cross-posted at Voices: Education Project as part of the "Words and Violence" curriculum.

Joseph Vogel is the author Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson, released worldwide November 1, 2011.

Earth Song: Inside Michael Jackson's Magnum Opus

Joseph Vogel

Riding on the Tail of Comet Elenin
as another Wave Fires!

Elenin enters our inner Solar System with wonderment as the sounds of her breath lure open the firmament of Heaven and Earth with vibrations of a mighty purpose. 

As a glorious celestial body of light, embodying the codes of Christ Consciousness and an androgynous body of Mother Father God, she comes with benevolence to bless all who are in resonance with the unified field of Divine Love. May our hearts open wide to receive Elenin's blessings as we honor her light that tones through our hearts the love and wisdom of the "Christos".

Allow her grace to move through you, and as you merge as one, her heavenly body spawns a glorious heat that transcends the void completing the Holiest of Holy's, "The Birth of a New Sun".

The result can be a spontaneous rejuvenation (the rapture) to all that have a receptive kundalini channel and an open pineal gland. We must be willing to accept the changes and enter the state of Grace.

 

The Return of Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent         

 

 

With the cosmic waves of Comet Elenin rippling through the planetary field, many are feeling a resonant stirring within... an inner awakening from a long slumber as the Cosmic Serpent that makes it sacred home at the base of our spine responds to the clarion call of the long hailed return of Quetzalcoatl... the Christ Consciousness.

This Cosmic Serpent is none other than our Divine Kundalini. This is the coiled energy that rises through our central channel along the spine, destined for the Pineal Gland where it then bursts forth from the crown chakra, culminating in the profound experience of raptured enlightenment.

As this potent life force energy makes its way through our Group Avatar Body, we arrive at a long anticipated milestone in the evolution of human consciousness - the birth of our androgynous blueprint. With this fiery serpentine energy flowing freely, we begin to witness our unlimited creative potential and the manifestation of miracles in our service to the Earth.    

 

   

The I AM Avatar - Androgynous Blueprint Emerging   

 

It is with such gratitude that we open our hearts and minds to welcome the unifying cosmic energies from the Great Central Sun emanating from the Comet Elenin. This will continue to greatly support the complete integration of our Yin and Yang, the Shakti and Shiva, the Divine Mother and Divine Father within us all. 

Before this integration can take place, it is imperative that we recognize the importance of fully embodying the sacred feminine principle of Divine Love through the full activation of our heart chakra. It is only then that we can work in tandem with the masculine force of Divine Will with grace and fluidity. As our old programming of separation is rebooted into one of absolute unity, we will walk this Earth in our glorious Christed Bodies of Light, releasing all sense of differentiation and ushering in a true marriage of equals.

To support this integration, we encourage you to call upon the Sacred Fire, particularly the Platinum Ray of Divine Union. This prismatic ray holds the multi-dimensional frequencies required to assist our bodies in transmutation of any residual energies still holding onto to the old dualistic programming. Bathe yourself in this precious light from the Great Central Sun each morning as we allow ourselves to be reborn into our crystalline bodies of Divine Perfection.

 

 

Accessing the Crystal Palace  

 

As our Kundalini rises to become one with our pineal gland, the "eye of our soul", we may experience a profound sense of Divine Remembrance. Through the merging of the masculine and feminine channels, the circuits surrounding our central column, we will experience the two hemispheres of our brain becoming one WHOLE operating system.

The pineal gland is the centre piece around which all of this unification takes place. This is a pine cone shaped endocrine gland that sits between the two hemispheres of the brain, a location which corresponds to what in Taoist practice is known as the "Crystal Palace" due to part of its make up being crystalline. It is the City of Light within giving us access to the holographic universe.

 

 

Who and What is Quetzalcoatl? 

For those of our beloved Global Family who are unfamiliar with the word and energy of Quetzalcoatl, we would like to take a moment to elaborate on this incredible forcefield awakening within our beings at this time.

Throughout history, ancient civilizations such as the Mayans, Aztecs, Egyptians and Sumerians have referred to a "sky-god" who would return from Venus at specific times to again instruct humanity when the hour of liberation was at hand. According to the Mayan calendar, we are NOW in the time of Quetzalcoatl's much anticipated return.   

 

That being said, there has been an expanded awareness that has graced our Group Soul, that has allowed us to perceive this "return" not as an individual being or deity but as an expression of our Divine Self. The energy is the same energy held and radiated by Jesus the Christ, Krishna, the Buddha and the other beloved Avatars who selflessly paved the Path to Liberation.   

 

Quetzalcoatl was also known as "the Feathered Serpent" which many know as the sacred metaphor representing our human DNA and it's foretold activation and uncoiling. As many wayshowers across the globe begin to sense the rising of our collective kundalini, the spectacular revelation that we are going to become the living incarnation of Quetzalcoatl will begin to circulate through the unified field. With this powerful presence being born within us, we can share in the cosmic joy of co-creating the most incredible vistas of the New Earth.

This provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to share in the divine energy coursing through the living matrix, supporting the unification of our divine masculine and feminine energies as well as the complete hemispheric synchronization of our left and right brains. From this point of sacred merging, we solidify the reality of Quetzalcoatl in our illumined being and reserve the privilege of ascending with our beloved Earth Mother. 

    

 

 

    

 

 

Our Collective Kundalini is Rising!  

   

 

 Mp3 Support Audio

Elenin's Message and with Kundalini Empowerment!!!  

This audio can be used and over, Comet Elenin will be with us for a while. It suggests a great daily yoga exercise to raise the kundalini energy.

The audio music during Elenin meeting:

The music incorporates 10 Solfeggio frequencies in total, from delicate background sounds, to the featured oriental Koto tuned to: 396Hz, 417Hz, 528Hz, and 639Hz. This beautiful Koto music renders a unique timeless ancient feel that sits wonderfully over the 417Hz Punjabi drones, to assist in the release of crystallized emotional bondage. The 5Hz speed Theta brainwave entrainment technology in the phantom tone of 852Hz will help in the attainment of unconditional love. This track also has several short 40Hz speed Gamma bursts in the phantom tone of 741Hz. Frequency 741Hz is associated with intuitive states. Gamma waves are associated with the "Ah" moment of insight. When listening with stereo headphones, this track is sure to take you beyond meditation. 

The Emergence of Multiple Chaotic Nodes

A Hathor Planetary Message Through Tom Kenyon

Your planet is entering a critical transition state, characterized by a multiplicity of Chaotic Nodes.

In our previous communications we have discussed the changes taking place on your Earth in the context of a single Chaotic Node. But from our viewpoint, multiple Chaotic Nodes are now emerging. These complex interacting nodes involve such things as radical weather anomalies, increases in earthquake and volcanic activity, critical challenges to the planet’s eco-systems, challenges to agriculture and food sources, as well as political and economic volatility.

Whirled Peas Now!

Ascension – Ascension is about a movement upward in consciousness – an expansion of awareness.  It is not about leaving the world or going anywhere.  But your perspective/perception is radically altered.  You begin to see thru’ the maya, or the illusion of this world.  When one is in the process of ascension you realise that you are the creator of your own experience of that which you call “the world” for you see thru’ the lens of perception that life is a movie that you are projecting so you are living in and transcending the world at the same time.

All That Is – A cosmic phrase used to describe Creator/God/Goddess (the Heavenly Father and Earthly Mother) which is helpful for those who don’t feel comfortable with the term God because of a bad experience with their own religion which they have chosen to be indoctrinated or controlled by on some level.

Bodywork – This a term used in alternative medicine or complementary medicine to describe any therapeutic, healing or personal development work which involves some form of touching, energetic work or the physical manipulation of a practically oriented physical and somatic understanding of the body.

Ceremonial dancer – A dancer who uses the body’s movements for the purposes of sacred ceremony. Ashera was a member of the Kundalini Dance Collective in the 1990′s that featured regularly at the Return to the Source club events where conscious breathing and energy was directed to clear through the dancers’ chakras (body energy centres) and then the dancers would send pure heart energy into the club environment thus raising the club vibration and providing a positive and sacred environment for club goers (as seen in the Channel 4 News programme).

Chakra – A term derived from Indian Sanskrit to describe the different energy centres of the body that are located from the base of the spine to the top of the head.  There are seven major chakras (also understood as wheels or vortices of light) located within the subtle body.  The chakras are connected to different aspects of the human e.g. Base chakra relates to feeling grounded and issues around manifesting enough money in your life.  The other chakras are the sex or 2nd chakra, the solar plexus, heart, throat, 3rd eye/pineal and crown.

Channeling – See ‘Singing in Tongues’

Divine/DNA Blueprint - Each of us is a part of the Oneness or unity of creation within all things (God/Goddess) and all our bodies and DNA are comprised of a blueprint based on the laws of the Phi ratio which is the building block of the Fibonacci sequence (see below for further info). When you give the body this Da Vinci Code in sound, you help harmonise and align your whole being with the sacred geometry of the universe thus clearing the lower vibrations of fear/separation (i.e. “I’m all alone in the world” or “I feel separate” which can manifest as Atheism/Agnostic or simply deep loneliness and suffering because perhaps you don’t feel connected to the Creator/God/Goddess (Heavenly Father and Earthly Mother) and so don’t either love yourself or feel loved by others. Once your Divine Blueprint is activated, you can experience yourself as a divine being, feeling at peace and clear of all human suffering, safe in the knowledge that you have always been connected/loved and will always be. This then results in you being re-aligned to this truth and helps you live a happy and truly fulfilled life since you then live from a place of unconditional love for yourself and others and love for everything in your life, including honouring the Earth so that you become who you really are and so you awaken to your divinity and thus you evolve to secure a future for yourself.

Fibonacci sequence – a sequence of numbers that are named after Leonardo of Pisa, known as Fibonacci (a contraction of filius Bonaccio, “son of Bonaccio”). Fibonacci’s 1202 book Liber Abaci introduced the sequence to Western European mathematics, although the sequence had been previously described in Indian mathematics.^[2][3] The first number of the sequence is 0, the second number is 1, and each subsequent number is equal to the sum of the previous two numbers of the sequence itself, yielding the sequence 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.  The numbers are also seen in nature such as branching in trees, arrangement of leaves on a stem, the fruitlets of a pineapple,^[35] the flowering of artichoke, an uncurling fern and the arrangement of a pine cone.^[36] This sequence reveals the Phi ratio or Golden Mean/ratio which your whole body is comprised of (that is why Mona Lisa was so famous).

Gematria or gimatria (Hebrew: גימטריה‎, gēmaṭriyā; Greek: γεωμετρία, geōmetriā) is a system of assigning numerical value to an alphabet which then reveals certain spiritual qualities related to that numerial value.

Oscilloscope – An oscilloscope (commonly abbreviated to scope or O-scope) is a type of electronic test instrument that allows signal voltages to be viewed, usually as a two-dimensional graph of one or more electrical potential differences (vertical axis) plotted as a function of time or of some other voltage (horizontal axis).  In the case of the Zobet this can be seen in three-dimensional geometry and the equipment has recently been upgraded to work with lasers instead the effects of which can be seen on the Media/Video page.

Sacred geometry -  This is geometry used in the design of sacred architecture eg temples, churches, mosques, monuments and megaliths etc and sacred art.  This geometry often involves the use of the Phi ratio (divine proportion) and is a language found within the human body and the whole Universe.

Shamanic Sonics – A series of vocal and other exercises that can be used shamanically/in a healing way to help you get back in tune with your body. By consciously using our voice with a healing intention you can free up blockages/injuries in the body where the energy isn’t flowing so well and bring your body back to its natural state of harmony which also grounds your spirit more fully into your body – bringing spirit into matter and awakening your real divine nature. Techniques used include the conscious use of your voice/sound with intention, body movement, breathing, light and sacred geometry visualisation.

Singing in tongues- The ability to bring a spiritual energy into the body which we can all do if we simply offer ourselves as a channel for the highest frequency of love and light to express through us and this taps into the language of the oversoul which is the language of light and the basis of all ancient languages on the planet, e.g. Tibetan, Hebrew, Sanskrit etc. However, this can also include other languages since Ashera has been known to sing in Romanian, Arabic, Russian and even English!!!.

Solfeggio – see Zobet

Sound healing – The use of vibration or a specific sound frequency (e.g. 111Hz) harnessed with conscious, loving intention  for the purposes of healing.

Zobet – A series of divine numbers (translated as sound frequencies) that are encoded in the Book of Numbers in the Bible which are based on divine mathematics as they embody the laws of the Fibonacci sequence as described in the “Healing Codes for the Biological Apocalypse” by Dr Joseph Puleo and Dr Len Horowitz.  For a more detailed description go to Sound Healing/Zobet.

Ashera Heart.

THE WARRIOR OF LIGHT ON STRATEGY

Paulo Coelho via Aldo Cunazza

A sword can be short, but a warrior has to last long. So he is not fooled by his own ability to avoid being taken by surprise. He gives everything the value that it deserves. Often facing serious issues, the devil blows in his ear: "Do not worry about this because it is not serious." Other times on insignificant issues the devil says, "you need to spend all your energy to solve this situation" The warrior does not listen to what the devil is saying. He is the master of his sword.

CAREFUL WITH ALLIES

A warrior does not go with those that want to do harm and is not seen in the company of those who want to "console". Avoid those on your side only in case of defeat. These false friends want to prove that weakness is compensated. Always bringing bad news. Always try to destroy the confidence of the warrior - talking "solidarity."

When you are injured they melt in tears, but deep in their hearts are happy because the warrior lost his battle. They do not understand that this is part of the fight.

The true warrior companions are at your side at all times, in difficult times and easier times.

NEGOTIATING WITH THE ENEMY

When the time of combat is approaching, the warrior of light is prepared for all eventualities, analyzing each possibility and asking: What would I do if I had to fight with myself? "

In this way discover he discovers all weaknesses.

At this time, the enemy is approaching, full of promises, treaties and negotiations, tempting proposals and easy alternatives.

The warrior looks at each of the proposals, also seeking agreement, but never losing dignity. If he avoids the fight it's not because he was seduced - but because that was best strategy.

A warrior of light does not accept gifts from his enemy.

ON DEFENSE AND ATTACKS

The warrior bewares of people who think they can control the world, determine their own steps and are sure to know the path. They are always so confident in their own ability to decide that they don't perceive the irony with which fate writes the life of everyone.

The warrior of light has dreams. His dreams take him out but he never makes the mistake of thinking that the road is easy and the door is wide open.

He knows that the universe works as it does alchemy: solve et coagula, said the old teachers. "Concentrate your energies and disperse, according to the situation."

There are moments of acting, and just accepting.

FACING DEFEAT

The warrior of light knows how to lose. He does not deal with defeat as something indifferent, using phrases like "well, this was not so important" or "the truth, I did not want the same thing."

He accepts defeat as defeat, and victory as transforming experienc, the bitter pain of wounds and the indifference of friends, the loneliness of loss. At this time he tells himself: "I fought for something and could not win. I lost my first battle. "

This sentence gives him strength. He knows that no one always wins - but the brave always win in the end.

Nature Boy

There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy and sad of eye
But very wise was he

And then one day
A magic day he passed my way
And while we spoke of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me
"the greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return"

~Nat King Cole

This song is Michael

AND

Buterfiles was the song that played in my mind

on 25th so I will journal with you about this

Butterflies

All you gotta do is
Walk away and pass me by
Don't acknowledge my smile
When I try to say hello to you, yeah

And all you gotta do is
Not answer my call when I'm tryin' to get through
Keep me wonderin' why
When all I can do is sigh, I just wanna touch you

I just wanna touch and kiss
And I wish that I could be with you tonight
'Cause you give me butterflies
Inside, inside and I

All I got to say is
That I must be dreamin', can't be real
You're not here with me
Still, but I can feel you near to me

I caress you, let you taste and
Just so blissful, listen
I would give you anything, babe
Just make my dream come true
Oh baby, you give me butterflies

I just wanna touch and kiss
And I wish that I could be with you tonight
'Cause you give me butterflies
Inside, inside and

I just wanna touch and kiss
And I wish that I could be with you tonight
'Cause you give me butterflies
Inside, inside and I

If you will take my hand
Baby, I will show you
Guide you to the light, babe

If you will be my love
Baby, I will love you, love you
'Til the end of time

I just wanna touch and kiss
And I wish that I could be with you tonight
You give me butterflies
Inside, inside and

I just wanna touch and kiss
And I wish that I could be with you tonight
You give me butterflies
Inside, inside and

I just wanna touch and kiss
And I wish that I could be with you tonight
'Cause you give me butterflies
Inside, inside and

I just wanna touch and kiss
And I wish that I could be with you tonight
You give me butterflies
Inside, inside and I


July 2,2011

Going Through Phases:
The Subtle Relationship Between the Sun and the Moon

We learn from the Ancient Wisdom Teachings that male and female are two equal polarities in a constant dance of creativity. The purpose of this interchange is to establish ever expanding avenues for the expression of the WHOLE within which these two forces and all of their manifestations, have their breath and being. A.O.

The relationship between essence and form is the most fundamental principle in soul-centered astrology and is expressed in both traditional and esoteric natal work as the interplay between the Sun and the Moon. Essence may be defined as primordial creative impulse, that which characterizes the Will-to-Be. It carries the energy of the First Ray of Will/Power. It is symbolized by Light and when in manifestation has a focused direction. It is electric in nature and is related to the polarity of "yang/male." Form is more complex than essence. Form has a latent state, and is always present in the Universe as Mother ready to give birth whatever the vibratory stimulation of the Creative Will requires. It is symbolized by "Mass" (the form of all and anything) and carries the combined energies of two Rays. It embodies the Second Ray of Love/Wisdom as well as the Third, Active Intelligence. It is magnetic in nature and related to the polarity of "yin/female." Its magnetism allows it to express the Principle of Cohesion (an aspect of Love) which serves to "glue" the atoms of Creation together into the forms of life.
We can get nowhere in astrology without a very distinct understanding of this primary solar/lunar interplay. In fact, without a clear perception of the nature of yin/yang, male/female, we fail in our personal relationships as well in the relationship we have with ourselves, for we as human beings are essentially dual. Our task and purpose is to resolve that duality into a sense of Conscious Unity with Life. This is known as the "Spiritual Path."

I would like to cover three topics in this article. The first is to resume the definition of the function of the Sun and the Moon in the natal chart. This will be followed by an examination of this relationship by the five principle geometric aspects and finally to complete this brief discussion, a look at the solar/lunar relationship by their eight so-called "phases."

"
I. Solar/Lunar Definitions
The Sun provides our essential identity, our individuality and may be called the "life generator." It is to us what the nucleus is to the atom—it gives life to the entire sphere while at the same time generating its creative purpose. In soul-centered astrology, we also call the Sun, the "Principle of Prana," or the source of the vitality of consciousness. Simply put: no sunlight, no vitality, no consciousness. In the natal chart, a poorly placed or weak Sun by sign, house, or aspect often results in chronic illness and a lack of stamina. The ability to tap into our solar force permits us to be able to be aware of our true nature and gives us the possibility to manifest creatively. Yet the Sun requires the assistant and support of the Moon to reach its full potential in the outer world.

While the Sun represents the infinite creative energy available to an individual, the Moon's function is to give form to that energy and to make the potential into an actuality. Yet there is an important catch—the mean for the vast majority of us is our link to our "biological karma," our fundamental psychological nature, our instincts and subconscious patterning structure. Thus the forms we usually give to our creative impulse are limited to our DNA, family background, and mindset. The liberation of our connection to this "psychic umbilical cord," allows us to reach into the vast reserves of the Moon as Holy Mother and thus to produce forms that are in keeping with the Soul's intent rather than the ever insistent repetitive nature of our instincts.

The relative strengths and weaknesses of the Moon in the natal chart have a direct bearing on the nature of the imagination, our sympathies and leanings, emotional prejudices and sensual preferences, and very importantly to our sense of self-preservation. In the physical body the Moon is most closely linked to the breasts, the sympathetic nervous system, the lymphatic system, the general flow of bodily secretions, and with the female reproductive cycle. The words "menopause" and "menstruation" both come from the word "menses" (meaning "month" in Latin), and refer specifically to the lunar/female monthly cycle.

II. Solar/Lunar Aspects
The geometric relationships between the Sun and the Moon are extremely important to the understanding of the nature and character of the individual living inside the map. There are as the reader is well aware, many such angular contacts but I will just review the most important of these.

1. The Conjunction. When the Sun and Moon are conjoined, it must be determined which of the two luminaries is dominant. This is determined by sign. There are some easy guideposts:

Leo rising or the conjunction in Leo—the Sun.
Cancer rising and the conjunction in Cancer—the Moon.
Leo rising and the conjunction in Cancer—the Moon.
Cancer rising and the conjunction in Leo—the Sun

.
In general should the conjunction be in airy signs or in Aries or Sagittarius, the Sun will dominate. Likewise, should the conjunction be in the earthy or watery signs, the Moon may be often be the stronger.
Should they be conjoined in two different signs (ex. Moon at 28 Pisces and the Sun and 3 Aries), the way of interpretation is so complex that it is unfortunately, beyond the scope of this article.
Meaning: As a rule, this conjunction emphasizes subjectivity (especially if the Moon dominates) as the individual in general takes a very personal view of life. One's creative goals tend to be intimately connected to the immediacy of the emotional environment (especially if the phase is New—see later). In the case when the conjunction occurs in the Northern Hemisphere of the chart (from the 1st the 6th house), external events take a backseat to the internal emotional state of the individual at all times. If the Sun is very strong (ex. the conjunction is in Aries with Pluto in Leo trine), then the Moon "burns" and the tendency would be to be blind to the emotional needs and contents of both the individual and the environment. On a positive note, the conjunction (especially in the watery and earthy signs) can make for a compassionate person ever seeking to be present for other people's needs in spite of the constant inner demands for personal security and fulfillment.

2. Sextile. There is a cooperative effort in life between the outer environment and one's inner creative drive. As a rule it is easy to find "the coat to match the mood." People usually want to be supportive of a person with this sextile and likewise such an individual enjoys being in a place of assistance to others. This is especially the case should one of the luminaries be in Libra or Gemini

.
3. Trine. This aspect goes a long way to balance other, more difficult placements in the natus. There are easy adjustments to the daily events of life and the ability to coordinate one's creative efforts and goals with one's emotional needs and security drives. If Mars and Venus are also well placed, this aspect contributes to romantic and domestic happiness.

4. Square. Restlessness characterizes the life in many ways as there is a challenge to integrate the feelings with the creative drives. The solar/lunar square is the proverbial trying to "fit a round peg in a square whole" in terms of anchoring one's drives for personal security and emotional contentment. Crises usually come about that test the ability to achieve such a blending. Tension in childhood is often indicated.

5. Opposition. This aspect is like trying to be on both sides of the tennis court at the same time. It indicates a person who needs to project his creative goals while at the same time insisting on the form that they should take. Often there has to be a compromise and one is either the creative inspiration for a project or the form giver to someone else's idea; usually never both. The gift of this aspect is that it demands the cultivation of objectivity to life and is thus the total reverse of the subjective solar/lunar conjunction.

III. Solar/Lunar Phases
I first came upon this important dynamic of solar/lunar relationship in the 1970's in a book by one of the greatest of 20th century astrologers, Dane Rudhyar. It is called The Lunation Cycle. In the more than 30 years since then, I have worked a lot with this material, applying these definitions not only to the natal solar/lunar placements but to all planetary relationships both natally and by transit and progression as well. I pass them on to the reader as I have found these eight phases of relationship to be most enlightening, adding great subtlety to natal interpretation.
Concept: Divide the 360°s of the circle by eight, creating 45° increments. The first four phases (180°) are those from New Moon to Full and are called "waxing." The last four phases are those from Full Moon back to New and are known as "waning." The first four are "building" phases while the last four are "deconstructive" in nature. What is being built and what is being deconstructed? The cyclical relationship between essence and form, Sun and Moon. Please note: the phases are created and defined by the distance between the Moon to the Sun.

1. New Moon phase (Moon 0° to 44°.59' ahead of the Sun):
This is the most subjective relationship that exists between the luminaries. If they are also conjoined (within 12° of one another), such subjectivity is greatly enhanced. This phase concentrates on the instinctual nature, making it very difficult for the individual to see outside of him or herself. One is always projecting the "personal drama" onto the screen of life. It is important for this individual to ask: "Is this what is really going on or just my personal interpretation of event?" A word of advice: When in doubt, ask. Get other opinions, try to see other viewpoints. Your first impression may be correct of course, but then you may also need a little more objective information.

2. Crescent phase (Moon 45° to 89°.59' ahead of the Sun):
There is a definite urge and dynamic drive to use one's own resources in the expression of one's creative urges. This is another subjective phase but one that allows a certain degree of "extension" into life that the New Moon phases avoids. The individual seems to be stating, "I am experimenting with my own abilities in the creation of form." If the solar/lunar aspect is a "crescent phase" sextile, the ability to harness such resources in positive ways is greatly facilitated. Conflicts may arise in this respect if the crescent phase relationship is also a geometric square.

3. First Quarter Phases (Moon 90° to 134°.59' ahead of the Sun):
This is a crisis in the development of form. One usually has a reluctance to move ahead on any project after the initial phase has run its course. It is very much like deciding whether to end a pregnancy when it has reached the end of the first term or to continue onwards and have the baby. The question usually arises: Do I want to put more energy into this project, emotion, means of self-expression or do I want to start over again? This would be emphasized in intensity if the Sun and Moon were also in a geometric square.

4. Gibbous Phase (Moon 135° to 179°.59' ahead of the Sun):
I tend to think of this as the "Virgo" phase of solar/lunar relationship. This is due to the main feature of this position: the urge for improvement and refinement of form. This phase tends to bring a lot of challenge to the stability of form and there is a lot of experimenting with what is right or better (less correct or worse) in terms of one's orientation to the production of the forms of one's creative self-expression. Emotionally, there may be some confusion as to how long and how much to support any given project or plan

.
5. Full Moon Phase (Moon 180° to 224°.59' ahead of the Sun):
There is a great need to engage others in terms of bringing out the fulfillment of any personal plan or project. The "baby" was conceived at the New Moon and was firmly locked away in the womb of the subconscious. Now that creative offspring is "born" at the Full Moon and is there for the entire world to see. Do other people like the baby? Do they think it is cute? Will it be accepted by society?

6. Disseminating Phase (Moon 225° to 269°.59' ahead of the Sun):
It is in this phase that the individual has a tremendous ease at disseminating their plans and projects. The form has already been tested in society and no one can bring it out and share it. At least that is the intention. This process is made so much easier when there is an actual geometric trine taking place as well (Moon 240° ahead of the Sun—which is the same as 120° behind the Sun, give or take a 10° orb of exactitude). Such dissemination would be challenged if there were a geometric square (Moon 260° to 269°.59' ahead of the Sun)

.
7. Third Quarter Phase (Moon 270° to 314°.59' ahead of the Sun):
Crises are brought about in this solar/lunar phase by the need to destroy forms that inhibit creativity or that force creativity into forms that have outworn their usefulness. There can be the habit of repeating old circumstances that lock and block creative freedom. This would be especially the case when there is an actual geometric square (Moon 270° to 280° ahead of the Sun). Often there was tension in childhood surrounding the need for the individual to conform to parental demands rather than to experiment with one's own forms of self-expression.

8. Balsamic Phase (Moon 315° to 359°.59' ahead of the Sun):
This phase of the solar/lunar relationship may be characterized by the words "projected idealism." There is hopefulness about tomorrow and a detachment from having to project certain emotional habit patterns into life. It gives the individual a certain type of openness to possibilities and can make for an inspirational or visionary kind of person. This phase may make it challenging however to fulfill oneself in terms of one's own talents and resources as the stamina for the development of personal projects may be limited.

Through the Houses of the Natal Chart:
I Build a Lighted House and Therein Dwell

 Esoteric astrology deals with the energies of the Cosmos as they externalize through the Soul of the Sun and from the Great Unit of Life (known as the "Solar Logos") to the billions of individual souls of the one Humanity of which we are all expressions in incarnation. Just as there are billions of individual cells in one human body, so there are in the "esoteric body" of humanity billions of individual cell-souls. Astrology teaches that all people are governed by the same forces and cycles of unfolding energy patterns. The Ancient Wisdom teaches that these forces and movements are living expressions of the unfolding consciousness of the One Life in which we all "live, breathe, and have our being." When intuition guides the intellect and is no longer blocked by it, this vision of the living universe will become part of the collective consciousness of the one human race and wars as we know them will cease to be. - A.O.

Throughout history and in untold numbers of cultures and civilizations, the Moon has represented the Eternal Feminine and the Mother Principle. She has always been worshiped and adored. In Egypt we find her variously as Hathor, Hecate, and Isis, the goddess of magic. The Catholics have always called theirs the "Mother Church," for a church is always a "House of God," offering safety and comfort—well at least in principle! The Vatican was built on Mount Vaticanus, an ancient shrine that used to be sacred to the worship of a mother goddess.

As the female aspect of Divinity, the Moon is the progenitrix of all cults that have a goddess of agriculture and fertility. She is the Chaldean Nana, the Roman Ceres, the Druidic Ceridwen, the Greek Diana (as well as Rhea, mother of Zeus). The Moon is the sacred Virgin of all fathers. She is the Greek Astraea as well as Vesta to whom the Vestal Virgins belonged. She is Mary (a name that can be traced back to the Sanskrit "maya," meaning "water" and out of which comes the Holy Fish, Jesus). Fundamentally, the Moon provides and nurtures. This is one of the principle reasons why she is associated with cows and milk and thus her exaltation in the sign of Taurus. This nurturing principle extends into soul-centered astrology where we find that the Moon rules Virgo the Virgin (as well as the fullness of the harvest).

In its most basic exoteric meaning, the Moon is the indicator of tribe and family. She is the link to our mother and thus the container of our genetic code, our DNA, and our chromosomes. Hers is the opalescent light of the subconscious, cool and seductive and yet pregnant with all the possibilities of emotional turbulence and upheaval. She is at once receptive and comforting while at the same time evocative of moods of every genre and nuances of feeling of the greatest subtlety. She is a reflection of our self.

We can say that the Moon rules women between the onset of menstruation and the end of menopause. Her 28 day cycle is the same as that of a woman from New Moon (ovulation) to Full Moon (menstruation) and back again. She governs the oceans’ tides and the ever changing flow of bodily fluids in both genders. Her many phases symbolize the shifting moods and feelings that accompany each of us throughout the day and she is especially potent at night and through our dreams. Hers is indeed the realm of the subconscious but the latter is not limited to night or to the dream state. The subconscious is vividly alive twenty four hours a day!

The vast majority of people are ruled by the Moon and her seat of activity, the solar plexus. It is in this part of our (occult) anatomy where our instinct for self-preservation resides. But this sense of preservation is not limited to our physical self. It extends into the maintenance of everything and everyone that we identify as being our own: family, children, things, thoughts, and feelings. She is thus the "goddess of memory." There is a saying that "an elephant never forgets." In astrology we say, "a Cancer (the Moon´s own sign) never forgets!" Cancer and the Moon will always cling to the memory of anything that stimulates an instinctive response. Marcel Proust, a great French author, was a Cancer and he wrote a thousand page book based on the smell of a cookie that brought him back to his childhood!

When we are responding instinctively to people, places, and things, it is the Moon that is in charge of our lives. She is especially powerful when it comes to our tastes in food ("just like mama used to make"), our expression or repression of emotions and feelings ("just like when I was a child"), and our fears and anxieties ("just like mama used to have"). It is when we release ourselves from the thralldom and possession of our personal lunar landscape that we become liberated to enter the path of individuation. This is a dangerous crossing for many of us, one that only few attempt to make for it means that we have to objectify our subjective life and that is quite the challenge indeed! It requires that we become a "witness" to ourselves (but not a judge) and look out from a place of conscious observation on how and when our instincts take over, and we cease in our ability to make objective choices. We are then victims of our "biological karma" and our powers of individual creativity are severely hampered.

When the Moon is well aspected in our natal chart, the past has been good to us. Our mother knew how to mother us properly and we allowed ourselves to become nurtured with that goodness and are capable of returning it back to life. The well-placed Moon gives abundant food on many levels, allowing a person to be emotionally self-sustaining instead of emotionally needy, giving instead of taking (for we know that we always will have enough), embracing instead of fearful, inclusive instead of exclusive, and open instead of shut off. Such positive combinations include (they are too numerous to list them all): Moon in harmonious relationship with Venus and/or Jupiter especially if the signs Taurus, Cancer, Pisces, Libra are especially fortuitous while the Moon with Mars (especially if Sagittarius or Aries are involved) may make for a brash person, but certainly a courageous one.

On the other hand, an afflicted Moon creates a definite feeling of dread and a fear of the unknown. It gives an "anything could happen and it will be bad" kind of attitude, pessimistic in thoughts (especially if Mercury and/or his signs—Virgo and Gemini—are involved) and feelings. A deep sense of lack of self-worth and the seemingly "natural" choice of partners who support such instinctive responses in relationship are the product of difficult aspects between the Moon and Saturn. Even the benign relationship of the Moon and Venus when square or opposed can lead to challenges in the "I am worthy-to-be-loved department" of life.

 
The Moon in your horoscope is your mother, family and tribe incarnating as you! The Moon’s two primary signs, Cancer (rulership) and Taurus (exaltation) are pretty conservative, stick-with-it-no-matter-what kind of signs. How you treat that family and your relationship to it after you have left the family home (if indeed most of us ever truly do) and whether you maintain, repeat, or destroy and replace, your original family patterning is an essential core issue within each of our personal psychologies and an essential element of our individual dramas.

The transit of the Moon is a pretty regular and highly predictable cycle. It takes about 28 days for the Moon to transit the entire circle of our natal chart, remaining in each of the 12 houses for an average period of 2.5 days (60 hours). The latter is given only to represent the mean time it takes the Moon to pass through 30° of a sign or an equal house. Most of us do not use the equal house system, preferring Placidus or Koch. This means, depending on our latitude of birth, the Moon can take as little as less than half a day or as many as four or more days to transit a house.

It is a very simple matter to calculate just how long the Moon will remain in each of the houses of your chart. It takes Luna about 2 hours to transit one degree of celestial longitude. Thus all you have to do is count the number of degrees in a given house, multiply by 2 and that will give you your results. Thus, should you have 13° Aquarius on your Third House cusp and 10° Pisces on your Fourth, just multiply 27 (the number of degrees between the two cusps in question) by 2 which will give you 54. Thus the Moon will always need about 54 hours to transit that house each month. As always, you will get the most out of this series of articles about planetary transits if you read along with your natal chart near at hand.

The primary focus of the Moon when transiting each of the houses is to bring out the inherent meaning of that house in terms of our sense of personal security and immediate emotional needs. Please keep the natal house position of your own Moon in mind as this house and its activities will be very highlighted when Luna stops by for her monthly visit.

Transiting Moon in the First House (Ascendant):
You are very sensitive to your immediate environment now and very aware of your surroundings. You may find that it is important for your feelings to be made known to others and that they are accepted in a way that supports your intentions. Family matters may easily come to the forefront of activities as well as circumstances that involve your domestic life. One of the most positive effects of this transit is that you can formulate your relationship to the environment in ways that are most satisfying to you. One of the most negative is that you come away feeling misunderstood by those closest to you.

Transiting Moon in the Second House:
The realm of personal finances is highlighted at this time. You may well discover that money is needed for family and domestic situations. If the Moon makes some positive aspect to Jupiter, Venus, the Sun, or Pluto during these days, such economic support is often easily forthcoming. Should the Moon square or oppose these planets, take care not to spend more than you have as a result of emotional impulse. The Moon in difficult aspect to Saturn or Neptune from the Second House brings out a red flag that warns against incurring additional debts. The most important message you will receive during this time of the month will concern the relationship between your sense of self-worth and your financial condition.

Transiting Moon in the Third House:
Relationships with siblings and/or very close friends are highlighted, presenting opportunities for intimate, emotional contacts with such individuals. Take advantage of these encounters by increasing shared interests and intimacies. Challenges arise should the Moon find herself afflicting other planets while transiting this position. These challenges need not be avoided but can be resolved if you are objective to the emotional content within such conflicting situations. Visits to or from family members are other common occurrences that may take place during these days.

Transiting Moon in the Fourth House (IC):
The keywords here are: roots and foundations. This is a monthly period when it is good for you to take a long and profound look inside of yourself. It is definitely a period for introspection and self-examination. This does not mean self-judgement or criticism! The Moon has "come home" at this time and you would do well to do the same. This means that a wise period of consideration of your motivations within your intimate relationships could prove quite rewarding. All areas of your emotional and family life are particularly sensitive now and you will be called upon to be very nurturing to your own "inner child." Learning how to best nurture ourselves is a life-long project…

Transiting Moon in the Fifth House:
What do we do for fun that is emotionally supportive and provides relief from the many stresses of life? The Moon passing through this house can answer such questions. Should she be in difficult aspect to the natal Moon, Mars, the Sun and/or the ruler of the Fifth during this time, we may well find that such pursuits are not nurturing at all—in fact just the contrary! Stay objective to what makes you happy, or what you think makes you happy. If the Moon is well aspected during her stay in this domicile, then you will find that these are some of the most enjoyable days of the month for you. Relationships with lovers and children are also strongly emphasized during this time.

Transiting Moon in the Sixth House:
All matters relating to relationships at work take on special importance at this time. Once again, emotional objectivity is the key to getting the most out of any lunar position. Now you have the opportunity to see how and why your work area is either nurturing or not nurturing your emotional needs. How are you being supportive of others in this part of your life and how are others being supportive of you? Health is of course another area that is affected by the Moon’s transit through the Sixth. Thus it is common for people to find that they are visiting their doctor or dentist at this time or otherwise taking a look at health issues.

Transiting Moon in the Seventh House (Descendant):
The emotional and instinctual psychological conditioning factors that underlie our "urge to merge" come up for examination whenever the Moon transits this, the House of Partnership. A beneficial lunar passage at this time advances and benefits our relationships while the Moon afflicting other planets in the horoscope (especially the natal Moon, Venus, and/or the ruler of the Seventh), points to interpersonal challenges of a most intimate nature. As the Moon will always be making the same aspects to the natus every month, we have numerous opportunities to check out our subjective patterns of needs and wants on the emotional level in order to understand ourselves and others that much better. Astrology is a great tool.

Transiting Moon in the Eighth House:
This is often not the easiest time of the month for any of us as the Moon is not a "happy camper" whilst camped out in the Eighth. It is here that she (and we) are often challenged to change our emotional tune. We are living in the realm of other people’s financial and emotional needs and wishes at this time, and how we succeed during these days is a matter of subtle understanding. If we put ourselves first at this time, negating the demands of the circumstances surrounding us, we are bound to enter into conflicts. This would be especially true should the Moon be afflicting Mars, the natal Moon, Venus, or Pluto during the time of this transit. Benefits may come to us while the Moon is in the Eighth if we stay alert to other people’s emotional needs.

Transiting Moon in the Ninth House:
This is often a good time to assess our spiritual journey. What activities give the most support to our Path? How can we take the time to nurture the Higher Self? What can we do to bring out the best in our lives? These and other related questions may easily come up for examination during the Moon’s passage through this domicile. This is often a good period to think about further education and those activities we can undertake to widen our horizons. If the Moon is in good aspect to Jupiter and/or the ruler of the Ninth (and Mercury is direct!), this is a perfect time to make travel and vacation plans.

Transiting Moon in the Tenth House (Midheaven): Situations involving our social status, career, and relationships with authority figures (especially our father) may easily come up for examination at this time. Do we feel nurtured and supported in our goals for a better life? Are we being supportive of the people who can advance our aims and ambitions? Are these purposes correct for us or are we merely attached to our outer life activities for the sake of emotional security and not for any deeper, inner satisfaction? We will often find ourselves in conflict about this issues if the Moon is afflicting the natal Moon, Saturn, and/or the ruler of the Midheaven at this time. Harmonious aspects between these factors generally indicate advances and support in terms of these Tenth House affairs.

Transiting Moon in the Eleventh House:
Friendships take on especial significance during the time the Moon is transiting this house. This is a time in which being supportive of our friends is high up on our agenda. We may also be seeking such support from our associates during these days. Group activities also take precedence as we reach out and network within the scope of our social contacts while the Moon is in the Eleventh. Other situations that arise at this time have to do with how we are supporting our visions and hopes for tomorrow. What is the type of support we are seeking from others in order to achieve such goals? This is a great time to answer this question so that we may examine if the social setting in which we find ourselves is the correct one.

Transiting Moon in the Twelfth House:
This is one of the least socially oriented positions for the Moon. It is now that we frequently yearn to withdraw a bit from the world around us and seek out the comfort of solitude for awhile. You want to be able to rest emotionally and take a break from the demands that you place upon yourself and that others place upon you. The Twelfth House transit of the Moon is therefore for many people a definite "veg-out" time of the month. Others find that the Moon in this position is perfect for research, cleaning out the basement or attic, both literally and figuratively. Whatever you decide to do (or most likely, not do), this is certainly not a period in which outer activities predominate. Enjoy the peace and quiet—if you can.

Need help ask me :)

One of the central tenets in Indian spirituality as in several other mystical schools is the theory of chakras or energy centers in the subtle body. There are seven major chakras, starting at the base of the spine and ending at the top of the head. Six of these lie along the Sushumna and correspond in the physical body to the nerve plexuses along the spinal column. They are responsible for the functioning of the endocrine glands and the organs in that region. The energy that rises through these chakras is known as the Kundalini energy. There are two channels/nadis on either side of the spine that form a kind of a double helix pattern. They are the Ida and the Pingala and they are said to correspond to the sympathetic and the para-sympathetic functions of the nervous system. The Sushumna, Ida and Pingala are nerve channels or tubes in the astral body along which Prana flows. As Kundalini energy passes through each of the seven chakras different states of consciousness are experienced.

There are other energy centers corresponding to other planes and/or other systems. For example, the hara is located 10 cms below the navel. This is where a Japanese might stab himself when wanting to commit hara-kiri. This is a very powerful point, as when one’s energy is centered here, there is no effort required for doing anything, everything flows with great ease. The Japanese system believes that energy flows downward through the legs into the ground from this point and upwards through the spine to the sky. The other hara center is at the level of the upper chest and often called the soul seat. The third point is outside the physical body approximately three to three and a half feet above the center of the head. This is the point of individuation.

The Chinese consider the importance of the meridians that flow through our limbs and organs. Some minor charkas or energy centers are located along these meridians. For example, in the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, between the shoulder blades, one in front of each ear, one above each breast, one where the clavicles meet, one just behind each eye, one related to each gonad, one near the liver, one connected with the stomach, two with the spleen, one near the thymus and one near the solar plexus. They correspond to the points used by the acupressurists and the acupuncturists. The Indian system too believes in these minor charkas.

To experience what a chakra feels like, try the following exercise.

Sit comfortably with your hands pushed straight out in front of you, elbows straight. Turn one palm downward and one palm up. Quickly, with repeated motions, open and close your fists tightly, as fast and for as long as you comfortably can. Switch the positions of your palms and repeat until your hands are tired.

Drop your arms, open your fists and bring your palms together slowly, moving them together and out again. Do you feel a ball of energy between your hands? If you tune in closely, you can feel the spinning. These are your hand chakras, a smaller version of your spinal chakras.

When you feel the energy of the chakra you will also feel how the chakra spins. Most schools believe that the energy needs to rotate in a clockwise manner and if the energy is rotating in an anti-clockwise fashion, then there is some anomaly that needs to be corrected. However, there are also several people who maintain that the energy alternates in each of the charkas, so if the base chakra has a clockwise rotation, then the second would have a counter-clockwise and the solar plexus would again have a clockwise rotation and so on. There are also differences in the description of the colors associated with the chakras. Most regard the colors as corresponding to the vibgyor scale of the rainbow, but others (the Sivananda School of Yoga for one) maintain that the first is yellow, the second white, the third red, the fourth smoke colored, the fifth sea-blue, the sixth snow-white and the seventh golden.

However, we stay here with the most popular information about the chakras.

The first chakra at the base of the spine is called the muladhar chakra mul meaning main or base or root and adhara meaning support. It corresponds to the sacral plexus. The base chakra is responsible for connecting the individual energy to the earth. It is responsible for all manifestation on the earth plane. Its sound is said to be lam (pronounced as lum) and it is depicted as a four petal lotus. Its color is deep red. Earth is the element related to this chakra. It is responsible for the adrenal gland and for the functioning of the kidneys and the spinal column.

The second chakra is the swadhisthan. It relates to the sexual functions as well as to a definition of the self and to one’s place in the world, since sthan means place and swa is self. Its sound is vam (pronounced as vum) and its color orange. It is represented as a six-petal lotus. Its element is water and it corresponds to the prostatic plexus. It is responsible for the gonads and for the functioning of the urinary, sexual and the reproductive system.

The third chakra is called Manipura. The most common translation for this term is the city of jewels. Its location has been said to be roughly behind the navel by some and at the solar plexus by others. It is depicted as a lotus with twelve petals. And it’s color is yellow, while it’s sound is Ram (pronounced more like rum). It is the center of will and has to do with intent. It is the main storage center for prana and closely related to our emotional life. The element it relates to is fire and it corresponds to the solar plexus. It is responsible for the pancreas and for the functioning of the stomach, liver, gall bladder and the nervous system.

The fourth chakra is the heart chakra called Anahata and it’s meaning depends on the original pronunciation either the sound made without any two things clashing (anahad) or the one who is not hurt (anahat, soft t). I like to think it also means no movement and no sound (as aahatt, hard t, is sound of some movement and ana is negation). It is a place of deep stillness and expansiveness. It corresponds to the feeling of oneness with all, and of universal compassion. This is the transition chakra where the individual rises above personal concerns and moves into the transpersonal and universal realms. Its color is green and it is depicted as a sixteen petal lotus. It’s sound is Yam and its element is air. It corresponds to the cardiac plexus. It is responsible for the thymus gland and the functioning of the heart, circulatory system, blood, and the vagus nerve.

The fifth chakra is called vishudhha, meaning pure and/or cleansing. It is located in the throat and responsible for communication as also for the expression of our higher selves in the world i.e. creativity. Its lower counterpart is the swadhisthana. It has sixteen petals, its color is bright blue and its sound is Ham. The element it relates to is sky and it corresponds to the laryngeal plexus. It is responsible for the thyroid gland and for the functioning of bronchial and vocal apparatus, lungs and alimentary canal.

The sixth chakra is the Ajna chakra. It is located just behind the middle of the forehead or a little above where the eyebrows meet. This center is responsible for insight into the nature of oneself and is the seat of true knowledge. It is depicted by a two petal lotus and it’s color is indigo and it’s sound is Om. The element it relates to is the mind and it corresponds to the cavernous plexus. It is responsible for the pituitary gland and for the functioning of lower brain, left eye, ears, nose and nervous system.

The seventh and the highest chakra is the Sahasrara at the top of the crown. The literal meaning of the word is itself thousand. The lotus that depicts it has a thousand petals and some say the color is violet and others that it is white, as an amalgamation of all colors. It corresponds in the physical body to the pineal gland. It is responsible for the functioning of the upper brain and the right eye. It is our connection with the universal life force. It is the spot where babies still have not developed a hard skull. The element it relates to is the infinity of space, time and beyond. A free flowing connection through the crown chakra is said to occur in states of enlightenment or cosmic bliss.

 (www.innermichael.com)
Inner Michael Messages

I am going to ask you to do something in Michael's name...

"I just received word from one of my publisher contacts that they will feature my Weapons of Mass Destruction article and a tribute to Michael that I wrote for them.

This publisher and venue is an international humanitarian and peace organization with a long reach and readers all over the world. They are going to try to get this work the most exposure they can and they will aggressively promote it.

I am excited that the publisher recognized the importance of this work. And it's the perfect place to launch from-- a place that stands for peace, justice, charity and non-violence-- all the things that Michael stood for. I would like to post the publisher's link soon on Inner Michael but I need to know it's safe to do that. I need to know that if people go to see the article, that they will be respectful and keep in mind what these "Voices" stand for-- making peace in the world.

The WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) piece is about many people who have been harmed by unscrupulous journalists-- not just Michael. The thing about WMDs is that they aren't personal, they're impersonal-- they don't care who they kill. They just spread the poison to anybody who's downwind. Michael just happened to be downwind. Whoever is in the spotlight is downwind today... Diana, Vince Foster, Martin Luther King, John Lennon and Yoko Ono... The list goes on... and on...

In my tribute I talked about Michael Jackson fans and how they were being in the world. And just as the publlisher and I were working out all the logistics and she was telling me how they plan to promote it... I got emails telling me that fans are making war with one another.

What? Michael Jackson fans? In Michael's name? About MICHAEL? WHAT? Michael's work was about ENDING WARS and making the world a better place not warmaking with others.

What is this war about? Opinions? Beliefs? Do you know how many wars were started on this planet because humans made the guy with another viewpoint the enemy?

An opinion or a belief is an idea in someone's mind! Opinions evolve, they change, they are proven wrong, revised, re-thought, recinded, and clarified all the time. You are the only you that you can be. That is the you that you're being right now. In the future you could be a totally different person! That's true for all of us. Experience is supposed to make us wiser and more generous. Our beliefs will evolve too.

The "Right and wrong" game on this planet has caused a lot of wars, suffering and death here. Let's wind down this game- making war over beliefs. If you are having discussion or discourse, be civil. If you are insulted by someone else's stance, move away from them. "Beat It" and hang out with those you do resonate with. Don't get out your weapons. And as a wordsmith I can tell you words are weapons.

When I was informed of what was going on in the MJ camp, I said: "This can't be true! This sounds too much like the 'haters.' Wow, let's not go there. Opinions come and go but Michael's message remained the same all the way through.. even while threading his way through the minefields of his life: "No more war! We need to put a little love back into the world."

Have beliefs or opinions ever been wrong? Revised? Regretted? Of course...

"The earth is flat."
"The sun revolves around the earth."
"Disease occurs because God is angry; sickness is a punishment from God."
"A black will never be elected president; America is not ready for it."
"The moon is made of cheese."
"Nothing can go faster than the speed of sound."
"There's no such thing as global warming."
"The Berlin Wall is permanent."
"Michael Jackson harms children."

Opinion is your private version of reality. And someone else's belief is their private version of reality. That does not make it truth. It only threatens you if you believe it does. (And now you've just layered another belief on top of that last one.) We are one, it's true. But we are individuated parts of the One. The thing about humans is they forget who they really are when they are born. And until we remember-- we forget.

So are you...
Causing Grief In Human Relations?
It's A Turf War On A Global Scale?
I'd Rather Hear Both Sides Of The Tale
See, It's Not About Races
Just Places
Faces
Where Your Heart (Blood) Comes From
Is Where Your Space Is!
I've Seen The Bright Get Duller
I'm Not Going To Spend
My Life Being "Another." (A Color)

We are ONE! And until we can recognize that: we all cry at the same time tonight- INSIDE.

Are Michael Jackson fans about "love" or not? Is it "all for love" or not? Because if it's not about love and peacemaking and being humanitarians and the "major wave" to create the new and improved human race, then my voice is outta here.

I realize that these are difficult times; I know the grief is huge; I know that Dr. Murray's coming trial is on the minds of Michael's people; I know that the media continues to hammer Michael's memory with negativity; I know there are people still trying to use his name with their own hidden agenda. I know, I know. None of this is easy. The human race is a work in progress-- that means me and you.

It's up to you and me to make it unpopular to smear Michael or hurt anybody with made up garbage. We make something unpopular by elevating its opposite and making it cool. So now.. Help me sing it!

I was so upset upon hearing about the fighting and wars that someone had to tell me to tone it down. This is not my first draft of this message! So I had to revise and rethink. And I will share with you my fear that I will be disappointed because we blew an opportunity to make a difference. So I was coming from fear. And that led to anger. So I had to take a deep breath and start over too!

I know that Michael never gave up believing in humanity. So if he can do it, I can. He was steadfast in his committment through some of the most difficult times a person could ever encounter. Even in the darkness Michael held his light. Did you forget that you are a light? You don't prefer darkness, do you? So who are you being in the world in this moment? Are you being who Michael asked you to be?

Here is what I wrote about Michael Jackson and Michael Jackson fans...

"If one digs underneath the hype, sensationalism and medialoid portrayal of Jackson, one finds a visionary and true humanitarian. If one looks beyond the label of "crazed" attributed to his fans, one finds mostly intelligent, thoughtful people who quite possibly are the greatest legacy he left this world. As the world's most famous and visible global humanitarian and cheerleader, he leaves behind a worldwide family of 250 million admirers who are take his teachings seriously. Michael always said his fans were his legacy. Many in the media have given them a cursory dismissal because of the "fan" label. But they got the message and they mean to be the change they want to see in the world and make it a better place. They are an army of humanitarians who are being the change. They mobilize themselves and resources for causes like the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and others. They got Michael's message and are weaving it into their lives.


Perhaps it's time Michael Jackson is recognized for who he really was and not for the media frenzied and tabloid portrayal that pandered to a sophomoric public drunk and fixated on the cult of celebrity. His genius is there for anyone who wants to take a closer look, who wants the truth and not the tabloid caricature version. If he were recognized for his real accomplishments we would see an unappreciated visionary and genius, a spiritual teacher among us who was hiding in plain sight and masquerading as a Moonwalking Maker of Magic. If you feel impelled at all to take a closer look you may find your mouth agape and your surprise staggering. And you might even come to understand the Force that was Michael Jackson; then the real legend continues."

I meant that when I wrote it and I want to mean it now. When this work is released, and if you go to the publisher's website: I need you make REASONABLE, INTELLIGENT AND THOUGHTFUL short comments because that is who I said you were-- reasonable, thoughtful and intelligent.

It is very important that we are on our best behavior. No rants. No sarcasm. (Sarcasm is thinly veiled violence. No "I love you forever MJ and I miss you..." (Save that for fan forums.) No conspiracy stuff. (Not with Peacekeepers.) And notice that the WMD article is NOT just about Michael Jackson so don't make it just about Michael.

The tribute IS about Michael but once again, I ask you to be thoughtful and careful about your comments. Talk about how you admire Michael's courage in taking on the issues and how committed he was to changing the world. Again, save the gushing for fan forums.

Above all-- don't prove "them" right about Michael Jackson fans being crazy. And don't make me wrong- I want to believe in us. I am staking my reputation on it. Make Michael proud and be the change he asked you to be.

This particular mission is about getting back the integrity of journalism and exposing the violence and harm that can be wielded with words. So...DO NOT GO THERE AND ADD MORE VIOLENCE!

Are you interested in getting Michael the recognition he deserves and the distinction of peacemaker and humanitarian? Then you are going to have to get it together and help me out.

There is a plan. I have a plan and a strategy for that plan. I am not able to reveal it all completely yet. But I am on a mission-a Michael Mission. You with the program?

If you are on board with this mission, then suspend any infighting and go back to being real Michael Jackson fans. Fire care and compassion at each other, not insults.

Save your energy and channel it into something positive. Save your energy because the future is going to need you!

Michael needs you to speak for him now because he can't speak for himself; he doesn't need you (his legacy) to fall apart.
Tell me "will you hold me?
When wrong will you scold me?
When lost will you find me?
WILL YOU BE THERE?"

I can't continue on with this project to recognize this humanitarian and messenger we call Michael and risk exposing a publisher that promotes peace to hateful and violent comments. I just can't do it. I admit it; I'm afraid for us.

So I am asking this: do not engage in behavior unbecoming to Michael's legacy. Michael's dancers and other performers were an extension of Michael. Are you willing to be an extension of Michael? Because that is exactly what he is asking of you.

And I am asking you.

If you can engage with this "change the world" vibe, please let me know. If you want to help brighten Michael's legacy, then write and tell me. If you decide you'd like to participate, I will post the link to the publisher on my website. And I will expect that you'll share your brilliance not your shadow by supporting the light and keeping your comments positive and supportive of the message.

I think we all want to see it change. So I cared enough to scold a little and set you straight and to let you know what I need from you. We need to make this right. To make it right, we have to get it right.Together, we can. Let's move on...

Write and tell me if you can manage this. Tell me if you will follow the guidelines that I have set. Please let me know... Will you be a light in the darkness? I will post the link to the publisher on my website if you feel you can. Yes.. or no.. you decide. Can you feel it? Do it? It's all for the love.

I'll leave the light on for you...

Because the world needs a little light right now and a whole lotta MJ kinda love. "

Rev. B
One Wordsmith at Inner Michael

MARS: Lord of Death and Bringer of Life,
and Its Soul-Centered Meaning in Your Chart

It is said in the Ancient Wisdom Teachings that from the perspective of the Soul, incarnation means “death” and what we experience as the physical termination of an incarnation is known to the Soul as the beginning of life. As both the traditional and Soul-Centered ruler of Scorpio, Mars has a very dualistic expression. But on both levels, Mars is very definitely the planet most closely associated with the desire nature.
On the Soul level, this is the desire for physical incarnation. It is in this respect that Mars is also connected to Aries for it is through the “doorway of the Ram” that the fiery impulse for physical life begins to take form. It is here that Mars reveals itself as the power behind the “Sacrificial Lamb”. A part of the Soul must be sacrificed, in order to descend into matter and manifest itself through a physical body on the Earth. It is through this incarnational process that the “death” of an aspect of one’s Higher Self occurs so that it may be born into the three worlds of the personality: physical, emotional, and rational. This is called the “mortification of the Soul” and the willing sacrifice of the “Light which is Love”. The descent into matter is part of our Path and it occurs again and again through the Law of Rebirth governed by the Law of Karma. Our rebirth into Light requires the redemption of the lower self and the original form of the desire nature which brought us into physical incarnation in the first place. The above can be said to be a metaphysical explanation for the Christian doctrine of “original sin”.
Many of us are on this redemptive Path to “Home”. But the desire for the release from continuous cyclic incarnation is also a function of Mars. The personality seeks its release through death—the “mortification of the flesh”—so that its inner, spiritual Essence may rejoin with its Parent/Soul after the experiences in Earthly incarnation. The magnetic force which pulls us through the “tunnel of Light” at physical death is none other than Mars’ “Soul-Mate”, Venus (Love). Mars is thus the ruler of the death of the Higher Self as it seeks to birth itself in the personality. It is also the death of the personality so that reunification with the Soul may take place.
 

Mars also stimulates one’s physical vitality through its rulership over the bloodstream. We can say that as long as a person’s consciousness is polarized exclusively in the lower self, Mars is of paramount importance. This facet of its influence has a great deal to do with the intimate connection Mars has to sexuality and the reproductive urge. Thus, at least in the biological sense, death is conquered. In Soul-Centered astrology, Mars is associated with the solar plexus center, the source of the astral/desire body of the lower self, and is thus thoroughly linked with the passion of the five senses.
Mars is one of two planetary expressions for the Sixth Ray of religion and devotion (the other is Neptune). As Pisces is also energetically linked to this Ray, Mars is also especially connected to this sign. It is interesting to note that Pluto, the higher octave of Mars is the esoteric ruler of the Fish. Thus there is a strong connection between the orientation to death of Mars and the Red Planet acting as the vehicle for the redemptive, regenerative energies of Pluto. Neptune is the traditional ruler of Pisces but is also a vehicle from the Soul level of the energy of the Christ. It is through Neptune and its esoteric rulership over Cancer (and the Moon’s esoteric rulership over Virgo) that the Holy Mother is brought into the archetypes of the major Piscean Age religion, Christianity. It is when Mars as “God of War” and Neptune as “God of Illusion” acting through the personality nature and solar plexus of Humanity, that the so-called “armies of God” are created and go about the planet slaughtering and maiming in the name of religion and “love”. Religious terrorism notwithstanding, we can look forward to a calming of such warlike religious expressions as the Sixth Ray Pisces Age recedes and the Seventh Ray Aquarian Age emerges.
In the Soul-centered natal horoscope, the position of Mars by sign and house will indicate the following:
Where and how the desires of the flesh have to be transmuted into the desires of the Soul.
Where the battle between the Higher Self and the lower is most likely to occur.
Where the primary attachment to the lower self exists, giving rise the one’s greatest battle for personality redemption.

 
Hint: The resolution to a great deal of this Soul-centered battle, has to do with therelative positions of Neptune and Pluto both in the natal horoscope and by the transits of these two planets to Mars.

Now let’s take a brief look at the position of Mars in each of the signs:
 

Aries: Mars is manifesting its energy through a sign that is on the First (Will) and Seventh (Order) Rays. Thus a battle takes place in the life to reorient the will of the personality to the Will of the Soul. Once this is accomplished, the external life can be expressive of the Internal Order of the Higher Self. The sacrifice of the Aries Lamb has a great deal to do with having to undergo those tests in life which require the transformation of personal desires. It is the task of Soul-centered people with Mars in Aries to clear a way in the personality life for the expression of the Path. The Soul-centered individual with Mars in Aries is likely to initiate some phase of group work which furthers the work of the “Fire of Life.”

 
Taurus: The battle which Mars engenders in this sign has to do with one’s attachment to material forms and possessions. It is also very much connected with the physical forms that our desires may take: that special look, that particular kind of man or woman, etc. Individuals with this placement may find that their spiritual path requires them to remain free of those strong magnetic attachments to materiality that so overwhelm the majority of people. This battle with the form life may also manifest as the incorrect use of sexual or financial energy. The cultivation of a proper rapport with Venus and the creation of right relationships with love and money, i.e. the transformation of selfishness, may greatly help the situation. On the Soul-centered level, the planet Vulcan is involved (as esoteric ruler of Taurus), bringing in a great deal of spiritual will/power.

 
Gemini: Mars in this position tends to accentuate the duality of the Twins, adding to the tension between the lower and Higher Self. This tension serves a very positive purpose in the life of a Soul-centered individual however, as it gives rise to a clear distinction in the individual’s mind as to the difference between the desires of the personality and those of the Soul. As the Soul-centered ruler of Gemini, Venus works to harmonize this tension through a person’s endeavors at right human relationships. The victory over this battle of duality is assured as Venus promises the eventual marriage of this or any, pair of opposites. Mars in Gemini is also capable of opening the Path for the loving energies of the Higher Self as this combination joins a Sixth Ray planet (devotion) to a Second Ray sign (love/wisdom). It is through the energy of Mercury in the world of the personality that this greater message may be communicated.
 

Cancer: As Neptune is the esoteric ruler of Cancer, the Sixth Ray energy of Mars is augmented in this sign. This creates a tremendous sense of devotion which can be “blind” and illusionary when expressed through the uninitiated. Thus on the personality level, Mars in this sign may lead an individual to obsessive devotion based purely on sensual romanticism or desires untempered by reason. On the Soul-centered level, the Third Ray energy (Active Intelligence) of Cancer predominates. The individual is very much involved with the right use and proper direction of the mind in order to bring about the transformation of the lower desire nature. In this way, the personality is helped in its path of conscious devotion to the will of the Soul. The battle for Mars in Cancer is involved with acquiring detachment from the obsessive pull of the emotions.

 
Leo: Fire is the “great liberator”, and with Mars in Leo, it indicates the potential to liberate oneself from a focus of self-consciousness to one of consciousness to the Self. It is in this aspect of the transformation process that this particular battle of Mars takes place. The consistent preoccupation with one’s personality and the need to express the desires of the lower self are very strong when Mars and the Lion are joined together. The battle that has to be fought is a difficult one, as the vitality and creativity of the ego must come under the direction of the Soul if spiritual advancement is to come about. This usually takes place through the Fifth Ray (Concrete Mind) mental qualities of Leo, as fiery passions for the advancement of oneself give way to enlightening ideas for the benefit of the group.

Virgo: This sign is ruled by the Moon from the level of the Soul and is very closely associated with that portion of pregnancy known as “the quickening.” This is when the fetus is first felt to be stirring in the womb. It is at this point that the Soul makes its initial contact with the physical form in preparation to receive it. When Mars is in Virgo, we can say that the individual is in a process of “quickening the spiritual Path”. Mars always opens a way; it is after all the ruler of Aries, the pioneer. Mars in this sign creates the way for the presence of the indwelling Soul to birth itself into objective consciousness. This is accomplished through the Sixth Ray and the necessary devotion to the selfless service that heals the wounds and divisions of the personality.

 
Libra: When Mars is in this sign and expressing through the personality, the individual is constantly at war with herself through her relationships. On the Soul-centered level, this battle ceases and Mars comes to a resting place. Instead of being at war with oneself, the individual can now act as an arbitrator between warring factions, pointing the direction to greater harmony for group purposes. Rays Three (Active Intelligence) and Seven (Ceremonial Order) are both expressive of the structure and right use of mental energy. Thus the Sixth Ray devotional energy of Mars when in the Scales, is balanced by objectivity and the urge to bring about peaceful solutions for the good of the whole. Mars in this position can thus be seen as a crusader and standard bearer for the Law of Right Human Relations, governed by Venus, the exoteric ruler of the sign.
 

 Scorpio: This is the strongest position for Mars as Scorpio is the ruled by the Red Planet on both exoteric and Soul-centered levels. There is no avoiding the battle to transform the desire nature when Mars is in this sign! The lower self will make its “last stand” and put up a terrific fight in order to keep its attachments to the desires of the personality. If found in the horoscope of a person who has already been through the “fiery door” and has thus transmuted the desire nature into the loving expression of the will of the Soul, Mars in Scorpio can indicate a true healer and light-worker. Mars in Aries indicates the birth of the personality, while in Scorpio, Mars indicates the personality’s death. As we shall now see, the next two signs bring the released personality onto the Path (Sagittarius) of Initiation (Capricorn).

 
Sagittarius: On the personality level, this position often increases the duality and war between the lower and Higher Self. The Soul-centered Mars in Sagittarius person however, will not let anything stop him from achieving his spiritual purpose. Sagittarius is also found upon the Sixth Ray, making an individual with this planet/sign combination very devoted to the Path. As he marches forward, Mars in Sagittarius opens this Path for others to follow, expressing love and courage, joy and optimism as qualities of the Soul. The Holy Grail, symbol of the true Goal of life, has been sighted. The house position of Mars in this sign will indicate the nature of those activities of life undertaken in order to achieve it. Mars in this placement is the arrow in the bow of the Archer, pointing the way to the Mountain Top of fulfillment.

Capricorn: From the perspective of the personality, Mars in Capricorn can be seen as the culmination or victory of personal ambitions over the limitations of the material world. Unless Mars is poorly aspected, the ego has usually become successful in dominating its environment. Quite often, a personality-centered individual can be found with a very positive placement of Mars in Capricorn but the ambitious nature of this combination gives no rest, no sense of ultimate achievement. From the Soul-centered perspective, Mars in Capricorn indicates that the desires of the material plane have been placed under the total dominance of the Soul, thus achieving victory over the physical world. The individual stands ready to go forth as a server of Light, using the First Ray qualities of the Goat to establish the Will of the Soul (which is the Will to Love) in the world.

 
Aquarius: At an earlier stage of development, Mars in Aquarius may try to bend the collective will of any group of people into an expression of the will of his personality. He battles with the rules of society and any established mode of social behavior. The Soul-centered individual with Mars in this position has matured. Aquarius is on the Fifth Ray, ruled by Venus and the Law of Right Human Relations. Thus from the level of the Soul, Mars in Aquarius will utilize its energy towards being a vehicle for the encouragement of group identity and collective purpose. The battle isn’t over, only the battleground has changed. Aquarius is ruled from the Soul level by Jupiter and the Second Ray. When combined with the Ray influence of Mars, this combination becomes very idealistic, often leading a person into doing battle to defend the humanitarian ideals and principles of the group to which he or she belongs.

Pisces: On the personality level, the strong Sixth and Second Ray elements in this planet/sign combination easily lead to blind devotion to religious, romantic, or political idealism. The focus of the will is subjugated to the intensity of the emotional nature of these issues. When Mars in Pisces is in the horoscope of a Soul-centered individual however, the energy of Pluto (esoteric ruler of the Fish) and the First Ray come into focus. The person is then able to use the will to infuse higher purpose into any set of circumstances. In addition, Pluto’s transformational energy couples with the loving devotion of the Second and Sixth Rays, bringing redemption and release not only to one’s own lower self but acting also as a healing vehicle for others.

Gemini, Libra, Aquarius—S​ame Element, Different Airs
 

Gemini, Libra, Aquarius—Same Element, Different Air

As we all know, science began with the stars, and mankind discovered in them the dominants of the unconscious, the “gods,” as well as the curious psychological qualities of the Zodiac: a complete projected theory of human character.
Carl Jung—Psychology and Alchemy

We can easily grasp the true meaning of air in the horoscope if we consider it as the “collective” and “linking” element. As such it provides the vehicle for communication and interconnectedness. Although invisible, air contains the very substance of human life, oxygen. It also provides the Earth with a protective barrier to shield it against the constant bombardment of extraterrestrial forces that are a result of our planet’s interchange with the celestial space. The majority of these cosmic rays, radioactivity, and solid particles are reflected, absorbed, or burned up in our surrounding airy atmosphere before they have a chance to do us any harm. Yet we can notice that the negative interplay between fire and air causes the atmosphere to burn, creating holes in its various layers that increase the danger to life as we know it on our globe, while the positive exchange of these elements allows the air to hold in the fiery warmth of the Sun, so that life may continue to flourish. It is as current climatic conditions attest, a very delicate natural balance.

Air in astrology represents intellect and mind and like the atmosphere is divided into several layers. The more rarified the mental state, the more abstract, so that when we examine the stratification of most obvious mental layers we have the following: a. instinctual mind; b. the lower (concrete) mind; c. reason and the rational mind; d. the conceptual or higher mind; e. intuition (called “Buddhi” in the Ancient Wisdom Teachings); and f. the various states of Universal Mind to which humanity is exposed and made aware through the evolving gifts of the Spiritual Path. If we were to give planetary values to these categories of mind, these would be in corresponding order: a. Moon; b. lower functions of Mercury; c. higher functions of Mercury and the influence of Saturn; d. Jupiter; e. Uranus; f. no planetary equivalent for Universal Mind transcends (and is the synthesis of) all these previous mental states.

By noting the relationships by aspect of these particular planets, the astrologer can obtain a true assessment of the client’s mental capacities, strengths and weaknesses. For example, a person with Mercury trine Uranus tends to have the natural ability to communicate his or her intuitive perceptions logically. Mercury square or opposed the Moon reveals that the ability to communicate and think is totally conditioned by instinct, giving rise in certain cases to avoiding learning new things, communicating with strangers or working outside of one’s particular “intellectual comfort zone.” Mercury trine Jupiter gives a philosophical mind eager for expansion and for entertaining a wide-range of mental interests.

Air is necessary to convey the words or signals though which one person may communicate and connect with another (Gemini/Mercury), thus creating relationships (Libra/Venus). On a higher level, air is also the means through which satellite communication makes the internet and cell phone, thus linking the whole world (Aquarius/Uranus). When air is properly structured (Saturn as co-ruler of Aquarius), the result is that all of our digital, high-tech communication devices work. But when air is out of control, the result is communication crises that disrupt the world-wide communications web-network that has become vital to our daily lives. An abundance of solar fire through the periodic increase of solar radiation will do this and is another demonstration of what takes place when air and fire are in a state of imbalance. Too much turbulent atmospheric air creates tornados, cyclones, and hurricanes. The first of these three phenomena illustrates the destructive power of the combination of air and earth while the two latter types of storms illustrate the negative results of the combination of air and water.

The three airy signs (Gemini the Twins, Libra the Scales, and Aquarius the Water Bearer) are known as the “human signs” for they represent mental states and thus are not represented by animal glyphs. Gemini is the sign that develops the power of analysis and the ability to relate objects, ideas, and actions. Libra harmonizes dualities bringing correct action and right human relationships. Aquarius serves to be a vehicle for the development of intuition and the dissemination of ideas and concepts into the mass consciousness. The fourth and last of the non-animal signs is Virgo the Virgin which like Gemini is ruled by mental Mercury. Virgo embodies the principle of synthesis and thus serves to bring various functions, ideas, and activities into a higher and purer order. (Sagittarius is only half-human, the other half being a horse and represents the duality existing between the animal mind of desire and the higher mind of the philosopher.)

Mercury (Gemini) is knowledge. You cannot be an astrologer without a thorough grounding in the “astro-logistics.” This requires the study, memory, and mastery of the astrological language (planets, signs, house, aspects), followed by a more difficult process—synthesis (ruled by Mercury’s other sign, Virgo). One then has the foundation to evolve the great gift that astrology gives to its practitioners—true intuition and thus the ability to see life as the outworking of energetic patterns (Uranus functioning at a very high level). All of this has to be anchored through a powerful and intelligent structured mind able to hold all of the pieces together (Saturn) within the heart-centered relationship that exists between the astrologer and his or her client or student (Libra/Venus). The latter is essential if the consultation or reading is to be a healing experience, otherwise it is purely an intellectual/mental communication. The Libra/Venus heart-centered approach allows the astrologer to use his or her intuition to speak to the client or student at a level of communication that has real meaning for that individual’s life and life purposes, moving astrology out of the generic and impersonal into the specific and the very personal.

Gemini (Mutable Air):
When we add the quality of mutability to the element of air, we have the curious mind, the analytical mind, and the versatile but often nervous mind. We assign reason to the communicative, mercurial dynamics of the Gemini personality. On a lower level of manifestation, this makes for an attachment to logic and to the acceptance of only those ideas that Gemini can rationalize and accept within the context of his own mental faculties. If the concept or level of communication is above (or below!) this, then the person who promotes or expresses such ideas is not acceptable, not valid, and in a very real sense, not particularly worthwhile. Yet when Gemini is functioning at a higher level, when the Twin is soul-centered, then s/he becomes the true Messenger of the Gods, the vehicle through which a greater truth is able to be disseminated into the collective. Gemini is by nature very gifted with words and the urge to communicate, especially to do so in a variety of forms and with a great deal of frequency, is very much a part of the character of this sign.

I would like to share something personal at this time with the reader in the belief that the following example will serve the purposes of this article. I have three planets in Gemini (Moon, Saturn, and Uranus). I am also a linguist and on my night table you will usually find four books: one each on astrology, the Wisdom Teachings, an interesting historical novel or biography, and a book on grammar. Yes, I admit it, I enjoy reading a book on how German or Indonesian is put together (these two languages have very complex grammatical systems!). What shows this interest in languages and linguistics in my chart? First, I have Saturn in Gemini. Gemini rules the spoken and written language and Saturn rules the power of the mind to structure. Thus Saturn in Gemini = the structure of language. I also have Mercury in the Fifth House of creative self expression and pleasures trine to Jupiter in the Ninth House of foreign travel and higher studies. Both of these planets make a sextile (harmonious relationship) to Saturn in Gemini. Thus there is a distinct liking (Fifth House) for systems and structures (Saturn) of communication (Gemini) that have to do with writing and speaking (Mercury) foreign languages especially in other countries (Jupiter in the Ninth). The Moon in Gemini in the Seventh House, allows for versatility of communication with all sorts of people and for the ability to mimic (another Gemini trait).
Gemini’s and/or people with Mercury in Gemini have a mind that that can play tricks on themselves and others as they can easily rationalize and create their own logic. This sign personifies a task that all people have to accomplish when walking the Spiritual Path: the need to transcend the mind so that the mind becomes a tool for the Higher Self and thoughts and ideas may thus become objectified, created and used consciously. As it says in a Hindu holy text (the Bhagavad Gita): “The mind makes a marvelous servant but a miserable master.”

Libra (Cardinal Air): Subjective in this case indicates the building of the structure of personality and the creation of the psychological equipment needed to survive and prosper in the outer world of events. It is in Libra that the individual (born in Aries and matured in Leo) has its first encounter with the “world of others.” It is here where “I am me” meets “I am we.” The need to relate and to polarize becomes in Libra a natural and intense urge. Life without “the other” in effect is perceived as only half a life.
In this respect, the more primitive stages of this Libran emergence are characterized by the following metaphorical sentences:
Well that’s enough of me talking about me, why don’t you talk about me?
It matters not who you are as long as you are there for me as my audience and reflection.
You are a direct (but unconscious) reflection of me, a reflection which at best is characterized by my own narcissism as I really do not see you at all.
Let me idealize you, let me worship you, let me fall in love with you and shape you into what I want you to be but unconsciously what I am creating is an idealized image of me.
But as Libra develops this rather egocentric picture changes and in the more highly evolved Libra nature, the following list emerges as Libra’s way of being:
There is a true way of interchange between two people that creates a “third” that benefits both equally. I embody that truth.
I see my reflection in you but that reflection is that of the One Self of which we are both a part.
My urge to merge is centered on the need to marry my personality with my soul.
I seek to be a conscious agent of harmony, beauty, and union between myself and all people.
I always stand in the point of resolution, offering mutually beneficial solutions in all of my relationships.
In traditional astrology Libra is ruled of course by Venus, also known to the Greeks as Aphrodite, the beautiful goddess of Love. In this respect, Libra embodies the principle known as “The Law of Attraction.” People blessed by Venus can be characterized by the ancient astrological dictum: “A child of Venus never wants.” Indeed, Venus’ other zodiacal sign is Taurus, the ruler of money and physical comforts.
A Libran on the level of Venus is the personification of a type of human magnetism that draws other people easily into its circle—for who would not wish to receive the charming presence of Aphrodite into their lives, whether male or female. “One touch of Venus,” is always a delight, no matter the degree of interpersonal intimacy.

Aquarius (Fixed Air):
This is definitely the most challenging of the three modalities through which air must express itself. First of all, air is usually never still for there are always breezes and winds from the calming and cooling to the turbulent and downright dangerous. But air moves, circulates, and links. When the air is fixed, it becomes stale, when merged with water and without movement it becomes dank and oppressive, when hanging over a city capturing the heat of the sun, it is life threatening and certainly not live giving. In terms of the human condition, when air becomes overly fixed, it creates mental fixation, obsession, and turns into idealistic fanaticism. Not a pretty picture!
Yet when air is focused through a heart-centered mind an amazing transformation takes place in the life of the individual. As we are taught in the Ancient Wisdom Teachings, the correct fusion of the mind and the heart emerges as the faculty of true intuition and that level of being is an attribute of the planet Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius. Thus, no other sign has a natural orientation to either stubborn, fanatic thinking or the gift of pure insight and global vision as does the Water Bearer.
I’d like to take another step into the amazing symbolism of Greek mythology at this point. We know that both Saturn (Chronos) and Uranus (Ouranos) rule Aquarius. The latter brings structure and established order making some Aquarians extremely conservative in maintaining views and opinions coming anchored in the past, while Uranus brings in the new and the revolutionary. The Greeks tell us that Saturn who was Lord of the Olympians at the time had a great fear of Ouranos (the “sky god”) for he felt that Uranus would overthrow him. He thus he emasculated Ouranos and the severed sexual organs fell from the heavens into Poseidon’s (Neptune) ocean. A magical alchemy then took place and up from the waters rose Venus (who as we know has her exaltation in Pisces, Neptune’s sign)! Thus Venus is the daughter of Uranus (who rules Libra in esoteric astrology) and the combination of these two planets and their signs, Libra and Aquarius embody the major principle of the Aquarian Age—“The Law of Right Human Relations.”
By the way, more offspring came out of the ocean on that day, all brothers and sisters of Venus of course. This group of siblings eventually did overthrow Saturn/Chronos and the previous generation of the Olympian gods. This is the reason why Uranus is called the “Father of Archetypes” and known for bringing in the new and the innovative that transcends the boundaries of time (“Chronos” in the Greek language).

Meditation....I like what it says.

http://www.osho.com/Main.cfm?Area=Meditation&Language=English

A Solstice Prayer

Beginning now, I choose to walk in a new way on planet Earth, to attune to her as I remember cosmic truth and embody my divine purpose.

I forgive myself and others and open my heart to receive the infinite blessings of divine love flowing throughout the universe and coursing through my very veins.

As I attune to the Earth, the Moon, the planet and star beings in the heavens, I breathe with universal forces of creation. Divine Source enters me, filling the cells and spaces of my being with pure love and light. I am healed, whole, and renewed.

May I be gentle with myself and others as pain, fear and suffering are released. I bless all I encounter and embrace my fellow beings, all situations and circumstances, all thoughts, feelings and emotions, as reflections of my own divinity.

I joyfully claim my destiny as a force for positive change at this turning point in Earth's history. Together with my brothers and sisters of all colors and faiths, I will strive to shape the future in ways that serve humanity's highest evolution and fulfill the needs of generations yet to come.

I'd like to offer, for the benefit of all beings, a prayer that we might carry in our hearts through this eclipse passage.

total full moon eclipse on dec/21/10

 

I am aware that there are many times given; 7:33pm,11:53pm,and 12:03am. But Lets start with this reading.

Dreaming the Dance

Dreaming-
you were there alone but an echo touch my heart.
Singing-
You took my breath away, for in being locked inside,a silly daydream

Midnight came-
And shadows fill my soul -
awaking deep inside of me,a nightmare of fright.
so afraid-
Are you standing beside of me now.?

Where have you been?
when my heart was so alone.
And why did you wait,
so long to become my muse?
Tell me-
Do you hide behind the shadows of my mind?

Did you know,
echo's of your song takes me to the roots of my heart?
Like an oak-
you tower beside me lifting over clouds
Can you see-
Your voice is like a lifeline for me
Please try to see-
Only asking you to see with the eyes of your heart.

Lips to voice-
you whisper and awaken all my joy,
All the bliss that my soul is now aware,
Breathing life-
without words you hum me a lullaby,
Can it be-
can you show me, living life is filled with hope.

Sing to me-
Can it be the song I long to hear?
Your voice cradles me, so softly
And in a instance could I be
Dreaming life…
In the light and without any clouds.

Dreaming...
Of Michael with open arms
Embracing me....
All my wounds healed by lyrics
Dance with me..
for one night,close to me or just ...

...side by side-
dreams come true
when dance the light of memory
with you just one hour...
Until there is no light left…
Into darkness never fearing
our shadows knowing there
Is a solitary light tonight.

© Skydance
Aug 29,2010
Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Author

 Michael she wrote this for you did you see it?

2winkerbelle

I believe

I know there are angels,because
I believe
I feel them around me and so
I believe
The circle is complete, and I know
I believe
I feel my soul spinning, it glows with heat
I believe
feel us spinning? the circle, becomes one
I believe
Where does one end and the other begin?
I believe
The angels understand this, now I do too
I believe
This is possible, because of you
I believe
his Eternal flame, will nourish the hero, in the soul of you
I believe
I’ve seen it unfold,here, growing stronger, with the L.O.V.E. of this child
I believe
In the magic of a little boy’s smile, who grew to be
I believe
The white winged Dove, his song…only L.O.V.E.
I believe
We can change the world, from a broken heart
To a vibrant living circle with a legacy to impart
To simply L.O.V.E. one another.. with forgiveness, yes!
I believe
We are ready to start
i know we will,
i believe, because
he believes in us!

in LIVING memory of Michael Joseph Jackson
4/2010
by Lindsay Winkler

Bashir ....
We now know how words can slowly kill a man.
You were in it for just the fame game
Infamous is the echo of your ruse.

Why did you propagate with hate?
Where is compassion...now too late
The less I say the better for me

History will show that you have no grace
(disgrace)
As for myself my friends are worldwide,
We hold hands around a big Oak tree
hands linking round in eternity.
(Neveland)
Our hearts are heavy,our eyes are opened
We see the mystery that escaped you
(alone)
we are forever fans,forevermore.



What is the point of why?
what kind of person would do this...etc...

Breathe out and let go of the old stale negative feelings we have.
We do not want to keep this wound alive,no we?
Deep waters run deep Dig into your heart find the light of Michaels words
Michael wrote of love,that the songs we bring us happiness.

Just know that love can conquer hate.
So can we love this ugly video and forgive the ugly deed?
If you said yes you are on the path of healing
cause you cant live in hate,dont give Bashir
the power to push your buttons....

Healing is the power of live in love NOW
 

~Skydance

Moonwalker listen to this...

Discover me...

Who am I?

Come into this Faery realm of elven twilight. Working in holistic modalies...

I believe in the gnosis of God the mother, father and child. We are guardians of this planet and as custodians we act with beauty and with strength toward holism; oneness.

As guardians of each other and as a culture (in the global village) we color our world as we give it wings by showing tolerance and compassion for each other.

Dig deep into the Earth and find your inner life where may show you the way to self disernment begin within. Ground that etheric energy/astral/ light

Opening your eyes and heart, with healing in words and sounds. Writing for small self` and others who need to be touched and consoled with personal, healing fairytales...Loving our child-like radiance, learning we do not kill the inner child to feed the adult.

The Sidhe is Faery they are the Ancient Ones of the land called Ireland.The People of this Clan(Tuatha DéDannan) The power, the tap root is older than all of time.They came before the Celts or any people.My path is the Faery Irish Bhaird/Druid. I divine and use energy to heal.Working with vibration and light, this kind of work seems to be not of this world, yes there are many worlds, we know this on this path.

I have worked/studied in vibrational medicine/therapies for 10 years now.

I have been an astrologer since the age of 13 my aunt taught/guided me.She was a grand lady who like her mother was Regent of the Daughters of Isabelle in the neigbourhoods chruch.My grandmother and her daughters were promised to Mary, this being a Roman Catholic Christian time (1920)Its feels very pagan to me....very modern for these woman at that time. She helped the poor and fed the homeless. I feel her very close to me as a grandmother who even thought she died before my birth, I felt her soul in me.We come from France, Brittany of old and Ireland too.

I was introduced The old ways of Moon the way of the 13, and the seasons therein. By an aunt who taught me astrology and the way of the rosy cross. I am not a rosicrution. I can say I have the blood of my ancestors and they are calling me to finish work on the earth. When I was 8 years old I had my 1st communion.It happened on my birthday(co insidaence?) When I took the host I thought I was eating his body and ran theough the aile I wanted to vomit the bood I thought I had in my mouth. It was a great iniciation for me,I never trusted western religion again.Thus my “hunger” for spiritual nourishment evolvoed. I have been aware of my spiritual guides since I was 4 or 5 years of age.

My aunt's storytelling and my mother's recepies have shown me to trust my inner space and know that it is only time when I would learn of cosmic consiousness and the silver thread that conects us to stars, space and what we now call Universal "Now"

Transendental Meditation (TM)I have also use Kyria Meditation & Yoga. Gave me eyes to see the stillness and become the silence I yearned for.By working in dance I sensed that silence had its own teacher.my inner world grew.

I work and study in the areas of natural medicine and healing modalities. Energetic Healing Techniques, or Vibrational Medicine/ Energy work/ Lightworker/Toning or sound, Working with the auric body and chakras, these are ancient healing methods.In the past I have I studied Andean Shamanic Tradition.I do consider my self working along the way of a shaman.I know that at an early age the forest and animals attracked me and animals comes easly to me.The trees are my lungs and friends.It makes sense I became intested in druidism or ogham the language(alphabet) of the trees.

I also hold sacred space for soul retrieval, auric chelation, toning, drumming, and rebirthing. I also have begun working with personal healing fairy tales, which enables a person’s to break through wounds in the persona and aura. I use astrology as a blueprint of transformation of the soul.I use crystal healing with chelation and facilate meditation when needed. This is an holistic approach towards integration of the soul and Self. I also work with Jungian Dream Analysis.

In 1996 I recieved a Degree in Vibrational Medicine/Holistic Therapy.
as well as a psychology BA in 2000

I also write; life is full of wonderful modes of self expression.Life is an expression of creation yes but it is transformative with our Divne Self and other beings in this one of many universes.

By following my path and dream, I began my healing journey into wholeness. What I mean is I made a choice to let go and let my gift touch others. A journey began…and now here I am in you on the internet with you

I still write fairy tales with clients who write there own story with me.I write fairy tales for children personalized for them.

I hope I havent said too much.
Its good to be here!
LOVE,
Skydancer

June 26 is a lunar full moon eclipse.

We become what we believe.Old Budhist saying.
We do not see the world as it is,but how we are-Anais Nin.

We are too much in our heads and should be reminded to live by our hearts

To think with the heart and love with the mind.

Mind cuts through illusions of the physical body. The heart tells the mind to motion release. The breath must be slow and even. Deep belly breaths count to 8 and fill the lungs with vital energy. By let the breath pass through you and releasing it evenly. Often our emotional - the breath- must be slow and not shallow. Mediation is what helped the most:)

Even Alice in Wonderland went through the glass darkly so therefore let see this dark invitation.What is darkness? It depends on whom you speak to. But read Rilke and you will find not what the western world thinks with his shadow and lack of light,meaning lack of God…good…here it is:

You darkness, that I come from,
I love you more than all the fires
that fence in the world,
for the fire makes
a circle of light for everyone,
and then no one outside learns of you.
But the darkness pulls in everything;
shapes and fires, animals and myself,
how easily it gathers them! —
Powers and people—
and it is possible a great energy
is moving near me.
I have faith in nights.

These words, by the poet, Rilke, have long had a profound impact on me. In them, he expresses such reverence for darkness, and, in doing so, for all we associate with darkness—fear, shadow, unconsciousness, uncertainty, silence, chaos, and mystery. Indeed, the poet has such high praise for darkness that he might as well be describing God; he comes from darkness, there is nothing on earth, no animal or person darkness does not embrace, it gives him energy, he has, in his own words, "faith in nights." Perhaps this is why his poem resonates so deeply with me, because it encourages me to seek the divine within my own reluctance, suggesting God is to be found in the most unlikely places, in those sort of places and experiences we shun and dare not go.

In Greek mythology this god is named Hades, the god of the underworld, of shadows and darkness, so void of light that he was sometimes referred to as "the unseen god." It was Hades who dragged Persephone, the daughter of Spring, down into the shadowy underworld, thus ending perpetual springtime and ushering the death-like sleep of Winter. Like Rilke’s poem, this myth suggests shadows are part of the rhythm or seasons of life, just as Hades was considered the god of agriculture. It is from below, from this underworld that the bounty of Spring arises, until it is finally harvested in Summer, the season of the Sun and light. But after a season, the Great Mother tires of producing and slowly Falls to sleep with the falling of the leaves until she finds complete rest in the dead of Winter. This is the cycle of life for Gaia, our Great Mother who sustains us all, as well as for us—sleeping, waking, creating, tiring, and sleeping again; Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, then Winter again. We always begin and end in Winter, in the underworld, with Hades.

Yet we seldom, if ever, offer praise to the unseen god, to darkness, the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega, of our existence. Instead, since the emergence of Christianity, in particular, we have come to associate darkness with the Devil, and Hades has become synonymous with Hell, as if to say, darkness is hell for us. For the most part, our species seems to gravitate toward the light, toward perpetual Summer. We begin as golden boys and golden girls, which is as it should be in our youth, in the Summer of our lives. But as we reach the middle of our lives, the Fall of our lives, when our bellies, breasts and hair literally begin to fall, reminding us our time under the Sun is limited, we often attempt to lengthen those days with tummy tucks, breast enhancements, face lifts and hair replacement systems, hoping that we might, even in the inevitable Winter of our lives, continue on as golden oldies.

We should also remember that gold is the colour of harvest time, with its golden wheat and corn and amber waves of grain, which is the basis of today’s ecological crisis. Because we fear the darkness, the winter of our discontent, we pretend the earth exists in endless summer and is, therefore, always ready for harvesting. In this way, continuously taking from the bounty she offers, not recognizing her need to rest and rejuvenate, we take advantage of her giving nature, raping and ravaging our own mother, taking more than we need and more than she can give.

This was different in the days before those advances in technology that have allowed us to so unnaturally extend the harvest season well beyond Summer. Today, atop the mountains high above the Cumberland Gap through which early settlers moved West across North America, are the remnants of an old mountain community that tried to flee the advances of the modern world near the turn of the 20th century. Among the rustic cabins, one room school house, and a cemetery at the Hensley Settlement, vestiges of a community living in harmony with the rhythm of the seasons, you’ll find an occasional hole in the ground, lined with a bed of straw, covered with a wooden lid. This was for the purpose of refrigeration. Those who lived in the settlement didn’t have a grocery store or even a convenient store to go to whenever they craved a pack of Twinkies. They knew the harvest would eventually come to an end and they would have to put something away to sustain them during Winter. This doesn’t take great intelligence or ingenuity to figure out, just look at the squirrels.

This is the way we must all come to work with the Earth if we are going to survive and help her recover from our abuse. We must work in harmony with her seasons rather than putting her on the rack and forcing her to continue producing beyond her ability. We sometimes refer to those who are attempting to restore Gaia as conservationists and the places protected from our technological advances as nature preserves because healing the Earth means we must learn, like the squirrels, to put things away for the hard times that are certain to come, not behave as if Winter doesn’t exist, or no longer need concern us because of our superior technology. Our dread of Winter is our dread of darkness, and in denying we are children of darkness, because, like children, we are afraid of the dark, we have managed to make a hell of a mess.

On an individual level the experience of darkness can be depressing, and, just as we’ve forgotten the necessity of winter, our society seems to think depression is unnatural and unnecessary. Depression is a normal human emotion that expresses our connection to winter, the season of darkness, when things feel cold and dead. It is well known that more people experience depression during the winter months than any other season. Sometimes, when our lives feel fruitless and unproductive, or when we are too tired to produce anymore, we become depressed.

In mythology, Demeter, the goddess of Spring, goes into a cave when Hades abducts her daughter, Persephone, and the whole world is ushered into endless winter. Eventually Persephone is released but must return for three months a year because she ate three pomegranate seeds while in the Underworld. So for three months of the year Demeter goes into her cave and the world must again endure wintertime. Feeling down and depressed, whether in winter or any other time of the year is perfectly natural. Just as we are sometimes up, experiencing a spring or summer of the soul, our natural rhythm also leads to our occasional depression. This doesn’t mean we’re manic/depressive. It just means our soul is reminding us that we need a break, that it’s time to rest, time for a quiet vacation. Certainly there are those who get stuck in winter, in depression, and may need therapy or medication to help get them out of their funk, but depression is not a disease as the drug companies want us to believe. Again, what we need to mostly concern ourselves with these days is not being endlessly stuck in winter, but in being endlessly stuck in summer. That’s where the real damage is being done.

You may recall the story of Icarus who is trapped in prison, which, I suppose, is another metaphor of depression. His father gives him a pair of wax wings so he can fly the coup, so to speak, but warns him not to fly too close to the Sun or his wings will melt. Unfortunately Icarus does just that and comes crashing down to an early demise. Today we are dangerously close to the Sun and may soon come crashing down ourselves, destroying ourselves and perhaps the whole world in the process.

The best way to prevent this is to begin, like Rilke, revering darkness again. In his book, Original Blessing, Matthew Fox outlines four principles that ought to be part of our worship and our spirituality. These principles, the Positive, the Negative, the Creative and the Transformative correspond well to the four seasons. What is most pertinent to this discussion, however, is the fact that he includes the Negative as an important and necessary part of our spiritual health. "What price have we paid as people for all this light?" he asks, "We have become afraid of the dark. Afraid of no light. Of silence, therefore. Of image-lessness. We whore after more—more images, more light, more profits, more goodies."1 He counters by saying this light oriented spirituality has no depth or roots and cannot truly nourish or ground us. But the darkness, as Rilke, suggests, pulls in everything!

In a dialogue with biologist Rupert Sheldrake, Matthew Fox further speaks of the failing of some New Age proponents to include the darkness, the winter, the Via Negativa in their spirituality. "The sun sinks and cools just as we do at the end of the day." he suggests, "We need to get this rhythm back again… This is where I think many New Age efforts at spirituality fail because they’re so taken by the light and so eager to hold up light and warmth in a world that can be cold and dark that they don’t honour enough the darkness, the sinking, the suffering and the shadow."2 While I personally don’t consider myself a New Ager for this very reason, I do admire the New Age movement a great deal and have long speculated that a few hundred years from now people will look back fondly upon the spiritual purity and innocence of this movement, much the way many are beginning to value the old Native American beliefs today. But the New Agers, indeed the people of all spiritual traditions, that I’m able to connect with most deeply are those who have lived through suffering and not forgotten their roots in darkness. We must resist the temptation to use our religion as a means to escape the weight of the world, for then we become unreal, unnatural and fall out of life’s rhythm.

In their discussion together, Rupert Sheldrake also has high praise for darkness, approaching it from a more scientific perspective. He begins by reminding us that light and darkness go hand in hand, that, like the Yin/Yang mandala, each is contained within the other. If, for instance, light passes through two adjacent slits in a piece of cardboard, interfering with the light waves, a pattern of dark and light bands is produced. This is because light is really electromagnetic radiation, of which our eyes are capable of experiencing a narrow band of, called the visible spectrum. But light is not the constant phenomenon it appears to be. In reality it is a vibratory frequency, which means it comes in waves, highs and lows. Our eyes see the high part but not the low part, the dark part of light, like gamma rays and x-rays on the lower ultraviolet spectrum that some creatures, like bees, are capable of seeing.

Sheldrake also reminds us that there must be a certain degree of darkness in us in order for us to see the light. This is why cameras are painted black inside, and why the eye itself is black inside, loaded with melanin, the same pigment that gives some people dark skin. This is an interesting point because the root of the word Hades means, "to see," suggesting we must go into the darkness in order to see.

I also like that Sheldrake mentions the significance of sleep. This is something that almost all living creatures do, with the exception of microorganisms and some fish. Even plants which busy themselves creating energy from the sun during the day use that same energy to help them grow during the quiet of night. Some might think we must sleep in order to dream, but in reality we dream very little during the night, perhaps every ninety minutes or so. The majority of time we are in a state with no thoughts and no images, a state many mystics attempt to achieve through meditation and other spiritual practices. "It could be that there’s a kind of nonlocality in darkness," Sheldrake says, "in which nothing’s distinguished or separated from anything else. Perhaps every part of every light wave and every sleeping animal goes into this state that mystics talk about."3 It may be that in the darkness, in the winter of our day in which we lose all consciousness, we become completely undifferentiated beings, at one with the entire Universe. Isn’t this why we sleep, to return to the source, to this darkness that we come from, in order to rejuvenate ourselves?

Sheldrake further reminds us that the term Big Bang was really a derogatory phrase given by an opponent of the theory. In reality there was no bang at all since there was no air or atmosphere to carry sound. Keep in mind that in many ways sound and light are the same phenomenon, just experienced differently by our senses. Silence is to sound as darkness is to light. The Universe, therefore, was created in complete silence, without so much as a peep. Furthermore, because it took 300,000 years before matter differentiated from radiation, and because matter is necessary for light to be absorbed, there was no light at the beginning either. The Universe was unimaginably hot and condensed, but there wasn’t any light or any way of seeing what physicist Heinz Pagels called, "a burning world of darkness."4 Today physicists are telling us 99% of the matter in the Universe is dark matter, an invisible substance made evident only by the gravitational relationship between galaxies.

This seems to be the feeling Rilke is getting at when he praises, "You darkness that I come from." Yet Rilke’s implication that darkness is divine is not necessarily new. Thomas Aquinas once said, "One thing that remains completely unknown in this life, namely, what God is."5 Augustine said similarly, "If you have comprehended, what you have comprehended is not God."6 Or, as Aquinas wrote, "It is by this ignorance, as long as life lasts, that we are best united with God. This is the darkness in which God dwells."7

ANOTHER SOURCE

BENEDICTUS a Book of Blessings

Now is the time of dark invitation
Beyond a frontier you did not expect;
Abruptly, your old life seems distant.

You barely noticed how each day opened
A path through fields never questioned,
Yet expected, deep down, to hold treasure.
Now your time on earth becomes full of threat;
Before your eyes your future shrinks.

You lived absorbed in the day to day,
So continuous with everything around you,
That you could not forget you were separate;

Now this dark companion has come between you,
Distances have opened in your eyes,
You feel against your will
A stranger has married your heart.

Nothing before has made you
Feel so isolated and lost.

When the reverberations of shock subside in you,
May grace come to restore you to balance.
May it shape a new space in your heart
To embrace this illness as a Teacher
Who has come to open you life to new worlds.

May you find in yourself
A courageous hospitality
Towards what is difficult,
Painful and Unknown.

May you learn to use this illness
As a lantern to illuminate
The new qualities that will emerge in you.

May the fragile harvesting of this slow light
Help to releast whatever has become false in you.
May you trust this light to clear a path
Through all the fog of old unease and anxiety
Until you feel arising within you a tranquility
Profound enough to call the storm to stillness.

May you find the wisdom to listen to your illness:
Ask it why it came? Why it chose your Friendship?
Where it wants to take you? What it wants you to know?
What quality of space it wants to create in you?
What you need to learn to become more fully yourself
That your presence may shine in the world?

May you keep faith with your body,
Learning to see it as a holy sanctuary
Which can bring this night-wound gradually
Towards healing and freedom of dawn.

May you be granted the courage and vision
To work through passivity and self-pity,
To see the beauty you can harvest
From the riches of this dark invitation.

May you recieve it graciously,
And promise to learn swiftly
That it may leave you newborn,
Willing to dedicate your time to birth
(to LIFE and LIVING, BEING and BECOMING..* my addition*)

By John O'Donohue (May he rest in peace)

These worlds may help you begin a “meditation” on thinking outside the box
Darkness is followed by light.Moonlight begin by a new moon a dark sky deviod of light.
The earth rich soil is the blackest black,the most fertile soil.

It begins in you,in your soul when all the New Age is riddled with half truthed embelished with spin from authors who are the new or authors who in the spotlight.
Before this was the land and the Goddess and peace ruled the land.
 http://www.barbarabrennan.com/

I found him on FB and we are fiends..another beautiful soul

http://www.sawfnews.com/Entertainment/63069.aspx

Michael Jackson's 'This is It' principal dancer recalls Michael's last days Kriyss Grant, the first dancer Michael Jackson hand-picked to back him up onstage, speaks with Charles Thomson, exactly a year after Michael sold out 50 concerts at London's O2 arena.

By Charles Thomson

March 13, 2010, (Sawf News) - Kriyss Grant, the first dancer Michael Jackson hand-picked to back him up onstage, speaks with Charles Thomson, exactly an year after Michael sold out 50 concerts at London's O2 arena.

At 21 years of age, Kriyss Grant has achieved a whole lot. As a teenager he reached the final sixteen of P Diddy's 'Making the Band'. At 20 he was hired by Beyonce Knowles to choreograph her 'I Am...' world tour. Nowadays he's known worldwide as one of the principle dancers for Michael Jackson's ill-fated This Is It concerts.

His big break came shortly after leaving 'Making the Band', when he had a chance encounter with choreographer Frank Gatson.

"I was in New York and I'd recently got kicked off the show," he recalls. "Frank and I ran into each other in a store. He was like, 'Aren't you Kriyss from Making the Band? You have so much talent, I don't know why Diddy kicked you off' and all this. So we exchanged contacts and he kept in touch with me.

Working With Beyoncé

"He called me around a year later. Beyoncé was starting up her tour and he said he couldn't think of a better person to audition because he wanted something new, something high energy. So I flew to LA and I danced in front of Beyoncé. She loved it. She said I had to be on her tour."

The pair bonded immediately due to their shared work ethic, says Grant. "Beyoncé is a very hard worker and she's very hard on herself. It's funny because we both think the same way. We never think what we do is good enough. We always think we could do better. We say 'OK, it was good enough for that day' or 'that was the best I could do at that moment' but we are never really satisfied.

"Beyoncé always enjoys doing what she's doing. I mean, she doesn't use the bathroom or nothing when it comes to work. She's just always on it and she never wants to eat, she doesn't want to do anything - she just wants to work, work, work."

It was during Grant's time with Beyoncé that Michael Jackson announced his comeback concerts. When Frank Gatson got word of the audition, he told Kriyss he had to go. A lifelong Jackson fan, Grant jumped at the chance. But did he feel apprehensive about leaving behind such a big opportunity on the off-chance that he could dance for Jackson?

"No, it was Beyoncé who pushed me," he laughs. "She told me she was gonna slap me if I didn't go! She was rooting for me and so was Frank. If I didn't make Michael's concerts, I would have met up with the others and been one of the captains on the Beyonce tour."

'This is It' Audition

Seeing the scale of the audition was intimidating, says Grant. "I was very quiet. I was nervous but I was very focused on what I had to do. I just wanted to hurry up and get it over with; just perform and give it my all. But as soon as I auditioned the first time it felt good and I just wanted to keep doing it."

Grant sailed through the first audition and was invited to callbacks, where Jackson watched from the audience and hand-picked his principle dancers. But Grant says he didn't let Jackson's presence throw him off.

"I was very psyched about the whole thing - about him being there - but once the music came on and it was time to dance, I just let it go. When I perform I throw everything out of the window so it was kind of like he wasn't there. Then after I was done I was like 'OK, I hope he noticed and I hope he liked it'."

He did. According to Travis Payne, Grant was the first dancer Jackson hand-selected, exclaiming, "Look at that joker go!" After the principle dancers were announced, they got the opportunity to meet their hero.

First Meeting with Michael

"He shook our hands and everything. He has really big hands," says Grant, who still speaks about Jackson in the present tense from time to time, quietly correcting himself when he notices. "He was just like a statue. His presence was so amazing and I just couldn't believe it. I wanted to cry but I couldn't because my body was in shock.

"Michael said, 'You're amazing,' and he gave me a strong grip handshake that I will never forget. I never thought that day would come, you know? Being a little kid and hoping and dreaming of meeting this person and never thinking you're going to get to. But when I finally did - there was just no other feeling like it. I can't express how I felt."

Working with Michael

Dance rehearsals began the next week and were 'intense', says Grant, with only one day off per week. The group rehearsed without Jackson for several weeks, perfecting routines before they joined him onstage. "We would use the time to bond with each other, just building the chemistry between all of us so we could look good together onstage. Michael would pop in from time to time to watch us and give us feedback here and there, but he was very shy in the beginning.

"The first thing we rehearsed with Michael was They Don't Really Care About Us and a lot of us were messing up because we couldn't stop looking at him. I was really thrown off but I was keeping myself together. I had to keep whispering to my dance partner Dres [Reid], 'Let's just focus, keep it together', and he was saying, 'I can't - it's Michael!' After that first time I was OK. I just made sure I stayed focused and stayed on my game."

Rehearsals with Jackson were sporadic, says Grant, because he had so much else to do. "He had a lot of other stuff to do as far as his vocals, getting his voice right and he had a lot to do with costumes... He couldn't just stay at rehearsal all the time. He had a lot to do with the tour - putting the whole thing together."

Having mastered the routines early on, Grant says that the dancers often performed full run-throughs of the show without Jackson, with special effects and 'slow numbers for Michael' being inserted around the dance heavy tracks. When it came to choosing slow songs, Grant recalls Jackson facing a dilemma over whether to include Human Nature or Stranger In Moscow as his first ballad.

"I remember watching Michael sing and rehearse Stranger In Moscow. He was trying to work out which one to do - if he wanted to do it as a medley, if he wanted to just throw them both in there or maybe include one as an encore. Michael was just trying out different songs, seeing what feelings he had for the songs, which ones were the fan favorites but also which one fit within the whole set list for the tour. There was a lot of that."

Jackson was being 'taken advantage of'

Although Jackson was present and involved, Grant raised eyebrows when he stated in a recent interview that he felt early on that Jackson was being 'taken advantage of'.

"I just felt like sometimes they questioned Michael about stuff and I didn't understand that because Michael is the artist," he explains. "I felt like anything Michael says about entertainment, we should all just listen and follow his feelings. If he doesn't feel right about something or if something's not right, I felt like it should just go. He should just have that right to do that.

"For me it was just questionable... I'm trying to find the right way to say it... If they really were pushing him to do this or if he knew what was supposed to be done. I just felt like at the bottom line, as an artist, you should have your say. If you don't feel right about anything you shouldn't do it. But I guess people are people, you know, and sometimes you run into little situations. But at the end it was pretty much solved. Michael got his way and things were sorted out. I didn't mean anything else by it."

Final Two Rehearsals

During the final two rehearsals Jackson really kicked into gear, says Grant. "I guess he really felt it coming together. We all really felt it coming together in those last two rehearsals. It was just a different feeling those last two nights. Michael was very into it, very open-minded about things. He was just living on the stage. His whole vibe was just different. It was like he was really connecting with us and the music. It just felt done. It was like, 'OK, I can sleep tonight'. He gave you a warm feeling those last two days. We all left with a smile on our face."

He describes the final rehearsal as fairly unremarkable, just another day at work. "The last routine that I remember doing with him was Thriller. He did other things, other songs, and we ran through the whole show. I had a problem with my mask that day - my Thriller mask. It was very tight on my face and it was hard to breathe, but I got through it. It was a very good rehearsal. Before he left he said he would see us tomorrow and 'good rehearsal', with a smile on his face, thumbs up."

Michael is No More

The next day, says Grant, seemed like any other until word reached rehearsals that Jackson had been rushed to hospital.

"We were just rehearsing and waiting for him to come in," he says. "Then people started getting phone calls. A lot of people just cut their phones off because it was getting ridiculous. My phone never blew up so much in my life. We were all praying separately and then when we finally all started to get together to pray together, have our last prayer, they came in and told us that he was already gone.

"We all just broke down. A lot of us just split up and went into our own corners and it was like the entire stadium was crying. It was just the worst. It was one of the worst days of my life. It was the ending of something that was going to be so great and so amazing."

Performing at the Memorial

Within days the dancers were back in rehearsals, this time gearing up for Jackson's memorial, where they performed Will You Be There with Jennifer Hudson. "It was something beautiful and we thought it was appropriate for his funeral," says Grant. "We wanted to do something that came from us."

The song was originally rehearsed for the This Is It concerts, but its inclusion was never confirmed. "We rehearsed it but not in the sense that we did it over and over," he says. "We did it a couple of times and he was just smiling. He was just getting back onstage so I guess he was reminiscing about certain times. It was a good feeling. It was like a walk through with the music playing and stuff. He sang a couple of lines but the thing with Michael is that he would always tell us not to do it so full out. Save it for the fans. Save it for the audience."

Rehearsing the routine for Jackson's memorial was an emotional experience, says Grant. "It was when we were rehearsing with Jennifer Hudson that it really dawned on me - 'OK, this is... really... he's not here. This is not a dream.' That's when I really broke down. I just started crying. I couldn't hold it in. I'm the quiet one in the group - they pick on me because I'm so quiet - so for me to start crying like that made it OK for everybody else. Mekia [Cox] started crying, then Dres started crying and then other people started. I remember Jennifer was looking at us like, 'Wow'."

It is clear that Grant was deeply affected by Jackson's death. His voice becomes hushed and somber as he remembers the aftermath. "To this day, it's hard for me because I have to answer so many questions when I bump into people. My friends and family understand so they really don't ask me a lot about it, but it's hard to talk to fans sometimes. I still haven't got over it. I still have it, you know. It hasn't been closed. I have dreams about it."

Grant also felt conflicted when the dancers were asked to act as ushers at Jackson's private funeral. "Me being so young - I don't deal with death and funerals easily. The whole funeral was very emotional for me. But at the same time, I had to keep a smile on my face for the family or keep a smile on my face for the others or the kids to let them know it's going to be OK. I was grieving but I felt out of place because I felt it should be their time with their son. I had a lot of mixed emotions."

The release of This Is It also inspired mixed emotions. At the time of release he gave an interview saying he would wait for the DVD. Today he says he still finds it difficult to watch. He is also bemused by some of the choices that were made regarding what was and wasn't included. "It's funny because those bits you see, he's not doing the full out still. There were times where he was really, really doing it, like full out. There are a lot of things that weren't shown in This Is It. I really don't know why that stuff was left out."

Coping With Angry Michael Jackson Fans

One thing Grant and his fellow dancers weren't prepared for after the release of This Is It: A barrage of hate mail from fans who blamed them for Jackson's death.

"You have certain fans that make it seem like it's our fault," he laments. "Like we're just supposed to know how Michael is, or like we were supposed to stop it. We were supposed to do this. We were supposed to do that. It's nothing like that. We have no control over that. We're brand new dancers walking into this whole thing. We're just as shocked as the world is.

"One time I just broke down because they just don't understand how it was. Sometimes I even thought about not having a Facebook and things like that anymore but I can't do that just because of some fans. It's not all fans, just some fans. They are so deeply involved that they just blame all of us. But I'm quiet and I just let them do whatever, because I can't... it's not worth fighting for. A lot of people have their own opinions about it and you can't change that. People are going to say what they want."

Grant says that although the dancers still receive negative messages, it has become less of a problem in recent months. Nowadays he primarily gets emails from curious fans, including a couple of 'crazy questions'. "I guess the craziest question I had was what type of underwear Michael wore. You know, that's a crazy question. I don't know that!"

Pursuing Dreams

In recent months Grant has been picking up where Jackson left off, he says, by performing in a number of charity shows. "I did a couple of things here in West Palm Beach for different schools, trying to raise money for different causes like children that have AIDs, abused kids and things like that. Then recently Frank and I went back to his high school in Milwaukee.

"We're trying to keep the arts living on and let the kids know that they can do what we're doing if they stay focused, stay positive and work hard. Nothing is impossible. I started just like these kids. Right from when I was 14 or 15, I just kept going. Sometimes I got discouraged but you have to just keep going.

"I feel like with kids they just need that person, no matter who it is. If their mum or dad isn't there for them, they look up to artists. They look up to anyone who will give them time and speak with them. They will cherish that. I know we changed a couple of kids' lives in Milwaukee by encouraging them to pursue what they want to do."

With an album in the works, an invitation to choreograph Kelly Rowland's next tour and a couple of record deals on the table, Grant says he now wants to make it big in the music industry.

"My dream now is to become an entertainer. Just like Michael was. I just want to entertain, have my own music videos, music. Not even do it for the money, just do it for myself and for people who actually appreciate it. That's always been my long-time dream. My other dream came true, meeting Michael, dancing with Michael. Now my last, ultimate dream is to become a successful entertainer and to keep his legacy living on.

"He changed me right from when I was little but now he's taught me that anything is possible. Whatever you do, just go for it and always give it 125%. No... 180%! Just live on the stage. If this is your passion then just have fun onstage. If you're frustrated then let it all out. Connect with the music. Connect with the audience. I just learned so much from him on a professional level, just by watching him, listening to him. He was an amazing man when it came to that. I just want to take that on and use him like a father figure."

Magical Michael what beauty hast thou?
thank you for the ,love and beauty of your smile
we danced today and I spoke with a new fan
you must take her by the hand,she really needs you.
I know you will ....you promised me.

But will this be enough to exonerate the last enabler of the King of Pop?

Last week Michael Jackson's guitarist discredited widely reported allegations about the star's behaviour on the road. So why is the media refusing to publish her comments? British writer Charles Thomson explores media bias against black music's biggest star.

Aging glam-rocker Gene Simmons made international headlines last month when he claimed to know that Michael Jackson had molested children. In an interview with Classic Rock, Simmons alleged that Jackson was on tape ordering alcohol for children and that during the star's 2005 trial a travel agent had testified to importing Brazilian boys for Jackson's amusement. He also claimed that a musician friend had quit a Jackson tour after seeing 'boys coming out of the hotel rooms.'

What followed was a classic example of copy and paste journalism. Within hours the story had been duplicated by hundreds of blogs, forums and news websites from Australia to India to the USA. None of them had fact-checked the story before they re-hosted it. Jackson was never on tape ordering alcohol for children. There was never any testimony during his trial about young Brazilian boys. Both of these claims were easily disproven by trial transcripts.

As a relative Jackson expert, I was also unaware of any musician ever leaving one of the singer's tours midway through. So when I sat down a fortnight ago for an interview with Jackson's long serving tour guitarist Jennifer Batten, I ran the story by her.

She told me that no musician had ever quit a Jackson tour. Two musicians had been fired but both were let go before the show hit the road, so they couldn't possibly have witnessed anything going on inside hotels.

When Sawf News published Batten's rebuttal I observed an all too familiar phenomenon. Although the story appeared on Google News and was picked up fairly swiftly by the Examiner, nobody else seemed willing to touch it. Whilst Simmons's speculative and ultimately baseless accusations had been reproduced the world over, Batten's expert rebuttal was being suppressed.

I soon began receiving emails from Jackson's fans telling me that they were sending the story to every celebrity news outlet they could think of, including several of those which published Simmons's initial allegations.

But more than 48 hours later, typing an exact quote from Simmons's rant into a search engine produced almost 350 webpages. The number of news outlets hosting Batten's rebuttal? Three.

This was not the first time I'd had a Jackson story suppressed. After Evan Chandler's suicide in November 2009 I was contacted by the Sun and asked to supply information about the 1993 allegations. I spent quite some time compiling my research, advising the newspaper of common myths and how to avoid them, being careful to source all of my facts from legal documents and audio/visual evidence.

When I read the finished article I was stunned to find that all of my information had been discarded and replaced with the very myths I had advised them to avoid. I alerted staff to the inaccuracies but my emails were not replied. The same inaccuracies appeared in every single article I read about the suicide.

The same bias manifested itself the following month when Jackson's FBI file was released. Across more than 300 pages of information there was not one piece of incriminating evidence -- but that's not the way the media told it.

A videotape seized at customs in West Palm Beach and analysed for child pornography was repeatedly referred to as belonging to Jackson. In actuality, files stated merely that the tape was 'connected' to Jackson and that connection appeared simply to be that somebody had written his name on the sticky label.

In another document the FBI logged a telephone call from a tipster claiming that the bureau had investigated Jackson during the 1980s for molesting two Mexican boys. The files made no other mention of the supposed investigation and the claim was ascribed no validity -- the call was merely noted. But the media persistently referred to the anonymous tipster's unsupported allegations as the FBI's own conclusions.

Jackson's FBI file overwhelmingly supported his innocence but its contents were routinely manipulated to give the opposite impression.

Many are quick to scoff when Jackson's fans speak of a media conspiracy to destroy the star's reputation and I used to scoff with them. As a member of the industry I prefer not to think of it as sinister and conspiratorial, but I find it increasingly difficult to explain away the bias with which Jackson is treated.

I wonder whether the problem is pride. When the 1993 allegations broke, the vast majority of information available was released, either officially or unofficially, by the prosecution. Jackson, meanwhile, remained characteristically silent.

Perhaps because the prosecution's version of events went almost completely unchallenged (although I imagine that drama and selling newspapers had something to do with it, too), the media primarily chose to portray Jackson as guilty.

But as the facts started to trickle out it became increasingly apparent that the case was full of holes. The allegations had been instigated not by the boy but by his father, who had demanded a scriptwriting deal from Jackson before he went to the police. He was on tape plotting to destroy Jackson's career and dismissing his son's wellbeing as 'irrelevant'. Then the boy told cops that Jackson was circumcised, but a police body search concluded that he was not.

Although Jackson's innocence looked increasingly likely, most news outlets had made their bed and to this day they seem unwilling to do anything but lie in it.

Whatever the motivation, be it pride, profit or plain old racism, the bias against Jackson is undeniable. The suppression of Batten's comments proves once more than when it comes to Jackson the media is interested not in fact or reason but negativity and sensationalism. Batten accompanied Jackson on all three of his world tours and was known for a decade as his 'right hand woman'. But Simmons -- who self-confessedly did not know Jackson -- has been given over 100 times more media coverage for his inaccurate ranting than Batten has for her firsthand experience.

It is time for outlets to assume responsibility for their own content. Websites should not re-host other publishers' stories unless they can be completely certain that the content is factual. Even if the media refuses to print the truth about Jackson, they should compromise by not printing the lies either. At least that way he can rest in peace.

Man and the Mirror and me

This song vibrated with me (1988 BAD ) Michael did not write this  song but he embodied it,and I followed.I was at an age that adulthood and all its implications dawned upon me.When he later wrote Will You Be There in Dancing the Dream and when it became a song in (Dangerous) album I saw MJ was catching up with me...1996 .I never thought of it as a song where MJ is asking God to be there for him-as it is  its usual understanding of the song, WYBT.So I just had to say this to all who tune in to me.If you are reading this now-you are one!

Linda Higgins wrote a  great  blog post here is her url:

http://www.michaeljacksontributeportrait.com/article.php?article_id=65

Our Pledge to Michael Jackson

At a time when the energy of hope is usually in the air, a time when we are ready to release the past and look forward to the coming year in anticipation of greater things; for the fans, friends and family of Michael Jackson, 2009 is a year we are reluctant to let go of. Going into 2010 means we have to leave behind a life where he was in it. The coming of a New Year signals a painful reminder that we now have to learn to live life having only memories of him......continue

I replied-

Linda did you know...

This new year begins with a blue-full-eclipse moon.This portends to a great 2010 a rebirth,a begining.

So I plan to bring Michael message into the new year. I became a dance choreographer because of Michael example. Nowadays I am a holistic therapist. I work with the body’s aura with energy healing. I also work with dream analysis and write healing fairytales because of Michael example. My love for him changed my life.

I met him in 2001 and I knew he was "all that" and more. He had the spiritual energy and truth few have in this world, That is why he did not fit in the modes and structure of this earth compromised values. People tried to pull him down times in so, many ways, so many times. We need to vindicate that but not with protest but in a loving way, an alternative way.

Heaven sent us Michael to teach humanity how to really live. Heal the world make it a better place and be that CHANGE. Love its all about love, Beat it and make it a big and dangerous change. In changing us to heal the earth and one another with respect and love, but with his determination that is flexible and not rigid not set in stone, I know you know that.

Thank you for this call to action. We need to respect our differences and unite the collective conscious we all must answer to. And this year it begins, yes we can and we will. The principle of the return of the Goddess, the way of the woman is upon us. Love and acceptance and working with each other and for not personal reasons or with agendas. Its for the our children and our future together as one human race.I will be there for my brothers and sisters,no matter what. Mother Earth is calling her children to action.No matter what.

So I will end here with a big" I hear you" and how can I help here on Tribute- MJTP. I am doing it in my daily life. Linda I want to volunteer/work for Tribute...what can I do?
I am committed to keeping his legacy alive, carrying on his legacy.
Thank you and know, We are one in Michael love,L-O-V-E.

Love always,No matter what!

 skydance

Brave Joshua and Vera,

My prayer are with you both.

I see Michaels light and it is brightly shining.

I know that he is with you.In your soul there is a anchor to both your hearts to his.

May the New year bring you peace and joy as I will be lighting a candle for you

Mari josée aka skydance #10720

Michael Jackson

Induction Year: 2001

Induction Category: Performer

Inductee: Michael Jackson (vocals; born August 29, 1958, died June 25, 2009)

Michael Jackson is a singer, songwriter, dancer and celebrity icon with a vast catalog of hit records and countless awards to his credit. Beyond that, he has transfixed the world like few entertainers before or since. As a solo performer, he has enjoyed a level of superstardom previously known only to , and Frank Sinatra.

Jackson became an instant star at age 11 as the cherubic frontman in Motown’s phenomenally successful family act, the . But that band of brothers, who kicked off their Motown tenure in 1969 with the unprecedented feat of four consecutive #1 singles, was just a prelude to the heights he would scale as a solo artist in the Eighties with the success of Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad. Those three albums, and their accompanying videos, sent Jackson into a high celebrity orbit. He has been proclaimed “the biggest-selling artist of all time,” “the single most awarded entertainer the world has ever known,” “the most popular artist in the history of show business,” and, not so modestly, “the world’s most famous man.” He is also, by his own reckoning, the “King of Pop.”

Michael Jackson was groomed as a solo star while still a member of the . In 1971, having barely turned thirteen, Jackson released a successful string of solo singles that included “Got to Be There,” “Rockin’ Robin” and “Ben” (a #1 ballad sung to a rat). In 1978, Michael appeared in the film version of The Wiz, where he met musical director Quincy Jones, who would become the producer of his best-known albums. The first of these, Off the Wall (1979) introduced Michael Jackson to the world as a vibrant, poised young adult bursting with talent and ideas. It yielded chart-toppers in “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock With You.”

However, it was Thriller that broke all records, revitalizing and revolutionizing the music business. Released in November 1982, Thriller yielded a staggering seven hits: “The Girl Is Mine” (#2) “Billie Jean” (#1), “Beat It” (#1), “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” (#5), “Human Nature” (#7), “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” (#10) and “Thriller” (#4). The album received sales boosts with Jackson’s electrifying performance on the May 1983 Motown 25th Anniversary Special, where he premiered his gravity-defying “Moonwalk,” and the year’s-end release of the 14-minute mini-movie based on the song “Thriller.” The latter is considered the most important video clip in music history. Jackson employed the burgeoning medium of music video to maximum advantage, as his revolutionary videos became fixtures on MTV, which was only a year old at the time of Thriller’s release.

Thriller topped the charts for nine months (37 weeks) and remained in Billboard’s album chart for more than two years (122 weeks). Jackson won eight Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards for Thriller. In 1985, it was proclaimed the Best Selling Album of All Time by the Guinness Book of Records. As of July 2001, Thriller has sold 26 million copies in the U.S., making it the second best-selling album in history behind the Eagles’ Greatest Hits (27 million). Worldwide, Thriller has sold 51 million copies. Beyond the numbers, how important was Jackson’s record-shattering feat? As producer Quincy Jones told Time magazine, “Black music had to play second fiddle for a long time, but its spirit is the whole motor of pop. Michael has connected with every soul in the world.”

In 1985, Jackson helped to topple another sales record. As the coauthor of and performer on “We Are the World” - a benefit single for the USA for Africa charity, recorded with a cast of music stars - Jackson had a big hand in what became the top-selling single up to that point in history.

Michael Jackson didn’t quit the , even at the height of his stardom, yet his solo career obviously took precedence. Still he showed family loyalty by joining his brothers for the Jacksons’ 1984 Victory album and tour. In fact, Michael never toured as a solo artist until after the release of Bad (1987), when he undertook a 15-country juggernaut that occupied much of 1988. Bad was #1 for eight weeks and launched another seven hits, including five that topped the charts: “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Dirty Diana.” Bad’s canny use of urban beats, smooth jazz-funk and rock guitar in the service of some of the sharpest black pop ever recorded reaffirmed Jackson’s peculiar genius and star quality. But some of its songs also hinted at the pressures that lay beneath the surface of his unfathomable superstardom.

Jackson’s every move was reported and analyzed by the media, and his quirks became headlines for a period of years. Some of his behavior engendered real controversy, driving him to exile abroad or behind the walls of the fantasy-filled Los Olivos, California, estate he called “Neverland.” All the while, Jackson continued to make arresting music in the Nineties, working with cutting-edge artist-producers from the hip-hop arena. Dangerous appeared late in 1991 and was preceded by an extended video for its leadoff single, “Black or White.” Topping the charts for seven weeks, “Black or White” became Jackson’s biggest hit since “Billie Jean.” Dangerous, like Thriller and Bad, was the source of seven more hit singles. In addition to “Black or White,” they included “Remember the Time” (#3), “In the Closet (#6) and “Will You Be There” (#7).

In 1995, he issued HIStory: Past, Present and Future - Book I, a double album that paired 15 new songs with a greatest-hits disc. Its first single, “Scream,” was a duet with sister Janet Jackson set to a high-tech groove. He scored his thirteenth #1 hit in 1995 with “You Are Not Alone,” written and produced by urban R&B star R. Kelly. The album debuted at #1 and sold 7 million copies (15 million worldwide), maintaining the multi-platinum standard set by Bad (8 million U.S., 25 million worldwide) and Dangerous (7 million U.S., 27 million worldwide) - awesome numbers all, paling only next to Thriller’s historic and unbeatable figures.

In recent years, he has toured abroad and attended to his charitable foundation, Heal the World. His first album of the new millennium, Invincible, was released in September 2001.

In July 2008, after three years out of the spotlight, Jackson announced a series of concerts at London’s O2 Arena. Seven hundred fifty thousand tickets sold in four hours when they went on sale in March 2009. However, some of the shows, initially scheduled to begin in July, were eventually postponed until 2010.

On June 25, 2009, Jackson died from cardiac arrest in Los Angeles. 

TIMELINE

August 29, 1958: Michael Jackson is born in Gary, Indiana.

November 6, 1971: Michael Jackson’s first solo single, “Got to Be There” (#4 pop, #4 R&B), is released. Already he’s had eight Top Forty hits with the , including four consecutive chart-toppers.

October 14, 1972: “Ben,” the title song from a film about a beloved rat, becomes 14-year-old Michael Jackson’s first #1 single.

August 5, 1979: ‘Off the Wall,’ the first album by the “adult” Michael Jackson (who turned 21 this very month), is released. It produces four hit singles and spends eight months in the Top Ten.

October 16, 1982: Diana Ross’ single “Muscles,” written and produced by Michael Jackson, enters the Top Forty. Inspired by Jackson’s snake of the same name, the song peaks at #10.

November 9, 1982: A storybook album for ‘E.T.: The Extraterrestrial,’ is released. Featuring narration by and a new song from Michael Jackson, it earns him a Grammy for Best Children’s Recording.

December 1, 1982: Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ is released.

February 21, 1983: ‘Thriller’ tops the album charts for the first of 37 weeks.

March 5, 1983: “Billie Jean,” the second single from Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ tops the singles charts for the first of seven weeks.

March 25, 1983: The TV special ‘Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever’ is taped. The perform a medley of their hits, then Michael sings “Billie Jean” (from ‘Thriller’) by himself, premiering his “moonwalk” dance move. The show airs on May 16, and Jackson’s’ segment is a highlight.

March 31, 1983: “Beat It,” by Michael Jackson - which features a blistering Eddie guitar solo - is premiered on MTV. Its high-energy fusion of rock and soul drives it to the top of the charts.

December 2, 1983: MTV debuts Michael Jackson’s 14-minute “Thriller” film. ‘The Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller,’ released in time for Christmas, becomes the largest-selling music home video ever.

February 27, 1984: MTV world premieres the Jackson’s Pepsi commercial and presents an interview with director Bob Giraldi.

August 8, 1987: “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” a duet between Michael Jackson and Siedah Garret, is released in advance of the album ‘Bad.’ It is the seventh #1 single of his solo career.

August 31, 1987: ‘Bad,’ by Michael Jackson - the followup to Thriller and therefore the most hotly anticipated album in history - is released. It tops the charts for eight weeks and yields seven hit singles.

December 23, 1989: MTV CEO Tom Freston and MTV VJ Adam Curry present Michael Jackson with “Video Vanguard Artist of the Decade” award in Los Angeles.

November 14, 1991: Michael Jackson’s controversial 11-minute “Black or White” video debuts on television. It is a teaser for ‘Dangerous,’ his third #1 album in a row and the source of seven more hit singles.

February 10, 1992: MTV kicks-off its first global sweepstakes with “My Dinner with Michael.” Winners from around the world attended a dinner party hosted by Michael Jackson on the set of his music video “In the Closet.”

January 31, 1993: Michael Jackson’s halftime performance at Superbowl XXVII draws the largest viewing audience in the history of American television.

February 24, 1993: Michael Jackson receives the Living Legend Award at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, and 1.2 million people worldwide view his performance and acceptance.

September 15, 1993: Lawyers for a 13-year-old boy file a civil suit against Michael Jackson for seduction and sexual abuse. On December 22, Jackson responds to the allegations via satellite from his Neverland compound: “I am totally innocent of any wrongdoing.” On January 25, 1994, he settles out of court with his accuser for an undisclosed sum, estimated at $20 million.

June 3, 1995: Michael Jackson’s ‘HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book 1,’ a double CD pairing one disc of new music with one of greatest hits, is released.

September 7, 1995: “The 1995 MTV Video Music Awards” is held live from New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. The show is hosted by Dennis Miller. Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson win three awards for “Scream” and TLC win three awards for “Waterfalls.”

May 11, 1997: ‘Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix,’ by Michael Jackson, is released. Containing eight remixes from 1995’s ‘HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book 1’ and five new songs, it sells only one million copies.

October 30, 2000: Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ receives its 26th platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), representing 26 million copies sold in the U.S. It remains the second best-selling album in music history.

March 19, 2001: Michael Jackson is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the sixteenth annual induction dinner. N’Sync are his presenters.

July 30, 2001: “Rock My World,” the premiere single from Michael Jackson’s forthcoming album ‘Invincible,’ is debuted.

September 25, 2001: ‘Invincible,’ Michael Jackson’s first album in four years, is released. Featured guests include Carlos , Will Smith and Missy Elliott.

June 25, 2009: Michael Jackson dies in Los Angeles after suffering from cardiac arrest.

In 2001 Michael launched his 10 th album Invincible. I did not know that a special promotional tour was sheduled. In NYC Virgin store had a CD signing and many fans showed up. It was in November and yuck the beginning of winter. My friend Lisa tells me we are going to NY.MJ is having a CD signing. She worked for Sony; So she had some friends in that store/or some others.... So we drive (7hrs) to New York from Montreal.

We get there ... I am next to get my CD signed.... So here he is and there I am all smiles...Heavy security...so I was handed the CD back. But no wait...Lisa gets involved....

Meanwhile I am looking at Michael and giving little kisses on the CD (that made him smile and laugh) reluctantly moving away...Lisa then grabs me by the hand and pulls me back and to the table where he was. I am face to face with Michael Joseph Jackson! ... Mike is still smiling at me and I hold out my arms and we hug....

He does have the sweetest laugh. He smells so good. He looked at me directly in the eyes when he signed and gave the CD to be returned to me. When I was face-to-face he did looked shyer but I must have been really funny cause he was laughing in a sincere way. How did I feel... beyond words. I remember everything how soft and lower his voice is. How his hands touched my back. I whispered love you more and he smiled.

I must tell you my secret with Michael in this meeting. He looked into my eyes with a puzzling look,like we knew eachother.I did not have a fan reaction either.I knew what was behind those eyes, in that soul. Its like we were in a trance.Time stood still I could not hear anyone, then I felt his shoulder and hair,it was of other worldly.My friend said you two had something happening?.... ;-)

I also realized I had met the man.Yes he is an icon but face to face when I looked into his eyes I saw a man with a soul and blood and bones. No longer just an idol.That was the sweetest thing, I thank heaven and the stars I made a quantum leap in just ten mintues.I am so greatful I was given this chance to meet him. If I could loop this meeting over and over...But life goes on and what other dreams may come along this journey called my life....

Michael lives!
 

We Had Him

 Dr. Maya Angelou

Beloveds, now we know that we know nothing, now that our bright and shining star can slip away from our fingertips like a puff of summer wind.

Without notice, our dear love can escape our doting embrace. Sing our songs among the stars and walk our dances across the face of the moon.

In the instant that Michael is gone, we know nothing. No clocks can tell time. No oceans can rush our tides with the abrupt absence of our treasure.

Though we are many, each of us is achingly alone, piercingly alone.

Only when we confess our confusion can we remember that he was a gift to us and we did have him.

He came to us from the creator, trailing creativity in abundance.

Despite the anguish, his life was sheathed in mother love, family love, and survived and did more than that.

He thrived with passion and compassion, humor and style. We had him whether we know who he was or did not know, he was ours and we were his.

We had him, beautiful, delighting our eyes.

His hat, aslant over his brow, and took a pose on his toes for all of us.

And we laughed and stomped our feet for him.

We were enchanted with his passion because he held nothing. He gave us all he had been given.

Today in Tokyo, beneath the Eiffel Tower, in Ghana’s Black Star Square.

In Johannesburg and Pittsburgh, in Birmingham, Alabama, and Birmingham, England

We are missing Michael.

But we do know we had him, and we are the world.

July 7, 2009

"Michael Jackson was born in August, 1958. so was I. Michael Jackson grew up in the suburbs of the Midwest. So did I. Michael Jackson had eight brothers and sisters. So do I. When Michael Jackson was 6 he became a superstar and was perhaps the world's most beloved child. When I was 6 my mother died. I think he got the shorter end of the stick.  

"I never had a mother, but he never had a childhood. And when you never get to have something, you become obsessed by it. I spent my childhood searching for my mother figures; sometimes I was successful. But how do you recreate your childhood when you are under the magnifying glass of the world for your entire life?

"There is no question that Michael Jackson was one of the greatest talents the world has ever known. ... That when he sang a song at the ripe old age of 8, he could make you feel like an experienced adult was squeezing your heart with his words. ... That the way he moved had the elegance of Fred Astaire and packed the punch of Muhammad Ali. ... That his music had an extra layer of inexplicable magic that didn't just make you want to dance but actually made you believe that you could fly, dare to dream, be anything that you wanted to be. Because that is what heroes do. And Michael Jackson was a hero.

"He performed in soccer stadiums around the world, he sold hundreds of millions of records, he dined with prime ministers and presidents. Girls fell in love with him, boys fell in love with him, everyone wanted to dance like him, he seemed otherworldly, but he was also a human being. Like most performers, he was shy and plagued with insecurities.

"I can't say we were great friends, but in 1991 I decided I wanted to get to know him better. I asked him out to dinner: I said, 'My treat, I'll drive, just you and me.' He agreed and showed up to my house without any bodyguards. We drove to the restaurant in my car. It was dark out, but he was still wearing sunglasses. I said, 'Michael, I feel like I'm talking to a limousine, do you think you could take off those glasses so I could see your eyes?' He paused for a moment, then he tossed the glasses out the window, looked at me with a wink and a smile and said, 'Can you see me now, is that better?'

"In that moment, I could see both his vulnerability and his charm. The rest of the dinner, I was hell-bent on getting him to eat French fries, drink wine, have dessert and say bad words, things he never seemed to allow himself to do. Later, we went back to my house to watch a movie and we sat on the couch like two kids, and somewhere in the middle of the film, his hand snuck over and held mine. It felt like he was looking for a friend more than a romance and I was happy to oblige him. And in that moment he didn't feel like a superstar, he felt like a human being. We went out a few more times together and then for one reason or another we fell out of touch. Then, the witch hunt began and it seemed like one negative story after the other was coming out about Michael. I felt his pain. I know what it's like to walk down the street and feel like the whole world has turned against you. I know what it's like to feel helpless and unable to defend yourself because the roar of the lynch mob is so loud that you are convinced your voice can never be heard.

"But I had a childhood, and I was allowed to make mistakes and find my own way in the world without the glare of the spotlight. When I first heard that Michael had died I was in London, days away from the opening of my tour. Michael was going to perform in the same venue as me a week later. All I could think about in that moment was that I had abandoned him. That we had abandoned him. That we had allowed this magnificent creature that once set the world on fire to somehow slip through the cracks. While he was trying to build a family and rebuild his career, we were all busy passing judgment. Most of us had turned our backs on him.

"In a desperate attempt to hold onto his memory, I went on the Internet to watch old clips of him dancing and singing on TV and onstage and I thought, 'My God, he was so unique, so original, so rare. And there will never be anyone like him again.' He was a king. But he was also a human being and alas, we are all human beings and sometimes we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them. I want to end this on a positive note and say that my sons, age 9 and 4, are obsessed with Michael Jackson. There's a whole lot of crotch-grabbing and moonwalking going on in my house, and it seems like a whole new generation of kids has discovered his genius and are bringing him to life again. I hope that wherever Michael is now, he is smiling about this.

"Yes, yes Michael Jackson was a human being, but dammit, he was a king. Long live the King."

I know that you are in a vast place now.Please let me tell you that you did heal this world.You have so inspired me.

Thank you for the music,songs and crazy dance moves.Be cretain and know that we will(all) meet again,in that vast place as one

MJP

in the heart
you will find with time
that the mind blinds
what the heart
has finally found.
Love cannot die
only the pain it
will die not a thousand deaths
for life is an illusion,therefore pain is too.
love is reality.
the time is now.

(c) Mari Josee P