REFLECTIONS

Lesson from a tree

2008-08-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

What would you expect when you plant a tree?

Of course we want to see its fruit.

That is what most of us think.

But what if the tree does not bear fruit?

What would you do with it?

I ask some friend the same question, what will they do if they planted a tree that does not bear fruit. They answered me that they will cut it down.

I was discouraged by their reply.

But if i will be asked, what will i do if the tree does not bear fruit.

My answer, i will spare it to serve its purpose.

I believe that not only bearing fruit is their purpose.

But also they are responsible in giving us fresh air and holding the soil so that it may not collapse to create disaster.I compare my self to a tree. Alone tree that stand in a ground. A steady and unmovable , but quietly serve its purpose even without bearing fruit.

If you cut a tree that does not bear fruit, would it means that it Just and Right to Kill a man that gives no purpose or becomes a liability to everyone?

I don't think so!

Everyone has a purpose.

And everyone should strive to see and know their purpose in life.

Anecdote of a stone

2008-08-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I have something to share with you all.

7 years ago, during the night of full moon i was wondering lying on the ground and gazing the bright moon of the sky.

As i wonder, i ask the stars about who could i be?

The stars answered me:

" You are like a stone."

At that time i was unemployed and know nothing at all about life.

I agree to what the stars have told me.

The stones were scattered on the ground and it seems worthless.

I was really like that i was scattered and has no direction.

But to my surprise, the stars added these words:

" The stones were scattered, but when you gather them up together they could build a strong foundation for a fortress and tower."

To my realization, I follow what the stars have told me.

I gather up the stones and started to build up my self.

Even a tiny stones can be beneficial to build a strong nation.

And that tiny stone become my inspiration.

"The Wisdom of God gave knowledge to men; and the wisdom of men is to know God!"

Flaming Heart

2008-07-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

(The purpose of this exercise is to ground and release negative energy and to form a shield to the practitioner that will help them develop and enhanced their perceptive ability)

Before you begin this meditation do some stretching exercise.
shake you hands and finger tips
rotate wrist
rotate arms
shoulder
head
hips
thigh
knee
feet
Find a comfortable position
Take 3 deep abdominal breathing, and on the last breathe exhale forcefully.
Do a conscious breathing during the entire session. Breathe through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Feel as you breathe that you are being relaxed.
Consciously feel the flow of the air coming into your system. Project relaxation to every part of your body as you breathes.
enter your nose
up to your forehead
to the crown
down to the back of the neck
down to the shoulder
down to biceps
down to forearms
to the palms
back again to shoulder
to you thorax
to your lumbar
to your sacrum

down to the thigh
back of your knee
to the calves
to your heel
feet
toes
going to front knee
front thigh
genital area
up below navel area
solar plexus area
chest and heart
up tom the throat
out to your mouth
When you are completely relaxed check for any possible tension left in your body and send relaxation to that area.
In a relaxed state, put your left hand in front of your chest towards your heart and feel its beating. Notice how it beat, how fast and its texture, etc.
Continue feeling your heart and check the emotions contained in your heart. Check if there are worries, hatred, fear, anger, etc. in your heart. Don’t do anything about it, just recognize its presence.
Feel the beating of your heart getting faster and stronger. Feel that as it beat, it pushes your left hand away from your heart and guiding it to reach forth above your head towards the sky.
As you move your left hand above your head, see in your mind’s eye that you are reaching for a bright ball of white light like the sun in the sky. Recognize this ball of bright white light as the Physical heart of God.
Feel the heart of God beating as your heart also beats. Also feel that God’s heart is full of Love, Joy, Peace, Hope and Goodwill.
Feel that God’s heart full of Positive energy overflow and run towards your hand.
Feel that Love, Joy, Peace, Hope, and Goodwill that comes form God’s heart is running into your hand and filling up your heart.
Put back your left hand in front of your chest and also put right hand to the chest together with the left as in prayer pose.
Feel that your heart has been filled up by God’s positive energy of Love, Joy, Peace, Hope, and Goodwill. Feel that it is filling up all your system, every part of your body, and seen that your whole body has been filled and covered by God’s positive energy that it overflows and make you radiate like the Ball of bright white light.
See your self glowing and shining.
Extend your right hand and radiate the positive energy to the person beside you and filling them up with God’s positive energy of Love, Joy, Peace, Hope, and Goodwill.
See that you are filling up the whole community, cities, province, region, country with the positive energy that is coming from God’s heart.
See that you are filling the whole world and the universe with God’s positive Energy and overflowing it with Love Joy, Peace, Hope and goodwill.
See that everything in the universe, seen and unseen has been filled with positive energy and this energy comes back to God.
As the positive energy of Love, Joy, Peace, Hope, and Goodwill comes back to God, relaxed your mind and body through deep breathing and make a positive affirmation.
Say these as your positive affirmation: “The heart of God is full of Love! Full of Joy! Full of Peace! Full of Hope! And full of goodwill! My heart has been filled with God’s Love, Joy, Peace, Hope and Goodwill. I am a creature of Love, joy, peace, hope, and goodwill. The universe is full of love, joy, peace, hope, and goodwill. My heart is in God’s Heart, and God is and will be always in my heart!”

Time and Space

2007-08-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

July 13, 2007 was a day of answered prayer to me. Though people believe that it was unholy day because it was Friday d 13th, but to me it was a Lucky day because of a call from HR department gave a positive response to my application for employment.

July 14- Saturday- many people went to L.V. Locsin Bldg. and waited for their luck to be chosen as one of the Best to be a part of Fitness First Philippines. And with the stike of destiny i was one of the hundreds who was lucky enough to be a part of the fabulous company.

July 23- Monday- i entered the real corporate world . Unlike before that i used to work for my self, and no worries about the time and the jam of the street. My daily struggles began.

My Mornings has changed!

I started my day too early when everyone else is still in their bed. I greeted the Lord and Lady as i waited for the Great Ray's of Sun's Blessing to strike on my crown. As i face the road, faith was in my hand and my heart utter prayer of protection.

It seem's that everyday of working life is a warfare with time and Space.

Before i used to pray that i want to have a regular work in a corporate world. After 7 years of waiting for the right company, Father Destiny has answered my Prayer. But i was shocked to what i learned and was so dismayed with the World that i Saw in reality.

People lacking rest and even risk their Health just to earn a living.

People are willing to gamble their life in order for them to give life to their love ones.

Unfortunately, there are still some who risk just for their personal luxur.

I learned not to be concerned with other people but still the call to care is instilled in my heart. Compassion is great than to think of my personal concerns.

How much i wanted to share my life with people, the physical aspect of my self is too weak that is not able to do sharing to everyone.

How i wish that i could master Time and Space that at one wink or snap i could turn everyone's destiny to their side.

What i could do now is to focus on my Goal of earning and at the same time to touch people with what i have as a therapist and a counselor.

I pray that people will also understand my limitation. I pray that they will not abuse the power and kindness of Fate. I pray that everyone will find contentment that they will earn true Happiness.

May the Blessings of the Great Father of Time and Destiny with the Help of Mother of Space and Mercy be with Us all!!!

My Bio

2007-07-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

I was born Rolando Gomez Comon. The name was taken from my Father who is Rolando Dolar Comon. I am a Taurean born on the 10^th of May 1978 Year of the Earth Horse. I am the Second Child from the Four (4) Siblings of Rolando and Raquel Comon and was the Only Son to my Father’s House. I was raised by my Parents and Relatives as a Devout Catholic as everyone in the Clan was a Devout Catholic.

As a young boy, I always wanted to become a priest someday. At early age, I was inclined to the world of the spirits and religion. I remember when I was in the fourth grade; I entered a church brotherhood of the Knights of the Holy Eucharist. I served as “Sakristan” or priest assistant during the mass.

At the same time, my aunt and uncle who is a native of Surigao Del Norte (my Father’s Siblings) and also a member of indigenous tribe of Manobo, introduce me to folk beliefs of superstition and magick. That was the first time I had interest in magick and native Spirituality.

At an early age, I have collected a lot of talisman and amulets which can be bought at the parking lot beside the church. I read books of Herbs and practice Herbalism when I was 10 years old. I usually collected leaves and climb tree’s to talk to nature spirits.

One day, there was a gathering in our house. All of my relatives from both side were present at the gathering. And all of my cousins was there too. I am a natural loner and didn’t mingle with them. I climb the hill in front of our house and stay there. (Our house was located at the foot of a Hill, and our City was Called San Jose Del Monte because of it’s location on the top of a hill). As I Climbed up in the Afternoon, I noticed the moon that was in her peak. I was a Full Moon. As I step up, the moon gets bigger and bigger. As I reached the top of the Hill, the Moon became so huge that it frightens me. I had fear that the moon may eat me. So I run down at the foot of the hill. Reaching the ground I was stumbled down by a rock and bruised my self. As I look down to my feet I noticed something buried down and its feet hanging up to the ground. I dig down the ground and found a Puppy. When I touched the puppy, I was shocked that it moved alive and run away from me. It was dead but as I touched it became alive. I don’t know if it is a delusion or reality that up to know as I recall it can’t find it to be real or not. But from that time, I started to look to the moon believing that the moon will grant me some special power like healing and making miracle of life.

At the Age of 13, during my freshmen days in high school I joined the Cadet Officer Candidacy Course. It was a Military Training for High School Students. During the sophomore year, I was promoted as 2^nd Lieutenant. I was assigned to handle new applicants for new candidate as Cadet Officer’s. After the training initiation, a new cadette pay a visit to my house. She was Caddette Paglinawan. She told me that she had like to share something interesting that I will like. I let her in and told me that she want me to listen and become enlightened. In short, she Shared to me the Gospel of Christ.

I entertain her and as a religious, I thought it will benefit me and turn me closer to God. Because that time, I really believe that God was and is the Source of all Power. I’ve been converted to her Religion as a Bible Baptist Believer. Love Joy Paglinawan became my Spiritual Mentor and a Mother to my Faith. I grew bolder and radical when it comes to the Bible Baptist Doctrine. That I turn all my Amulets, Talisman, and Holy Book of Prayers and “Oraciones” to the Chirch to be Burned. July 16, 1992 I was baptized as a Bible Baptist Believer.

The Church found me Zealous to my Faith that they ordained me as a Sunday School Teacher for the Youth and was given a Bible Study Assignment to a nearby town of Norzagaray, Bulacan.

I became like a Junior Pastor of the Church that they let me Handle a Mission House and Preaching Session at Norzagaray, Bulacan. This faith Continue until when I was Senior Graduating Student of High School.

When I am at College in 1995, I fell away from the Baptist Church because of misunderstanding. My Pastor wants me to go to the Theological School while my Parents want me to go to a Regular College School. I follow the will of my Parents and have my Degree taken at the University. I enrolled in Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies.

I was out of the Church and didn’t attend any Christian Services. I became a Freethinker and liberally entertain any faith. But as a Freethinker, I just accept what is acceptable and reject what is not. Having liberally entertained sectarian doctrine, my longing to know God grew more to me.

On 1997, my family was able to have an internet access. My search on spirituality gave me a wide range view. I found in the net Messianic Judaism which in my point of view was near to the doctrine of Christ. I just attended meetings and Sabbath only 3 times. Then I researched on the importance of Sabbath and found another religion that follows Sabbatical Observance, i.e. Wicca.

1998 was an important year for me, I joined a Community Oriented Organization which is called KAPANALIG or “Kabataang Nagkakaisa Laban sa Ipinagbabawal Na Gamot” or in English “United Youth Organization against illegal Drugs”. I spend much time on that organization that I was elected as a Municipal Federation Secretary and Provincial Coordinator for the province of Bulacan. The Organization was under the Supervision of Department of National Defense and Department of Interior and Local Government. Later it was handled by the Office of the Vice Mayor under the San Jose Del Monte Anti Drug Abuse Council.

I was able to interact with the Out-of-School Youth and some delinquents who have been hooked into Drugs. I was also able to facilitate Seminar’s and Workshop on Moral Values Orientation and Leadership Training.

On that Organization, I met people of the same interest in Spirituality. It just like a Magnet that attracts follower of the same beliefs. During the night’s of a live-in 3 days workshop. I had an Underground talk about the Craft and Magick, that after the KAPANALIG workshop’s we formed our own group which we first called Blessed Circle of the Almighty. That was on October 30, 1998.

I created an online Yahoo Club named Luntian. I choose the name Luntian which means green signifying the Color of Mother Earth. Luntian became a pilot organization under the Countries category in the Philippines then from Luntian gave birth to Luntiang Aghama. It was first a study group of eclectic practices of witchcraft that until March 6, 2007 the group has been affiliated to the Correllian Nativist Tradition.

I am an Alternative Medicine Practitioner and a Natural Health Care Provider and a Continuing Student of Social Studies at New Era University. I currently work as a Body Care Therapist of Fitness First. And give my Spiritual Counseling Service free of charge to anyone who needs it.

7 Deadly Sins

2007-07-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

Pride

Pride is the exaggeration of your worth and power in an attempt to feel superior to others. It causes you to feel like you have to be the best at everything, which can get in the way of your ability to connect respectfully and equally with others.The sin of Pride has been condemned in various cultures throughout history.

For example:

In Native American spirituality, it is believed that perfection, or the attempt to achieve it, angers the gods. Thus, when beading or weaving, some tribes make sure to introduce a tiny error into their crafts as a sign that they understand they are mere humans.

In ancient Greek mythology, Daedalus fashions a pair of wings with wax in order to allow himself and his son Icarus to escape imprisonment. But when Icarus tries to fly too high, forgetting that he is a mere mortal, the sun melts the wax and he plummets into the sea.

In the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, the pair eats from the Tree of Knowledge in an attempt to be more like God. Their punishment for their prideful act is a life of toil.

Humility as the Antidote to Pride

Because it's often difficult to spot your own arrogance, even if others are trying to point it out, it can be especially helpful to be proactive in addressing your Pride. Sometimes the universe takes care of this for you, by subjecting you to a humbling experience — such as loss, illness, or pain — in order to remind you of your mortality.Still, traditional religious thought has always advocated fostering a certain degree of humility. While humility has been underrated by modern thought, equated with low self-esteem or feelings of inferiority, being humble does not necessarily have to take on these negative connotations.

Here are some ways you can foster healthy humility:

Try not to do things solely to be recognized for your achievement. Instead, do what reaps the best outcome for yourself and others, and what brings you actual pleasure and fulfillment.

Don't let praise or criticism rule your actions. Instead, make choices based on what's kind to yourself and others.

Resist feeling superior or inferior based on physical appearance or ability, wealth, or intelligence, because this requires you to put undue importance on attributes that are fragile at best and deceptive at worst.

Don't deny your faults or rationalize your mistakes. Recognizing your moments of selfishness, deceptiveness, or cruelty is the only way you can change your future behavior.

Lust

Lust is the unrestrained, insatiable expression of sexual desire, fantasy, and conquest. In the extreme, it can cause you to think about or pursue sex so much that your work life, you relationships, and your self-actualization suffer.Lust is a sin that has been advised against throughout time.

For example:

On the topic of sensual and sexual pleasure, Aristotle saw unchecked lust as reprehensible. He believed that the person overrun with lust is easily distressed by the absence of sex and will choose sexual pleasure above all else. He likened this behavior to that of a spoiled child's, and prescribes the lustful person to temper their lust with reason.

In the Hebrew Bible tells the story of King David's children, Tamar and her half-brother Amnon. In the story, Amnon is obsessed with his desire for Tamar. He pretends to be ill, and asks that she be the one to bring him his meals. When she comes to his room, he makes sexual advances toward his sister. When rebuked on the basis of immorality, he overpowers her and rapes her, and then, afterward, throws her out on the streets. Two years later, their brother Absalom arranges to have Amnon murdered in retribution for his violent, lustful act.

One Jewish legend tells the story of a saintly rabbi, Matya ben Heresh, who is tempted by Satan by a beautiful woman who appears everywhere he turns. The rabbi, in a desperate attempt to avoid giving into his lust and displeasuring God, puts out both of his eyes with fiery nails. Satan withdrew, overwhelmed by the rabbi's piety, and God healed the rabbi's wounds.

Temperance is the Antidote to Lust

Temperance, self-control, discretion, and caution are all useful methods of keeping lust in check and making sure your expression of sexual desire is healthy and ethical. The Tickle Research Group found that people who score highly on Lust tend to admit to having low levels of sexual caution. Historically, chastity is viewed as the antidote to Lust. While modern approaches to physical pleasure are generally more liberal, applying self-control around sex is one way to keep your lust in check.

Following are three things you can do to achieve sexual temperance:

Avoid situations that will tempt you. If you're in a monogamous relationship and you develop feelings for someone else, do whatever you can to avoid that person and tend to your relationship. If you wish to abstain from having impulsive sex with strangers and you know this is going to be difficult, put things in the way of this behavior. Set rules for yourself, try not to drink excessively when going out to meet new people, and bring a reliable friend who will reinforce your wishes in moments of weakness.

Seek positive and legitimate ways to satisfy your desires, within the context of your own moral guidelines. Most modern psychologists are advocates of masturbation (unless it's an addictive behavior), fantasizing, and having sex with a consenting partner. While traditionally these are seen as lustful sins, the contemporary view is that these acts are not unethical, and they can help prevent sexual violence such as rape, adultery, and incest.

Use your reasoning ability to consider if your sexual actions are ethical. Morally, it is inappropriate to cheat on your committed partner, lie to get someone to sleep with you, force yourself on anyone, or engage in any non-consensual sex act that physically or emotionally harms yourself or others.

Greed

Greed is the drive to accumulate wealth and to live a life of excess. It causes you to prioritize worldly possessions above all else and allow the pursuit of money to overshadow your personal relationships.The sin of Greed has been denounced throughout history.

For example:

In the Greek myth of King Midas, the king asks the god Dionysus to make everything Midas touched turn to gold. When this "gift" was bestowed upon the king, he ended up turning his wife and children into beautiful, but unsatisfying, statues of solid gold. He had all the wealth he could ever want, but nothing more. He soon asked to be released from this curse.

In the New Testament, Jesus says "a rich man will find it hard to enter the kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 19:24), because, "No servant can be the slave of two masters; for either he will hate the first and love the second, or he will be devoted to the first and think nothing of the second. You cannot serve God and Money" (Luke 16:13).

Aristotle philosophized on the virtue of having the right attitude toward money, which he called "liberality." He espoused the value of using money wisely, and unbegrudgingly giving it to the right people in the right amounts (he believed that the right amount relates to the proportion of the giver's resources). He believed in striking a balance with money, never squandering it self-indulgently, nor hoarding it, nor gaining it through unjust means.

Generosity as the Antidote to Greed

Excessive Greed can negatively impact you, but it also hurts others. If you hoard more than your fair share of the world's finite resources, you are necessarily causing someone else to experience poverty or lack. The Tickle Research Group found that people who score highly on Greed tend to admit to having low levels of generosity, which has been traditionally thought of as the antidote to Greed. Thus, cultivating a generous attitude and sharing your good fortunes with those less fortunate can both help others and remind you that you are interconnected to the well-being of your fellow humans.

Here are some ways you can develop a healthy level of Generosity:

Give a percentage of your income to charitable organizations and causes that help those in need. Biblical tradition recommends 10 percent.

When determining how much of your life you'll dedicate to work and the pursuit of additional wealth, remember to balance these elements of life with time for loved ones and spiritual reflection or self-actualization.

Approach your finances with integrity, investing in a socially responsible manner and earning your income in moral ways that enhance the lives of others

Wrath

Wrath is the inability to control your temper and the destructive expression of your anger toward others. At its worst, a tendency toward excessive Wrath can lead you to get angry quickly and easily, causing difficulty in refraining verbal attacking or physical abusing the object of your rage.The sin of Wrath has been warned against throughout time.

For example:

In Homer's epic poem The Iliad, Achilles' rage is a central theme. He is by far the greatest warrior in the Trojan War, able to fight back full armies single-handedly. Yet when he feels his honor has been insulted, he refuses to fight, leading to the deaths of many of his fellow soldiers. His rage leads to profound grief, and eventually to recognition of the carnage that resulted from his Pride and resulting Wrath.

In the Hebrew Bible, Moses led the Israeli slaves to freedom. When they complained of hunger and thirst and exhaustion from wandering in the wilderness for so long, he lost his temper with them. Because of his Wrathful response, God denied access to the Promised Land.

Jesus preached that you should "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Even while Jesus himself was being executed, he prayed for the forgiveness of those responsible for his death.

Forgiveness as an Antidote to Wrath

When you are in the grips of anger, it can be difficult to have perspective on a situation, and this allows the people involved to control your emotional state and responses. While forgiveness can seem to some like a relinquishing of control, in actuality it can allow you to release resentments and free yourself from chronic negative feelings, which can in turn refresh your outlook on life and allow you to focus your energies on something other than anger and resentment. The Tickle Research Group found that people who score highly on Wrath tend to admit to having low levels of Forgiveness. Following are three things you can do to achieve greater forgiveness:

Consider people's intentions. If someone accidentally hurts your feelings, damages your property, or gets in between you and something you want in life, take some time to consider their motivations. If you trust that they can be self-aware and truthful, ask them directly what their intentions are. Sometimes a miscommunication (or a lack of communication altogether) can lead to anger that needlessly builds and festers over time

Be quick to forgive small transgressions. If someone cuts you off in traffic, snaps at you at the end of a long hard day, or does something else that leads to minimal damage, try not to hold on to your anger. It only hurts you, and if it becomes a matter of habit to get angry easily, you will find yourself spending all of your energy feeling wrathful instead of joyous and content.

Try to address long-standing anger. Write a letter to the person your angry at, explaining everything that happened (from the limitations of your perspective). Explain why you felt the way you did, and how it's impacted your life since. Then try to muster genuine compassion for what that other person may have been going through at the time, and write out of a place of loving, divine forgiveness. Whether you decide to send the letter or simply release your feelings, your forgiveness can allow you to let go and move forward

Sloth

Sloth is the resounding lack of motivation that leads to procrastination, irresponsibility, and disengagement from life. It manifests as a lack of goals or direction in life, and the inability to pursue the things you want, as well as things that can enhance the greater good of the world.Sloth is a sin that has been warned against throughout time.

For example:

In Dante's epic poem The Divine Comedy, the 13th century poet described sloth as the "failure to love God with all one's heart, all one's mind, and all one's soul." He described this love of the flesh over the spirit as being lazy, cowardly, complacent, irresponsible, and unimaginative.

In the Talmud, the holy book of ancient laws and traditions that are the foundation for Orthodox Judaism, one's good intentions and efforts are supremely valued. While the slothful person can sometimes feel like there's so much wrong with the world that their efforts can't hope to make a difference, Jewish teachings put forth the belief that helping one person is the same as helping the entire world. In this light, neglecting the needs of someone or actively hurting them can be seen as neglecting or hurting the entire world.

Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor and the influential psychologist, identified the search for meaning as the primary motivation of human life. He claimed that we must see our lives as having meaning and direction in order to find happiness. He believed that being in mutually loving relationships, alleviating the suffering of others, and finding meaning in our actions and in life's tragedies are primary ways to achieve a fulfilling life.

Enthusiasm as the Antidote to Sloth

Neglecting to make good use of your body, your mind, and your spirit is the highway to Sloth. The Tickle Research Group found that people who score highly on Sloth tend to admit to having low levels of enthusiasm; enthusiasm is perhaps the most rewarding route to diligence, which is historically viewed as the antidote to Sloth. Thus, fostering enthusiasm and a positive attitude can help get you off the couch and back into the thrust of life.Here are some ways you can develop a healthy level of enthusiasm:

Fake it 'till you make it. Some studies have shown that simulating a behavior can help engrain that behavior into a person's personality and tendencies. In this light, laziness begets laziness, but behaving as if you are excited by life can help you actually feel excited by life. For the next week, try taking thoughtful but immediate action on anything that comes up, instead of sitting on things and letting them resolve themselves — for better of for worse.

Volunteer your time to help those less fortunate than you. Doing good for others and coming into contact with people who are overcoming great obstacles can help give you perspective and inspire you to do the same in your own life.

Be proactive. Make a list of five things you'd like to do in your lifetime, pick the one that seems the most exciting to you, and take one step a week toward that goal. Pick something that seems fun, even if it's something you never think you could really do. Think big, but start small. If you've always wanted to climb Mt. Everest, start by walking every day — to work, to the store, around the block.

Envy

Envy is the obsession with the good fortune of others in comparison to your own life. It is commonly experienced as a feeling of anguish when others have a higher social status, greater wealth, more power or success, or superior talent or physical beauty — and this emotion starts to dominate your existence.Envy is a sin that has been warned against throughout human history. For example:

In Jewish and Christian theology, it is told that Satan himself was first one of God's angels, but he envies God's power and thus leads a rebellion to overthrow him. When Satan is unsuccessful, he is cast from heaven into hell. Satan's distorted sense of self-worth leads him to foolish action, which causes him to be cast into perpetual anguish and sorrow.

In the Old Testament, the ultimate dangers of envy are portrayed in the story of Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve's sons. Cain brings God an offering of some of the fruit he has harvested, but Abel gives God the choicest cuts of meat from the animals he's raised. God is more pleased by the offerings of Abel than of Cain, because Abel gave God the best of what he had, but Cain did not. Cain envies Abel his good fortune and his approval from God, and thus Cain kills his brother in the field. It was within Cain's power to improve his own status, but he chooses instead to envy Abel and murder him to prevent him from enjoying what he has.

In William Shakespeare's play Othello, the character of Iago envies Othello's power and success, and covets his beautiful and adoring wife, Desdemona. He's particularly indignant of Othello's success because Othello is a black Moor, who Iago deems unworthy of a white, Christian wife. Iago schemes to convince Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful to him, setting off a tragic chain of events that leads to Othello murdering his loving and innocent wife, and then instantly regretting his actions. While Iago's actions don't get him any more of the success and love that he so envied, Iago is still pleased that Othello will no longer have what he can't.

Gratitude as an Antidote to Envy

Being grateful for what we have in life and appreciating the kindnesses of others are crucial combatants of rampant Envy. The Tickle Research Group found that people who score highly on Envy tend to admit to having low levels of Gratitude. Following are three ways to help develop a healthy, gracious attitude toward life:

Count your blessings. Focus on all of the things you do have going for you in life. Make a list of everything you have that you enjoy — particular relationships, talents, wealth, health, etc. When doing this, it can be helpful to focus first on the basics that many people around the world don't have: I have access to clean drinking water, I have enough food to eat, I have a shelter over my head, I have people in my life who care deeply about me, etc.

Delight in the success of others, rather than envying them. Congratulate them, and don't compare their lives to your own. When you feel happy for the success of others, you generate positive energy around yourself and build stronger connections with those around you. Both of these things are more likely to get you to where you want to be that negative feelings and resentments.

Consider those who are even less fortunate than you instead of those who are more fortunate. Be careful not to delight in the misfortune of others when doing this, but instead have compassion for them, and perhaps try to help them, while at the same time allowing them to remind you of how very fortunate you are.

Gluttony

Gluttony is the inability to control how much food and drink you indulge in on a regular basis. It is commonly associated with eating until you're stuffed, uncomfortable, nauseated, or unhealthily unfit or obese.Gluttony is a sin that has been condemned throughout the ages.

For example:

Plato espoused the idea that the desire from physical pleasure is animalistic behavior, beneath humans, who were created in God's image. He encouraged his readers to let go of bodily pleasures and pursuits and instead focus on feeding the soul.

In his epic poem, The Faerie Queene, Edmund Spenser depicted each of the seven deadly sins. He personified Gluttony as "loathsome" and as a "deformed creature." He criticizes Gluttony for eating more than his fair share of food, when poor people go without. In Spencer's uncompromising critique, Gluttony vomits for the sheer excess, but eats and drinks still, looking "more like a monster than a man."

In the Purgatory section of Dante's The Divine Comedy, gluttons are surrounded by fresh water and bounteous fruit trees, which they must look at but cannot consume. This deprivation is meant to cause sinners to redirect their love away from sensual pursuits and back to spiritual ones.

Restraint as an Antidote to Gluttony

Restraint, moderation, self-control. These are the qualities that best help to curb chronic overeating or other unhealthy relationships to food and drink. The Tickle Research Group found that people who score highly on Gluttony tend to admit to having low levels of self-control. Following are three ways to help develop a healthy balance between good health and healthy pleasure from food and drink:

Try to avoid needless temptation. Turn the channel or mute the TV or radio during commercials to avoid excess images of food. Try not to read food magazines or cookbooks solely for diversion or entertainment. Don't go to the grocery store when you're hungry and likely to buy more than you need.

Only eat when you're actually hungry, and when you start to feel the slightest bit full, stop. Overeating leads to health problems, digestive problems, and general sluggishness. You can always eat more if you get hungry later.

When consuming alcohol, try to avoid drinking so much that you're "wasted," which can lead to weight gain, liver failure, alcoholism, and a barrage of other health problems. Try never to drink to the point that you're physically ill. Limiting the number of drinks you have and how often you drink can give you the space to enjoy drinking without it becoming gluttonous.

Legendary Punishment for the 7 Deadly Sins

Religious thought has it that in ancient times, each of the seven deadly sins was thought to have a specific, corresponding punishment in Hell.

They are as follows:

The prideful person was broken on the wheel.

The greedy person was soaked in boiling oil.

The slothful person was thrown into a pit of snakes.

The lustful person was smothered in fire and brimstone.

The wrathful person was dismembered alive.

The gluttonous person was force-fed rats, toads, and snakes.

The envious person was put in freezing water.

The antidotes above provide you with a good alternative to these punishments. So use this modern take on an age-old approach not to think of yourself as particularly sinful, but to really reflect on how you can better your life and become happier.

In my Father's House...

2007-07-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

It was my ka helen birthday. She was my Nanay Cousin. She celebrated her Birthday at the Oracle Food House hosted by Nanay. Though the celebration was for Ka Helen. Everybody in the house had a very good time with each other. Later in the Afternoon, the celebrant went to her homme to have rest for the day. But the celebration keep going upto 9 PM. We got drunk and making merry noise of celebration.

The Celebration make us overwhelmed with happiness. Even that the family is experiencing financial set-back, we have still manage to have fun in honoring the Birth of Nanay's Cousin.

On this day, was'nt an ordinary day of celebration. Me and my father have a special bond to each other.

Tatay is already at age. He was counting day's, week's. month or even year's before his day to come. But even though of the fact that their day's are not that long, they are making to the point that their life right now be even better than before.

Though i am not asking them or even telling them, i was surprised that my Father revealed to me the Secret wealth of the Family. His Pamangkin brag to me the possession that my Father had in his home land. And even my Tiyo Titeng told me that all of the properties that my Father have gained will be named to us.

I am not happy because of the thing that i've learned today. But what i am glad for to know is that today, my father have shared his thought and feeling to me.

Though not worthy (i still feel that so) i am proud to have Father who is willing to give up his life for his Children.

FYI: He already did it to me and even he was in near death bfore when i was 4 just to have my Pasalubong from him.

I dont know how could i thank my Father and Nanay for their unselfish love to us. They even love everyone who is close to us.

I have even shared their loved to all my friends and acquaintances. That even ouir Patron in Oracle food house call them Nanay and Tatay.

I write this Blog and make it publish so that i may worthy to say this pray: "...that the WORLD MAY KNOW THAT I LOVE MY FATHER..."

Chance

2007-07-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

Laws was created as guide for moral conduct. Through it we will learn what is desirable and not. The wiccan law stated about the use of power; it tell that power is a sacred gift from the Divine that it must be used and not misused and abused. Through the Law, the use of Power can be moderated.

The Seventh Arcanum of the Vision Quest Tarot which is the Spiritual Warrior, which taught us about the misuse of power- this card correspond to the raider-waite card, the chariot.

The Spiritual warrior taught that the misuse of power will not lead into genuine wisdom whereas the Chariot, tell us about control of power.

Self-control and self-limitation sometimes preserve our natuiral potential. By preserving it, we may use it someday for more beneficial cause.

When we feel bad or ill, sometimes nature speak to us and want us to think and introspect for our actions.

We might do something wrong to other or even to our selves.

The Christian Bible taught that when we do wrong, we must make effort to right it and when we fall we should stand from the point where we fell and walk again in harmony with all beings and even to God.

It is not harmful if we admit that sometime we have done wrong to others and even to our self. Acknowledging our shortcomings will teach us how to make our actions right and just to everyone.

Activ8 interview aghama

2007-07-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Activ8 presents an interview with Aghamang Bughaw founder of the Shrine of Luntiang Aghama in his native Philippines where he works to expand opportunities for people to learn about and explore paganism and their native culture.

Q: How long have you been practicing and what drew you toward an alternative spiritual and religious viewpoint?

I first started as solitary practitioner at the age of 13, way back 1992. It was 15 years ago. I am really fascinated with magick and occultism, even though my family on both sides are devoted Catholics.

I started to keep amulets and talismans without their knowledge and talking with garden spirits and even envisioning them in my dreams.

A school friend shared me the gospel of Christ and I was enticed to join her. In that Church, I was so overwhelmed because of the strange feeling of being filled with the spirit but I thought that it was only in my imagination. As time went by, I noticed something different in me. I was appointed as a missionary and sent into mission houses to preach. During preaching, many weird happenings began to happen to me, like miracles of healing, answered prayer that is so instantaneous, and many, more.

Q: How did you step from such an evangelical Christian view into Paganism?

In 1995, I fell away from the church and started to become a freethinker. At the same time, I start to live my college life. Even though not a member of any church, I continued to search for answers in the fields of paranormal and occult science.

My first books were Magickal Evocation and Initiation to Hermetics. Books of occultism and Paranormal studies are too expensive and joining a group is only for high society. Enrolling for a seminar would cause regrets because they can not give you everything that you need. I found it difficult learning Occultism and Paranormal Science.

In 1997, I was graced that the family could afford to have an internet connection. At that time I was not aware of browsing/ or net surfing. The only thing we had was email and not a web browser. I continued to save my allowances to invest in books.

In 1998, I started to share what I have learned from a few friends. It was a secret sharing session on occultism, witchcraft, magick and paganism.

Q: Healing arts were so prominent in your previous spirituality, does this continue as a vital component of your work?

One of my personal missions is to bridge people’s health into wealth by conducting healing circle every Sunday afternoon. I also attend to people’s requests to provide them Natural Health Care and give them methods on how to maintain optimum health.

Q: What inspired you to become public about your beliefs in an area in which yourself describe being publicly pagan as a “hard task”?

In 2000, Y2K, I formed a Cyber group in Yahoo. I formally displayed my faith in the internet because I was encouraged to do so by my friends so that I may also learn from other seekers of the craft.

Q: What was it that moved you to create the Shrine of Luntiang Aghama?

Luntiang Aghama was first an Eclectic Solitary path giving free studies on witchcraft and paganism. Occasionally, especially during summer season, Luntiang Aghama conducts free workshop training on Psychic Awareness and Skills Development.

Q: How has the Shrine grown since its inception?

We started out with a group of 8 persons. A formal course outline was formulated in 2002. From then until now, the Shrine of Luntiang Aghama has conducted free workshops and training on the field of Paranormal Science and Pagan Spirituality.
This year, 2007, the Shrine of Luntiang Aghama was graced to be recognized and be affiliated with the Correllian Nativist Tradition. I became an Outer Court initiate and gained recognition by the council of elders of the Correllian Nativist Tradition.

Q: As a Correllian associated shrine, do the courses offered follow Correllian teachings?

With the support of the Correllian Nativist Tradition, the Shrine of Luntiang Aghama can offer more free workshops and lessons because the Tradition provides the material to be taught by the Shrine.

Q: Does the Shrine offer an introductory course or workshop for those who may be interested by not sure about stepping on to the pagan path? Can non-members attend rituals or rites to get a feel for the experience?

Aside from Pagan Education, the Shrine also conducts Public Ritual and Ceremonies. Everyone may participate in our gathering because the group believes in the free expression of faith in a form of worship.

Q: One of the courses the Shrine offers is Philippine Pantheon and Cosmology, are the old ways native to the Phillipines still alive in the practices of the people?

It is my vision that not only spiritual advancement be made by our members but also that they gain cultural enhancement by reclaiming our culture and tradition. We Filipinos are known to be colonial thinkers, but with Luntiang Aghama, we are going to inculcate Filipino Patriotism and even a Patriotic Spirituality by reviving the Old Filipino God’s and Goddesses.
Every nation and culture has their pantheon and it bad for us Filipino that some modern Filipino Pagan’s neglect the culture that we have. I can’t blame them for being colonial, it is because the resources are to difficult to find. That is why one of our free class modules is Philippine Pantheon and Cosmology.

Q: What is your vision for yourself and the Shrine of Luntiang Aghama in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see the Shrine as an independent tradition. I hope by that time the Shrine of Luntiang Aghama will have her own Thealogical School on Pagan Studies.

Q: How would interested parties go about contacting yourself or the Shrine?
People can contact us through our website or they can email us or email me directly

Persuation

2007-07-04T04:52:00.000-07:00

I am persuaded to follow my conviction, to pursue my dreams, to achieve my goals and to be whom i really am. To live not to be someone whom im not and suffer my life forever in living a life of pretension and deciet.

I deserve to be me, to practice my rights of liberty and enjoy my life as free and not binded to anyone to take control over me. I will walk into the path which gives light to my life. To the light which enables me to be a person whom i areally am.

I will set aside the thought of failure and non-responsiveness that will hinder me achieving my goal. Instead, i will focus on the good things to come and gratefully accepts all the challenges that will give change to my life .

And most of all, to face all the consequences of my actions that will equip me to become a better person.

Simple Life

2007-07-02T05:51:00.001-07:00

My girl have said that she had a dream. In her dream she was happy because she obtained great success in business and career. But in one point she was lonely. Lonely because she doesn't see me in her dreams.

She tried to look for me in her dreams and found an old Hermit. She talked to the Hermit and Asked him where should i be found. The Old Hermit told her that if she will walk on the Path where i have walked at the end of it she will find me.

But the Old Hermit warned her if she will follow the road where i walked. She will loose fame and success and might regret following me because i am walking in the path of a simple life. After the warning my girl woke up and kiss me so warm.

The dream describe my lifestyle and principle in life. Which is Simplicity. I don't need to be extravagant to be recognized. And recognition doesn't help you to make a perfect person. What only is essential is to live and make a living.

Degree's, title, diploma is just a mere paper that been signed by someone. But what is necessary in life is to have skills in making your life.

Success and Fame is desirable indeed, but what is important to me is to live even without fame.

Accomplishing something everyday is a success in life. But these simple achievement is a great value in the end of our journey.

Dealing with Energy

2007-07-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

Everything around us is composed of energy. Energy that gives us ability to do work is working for us for good. It is the same energy that is not created nor can be destroyed is what we are dealing everyday.

Energy remains nuetral. There is no good nor bad energy. When energy works satisfying and pleasant, that energy becomes good and positive energy. but when energy becomes unpleasant and destructive, it is bad and negative energy.

WE live because of that energy. Everyday and every moment of our life, energy is present with us. And the Energy of Life within us is a possitive energy that we should take care of.

To determine the kind of energy we are dealing with evryday, one must notice the life pattern one is takign with.

In the Morning, notice the pattern as you woke up from bed. What are the things you do when you jump up from your bed?

Are the things that you are doing beneficial or not? If the things that you do seems satisfying and beneficial, you are surrounded by possitive energies.

But if not, those energies are bad and unsatisfying.

Some Energies that are satisfying might not be beneficial to us but helpful to others, so we need to deal with it so that no energy would be wasted.

In every aspect of life we must be conscious of our actions.

The number one goal of life is to know our selves. To know our selves we must know our life patterns.

Lesson's Learned

2007-06-22T08:16:00.001-07:00

In every story, there is always a lesson to be learned. And the lesson for today is, "A man who forgot his Story will have no future."

Today is the night of celebration of Litha. A Pagan Festival that celebrates the Summer Solstice. Summer has ended here in the Philippines, and it's the storm season coming up.

At the same time as we live in these season, school activities are on the go.

Storm and Academic season are connected to each other. In every storm of life there is a message for us to learn. Storm is a way of How nature communicates with us. Mother nature move to cleanse us from impurities.

In our life- storm comes to try us, to strengthen us, to make us worthy of the life we are living. It teach us lesson of determination, perseverance, and dedication.

It encourage us to make daily goals and accomplishment.

To make life worthy, we must work towards our goal by accomplishing it one by one.

To remove the obstacles that hinders our growth.

And to have a clear vision of our path.

Litha show us the way on how to live. Gave us the inspiration to accomplish our Goal.

May these Feastival of Summer Solstice brings abundant Blessing upon us all!!!

Happy Sabbath!!!

Demon's around us

2007-06-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

According to the Greek Mythology, demon's like angel's of christian theology, are attending spirit's that was assigned to every inndividual to take record of our action.

They are present to us since birth. When a person grow and live a good life, the demon that is with that person even at the person's death transform into a good spirit and become a diety.

But when the person choose to live not very good life, the demon became an evil spirit.

To the Christian's and Muslim's, Devil are one of the Chief angel of God that is created from Fire. They are Shining spirit that is represented by the Morning Star. They rebeled agaisnt God that they became an Enemy of the Divine Diety.

Today, demon's are still living among us and they are still with us unknowingly. They take hold of our every action and see how we are responsible to our action. The Tarot Card represents the Devil as the deciever, bringing good things to us in exchange of something as a sacrifice. Like the Temptation of Jesus in the dessert, the DEvil test Christ in exchange of Christ status as a saviour.

In our life today, there are many bond's that attached to us. We might not know it because it disguisely good to us that we cant notice them.

If we do introspect our action and daily life, then we will notice that there is someone who is in control of our life.

Let us check our every action to determine who control our life. We must be in control of our life. and know whose power is with in us.

Aura

2007-06-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Aura are best seen in the dark. As i have said in our workshop that aura is our energy body that protect us from unnecessary energy. It is like layer of atmosphere of the earth that cover our body as a shield.

To see aura, one must lean back on a white wall and focus on a certain area for about a minute than afterwards close his/her eyes to see image and color of aura.

When it is Dark, you can see a certain glow of aura even without closing your eyes.

Today as i go to sleep, i noticed a certain glow in my arms and arms like a serpent swirling around it. And as i look at my wife's body, a grayish aura covers her with a bug on top of her aura.

The color of my aura was purple with a black serpent that is swirling, and the effect of it was that i have trouble sleeping because my hands want to do something.

I know that my wife too had a problem that she is dealing with. That is why i saw in her aura some bug creeping over her aura.

The need for daily exercise and cleansing of aura will prevent such thing to happen.

And a suggested practice was to bath in water with salt and flicking of hands and physical exercise.

Nothingness in the Dark

2007-06-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

When we close our eyes, what we can see? we see darkness and nothing. Some say that darkness is bad. Dark color are evil. And Light are good.

Is there good and evil in lightness and darkness? Why do we stereotype the natural phenomenon that the Divine Creator set before us.

When we close our eyes and see darkness, there is nothing to be Afraid of. Dark means rest.

When the Sun sets in the west and darkness rise up in the sky, it heralds the time of rest.

So why should we be afraid of the Dark?

Breathe of Life

2007-06-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Breathe in. Breathe Out. Relax Your Body. Relax your Mind. Feel the Beat of your Heart. Feel the Force of Life.

Remove all the Tension. Remove all the Worry.

Focus on your being and appreciate your self.

Connect your self to the powers of Divine. Feel the oneness of your being with all creature. Feel the union of the spirit within you. Feel your self at peace with everyone.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Attune your self with your Higher Self. And Let your Self be Known to the Higher Beings.

You are not alone, but we are one. As we are all one, let us love one another. Care for one another. And may all of us have Peace with one another.

Sleepless Night

2007-06-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Early Birds catches the worm. But how can an insomiac rise early when sleep is to hard to find?

ha.... need to rest!

One must not think, so that the mind wont bother. But how can we if the flow of tought is coming in. Just let go and dig in to the flow.

Relax and breathe in... deep and deep, follow the flow. feel the beat and relax...

ughhh...

may we all rest in peace...

Sunset

2007-04-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

"Lord of the Dawn, we welcome you into our life. We thank you for the blessings we have through the whole day and love you more for giving us time to rest. May we have peace of mind as darkness cover the sky. As we close our eyes, may we be protected under the arms of your Grace. We love you and glorify you!!! Amen!"