Psychic Medium Ed
Welcome August
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.
-Mark Twain
School starts back the month of August in most places in the U.S.
"Learn as much as you can while you are young, since life becomes to busy later"
"I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity."
-Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)
Noctilucent Space Clouds
The Hawaiians had a myth that was told in the early 20th century that had descriptions of shining clouds which changed color in the light of the dawn. There is no scientific record of Noctilucent Clouds being spotted on Hawaii and it could be argued that the island is too close to the Equator.
The Maiden of the Golden Cloud was the first person to be brought to Hawaii by the gods from the far off ocean lands of “Shining Heaven, the Floating Land of Kane, and the Far off White Land of Kahiki”. Her mother was Hina (Moon) and father, Ku (a god).
She was a child of the heavens with a multitude of bodies that could be seen at night as well as in the day. Her house in the Shining Land turned by night and day and was built of clouds and fogs. The Narrow-Pointed Clouds were her watchmen, and no human could get to her land. All the other clouds were her servants and she ruled over them. She gave the Long Cloud of Ku great magic power, and he was to be the messenger. The Sharp-Pointed Living Cloud was the sorcerer and astronomer who watched over all things. (Noctilucent Cloud formation is a complex structure that has long sharp points)
The Maiden of the Golden Cloud administrated all the Mana (good karma) and Taboo. She was born from the head of Hina and after, her parents went out and saw wonderful cloud images standing near the house, they watched these clouds shining (Noctilucent Clouds?) and changing colors in the light of the dawn, as the sun appeared.
For three days these changing clouds were around them. Then in the midst of these clouds appeared a strange land of the skies surrounded by Narrow-Pointed Clouds. Ku and Hina did not understand the meaning of all this, so they went back into the house, falling into deep sleep. Hina was told in her dreams that these clouds were signs of her daughter and her birth from her head meant she had great knowledge and miraculous power of sorcery from the Cloud land, which would take care of them in their last days. The Long Cloud told Hina and Ku to look into the sky to see the meaning of all the cloud forms.
Here the story ends, but not without just mentioning the ancient Greek goddess, Athena. Although the Hawaiians knew nothing of her, it is surprising to find such a close comparison in this story. Athena was born out of the head of Zeus, symbolizing her strengths of mental intelligence and masculine leadership. She was a goddess of sorcery, wisdom, and great knowledge. It is comforting to find her symbolism associated with the strange phenomenon of the Night Shining clouds, since she is credited with single handedly saving Athens.
Family
I love reading books, and it is one of the things I enjoy doing during the summer. I can catch up on my favorite book series and even try new ones. Here are ten reasons why I love reading books.
- It is an escape from everyday life! Reality can be a drag, and a book can help me escape from the boringness of everyday life.
- It can go more in depth than a movie can. When you read a book then watch the movie more details are added that would not be there in a movie.
- Time is faster: There is nothing like getting lost in a book to make time fly.
- Meet new people and characters you can relate to.
- You can be in a different world other than the real one.
- You can always learn something new by reading books.
- It will help you see different sides to situations and some of it is relatable.
- It shows you a different perspective.
- Books will always be there. Books will never leave you like people will!
- Books are an escape, and reading is a great way to pass the time.
͂ Family
The ones we live with,
laugh with and love.͂
As we exit the month of July and enter the month of August, we also enter the last full month of summer. August was always a special time for us growing up. When we were kids, we would always take a family vacation during this month. At that time school did not start until the day after Labor Day. We looked forward to cramming into our small car and driving somewhere we had never been before. Mom would make sure everything was packed and ready to go and Dad would load the car. We would roll down the windows on a hot August day and off we went to our new adventure.
July has certainly brought an array of different weather patterns for us this year. We have had heat indexes of over a hundred degrees and a few days where it did not get out of the seventies with plenty of rain. Our vegetables got a late start, and we are just now seeing tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cucumbers ripening on the vines. We planted four-pms this summer and they are about four feet tall and flower every afternoon. We have been able to trim the lavender bushes quite a few times, each time bringing the beautiful aroma inside.
We celebrated the fourth of July quietly at home this year. It rained that evening, and we were able to see some fireworks from a distance in neighboring areas. We visited my mom and dad the end of July. August first is Mom's birthday and the family gathered early for a New Orleans style fish fry. From there we went to see Patrick's Sister in Florida. Was a short trip but a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of home.
Hope you are enjoying the summer. It has been both beautiful and brutal. But I do hope you are staying cool, and safe and managing to lie on the grass. My wish is that this finds you happy and healthy and filled with curiosity. Until next time, dear friend.
Love,
Ed
Did You Know
August is upon us! What do we celebrate in August? Why is August a month? August brings the best bounty of the season—ripened tomatoes, ripe melon, sweet corn on the cob, and zucchini are just a few favorites.
August was named to honor the first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar), Augustus Caesar (63 B.C. –A.D. 14).
· August 1, traditionally known as Lammas Day, was a festival to mark the annual wheat and corn harvest. Lammas also marked the mid-point between the summer solstice and autumn equinox and was a cross-quarter day.
· August 1 is a Civic Holiday in many parts of Canada. Celebrations and names for this holiday vary across the country. For example, in Alberta, it is celebrated as Heritage Day, while in British Columbia, it is known as British Columbia Day!
· August 10 is St. Lawrence’s Day. “Fair weather on St. Lawrence’s Day presages a fair autumn.”
· August 11 marks the end of the Dog Days of Summer, which began on July 3.
· August 17 is when the Cat Nights begin, harking back to a rather obscure Irish legend concerning witches; this also led to the idea that a cat has nine lives.
· August 19 brings National Aviation Day, chosen for the birthday of Orville Wright who piloted the first recorded flight of a powered heavier-than-air machine in 1903.
· August 24 is St. Bartholomew Day. “At St. Bartholomew, there comes cold dew.”
· August 26 is Women’s Equality Day, which celebrates the 1920 ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment and, with it, women’s right to vote in the United States.
· Aug 1-7 is International Clown Week, Aug 3 is National Watermelon Day, Aug 10 is National S’mores Day, Aug 20 is World Honeybee Day and Aug 25 is Kiss and make up day.
· August zodiac signs are Leo (July 23–August 22) and Virgo (August 23–September 22).
August’s full moon, the full Sturgeon Moon, reaches peak illumination on the night of Thursday, August 11 at 9:36pm. For the best view of the full Moon, look skyward that night! It is also the final supermoon of 2022!
August is often a wonderful month for star gazing! It is the month of the Perseid Meteor Shower, which is one of the most prolific showers and reaches its maximum between August 11 and 13. This year, however, the best of the Perseids occurs at the same time as the full Moon, which means that the Moon’s brightness will likely wash out many of the “falling stars!”
Luckily, you can still see the Perseids even if they are not at their peak. The shower lasts from about July 23 to August 22, so for the best chance of catching the Perseids, keep an eye out in early August or around the 20th.
August’s birth flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy. The gladiolus symbolizes strength of character, sincerity, and generosity. The poppy symbolizes eternal sleep, oblivion, and imagination.
August’s primary birthstone is peridot, which is said to symbolize strength and healing power, protecting its wearer from nightmares and evil, ensuring harmony and happiness. Babies born in August are lucky to be guarded by peridot’s good fortune. Peridot is the rare gem-quality form of the mineral olivine that appears in various shades of green, sometimes with a brown or yellow tinge. Called “evening emerald,” the peridot was often mistaken for that other gem. Peridot is formed deep inside the earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanoes. In Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess of fire who controls the flow of lava.
You can now order my book!
You can now order my book on Amazon.
I would love to ask a favor. Would you mind taking a few minutes to review the book. This can help others understand what to expect when purchasing the book.
Tarot of the Month
Ed,
Happy Psychic New Year! The Lion's Gate portal on Aug 8 brings in our energetic new year. You might find that you are "wrapping things up" or closing of people, places and/or things. Allow yourself to ride this wave to motivate you to start something fun.
The three cards pulled are for the 31 days. The first card being the first ten days, the second card being the next ten days, and the last card being the remaining eleven days. (Faerie Tarot By Nathalie Hertz)
1st Card: The Devil:
Though for many people he has come to be associated with pain and temptation, in tarot, the Devil is not a card of evil. Surrounded by creatures of the night, this proud imp, with his tongue sticking out, reveals himself as a rascal and a joker demon. He enjoys the good things in life such as food, material goods, parties, and pleasures of the flesh. The Devil is also a generator of creative and life producing forces. This imp attacks life with intensity and passion. The twisted stick anchored in the ground symbolizes his thirst for power, and shows us that he is the prince of matter, the structure of all things. The Devil acts on instinct and disorder. His influence is manifested in unbridled sexuality, ambition, and excess. Divinatory Meanings: Power and psychic energy. Magnetism, charisma, eloquence, audacity. Successes on the material and carnal levels, fulfilled desires. Impetuous, explosive and passionate relationship, unbridled and boundless sexuality, sensuality. Luxury, wealth, occult powers, and an untamed will. Lack of energy, idleness, fear of the unknown. Breach of trust and power, dangerous temptations, vices, perversions, lies. Up
2nd Card: The Fool:
Usually designated with the numeral 0, The Fool card represents both the beginning and the end. A small impish fairy, full of innocence and joy, walks among the branches on an eternal journey toward the truth. With the heart of a child and great sensitivity, the Fool’s companions are small animals like this garden dormouse. This imp is free of all ties with others. To some, the Fool seems insane; to others he is the master of his own destiny. In the tarot, the Fool speaks neither about failure, nor of success.. Divinatory meaning: A sudden departure, unforeseen events, chance. Unconcern, inner personal evolution, new experiments, the unknown, adventure, spontaneity, intuition, genius. Reversed meaning: Uncertainty, immaturity, escaping responsibilities, imprudence, negligence, madness, shallow promises, fraud.
3rd Card: Seven of Wands:
This fairy represents energy and dynamism. By the triumph of both spirit and intelligence, she has been able to surmount the obstacles facing her. By firmly holding her wand, she proves that her ideas are constructive. A soft wind brings good news and dispels her inner demons. Accomplished, she flies towards success.. Divinatory Meanings: Perfection at work, good contracts, advantages, profits. Exchanges, correspondence, travels and encounters. Good energy to support her desires, victory. Uncertainties, doubts and perplexity. Indecision and disagreements. An unhappy love affair, dismay. Overanalyzing everything.
Questions and Counsel
Katelyn,
Please help. Meditation is so hard for me. I cannot quiet my mind. Any advice?
Hi!
Meditation… meditation… meditation. Both amazing and challenging. Let me first say, meditation is supposed to be challenging. Look at your Spiritual awareness as your peak physique, your third eye and crown as the muscle groups, and meditation as the weights. When you join a gym, you do not start out lifting the 100 lbs. weight, you start small because it is a process… the journey to physical health. Meditation is exactly the same.
I suggest starting out by simply inviting breath into your life. When you find yourself at red lights, standing in line, any moment of a brief pause uses that time as an opportunity to become very aware of your breathing. Notice where your breath is sitting in your body and any tension you are holding.
When that becomes common practice use those same methods in a comfortable seated position. You of course will want to start small, 3-5 mins and work your way up to 60 mins.
Keep in mind meditation is the observation of observing. You are going to think. Meditation is about letting go of thought. You can practice this by simply observing your thoughts, releasing them, and by bringing attention back into your physical body by noticing your breath and any tension you are holding in your body.
It is a practice.
Practice on,
Katelyn
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Spiritual
Summertime
Summer is the time when many people take a break from the routine – from work, from school, and, yes, even your spiritual surroundings.
The warmer temperatures and longer days of summer make it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors, and the slower pace gives us time to relax and engage in leisure activities. Many of us go on vacation to the beach, the mountains, the woods, or some other quiet, natural setting. But whatever you do, wherever you go, be sure not to take a break from your spirituality. You can use the summer to your spiritual advantage.
Meditative prayer: Mystics and sages know that prayer does not have to have words and formulas. Meditative prayer is quiet and ideally suited for a restive spot in nature. Find a comfortable spot to sit and relax. Then breathe slowly, focusing on the air as you inhale and exhale. As you breathe, clear your mind of thoughts. Be still and know that Spirit is with you, and is giving you peace and joy. It may take practice, but meditative prayer is a wonderful way to draw close to Spirit.
Nature appreciation: If you go to the woods or the beach, you can draw close to Spirit simply by appreciating the joys and wonders of the natural world. When you walk, drive or bicycle, be particularly aware of your surroundings. Think of how you would view the scenery if you were seeing it for the first time. Notice the colors, the textures, the shapes, the smells and the variety of life and landscape around you.
When you discover something that delights you, say a prayer. Be thankful for … this flower, this leaf, this animal, this sunset, this cloud …. Whatever it may be.
Spiritual Reading: Along with the latest John Grisham thriller or Danielle Steele romance, be sure to pack some spiritual reading material. Enjoy the remainder of your summer, practicing good stewardship of your relationship with Spirit!
Wellness
Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
-Unknown
The word ‘Zen’ is a Japanese word that means emptiness. This meaning is the general foundation of Zen Buddhism; that life is generally and fundamentally empty – it has no meaning. However, this is not as bleak as it sounds.
Instead, Zen Buddhism uses this premise to formulate a number of teachings to do with introspection, understanding, self-control and compassion towards others. It is more of an activity than a belief system, and if we practice it then we will be better off as a result.
Two major aspects of Zen teachings are the idea of awake to or aware of our lives and the realistic facets of them and the importance of undertaking meditation. These two things are integral to Zen teachings and weave into all the ideas that we will discuss here.
These teachings and ideas of Zen Buddhism can help to alleviate the anxieties and pains that are inevitable to our existence. Often, we tend to overthink everything, which only aggravates the issues with which we are grappling.
However, through self-reflection and introspection, it is possible to recognize the simplicity of our issues. Moreover, we acquire the tools that help us to become wiser, calmer, and more at peace with these inevitabilities.
1. Live in the present
Perhaps the most fundamental and crucial teaching that Zen provides us (apart from the more obvious act of meditation) is the significance of being aware of the present moment. Concerns about the past and the future are irrelevant to us. What really matters is an effort to focus on and heighten the present moment. This will, in time, help us heal, quell, and come to terms with the common worries and anxieties that we all will feel.
Do you worry that you will be a success in your career in the years to come? Do you deeply regret a past mistake? This is futile according to Zen teachings. We cannot alter the past or the future. Therefore, it is futile to even think of it. Our lives exist here and now and are what we can fully perceive and comprehend. This is the only thing that matters, and we should direct all our focus towards this.
We can only deal with our pains and suffering by waking up to the fact that we live in the present. We are able to tackle our current issues because they exist with us at this current moment. They are not in some unreachable time zone. Consequently, it makes sense to concentrate on the present moment. As a result, the likelihood is that you will worry a little less and generally become more peaceful.
2. The importance of meditation
Part of the way, technique, or act of being awake to the present moment is through meditation. This practice is probably the most popularly known feature of Buddhism. In fact, it is what comes to people’s minds when they picture such eastern philosophy.
However, it is something that we all can practice. For example, taking time to relax and turning off your thoughts for a period of time. This provides some momentary and lasting peace. Not least for quiet but also to search for answers that we may otherwise be unable to find.
We should take the time to consider our lives. There are many aspects of them that we can perceive and recognize. The idea is that we are questioning certain facets of our lives.
For example, our sufferings, and trying to resolve them. These answers are found in the very place that these questions come from – in our minds. The solutions to our problems are prevalent through deep and careful consideration of our existence. Thereby, changing our mentality to improve our well-being.
This can be done through a focus on slow and naturally flowing breathing. This allows the mind to clear so the focus can be given to these issues. It can be commonly known as searching for “inner truths.” However, this may seem mystical or spiritual to some and therefore difficult to relate to or engage with.
Yet, meditation is not an exclusive activity. We all have the ability to empty our minds, relax and think carefully about what is bothering us. It could be a useful and important activity to partake in regularly. Then we will not flounder in the stress and worries that can all too easily consume us.
3. Understand your anger to become more compassionate
Living in the present moment and meditation are two of the fundamental pillars of Zen. Further Zen teachings build on these premises. One of which is to take time to understand our anger in order to be compassionate to others.
We do this through introspection in awareness and meditation. Only then can we find the root of our anger and to recognize the cause of it. Through this, one can cultivate an awareness of the emotion. Once we recognize it in ourselves, it is easier to spot it in others. Remember, you must observe the emotion in order to understand it. In time, you will learn that the frustrations and anxieties you feel are, in fact, universally felt by everyone.
This can do two things:
- Help you deal with and come to terms with your own sufferings
- Allow you to develop compassion towards others
As a result, we will have the tools to relate to and sympathize with others. This makes us and others feel a little less alone.
It is a sign of your wisdom and growth when you choose to respond calmly to the negative behavior of others.
-Unknown
4. Accept that men are men and nothing more
Zen does not place any emphasis on some spiritual or higher power. Whether this is to give answers, explanations, or solutions to our problems. It fully accepts that men are men, and women are women. All genders are imperfect, complex, and quite often broken – and we should recognize this.
These teachings do not try to answer large and complex questions about the world and our existence. Probably because we do not (as of yet) have the mental capacity to do so. Also, it is not the most important thing to consider. What matters is our understanding and well-being in the here and now of our own lives. This is so we can manage our sufferings and live in a fulfilling way.
Zen does not provide answers – it does not teach us what to think. Rather, it teaches us how to think (through awareness and meditation). We should use the capacity of our minds to understand ourselves, as human beings in the present moment. Not giving time to grapple with harmful existential concerns that will only aggravate our current sufferings.
5. Be aware of the impermanence of things
Perhaps the underlying root of many of our anxieties is the impermanent, temporal, and ever-changing nature of our lives and existence. We may worry because we are growing older and have regrets about not capitalizing on opportunities that have past us by. Or we may feel anxious about the instability of our jobs or fear the mortality of ourselves and our loved ones.
Everything has the capacity to change and fall apart, and everything will pass us by in a cruel and swift way. As a result, we may feel confused and angry at the impermanence of things in our lives. We may struggle to understand them. Zen teaches us that the best and only way to deal with such truths and inevitabilities is to simply recognize the impermanence of everything.
Through meditation, reflection, and detailed consideration we can recognize that we, and everything around us, will eventually come to pass. Being aware of this fact will lessen and dampen the anxieties we may feel. We will be able to make the most of the present moment rather than worrying about the fleeting facets of our existence. This allows us to live fuller, richer and more content lives as a result.
Even if you are not inclined to take guidance from Buddhism or eastern philosophy as a whole, these Zen teachings could prove highly fruitful to all of us. All you need to do is take a moment to simply try it out.
These teachings are not living by a religious sect or adhering to a belief system. It is simply partaking in an act of reflection and introspection in an attempt to deal with and quell our anxieties and sufferings. In turn, we can feel connected to the present moment and to those around us.
It may prove valuable and pragmatic to take some time to clear your head and to simply think about what is bothering you. As a result, the issues that are causing you pain may begin to seem a little less frightening and a little more manageable than they did before.
Patrick....
Upcoming Events 2022
Ed and Katelyn will be in the office at Wise Wolf Wellness all month long.