Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
True Love is like ghosts...
...it.
But can you call _this_ true: "There is nobody but is ashamed of having loved when once he loves no longer"? If it be true at all, I don't think the love was much worth having or giving. If one really loves once, one can never be ashamed of it; for we never cease to love. However, this is the very high water of sentiment, you will say; but I blush no more for it than M. le Duc de Rochefoucauld for his own opinion. Perhaps I am thinking of that kind of love about which he says:
"Many be the thyrsus-bearers, few the Mystics," as the Greek proverb runs. "Many are called, few are chosen."
As to friendship being "a reciprocity of interests," the saying is but one of those which Rochefoucauld's vanity imposed on his wit. Very witty it is not, and it is emphatically untrue. "Old men console themselves by giving good advice for being no longer able to set bad examples." Capital; but the poor old men are often good examples of the results of not taking their...
La Rochefoucauld, Francois De
Excerpt from Letters on Literature · This quote is about love · Search on Google Books to find all references and sources for this quotation.
But can you call _this_ true: "There is nobody but is ashamed of having loved when once he loves no longer"? If it be true at all, I don't think the love was much worth having or giving. If one really loves once, one can never be ashamed of it; for we never cease to love. However, this is the very high water of sentiment, you will say; but I blush no more for it than M. le Duc de Rochefoucauld for his own opinion. Perhaps I am thinking of that kind of love about which he says:
True love is like ghosts, which everybody talks about and few have seen.
"Many be the thyrsus-bearers, few the Mystics," as the Greek proverb runs. "Many are called, few are chosen."
As to friendship being "a reciprocity of interests," the saying is but one of those which Rochefoucauld's vanity imposed on his wit. Very witty it is not, and it is emphatically untrue. "Old men console themselves by giving good advice for being no longer able to set bad examples." Capital; but the poor old men are often good examples of the results of not taking their...
La Rochefoucauld, Francois De
Excerpt from Letters on Literature · This quote is about love · Search on Google Books to find all references and sources for this quotation.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Daffodils
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed--and gazed--but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed--and gazed--but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
William Wordsworth
Monday, October 15, 2012
By Sandra Laframboise and Karen Sherbina
Introduction
The term "Medicine Wheel" is not a native term. Initially it was used in the late 1800's and early 1900 by Americans of European descent in reference to the Bighorn Medicine Wheel located near Sheridan, Wyoming. Later, research on the Plains identified other features characterized by a variety of stone circles and spoke configurations. Because of general similarities to the Bighorn Wheel, the term "Medicine Wheel" was extended to describe them as well.The Big Horn Medicine Wheel consists of a central circle of piled rock surrounded by a circle of stones, "Rays" of stones travel out from the central core of rock and its surrounding circle. The whole structure looks rather like the wheel of a bicycle from the air. There is no real consensus as to when the medicine wheel began to appear in Native American Culture except to say that some of the wheels date back two to four thousand years BC, the time of the Great Egyptian Pyramids. Some archaeologist and geologist even go as far as saying that The Big Horn Medicine Wheel is as old as a few million years.
Big Horn Medicine Wheel Reprinted from internet (aged between 1 million to 65 million years)
These ceremonies would make it correct to say that a Medicine Wheel is a physical manifestation of our Spiritual energy. In other words an outward expression of our internal dialogue with the Creator (God) and the spirit within.
The individual or community can see what is going on within by examining what has manifested outwardly in the mirror like situation the Medicine Wheel shows us. It is also a wheel of protection and it enables us, and allows us to gather surrounding energies into a focal point and to commune with Spirit, Self and Nature. Thus, it is a model to be used to view self, society, or anything that one could ever think of looking into. Medicine Wheel teachings are vast and limitless and form the basis of most First Nations beliefs - The great circle of Life.
These teachings are among the oldest teachings of First Nations people. The teachings found on the Medicine Wheel create a bio-psychosocial and spiritual foundation for human behaviour and interaction. The medicine wheel teachings are about walking the earth in a peaceful and good way, they assist in helping to seek; healthy minds (East), strong inner spirits (South), inner peace(West) and strong healthy bodies (North).
As mentioned earlier, a Medicine Wheel can best be described as a mirror within, which everything about the human condition is reflected back. It requires courage to look into the mirror and really see what is being reflected back about an individual's life. It helps us with our creative "Vision", to see exactly where we are in life and which areas we need to work on and develop in order to realize our full potential. It is a tool to be used for the upliftment and betterment of humankind, healing and connecting to the Infinite.
Today, the Medicine Wheel has become a major symbol of peaceful interaction among all living beings on Mother Earth... representing harmonious connections.
Scattered across North America there are a number of stone Medicine Wheels. Some are extremely large circles greater than 12 meters in diameter. They are the remains of special ceremonial dances and spiritual events celebrated by the Plains First Nations people.
Despite their physical existence, there is a lot of mystery that surrounds the Medicine Wheel. Without written records, little is understood about their meaning. The ancient medicine wheels themselves contain significant stellar and cosmological alignments as the Plains people believe that Star Woman fell to the Earth to help create Turtle Island. One such alignment is that the wheel points towards the rising sun or to certain star nation constellation(s).
Over time, Medicine Wheels have changed and evolved into many different kinds and have provided a tangible mechanism upon which the healing of people,communities and nations can be focused.
The term "Medicine" as it is used by First Nations people does not refer to drugs or herbal remedies. It is used within the context of inner spiritual energy and healing or an enlightened experience often referred to as "spiritual energy's"... The Medicine Wheel and its sacred teachings assist individuals along the path towards mental, spiritual, emotional and physical enlightenment.
There have been many books written about the Medicine Wheel, and they often differ as to the placement of some of the teachings. For example, there are some Lakota teachers who place the yellow race in the west and the black race in the east; others suggest the wheel is walked in a counter-clockwise direction. So little is really known about the original teachings of this ancient tool, however, it is safe to say that there is probably no wrong way to build a wheel. It is more of a question of what resonates within each individual as he/she studies the teachings. I can only speak about the Medicine Wheel according to my teachings and that I have come to know through out my spiritual walk. Within this paper I am describing three types of Medicine Wheels which I have worked with over the years.
Directions and their Meanings
The Cree/Algonquin/Plains Medicine Wheel
The Medicine Wheel always centers on the individual. The Ceremonial Medicine Wheel that I use incorporates all of these aspects. They can be drawn on paper or made out of rocks in the corner of a room or in a garden. The important thing to remember is that this is an exercise in finding out about you.
The Medicine Wheel in the diagram above incorporates many of the teachings I have received over the years from the various Elders I have met and have received teachings from.
A person can also develop their own Medicine Wheel and put their own Animal/Spirit Helpers in the directions once they have gotten in touch with them. This knowing may happen in ceremony, visions, or dreams. I have developed my personal Medicine Wheel in which I put a different animal representing the same meaning. and which has different animal but same meaning: In my personal Medicine Wheel the directions and animals are as follows: East – Eagle, South – Red Tail Hawk, West – Owl, North – Blue Heron. These birds are a reflection of who I am and what gifts were granted to me. They are the animals that have revealed themselves through my walk in life.
A Medicine Wheel of Life's Learning
with Southern Plains /Sioux/Plains Cree and Lakota Colors
The above Medicine Wheel recognizes that Aboriginal people are spirit, heart, mind and body.
Building the Medicine Wheel
Rock Medicine Wheels
Picture Reprinted from internet
The stones are laid beginning in the center, with the first Rock being the Creator, the second in the East being Mother Earth, and going clockwise the third in the South-West for Father Sun, the fourth in the North-West for Grandmother Moon, the fifth a little more to the North-West for Turtle, the sixth in the North for Frog, the 7th in the North-East for Thunderbird, the 8th in the East corner near to the South for Butterfly. This arrangement completes the inner circle.
Then we continue by laying down the corner stones of the four Cardinal Directions, the 9th being in the East representing the Eagle, the 10th being in the South representing Mouse/Wolf/Coyote/Red Tail Hawk, the 11th stone laid down in the West representing Brown Bear, and the 12th stone in the North representing White Calf Buffalo Woman.
The next to last process of a laying down rocks in the circle is the outer circle beginning again in the North-East beside the 9th rock we laid down the 13th rock and I put the Snow Geese, the 14th rock I put the Otter, the 15th rock I put Cat and it goes on in a circle till we meet the 9th rock of the East.
By then you have laid your inner circle and your outer circle. It is time to make your criss-cross inside the outer circle to touch the inner circle.
The criss-cross on the inside of the outer circle but not inside the inner circle is your final step. Again you begin this one in the North-East stone number 9 and going down the south just touching the inner circle till it becomes rock number 27. Again in the East you would begin the criss-cross starting with rock number 28 until all the rocks laid down touch the inner center marking rock number 30. Then you lay more rocks from the south to the inner circle rocks till it becomes number 31 keeping in mind that no criss-cross stones is to enter the inner circle. Lastly, starting from the number 12 going inside the outer circle towards the inner circle you would lay down rock number 34 to 36, keeping in mind that each rock has a special representation for you and an animal spirit helper.
You can build a medicine wheel out of all kinds or rocks which has special meaning to you and place it in your garden, the corner of a room or you can draw a medicine wheel on paper. What ever the venue, it is important to remember that this is another tool to be used on your healing and spiritual journeys.
Working the Medicine Wheel
The Medicine Wheel can be called a mental construct. It orients us on a time-space continuum. The Wheel divides our world into different directions and applies specific meaning and significance to each direction. This directional orientation is achieved by simple observation of the natural world. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Regardless of where we sit on the globe there are four phases of the moon and typically four recognized seasons. These phases and seasons follow each other in a circular and sequential rotation, because of this, our personal medicine wheels are a reflection of our relationship to the natural circular evolvement of the world.The Wheel can be used practically to help an individual understand and deal with specific life circumstances (e.g. jobs, relationships, and illness). One example is the hormonal cycles manifesting from the brain, ovaries, and uterus. These are easily understood in terms of the Wheel. It ties these events to natural lunar rhythms both physically and energetically. Within the framework of the Medicine Wheel we see ovulation and conception occur in the full moon of the east while, menses and birth occur in the new moon of the west. This framework allows one to look at these experiences in a new way, a way that is more easily understood because it is related to our experience of the natural world. Working the Medicine Wheel Archetype empowers the individual. It gives one new tools with which to embrace the chaos of life. It serves as a way to focus and reconnect to the rhythms of the natural world.
The Wheel can also be used to contemplate the flow of events unfolding over months, years or a lifetime. One could even apply this to familial patterns and past lifetimes.
Our consensual experience of the physical world determines a lot of what goes where on the Medicine Wheel. Working the Wheel is accomplished in both consensual reality and through personal introspection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different ways to utilize or set up a Medicine Wheel. Despite this, the philosophies/principals and effective outcome are the same. It teaches us that we have four aspects to our nature; the physical, the mental, the emotional, and the spiritual. Each of these aspects must be equally developed in a healthy, well-balanced human being through the development stages of our life. To bring ourselves into balance in each area puts us in balance. Equal emphasis needs to be given to each of the directions of the Wheel. This can be accomplished through sheer will power or methodical introspection and action. However, if we do not do this, then we, Aboriginal People, believe that we are not walking in balance.References
- Dancing With The Wheel: Sun Bear, Wabun Wind and Crysalis Mulligan
First Fireside edition 1992 copyrighted 1991
Fireside: Simon & Schuster Inc. New York N.Y. - Big Horn Medicine Wheel - www.crystalinks.com
- Medicine Wheel Teachings - www.shannonthunderbird.com
First Nation Legacy On The Rouge - www.rivernen.ca - The Medicine Wheel - www.spiritualnetwork.net
The Canadian Encyclopaedias - www.canadianencyclopedia.ca - A Medicine Wheel Teachings - www.geocities.com
Medicine Wheel Stock Pictures - www.google.ca/search - Grand Teton Medicine Wheel - www.shrinesandsacredsites.com
- Allying With the Medicine Wheel: Social Work Practice with Aboriginal Peoples - www./cronus.uwindsor.ca
Wisconsin Wolf Hunt Starts
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's first organized wolf hunt got under way Monday even as animal welfare advocates demanded federal officials return Great Lake wolves to the endangered species list.
No hunters had reported kills by late Monday afternoon, which wasn't surprising. The state Department of Natural Resources gives hunters 24 hours to contact the agency, and wolves are extremely elusive creatures.
In addition, only about half of the hunters eligible to buy a wolf license had done so by Monday, with many saying they might wait for snow to make tracking easier. The hunt runs through February.
Mark Dahms, a 54-year-old electrician from Waukesha in suburban Milwaukee, was one of 1,160 people to win the right to buy a license through a state lottery. He bought a brand-new electronic call that mimics 400 animal sounds and headed to the Tomahawk area in far northern Wisconsin on Saturday to prepare for the hunt.
He said he went out into the woods at dawn Monday and used his call. He attracted a hawk, but no wolf. Dahms said he wasn't discouraged. He got to spend a gorgeous 60-degree day in the woods and spotted some fresh wolf droppings. He plans to spend the rest of the week hunting.
"It's only the first few hours," Dahms said. "Beautiful day in northern Wisconsin."
Federal officials placed gray wolves on the endangered species list in 1974. Today, wildlife officials estimate as many as 850 wolves roam Wisconsin and another 3,000 live in Minnesota. More wolves, though, have meant more complaints from farmers about the animals preying on their livestock.
When federal officials removed wolves in the Great Lakes region from the endangered list earlier this year, Wisconsin and Minnesota set up hunts. Michigan has legislation pending.
In Wisconsin, officials plan to halt the hunt once 116 wolves have been killed.
Minnesota set its quota at 400 animals for a hunt that runs from Nov. 3 to Jan. 31 and made 6,000 licenses available through an automated lottery similar to Wisconsin's. Less than a third of the winners in that state have purchased licenses so far.
Animal welfare groups that opposed the delisting continue to fight both hunts.
The Humane Society of the United States and the Fund for Animals sent notice Monday to the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that it will sue if Great Lakes wolves aren't placed back on the endangered species list within 60 days.
"It is painfully clear that federal protection must be reasserted," HSUS President Wayne Pacelle said in a statement. "The states have allowed the most extreme voices to grab hold of wolf management, and the result could be devastating for this species."
Telephone messages left with a U.S. Department of the Interior spokeswoman and USFWS officials late Monday afternoon weren't immediately returned.
In Minnesota, the Center for Biological Diversity and Howling for Wolves filed an emergency request with the state Supreme Court to block that state's hunt, claiming the Minnesota DNR's process for taking public comments on the season fell short of requirements. A state appeals court rejected the groups' allegations last week.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's first organized wolf hunt got under way Monday even as animal welfare advocates demanded federal officials return Great Lake wolves to the endangered species list.
No hunters had reported kills by late Monday afternoon, which wasn't surprising. The state Department of Natural Resources gives hunters 24 hours to contact the agency, and wolves are extremely elusive creatures.
In addition, only about half of the hunters eligible to buy a wolf license had done so by Monday, with many saying they might wait for snow to make tracking easier. The hunt runs through February.
Mark Dahms, a 54-year-old electrician from Waukesha in suburban Milwaukee, was one of 1,160 people to win the right to buy a license through a state lottery. He bought a brand-new electronic call that mimics 400 animal sounds and headed to the Tomahawk area in far northern Wisconsin on Saturday to prepare for the hunt.
He said he went out into the woods at dawn Monday and used his call. He attracted a hawk, but no wolf. Dahms said he wasn't discouraged. He got to spend a gorgeous 60-degree day in the woods and spotted some fresh wolf droppings. He plans to spend the rest of the week hunting.
"It's only the first few hours," Dahms said. "Beautiful day in northern Wisconsin."
Federal officials placed gray wolves on the endangered species list in 1974. Today, wildlife officials estimate as many as 850 wolves roam Wisconsin and another 3,000 live in Minnesota. More wolves, though, have meant more complaints from farmers about the animals preying on their livestock.
When federal officials removed wolves in the Great Lakes region from the endangered list earlier this year, Wisconsin and Minnesota set up hunts. Michigan has legislation pending.
In Wisconsin, officials plan to halt the hunt once 116 wolves have been killed.
Minnesota set its quota at 400 animals for a hunt that runs from Nov. 3 to Jan. 31 and made 6,000 licenses available through an automated lottery similar to Wisconsin's. Less than a third of the winners in that state have purchased licenses so far.
Animal welfare groups that opposed the delisting continue to fight both hunts.
The Humane Society of the United States and the Fund for Animals sent notice Monday to the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that it will sue if Great Lakes wolves aren't placed back on the endangered species list within 60 days.
"It is painfully clear that federal protection must be reasserted," HSUS President Wayne Pacelle said in a statement. "The states have allowed the most extreme voices to grab hold of wolf management, and the result could be devastating for this species."
Telephone messages left with a U.S. Department of the Interior spokeswoman and USFWS officials late Monday afternoon weren't immediately returned.
In Minnesota, the Center for Biological Diversity and Howling for Wolves filed an emergency request with the state Supreme Court to block that state's hunt, claiming the Minnesota DNR's process for taking public comments on the season fell short of requirements. A state appeals court rejected the groups' allegations last week.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
I carry your heart with me
I carry your heart with me ... I carry it in my heart.I am never without it, anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling.
I fear no fate, for you are my fate, my sweet.I want no world for beautiful you are my world, my true;and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you.
.
Here is the deepest secret nobody knows...(here is the root of the root, and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life); which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide;
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart ... I carry it in my heart.ee cummings |
Thursday, January 26, 2012
O grave where is thy victory? O death where is thy sting?
The Raven
by Edgar Allan Poe
(published 1845)
(published 1845)
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more."
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;- vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow- sorrow for the lost Lenore-
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Nameless here for evermore.
And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me- filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
"'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door-
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;-
This it is, and nothing more."
Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
"Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you"- here I opened wide the door;-
Darkness there, and nothing more.
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore?"
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!"-
Merely this, and nothing more.
Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
"Surely," said I, "surely that is something at my window lattice:
Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore-
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;-
'Tis the wind and nothing more!"
Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door-
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door-
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.
Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore-
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning- little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door-
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as "Nevermore."
But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered- not a feather then he fluttered-
Till I scarcely more than muttered, "Other friends have flown before-
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said, "Nevermore."
Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
"Doubtless," said I, "what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore-
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore
Of 'Never- nevermore'."
But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and door;
Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore-
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."
This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!
Then methought the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor.
"Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee- by these angels he hath sent thee
Respite- respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted-
On this home by Horror haunted- tell me truly, I implore-
Is there- is there balm in Gilead?- tell me- tell me, I implore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us- by that God we both adore-
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
"Be that word our sign in parting, bird or fiend," I shrieked, upstarting-
"Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken!- quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted- nevermore!
This version of the poem is from the Richmond Semi-Weekly Examiner, September 25, 1849. It is generally accepted as the final version authorized by Poe. Earlier and later versions had some minor differences.
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more."
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;- vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow- sorrow for the lost Lenore-
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Nameless here for evermore.
And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me- filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
"'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door-
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;-
This it is, and nothing more."
Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
"Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you"- here I opened wide the door;-
Darkness there, and nothing more.
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore?"
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!"-
Merely this, and nothing more.
Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
"Surely," said I, "surely that is something at my window lattice:
Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore-
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;-
'Tis the wind and nothing more!"
Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door-
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door-
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.
Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore-
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning- little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door-
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as "Nevermore."
But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered- not a feather then he fluttered-
Till I scarcely more than muttered, "Other friends have flown before-
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said, "Nevermore."
Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
"Doubtless," said I, "what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore-
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore
Of 'Never- nevermore'."
But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and door;
Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore-
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."
This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!
Then methought the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor.
"Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee- by these angels he hath sent thee
Respite- respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted-
On this home by Horror haunted- tell me truly, I implore-
Is there- is there balm in Gilead?- tell me- tell me, I implore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us- by that God we both adore-
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
"Be that word our sign in parting, bird or fiend," I shrieked, upstarting-
"Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken!- quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted- nevermore!
This version of the poem is from the Richmond Semi-Weekly Examiner, September 25, 1849. It is generally accepted as the final version authorized by Poe. Earlier and later versions had some minor differences.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Jellyfish:
Jellyfish speaks of simplifying your life. Go with the flow of the current and allow things to take their course. Trust the process. She shows how to rest in the earthly realm and not to rush. Life or mind chatter too hectic? Take a walk, get close to nature so you can see the world in a better light. In communication, your words and actions may sting others, however unintentional. She will help balance this forwardness with compassion. Jellyfish asks you heal the painful past. What is hurting your spirit? She assists in tackling challenges of the mind, body and spirit. She will help identify the areas for you - because it is time. Jellyfish may be very transparent but she shows the heart's truth, if you will follow it. This includes the pain and growth that may arise in the journey.
Angelfish:
Transformation of the spirit with spirit helpers, be aware to others who need assistance and for those who can help you. Fish in general show how to swim the currents of life, use of intuition to navigate effectively, aids in attuning to the world of emotions, the un/subconscious and other-worlds, heightened senses including visions, dreams and related psychic abilities. Do you currently feel stuck? The river says its time to flow. Fish can show how to ride the tide to new adventures
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Daily Affirmations
My work is hard but I am strong and I do not complain.
My rewards are few but I treasure what I have.
My need is great but my requests are small.
Asking only for what is fair, I wait with quiet patience,
and will receive with humble gratitude. - Amen
I invoke the spirit to guide and protect me.
My faith assures that only the positive may touch my being.
I am safe and at ease in body and spirit.
May prosperity flow freely through my life,
and may I embrace prosperity in all forms.
I sense a natural attration to wealth and its comforts.
May love enter my life and fill my heart and soul.
May the magic of love always inspire me to radiate warmth
and caring to all those who touch my life.
I invoke the spirit to guide and protect me.
My faith assures that only the positive may touch my being.
I am safe and at ease in body and spirit.
May prosperity flow freely through my life,
and may I embrace prosperity in all forms.
I sense a natural attration to wealth and its comforts.
May love enter my life and fill my heart and soul.
May the magic of love always inspire me to radiate warmth
and caring to all those who touch my life.
Desiderata
Desiderata
~~Max Ehrmann - 1927 ~~
 |
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit
If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all it's sham drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all it's sham drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
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