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From our inbox to you from; DailyOm Madisyn Taylor on… Mountain Meditation

SGC Admin: Mountains truly are a place where you can go and feel at one with nature… hubby and I, while not being seasoned mountain hikers by any means, have hiked up a few in our day… the hike up and sometimes the hike down again can be a challenge, but the reward at the top is always priceless.. Even on cloudy days, the peace and quiet of the mountain top can refresh and renew you … :)

Mountain Meditation

by Madisyn Taylor

 

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Mirror Lake: Lake Placid (town of) N.Y. State: Photo Greta McKenzie 2016

 

Meditating near a mountain can be both powerful and grounding in a most profound way.

Throughout history, humankind has stood in awe of mountains. The strength and sturdiness evident in the rocky crags and smooth slopes of peaks around the globe have from time immemorial inspired creativity and kindled courage.

Mountains have been venerated by many cultures, which worshipped great summits as gods and sacred beings. In their looming presence, humanity has seen power, steadfastness, and resolve. Yet you needn’t live near a mountain to tap into this vast energy of commanding grandeur. Conversely, since mountains are as unique in form as human beings, your locale may exist under the unwavering gaze of a small mountain without your knowing it. As you practice mountain meditation, the power that lurks in the heart of all mountains will flow into you while their essential beauty reminds you that you, too, are a creature of the earth.

If there are mountains in your area, plan to spend some time enjoying the peaceful embrace of Mother Nature, which can be a potent meditation aid. Likewise, grasping a rock or stone in your hand will enable you to easily tap into earth energy. If you are prevented by circumstance from visiting a mountain, however, begin by visualizing yourself at the base of a towering summit.

Holding a rock can be helpful to tune into mountain energy. You may find yourself picturing a steep and majestic snowcapped peak or a lush, tree-covered mass that rises gently from the earth. Sit or imagine yourself sitting at the mountain’s base and spend a few minutes simply coexisting with it. When you feel tranquil, express your intention to commune with your mountain and ask to receive its energy. Project your consciousness onto the mountain’s peak, and look down upon the flatlands over which it stands guard. Send light to the flora and fauna that call the mountain home. You may discover that you ! feel wonderfully immense and unshakable as you delve deeper into the meditation.

Finally, ask the mountain to serve as a guide and give it your sincerest gratitude. If you have literally visited a plateau or summit, pass time with the mountain by camping, hiking, or picnicking upon it. Or, if your journey has been a spiritual one, use your imagination to survey the sights, sounds, and scents of your mountain. As your explorations progress, you will become ever more grounded, growing gradually into your personal power. When you are finished meditating with mountain energy, give thanks to this strong and powerful energy for sharing time with you.
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SGC Admin: From our inbox to you from; Madisyn Taylor on “Bowing”

Bowing
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by Madisyn Taylor

Bowing has the quality of consciously evoking spirit and conveys a sense of reverence for the people involved.

Bowing is a universal gesture of respect and reverence. In many cultures, it is the predominant form of social greeting, and most religions incorporate it into their rituals of worship. In many cases, bowing signifies not only respect but also an acknowledgment of the shared divinity between the bower and the recipient. Bowing can also be a turning in toward our own divinity when we bow our heads in prayer, contemplation, or meditation. Bows range in form from a slight forward nod of the head to a full body prostration on the ground, and range in meaning from a simple greeting to a complete giving over of the self to the divine.

If you have ever bowed or been on the receiving end of a bow, you know that it is different from a handshake or a hug. Bowing has the quality of consciously evoking spirit and conveys a sense of reverence for the people involved. The word “Namaste,” which accompanies bowing in yoga, actually translates as “The divine spirit in me acknowledges the divine spirit in you.” When we greet one another with this kind of awareness, we can’t help but be more conscious that we are deeply connected to one another and to everyone, because this divine spirit resides in all of us.

There are simple bows and complicated bows, and subtle variations carry different meanings depending upon where you are, who you are, and a number of other factors. But we can all practice bowing by simply bringing our two hands together in prayer and pressing the thumb side of our hands lightly into our chests. Keeping a long spine, simply bend your head gently down so that you are looking at the tops of your fingers. Close your eyes and breathe consciously, paying homage to your spirit, the same spirit that resides within all of humanity.
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SGC Admin Events: Present and Upcoming

Scared Sound Bath with Julie Ditta February 12 2017

 

 

Sacred Sound Bath

  • Sunday, February 12 
    1:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Sacred Quest 118 John St. E.  Whitby
    $ 25 hr.
  • Facilitator: Julie Ditta of Whole Soul

Call Sacred Quest to book an appointment – 905-666-3010 

 Image result for Animated Glitter Graphics sound waves

  • A sacred sound bath is a healing experience where participants are immersed in the sounds of improvised music using singing bowls, drums, chimes, chanting and the didgeridoo.
  • From basic relaxation to deep penetrating healing, sound is a like a sonic frequency that is carried to every part of the body.
  • It energizes, boosts the immune system, tunes the nervous system, reduces stress, and heightens consciousness.
  • In this relaxing, yet powerful workshop you can experience the many physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits a sacred sound bath has to offers.
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SGC Admin: From our inbox to you from … Madisyn Taylor on Blessing Space…

SG Admin: :) If the many instead of the few practiced the following… think of the awesome “love and light” energy it would create… :)

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Blessing Space

by Madisyn Taylor

We can bless each space we enter leaving a sweet energetic footprint behind.

Physical space acts like a sponge, absorbing the radiant of all who pass through it. And, more likely than not, the spaces we move through each day have seen many people come and go. We have no way of knowing whether the energy footprints left behind by those who preceded us will invigorate us or drain us. Yet we can control the energy footprint we leave behind for others. In blessing each space we enter, we orchestrate a subtle energy shift that affects not only our own experiences in that space but also the experiences of the individuals who will enter the space after us. While we may never see the effects our blessing has had, we can take comfort in the fact that we have provided grace for those that follow after us.

When you bless a room or an entire building, you leave a powerful message of love and light for all those who will come after you. Your blessings thus have myriad effects on the environments through which you pass. Old, stagnant energy is cleared, creating a vacuum into which fresh and invigorating energy can freely flow. The space is thus rendered harmonious and nourishing, and it becomes a hub from which positive feelings are transmitted.

Intent is the key component of the blessings you leave in your physical wake. If your intent involves using your own consciousness as a tool for selflessly spreading grace, your blessings will never go awry. Whether you feel more comfortable performing a solo blessing or prefer to call upon your spirit guides for assistance, visualize each space you enter becoming free of toxins, chaos, and negativity as you speak your blessing. Then imagine the resultant emptiness being replaced by pure, healing white light and loving energy. Even a quick! k mindful thought of love can bless a space.

This type of blessing is cumulative and will grow each time you bestow it. Try blessing every home, business, and office you visit for an entire week and observing the effects of your goodwill. Your affirmative energy footprint will help brighten your day as you contemplate your blessing’s future impact on your siblings in humanity and your environment.
SGC Admin Pagan/Wiccan

From our inbox to you from Patti Wigington on Imbolc Rituals & Ceremonies

Imbolc Rituals & Ceremonies

Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate Imbolc. Some people focus on the Celtic goddess Brighid, in her many aspects as a deity of fire and fertility. Others aim their rituals more towards the cycles of the season, and agricultural markers. Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying — and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.

If you’re one of our readers below the equator, be sure to scroll down for information on rituals celebrating Lammas, or Lughnasadh, coming up at the beginning of August!

Patti Wigington
Paganism/Wicca Expert

Setting Up Your Imbolc Altar  It’s Imbolc, and that’s the Sabbat where many Pagans choose to honor the Celtic goddess Brighid, in her many aspects. However, other than having a giant statue of Brighid on your altar, there are a number of ways you can set up for the season. Depending on how much space you have, you can try some or even all of these ideas! READ NOWLike usPin us

Rituals for Imbolc  

Imbolc is fast approaching, so now’s the time to start planning your rituals. Whether you’re celebrating as a solitary or in a group, you can try these to welcome the season.

Honor Brighid at Imbolc – Group Rite
Imbolc Candle Ritual for Solitaries
Say Farewell to Winter – Family Ritual
Imbolc End-of-Winter Meditation
Imbolc Initiation Ceremony
Imbolc Re-dedication Ritual
Brighid’s Crossroads Divination
Imbolc Cleansing Ritual Bath
Imbolc House Cleansing Ceremony
Fire Scrying Ritual

Prayers to Celebrate the Imbolc Sabbat  If you’re looking for prayers or blessings to celebrate the sabbat of Imbolc, here’s where you’ll find a selection of original devotionals that bid farewell to the winter months and honor the goddess Brighid, as well as seasonal blessings for your meals, hearth, and home. Feel free to adjust or modify these prayers as you need to, in order to fit the themes of your own magical tradition and beliefs.

For Southern Hemisphere Readers: Lammas Rituals  Looking for rites and rituals for your Lammas or Lughnasadh celebration? Here’s where you’ll find ways to celebrate the harvest, honor the gods of the fields, and pay tribute to the Celtic god Lugh.