Sunday, November 28, 2010

GOOD HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE.....




Alot of people ask what good shave ice stores are there around Hawaii, and so we decided to create a list of some shave ice stores that we can think of off top of our head. Since there are so many stores, there may be some that we have forgotten. Please, if you know a good shave ice store or if your store is not listed, tell us and we would be more than glad to add it onto the list!







Oahu


Matsumoto Shave Ice - The King and World renown, need we say more?


Aoki's Shave Ice - A great alternative for Matsumotos. Shave ice is packed by hand and spoon. Also one of my favorite places and a beautiful old building.


Island Sno- Great place to eat shave ice if you are swimming in Kailua


Shimazu Shave Ice- Known for its fine texture and large size. Very traditional hand packed style shave ice.


Waiolas - Known for their melt in your mouth texture and one of the most popular shave ice stores. Very similar to Hula Girls Shave Ice's style!


Hyatt Regency- Good for those on waikiki beach


Diamon Head Concession- For alamoana beach


Onolicious Dog - At Hilton Hotel


Island Freeze- International market place


Paradise Burgers and Grill - Right inside Diamond Head crater. Perfect for those planning to hike the trail.


Ewa Seed - In Ewa Beach


Kokonuts- Where Obama got his shave ice at.


Tropicana- On waialae ave. Has alot of asian toppings.


Ice Garden - Asian style shave ice


Baldwins Shave Ice - A favorite for those living in the Waimalu area.


Tropical Rush - In north shore. Also sells surf boards and other swim wear.


Sea Country General Store- Serves shave ice in Waianae.


Dave's Ice Cream- Serves shave ice at stores in Waimanalo, Kapahulu, and around town.


Hale Koa- For those military personnel staying at the hotel.


Sheraton - There is a shave ice there somewhere, you can ask if you stay there.


Coconut Cafe- Right on Kuhio ave.


Shigalicious- On kinau st.


Moilili general store- Right on South King St. across from Zippys.


Kam Swap Meet- Right at the entrance


Kay's CrackSeed- At Manoa Shopping Center


Hanaki Restaurant-For those wishing to have shave ice with a japanese buffet.


Pineapple Coconut Hut- In Ala Moana Shopping Center


Koolina Beach Resort - Great shave ice is served in the snack bar area


Honolulu Adventure Park - Hawaii's only water park, with shave ice and cotton candy!


Beard Papa's- Perhaps some shave ice with your cream puff?


Aloha Stadium - Shave ice with swap meet






Big Island


Scandinavian Shave Ice - One of the most popular shave ice destinations on the Big Island. Located on Alii Dr


Hawaiian Ice Cones- Small friendly shave ice store located in Kailua Kona. Across from Kona Shopping Center.


Wilsons By the Bay - Popular shave ice store in Hilo


Kohaha Coffee Mill - In Hawi


Kawate Seed Store - In Hilo


Anue Nue Ice Cream - In Kawaihae Shopping Center


Beach Dog Internet Cafe






Maui


Tom's Mini Mart - Very friendly shave ice store in Wailuku


Local Boys Maui - Serves a variety of flavors in Kihei


Marriot - For customers who live in the Hotel


Aloha Island Shave Ice - In Hana


Westin Kanapali Resort - In the resort!


HomeMaid Bakery - with baked goods too!






Kauai


Hawaiian Blizzard Shave Ice - Great shave ice in Kapa'a outside the Big Save market, home of the $7 all u can eat Shave Ice! Say hi to Aron for us!


JoJo's Shave Ice - great story but be sure to go to the original in the alley


Koloa Shave Ice


Wishing Well- Hanalei, "Every shave ice is made custom for you. So please relax - enjoy and aloha!" reads their sign so chill out and wait! or she'll shout you a "Try wait, ya!"



Saturday, November 27, 2010

Kim Taylor Reece...Hawaii's Artist





 


Kim Taylor Reece, Hawaii’s foremost fine art photographer, has been studying hula kahiko for nearly 25 years. A catalyst of Hawaii’s Cultural Renaissance, his photography captures the mystery and magic of this dance, which for generations has excited the imaginations of people around the world.






In his research, Kim has traveled with the Hawaii State Foundation of Culture and the Arts, enabling him to study and work with dancers from more than 37 different Pacific Islands. His extensive research of costumes and dances of the early Hawaiians captures the spirit and essence of this ancient ritual.






His unique style has established the visual standards for hula kahiko. As millions encounter Kim’s work everyday, it helps to preserve the hula and enrich lives with his fine art photography.






Kim’s award winning photography has brought him worldwide recognition. Over the years, Kim has received 15 Pele Awards (communication and arts), Print Magazine Awards, Kahili Awards (HVCB), Travel Journalism Awards and National Community Service Awards. His images have been acquired by collectors, dignitaries, and museums internationally.






He studied art at Long Beach State in California and because he is color-blind was told to "change majors or be a starving artist". He uses it to his advantage in capturing the subtleties of the kahiko in black and white. He uses sepia tone to represent the timelessness of the dance. Kim has been publishing his art prints since 1983.






Kim has a gallery at Sacred Falls, Oahu, Hawaii. "The beauty in nature of the lush green valley and the striking blue ocean exemplifies what I am trying to portray through my work." Says the artist of his remote location.






For those who appreciate hula, Kim Taylor Reece has devoted his talents to the celebration of Hawaii’s ancient dance.


Hula Kahiko


















Plant A Seed For Prosperity




 Plant a Seed for Prosperity

With the New Year just around the corner, now is the time to begin thinking about what you want to manifest in the coming year… Or why wait? Plant that seed now to stimulate growth! Rather than simply “thinking” about what you want to nurture, this exercise will physically put your goals into motion when you “plant a seed for prosperity.”


What seed of an idea would you like to plant and grow into an opportunity? Financial abundance? Protection? It could be a skill or personal quality you’d like to acquire, or new adventure or creation. You probably already have a goal in mind, but just need to know what direction to put that energy in. For those that are still struggling with what they want to focus on, sit in meditation, or open your intuition and listen for divine messages that will help shape your goals or resolutions. When you have determined what it is that you are going to nurture in the coming year, write it down on a piece of paper.


From the list at the end of this article, locate the appropriate type of tree/seed based upon the corresponding energy that you are wanting to manifest. (You may want to also look up additional horticulture tips for the requirements of the different species, including climate and timing for planting to ensure a successful sprouting.)


When you’re ready to plant the seed, pick up the plant seed and concentrate on it, infusing it with your desires. If planting in a pot, first place your written desire at the bottom of the pot, or if planting outside, at the bottom of a hole that you have dug. Next, cover with a little soil, and proceed with planting your seed. Your written desire will feed the roots of the tree as it grows. Visit the sprouting tree frequently, water it, and emotionally feed it as well, knowing that as it grows, so will your desire.


Here are some appropriate trees to use:






Oak – Solid and strong, the Oak is the tree of endurance and triumph. When meditating or grounding, it is often the Oak tree that we visualize and embody because of its tremendous root system and its ability to anchor our souls.






Birch – As the Birch tree is the earliest tree to produce new leaves each year, it is known as a symbol of fertility and new beginnings. Birch brings luck in new endeavors, and aids in accomplishing goals. Bundles of birch twigs were bound together for use in witches’ brooms, and to ward off negative spirits.






Apple – The Apple tree is one of the most sacred trees, holding the energy of eternal youth and happiness in the afterlife. Cutting down an Apple tree was considered so unlucky in Ireland that they would call for a sacrifice of a person as payment for such wrongdoing.






Alder – Alder is associated with rebirth (resurrection), as the petals on the Alder tree reflect the spiral pattern of creation. Use Alder for situations concerning death or birth.






Rowan – The tree of fire, Rowan represents inspiration and vitality. Leaves of Rowan may be used to increase psychic powers, while the branches of the Rowan tree are often used for fabricating wands. If you had a magickal wand, made from the Rowan tree, what would you want to manifest?






Willow – The Willow embodies similar energy to that of the Moon. It provides protection from nightmares, harm, and betrayal.






Hawthorne – The tree associated with purification and chastity, this tree is used to bring forth a lighter energy, that of the fairy. It is no wonder that the Hawthorne tree is sacred to fairies, and cutting one down brings misfortune.






Holly – Holly is associated with luck and protection. Holly leaves are sometimes used for divination, as the number of berries indicates the severity of the coming winter.






Maple – With a sweetness like syrup, the Maple attracts love, money, and luck. It is often used for treasure chests and jewelry boxes holding your most precious items. Maple will offer the sweet allure to attract what you want.






Ash – The Ash tree is an ancient tree, associated with the Norse, and sacred to Poseidon, God of the Sea. Placing ash leaves under your pillow will aid in prophetic dreams






Hazel – Hazel is the tree that blooms with wisdom. Hazel nuts are strung and used for happiness within the home. Forked Hazel branches are often used as dowsing rods to aid in divination and locating water or hidden objects.






Elder – The Elder tree is associated with magick and manifestation. If hung over doorways, it repels negative spirits and energies, but if burned, it calls forth and invites negative spirits.






Friday, November 26, 2010

Hawaii is in Mourning

Hawaiian radio legend Krash Kealoha dies

 The Hawaiian music world is in mourning this Thanksgiving.






The father of modern Hawaiian radio Krash Kealoha passed away Thursday morning in his Waimanalo home.


Kealoha was suffering from a tumor and decided to forgo radiation treatment. According to Kealoha's wife, Chris, he was in poor condition.


Kealoha was the program director for KCCN FM 100, produced both radio and television shows, managed local musical groups and started the Na Hoku Hanohano awards.


Hawaiian music was always on Kealoha's mind. Friends in the Hawaiian music community say he was an integral part of pushing the music forward.


"He became the leader and program director of a unique group of people that would continue 30, 40 years to shape Hawaiian music. He took care of that and gave it forward to a younger generation of not only radio people, but entertainers," Hawaiian 105 KINE radio personality and entertainer Billy V said. "




Kealoha was also known for his spirit of aloha.






"Krash had a way of expressing himself like very few people. He knew that aloha was first. He had the sense of aloha when he spoke, whether to you, or me, or visitors who were coming here," Billy V said. "He had that sense of aloha in everything he did and he wasn't ready to leave yet. There was more that he wanted to do."


Kealoha also appeared in several TV shows including Magnum, P.I., Hawaii Five-O and The Jeffersons.
Kealoha's real name was Victor Opiopio.
RIP.....braddah Krash








The Aloha Tradition





The Aloha Tradition







While a few ancient Hawaiian customs have faded from memory, the tradition of lei-giving has managed to subsist and flourish. In the beautiful islands of Hawaii, everyone wears leis. A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor, or greeting. In other words, it is a symbol of Aloha. Take a walk around Hawaii; you’ll find leis everywhere—graduations, parties, dances, weddings, and yes, even at the office. In Hawaii, any occasion can be considered special and “lei-worthy.” No one can resist the vibrant colors, the intoxicating fragrances, or the beautiful tradition of Hawaii’s most recognized icon…the flower lei.


The History of the Lei


The custom of the flower lei was introduced to Hawaii from the various surrounding Polynesian islands and even Asia. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty, and rank. Leis were also heavily associated with hula, religion and geography.






Most Hawaiians preferred the Maile lei--a leafy vine that has fragrant spicy-sweet leaves that is draped and worn open-ended to the waist. However, royalty and Hawaiian chieftains favored the fiery, vibrant Ilima—a thin orange blossom that requires hundreds of flowers to make a single lei strand. Hawaiian Princess Kaiulani’s favorite lei was the Pikake—named after the peacocks in her garden—for the heavenly white blossoms and sweet jasmine fragrance.






The state of Hawaii is consists of eight major islands. Each island has its own designated lei which represents a harmonious marriage of texture and color. Most of these leis are unavailable for shipping to the mainland due to strict agricultural laws.






Hawaii – Lehua


Oahu – Ilima


Maui – Lokelani


Kauai – Mokihana


Molokai – Kukui


Lanai – Kaunaoa


Niihau – Pupu


Kaho’olawe – Hinahina


Before the familiar hum of airline jets were heard in the sky, tourist and travelers arrived in Hawaii by boat. Many old Hawaiians retell their stories of “boat days” with fond memories. When the boat would arrive at the dock, it was a social celebration with lei greeters, hula dancers, music, and photographers. A common custom for departing travelers was to toss their leis into the ocean by Diamond Head Crater. A safe return to Hawaii was ensured if their lei drifted to shore.






Since May 1, 1928, Hawaii has celebrated every May first as it’s official “Lei Day.” Hawaiians call it “May Day.” The flower lei is celebrated passionately on May Day with Hula, parades, and music. On May Day, most parents request to take a day off of work so they can watch their children participate in May Day festivities and programs at school. Everyone in Hawaii is encouraged to wear a lei on May Day.






Lei Etiquette


Leis can be worn, received, or given for almost any occasion. In Hawaii, a lei is given for an office promotion, a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, or any special event. Yet more notably, a lei can be worn for no other reason than to enjoy the fragrance, take pleasure in the beautiful flowers, or simply, to celebrate the “Aloha Spirit.”






There is one big faux pas that should never be made. Never refuse a lei! Always graciously accept the lei with a toothy smile and a kiss on the cheek. (If you don’t feel comfortable with giving or receiving a kiss on the cheek, a warm hug is acceptable!) If you are allergic or sensitive to flowers, then discreetly and apologetically slip-off the lei. It is acceptable and considered a kind gesture to offer the lei to your spouse if you are unable to wear it.






Last, but not least, there is one more taboo…it is considered (in Hawaii) impolite to give a closed (tied) lei to a pregnant woman. Many Hawaiians feel that a closed lei around the neck is bad luck for the unborn child. (Head Hakus and open-ended leis are acceptable to give to pregnant woman.)




























Thursday, November 18, 2010

You Know You From Hawaii WEN.....




For all you local guys and gurls out dea......You know  you from Hawaii when...






- You can understand and speak pidgin english and da people from da mainland cannot understand you!






- No body is completely sure where "north" is...




- You eat rice every single day




- Its shave ice not snow cones, shoyu not soy sauce, saimin not ramen, slippers not flip flops




- The name Duke means royalty...




- You know what "ukus" are and you had um at least once when you was one lil keiki




- Da term "dress up" means one nice aloha shirt and jeans




- You know what "tutu" means




- You get a million pairs of rubbah slippahs outside your house when your family gets together




- You eat portuguese sausage, eggs and rice for breakfast




- You buy large quantities of toilet paper in case ders a longshoreman strike




- You would serve spam as a meat for dinner




- You know wut da "stink eye" is and how to give it




- You can correctly pronounce Kalanianaole, Kalakaua and Aiea




- You know wut a "Huli Huli" chicken is




- You know da difference between being hapa and hapai




- You know wut it takes to get into Kamehameha schools




- You tink 70 degrees is cold




- Public transportation = Da Bus




- You spent half your life barefoot




- You eat mango wit shoyu, vinegar and pepper




- You know how for cook rice by measuring da water wit da knuckle of your index finger




- You call everyone older den you "Aunty" or "Uncle" even if dey arent related to you




- The idea of taking something from a heiau is unthinkable




- A approaching hurricane only means one thing....Surfs up brah!




- Beans are da perfect condiment for ice cream






ALL PAU!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

BETRAYED??



BETRAYED ???


For those who have been betrayed by husband, wife, fiance, fiancee, lover and friend.....welcome on board, love is not lost, its been misplaced until you find the right one......the pain passes but the beauty remains....there is the reason WHY..


FORGET THEM!! Forget their name,forget their face, forget their kiss, their warm embrace.


Forget the love that you once knew, remember they have someone new.
Forget them when they played your song, remember when you cried all night long.


Forget how close you once were, remember they have chosen him or her.
Forget how you memorized their walk, forget the way they used to talk. Forget the things they used to say, remember they have gone away.


Forget their laugh, forget their grin, forget the dimples on their chin. Forget the way they held you tight, remember they're not with you tonight. Forget the time that went so fast, forget the love that moved, its past. Forget they'd said they'd leave you never, remember they're gone forever.






Nani.......

When A Man



When a MAN looks at u with eyes full of questions ... he is wondering how long you will be around.
When a Man answers ' I'm fine ' after a few seconds ... he is not at all fine.
When a Man stares at you he is wondering why you are lying.
When a Man lays on your chest .. he is wishing for you to be his forever. When a Man wants to see you everyday... he wants to be pampered.
When a Man says ' I love you ' .. he means it.
When a Man says ' I miss you ' .... no one in this world can miss you more than that.
Life only comes around once make sure u spend it with the right person .... Find a guy .. who calls you beautiful instead of hot.
Who calls you back when you hang up on him.
Who will stay awake just to watch you sleep.
Wait for the guy who ..... kisses your forehead.
Who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats.
Who holds your hand in front of his friends.
Who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares about you and how lucky he is to have you.
Who turns to his friends and says, ' That's her!! '


He is the man .......

Thursday, November 11, 2010

VETERANS DAY...11 NOV 2010

REMEMBERANCE DAY ... GOD BLESS THE MILITARY ...

For The Fallen
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.
Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
They mingle not with laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England’s foam.
But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.
Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

Animal OMENS



Animals harbor personality traits, and afford us visions of how our lives could be if we lived more simply. By incorporating animal totems into our lives and focusing on the attributes of our totem animals, we are able to understand and internalize these traits, and therefore begin to externalize the characteristics we learn from our animal spirit guides, our totems, our familiars.

Have you been drawn to a specific animal since childhood? Do you frequently dream of an animal that appears and want to understand what the animal represents? When in nature, do you often encounter a certain animal? To discover more about the fascinating realm of animals as spirit guides, and sacred animal totems, simply refer to the list of animals below to unleash the message your animal guide is bringing to you!

1. OWL

In certain cultures, primarily China, Egypt, and India, the symbolic meaning of owl is associated with death, however, it is not a symbol of death per se; it was honored for being the guardian of the after-life. In Native American tribes, Owls are respected as a protector, as their feathers were ritually worn to ward of negative energy and ill minded spirits. In ancient Greece, the owl was an emblem of wisdom, foresight and knowledge. The owl is a creature of the night, symbolic of inner knowing, psychic ability, and intuition. If an owl has visited you, an incredible gift has been bestowed, granting you strong intuitive abilities, and perhaps a message to further develop your intuition.

2. HORSE

The message of the horse is one of practical love, abundance, and fertility. The horse is honored as an emblem of life-force, and many cultures assign the attributes of the four elements (Earth, Fire, Air and Water) to the horse, making it an animal of perfect balance. Carl Jung observed that the horse embodies aspects of human nature, and therefore believed that it was a symbol of the human body in certain dreams. Seeing yourself riding a horse in your dreams may indicate successful conclusion. Falling off of a horse indicates nervousness. Horses embody wild freedom, and this energy can be harnessed for your own growth. The relationship between man and horse is a silent contract, one that acknowledges mutual respect and awareness of responsibility to each other.

3. DOLPHIN

With speed, diligence and intelligence, the dolphin signifies the love embodied within the womb. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was believed to take the form of the dolphin, and was referred to as the Woman of the Sea. The dolphin is connected with the meaning of duality, as it swims underwater and breathes in air, representing that it is in two worlds at once, a conveyor of the concept of yin and yang.

4. SPIDER

Just as spiders spend their entire life weaving webs, we too weave our lives. The spider totem serves as a reminder to be aware of the choices we make as we construct our lives. When the spider appears, ask yourselves: What choice am I about to make that will significantly affect my life? What choice can I make to improve my life? Are my choices affecting others in my life?

When we are able to see our choices and decisions from a different perspective, we can recognize how we are weaving our web that can either serve us or enslave us. The spider symbol beckons us to be mindful of our actions as we weave our life web.

5. CATS

As an ancient symbolic animal, the domestic cat represents the guardian of the underworld and is associated with transformation, just as the veil of night shifts our perception of reality. Cats remind us to be resourceful and tend to encourage change, flexibility and adaptability in our lives. If a feline is making an uncommon appearance in our lives, it is a message for us to shake up our habitual routines and make some fresh changes in our lives, as well as to be more flexible in our thinking. Sometimes a cat can appear quite aloof, and perhaps it would serve you well to heed their message to distance yourself from certain people or situations.

6. SNAKE

The snake holds significant symbolism in many cultures, and depending on your heritage or spiritual leanings, the meaning of the snake as a totem will vary. In general, the snake is representative of wisdom and rebirth. When the snake appears as a totem, you can expect a transition or spiritual awakening to take place. Recurring dreams about snakes or a snake encounter can indicate a fear or an unresolved issue or, more broadly, something in your life that is in need of completion. When the snake appears, take notice of how the snake looks. Is the snake coiled in slumber, or are its fangs exposed and ready to attack? A coiled snake usually symbolizes that an awakening will happen. A snake ready to bite could indicate a need for you to defend your territory or personal beliefs. A snake shedding is representative of a death, usually a symbolic death, which will create a space for a new birthing to occur.

7. WOLF

Wolves are usually viewed as something threatening that attacks during the night when we are at our most vulnerable state. When they appear, they bring forth everything you are afraid of in yourself and in situations you encounter in life, including self-destructive tendencies, aggression, sexual desires, financial problems, ego issues and hidden fears that linger inside of you. Working with the energy of the wolf will help you conquer your fears, and leave you feeling less vulnerable in life.

8. HAWK

The hawk is known for its tremendous vision, which is a key factor in their incredible hunting abilities. If a hawk is appearing in your life, he brings the message for you to keep your eyes open and to focus on the areas that are out of balance in our lives. Recognition of any imbalances is the first step to solutions and steering through the darker nights ahead that he is helping you navigate. In Native American beliefs, the hawk is a solar animal which is representative of fire and sun, bearing attributes such as brilliance, passion, clarity and energy.

9. SHARK

People with the shark totem navigate through life with a specialized primal instinct, a hard-wired knowing that guides certain humans. This infallible and reliable instinct is to protect the sacred life of others, and yourself, confirming trust in yourself. The shark identifies the tendency for forward momentum in life, being extremely driven and perpetually moving forward as you meet life full-on. You may rarely stay in the “shallow end” of life, as you would rather charge through the waves with experience, all the while, welcoming adventure.

If you seek symbolic meanings to animals you are encountering, I encourage you to meditate upon the animal. You can also try lucid dreaming, where you can become conscious in your dream and are aware that you are dreaming. If you are able to do this, then ask the totem animal what it is they want and why you keep dreaming about them? This simple step of acknowledgment invites this spirit guide into your life and will bring forth the information to assist you. Animals are quite willing to share their knowledge with you when you are open and willing to receive them.

NN

Friday, November 5, 2010

Diwali: Dispel the Darkness


Diwali: Dispel the Darkness


Diwali, also known as Deepavali, means rows of lights. It is a festival of lights! It is a four to five day festival celebrated in India and Nepal, and usually coincides with the monsoons ending. Celebrants light millions of small clay lamps throughout their home and in the streets, and give offerings to Krishna, Vishnu, or Rama. They wear new clothes, and draw elaborate rangolis, drawings made out of sand, outside their homes.

Lighting of the lamps symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and ignorance, good triumphing over evil, and illuminating the joy in our lives. Firecrackers are lit to sound off to the gods that we are enjoying life’s abundance. It is also rumored that the smoke of the firecrackers has a more mundane use – it kills the bugs and insects that are abundant after the monsoons.

People gamble at this time because it was said that the Goddess Parvati gambled with her husband, Lord Shiva. She decreed that anyone who gambled at this time would have a prosperous new year.


Each region in India and Nepal dedicates days to a variety of gods, goddesses, and even the sacred cow. Much of the lore revolves around stories of good triumphing over evil, insight dispelling ignorance, and love and wisdom prevailing.

In one story that is central to Diwali, Lord Vishnu battles King Bali. King Bali sought great power, and performed immense sacrifices and ceremonies to obtain this power. Lord Vishnu grew concerned that the power would corrupt Bali. Lord Vishnu confronts Bali, and shows him how ignorant it is to reach for such power. Bali is banished to the underworld, with only one day of freedom each year. On the longest night, Bali rises from depths to light the millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance.

The final day, Yama Dvitiya, honors the bond between brother and sister. On this night, sisters invite their brothers to dinner in remembrance of another epic story about Yama, the lord of death, and his twin sister, Yami. It is believed that Yama and Yami were the first people on earth, and there was only daylight. The night sky and stars were hidden. The brother and sister deeply loved each other, and enjoyed an eternally blissful life until Yama dies. Yami is so heartbroken that no one, not even the gods, can console her. Because the day is eternal, so is Yami’s grief for her brother. To help end her grieving, the gods created night. With the dawning of each day her grief lessened, and she was able to honor the life of her brother.

Enjoy this time as a period of starting fresh, look for where ignorance lies blindly in your life, and illuminate the joys around you.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Feng Shui Tip for: 02 Nov 2010



Feng Shui Tip


Today celebrates another secular holiday called 'All Soul's Day,' a day devoted to sending compassion, love and light to all of those who have gone on to their final destination.

There are some interesting funerary customs and beautiful celebrations followed by mourners in the East to mark the anniversary of the death of their loved one. One of these says that on the year anniversary of a loved one's passing, a lamp or candle should left to burn out on their gravesite.

In China, on each April 15, those people are taxed with tending to the graves of their ancestors. After restoring beauty to the site, a picnic would be held in honor of the heart and soul of the dearly departed. Again, on the anniversary of the death, it's also customary to draw a picture of a gift that is then put inside a red envelope and burned for the deceased. It's believed that the smoke will carry the gift, the love and the well wishes into the next world for the ancestors to enjoy. Any or all of these c eremonies and rituals would be a perfect complement to the energies surrounding today's collective conscious. May they all rest in peace.