Mysticism

Julian of Norwich: Creation as tiny as a hazelnut

This extract from Revelations of Divine Love is chapter 5 from the first revelation. Here Julian discusses the nature of the creation and marvels at how small it is when seen within the eternity of God’s existence. She goes on to express the impossibility of finding peace within something so small and limited. “At the… Continue reading Julian of Norwich: Creation as tiny as a hazelnut

Astro Journal

How to Handle Venus Retrograde Transits

Venus represents your values and how you attract what you desire into your life, as well as your relationships, finances, aesthetic tastes, resources, possessions, creative projects, and feelings of self-worth. When she goes retrograde you can reassess these parts of your life so you can realign them with your deepest soul values. To make the… Continue reading How to Handle Venus Retrograde Transits

Mysticism

Julian of Norwich: Revelations of Divine Love

Julian of Norwich was a mystic and anchoress of the 14th century and wrote Revelations of Divine Love, the first book to be written in English by a woman. Not much is known about her life, but she was born in about 1342 and may have been from a wealthy family that lived in Norwich.… Continue reading Julian of Norwich: Revelations of Divine Love

Film & TV

Stranger Than Fiction: Death and Taxes, and the Meaning of Life

Stranger Than Fiction is a perfect example of the Virgo archetype on film. It’s a modern fable about the interconnectivity of life and the power of stories and literature. The story follows Harold Crick, a taxman who lives a very ordered life until his wristwatch decides to stir things up a bit. The film is… Continue reading Stranger Than Fiction: Death and Taxes, and the Meaning of Life

Free Your Pen

Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Expect Applause

Don’t expect applause is about not expecting recognition or applause for the things you do. The original slogan is the same and it encourages you to let go of attachment to the outcome, in a similar way to slogan 28. Nobody in their right mind expects applause for practising mind training and meditation. You know… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Expect Applause

Astro Journal · Mythology

Zodiac Myths: The Story Behind Virgo

We leave behind the roaring lion and embrace the humble virgin. As a mutable earth sign, Virgo strives to bring order and perfection to the world through the alchemical synthesis of paradox. She carries fire and grain and embodies the secrets of life, the cycles of nature and the force that makes things grow. Virgo… Continue reading Zodiac Myths: The Story Behind Virgo

Free Your Pen

Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Be Frivolous

Don’t be frivolous is about finding the right balance between joy and seriousness, and focusing on the things that really matter to you. The original lojong slogan is the same, and on face value, seems to be telling you to not have any fun. But thankfully, there’s more to it than that. This slogan is… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Be Frivolous

Free Your Pen

Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Be Jealous

Don’t be jealous is about remembering not to be jealous of others. The original slogan is the same and it encourages you to pay attention to how you compare yourself with others, especially when you feel insecure. Jealousy comes from a feeling of not having enough or not being good enough. The more you notice… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Be Jealous

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Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Wallow

Don’t wallow is about not letting your darker feelings drag you under, especially when things don’t go your way or your meditation practice becomes more challenging. The original lojong slogan is: Don’t wallow in self-pity, which reminds you not to feel sorry for yourself, no matter what you’re going through. If you’ve been examining and… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Wallow

Film & TV · Psychology

The Fisher King: Forgiveness and the Quest for Redemption

In the post on Leo Myths we looked at the quest for meaning in the story of the Holy Grail. The fulfilment of this quest is the healing of the Fisher King and that brings us to the 1991 film by Terry Gilliam. The Fisher King is a comedy-drama about Jack Lucas, a misanthropic DJ… Continue reading The Fisher King: Forgiveness and the Quest for Redemption

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Buddhist Writing Prompt: Examine and Analyse

Examine and analyse is about examining how you’re doing with your mind training and analysing how you can continue to improve. The original lojong slogan is: Liberate yourself by examining and analysing, and it turns the previous slogan on its head. Instead of dissolving your problems by opening your heart, this slogan asks you to… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Examine and Analyse

Astro Journal · Mythology

Zodiac Myths: The Story Behind Leo

Out of the watery depths of Cancer springs a roaring Lion. As a fixed fire sign, Leo takes the natural creative impulse of life and gives it focus and stability to share it with the world. True creativity involves an heroic quest of self-discovery powered by the inner sun and the desire to find out… Continue reading Zodiac Myths: The Story Behind Leo