Happy Saturday, everyone!  Today answers without, answers within features card readings for Miss KT, who asked a very simple question:

Can you do a spread on my current hanging relationship?

Easy enough: asking Doreen Virtue’s Ascended Masters Oracle Cards to provide a snapshot of Miss KT’s current relationship while shuffling the cards, the following were drawn in the usual 3-card Past-Present-Future spread:

Interpretation:
The “Past” card speaks about the immediate past in relation to the question asked:  This is a “just do it!” card; with its presence in the Past, it might indicate that the reason Miss KT is asking for a reading on the “hanging relationship” is because she’s about had enough, knows what to do, but can’t quite bring herself to make the break.  The mesage of this card is essentially to stop dithering and do what needs to be done.

The “Present” card speaks about your question’s current status, or what you need to know / need to work on right now:  This is a powerful positive card that indicates all obstacles have been cleared; whatever that Miss KT wants to happen will happen, she just has to make it happen: the Universe is about as aligned as it can ever be to assist her.  Another “just do it!” card, if you think about it.

The “Future” card speaks about what awaits you if you take the advice and walk the path indicated in the previous card:  This is a card for encouragement and validation: “You can do it!”.  The message here is success is yours, if you believe in it and work towards it.

Summary: (more…)

Happy Friday, everyone!  Today answers without, answers within features card readings for Mr G, who writes:

For as long as I can remember I can’t maintain a job or a business for a long time, and recently I’m struggling financially and it seems like everything I do don’t go my way and always facing an obstacles.  my questions are:
1. when will things improve for me?
2. what kind of business that suits me?
I hope you will help me. I’m lost and don’t know what to do. Thank you.
He recently added that (his) finance situation is just “hovering” now. I found a new way to earn money and can only managed to cover basic needs, like school’s fee, milk,etc but not much left at the end. and my new found business also not stable (i might lose my potential customer any time) and it’s risky. I do hope that there’s a significant improvement in my finance.

Since Mr G talks about a long-lasting problem on going in his life, once again I reached for Doreen Virtue’s Ascended Masters Oracle Cards and tried another round of the 6-card Past Life Spread while asking for an explanation for Mr G’s seemingly never-ending no-win situation.  The cards drawn were:

Past: Ragoczy and Mary are all about nurturing, both of yourself and others. My impression of the cards in this position, in this spread, for this question, is that Mr G might be socially awkward and have low self-confidence: the low self-confidence results in his not taking care of himself, and in tandem with the social awkwardness, he might have neglected opportunities to mentor, coach and guide others.  This not giving of his Self to others might be blocking his energy and luck.

Present: I read these cards as representing what actions Mr G should take presently to shake off the influence of the past.  The cards here recommend writing and crystalwork.  Thoth’s exhortation to write doesn’t necessarily mean “you must become an author”; it could just be a suggestion to start keeping a journal (or in this day and age: a blog!).  It’s mainly to let your creative juices flow.  Epona can also represent working with horses, though I will take her presence to mean that in additon to writing, Mr G might benefit from exploring the world of crystals: perhaps there’s some healing that needs to be done?

Future: So the future indicated should be what’s awaiting as a result of doing what is recommended in the Present… and the message here seems to be that of taking time out for some major contemplation and introspection.  The Buddha recommends meditation, self-contemplation, releasing yourself from the shackles of the ego; while the Green Man is all about communing with nature, getting in touch with Mother Earth.  One way to look at it is if there’s a job opportunity that brings you to a rural area, or out of the city and into the suburbs, this might be the way to go, since it should bring you closer to the natural world.

Summary: The cause for the ever-looming problems faced by Mr G might  have something to do with lack of nurturing that Mr G provides, both for himself at to others.  In order to overcome this, Mr G might find journal-keeping beneficial, along with some energy healing via crystalwork.  In the future, it might be in Mr G’s best interests to meditate regularly, perhaps to continue with the healing provided by the crystals.  In addition, he should consider spending more time in the outdoors communing with nature.

= = =

With the big picture tackled, I then did a regular 3-card Past/Present/Future spread for Mr G’s two specific questions stated at the top of this post.

Question 1: When will things improve? (more…)

StephanieB is currently in the middle of the favourable Wood season (Yi-Mao Luck Pillar, ages 36-45).  Let’s see what awaits her in the two subsequent decades where she trasition from an already favourable Wood season to an even more favourable Fire season at age 56.

Bing-Chen Luck Pillar (ages 46-55)

This final Luck Pillar of the Wood season brings into play Yang Fire (Bing) and the Dragon (Chen).  There are only two interactions at this time:

Bing-Xin Heavenly Stem interaction
The Bing (Yang Fire) Heavenly Stem of this Luck Pillar interacts with the Xin (Yin Metal) in StephanieB’s Year Column of her Natal Chart and indicates betrayal might be in the air; StephanieB would probably benefit from exercising caution when it comes to who she trusts during this decade.

Water Frame Three Harmony Combination in 2016
The Dragon and the Rat need a Monkey to form a Water Frame Three Harmony Combination: this occurs in 2016, Year of the Monkey.  So during this particular year, StephanieB might face challenges relating to Water, which corresponds to her (unfavourable) Influence Factor.  This might come in the form of waning authority and influence at work, or some issues with her spouse, for example.

Ding-Si Luck Pillar (ages 56-65)

This first Luck Pillar of the Fire season brings into play Yin Fire (Ding) and the Snake (Si).  There is only one interaction (in addition to what is always going on in the Natal Chart!) during this period:

Snake-Pig Clash(es)
A Clash indicates opposition, change, perhaps the loss or removal of somone or something.  In this case, however, the Clash involves the unfavourable Pigs in StephanieB’s Natal chart; as such, the overall outcome of the Clash is positive, indicating opportunities for growth despite having problems erupt involving StephanieB and her spouse, and her and her parents.

Summary:
The following two decades see Stephanie B continuing to be in good shape.  There are some challenges on the horizon, but with prevention and a great attitude, StephanieB should be able to weather it all and continue to enjoy great times.

= = =

The next BaZi / Paht Chee analysis will be for Ms F.  Stay tuned for more Ascended Masters Oracle card readings too!

= = =

Please note I am no longer accepting requests for free BaZi/PahtChee readings until I get caught up with the existing requests on queue: this may take me a few months into 2010!  If you’d like the chance to get a free BaZi/PahtChee reading similar to this one once I’m all caught up, keep an eye on Free Readings For You! for new announcements.  Thanks!

= = =

The following books were used as reference for this analysis:

• Joey Yap’s Bazi The Destiny Code Revealed - Delve Deeper into the Four Pillars of Destiny (main reference)
• Joey Yap’s BaZi - The Destiny Code: Your Guide to the Four Pillars of Destiny
• Lillian Too’s Eight Characters Chinese Personal Forecasting

Please feel free to follow these links if you’re interested in viewing and/or purchasing these products. This blogger receives revenue share from each product sold.

Yi (Yin Wood) and Mao (Rabbit) interact with StephanieB’s Natal Chart in many ways

Yi-Geng Heavenly Stem Combination:
This Yi (Yin Wood) - Geng (Yang Metal) combination produces Metal, which is StephanieB’s (unfavourable) Wealth Factor.  However, because of the (double?) Wood Frame Three Harmony Combination that provides plenty of fuel to her Fire, StephanieB in this case would be able to exert control over this element.  As such, this decade might be a good one in terms of wealth production and accumulation (not limited to money!).  This Heavenly Stem combination also represents strong loyalty and friendship, so during this time, StephanieB is likely to find herself deepening old friendships, or establishing equally deep new ones.

Rabbit-Rat Uncivilised Punishment:
This interaction signals a “bite the hand that feeds you” situation.  Remember the Yi-Geng interaction that indicates holding friends as close as, or closer than, family?  Well, something to keep an eye out for then: there might be one person in whom her trust might be misplaced.  Since this impacts the Children’s Palace, the betrayal might involve StephanieB’s children in some way.

Peach Blossom Stars:
In addition to interacting to form Uncivilised Punishment, the Rabbit and Rat are both Peach Blossom Stars: (more…)

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away (i.e. last May), Stephanie B at Ask Me Anything was asked about Ba Zi; in the comments I gave a quick analysis and offered to do a better job here at answers without, answers within. Stephanie agreed, and was given an early- then mid-July target date.  Of course, that ended up being right in the middle of my two moves and allergy outbreak.  So it’s only now in early December that I’m getting around to fulfilling my promise, almost five months later.  Ugh.  My thanks to Stephanie for her patience and understanding!

As usual, this first post will take a look at the Four Pillars / Eight Characters / Natal Chart to determine the Self-Element and its strength, which then identifies the favourable and unfavourable elements which can point to broad generalisations of favourable/unfavourable Luck Pillars.  We will also take a look at inherent / static interactions within the Natal Chart.  The two subsequent posts will then explore interactions involving the current Luck Pillar and one other Luck Pillar in the future.

Let’s begin!

The deeply-rooted Yin Fire strengthens an otherwise sputtering Self-Element

First glance at Self-Element:

Yin Fire:  think of a candle, nowhere as intense as the sun, but with similar light-bringing and warmth-providing characteristics that manifest just as brilliantly in a smaller room or dark conditions.

Strength of Self-Element:

The Pig in the Earthly Branch of the Month column indicates StephanieB was born in Winter, a time of cold where Wood is strong, Water reigns supreme, and Fire is considered “dead”.  Thus, Ms DP’s self-element looks to be very weak!  However, note that there is a hidden Yin Fire in the Year Pillar, which results in this element “penetrating to the heavens” / being “deeply rooted” and therefore helps strengthen StephanieB’s Self-Element.  It’s still weak, but at least it’s not at total threat of being extinguished by the cold.  She’ll really appreciate the presence of her favourable elements whenever they appear!

FAVOURABLE elements:

• Fire (correlating to Companions / Friends, Foes, Colleagues, Competition)
• Wood (correlating to Resource / Support, Authority)

UNFAVOURABLE/DISLIKED elements:

• Metal (correlating to Wealth / Financial Success)
• Water (correlating to Influence / Recognition, Power, Rank)
• Earth (correlating to Output / Intelligence, Creativity)

.

General Observations and Static Interactions

All Wood elements are hidden: StephanieB has only two favourable elements: Fire and Wood.  By having all her Wood (Resource factor) hidden, (more…)

Requesting a free card reading, Ms S wrote in mid-August: I think I am a remarkable person with tremendous possibilities but there is something hanging over my life that causes me to stay in situations that make me unhappy or are less fulfilling … I would like to know what guidance the cards have to offer me.

Yesterday as I reread Ms S’s email,  I was reminded of a spread I’d only stumbled upon a few hours earlier at Confessions of a Freaky Fortune Teller: called a Past Life spread, it will help you with any problems or puzzles that have been ongoing in your life, says Chanah.  Furthermore, this is a spread to work through blocks from either your past, or if you believe in such things, a past life, that are interfering with your current life. It’s best to use for serious situations, or for patterns that keep popping up and sabotaging you.  You can see an example of this spread in use here.

While Doreen Virtue’s Ascended Masters Oracle Cards don’t have specific combination meanings that I know of, I decided to try this spread anyway to tackle Ms S’s first and main question, since it does seem to have elements of patterns popping up, of ongoing problems or puzzles, don’t you think?

Thus asking of the cards What in Ms S’s past is holding her back, having her stay in fulfilling situations, and why? the following is a representation of the cards drawn:

The cards seem to indicate a very strong message in the Past, a very positive Future, and a very workable Present.  Here’s my interpretation: (more…)

image by Cieleke

Pearl’s questions revolve around her love life: she’s currently with someone, but feels insecure about the relationship because he has a lot of close girl friends who also seem attracted to him. She wonders about his sincerity; she wonders if these ‘friends’ will sabotage the relationship she has with him; she wonders if the relationship will work out.

Based on the above — and more from the emails — I then started with an open question using my trusty Ascended Masters Oracle Cards and the usual 3-card Past-Present-Future spread.

Question 1: What is the situation of Pearl’s love life, in relation to the person she’s currently with?

Cards drawn:

Past: Paravati - Positive Change
Present: Paramahansa Yogananda - Choose Peace
Future: King Solomon - Priorities

.
Interpretation:
The “Past” card speaks about the immediate past in relation to the question asked:  This is a card denoting personal, positive change.  Perhaps this indicates that Pearl is asking these questions because she might be starting to outgrow these angsty love games she’s found herself in.

The “Present” card speaks about your question’s current status, or what you need to know / need to work on right now:  Interestingly, the message here is one of peace, as in ‘do what you know — deep down inside — is the right thing’.  Since Pearl describes what is probably a very stressful — even fearful? — situation filled with doubt and suspicion, Yogananda is probably saying to detach yourself from these fears, and look within yourself for a path to peace.

The “Future” card speaks about what awaits you if you take the advice and walk the path indicated in the previous card:   King Solomon speaks of identifying your priorities, then making the time to pursue them. In light of the first two cards, I think this might mean that Pearl is going to have to step back and take a hard look at her life, because her love life shenanigans might be distracting her from her true passions and interests.  As such, if she is able to find a path that brings her peace, she can then put her attention and energy towards other, more fulfilling, activities.

Summary:
It seems to me the cards are saying not to get too caught up in worries about your love life, Pearl.  In fact, they seem to be advising you to step back and reprioritise your life, your goals, your activities; then work towards them. In order to to do this, you will need quiet time to yourself, for yourself, in order to find that inner peace, and to get in touch with your Self.

 = = =

Wondering if I was on the right track, (more…)

The Tiger potentially has a a variety of interactions than could occur.  However, I think that the main one to look out for would be the Tiger-Snake-Monkey Ungrateful Punishment.  This indicates a type of “biting the hand that feeds you” betrayal situation occurring, with Ms DP nursing the bitten hand.

Interestingly enough, the Heavenly Stems have a related but opposite combination: the Geng (Yang Metal) and the Yi (Yin Wood) from the Year Pillar form a combination that usually indicates loyalty and altruism, the holding of certain people as close as if not closer than blood.

Does this mean that Ms DP is being doubly set-up?  Is she going to form strong bonds of trust, only to have that trust betrayed?  I don’t know.  I’d love to hear what Joey Yap or another expert would say about it, that’s for sure.

= = =

Ms DP, I hope this gave you an idea of what your chart might indicate.  I do recommend you meet with a BaZi expert if you’d like to delve deeper into this.

And thank you, dear readers, for your interest and attention.  Next week, we’ll tackle Stephanie B’s chart.  Till then, hope you have great weekend, and those in the USA — Happy Black Friday!!

= = =

Please note I am no longer accepting requests for free BaZi/PahtChee readings until I get caught up with the existing requests on queue: this may take me a few months into 2010!  If you’d like the chance to get a free BaZi/PahtChee reading similar to this one once I’m all caught up, keep an eye on Free Readings For You! for new announcements.  Thanks!

In a way, there aren’t any surprises when looking at this specific Luck Pillar: its Earthly Stem is the Rat, which already appears in the natal chart.  Thing is, its impact is then doubly felt…

Remember the Rat-Rooster Destruction already present in Ms DP’s natal chart? This was indicative of alcohol-related destructive behaviour occurring between Ms DP’s spouse and children, during her old age (61+ years).  Upon entering the current Luck Pillar, I wonder whether the existing situation is exacerbated or whether a new situation arises no thanks to the presence of the new Rat.

Notice also that this double interaction involves the Spouse Palace.  Not something you’d want to see, normally, since it indicates issues relating to the spouse, and in this case, alcoholic connotations too.

It is important to remember, though, that seemingly negative interactions are not necessarily so.  After all, great lessons are often best learned the hard way.  What some see as insurmountable calamity, others see opportunities and challenges.  For Ms DP, the chart, and this Luck period, indicate (self-)destructive tendencies fueled by alcohol.  I can’t get more specific than that, but I hope that helps her be more aware of root causes, for example.

Other interactions — those of the 2/3 (element) Harmony Combination variety — can also kick in if the missing sign comes into play during a specific year.  I’ve already indicated that the Ox and Dragon are needed to complete two separate combinations. For example:

Ms DP had a specific question about a possible venture with a business partner …  Well, this year it’s the Year of the Ox.  Previously, we had seen that Ms DP’s natal chart contains 2/3 Metal Three Frame Harmony Combination, needing an Ox to complete the combination.  So right now, the combination is complete.  As such, Ms DP currently has a lot of Metal present.  Metal is her (unfavourable) Wealth element.  To me, this means that while now might be a good time for her to produce wealth, since her weak Self-Element isn’t strong enough to exert control over this element, Ms DP will likely lose said wealth perhaps as fast as she generates it.

Ms DP specified that the potential businss partner was born in the Year of the Rat … Well, simply saying that the Rat would just add to the already doubled Rat-Rooster destruction would be wrong.  What’s more important would be to take a look at this person’s natal chart, and see what his Self-element is, what the quality of his chart is like.  Off the top of my head, I would say that because Ms DP’s Fire Self-Element is weak, working with say a Yin/Yang Wood or a fellow Yin Fire person would probably increase chances of success.

Also, Ms DP gave no indication of the nature of the business… those with weak Yin Fire self-elements would flourish in a Wood or Fire field, and perhaps that too needs to be taken into consideration when trying to determine if a business collaboration is going to succeed.

But if Ms DP really wants a confident detailed answer, she’s better off asking the professionals!

= = =

Next, we’ll take a look at another of Ms DP’s Luck Pillars, to give her an idea of what might be in store for her once she transits into a more overall favourable season at age 59 when her Geng-Yin (Yang Metal - Tiger/Yang Wood) Luck Pillar comes into play.  Stay tuned!

= = =

Please note I am no longer accepting requests for free BaZi/PahtChee readings until I get caught up with the existing requests on queue: this may take me a few months into 2010!  If you’d like the chance to get a free BaZi/PahtChee reading similar to this one once I’m all caught up, keep an eye on Free Readings For You! for new announcements.  Thanks!

As usual, the first post will tackle the basic yet fundamental aspects of the Four Pillars / Natal Chart.  Here is Ms DP’s:

Ms DP’s chart has well-rooted Yang Metal presence

First glance at Self-Element:

Yin Fire:  think of a candle, nowhere as intense as the sun, but with similar light-bringing and warmth-providing characteristics that manifest just as brilliantly in a smaller room or dark conditions.

Strength of Self-Element:

The Monkey in the Earthly Branch of the Month column indicates Ms DP was born in Autumn, a time when Water is strong, Metal reigns supreme, and Fire is considered “trapped”.  Thus, Ms DP’s self-element is weak.

FAVOURABLE elements:

• Fire (correlating to Companions / Friends, Foes, Colleagues, Competition)
• Wood (correlating to Resource / Support, Authority)

UNFAVOURABLE/DISLIKED elements:

• Metal (correlating to Wealth / Financial Success)
• Water (correlating to Influence / Recognition, Power, Rank)
• Earth (correlating to Output / Intelligence, Creativity)

.

General Observations

Yang Metal is well-rooted in Ms DP’s chart.  Since this element correlates to her Wealth Factor, and is unfavourable in large doses because her self-element is weak, this implies that Ms DP might not be able to hold on to whatever Wealth she produces.

Yang Earth is present, but hidden.  Correlating with her (unfavourable) Output Factor, I want to say this is good for her, i.e. having the presence of the element for balance, but not having its direct impact since it’s technically unfavourable for her.

There are two Peach Blossom Stars present: these stars represent that X-Factor, magnetism, charisma and sexual appeal that some people seem to have in abundance.  This implies Ms DP is a popular woman, who interacts well with people, and isn’t adverse to the spotlight.

Static Interactions within the Four Pillars / Natal Chart

Rat-Rooster Destruction: this indicates destructive behaviour occurring between Ms DP’s spouse and children, during her old age (61+ years).  This specific interaction tends to involve alcohol, whether as a cause or consequence of the destructive behaviour.

Snake-Monkey Combination-Destruction: this combination-destruction interaction indicates something that might start out good then turn sour; or vice-versa.  In this case, since circumstances as such that the combination aspect does produce Water, the destruction aspect can be considered inactive.

However, Water correlates to Ms DP’s Influence Factor, which is unfavourable to her weak Fire self-element.  This could indicate that her spouse might be identified by, or somehow produced by, her parents and/or extended family — and perhaps the three types all get along pretty well?  It could also indicate that success in her professional life might depend on said parents/extended family.

2/3 Metal Three Frame Harmony Combination: Something to keep an eye out for: the Snake and Rooster need an Ox (which appears at age 49-58) to form Metal — Ms DP’s unfavourable Wealth Factor.  As such, this might be a time for Ms DP to make, and lose, a lot of money; Ms DP would need to be particularly cautious with her finances during this period.

2/3 Water Three Frame Harmony Combination: Something to keep an eye out for: the Rat and Monkey need a Dragon (which appears at age 79-88) to form Water — Ms DP’s unfavourable Influence Factor.  As such, this might be a challenging time for Ms DP in terms of spousal relations, or her standing within the family, corporate world, or society.

A quick look at Ms DP’s Luck Pillars

Look back to which elements are favourable or not, and see how they appear in Ms DP’s Luck Pillars:

Ms DP can look forward to a great time in her golden years

Thus — in VERY broad strokes — it can be said that most of Ms DP’s life, from childhood all the way to age 58, is rather challenging and draining for her.  She only comes into her own after she turns 59, where the Wood Luck Pillars provide fuel for her Fire to finally burn brightly!

Next, we’ll take a look at the Luck Pillar Ms DP is currently in, and see what that might say about her business dealings she had asked about.  Stay tuned!

= = =

Please note I am no longer accepting requests for free BaZi/PahtChee readings until I get caught up with the existing requests on queue: this may take me a few months into 2010!  If you’d like the chance to get a free BaZi/PahtChee reading similar to this one once I’m all caught up, keep an eye on Free Readings For You! for new announcements.  Thanks!

The Wall Street Journal recently had an article entitled Number-Crushing: When Figures Get Personal; Real-Estate Developers Factor In Love of 6 and 8, Fear of Unlucky 4 and 13; What Happened to Floors 40 Through 59?

image source

It was an interesting read, and reminded me of how things are back in Malaysia; being a multi-racial country where the Chinese are most active in commerce and business and therefore have influence over things like, oh, the numbering of the floors of a building, it’s not uncommon to see that the floor that follows 3 isn’t 4, but 3A.  This is due to 4 sounding like “death” in Chinese, and therefore no one in their right mind would want to live or work on such an inauspicious floor.  I’ve even seen floor 13 followed by 13A, thus indicating that the Western (Christian?) aversion to 13 is trumped by the Chinese aversion to 4.

This “fear of four” explains the lack of floors 40 - 49, but not 50 - 59 despite this being part of the article’s subtitle!  In fact, I read and reread the article looking for an explanation for cutting the 50’s out of a building, and didn’t see any explanation.  Surprising oversight for a Wall Street Journal article, eh?  I don’t remember 5 having a negative connotation; if anyone can shed some light on this, that would be great!

image source

I don’t get it, myself: you may “hide” that a floor is the 4th, 13th, or 14th, for example, but “a rose by any other name”… right?  And what’s the use of claiming to be on the 88th floor, for example, when it’s painfully obvious it’s more like the 45th?

Other ways numerology comes into play is when choosing auspicious numbers for other number-related things in your life: your car license plate number or phone number, for example.  I know of someone who really went to great pains to find a “meaningful” phone number.  Open the Malaysian newspapers and you’ll see many special sale prices advertised at RM88, or RM1888 (as opposed to the Western world, where it’s much more common to see prices like $99 or $29.99 - but that’s the result of a different marketing strategy).

While I don’t remember the “meaning” of each of the 10 digits, here’s an example using what I do remember:

1 = one day
11 = every day
8 = prosperity
9 = always / forever

… put it all together: 1189 would mean “everyday you’re prosperous forever”

Coincidentally, through no effort of mine, 1189 has appeared twice in my life so far: first as the number plate of a secondhand car my father had bought way back when I was way young; and second as part of our now-disconnected Chicago land line.

image source

Other memorable numbers (to me):

• 42 will always be the answer to “Life, the Universe and Everything”
• 37 - watch Kevin Smith’s Clerks  *grin!*
• 22 - my birth day!

.
How about you?  Any special numbers in your life?  Do you find yourself avoiding certain numbers, and if so, why?  Comments are open!

A few days ago I shared a delightful video of Surya singing the Medicine Buddha mantra of healing. Since I had not known about this mantra before, I did a bit of searching on the internet to find out more.

Interestingly, what we have here is a short mantra; there is a longer mantra where what Surya sings is the last segment of the entire piece.   You can find the full mantra and its meaning/translation here.

Let’s walk through in a little more depth what this short mantra is all about:

Tey A Ta Om
I have the impression every mantra starts with  Om / Aum - it is the primordial sound, and an auspicious greeting to the Universe.  While I saw that Tey A Ta can mean “like this” I don’t quite see what its function is in this mantra.  I can only guess it transforms/enhances the Om somehow.

Bekandze Bekandze Maha Bekandze Radza
Bekandze is one of the names of, or one of the ways to address, the Medicine Buddha.  It also means to eliminate pain.  By saying Bekandze you are thus invoking, or calling upon, the Medicine Buddha to eliminate pain within you (or, in Surya’s case, within the person she’s “sending” the mantra to).

The first Bekandze eliminates gross physical bodily pain and suffering.

The second Bekandze tackles the true source of the suffering previously eliminated, i.e. karmic and mental turmoil.

The third invocation calls upon the Maha Bekandze, the Bekandze Radza, the supreme king of physicians, the highest form of the Medicine Buddha, in order to tackle the remaining problems: the sutble impact of the now-eliminated problems on your consciousness.

Samogate
This is the target of the mantra - once cleansed of all those problems plaguing your mind, your body, your psyche, the path is then clear to achieve a higher state of consciousness.

Soha
This is often used at the end of mantras, and essentially means Hail! or Make it So!.

It is no wonder this is considered a very powerful mantra — it tackles symptoms, root causes, and subtle consequences of any problems you might be experiencing. It also describes one’s journey to realisation/enlightment - overcoming the physical, mental then subtle aspects of one’s nature.

I find myself spontaneously singing this mantra at odd times of the day.

How about you? What do you think of this mantra and its meaning, its function? Do you plan to incorporate it into your (daily) life?

Some useful reading:

• Medicine Buddha in wikipedia
• The Meaning of the short Mantra at Purify Our Mind
• Medicine Buddha resources in Dharma Haven

Here’s a mantra I’ve not heard before, sung so very beautifully:

.(Please tell me I’m not the only one who thinks she looks and sounds a lot like Sheryl Crow Alanis Morissette here! … and do drop by in the comments to tell me how many times you hit “replay” — I’ve been listening to this for about an hour now!)

It’s easy to sing along; here are the “lyrics”:

Tey A Ta Om Bekandze Bekandze Maha Bekandze Radza Samogate Soha

Literal translation (based on info from here):

Tey A Ta: like this (??)
Om: the cosmic salutation AUM
Bekandze Bekandze: the Medicine Buddha (2x)
Mahabekandze: great or supreme physician
Bekandze Radza: King of physicians
Samogate: Perfectly liberated or awakened
Soha: Hail!

.

It’s interesting to see the slightly different pronunciations for terms I recognise: Soha I know as Swaha; Radza I know as Raja.  This is because Surya is using Tibetan pronunciation while in general the mantras I know are in Sanskrit.

But what does it mean?  I’ll cover that in the next post.

In the meantime, you can see and hear more of Surya in Twitter, YouTube and MySpace.

I’m glad to report that we’re settling in nicely after this 2nd move in a little over 2 months — it was less stressful the second time around, probably becaues the nightmare that was the previous move was still pretty fresh in our minds, so we were more prepared for what needed to be done, and how.

image source

While I have yet to crack open my Paht Chee / BaZi books & file, it will be happening soon.  I hope that next week will see me tackling Ms DP’s chart and whittling down the rather dusty queue!  I’ll also be going through and processing the Paht Chee / BaZi and Ascended Masters emails languishing in my inbox.

I’m also looking forward to attending the Holistic New Age Bazaar here in Springfield in two weeks’ time: this is a great opportunity  — if I can get over my default wallpaper mode –  to meet like-minded folk in this area, because, I have to say, I miss my Sahaja Yoga yogis and yoginis, they were my main social network up in Chicago.  I may just have to build a new network here all by myself!

Stay tuned!

My reference books are still unpacked, so I only gave the chart a quick glance myself: what I immediately saw was that the Day Master / Self-Element is very strongly rooted, so the subject is probably “sparkly”, “beautiful”, appealing, in the limelight (think: fine jewelry).  There’s just the one tiny Ding (Yin) Fire hidden in his Year Pillar, so the pretty cold chart (look at all that Metal and Water!) could probably do with a bit more warmth.

The commenters go into a lot of depth, it’s interesting to see what they say; my challenge is to figure out WHY they say what they say!   Many pointed out that there was a Hurting Officer strutcture present — grrr, I do wish Joey Yap would hurry up and get another BaZi book out that would explain this and the other structures!  I don’t have the means to attend his courses at this point in time…!!

Today, Joey Yap provided some feedback: Some of you may see the chart - without Bing Fire, as being extremely cold and miserable. Extremely imbalanced. While some of you, instead of focusing on the ‘gloomy’ picture of the chart, focused on the chart’s strength as a beautiful Xin Metal Hurting officer structure. You guys saw the positive side and discussed his talents and potential skills. Both angles were correct.

So, whose chart was it?

An inspiring gentleman named Nick Vujicic.

Perhaps you’ve heard of him?

According to Joey Yap, Nick has successfully activated the ’strength’ of his BaZi instead of allowing the ‘weakness’ of the chart to rule his life.My thanks to Joey Yap for attempting to reach out and provide an informal coaching session to us BaZi wannabes!

… and I hope Nick’s situation, and how he deals with it, helps us put ~our~ “problems” in perspective.

Peace.

That’s right, folks — I’m moving again!

This time, we’re heading to the corn and soy fields of central Illinois.

Goodbye Chicago, hello Springfield!

Moving Woman by jynmeyer

I’ll be sure to keep a lookout for Homer and family — d’oh!

All pending readings/analyses in queue, whether Oracle Card or Paht Chee / BaZi, will continue to be delayed until after this move.  Let’s shoot for a late-September restart, shall we? Afraid of missing out when things start back up again?  Please consider subscribing to this blog via email or in a reader — then you won’t have to miss a thing!

See you on the flip side!

So let’s get right to it.

Question 1: Relating to her working life, Miss B started a new job in May but isn’t entirely happy.  She would like to quit, but is scared it will mean being jobless for a long time.   What do the cards say about what she should do?

Reaching for Doreen Virtue’s Ascended Masters Oracle Cards, I once again went with the 3-card Past-Present-Future spread.

Cards drawn:

source

Past: Avalokiteshwara - See the Other Person’s Point of View
Present: Manjushri - Listen
Future: Epona - Crystals

.
Interpretation:
The “Past” card speaks about the immediate past in relation to the question asked:  Perhaps the unhappiness with the new job is related to a few people, including Miss B, who stubbornly stick to their opinions without wanting to see others’ points of view, others’ opinions?

The “Present” card speaks about your question’s current status, or what you need to know / need to work on right now:  Closely tied to the Past card, the Present brings the advice to listen!  Listen to the opposing and conflicting opinions, and understand why people are of those opinions.  Just allowing people to say their piece, just making the attempt to at least acknowledge that other opinions are possible, and — as clichéd as it sounds — agreeing to disagree, will probably help with what Miss B is facing.

source

The “Future” card speaks about what awaits you if you take the advice and walk the path indicated in the previous card:   Thus, once Miss B has helped calm things down and get things back on track at work, she would probably benefit from working with or wearing crystals: what comes to mind is enhancing communication and interaction - so whatever resonates or works on the throat chakra, for example, might be a place to focus.

Summary: It seems to me that the cards say to stay and work out the issues you are facing.  They also seem to identify the main thing to do differently at work: to listen.  Consider exploring the world of crystals: see if anything resonates with you.

= = =

Question 2:  Relating to her love life, Miss B shares that she hasn’t been in a relationship in a long time.  Is there any potential for such in the future?

source

Cards drawn:

Past: Krishna - Find the Blessing in your Current Situation
Present: Aengus - Twin Flames
Future: El Morya - Clear and Shield your Energy

.
Interpretation:
The “Past” card speaks about the immediate past in relation to the question asked:  I can interpret Krishna’s presence in two ways: Miss B is prompted to ask about her love life as a result of some recent soul-searching and blessing-counting; or Miss B finds herself alone now as a result of not having been appreciative of what she had in the past.  Either way, a mindset of thankfulness, of appreciation, is an attitude that would probably benefit Miss B.

The “Present” card speaks about your question’s current status, or what you need to know / need to work on right now:  Miss K, this is about as ringing an endorsement as you’ll ever get from this deck in relation to one’s love life!  The twin flames of Aengus represent the deepest, most passionate, romantic love there is.  Looks like your soul mate is nigh.

The “Future” card speaks about what awaits you if you take the advice and walk the path indicated in the previous card:   Remember that the flames of the Present might consume you; thus moving forward, I see El Morya’s presence as an exhortation to be much more aware of your energy, of your Self, than you are now.  Be aware that there are people out there who can drain you of vitality, of energy - whether or not on purpose. Look into different techniques and schools of thought relating to pretecting yourSelf: I usually suggest meditation, but in your case, since crystals were indicated in the previous reading, perhaps you could see how they would help.

Summary: the indications seem very favourable that your soulmate is close!  Yay!  In the meantime, perhaps work on counting your blessings and being grateful for what you have?  Consider also exploring the world of crystals: perhaps what resonates will work to protect your Self, which is something that seems to be needed in the future.

= = =

Would you like your own free card reading?  I’ll be happy to provide you with one, in the form of a post just like this, for free!  Just remember that Answers without, answers within, the author (me, a.k.a lynne naranek) and today.com will NOT be held responsible for actions you may choose to take as a result of readings and analyses discussed on this site or in follow-up emails. Please read Free Readings for You! carefully for a bit more legalese and details on how to request a reading.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Ms K wrote in to ask for a free card reading in relation to a guy she sees at a store constantly: while she can’t act on anything at the moment, she’d like to know if “Frank” likes her, finds her interesting, etc.  A very straightforward question; let’s see what the cards have to say…  I once again went with the 3-card Past-Present-Future spread using Doreen Virtue’s Ascended Masters Oracle Cards.

Cards drawn:

Past: Ganesh - Yes
Present: Ragoczy - Teacher
Future: El Morya - Clear and Shield your Energy

.
Interpretation:
The “Past” card speaks about the immediate past in relation to the question asked:  Ganesha is the destroyer of obstacles, and his presence usually implies a resounding “Yes!”.  However, in relation to this question, and since he appears are the Past card, it seems to me that the path for you and “Frank” had been clear before, but not anymore.

The “Present” card speaks about your question’s current status, or what you need to know / need to work on right now:  I wonder if Ms K finds herself in a cycle of repetitive patterns: usually once a particular ‘life lesson’ is finally acknowledged and learned, the Universe lets the patterns of the past go, so that one can move on to new lessons.  Ragoczy’s presence implies to me that there is a lesson, and an opportunity for spiritual growth, awaiting Ms K within this curious about “Frank” situation.

The “Future” card speaks about what awaits you if you take the advice and walk the path indicated in the previous card:   Upon learning the lesson that’s awaiting you in the present, it looks like the cards are advising you to be aware, and cautious about protecting your energy, your Self from the negative influence / draining effect of others.  As such, Ms K, perhaps you could look into the various methods out there that you could use to clear and shield your energy.  I have heard that use of crystals is one method; I personally use methods from Sahaja Yoga (raising kundalini and taking bandhan; meditating on the Earth, clearing & balancing left & right channels, etc).

Summary:
It looks like the cards are going beyond the official question — as is usually the case when a Yes/No question is posed — and wanting Ms K to step back to see a bigger picture than “Frank”.  To me, I see the cards advising Ms K to look back at her past and recognise (and learn from) recurring patterns, probably in relation to her love life, perhaps even specifically about situations where she finds herself admiring someone but not knowing where he stands.  Once this is done, Ms K should find herself more aware of her Self, having more respect for her energy within; she then should look into learning how to clear and shield said energy, and how to protect herself from people and actions that drain and taint it.

= = =

Would you like your own free card reading?  I’ll be happy to provide you with one, in the form of a post just like this, for free!  Just remember that Answers without, answers within, the author (me, a.k.a lynne naranek) and today.com will NOT be held responsible for actions you may choose to take as a result of readings and analyses discussed on this site or in follow-up emails. Please read Free Readings for You! carefully for a bit more legalese and details on how to request a reading.  I look forward to hearing from you!

 
For ages 42-51 Mdm Mid-Life is in a Ren (Yang Water) Chen (Dragon) 10-year Luck Pillar

As mentioned earlier, Mdm Mid-Life is currently in a three-decade period of favourable Spring/Wood as the prevailing season/element.  So in general, from ages 42-71, Mdm Mid-Life will have at her disposal her intelligence, knowldge, wisdom, intuition and other mental faculties: any obstacles that come her way, she has a beter chance of figuring out a solution for them.  Wood can also relate to her mother, so in general this might also be a period for getting to know her mother better, and (re-)forging ties that might have grown thin in the previous years.

Xin Mao Luck Pillar (ages 52 - 61)

This decade looks to be another ‘exciting’ time for Mdm Mid-Life: the Rabbit in the Luck Pillar “doubles” the Rabbit-Rooster Clash.  Remember the strained relationship between Mdm Mid-Life’s children and their grandparents which was ‘cured’ in the previous decade?  It might re-emerge, and very strongly, as a result of the second Rabbit in play.

Since this new Rabbit interacts with the natal chart in the Parents’ Palace, this may mean that Mdm Mid-Life herself might find herlsef in conflict with her parents - perhaps over a money issue.

There is also a Rabbit-Horse Destruction impacting the Grandparents Palace (we had seen this ‘in reverse’ in the Jia Wu Luck Pillar impacting the Children’s Palace), where in general, Destructions indicate situations where one is forced into doing something unwanted as a consequence of previous not-so-smart actions; painting oneself into a corner, if you will.  This interaction weakens the ‘rootedness’ of the Yin Fire in Mdm Mid-Life’s natal chart… and her Self-Element is Yin Fire… and the Horse is her personal Peach Blossom Star… so some issue with her extended family might occur, relating to her choice of friends, perhaps.  In addition, Mdm Mid-Life might find that her charisma and charm might not work this time.

Geng Yin Luck Pillar (ages 62 - 71)

The Tiger that comes into play only interacts with the Horse in the Year Column to form 2 out of the 3 elements of the Fire Frame Three Harmony Combination. The missing 3rd element is the Dog, which appears in 2030. Thus during the Year of the Dog in this decade, Mdm Mid-Life might expect a surge in friendships.

Otherwise, this decade seems calm and eventless, and only the ‘usual’ interactions within her natal chart are going on.

Moving into the Winter / Water prevailing season / element

From age 72, Mdm Mid-Life’s Luck Pillars move into Winter, where the prevailing element is Water. Remember that Mdm Mid-Life has a weak Fire Self-Element; as such, Water is not a favourable element for her.

While Water correlates to her Influence Factor, it can also correlate to her spouse. So during her older years, Mdm Mid-Life might face some challenges relating to her authority, or to her husband. Of course, considering the age, health issues might pop up: Water correlates to issues regarding the kidneys, bloating, or edemas, for example.

The Wu Zi Luck Pillar (ages 82-91) seems to be particularly eventful. The Rat of the Luck Pillar interacts with every element in Mdm Mid-Life’s natal baZi / Paht Chee chart! There’s a Rat-Horse Clash, a Rat-Rooster Destruction, a Rat-Ox Combination to produce Earth, and a Rat-Rabbit Punishment. This does not look like a fun time for Mdm Mid-Life, as issues with her children, spouse, parents and extended family seem to emerge all at once at this time. Are they all independent occurrences, or is there a domino effect, one event triggering the other? I don’t even know where to begin to figure out answers to that depth!

I wish I knew what to ‘prescribe’ to help with what looks like a very trying time for Mdm Mid-Life. In general, she’d want to reduce the Water-ness and enhance her Fire-ness perhaps by somehow adding more Wood to the equation: Wood, after all, serves as fuel to Fire even as it exhausts Water. To suggest living in the forest or wearing green to stave off the interactions of this decade would be very superficial.

As such, I would recommend Mdm Mid-Life engage the services of a professional BaZi / Feng Shui master in order to confirm what my inexpert analysis has said, and to provide proper suggestions about what to do about it.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mdm Mid-Life for her patience as her analysis got posted over the course of three weeks when in the past I made it a point to start & end an analysis within one week!

And now for the many other delayed charts…. stay tuned!

= = =

… if you would like a free Paht Chee chart analysis of your own from Answers without, answers within, please take note that effective July 2009 I am no longer accepting such requests until I clear my backlog which will take me to December 2009.  May I suggest you subscribe to this blog via email or reader to keep yourself appraised of any new developments or announcements relating to this moratorium.  I hope to be accepting requests again in January 2010 in a more limited fashion.  In the meantime, I’d be happy to do Card Readings for you instead.  Please read Free Readings for You! carefully, then contact me if you’re still game.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Today let’s continue with Mdm Mid-Life and look at what interactions there are between her natal BaZi / Paht Chee chart and her current Ren Chen Luck Pillar.

 
For ages 42-51 Mdm Mid-Life is in a Ren (Yang Water) Chen (Dragon) 10-year Luck Pillar

As mentioned earlier, Mdm Mid-Life has not only shifted Luck Pillars, but also the ‘prevailing season’, from Summer/Fire to Spring/Wood. Thus overall, Mdm Mid-Life should be seeing a shift from Companions (a richness in friends, colleagues, relationships, …) to Resources (opportunities to apply thinking, knowledge, wisdom; intuition; can also indicate something about her mother; …).

Dragon “cures” the Rabbit-Rooster clash

If you recall, Mdm Mid-Life has a (separated) Rabbit-Rooster clash in her natal BaZi / Paht Chee chart which would indicate her children and their grandparents have a strained relationship.  During this 42 - 51 decade, however, the Dragon acts as a “cure” to this clash (by “combining away” the Rooster - more in the next section).  As such, it looks like this decade could be a time for reconciliation and closer family ties.

Dragon - Rooster Combination

The Dragon combines with the Rooster in the Parents’ Palace to form Metal, which is Mdm Mid-Life’s Wealth Factor.  While in general Metal is unfavourable to Mdm Mid-Life’s weak self-element, during this time of Wood that helps fuel her Fire, I think she is able to exert control over this element.  As such, this combination is favourable to her, and this would be an opportunity for her to create and/or amass Wealth.  As I’ve pointed out, though, Wealth isn’t necessarily money: the Wealth of enriching family ties is equally valid!  What to take note of is that the source of this Wealth is Mdm Mid-Life’s parents.

And is implied but not expanded above, this Dragon-Rooster combination ‘frees’ the Rabbit in the Children’s Palace, therefore making Mdm Mid-Life’s children more ‘available’ to her.

However…

Dragon-Rabbit Harm

The Dragon also interacts with the Rabbit in the Children’s Palace to form a Harm.  In general, Harms are interactions that create the feeling of betrayal; are frequently emotional in nature; and usually linger, evoking mental anguish.  Yikes!  This might mean that while Mdm Mid-Life’s children are now more ‘available’, this ‘new’ interaction might be awkward to both parties, and misunderstandings might be all too easily achieved.

Mdm Mid-Life’s natal BaZi / Paht Chee chart

Dragon - Ox Destruction

In general, Destructions indicate situations where one is forced into doing something unwanted as a consequence of previous not-so-smart actions; painting oneself into a corner, if you will.  In this case, Mdm Mid-Life might be well-advised to pay attention to what is going on between her and her spouse, since the Ox sits in her Spouse Palace.

Remember too, that the Ox provides the ‘roots’ that support the Yin Water in her chart.  This Destruction interaction thus undermines the strength of this element.  Although it’s technically an unfavourable element to Mdm Mid-Life, destabilising it would throw the entire chart off-balance, I think.  as such, Mdm Mid-Life might want to keep an eye out for some challenges relating to her Influence Factor… which could correlate to her authority and success… or it could correlate to her spouse.

So in a way, there’s a potential double-whammy in relation to Mdm Mid-Life’s spouse here.

= = =

In summary, it looks like this current decade will be quite eventful for Mdm Mid-Life, with challenges relating to her spouse and children awaiting her.  However, she can tap into her parents for some support, probably her mother specifically; in addition, she has the influence of Spring/Wood to tap into which helps with her intelligence, wisdom and knowledge to figure out what to do.

Next, we’ll take a quick peek at some of the future Luck Pillars, to give Mdm Mid-Life a flavour of what the future holds, according to the BaZi / Paht Chee (and my inexpert interpretation!).

= = =

… if you would like a free Paht Chee chart analysis of your own from Answers without, answers within, please take note that effective July 2009 I am no longer accepting such requests until I clear my backlog which will take me to December 2009.  May I suggest you subscribe to this blog via email or reader to keep yourself appraised of any new developments or announcements relating to this moratorium.  I hope to be accepting requests again in January 2010 in a more limited fashion.  In the meantime, I’d be happy to do Card Readings for you instead.  Please read Free Readings for You! carefully, then contact me if you’re still game.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Today, let’s continue with Mdm Mid-Life.  Since she had been kind enough to provide some broad statement about her past, let’s see if we can correlate them to interactions between her natal chart and the relevant Luck Pillars.  As we can see, most of her life has been lived in a prevailing Fire season, which in general is good for her.

 
Luck Pillars for Mdm Mid-Life with generally favourable periods indicated

Let’s look at the Jia Wu Luck Pillar (ages 22-31)

The Earthly Branch of this pillar is the Horse, which is Mdm Mid-Life’s personal Peach Blossom Star.  This brings the number of Peach Blossom Stars in play to FOUR, TWO of which are personal and therefore bearing particularly strong influence.  I would hazard a guess that Mdm Mid-Life had very exciting times during this decade: her charisma and magnetism would have made her stand out from the crowd; a crowd full of admirers, suitors and the like.  As I keep saying, however, one Peach Blossom Star is more than enough - having four in play here would indicate a negative twist to the popularity: perhaps Mdm Mid-Life was a serial dater at this time, flitting from one admirer to another.  Perhaps the glare of the spotlight caused her to behave in ways she wouldn’t normal do.

Also, the Horse in this Luck Pillar interacts with almost every Earthly Branch of Mdm Mid-Life’s natal chart.  Thus in general, one could say this decade must have been very “happening”, since pretty much the entire chart is in flux.

Horse-Horse Self-Punishment
In general, self-punishment interactions indicate a situation where one does things to oneself even though you know it’s bad for you.  Since this interaction involves Fire, which is Mdm Mid-Life’s Companion Factor, this might indicate trouble with friends who turn out to be backstabbing foes, or colleagues at work who don’t have your back, for example.  Since this interaction also involves Mdm Mid-Life’s personal Peach Blossom Stars, it could indicate dating people she knew weren’t good for her, but she went ahead anyway.

Horse-Ox Harm
In general, Harms are interactions that create the feeling of betrayal; are frequently emotional in nature; and usually linger, evoking mental anguish.   So, not fun to have.  And when you look closer and realise that this interaction involves Mdm Mid-Life’s Spouse Palace, uh-oh, this doesn’t look good.  Perhaps as a result of the Peach Blossom Stars’ influence, there’s potentially a showdown between Mdm Mid-Life and her spouse, one that has nasty and lingering effects.

Horse-Rabbit Destruction
In general, Destructions indicate situations where one is forced into doing something unwanted as a consequence of previous not-so-smart actions; painting oneself into a corner, if you will.  The Horse-Rabbit Destruction refers specifically to turning one’s back on one’s principles, family or past. In this case, since the ineraction impacts Mdm Mid-Life’s Children’s Palace, I wonder if there was something that happened that resulted in the loss of her children’s respect for her, for example.

So in general, we can see even without drilling into specifics, that Mdm Mid-Life’s years when ages 22-31 seems to have been extremely tumultuous.  That she refers to her past as “exciting” shows me that whatever challenges that she faced, she faced them well, and learned/benefitted from the experience.

Let’s look at the Gui Si Luck Pillar (ages 32-41)

Compared to the previous decade, this one is calm! The only interaction presented by the appearance of a Snake in the Luck Pillars is the completion of the Snake-Rooster-Ox Metal Frame Three Harmony Combination.

This combination produces Metal, which is Mdm Mid-Life’s Wealth Factor.  While Metal is unfavourable to a weak Fire self-element, in this case, since the prevailing Luck Pillar is of Fire/Summer, I think Mdm Mid-Life’s self-element is able to exert enough control over it.

It is during this decade that Mdm Mid-Life “… had a decision to make … tough adjustment but I went thru with great sense of pride …”. From my limited experience, I think during this period, Mdm Mid-Life had the opportunity to produce and amass Wealth: perhaps a business opportunity came up?  Of course, Wealth is not only money; it can also be the richness of relationships within a family, for example.  Perhaps following the tumultuous Jia Wu Luck Pillar, this decade was one of healing wounds and enhancing ties.  Whether or not this fits with what Mdm Mid-Life actually went through, we’ll have to hear from her, if she’s willing to share.

Next, we’ll take a look at the Luck Pillar Mdm Mid-Life is currently in. We’ll also take a quick look at the subsequent Luck Pillars, to have an idea of what awaits her in the future. Stay tuned!

= = =

… if you would like a free Paht Chee chart analysis of your own from Answers without, answers within, please take note that effective July 2009 I am no longer accepting such requests until I clear my backlog which might take me to December 2009.  May I suggest you subscribe to this blog via email or reader to keep yourself appraised of any new developments or announcements relating to this moratorium.  I hope to be accepting requests again in January 2010.  In the meantime, I’d be happy to do Card Readings for you instead.  Please read Free Readings for You! carefully, then contact me if you’re still game.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Ms L recently requested a free card reading relating to her love life.

She explained that she has been in a relationship with this guy for over a year, while he is also in a nine-year relationship with someone else.  She doesn’t like the situation, yet still finds herself there, probably due to loneliness and her feelings for him.  However, things are rather toxic, and while he insists that he cares for her and loves her, she can’t help but wonder…

Is he sincere?

As usual, I went with the 3-card Past-Present-Future spread using Doreen Virtue’s Ascended Masters Oracle Cards. Yes/No questions do not suit this deck, but with all the background provided, it wasn’t difficult to channel that and the question while shuffling the cards.

Cards drawn:

Past: Maitraya - Power of Joy
Present: Lady Nada - Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter
Future: Paravati - Positive Change

.
Interpretation:
The “Past” card speaks about the immediate past in relation to the question asked:   I read Maitraya’s presence to mean that you realise Joy is missing in your life, and you’re wondering how much of that is due to this person you’re with.  Joy provides the highest vibrationary energy possible, and we all need it in our lives.

The “Present” card speaks about your question’s current status, or what you need to know / need to work on right now:  Interestingly enough, Lady Nada — signifying the presence/influence/importance of a particular female — appears here: quick! Who’s the first person you think of?  Chances are, this is the person you need to talk to / mend fences with.  I don’t know if this means you might need to talk with the lady from this guy’s other relationship about what’s been happening, or if there’s another strong female in your life that you should seek advice from, or if there’s some unfinished business in your past relating to a female that continues to affect your relationships today.

The “Future” card speaks about what awaits you if you take the advice and walk the path indicated in the previous card:   So once you figure out and tackle the female figure indicated in the “present”, it looks like Paravati indicates you should then realise that you have changed, that your needs have changed; you should also accept that this is the natural order of things and not fight it and cling to the past; instead embrace the change and have the confidence to forge a new path for yourself.

Summary:
I did say Yes/No questions aren’t so simply answered!  In this case, it looks like Ms L should prepare herself for some sort of interaction with an important female figure in her life, the result of which would be the forging of a challenging new path — perhaps one that leads back to the Joy Ms L is missing.  Whether or not it includes the person she’s seeing right now, I can’t say.

= = =

Next, Ms L shared that she longs to be swept off her feet even as she doubts that such a thing seems possible these days. Does there appear to be a beautiful love affair close by for me?

image by svilen001

Interestingly, there were two cards that jumped out insisting upon weighing in on the answer separate from the actual spread; there was also a card from the previous spread that reappeared in this one.

Cards drawn:

Past: Isis - Balance Career and Home Life
Present: Ganesh - Yes
Future: Maitraya - Power of Joy

Jump out #1: Osiris - Father, Husband, Brother, Son
Jump out #2: Lakshmi - Flow of Prosperity

.
Interpretation:
The “Past” card speaks about the immediate past in relation to the question asked:   Perhaps what has obstructed any sweeping-off-one’s-feet in the past was an imbalance in Ms L’s life?  Everyone struggles to achieve some sort of balance between work, home, play, pleasure, etc: Ms L isn’t alone in this.  The feeling I get is Ms L is longing for Prince Charming / Mr Right / The One because she is feeling overwhelmed right now as a result of her imbalanced life.

The “Present” card speaks about your question’s current status, or what you need to know / need to work on right now:  Ganesh is the destroyer of obstacles, who clears the way for the fulfillment of your desires. This is about as direct an answer as you’ll ever get from this deck.  So, YES, there is a beautiful love affair close by for Ms L.

The “Future” card speaks about what awaits you if you take the advice and walk the path indicated in the previous card:   Maitraya reappears here, promising a future filled with Joy.  A great indication indeed!

Other things to keep in mind:

Jump out #1: That Osiris insisted on being heard indicates that there is unfinished business relating to a male figure in your life.  Quick!  Who’s the first person that pops into your mind?  Chances are, he’s the one you need to mend fences with, or resolve issues with.  I would guess that this is the person Ms L is currently with, but she is the one who would really know.

Jump out #2: That Lakshmi also insisted on being heard indicates to me that she wants to assure you to put your financial worries away.  She is sending a flow of prosperity your way.  In order to enjoy the benefits, Ms L needs to adopt an abundance mentality - indeed, one should give as well as receive.  Don’t hang on to every penny afraid it might be your last; but don’t throw your money away with unnecessary spending either!  Be generous with your time, praise, love, and you’ll get it returned many-fold.

Summary:
The cards seem very positive about Ms L’s future being full of joy, arising from “… a beautiful love affair close by …”.  In addition, Ms L is advised to figure things out with a prominent male figure in her life, and to live her life with an abundance mentality.

= = =

 Would you like your own free card reading?  I’ll be happy to provide you with one, in the form of a post just like this, for free!  Just remember that Answers without, answers within, the author (me, a.k.a lynne naranek) and today.com will NOT be held responsible for actions you may choose to take as a result of readings and analyses discussed on this site or in follow-up emails. Please read Free Readings for You! carefully for a bit more legalese and details on how to request a reading.  I look forward to hearing from you! 

Gautam’s concerns are simple: What is the career I need to choose? and Will I have children? Of course, the answers might not be as straightforward, due to the nature of the cards. As usual, I went with the 3-card Past-Present-Future spread using Doreen Virtue’s Ascended Masters Oracle Cards.

Question 1: What is the career I need to choose?

Cards drawn:

Past: Hilarion - Health and Healing
Present: St Francis - Follow your Heart
Future: Apollo - Focus upon your Strengths

.
Interpretation:
The “Past” card speaks about the immediate past in relation to the question asked:   With Hilarion present, I wonder if Gautam was recently ill, and during that illness or during the recovery, something happened that made him concerned about his future and career.  Or perhaps, Gautam recently came in contact with (Spiritual) Healing, whether observing it done onto others, or experiencing it himself, which prompted an internal search about what he really wants to do in life.  Either way, health and healing figure prominently in why the career question is being asked.

The “Present” card speaks about your question’s current status, or what you need to know / need to work on right now:  This is a very interesting card to draw - St Francis says to follow your heart, indicating that in his heart of hearts, Gautam knows what career he needs to choose, what life vocation is his.  Perhaps the issue here is Gautam’s confidence and faith that this is in fact the right path for him.  The advice from the card is to have faith in yourself, and trust that the Universe is supporting you and will help you succeed.

The “Future” card speaks about what awaits you if you take the advice and walk the path indicated in the previous card:   This also makes sense for someone who is at the moment unsure of where to go — once Gautam takes the leap of faith into his chosen career, Apollo then advises Gautam to stop focusing on weaknesses and obstacles, and to instead put his energy into identifying, utilising and enhancing his strengths.

Summary:
Gautam knows the answer to this question, he now just needs the faith — in himself and the universe — to walk that path.   Once he embarks on that journey, he needs to keep in mind and be confident that he possesses the skills and abilities for the job.  Bottom line? Have faith.

.

Question 2: Will I have children?

children silhouettes by krimeboy

Cards drawn:

Past: Osiris - Father, Husband, Brother, Son
Present: El Morya - Clear and Shield your Energy
Future: St Francis - Follow your Heart

.
Interpretation:
The “Past” card speaks about the immediate past in relation to the question asked:   How appropriate to have Osiris appear here!  His presence indicates the motivation for your question has something to do with a male figure.  Perhaps it’s pressure Gautam receives, or envy Gautam feels, from his father or brother about continuing the family line?  Perhaps it’s the longing for a son?  Whatever it is, my feel is that Gautam needs to not be at the mercy of such pressure, whether from his family or his as-yet-unborn son(s).

The “Present” card speaks about your question’s current status, or what you need to know / need to work on right now:  Continuing from the “past” card, it looks like Gautam needs to clear himself from negativity that has attacked and attached to him, probably relating to pressure of wanting / being expected to produce children.  Gautam, please look into how best to clear your energy, and how to shield said energy.  I personally use methods from Sahaja Yoga (raising kundalini and taking bandhan; meditating on the Earth, clearing & balancing left & right channels, etc), although I hear use of crystals would also be beneficial.

The “Future” card speaks about what awaits you if you take the advice and walk the path indicated in the previous card:   This card made me smile - to have the same card appear in two separate readings for the same person indicates to me that this particular card — in this case St Francis of Assisi — is particularly connected to / concerned about the querent.  With the message of follow your heart, this “future” card indicates that Gautam should once again have faith in himself and the Universe, that whatever happens is as per the Universe’s plans.

Summary:
The cards didn’t say “Yes”, but neither did they say “No”!  What seems more important is for Gautam to disengage himself from pressure — whether from himself, or his family — to produce children, and to heal himself from the effects of said pressure.  Perhaps the answer to this question will become clearer once Gautam has achieved some distance.  Once again, there is a strong message of having faith in himself and in the universe.

= = =

My main takeaway from this session is the repeated presence of St Francis of Assisi.  For Gautam’s two questions specifically, and for his life in general, it would seem that the message is Gautam needs to have faith — in himself and his abilities.

= = =

Would you like your own free card reading?  I’ll be happy to provide you with one, in the form of a post just like this, for free!  Just remember that Answers without, answers within, the author (me, a.k.a lynne naranek) and today.com will NOT be held responsible for actions you may choose to take as a result of readings and analyses discussed on this site or in follow-up emails. Please read Free Readings for You! carefully for a bit more legalese and details on how to request a reading.  I look forward to hearing from you! 

I have had dealings with some similar “White Practitioners” back in the day - underwent an exorcism of sorts: the bad spirit in question was supposedly a “guardian” of a pretty messed-up ex, that decided that since I’d “hurt” its master by breaking up, it would attach itself to me and cause me harm.

Or perhaps my ex sicced it on me.

I don’t remember / never really did get the whole story.  In a way, I didn’t want to know, and didn’t want to “believe” too much/strongly in the whole thing. Heck, one of the group — the husband of a friend of mine — advised me not to believe too much, because it would open me up / make me susceptible to other stuff out there.  Advice taken!

image by cohdra

What did the “exorcism” entail?  I remember that beforehand, I had to collect some ablution water from seven different mosques - can’t remember what it was used for, tho.  Once the start date/time was determined, the whole effort was carried out over the course of three or four days, at specific times of day.

A group of five or so people shared the burden/responsibility of conducting all that needed to be conducted.  There would be one main person, but I assume the others lent their energy or somehow supported the sessions without being physically involved.  My significant other at that time was also in attendance - I wanted someone not ‘involved’ in the sessions to keep an eye out for me, y’know?

eggs_s by demondimum

During one session, raw eggs were used, rolled all over my body and down each arm finishing at the fingertips / down the leg finishing at the toes.  When cracked open, attention was drawn to a few spots of blood in the yolk of one of the eggs: supposedly a sign that “it” had done me harm but the egg had drawn it out of me.

I then had to smear the egg all over myself including my hair, let it dry, then rinse (not wash) it all off. I smelt like egg all that day, LoL!

I also vaguely remember the use of a needle floating in a bowl of water - how the needle behaved was supposed to indicate if I’d been totally “cleansed” or not.

And right at the end, I was instructed to picture my ex’s face in my mind. I couldn’t.  The guy then nodded and said that was fine: if I had been able to, it meant that I held a grudge against the ex, and all the negativity and more that had been taken out of me would then be flung back to the source.  That I couldn’t picture the face indicated that I wanted the matter to be laid to rest there and then.  Sort of a dirty trick, I feel, not explaining until afterwards the meaning/consequences of picturing my ex’s face.  Then again, perhaps it’s just a way of getting the heart of hearts’ intentions?

Anyways … if any of you have similar/related tales to tell, I would love to hear/read them!  Do drop me a comment with your contribution, or point me to your blog post that explores it, k?

In the meantime, do check out the following posts by Windy, that prompted this post:

• Of Shamans and the powers that be: read about how a ‘ring of protection’ worked
• The White Shaman: observations of a Shaman at work
• More about Shamans and the powers that be: eating glass, and protecting against Thai wiles

With her analysis originally scheduled for the week of 22nd June, over the next few days we will be looking at Mdm Mid-Life’s chart. She writes:

The 1st 35 yrs of my life was full of excitement and then I had to make a decision of which I did and with no regrets I completed another 7 years of which the earlier 4 yrs of this latter years was a tough adjustment but I went thru with great sense pride. Now what?? You see I used to plan a lot like next 10 years kind of thing of which by heaven’s help it work out to smoothen the ride of life but what about the next 10 years & now? Wud really appreciate your insight into my personal Bazi.

As usual, the first few steps for any analysis are determining the Self-Element and its strength, identifying the favourable and unfavourable elements, and then taking a macro look at what can be seen.  Here goes:

Mdm Mid-Life’s BaZi with Peach Blossom Stars and well-rooted elements shown

.
From the Heavenly Stem of the Day column, we see that Mdm Mid-Life’s Self-Element is Yin Fire.  The Rooster in the Earthly Branch of the Month column indicates she was born in Autumn, a time when Water is strong, Metal reigns supreme, and Fire is considered “trapped”.  Thus, despite Yin Fire being well-rooted / penetrating to the Heavens, I read Mdm Mid-Life’s self-element as weak.  Therefore:

FAVOURABLE elements:

• Fire (correlating to Companions / Friends, Foes, Colleagues, Competition)
• Wood (correlating to Resource / Support, Authority)

.

UNFAVOURABLE/DISLIKED elements:

• Metal (correlating to Wealth / Financial Success)
• Water (correlating to Influence / Recognition, Power, Rank)
• Earth (correlating to Output / Intelligence, Creativity)

.

Some general observations:

Note that while there is a lot of Fire in Mdm Mid-Life’s chart, the Rabbit in the Earthly Branch of the Hour column is the only source of (Yin) Wood.  As such, any interaction that affects this element needs to be looked at carefully, because if it “takes away” fuel for Mdm Mid-Life’s fire, it would be an unfavourable interaction.  Also, since this precious Rabbit sits in the Children Palace, I would also say that Mdm Mid-Life’s children are good for her, i.e. she gets along well with them, and they help make her feel complete.

The chart also has a lot of Peach Blossom Stars, as indicated by the red stars above (the circled star is Mdm Mid-Life’s own Peach Blossom Star).  Mdm Mid-Life is probably someone always in the spotlight, with a lot of charisma, very attractive to the opposite sex with no shortage of fans and wooers, although with so many Stars in play, it’s too easy for the situation to warp into extremes: the fans might be obsessive stalkers, for example.

Static interactions within Mdm Mid-Life’s 4 Pillars

Ox-Rooster: ⅔ of Metal Frame Three Harmony Combination. This combination needs Snake to be complete (this occurred when Mdm Mid-Life was between ages 22 - 31 years old). In general, Mdm Mid-Life’s husband and her parents can be said to get along pretty well, but I wonder if they sometimes seem to gang up against her: after all, they want to produce Metal, which despite correlating to her Wealth factor, is an unfavourable element for Mdm Mid-Life.

Rabbit-Rooster Clash. This interaction’s impact is diluted because the Rabbit and Rooster are not next to each other. Based on where the Rabbit and Rooster are sitting in the chart, it indicates that Mdm Mid-Life’s children probably don’t get along with their grandparents.

A quick look at the Luck Pillars

Luck Pillars for Mdm Mid-Life with generally favourable periods indicated

In general, Mdm Mid-Life’s Luck Pillars are very much in her favour.  From ages 12 all the way to 71, she goes through a period of Fire followed by Wood, both being her favourable elements.  Interestingly, she has just moved from Fire to Wood, I wonder if this change is what prompts her to take a step back and evaluate where she’s come from, and where she’s going.

In the next post, we’ll take a closer look at her Luck Pillars and see if we can correlate them to Mdm Mid-Life’s statement at the beginning of this post, and help her anticipate what the future might hold.

Stay tuned!

= = =

… if you would like a free Paht Chee chart analysis of your own from Answers without, answers within, please take note that effective July 2009 I am no longer accepting such requests until I clear my backlog which will take me to December 2009.  May I suggest you subscribe to this blog via email or reader to keep yourself appraised of any new developments or announcements relating to this moratorium.  I hope to be accepting requests again in January 2010.  In the meantime, I’d be happy to do Card Readings for you instead.  Please read Free Readings for You! carefully, then contact me if you’re still game.  I look forward to hearing from you.