Are we alone in the universe?

The short answer is no, of course not.

This question has been posed for centuries, if not since the beginning of our known existence. Each generation we get closer to real answers through our exploration of science and outer space. Some of us get closer in other ways.

Today, with the aid of Hubble, Kepler and other very powerful telescopes, we can map the visible universe and know that there are billions upon billions of stars, galaxies and unknown energies.  There are many potentially habitable planets that lay in the so-called “Goldilocks zone”, making it mathematically impossible for us to be alone in this universe.  Some of us, due to our belief systems still haven’t been able to grasp this FACT, but most of us have moved on to the next question.

On a daily basis, we are proving what we thought as absolute is more malleable than we thought. This can all be summed up in the famous quantum physics double-slit experiment where an electron can exist as 2 different states: a particle and a wave. Which state depends on how it is being observed, so these 2 different states of being are happening simultaneously. Ok, enough of physics, what about ET’s and UFO’s?

In April/May 2013 I co-produced the Citizen Hearing on Disclosure, a monumental event which gathered together over 40 witnesses mostly ex govt. officials and military of high rank and tenor and put them before 6 former members of congress in a mock congressional hearing that spanned 5 days and over 30 hours. The testimony was compelling and the congress members were mesmerized as the week unfolded. We live streamed the event and received a fairly decent amount of press, considering the “Truth Embargo” that surrounds the subject matter. Continue reading →

As we feel this season transition, the natural world around us has begun to bloom in many ways. We find ourselves upon a holiday older than written word. Remaining as one of the four cross­-quarter festivals that turn the Celtic wheel, Beltane comes to us as a day of fire and life. Generally celebrated around the first of May, this brings our attention to our awakened surroundings, allowing them to bless us with abundance, fertility, and new prospects.

Existing as a day out of time, we can feel Earth energy peaking while Father Sun stretches his rays to shake off the discord of winter. Beltane, or in the Manx language? Laa Boaltinn/Shenn da Boaldyn, is typically celebrated with the rise of the moon on the eve of May, to mark the rise of Summer.

It is heralded as a solar fire festival. The word Beltane translates to ‘bright fire’. Bel being one of the first Father Gods of the Gaelic Celts of Ireland. Traditionally, bonfires are lit to honor the sun but also as a way to persuade Bels support for the oncoming season. During this time, a communal fire is created, often dubbed The Need Fire. The fire would be jumped by members of the community in hopes of purification.

Often times, livestock would be driven through the smoke for blessings as well. These consecrated fires can be seen, even still, through modern day celebrations, where fire artistry and acrobatics are displayed for the pleasure of both god and man.

The festive celebration during this sacred day varies throughout parts of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, central Europe, and the western world.Many similarities can be found, such as the May poles we scurry around, or the offering of milk onto personal effigies.

During Beltane, it is custom to celebrate the potential and existence of life­ in every form. Many find celebration through dance and song, as well as candied fruit and sweet milk. In the home front, it is customary to extinguish the home hearth, ever so welcoming the summer in.

The holiday is also typically marked by handfastings, with the marriages set to honor the May Queen and King. On this day, the newlyweds also jump over the Need-fire in hopes to instill divine grace upon their union. Cakes and candies fruit are shared amongst family and friends while mead is swilled down, offering up joy as the ultimate sacrament.

This sacred day of solar fire is a time for us to honor the divine connection we have with the world around us. It is an opportunity to celebrate the unleashing of Father Sun from the bindings of winter’s darkness, as well as our own constraints.

In this moment we feel the divinity of natural transition­ here provides a chance to breathe in the raw eternal charge provided. At this period, earth energies are her strongest. We are able to bask in this boundless bliss while also finding a reminder of potential and prospect. Celebrate life and give love to our solar unity, blessed be!

The holiday is also typically marked by handfastings, with the marriages set to honor the May Queen and King. On this day, the newlyweds also jump over the Need-fire in hopes to instill divine grace upon their union. Cakes and candies fruit are shared amongst family and friends while mead is swilled down, offering up joy as the ultimate sacrament.

This sacred day of solar fire is a time for us to honor the divine connection we have with the world around us. It is an opportunity to celebrate the unleashing of Father Sun from the bindings of winter’s darkness, as well as our own constraints. In this moment we feel the divinity of natural transition­ providing a chance to breathe in the raw eternal charge given.

At this period, earth energies are her strongest. We are able to bask in this boundless bliss while also finding a reminder of potential and prospect. Celebrate life and give love to our solar unity, blessed be!

 Happy Beltane!

Written by Faye Monk, Asheville NC

Living in this busy digital era, it’s often difficult to make time to ground yourself while also maintaining a wholesome connection to the earth. As trifle and hectic as our world may be, it’s not necessarily difficult to cut away a small amount of time to heal your heart and soul while also joining our Mother Earth for communion.

Gardening, among many things, is a healthy way to join your karma with your earthly rites as well as improve your physical being. We all know one of the main benefits of a home garden is natural food grown by our own hands and a wonderfully healthy hobby, but let’s look a little deeper. Here are a few things you may not have considered about getting down and dirty in your backyard.   

• Sticking your toes in the soil, feeling the warm Earth below, smelling the various minerals and organic matter.

• The initial moment of entering your “green space” is sacred, and can allow for moments of deep reflection.

• No matter what you want to plant- it’s your space in the world, one where you can take a step back from the rush of life.

• As you work the dirt into your skin you can feel the power that the earth sends you, magnifying your already deep connection. This moment allows for grounding and reminds of one’s roots.

Take a moment to consider the opportunity that a green space allows you. Whether working in your backyard or even setting up some nice houseplants by your favorite window, there is great medicine to be taken from any green space, no matter how large or small.

It is common knowledge that the sun and fresh air should be a healthy dose in anyone’s daily routine, and here are a couple of reasons why. While overexposure to the sun can be harmful, the vitamin D that is fed to us through the sun is integral for a happy heart.

A recent study showed that the absence of proper levels of Vitamin D contributes to a higher risk of heart disease, particularly in men. While we can adjust our diets to accommodate a small amount of this crucial vitamin, a certain amount should be absorbed through our intake of sunlight. Sunlight is also responsible for a certain amount of serotonin production, leading to a happier healthier you!

While sun and soil offer so much to us as living beings, good old fashioned fresh air is just as important! The old adage “need some fresh air” happens to have more to it than we may think. While breathing clean fresh air seems very self-explanatory, a deeper look will reveal unexpected benefits.

Existing in close quarters with others, as we do in our offices and schools, makes you automatically prone to a myriad of bacteria. Time spent outside with deep inhales of a natural environment can be a huge boost your immune system and you will be exercising! Being outside and working in the garden is a great physical routine. Exercise also increases immune function. You can back off the energy drinks and coffee as the combination of both air and sunlight are found to be a natural energizer!

While we clearly have our scientifically backed reasons as to why gardening is healthy, let’s take a moment to bring it back to the Spirit. Planting your green space gives you the elected opportunity to reconvene with the goddess, as well as your inner self.

When feeling yourself breathe with the earth around you, you’re allowing the stresses of the modern world to fade away. There’s a strong sense of self when watching your plants thrive and grow, even more empowering is the self-knowledge which you embody. Watch your garden thrive! With trial and error, we educate ourselves, bringing surprises around every turn!

The communal aspect is also a very important benefit to keep in mind. By having an outlet to bring your local community together one opens up chances to make meaningful and important connections with the human family.

By connecting we are truly able to make big things happen, most importantly the positive changes that are needed for a healthy tribe. It is also something that can be shared by both young and old, offering bonding and empathetic joy.

The Earth wants to be spoken to, sung to and cared for. Your soul naturally craves the same. If that thought feels remote to you just give it a chance! Soon, you will understand that your spirit has been longingly whispering for it from the beginning. Gardening offers ourselves and our tribe a simple way to feed that natural need.  

Whether your green space is large or small, the effects can be felt in great waves. Through this beautiful act, we can create conscious, healthy communities. Striving for a healthy body, mind, and soul leads to a greater future for all of us. So get out there, embrace your green world!

 

Written by Faye Monk