"It's Christmas!"

 "It's Christmas!"

For some, Christmas is the most exciting time of the year. For others, it is one of the main religious holidays of the year. For me personally, Xmas is about spending time with our loved ones, giving and receiving  some lovely gifts --- and eating good food!

We all know that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Christian Lord Jesus Christ, and some of the church services are beautiful with candles and carol singing, and, of course, "The Christmas Message."

For some, who may be of different 'faiths', Xmas is still celebrated but for different reasons.

"Saturnalia" was celebrated in Rome, in honour of the god of agriculture --- "Saturn." Starting with the week leading up to the Winter Solstice and for a whole month, this was a 'hedonistic' time. Food and drink was plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down --- the slaves became the masters, the peasants were in command of the city and businesses and schools closed so that everyone could enjoy the celebrations.

Also at this time in Rome, the "Feats of Juvenalia" was observed which honoured the children of Rome. Those of the rich classes of Rome, celebrated the birthday of "Mithra" who was an infant god, born of a rock. This day was 25th December and for some it was the most sacred day of the year.

To unite all the people into Christianity, Pope Julius I chose 25th December as the day Jesus Christ was born, and along with this, many of the traditions were continued under this celebration. The Bible does not tell us when Jesus Christ was born, but as the shepherds were herding their sheep outside, it is thought to be around spring time. For me personally, celebrating the birth of a new baby (at any time of the year) is a wonderful time as it is celebrating new life --- and life on this Earth is beautiful!

Christmas hasn't always been celebrated in England. In 1645, Oliver Cromwell and the Puritan forces 'cancelled' Christmas. When Charles II re-took the throne, Christmas was restored. When the English pilgrims moved to America in 1620, they did not celebrate Christmas. It was finally declared a federal holiday as late as 1870.

The famous author Charles Dickens, wrote the classic holiday tale "A Christmas Carol." The message from this tale is: "the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind," and this struck a very powerful note in the United States and England. It also showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating Christmas.

As time went on, more and more 'traditions' were absorbed into the celebration = giving gifts to children / decorating the tree / sending cards / and so on = until we have the Christmas that we have today, in 2020 --- and what fun it is too!

It may be a quieter Xmas this year because of the covid-19 restrictions but we can still have a fantastic time --- it's up to us to make it that fantastic!

"It's Christmas!"

"Mermaids, Are They Real?"

 

Mermaids

I've been recently watching the television series "Sirens" and have found that I am fascinated by the subject. As well as being a story in Disney (The Little Mermaid), mermaids have always been in our minds through the centuries. These 'sea creatures' have been in our psyche for as long as humans have been around. Such beautiful but dangerous creatures, we "WANT" them to be real!

They are the cross-over between the sea and land, the sea creatures and humans, after all, everyone would love to swim with dolphins, let alone live with them.

There is a documentary by Live Science called "Are Mermaids Real?" which apparently "proved" that mermaids are real today, it is so "real" that many viewers actually believed it, but in the credits at the end of the show there is a very brief disclaimer saying that it is a work of fiction, the "scientists" are in fact paid actors! This program had such an impact that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration felt the need to post this statement on their website: "No evidence of aquatic humanoids has ever been found."

mermaids

Mermaids are a big feature in mythology and have existed here for thousands of years. The first myth mentioned about mermaids is found around 1,000 B.C.E. This myth tells of a Syrian goddess who jumped into a lake to turn into a fish, but her beauty could not change, only her bottom half transformed into a fish tail. 

Captain Columbus himself reported seeing mermaids, neat Haiti in 1493. He described them as being "not as pretty as they are depicted, for somehow in the face they look like men."

mermaids

Today, there are professional scuba divers who make their living being mermaids, swimming at parties and even aquariums. One such aquarium is Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs which has been opened since 1947. These divers are so 'life-like' that the children believe that they are real mermaids, even the PR director says: "just like with Santa Claus, we always say yes. We're not going to tell them that they're (the mermaids) are not real." We all need something to believe in.

A beautiful legend in China speaks of the tears of elusive sirens which form the most beautiful pearls on Earth. For me personally, I wish that mermaids were real as they are so beautiful and graceful (well, in my imagination anyway).

LIVE AND LOVE LIFE!

Wildlife Parks and Zoos

 

Wildlife Parks and Zoos are so much more accommodating for the animals today.

Instead of living "behind bars", these animals are now living in environments very similar to their natural habitats. These 'Places' are now used to protect and increase the numbers of these animals, as well as for us being able to'visit' these unique creatures and 'learn' how we can live in harmony with them on this Earth.

London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo. It first opened on 27th April, 1828, and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. In 1831/1832, the animals of the Tower of London menagerie were moved to London Zoo, which was opened to the public in 1847. This zoo has a collection of animals which include: giraffes / lemurs / zebras / otters / pygmy hippos / meerkats / okapis and warthogs. This zoo had the first world's public aquarium which was built in 1853. London Zoo is one of the best 'ethical' zoos in the UK. It offers one of the best conservation experiences as the habitats are huge and kept as close as possible to the animals natural habitats.

The New Forest Wildlife Park was opened to the public in 1998 and is located on the edge of the New Forest. This Park specializes in native and past-native wildlife of Britain, which includes: otters / owls / red deer / bison and wolves. It is an enjoyable day with keeper talks, feeding times, animal encounters and special events. This Park is recognized  as the UK's leading institution in the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wild otters, owls, deer and foxes. It is involved in several conservation projects, including breeding for endangered species.

The Blue Planet Aquarium has a fascinating underwater ecosystem which hosts more than 100 live exhibits and one of the biggest collections of sharks in Europe. This Aquarium is a collection of marine and freshwater life. It is located in Cheshire, England. It's stated aim is to "enlighten, increase knowledge and raise interest in the marine environment using an inter-active, entertaining and sustainable approach." This opened to the public in July 1998. It keeps a variety of mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

These are just 3 of over 10,000 zoos worldwide which care for around one million vertebrate animals. The WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) was set up in 1935 to provide leadership and support for zoos and aquariums, and takes the lead in animals welfare, care, the conservation of biodiversity, environmental education and global sustainability. Thanks to these Parks, Zoos and Aquariums, many creatures were brought back from almost extinction and their numbers have increased.

Hopefully mankind is learning to live in harmony with and help the creatures we share our home with.

You Are "Magic"

It Is SO Pretty !

 

On of the most beautiful scenes you could ever see on this Earth is "The Rainbow." 

We know the expression: "the colours of the rainbow," but do we know these colours or why we even see rainbows or have them?

Apart from the Biblical mention, I've never thought of 'why' we have rainbows, I've only ever wondered at their beauty --- Rainbows are so Pretty.

The colours of the rainbow are: red / orange / yellow / green / blue / indigo / violet.

Red is for Life

Orange is for Healing

yellow is for the Sun

green is for Nature

Blue is for Art

Indigo is for Harmony

Violet is for Spirit

It is interesting what rainbows mean in mythology, religion and the arts. For example, a single rainbow is said to signify a human descending from heaven to earth. A double rainbow is said to represent the movement from earth to heaven and is considered to be a sign of future success. The Biblical meaning is that God promised to never destroy the earth with a flood again.

In reality, we see a rainbow after it rains, the sun us usually out and the rain clouds are just a short distance away. The "Rainbow" is caused by sunlight and atmospheric conditions. Light enters a water droplet, slowing down and bending as it goes from air to dense water. The light reflects off the inside component wavelengths --- or colours. When light exists the droplets, it makes a rainbow.

So, we have the mythological reasons and we have the physical reasons. What about the effects that seeing a rainbow had on the mind?

When you see a rainbow, how do you feel? 

Peaceful, quiet, happy.

Seeing a rainbow really makes us smile.

Rainbows are so Pretty ! ! !

You Are "Magic"

Panda To Me

 

One of the most well-known creatures on this Earth is the Giant Panda.

This black and white teddy bear is generally a solitary bear and can communicate through vocalisation and scent markings. They can climb and take shelter in trees but they do not hibernate.

These pandas rely primarily on spatial memory rather than visual memory.

In the wild, the Giant Panda spends it's life roaming and feeding in the bamboo forests of the Qinling Mountains. Their amount of activity is related primarily on the amount of sunlight during colder days.

 Sounds a lot like us humans!

Although being in 'captivity' has saved many of these pandas, there is one very big problem --- these beautiful creatures will not mate in captivity. Through artificial insemination within these zoos, the pandas have bred successfully, a lot of the time giving birth to twins. Ahh --- .

These lovely pandas first became endangered in 1990 because of excessive poaching and deforestation. Today, there are about 1,864 Giant Pandas in the wild with 400 in captivity. 

How can anyone kill these inoffensive and docile teddy bears?

Let's hope mankind is learning today and now that we have no right killing the creatures we share our home with --- we do not want yet another creature becoming extinct!

animal reiki

My Best Friend

 I have always loved Horses. Ever since starting a project in infant (yes, infant) school, I fell in love with these beautiful creatures of this Earth.

It is amazing just how many breeds of horse there are and just how long man-kind and horses have lived side by side, working together. Today, we use cars to travel, but horses are by no means redundant. It's nice to see them running free in the fields, dancing during dressage and jumping over 'gates' during competitions.

There are more than 350 breeds of horse and pony, each breed has its own special qualities and 'look.' It is said that the 'horse' was domesticated about 5,500 years ago. This was on the plains of northern Kazakhstan. So we have almost 6,000 years of history with horses but only 100 years with the automobile!

Makes you think, doesn't it!

No matter the breed, the horse is a very strong character, physically, mentally and emotionally. AND --- it is a very beautiful creature --- every colour is seen. 

Take the Appaloosa --- the American breed called the original breed used by the American Indians. Each one has a spotted coat pattern, unique to itself and of different colours.

The Palomino horse is called "The Golden Horse" because it's coat is yellow or gold, with a white or light cream mane and tail. The shades of the body coat colour can range from cream to dark gold.

With its very gentle and kind personality, and 'understanding' of human nature, the Horse has always been My Best Friend.

You just don't realize just how STRONG you really are !

LIVE AND LOVE LIFE !

The Beauty of this Earth

 

THE BEAUTY OF THIS EARTH

We've been born onto a truly Amazing planet --- The Earth --- which provides us with everything to help us live and 'survive.

From the beautiful colours of the flowers to the inspiring singing of the birds, every single plant / crystal / creature is here to 'lift our spirits,' inspire our lives and keep a smile on our faces.

It is a medical fact that what we take into our minds, through our eyes, affects us mentally, which will (in turn) affect us physically.

As children, we're given books on fairy tales and who doesn't love Disney? Yet, as adults, we forget the very real "Magic" that is in this world.

Meditating on this Earth and It's natural elements will bring that "Magic" back into our lives --- our every day lives.

LIVE AND LOVE LIFE !

You just don't realize how STRONG you really are !