Dragon and Snake 'Tales' For Our Times (2012-14)

Enter The Dragon (and Snake)

The following short, true accounts illustrate the fundamental influence of the Dragon, the Snake and the 5 Elements (Wuxing) on Chinese philosophy, thought and history which continues unabated at this present time.

Serpent Surprise!

Is the Chinese Dragon a Myth a Man (or Woman) and why doesn't it have any wings? Via links to the Chinese Emperor the Dragon symbolises strength and dominance. A fortune, Wealth and Power symbol, the Eastern Dragon is considered good have around--quite unlike the horrid fire-breathing monster of ancient Western superstition. Chinese philosophy reports the Dragon as bringing good fortune, healthy 'Sheng Qi' and representing true learning and authority. The Snake, too. is considered s a fortuitous and lucky sign and symbol in China, entirely different from the wicked serpent of western biblical tradition.

Tales From The Wuxing

5 (Wu) is the Dragon's number-top of the 5 Animals (or 'Wuxing') rankings. Number 5, Dragon Year is a high point within the 12-Animal Cycle. Humble (no legs) Snake in following Year 6 the 'Lowest' of the 5 Animals represents an evolutionary journey ending, 12 months later with Lung (the Dragon's) re-appearance: Snake,Crane, Leopard, Tiger Dragon comprise the full list in ascending rank order. 'Wuxing means both 5 Animals and 5 Elements in Chinese although there are different Chinese characters for each term.

Yin and Yang

The Dragon is Yang and rules and tops the universal hierarchy of Animals. The vast, red/golden, roaring Flying Dragon (the rising Sun) in the East dominating the sky is Yang. Its Yin equivalent the Crimson Phoenix/Red Bird is the Sun at its height, in the South, at mid-day. In Chinese Culture the Dragon is the Male (he chases away the darkness) and the Phoenix is the Female (bright and full of warmth).

From Linguistics--The Chinese Character 'Lung'/Dragon

Chinese characters often incorporate graphic insights into their actual meaning.'Lung'/ Dragon depicts a human figure. Examine the Chinese Character for 'Dragon' carefully and you can see her/him and Chinese-style hat standing next to something looking suspiciously like a river plus irrigation channels, suggesting intensive cultivation.

Intensive cultivation provide supplies, stability and spare-time allowing civilisation to develop whilst encouraging intensive self-cultivation and development also. Lung, here is the human who does Kung Fu: flying (as in jumping-flying kicks) via will-power-hence we Chinese Kung Fu Dragons don't have any wings-we don't need them to fly.

'Enter The Meteor!'

Long-ago, the Chinese believe a giant meteor struck the Earth. This caused the crust to fracture into today's tectonic plates, starting the continental drift, ending the ' Day of the Dinosaurs' abruptly (as opposed to the 'gradual extinction' theory popular in the West) and causing dramatic changes ultimately bringing about human evolution. The Snake (without legs) goes back to the immediate aftermath of this huge convulsion and Humans (standing on two legs like 'Lung' the Dragon) represent the ultimate evolutionary outcome. The rest of the Chinese Zodiac represents the other Animals, in between the two. Humans' discovery of Metal enabled the fashioning of cooking utensils (early 'woks') allowing herbs and vegetables to be cooked at length. The resulting intake of nutrients brought about dramatic increases in our brain size, culminating in the eventual appearance of Modern Humanity (Homo Sapiens).

This illustrates aptly how knowledge of 5 Elements Theory (Wuxing) helps Humans to enjoy a more favourable relationship with their physical environment. Knowledge of this ' Famous Five': Earth, Metal, Water, Wood (the vegetables providing those key nutrients) and Fire according to Chinese belie, led to Man's ascent.

From Shaolin Kung Fu

Shaolin Kung Fu Maxim: 'Do not despise the humble Snake, one-day the Snake may become a strong and mighty Dragon!' is also worthy of deeper consideration.

In certain Shaolin Kung Fu styles beginners are considered 'Snakes' and required to undertake Snake-related training to acquire essential basic skills. Without limbs Snakes depend entirely in Internal Energies for movement and are therefore important symbols of the Qi-training which begins at this point. Many years of dedicated practice later, after rising through the ranks, one-day the same person might become a top 'Dragon' Grade, as some Shaolin styles term Advanced Black Sashes--a transformational journey in itself!

From History--The Legend of Madam White Snake or 'Sepently Knot!'

'Tang Dynasty Tragi-Comic Romance 'Lady White Snake,' is a true tale providing valuable insights into perceptions of the Snake in Chinese Culture. As with the Dragon, these differ considerably from our own. The graceful, enchanting Snake 'She' (pronounced 'Sher) is seen as a sign of good luck and fortune, in contrast to the wicked serpent of the West.

The Water Element figures significantly in this story and 2013-14 being a Yin Water Snake Year this account. has much contemporary relevance. The two Central Characters were, both born, in Snake Years-- but 24 years apart!. The woman, a Metal (White) Snake is 24 years the Man, a Water Snake's Senior. In 5 Elements Feng Shui metal produces Water and she is, literally, old enough to be his mother. The Water Element intrudes at key points: under bridges, carrying boats, in lakes, rivers, rainstorms and floods at vital times in the Tale most famously during a well-watered (drunken) episode during China's annual Dragon Boat Festival celebrations.

A Daoist whilst he is a Buddhist at a time of tensions between the two religions in China, she has excellent Kung Fu skills (Snake-Style of course) from Emei Shan (Mount Emei) 3rd Ranking Martial Temple after Song Shan (Shaolin) and Wu-Tai Shan (Pa Kua).

From Contemporary Chinese Cinema 'The Emperor'--Starring Jet LI

In his new film, which is a re-telling of the above tale, Jet Li plays Fa Hai Abbot of Jinshan Buddhist Temple who, opposed to their union, is determined to disrupt it! So why not improve your knowledge of Feng Shui, Astrology, Kung Fu, Chinese Literature and Cinema in one fell swoop by viewing Jet Li's new release!.

Two Year Animals and One Year Element

Yang Water is Year Element in Dragon Year (2012-13) Yin Water in Snake Year (2013-14) as the 5 Elements repeat twice in successive continuing 10-Year Cycles in first Yang then Yin modes. Water is associated with the emotions, wealth, communications and intrusiveness.

Dragon Years are noted for their volatility. Financial improvement for governments and individuals in positions of responsibility, as well as those who have experienced difficulties in the previous Dragon year are Snake Year features. Snake Years also raise awareness of environmental issues and the ways these will affect future generations. The 12 Animal Zodiac Cycle runs parallel to its 10 year Elemental 'colleague' producing 120 potential variations.

Sifu Peter Allsop M.Ed. teaches Shaolin Kung Fu and Qigong in Yorkshire and Derbyshire U.K. With almost 40 years experience he is Shaolin Fists International Area Instructor for this region and Senior Student of Grandmaster Yap Leong.

Trained in the U.K. and China, Peter teaches Changquan ('Longfist') Wu Xing (5 Animals), Wu Tzu (5 Ancestors) Kung Fu and 5 Elements Qigong. Sheffield Chinese Lion Dance Team Member, he also publishes 'Red Dragon Martial Arts Ezine'.

Explore the free resources at: http://www.sheffieldkungfu.com/ or http://hylenergiser.com/

This Month Through the Lens of Uranian Astrology: April 2012 Part 2

April 2012 Part 2

Before I get to the individual days I have to bring your attention to a problematic planetary picture that will be in play all week long. It is Mars + Saturn = Hades, murder and violence in the world. The worse day will be on the 15th and16th. The Sun will be opposite Saturn on the 15th and Mercury on the cardinal axis on the 15th. If I were you I should be very careful driving on these two days as everyone's mind could be elsewhere rather than on the road. Now to each individual day.

We have one extra day to hold on to our money as April 15th falls on a Sunday. But, the 15th will have many working overtime to complete their tax forms, as the Sun will be opposite Saturn. The really fun day will be the 16th as Venus will be semi-square Saturn. At the same time situations in the world will be a little unsettled and a bit nasty, especially in the mid-east, as well in Asia. On US home front, the presidential campaign will be nasty on the 16th. Then on the 17th the mood lightens-up as Venus will be at the midpoint of Uranus and Jupiter. Also, Mercury will be 22? to Uranus and will be midpoint Jupiter and Pluto. With these planetary pictures the stock market should be up on the 17th. This positive financial picture should continue into the 18th as Venus moves to the midpoint of Jupiter and Pluto, and the Sun will be opposite Apollon - which means that the global financial picture looks positive on the 18th. At the end of the day on the 18th, situations get a little unstable as Mercury and the Sun moves to create a planetary picture with Uranus at the midpoint of the Sun and Uranus. The instability continues into the 19th as Mercury will be at the midpoint of Uranus and the cardinal axis and Hades. There will be unsettling news coming from the foreign financial markets, meanwhile, the presidential campaign will get really nasty as Venus will be 22? to Uranus. Then on the 20th, Mercury will be 22? to Saturn, some bad or depressing news can be relayed on this day. The financial markets can be a bit unstable as the midpoint between Venus and the Sun will be at the midpoint of Pluto and Uranus.

Unfortunately there is still a Mars + Saturn = the cardinal axis and Hades till the 30th of April. Expect some very nasty events to hatch!

Saturday the 21st begins on a new moon 22? to Pluto, passions will be running high today, both a positive as well as negative tone, so tread carefully. By mid to late afternoon, Mercury will be midpoint Venus and Saturn, so watch your spending. You may discover that what your thought was a good deal may turn out to be a big mistake. Plan a nice quiet evening at home either by oneself or with a loved one. Pop a DVD in the player and microwave some popcorn and let the transits pass. Some of you out there may be waking up with a hangover or a headache as Sunday morning the 22nd begins with Mercury still at the midpoint of Venus and Saturn. By late morning everything looks better as Mercury moves to conjunct Uranus and both will be making a 22? aspect to Apollon, go out with some friends and do something different and exciting. On Monday the 23rd you should see the financial markets up as Mercury will be at the midpoint of Venus and Apollon, this day should bring some positive news related to the foreign markets. On the 24th the Sun + Apollon = Venus. On this day there could be some positive international negotiations taking place.

On the other hand financial markets do not look too good as the planetary picture of the day is Jupiter + Saturn = Sun. on this day the financial picture will not look good. On the 25th Mercury + Neptune = Sun, pay very close attention to your bills and receipts and make sure you were not over charged on anything past or present. It is a day that there could be major gains as well as major losses as Sun + Neptune = Jupiter. It is a day to read between the lines as Mercury will conjunct Uranus and Venus will be making a 22? to the both planets. Passions can again run high, hormones can be soaring in the evening. The first half of Friday the 27th the computers will be working full out in the national and international stock markets as the midpoint between Sun and Mercury will equal Jupiter and the cardinal axis. Then by mid-day the news turns negative as the main planetary picture changes to Sun + Mercury = Saturn. Then, on the weekend of the 28th and 29th forget about your troubles and enjoy the spring weather. Monday the 30th will have Saturn at the midpoint of Sun and Mercury, and Venus will be at the midpoint of Saturn and the cardinal axis. Bad news could/should bring down the financial markets. For those who have not been cautious in their financial deals you could get find yourself rather unhappy this day.

Arlene Marcia Nimark is, and has been a full time astrologer since 1980. She has a level IV certification from NCGR, and is on the faculty of New York City Chapter of NCGR. Since 1982 her specialty is in Uranian astrology. She is one of the few who use the full system, 360 degree with it's multiple house systems for intense analysis of the individual, and forecast with the use of the 90 degree dial. Arlene has lectured at UAC' 92, 95, 98, 02 and 08 and 2012 plus many local as well as National NCGR conferences, the SOTA conference in Toronto, Canada, and at some AFA conferences. She has also done numerous workshops through out the USA, and Mexico using this dynamic system of astrology. http://www.amnuranianastrologer.com/

Zodiac Birthstones: 'What's Your Stone, Baby?'

If there's one thing that everyone knows about astrology, it's their zodiac sign. If there's one thing everyone loves about learning, it's learning about their zodiac sign.

Why the fascination with them? Why do even the most scientific-minded among us have a deep-rooted curiosity when it comes to our own personal zodiac sign? Perhaps it's because they are pretty much the only things that might tell us something about ourselves that nothing else can. We aren't born with a manual on life, much to everyone's dismay; and we don't really get to know but a shadow of how the rest of the world perceives us.

We learn to crawl, walk, go to school, spend years in our respective careers, and so on. We are many things to many people: our schoolmates might see us as fun and entertaining, while our coworkers think we're a little on he gloomy side. The sad fact is that we are constantly being barraged with different sorts of information to be processed based on how we're treated and how we fit into the rest of the world.

Fortunately for all of us, the zodiac is readily available to help us out when we want to know why we are shy with the opposite sex, or can't stand the color orange; but do we really believe all that mythological and unscientific data of the astrologers?

More than likely.

We believe, many times, what we want to believe. Right or wrong, our zodiac sign answers questions about ourselves our friends and family can't. Symbols are seductive, so don't feel too bad if you consider yourself entirely logical yet own (and read) a few books on astrology.

Just as seductive as zodiac signs can be, their realistic counterparts are just as fascinating...

I mentioned earlier that everyone knows what their "sign" is. I'd be hard pressed to say that about birthstones. Yep, we've all got one or two of those as well.

Each birthstone, in theory, is supposed to represent each sign of the zodiac: turquoise for Sagittarius, emerald for Taurus, and so on. If you're not so much as an armchair astrologer, the reason behind the connections between signs and stones can seem outright weird. However, once you learn a bit about them, they all make absolute sense.

So now that you've made it this far, dear reader...why don't you find out what your birthstone is?

Follow our author, Sean, on his quest to find all zodiac birthstones by following this link:

http://www.squidoo.com/zodiac-stones

Is FATE Real? How to Avoid Being a Victim (Hint - Change Your Destiny!)

What is fate? Are we all destined to live certain lives, face unavoidable problems and struggle with things that we can't change.....no matter how hard we try? what role does destiny, or the idea that our lives follow a certain script or plan play in our spiritual growth and development? Or... is all of this just new age nonsense and silly to consider at all?

The truth is, regardless of what you believe, the idea of fate, free will and destiny has been debated by scientists, philosophers, religious thinkers, mystics and mediums for thousands of years.

You may THINK that you have the answer....the likelihood is, it's probably a lot more complex than any one person can know.

For example.....if you believe that psychic abilities are a well proven and documented fact (as I do) the question becomes:

If free will is true, can we alter or change the predictions made by psychic or clairvoyant readings?

Or, by virtue of something being seen or visualized by a psychic, is it destined to happen, exactly as described?

My own feeling is this:

Everyone has choice. There are certain forces that are in place that seem to suggest we are heading down a particular path, and that is what a psychic sees and then "predicts" (or more aptly, pictures) during a reading.

But, I believe we ALWAYS have a choice, and can always alter, change or re-route the course we're on, and to grow and mature spiritually and emotionally by making better decisions.

As a matter of fact...

I actually believe that the biggest and best reason to consult a clairvoyant, or get psychic advice in the first place, is to help improve the choices we do make. To alter and improve our destiny so to speak....by being foretold and forewarned about bad decisions we may otherwise make.

After all...

What good is getting a psychic reading or getting advance information if you aren't going to do anything with it?

Some people believe we are "robots".......following a script that is set and etched in stone.

I not only refuse to believe that, my personal experiences PROVE that it isn't true! I've had psychics predict things years and years in advance that have come to fruition, exactly as described, simply because I forgot about what I was told, or neglected to act on the advice. (not always bad things necessarily, but eerily accurate nonetheless)

I've also been told things that led me to take immediate action, and as a result, avoided a major health scare, or a relationship crisis or even a professional predicament that I didn't see coming....and would have been a big deal, had I not acted in advance.

So while I do believe in destiny, and I do believe that fate plays an important role in each of our lives, I don't believe the future is fixed. I believe that armed with the right insight, intuition and information.....you can tackle just about anything that's in front of you, and make it work to your BENEFIT, rather than the reverse!

Warning! Don't allow the future to "HAPPEN" to You. Click HERE to Change Your Future ...BEFORE it's Too Late!