Tarot Contemplation – Three of Pentacles

tarot_3pent

Your focus is paying off.  People around you appreciate you and your efforts and notice the quality of what you do, even when you don’t get paid.  You’re on the right track; keep doing what you’re doing.  This is an extremely positive card relative to work and career.  Your work is appreciated and generally well regarded, and that’s a very good place to find yourself.  If you are seeking employment, this card hints that you can expect success fairly quickly.  In relationships, people see you in a positive light as someone who has the qualities that they are looking for … even if love hasn’t quite developed yet.  If you’re dating, you’re likely to meet someone through work or through their work.  Stay sharp!  Your finances are looking healthier and this card can mean that your proverbial ship has come in, though you still must do your part.  Your health is also taking a positive turn for the better.  You are reaping rewards from the work you have done and the quality of it.  Keep upbeat and moving forward to ride this wave of Abundance.  Spiritually, learn more about rituals from the past to deepen your spiritual understanding and practice.

 

Saffron Rice

trishlee75's avatarCook Plant Meditate

photo

My neighbor, Drew, brought back a GRIP of saffron (as well as several other herbs and spices) from the Middle East on his last visit.  SCORE!

This saffron made a gorgeous rice, which was center-carb at our niece’s graduation party a couple of weeks back.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

IMG_4888Saffron Rice

1 cup long grain rice
1 1/2 cups plus 1/4 water (filtered if you have poor water quality)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 onion, diced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cube/teaspoon vegetable or chicken bullion
salt to taste

Bring 1/4 cup of water to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir saffron into water.  Set aside.

IMG_4888

In a saucepan on medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together.  Stir in onion and sprinkle with a little salt.  Stir in rice to coat and let cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until rice begins…

View original post 41 more words

Kofta Kebabs

trishlee75's avatarCook Plant Meditate

IMG_5112

This kebab is a beautiful and aromatic blend of lamb, beef, herbs and spices.  And, it’s easy to prepare in advance, freeze and grill as needed.  In fact, I recommend freezing them so that the meat sticks well to the skewer.  Fair warning though – our first “test batch” of these kebabs were gobbled up in no time flat.  I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did!

IMG_5205Kofta Kebabs

 

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground lamb
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ onion, grated
½ cup fresh chopped parsley
¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon freshly ground coriander
½ teaspoon freshly ground cumin
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¾ bread crumbs

Soak 20 bamboo skewers in water.  Combine all ingredients until well combined.  Weigh out in 2 ounce…

View original post 111 more words

There is WHAT in my water?

trishlee75's avatarCook Plant Meditate

IMG_5420

I like to think I’m a label reader when it comes to shopping but sometimes it takes a bored, back-seat kid to point out what you clearly missed.  But I missed it for good reason: who knew I’d have to read the label on my drinking water?!?  Here is a photo of the label from Kirkland drinking water.  I’m baffled that the ingredient list doesn’t end with “purified water”.

Eat Well!

~Trish

View original post

Meditation – with Snatam Kaur

Lyrics – Liberation’s Door:

Mannay kee gat kahee na jaa-ay.
The state of the faithful cannot be described.

jay ko kahai pichhai pachhutaa-ay.
One who tries to describe this shall regret the
attempt.

kaagad kalam na likhanhaar.
No paper, no pen, no scribe

mannay kaa bahi karan veechaar.
can record the state of the faithful.

aisaa naam niranjan ho-ay.
Such is the Name of the Immaculate Lord.

jay ko man jaanai man ko-ay.
Only one who has faith comes to know such a state of
mind.

mannai surat hovai man buDh.
The faithful have intuitive awareness and intelligence.

mannai sagal bhavan kee suDh.
The faithful know about all worlds and realms.

mannai muhi chotaa naa khaa-ay.
The faithful shall never be struck across the face.

mannai jam kai saath na jaa-ay.
The faithful do not have to go with the Messenger of
Death.

aisaa naam niranjan ho-ay.
Such is the Name of the Immaculate Lord.

jay ko man jaanai man ko-ay.
Only one who has faith comes to know such a state of
mind.

mannai maarag thaak na paa-ay.
The path of the faithful shall never be blocked.

mannai pat si-o pargat jaa-ay.
The faithful shall depart with honor and fame.

mannai mag na chalai panth.
The faithful do not follow empty religious rituals.

mannai Dharam saytee san-banDh.
The faithful are firmly bound to the Dharma.

aisaa naam niranjan ho-ay.
Such is the Name of the Immaculate Lord.

jay ko man jaanai man ko-ay.
Only one who has faith comes to know such a state of
mind.

mannai paavahi mokh du-aar.
The faithful find the Door of Liberation.

mannai parvaarai saaDhaar.
The faithful uplift and redeem their family and
relations.

mannai tarai taaray gur sikh.
The faithful are saved, and carried across with the
Sikhs of the Guru.

mannai naanak bhavahi na bhikh.
The faithful, O Nanak, do not wander around begging.

aisaa naam niranjan ho-ay.
Such is the Name of the Immaculate Lord.

jay ko man jaanai man ko-ay.
Only one who has faith comes to know such a state of mind.

Solstice Ritual Today

CREATE-ENERGY

This Summer Solstice, align YOUR power in Magic with us as a vast array of Witches, Magicians and Shamanic practitioners across the world again synchronise our spellwork – this time to abolish slavery and the religious abuse of women and LGBT!

Pray, Invoke, Spellcast, or Drum – Use the Magic YOU are most at home with.

We launch our united magical intention on June 20, 2016 at 3:33 PM PDT.

Tarot Contemplation – Two of Wands

tarot_2wands

Acting on yesterday’s choices, we strike a balance through collaborative efforts in the business or personal realms, or both, with a partner.  Being forceful in action is not required; gentle give-and-take today furthers achievement of your goals.  Experience a smoother work day as you continue to explore the right fit.  Keep cool and keep moving forward.  In your meditation today, don’t hesitate to ask the Universe for what you are truly due or worth.  Energy work aimed at balancing the chakras and/or mind, body and spirit and will improve body health when done today.  A spiritual partnership with another might be just the thing to make expanding your horizons more of an exciting adventure.  Taking the time to care for yourself spiritually and emotionally is essential to enjoying spiritually successful relationships with others.  Your rebalanced self is Square One.

Tarot Contemplation – The Devil

devil

This card has everything to do with how you are bound spiritually to the material, and so you must look beyond superficial appearances and go deeper into the truth and meaning of a situation.  If you are feeling restrained, know that you always hold the keys to your freedom in your hands.  Don’t give up hope.  No matter what your situation is, you always have options to choose from.  First, don’t let other people tell you that your options are limited.  If you come to that conclusion, be sure that you are coming to it on your own.  Regardless, it will be crucial to remember that you can free yourself from whatever restrictions are holding you back, at any time you choose to do so.  You may have the feeling now that you are not in control of your life.  Sometimes, this happens as a result of your own actions, but more often as a by-product of inaction.  So, take action, take whatever steps you can to give yourself the feeling, however slight, of being in control.  Even if that is merely making a choice on what you are going to have for dinner.  Small steps are important, too.  If you’re feeling trapped at work, consider whether or not the trade-offs are worth it and choose to act.  You are not trapped unless you choose to be trapped.  Same approach with your relationships.  Take steps to keep the magic alive, or choose to end the codependence and take a breather.  Keeping a positive mindset is of the utmost importance right now.  Positive affirmations are important and will benefit you.  Take a look at who you surround yourself with … are they upbeat and positive, or overly critical and fault-finding people who nitpick you to the point of you feeling depressed?  Take stock and take action.

Speech to the Iroquois Six Nations, by Red Jacket

engi_ext_native_american_map_emersonkent
Summer 1805, Buffalo Grove, New York

Friend and Brother:  It was the will of the Great Spirit that we should meet together this day. He orders all things and has given us a fine day for our council. He has taken his garment from before the sun, and caused it to shine with brightness upon us. Our eyes are opened, that we see clearly; our ears are unstopped, that we have been able to hear distinctly the words you have spoken. For all these favors we thank the Great Spirit; and him only.

Brother: this council fire was kindled by you. It was at your request that we came together at this time. We have listened with attention to what you have said. You requested us to speak our minds freely. This gives us great joy; for we now consider that we stand upright before you, and can speak what we think. All have heard your voice, and all speak to you now as one man. Our minds are agreed.

Brother: you say you want an answer to your talk before you leave this place. It is right you should have one, as you are a great distance from home, and we do not wish to detain you. But we will first look back a little, and tell you what our fathers have told us, and what we have heard from the white people.

Brother: listen to what we say. There was a time when our forefathers owned this great island. Their seats extended from the rising to the setting sun. The Great Spirit had made it for the use of Indians. He had created the buffalo, the deer, and other animals for food. He has made the bear and the beaver. Their skins served us for clothing. He had scattered them over the country, and taught us how to take them. He had caused the earth to produce corn for bread. All this He had done for his red children, because He loved them. If we had some disputes about our hunting ground, they were generally settled without the shedding of much blood.

But an evil day came upon us. Your forefathers crossed the great water and landed on this island. Their numbers were small. They found friends and not enemies. They told us they had fled from their own country for fear of wicked men, and had come here to enjoy their religion. They asked for a small seat. We took pity on them; granted their request; and they sat down amongst us. We gave them corn and meat; they gave us poison in return.

The white people, brother, had now found our country. Tidings were carried back, and more came amongst us. Yet we did not fear them. We took them to be friends. They called us brothers. We believed them, and gave them a larger seat. At length their numbers had greatly increased. They wanted more land; they wanted our country. Our eyes were opened, and our minds became uneasy. Wars took place. Indians were hired to fight against Indians, and many of our people were destroyed. They also brought strong liquor amongst us. It was strong and powerful, and has slain thousands.

Brother: our seats were once large, and yours were small. You have now become a great people, and we have scarcely a place left to spread our blankets. You have got our country, but are not satisfied; you want to force your religion upon us.

Brother: continue to listen. You say that you are sent to instruct us how to worship the Great Spirit agreeably to his mind, and, if we do not take hold of the religion which you white people teach, we shall be unhappy hereafter. You say that you are right, and we are lost. How do we know this to be true? We understand that your religion is written in a book. If it was intended for us as well as you, why has not the Great Spirit given to us, and not only to us, but why did He not give to our forefathers, the knowledge of that book, with the means of understanding it rightly? We only know what you tell us about it. How shall we know when to believe, being so often deceived by the white people?

Brother: you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the book?

Brother: we do not understand these things. We are told that your religion was given to your forefathers, and has been handed down from father to son. We also have a religion, which was given to our forefathers, and has been handed down to us, their children. We worship in that way. It teaches us to be thankful for all the favors we receive; to love each other, and to be united. We never quarrel about religion.

Brother: the Great Spirit has made us all, but He has made a great difference between his white and red children. He has given us different complexions and different customs. To you He has given the arts. To these He has not opened our eyes. We know these things to be true. Since He has made so great a difference between us in other things, why may we not conclude that He has given us a different religion according to our understanding? The Great Spirit does right. He knows what is best for his children; we are satisfied. Brother: we do not wish to destroy your religion, or take it from you. We only want to enjoy our own.

Brother: you say you have not come to get our land or our money, but to enlighten our minds. I will now tell you that I have been at your meetings, and saw you collect money from the meeting. I cannot tell what this money was intended for, but suppose that it was for your minister, and if we should conform to your way of thinking, perhaps you may want some from us.

Brother: we are told that you have been preaching to the white people in this place. These people are our neighbors. We are acquainted with them. We will wait a little while, and see what effect your preaching has upon them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest, and less disposed to cheat Indians, we will then consider again of what you have said.

Brother: you have now heard our answer to your talk, and this is all we have to say at present. As we are going to part, we will come and take you by the hand, and hope the Great Spirit will protect you on your journey, and return you safe to your friends.

Historical human rights speeches

map source (c) emersonkent com

Tarot Contemplation – Six of Cups

6cups

Today is a great day to stroll down Memory Lane and allow nostalgia to be the lens for looking back on how things used to be.  This isn’t about getting stuck in the past; this is just a wistful reverie.  When we were younger we felt more creative in the moment … so allow that same creative fire infuse your day, whether you’re at work or at home.  Dream with your partner … what kinds of goals do you both want to achieve to manifest the future you envision together?  But, if you’ve run across your Old Flame, think long and hard about whether to re-start up this emotional relationship:  Exes are exes for a reason.  If you’re thinking of investments to make, look to things that are retro, nostalgic or that appeal to children.  Money can come to you today through someone from your past or through inheritance.  On some matters, like your health, where you’re experiencing problems, answers might be found when you retrace back to your own childhood to examine where the roots of your physical problems might lie.  Our emotions are very much tied to our physical well-being, you see.  Perhaps these insights will lead to discussions with family members about the physical problems that they have faced.  Spiritually, ritual can be helpful to you now.  You may find beauty and meaning in recreating some of the spiritual rituals that you knew as a child.  Updating and reinventing your old traditions will serve you very well at this time.

Tarot Contemplation – Two of Swords

tarot_2swords

The number 2 is about balance … and after all the changes that are manifesting in your life at the moment, balance is exactly what is required to get back on track. Your partnerships with an-other … whether friendships, romantic, business … are doing all right, but how much are you willing to give and take to maintain the balance? You’re not always right and everyone, to some degree, has something to offer in a partnership. Keeping communications open ensures strong partnerships. If you’re waiting on others for decisions to be made that affect you, remain patient and don’t push. Watch your finances and make sure you know where you stand money-wise to the penny: balance your books. Meditate on how you are feeling about the things/people in your life. Remember that balance begins with how you’re feeling about yourself, so give yourself the Time to deal with your emotional self first.

Tarot Contemplation – Death

Hawaiian_Tarot_Death_13

This sign continues to show you the nature of energies that came in yesterday with the Wheel of Fortune. Changes are definitely here today. He loli ʻole, ke ʻalo aʻe, he paīo kōho. Change is inevitable; struggle is an option. (This is a great mantra to shift you into a more upbeat mindset.) Today, you might find that folks you previously relied upon are no longer available to you … and these changes you might find difficult to accept. But, you must move on and move forward, Friends. You were told a couple of days ago that you reap what you sow (Seven of Pentacles). Continue what you started yesterday and keep your head up … and remember that all things happen for a reason.

The Real teacher disappears from the outside and you see him in your Heart | Acharya Prashant – Words into Silence

The Teacher’s role is to show that a teacher is not needed.That is the rightful role of the Teacher.

Source: The Real teacher disappears from the outside and you see him in your Heart | Acharya Prashant – Words into Silence

Recipe – Chocolate Coconut Squares

CHOCO-SQUARES
Ingredients:

Cake:
6 eggs
6 tablespoons sugar (lower the glycemic index by using raw Turbinado sugar)
3 tablespoons coconut oil
3 tablespoons cocoa
5 tablespoons flour (use coconut flour to make this gluten-free)
10 g baking powder

Cream:
1 litre of milk
8 tablespoons sugar  (remember, Turbinado sugar)
200 g shredded coconut
15 teaspoons flour  (again, can substitute coconut flour)
50 g butter

Glaze:
100 g dark chocolate
50 g butter  (check out Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan butter – no difference!!)

Preparation:

Beat eggs and sugar until the mixture is foamy, stir in 3 tablespoons of oil, cocoa, flour and baking powder.
The resulting mixture pour into a pre-greased and floured pan and bake at 170 C for 20 min.

While the cake is baking, cook coconut with milk and sugar. When the milk boils add flour and cook over low heat stirring constantly until the flour thickens. In the warm cream mix add butter and stir until dissolved. Still warm cream pour over the cake. Cool off.

Melt chocolate over steam, add butter and stir until dissolved. Pour over cake and let it cool off. The cooled cake cut into squares.

Enjoy  🙂
http://goo.gl/B23kAk
www.beyondthecake.com

Hauʻoli lā Pōʻakolu

aloha7Aloha āwakea e Hauʻoli lā Pōʻakolu oukou.  Aloha mai no, aloha aku; ō kā huhu ka mea e ola ʻole ai.  Ō kā maluhia no me ʻoe.

Good day and Happy Wednesday, everyone.  When love is given, love should be returned; anger is the thing that gives no life. Hawaiians understood the transforming power of aloha.  Love begets love, and enmity produces enmity.  Anger only serves to hurt the angry, causing emotional upset, which impairs mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.  Peace be with you.

Tarot Contemplation – The Wheel of Fortune

Hawaiian_Tarot_Wheel_10

This is a very spiritual and karmically-oriented time.  Change is on your horizon and, for most of you, this is a very good thing.  If you’ve been getting through a rough patch on your Life’s journey, then things are looking up for you today.  If you’ve been riding high on the hog lately, then perhaps today’s changes might bring you back down to earth, and so take care.  Be grateful for the things in your life and keep your perspective clear.  You might decide that now is a good time to walk away from your comfy routine of a job and do something else that is more in alignment with what best serves you and your skill set.  If you are feeling like changing jobs but don’t know where to start, call up someone who does what you dream of doing yourself … Be bold, and ask him/her to lunch and ask whether you could shadow this person for a day as a way of researching the possibilities and opportunities.  You just might be surprised with a positive response.  Whatever you decide to do today, do not resist the winds of Change.  Minimize your body stress by maintaining your good nutrition habits you’ve been cultivating, alongside giving yourself plenty of rest and exercise.  Bottom line:  accept whatever your fair share of responsibility is for the situation you are currently facing … be accountable to yourself if to no one else … and move on.  Sometimes, things do just happen.  If this is you today, remember you are never alone in that experience so reach out for support because the support you need is truly always available.