Remember Carlos Casteneda?

Here are his followers and their workshops based on the shamanic teachings of

Carlos Casteneda and his shaman

August 2012

Dear Dreamers with Wolves:

The ‘call of the wild’ is real; it’s in our bones, our blood, our roots! The sun, the moon, the stars, the wind, the land, the water – all speak to us and call us as our event at The Wolf Connection Conservancy approaches!

To help you with the practical details of our very easy-level camping experience at The Wolf Connection Conservancy we have posted on our web some “Answers to Frequently Asked Questions/ Some Helpful Practical Information About this Event”. Please read this, and if other questions come to mind you may email them to us so that we may answer them here for the benefit of all.

Additionally, a short Pre-Assignment for this workshop is now ready to be explored and enjoyed by all who register. Please register with enough time in advance to give yourself time to complete.

Looking forward to sharing this amazing workshop with you!

The Instructors of Tensegrity

A Carlos Castaneda's Tensegrity® Workshop Dreaming with Wolves* At The Wolf Connection Conservancy Acton, California August 31 to September 2 – Full Moon Weekend or September 14 to September 16 – New Moon Weekend*

Scientists consider wolves among the most successful ‘social animals.’ The seers of don Juan’s lineage, which originates in ancient Mexico, suggest we would do well to consider ourselves social animals too.

Once in trees, our hominid ancestors lived in close bands, and when they ‘came down’ from their arboreal lairs and evolved into the bipedal humans we are today, the desire for and efficiency of operating in a group was nurtured along.

At times, however, within some of our own social gatherings, feelings of security, connectedness and contentment are mixed with feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and disenchantment. We suffer silently with thoughts of not being appreciated for our contributions; we find fault with the methods of others hoping to rank ourselves above them; we want what others have because we neither relish nor develop gifts of our own.

Wolves operate differently within their social groups, or ‘packs.’ From pups they learn a purpose greater than themselves that also serves their individual needs – and that their best chance for survival is to be a responsible member of a well-functioning and cooperative team. Resultantly, not every member of a pack seems to want to be boss; positions of hunter, scout, and puppy-sitter are just as important as others. And positions within such a pack can change, because they are determined by which wolf displays the most talent and energy for a particular task at a particular time.

The seers of the lineage of Mexico make a point; we would do well to return to nature – the elements; the earth, moon and stars; the wolves – and retrieve from our energetic core what we once knew about our own gifts and how to use them in service with others.

From this weekend of Tensegrity® at The Wolf Connection Conservancy, this is what each of you will have the opportunity to do:

Go on hikes, designed for the light to mature walker, throughout the conservancy, with the intent of focusing attention, becoming more conscious and ‘slowing down;’
Uncover, through self-inquiry exercises, your likelihood to currently experience groups the same as your early family group – replaying roles related to sibling birth-order, scapegoating and blame...
Practice movements of Tensegrity® to open up channels in your physical form, allowing your energetic core to shine through...
Explore and gather new ways of being from experiences with the elements – air, water, fire and earth – and from frequent visitations with the wolves;
Sleep at night in tents arranged in a dreaming circle to enhance dreams;
Rise with the sun; eat out of doors; assemble in a native teepee; partake in a fire-pit storytelling event and give away the habits you want to release; recapture how your ancestors, in alignment with the surrounding natural energies, once walked in harmony with other beings upon this earth.

Here is an introduction given by Teo Alfero, Tensegrity Faciltitator and Founder-Director of Wolf Connection:

Music: R. Carlos Nakai, Canyon Records http://www.canyonrecords.com/

Click here for an inspiring example of the
Teamwork of Wolves

* * *

This workshop experience is open to newcomers and seasoned practitioners of Tensegrity® alike.

The content of this workshop is considered Tensegrity® Facilitator-in-Training material; it will be offered again in different settings - urban or elemental, in various locations in 2013; the experience of exploring the content in the context and setting of The Wolf Connection Conservancy is a unique event!

*Answers to Frequently Asked Questions / Some Helpful Practical Information About this Event

* * *

Schedule for either weekend:

*Friday 2:30 pm:	Arrive at Cleargreen Studio, Culver City, for registration and Cleargreen-provided transportation to conservancy.
Friday evening to Sunday 4:00 pm	Tensegrity® workshop activities
Sunday 4:30 pm	Cleargreen-provided transportation from site back to Cleargreen Studio, Culver City, arriving at 6:30 pm.
Optional:
Sunday 4:00 pm to Monday 4:00 pm	Enjoy the conservancy more on your own or by participating in ranch activities such as exercising and tending to the wolves.
Monday 4:30pm	Cleargreen-provided transportation from site back to Cleargreen Studio, Culver City, arriving at 6:30 pm.

* (Each weekend invites 40 practitioners; a third weekend can be added upon popular demand.)

Contribution includes:

Transportation to and from site; all lectures, workshop activities and hikes; all meals from Friday lunch to Sunday lunch; healthy snacks and water available at all times; a cot and tent that sleeps four (of single gender) under the stars; portable hygienic facilities; light morning or evening solar shower.

$610	Full Moon Weekend – Friday, August 31 – Sunday, September 2 Register
$610	New Moon Weekend – Friday, September 14 – Sunday, September 16 Register

Contribution for Optional includes:

Transportation from site; all meals from Sunday dinner to Monday lunch; healthy snacks and water available at all times; a cot and tent that sleeps four (of single gender) under the stars; portable hygienic facilities; light morning or evening solar shower.

$115	Optional time at Conservancy – Sunday, September 2 – Monday, September 3 Register
$115	Optional time at Conservancy – Sunday, September 16 – Monday, September 17 Register

Payment plan: If you are registering with a credit card and wish to pay ½ registration price before the workshop + 3 equal payments after – please contact the Cleargreen offices directly. Tel. (310) 839-7150 (9 am to 5 pm PDT); cleargreen@cleargreen.com

You must provide:

Sleeping bag and walking ‘kit’ (containing day backpack, stainless steel or aluminum water bottle, flashlight, hat and t-shirt) or register below for either to be delivered to you once you reach the site; you must register by August 15 in order to reserve and receive these items.

$45	Sleeping Bag Register
$85	Walking Kit Register
$130	Sleeping Bag + Walking Kit Register

To be mindful of our carbon footprint, plastic water bottles will not be available; hence the requested steel or aluminum water bottle. Similarly, no disposable plates or utensils will be used; you will be asked to wash those given to you after each meal.

* * *

Translation: This workshop will be given in English with translation into other languages available in small groups.

We look forward to seeing you at this unique event!

The Dreamer-Stalkers' Continuum The purpose of this subscription is to help carry the intent of what is practiced in the workshop beyond the time of the workshop itself and into our day-to-day life on an ongoing basis. In it, Tensegrity® instructors will: share with you findings of your fellow workshop participants provide ongoing guidelines - in response to these findings - for tracking energy in your day-to-day encounters. The yearly subscription is valid until July 31, 2013 and includes at least three issues sent via e-mail. The prorated subscription fee is 25 USD. The publication is available to registered workshop participants, seasoned and new.

Workshop Cancellation Policy:
Before the start of the event: Refunds or credits will be available less a $50 administration fee. After the start of event, no refunds or credits available. Exception: Anyone attending a Cleargreen-sponsored event for the first time may receive a refund, less a $50 administration fee if they notify the registration supervisor in person during or immediately after the first session of the wo

Howling at the Moon

There is not a more eerie or beautiful sound at night than the musical extravaganza of a howling wolf pack. Because of the melody of voices, it often sounds like you are surrounded by scores of wolves.

In truth, there are usually no more than five to eight wolves howling in a pack. The secret is that the wolves are always careful not to duplicate each other. Each wolf assumes a unique pitch, respecting the distinctiveness of the other members the pack. While the notes may change, as in any beautiful song, one wolf will not copy the pitch of another.

Interestingly, this respect for the individual only emphasizes the true unity of the group. They are one, but they are individuals, each contributing to the organization in their own unique way. Every wolf has his own voice. Every wolf respects the voice of every other wolf.
- Twyman L Towery, Ph.D.
Wisdom of Wolves

Emily's Gems of Stones and Wisdom

 http://crystal-cure.com/index.html

East Indian religions embrace the concept of "action" or "deed", understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect (i.e., the cycle called samsa-ra) originating in ancient India and treated in Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh philosophies.

To understand karma you must understand cause and effect. What you give, you also receive. Your own actions determine the type of karma you are creating for yourself. Positive actions or deeds will bring positive results. When you do something good, you will get something good in return. The same applies when you do something bad or negative, you will in turn, pull in something bad or negative. This is what is generally understood as “karma”.

Karma is not a moral issue, it is a natural law. It has to do with the balance of all and has nothing to do with the process of punishment or reward for your actions.

The idea of karma was popularized in the Western world through the work of the Theosophical Society. In this conception, karma is affiliated with the Neopagan law of return or Threefold Law, the idea that the beneficial or harmful effects one has on the world will return to oneself. Colloquially this may be summed up as “what goes around comes around.”

Karma can be balanced or eliminated by living a diligently loving, faithful, sincere, honest and devoted life and by taking responsibility for your actions that may have had a negative effect on others. This can also be referred to as mindfulness, or devotion.

If all your actions are based on the understanding that what you do to others , you are essentially doing to yourself, then you would be much more likely to live a life that creates a loving, prosperous karma for yourself.

The primary focus of some therapeutic gemstones is to help resolve limiting karmic patterns. Working with these gems can help transform negative behavior patterns, break bad habits, and eliminate destructive relationship dynamics. They can also help resolve the negative patterns that perpetuate physical or mental conditions. The results are a greater sense of inner freedom and improved vitality and health.

• Change self-destructive habits
• Climb out of a rut
• Develop new, healthier ways of relating to others
• Eliminate the behavior patterns underlying an unwanted physical condition
• Break free of a pattern of destructive relationships
• Align your dreams with your life path

I have chosen here some stones that can help you to balance your life in such a way that you will break negative patterns and create a more loving environment for yourself and those around you.

Rhodochrosite helps develop inner freedom by neutralizing the destructive behavioral patterns that restrict personal growth and undermine physical health. Rhodochrosite's energy comes like a storm: it destroys negative patterns, sweeps away emotional "clutter," and works with you to build healthier patterns. By helping resolve inner conflicts, Rhodochrosite encourages all aspects of your being to work together with a unified focus. It imparts self-confidence as it helps you realize your power to transform your life. 

Blue Chalcedony is a very good balance stone. When there is a need for softness in the auric field, at times when stresses amount and one’s center begins to wobble, Blue Chalcedony can restore calm and balance allowing one to center in the present and not worry of the future. It helps alleviate worry and anxiety as well as irrational anger or fear. 

Emerald is a beautiful water element stone that has wonderful effects on the emotional and physical body. It brings an energy of hope, encouragement, gentleness and abundance into one’s auric field. Emerald stimulates the physical heart and clears the emotional body of patterns of victimization and rejection. It allows him to forgive and find truth and love within himself and others. This is good for letting go of unwanted negativity, anger and fear, and opening up your heart for true love and compassion. 

Lapis Lazuli helps one move one’s consciousness beyond the mundane and allows one to identify habits, patterns and lessons one may have difficulty perceiving consciously, and which may be blocking one from making spiritual progress. Lapis Lazuli is a stone of self-knowledge and reflection. I gives you an expanded view of your motivations and beliefs. 

Turquoise is a stone for finding wholeness and truth, it is also an aid in the communication of those abilities. Turquoise teaches the wisdom of compassion and forgiveness and offers one the opportunity to experience the insight that enlightened selfishness is identical with kindness and generosity. Turquoise demonstrates that when one releases one’s insistence on ‘justice’ and views others through the lens of compassion and forgiveness, one immediately receives those gifts in return. Thus the most generous gesture toward others also brings about what one most desires for oneself. Not only that- such actions are contagious and self-reinforcing!

Other good balancing stones include: Amethyst, Citrine, Crystal Quartz, Epidote, Garnet, Malachite, Opal, Quartz, Cat's Eye, Tourmaline, and Ruby

Chakras and Tattvas

The Five Tattvas

Tattvas are the elements from which you are made, at least in the premise of Kundalini yogic philosophy. They are Earth, Water, Fire, Air*, and Ether. You may find it more useful to think of these metaphysically as opposed to the literal truth, although in fairness there are uniquely talented healers who have established successful practices by treating the tattvas.
What follows is a discussion of the tattvas and how they are considered in Kundalini yogic philosophy. Most of you know I am a teacher and not a philosopher! Accordingly, the next five Tuesday classes at Hazard Center and Thursday classes at Toby Wells will be devoted to giving you an in-the-body experience of each tattva through yoga.
The tattvas are associated with the chakras, but only the first Five. The Sixth, Seventh and Eighth chakras are beyond the elements. These upper chakras are associated with the quality of light.

Tattvas are the densest form of Maya. They produce the illusion of separation, or in Western terms duality. Each tattva projects Maya in a specific way which leads to suffering. Since tattvas are the elements you are comprised of, you cannot get rid of their projections. However, you can re-direct those projects in an uplifting way. This may not be as easy to do as it it is to say, but it can be done.

The tattvas summarized:
Earth corresponds with the First Chakra. Although this Chakra’s energy is associated with elimination, the projection of Earth is greed to acquire. This leads to heaviness, fixity and depression. Re-channel greed from acquiring material possessions to acquiring the qualities of a great person.

Water corresponds with the Second Chakra, which we associate with creativity. The projection of Water is lust, which leads to guilt, delusion and pitilessness. Re-channel lust from exploitation to service that fosters creativity and affection.

Fire corresponds with the Third Chakra, which we associate with our personal power and the digestive organs. The projection of fire is the desire to control, which leads to fear and anger. Re-channel anger from others onto your own negativity; not in a self-destructive shaming way, but one that uses that energy for purification.

Air corresponds with the Fourth Chakra, which we associate with the Heart. The projection of Air is attachment (“I have my heart set on…”) to earthly possessions. Note the distinction regarding earthly possessions between Earth (greed, or the desire to acquire) and Air! Attachment to things leads to anxiety and indecisiveness. Re-channel attachment from specific things to the whole Universe. Love ideas and ideals, become attached to happiness and health and your connection to the divine.

Ether corresponds with the Fifth Chakra, which we associate with the Throat and speaking and hearing Truth. Your small “t” truth contains your sense of self, and may lead to egomania. Re-channel your sense of the ego, or the small, transitory self into the capital T Truth of oneness with the Infinite Being which is all that there is.

The Triune Force

Duality and the Triune Force

A Hathor Planetary Message Through Tom Kenyon

You live in a dualistic universe. This is its very nature. It manifests as the principle of opposites in that forces tend to have equal and opposite reactions. This applies to the physics of your universe and to the very nature of dualistic consciousness itself.

This dualistic nature of your universe is being affected by the Time Acceleration that you are going through. One net result of this is an increase in duality or the polarization of human consciousness.

Polarized conflicts between nations, communities, religions and persons are on the rise. This unfortunate state of affairs is to be expected as planetary and galactic energetics increase.

Our message deals with a strategy for navigating through the difficulties of increased polarization. Indeed you may have already discovered that in some of your social circles there is a type of hostility and polarized views of situations.

The strategy we suggest is called the Triune Force.

It is an attribute of spiritual mastery and will allow you to move through polarization with greater efficiency and a greater likelihood of manifesting what you desire as opposed to being “caught up” in the dramas of polarization and conflict.

The principle is simple. As a human being you tend to be attracted to persons or situations, or you are repulsed by them.  This tendency to fall into attraction or repulsion is, for the most part, an unconscious act.

You may encounter someone and feel drawn to him or her, and the depth or intensity of the attraction may cause you to delete other information about the person. Likewise as situations arise around you, whether they be social, political or religious, you may likewise find yourself drawn to these situations without other information that would be helpful in determining if a given situation was “right” for you or not.

The same holds true for repulsion. You may find yourself repulsed by someone, or a situation, and likewise, identify with the repulsion, thereby cutting yourself off from other information that might be helpful.

The Triune Force

If you were to imagine a triangle and on the left corner of the triangle was attraction and on the right side of the triangle was repulsion, then the point above these two extremes is the Triune Force.

It is a mental perspective that has spiritual attributes. It allows you to float above the situation and view it from multiple perspectives.

If, for instance, you are attracted to a person and surrender to that attraction without allowing access to signs and information about that person then you have put yourself in a precarious position.

But by not identifying with the attraction you “float up” to the Triune Force and are free to observe behaviors that may signal the inappropriateness or dangerous nature of a relationship with that person.

Likewise, if you are repulsed by a person or situation the Triune Force allows you to “float above” and dis-identify with the repulsion, and while you are in this dis-identification you are free to see other levels involved. It could be that this person or situation is toxic to you, or it could be that this person or situation is a mirror reflecting back to you something you do not like in yourself.

By momentarily suspending your identification with either attraction or repulsion you are able to see more clearly and access information about the person or situation from an expanded perspective.

Knowledge is power, and the Triune Force gives you access to the innate powers of clarity.  So our suggestion in this time of increased human polarization and Time Acceleration is to watch yourself. When you fall into attraction, pause for a moment. Step away from your identification with the attraction. Float up above it, as it were, and engage the Triune Force. You do this so that you enter the relationship, whether it be with a person or a situation, with open eyes.

If you are repulsed by a person or a situation, pause for a moment and dis-identify with your distaste for the person or situation. Float above the situation or person, as it were, and engage the Triune Force to see more deeply—to sense with greater clarity—if this person or situation is toxic, or if it is a mirror for something in yourself that you need to transform.

As you enter more deeply into the polarization phase of planetary assent, the Triune Force can greatly assist you as you pass through this difficult period of increased personal, interpersonal and collective conflict.


The Hathors
July 1, 2012

---

Tom’s Thoughts and Observations

Perception is indeed relative to the perceiver. And this relativity of perception is no more apparent, I think, than in our relationships with each other.

Furthermore, it has been my observation for some time now (i.e., the last several months or so) that the polarization of human relationships is on the rise.

There have, of course, always been differences of opinions. And conflicts between persons and nations are hardly anything new. History is strewn with incidents of ruinous and disastrous encounters between individual people, as well as between religions and cultures.

But what the Hathors are addressing here is an increase in polarized perceptions and beliefs between individuals.

It is their opinion that this disturbing increase in polarization is occurring as a result of the energetics we are all going through (i.e. the changes in our sun as well as pulses of accelerated evolution from the Central Sun of our galaxy and from deep space) and the fact that we are undergoing the extreme effects of Time Acceleration.

At the end of the session, Judi asked them how long they thought this period of increased polarization would continue. Their response was that it was difficult to pin down exact time coordinates, but their sense was that this extreme polarization of human perception would continue for at least eighteen months to two years, if not longer. And furthermore, they expected the intensity of polarization to increase, not decrease during this period. Judi also asked about the strangeness of the polarization experience and inquired if they had any further elaboration to offer. They said that part of the difficulty we humans are experiencing is the fact that the intensity of planetary and galactic energetics is so extreme, they often short-circuit cognitive processing. As a result, people can become even more erratic and irrational than usual.

If their perceptions and predictions are accurate then it would seem prudent to find some masterful way to get through such a period of increased interpersonal, cultural and religious discord.



In my opinion, the idea of the Triune Force is Hathorian-simplicity at its finest.

If you tend to imagine things visually, think of a triangle. Put the force of attraction at the far left corner and the force of repulsion at the far right. The point of the triangle above the two corners is the perspective of the Triune Force. Through this perspective we can look down and see or sense things that we might not see or sense when we are caught up in the throws of attraction or repulsion.

The triangle is just a metaphor, of course. What you are actually doing is rising up in awareness so that you are no longer enchanted by the force of attraction or the force of repulsion. From this state of non-identification with either state (attraction or repulsion) you can better sense information that might be helpful to your decision making process.

There is a shift in our thinking process required to engage the Triune Force, and that shift is simply to step away from self-identification.

Instead of rushing in and doing the normal human thing, which is to identify with our attractions or repulsions, we temporarily intervene in our own automatic responses for the purpose of gaining valuable information.

The type of information that we can access when we are in a state of non-identification is qualitatively different from the types of information that we access when we are caught up in the intensity of the moment.

In addition to stopping the process of self-identification, the Hathors suggest a shift in spatial perspective as another step to engage the Triune Force:

“When you fall into attraction, pause for a moment. Step away from your identification with the attraction. Float up above it, as it were, and engage the Triune Force. You do this so that you enter the relationship, whether it be with a person or a situation, with open eyes.

If you are repulsed by a person or a situation, pause for a moment and dis-identify with your distaste for the person or situation. Float above the situation or person, as it were, and engage the Triune Force to see more deeply—to sense with greater clarity—if this person or situation is toxic, or if it is a mirror for something in yourself that you need to transform.”

If you have developed spatial abilities you will be able to imagine yourself floating up above the situation or interaction and observe yourself being attracted or repulsed. This spatial separation of an “observer” part from the “responder” part can be quite helpful in suspending the pattern of identifying with your responses (i.e., attraction or repulsion). But if you don’t have this type of spatial ability, it will be difficult for you to do this.

If you are unable to “float above the situation or person” that you are responding to, don’t worry about it. The primary action required to engage the Triune Force is simply to stop your own process of self-identification so that you can sense new types of information about the situation or person.

To be human is to have attractions and repulsions. It is just part of the human-mammalian equation. All animals have an innate biological response that moves toward something (attraction) or away from it (repulsion). And the Hathors are not suggesting that we eliminate this type of biological response. They are simply saying that when we temporarily suspend our self-identification with those responses, doors open in consciousness (metaphorically speaking). New insights and understanding become accessible to us, and with that knowledge we can create and co-create with greater mastery.

If, however, we are caught up in the excitement of attraction or the fear of repulsion, then we often fail to see or sense “red flags” or other crucial information about the person or situation.

How many “negative” relationships and/or situations might we have all avoided had we been able to “see” those things we were blind to in the moment of intense attraction (or in some cases, repulsion)?

I think there is a personal discipline required to engage this method. And it necessitates that we avoid the emotional intoxication that takes place when we are really caught up in a strong attraction or repulsion.

And as with many aspects of our emotional lives, this is sometimes easier said than done.

But I think the emotional discipline is well worth the effort. If nothing else, it will lead us to deeper psychological insight, and this is a good thing.

In addition, however, engaging the Triune Force can help us as creators and co-creators by giving us access to higher levels of information regarding whom or what we might be contemplating a co-creation with.

I ended that last sentence, by the way, with a preposition on purpose. Prepositions establish relationships between words, just like the force of attraction or repulsion establishes a relationship between people. While some grammarians disagree about the correctness of ending a sentence with a preposition, others point out that it is sometimes necessary. Thus, it seems to me, along with many other lovers of language, that the preposition rule is actually a myth. Some myths are slow to die. In this regard, the preposition myth has been a tenacious one, guarded, as it has been, by the dogma of unyielding grammarians.

My comment here is not so much about grammar as it is about the syntax of our lives. By the syntax of our lives I mean the order and relationships of our experiences—as we hold them to be. When syntax (order) is altered in a sentence or in our lives, a gap in perception can occur and through that gap new meanings and new worlds of perception can be birthed.

Many of us have been held captive by another myth—the myth that we cannot and should not create (or re-create) our lives in the ways we desire them to be.

In this context, the Triune Force is fundamentally a method for altering the syntax (order) of both our perception and our mental/emotional lives. Through the gap (or portal) that appears when syntax is altered, we are more able to glimpse new possibilities. 

Tom Kenyon 

---

© 2012 Tom Kenyon  All Rights Reserved   www.tomkenyon.com

Ramadan, MOon Day July 20 2012

 

 

Fasting

Main article: Sawm

In the Quran
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down - right guidance to mankind, and clear signs of guidance and distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfill the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.

Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara), translation by Tarif Khalidi See: ^[16]

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouses is allowed after one has ended the daily fast. During fasting, intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, and resistance of all temptations is encouraged. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul and free it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,^[17] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat).^[18]

It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.^[19] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Fasting is not necessary for women going through menstrual bleeding.^[20] Also, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.^[21] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day are exempt.^[18]

Increased prayer and recitation of the Quran

In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Quran by means of special prayers, called Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Quran (Juz', which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore the entire Quran would be completed at the end of the month. However it is not required to read the whole Quran in the Salatul Tarawih.

Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar.

From Emily Gems

Banish Bad Luck and Open The Way For Good Luck

http://www.amerindea.com/spell-banishbadluck.html 

If you think bad luck is following you or you feel cursed, now is the time to blow all the bad luck out of your life. If you think you have been hexed or the evil eye has looked on you, March is the time to let the wind roar around you and chase all the bad luck away from you. By April you will feel as happy as a lamb kicking up his heels for joy.

This spell can be done any time of the year one week after any full moon, but it is strongest in March one week after the full moon.

On the night of the full moon place the two crystal quartz, two sodalite and one carnelian and three pinches of sea salt in the clear glass bowl and leave them in the light of the full moon. You can put them outside or on a windowsill (don't worry if there are clouds, the moon's ray will still energize the stones). In the morning put the bowl, with all the items still in it, in a safe and dark place (such as your closet). Leave the bowl and the items it contains for one week. 

Arrange a clean place for an altar where you will do your ritual. Put the white candle and black candle in holders and put the white one on the right and black one on the left of the altar with matches and the bag powered ginger between the two candles. One week after the full moon, anytime between the hours of 8PM and 11PM, take out the bowl with the gemstones and salt and put it in the middle your altar. Stir the contents of bowl three times with your right hand. Take the 2 sodalite to rub your body with them while in a shower or bath, after you have used soap to clean your skin and shampoo to wash your hair.

Hold one sodalite in your right hand and one in your left hand.

As you rub your clean body with the sodalite in your right hand (start at the top of your head and work down to the bottom of your feet) say and repeat until you have finished rubbing the bottom of your feet:

Negative vibrations,
Bad influences,
Things of evil and wickedness
Enter this stone and be held forever.

As you rub your clean body with the sodalite in your left hand (start at the bottom of your feet and work up to the top of your head) say and repeat until you have finished rubbing the top of your head:

This body flows with positive energy
This body flows with good influences
This body is pure and free of any evil
And wickedness cannot be here.

Dry yourself with a white bath towel. Dress in only a solid colored robe. Take your sodalite and place them in the middle of your altar.

Light the white candle and say:

This fire will burn negative vibrations,
This fire will burn bad influences,
This fire will burn evil and wickedness
From my home forever.

Light the black candle and say:

This fire will attract positive energy,
This fire will bring good influences,
This fire will turn my luck to good
And keep the bad from me.

Take both crystal quartz out of the bowl, one in each hand. Hold crystal quartz above the flame of each candle (far enough away from the flame so you will not burn yourself) and say:

Power of fire
Burn into these crystals
My declaration that banishes all bad
And brings only good to me and this house.

Place the crystal quartz in front of each candle.
Take the carnelian in you left hand and as you pass it above first the white candle and then the black candle say:

With this stone I am determined
That my proclaimed changes
Are now achieved.

Put the two sodalite and the carnelian back in the salt and pour the powered ginger over them. Stir the items in the bowl three times with your left hand as you say:

The pack is made,
The bad is gone,
Good luck is mine.

Both crystal quartz must now be buried north of your home. One sodalite will be buried west of your home and the other east of your home. The carnelian you will keep with you, either in your purse or in your left pocket. Take the ginger and sea salt mixture and pour it along the south of your home. (If you live in an apartment or place where you can't bury the stones, then take them to the said point, north, east and west and throw the stones as far as you can. Toss the ginger and sea salt mixture to the south.)

The change is now in place