Awakening Ganesha

April 4, 2006                       Monthly  Newsletter                                            Volume 17         

Namaste, 

We are honored to welcome Rod Bearcloud to 7 Centers on Saturday, April 15th at 7:00 pm.  Bearcloud believes that Star Glyphs have arrived at a time when the Earth is in true need of their understanding. He will be showing how some of these symbols can be used in assisting ones path to a higher level of consciousness. Through visions that he was given, Bearcloud will correlate certain geometric shapes gifted by these Star Beings.  He will be showing the connection between the Star Glyphs (crop circles) and their relationship with the pyramids and take you on a visual journey, sharing a vision of pyramids that may be connected to earth that he was shown exist elsewhere in our Universe.  Join us for this unique presentation. 

The Adventures of Lionheart,  Temple Cat

Contemplating Spring Cleaning

That time of year has arrived, right before my second revolution around the sun, my birthday ... when it is time for some work on my waistline acquired from the winter months of sleeping near the heater. It has been said by a few pioneers in the health industry that 90% of all illness comes from a toxic colon, creating a mucoid lining that offers a royal feasting table for bacteria, fungus and parasites in the body.

Some of the signs of a sluggish colon are: headaches, low energy, poor digestion, skin problems, breath and body odor, constipation, allergies, flu symptoms, poor eyesight, lower back pain, knee pain, and as in my case, weight gain. For my human friends, there are many good colon-cleansing programs that combine herbs for eliminating parasites and other toxins while adding fiber to tone and rejuvenate the colon. Some of the great leaders in natural health are Hulda Clark, Bernard Jensen and Paul Bragg, who all have written about colon-cleansing programs that can be followed with excellent results. In addition, products such as the Arise and Shine Cleanse program, Blessed Herbs or 7-day Miracle Cleanse offer easy-to-follow colon cleansing programs.  Alas, since my repeated requests for a credit card of my own have been ignored, I have had to fall back on the traditional cleansing program of felines that has been handed down for centuries. I use a little springtime grass to tickle the throat and stimulate kunjala (stomach cleansing), lots of fresh air and sunshine, and regular exercise chasing chipmunks and lizards, who also need to tone after a long winter. Though many of the smaller creatures around the center are not as enthusiastic as I am, I happily share my exercise program with them. My coaching experience also extends to training humans in the use of string, balls of paper and other items. Stop by to wish me a happy birthday, and I will give you a personal demonstration.

Photo courtesy of Dawn Justice

The Ayurvedic Corner

Tulsi    Holy Basil. “The Queen of Herbs”.

Whatever name you chose to call it, tulsi is truly without equal.  It’s holy and divine nature is echoed in its Latin botanical name, Ocimum Sanctum. Ancient Indian mythology believes the plant to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Tulsi, who represents the Goddess Lakshmi, Sita, or other feminine deities. Vishnu, Krishna and Ram honor her above all other plants. Brahma and Shiva as well hold this sacred healing plant in the highest esteem. Tulsi is used extensively throughout India in religious ceremonies because of its energetic connection to the vibrations associated with faith, devotion, compassion and most importantly, love.   It’s been chronicled and documented for thousands of years in various Ayurvedic texts for its ability to prevent disease, cure ill health and promote longevity. Western science offers evidence that tulsi  reduces stress, boosts the immune system, lessens cold, flu and fever symptoms, pacifies head and ear aches, as well as offering antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral defense. In addition, it also supplies the body with antioxidants, enhances digestion and the bodies ability to absorb nutrients from food and other herbs, as well as increasing stamina and physical endurance (without containing caffeine or other stimulants). Commonly used in hundreds of traditional Ayurvedic formulations, regular use pacifies and most likely aids in the cure of  digestive and abdominal problems, high or low blood pressure, arthritis, allergies, and health problems associated with the eyes, mouth, kidney, liver, heart, respiratory, reproductive and nervous systems. In addition to tulsi’s many specific medicinal applications, the plant’s general adaptogenic properties support the mind and bodies ability to manage and restore to equilibrium a broad array of physical and emotional disorders.   Tulsi has an extremely low toxicity level, meaning it can be safely taken in any reasonable amount without adverse side effects or negative reactions.   Tulsi is pleasantly taken on a daily basis in the form of a few cups of tea, either alone or in association with other herbs and spices. The tea is prepared from fresh or dried leaf and served hot or cold.  

Here at 7 Centers, I also serve it as a salad dressing. This is the basic, tridoshic recipe. Feel free to add other herbs or play around with the proportions to make it your own.

Ambaya’s Tulsi Lime and Olive Oil Dressing

Juice of 3 limes

1 Cup     olive oil

½ tsp      salt

½ tsp      pepper

1 tsp      

powdered tulsi     Blend all ingredients and toss into salad. Easy!

Written by Kevin Afuso, Ayurvedic Cook for 7 Centers

Vedic Astrology News

The Vedic Sun

On an esoteric level, the Sun in Vedic astrology is the planet of the soul. On a more outer level, the Sun represents the self, physical vitality, and our self-esteem.  It is the planet that also denotes our father, authority figures in general, the government, and career tendencies.

   The Sanskrit name for the Sun is Surya. The Sun is one of the most powerful planets in Vedic astrology, and is a royal and regal planet. It is the only planet that generates its own light. The Sun is strong when placed in the fire signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. After the Moon, the Sun is the second fastest moving planet. It takes a month to transit a sign. In general, the Sun changes signs around the 14th or 15th day of each month in the Vedic system. The Sun is exalted in the sign of Aries (its most powerful placement). So in mid-April, when the Sun begins the transit of its exalted sign of Aries, we might experience an increase in our need for self-expression, independence, and initiative. We may also feel more confidence, vitality and courage.  When the Sun’s energies are too excessive then one may experience an increased sense of self (or self-centeredness). If the Sun is weak, then one may feel lack of motivation or low self-worth or lack of confidence.

 Ayurvedically, the Sun is a pitta planet, and rules the digestive fire, generating energy and heat. The Sun also rules general health, the heart, the circulatory system, and the eyes. The primary gemstone associated with the Sun is the ruby, and the secondary stone is the garnet.

   To honor the Sun one can recite the planetary mantra, Om Suryaya Namaha, or the seed mantra of Ram. Also, by repeating the Gayatri mantra we pay homage to the energies of our divine inner Sun.

 Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, can be reached at (928) 639-0623 for astrological consultations, either in person or by phone.

 7 Centers Yoga Arts

Upcoming Yoga Trainings and Special Workshops

May 8-12        Chakra Yoga Series - NYC   5-7am daily

                   Ruth Hartung

                   The Sports Club/LA Rockefeller Center

                   Contact edmeecherdieu@thesportsclub.com

May 6 & 8      Kundalini Yoga - Pranamandir

                   Go to www.pranamandir.com

Teacher Training Alumni News

Genevieve Pelot (September 2004) is back in Lawrence, Kansas teaching yoga 3 times a week at a Massage Therapy/Yoga studio and also teaching a group of elementary school teachers.  She's has applied to the Peacecorps and Americorps to continue her life adventure. Good luck, Genevieve, keep us posted.

Marya Bradley (January, 2006) writes that she is teaching yoga -- a few students at a time -- and is creating two projects involving writing and yoga--one for whomever may come and the other for women who are or who have been incarcerated.  She is also teaching at two "upscale" studios in New York.

Carmon Maron (April 2004) and a few of her fellow students from The Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico recently visited Sedona and arranged a morning class with Shraddha.  5 Elements was their choice!  Always lots of fun.  Thanks, Carmon.

Ileana Stefanescu (October 2004) is teaching a series of workshops in 5 locations, from San Diego to New York on "Tantra Yoga Fundamentals".  To view her schedule, visit http://www.traditionalyogacenter.com or email her at yoga@traditionalyogacenter.com.   Talk about taking yoga on the road........