Awakening Ganesha

February 5, 2007                       Monthly  Newsletter                                        Volume 28                 

Happy Valentine's Day!  Traditionally, February 14th is the day when we recognize all those special people in our lives.  We associate Valentine's Day with red roses,  chocolate, candy hearts, greeting cards and gifts in general.  The best gifts, however, do not cost money.  A   simple "I love you" is gift enough.  Try it this month and see how it feels.  It may become a habit that you choose to continue in March.....and April.....and......

The Adventures of Lionheart,  Temple Cat

Creating a Space of Love

"A Man (human being) who is free from aggressiveness, mercenariness, fear and many other later-introduced feelings radiates a light of Love. It is invisible but it is greater than sun light. Its energy is life-giving. The Creator made it so that only a Man is able to possess such a great power. Just a man, a man alone has an ability to warm up all living creatures. That's why they all long for man's attention."  Anastasia

I am partial myself to rubs and pets, a warm lap, treats and a good game of chase. My friend, Anastasia says that every person, man, woman or child has the ability to radiate love to all living creatures including those that are fierce, man or beast.....which is so delightful and disarming, so pure in intent that all would gladly care about humans returning unconditioned devotion and service.

This is a place in oneself, where every plant,flower or blade of grass...every bug, worm or spider....every two-legged, four-legged (particularly cats) or winged one would be filled with love towards Man and this is the only place where a human being will find happiness. As one creates this space within oneself, it becomes natural to extend it to a physical space - a home, a garden, a country which is free from borders, free from fear and disharmony. Is this not return to the longed for Eden-the garden of Paradise?

The Ayurvedic Corner

                                   Tridoshic Kitchari

                               Serves 10-12

2 ½ cups white basmati rice, washed well, ideally soaked overnight (or substitute Quinoa for more protein)

¼ cup dry mung beans, ideally sprouted the day before or soaked overnight

2 ½ TBSP ghee

1 tsp black mustard seeds

3 inch chunk of ginger, peeled and minced

2 TBSP ground coriander

1 TBSP ground cumin

1 TBSP salt

½ tsp black pepper

Pinch of hing

1 ½ TBSP turmeric

4 TBSP dry, unsweetened shredded coconut

5 bay leaves

About 5 quarts of water

   Melt ghee in a 6 quart pressure cooker on high heat. Add mustard seeds and let pop. Slightly lower heat and add ginger and sauté for 1 minute. Add coriander, cumin, salt, pepper and hing and sauté for another minute. Lower heat to low, add turmeric and sauté for another 30 seconds.  Add rice and beans, raise heat to high and sauté until rice and beans are coated with ghee and spices. Add water (only to top fill line) and add coconut and bay leaves. Cover and bring to pressure on high heat. When pressure is built (cooker will lock, steam will escape and top piece will be dancing wildly), lower heat to low and let cook for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit for at least 15-20 minutes, ideally for up to an hour. Open pot and stir well. This recipe also can be made without a pressure cooker. Just follow directions and use a thick bottomed stainless steel pot and after adding water, cover and let cook on high for at least and hour, stirring occasionally. Consistency should be like a thick, creamy soup.

    Garnish with fresh lime slices and cilantro leaves to assure all six tastes are present in meal.  Serve with sautéed vegetables, a fresh garden salad and hot tea.

  Kevin Afuso is the Chef for the Ayurvedic Kitchen at 7 Centers. He both educates and nurtures the teachers and students with conscious food during yoga trainings.

Vedic Astrology Relationship Compatibility

Since we celebrate Valentine’s Day this month of February (the major holiday revolving around love and intimate relationships), I thought it would be appropriate to discuss Vedic astrology and the art of relationship compatibility.

    One of the major areas of focus in the ancient system of Vedic astrology is the study of relationship or marriage compatibility, in which the Moons of the couple are studied. The Moon is an important component in relationships, as it is a social planet, one that can indicate the comfort level experienced with another, as well as determine the energetic flow when two people are together. Not only the sign of the Moon, but the Moon’s nakshatra (or lunar asterism) is used in this fairly complex system, which details twelve factors of compatibility. Total score comparing the two Moon nakshatras of the couple could range from 0 to 36 points. But this is just one aspect of compatibility between two people and there are other areas to examine as well.

    We can also look at each partner’s rising sign or Ascendant – as each of the twelve Ascendants has its own way of looking at romance and love. The seventh house of the chart, or the planet ruling the seventh house, is also key in describing the potential partner’s characteristics. And in a general way, the seventh house indicates one-to-one interactions.

    The planet Venus, of course, is the planet of love, and is one of the main indicators of how we demonstrate and show our love to others, and this also includes one’s ability to give and receive in relationship. For instance, one with Venus in Taurus might express deep love in a loyal and lasting way, while one with Venus is Libra has a strong desire to be in relationship and needs a more mental, intellectual focus in love, and one with an exalted Venus in Pisces is very romantic, idealistic, and compassionate.

   This is just a superficial look at a few of the many areas to explore in relationship compatibility. Whether in a romantic relationship or not, by understanding how we “relate” to our environment, to spirit, or with others, can only help us to be happier individuals and be more at peace in the world.

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

                7 Centers Yoga Arts

Upcoming Teacher Trainings

       and Special Workshops

February 8th-28th 

21 Day Course of Transformation

w/ Gary Majchzak   5-7:30 am      $213

A Kundalini sadhana practice that includes asana, pranayama, mudra and bandha for transforming patterns that no longer serve. A purifying and energizing practice.

Orientation is Wednesday, February 7th 7pm. Call for more information 928-203-4400.    

   August 10-19th             500-Hour Teacher Training w/ the International Yoga College

Faculty includes: Hansa Knox, Natasha Korshak, Kristi  Hook, Ruth Hartung, and Kathleen Bryant, among others.  For more information contact Ginny Beal at (928) 203-4002 or go to www.internationalyogacollege.org

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              ALUMNI CORNER

Congratulations to our latest graduates, the Class of January/February 2007:

Tammy Vigue - Vancouver, BC

Allision Dutton - Los Angeles, CA

Robin Wellington - Ozark, IL

Katie Sheldon - Irvine, CA

Andrea Murphy - Sedona, AZ

Ane Stuecker - Philadelphia, PA

Jill Blanchard - Sedona, AZ

Jayne Archer - Reno, NV

Simone Grasshoff - San Francisco, CA

Aria Peterman - Petersburg, AK

Rebecca Johnson - Worcester, MA

Sean Sanders - Flagstaff, AZ

Allison Sawyer - Steep Falls, MA

Annie Glenn - Phoenix, AZ

A special thanks to our Ayurvedic Apprentice, Carolyn Gonzales.  Carolyn visited 7 Center shortly before Christmas (just having moved here) and expressed a desire to do the 200 hour teacher training.  After discussing the possibilities, she decided to apprentice with Chef Kevin instead.  It turned out to be a perfect match and Carolyn was a wonderful addition to kitchen - and she learned alot (we think) !!!   We are hoping she will join us for the 200 hour yoga teacher training in April.

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