Tradition Vs Commercial

In recent years, have you noticed how Halloween is becoming more and more popular? I guess this has something to do with a commercial understanding of how business can benefit in the same way Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's Day etc., rakes it in for the card companies, florists and the like.

Even in Sainsburys this year, the staff were dressed up as witches and ghouls and it's all taken in good fun - by those who appreciate it and some of the staff put some real effort into it. There are others, like my other half who is a Jehovah's Witness who cringe at the very sight of this representation of a Pagan ritual of celebration of the fine line between the fruitful months of the autumn and the onslaught of winter and hardship. But like Christmas, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one.

In many ways, it allows us to question and dig into our traditions. How many times do we hear the fact that Christmas and its meaning is obscure and that we don't ever remember Christ and his story. The fact that we have those conversations is in itself a healthy reminder of what it is all about. The Pagan tradition of Samhain and the Christian festival of All Saints amalgamating and morphing into Halloween and what it means is subject of many articles across the net and in newspapers keeping the reasons why we do things in perspective and in focus. Once we forget, they (the festivals) become devalued and worthless.

So why have you got a pumpkin in the window this year and why do you wish your nearest and dearest a 'Merry Christmas?'

I took my part two Reiki course today and a very enjoyable experience it was too. My tutor Maureen is a Master in Reiki and understands it and practices it constantly doing good using the Universal Life Force Energy to heal people. I've learned a number of symbols today used in the process and done a practical healing session on someone today which went very well. From today I am a partner in a three way partnership between me, Reiki and the person who is to receive the energy.

In order to gain my certificate at the second degree, I now have to use Reiki in a practical way for at least 20 minutes per day for the next 30 days which is convenient considering November has 30 days, and then pass an examination on the symbols and Reiki practice. The picture above is the Reiki symbol of Power, Cho Ku Ray

No shortage of things to do then - 20 minutes a day, some days is a challenge believe it or not. I can't even find the time or energy occasionally to meditate as often as I would wish which continues to be so important to me.

Today's story sticks with the health theme.

A man has a doctor's appointment.
Doctor to patient, "I'm afraid I've got some bad news, you're dying."
Patient to doctor, "Oh no, how long have I got?"
Doctor to patient, "Ten."
Patient to doctor, "Ten? Ten what? Ten years, Ten months? Ten weeks?"
Doctor to patient, "Ten, nine, eight..."

Chat soon

Ta-ra.