Sunday 31 October 2010

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.

7 comments:

  1. I know what you mean about Christmas etc where the meaning is forgotten. Earlier this year Morsbags did a bag competition, I entered and on my bag was a cross, all the other entries had bunnies,easter eggs etc which didn't surprise me...
    Josie x

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  2. Hi Josie - thanks for the comment - what an excellent example!
    XX

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  3. We have not one pumpkin, simply a HEAD on a serving tray, a skeleton whose bones rattle in a cage, and our 'treats' to give away are body parts. It is truly 'All Hallow's Eve, a time to commune with those parted, or those who cannot rest. Much unlike the Day of The Dead which is a celebration of the lives of those who have 'passed.' A scary Eve to you and yours.

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  4. Not keen an Halloween, my mother disapproved of it so I've never really gotten involved but I will give out sweets to anyone who knocks and asks. I still have some milky ways left if you're interested ! xx

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  5. Hi Entre Nous
    Thanks for the comment - always welcome, hope you enjoyed your celebrations... I have a acquaintence from Equador and they put great store in the Day of the Dead celebrations - a serious religious festival for them.

    Hi Auntiegwen
    Milky Way - haven't had one for YEARS! The sweet you CAN eat between meals withour ruining your appetite! Ha!
    X

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  6. Good luck with your 30 days of Reiki.

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