tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55876566144325214312011-12-22T15:55:56.661-05:00Art, metaphysics, dreams, meditations, rituals. An occasionally updated collection of some of my thoughts, experiences and images. Thangkas, mandalas, portraits and other inspired imagery by Mark Gilliland. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.-mg-noreply@blogger.comBlogger1031100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-37999181830188368652011-12-22T08:25:00.004-05:002011-12-22T15:55:56.668-05:00

click on image to see large skullalicious animation

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-54359575184962201002011-12-15T20:25:00.001-05:002011-12-15T20:25:23.209-05:00

Dalai Lama reciting Prajnaparamita mantra from the "Heart Sutra" TEYATHA GATE GATE PARAGATE PARASAMGATE BODHI SVAHA

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"Do not put your faith in traditions, even though they have been accepted for long generations and in many countries. Do not believe a thing because many repeat it. Do not accept a thing on the authority of one or another of the sages of old, nor on the grounds of statements as found in the books. Never believe anything because probability is in its favor. Do not believe in that which you

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-47668739156309707582011-11-22T14:39:00.001-05:002011-11-22T14:47:24.362-05:00

Alexander McQueen Autumn/Winter 2011 Scarves Film from Alexander McQueen on Vimeo - a short film created by Paris-based director/photographer Babette Pauthier. (wait for video to load...)

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-32185589345329991672011-11-10T13:17:00.001-05:002011-11-10T13:20:35.427-05:00

Image picked up from The Psychedelic Salon (podcast 287 notes).

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-33188740914717965072011-11-07T16:59:00.000-05:002011-11-07T16:59:53.148-05:00

the following came as part of Selacia's Council of 12 Message e-newsletter:   You as a divine changemaker are alive now to do great things that could not have been done before. These things are not ordinary; they can only be done by someone with an extraordinary mindset and a light-filled consciousness. To do something outside of the conventional norm involves courage, persistence,

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-37369514792093131512011-10-27T11:52:00.000-04:002011-10-27T11:56:39.194-04:00

Prajnaparamita Beauty Way Mandala I have just created a prototype book of my sacred art images (thangkas and mandalas) which includes commentary, visualizations, prayers and biographical information. The book is a large format 11" x 13" 50 page hardcover titled "Beauty Way" which I created using Apple's iPhoto self-publishing tools. I am currently in the process of investigating other lower

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-22665475248721158252011-10-27T11:16:00.002-04:002011-10-27T11:16:57.960-04:00

This is a video by Vladimir Vorobyov

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-72176748573772260802011-09-25T15:50:00.000-04:002011-09-25T15:51:02.880-04:00

A short overview of the importance and meaning of Bardo. "Life is a training for death." 

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-75772771637394052592011-09-24T11:09:00.000-04:002011-09-24T11:09:21.738-04:00

Kara at Conduit of Joy recently posted this set of guidelines for setting your daily intentions: It is important to set your intentions every day.  Intention setting first thing in the morning sets your course for clearer sailing for the rest of your day.  Call it whatever you want – an invocation, a prayer – setting your intentions in the morning, makes sure you are best aligned with your

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-75380543770593685552011-09-13T17:57:00.000-04:002011-09-13T17:57:48.978-04:00

I periodically meditate on the issue of iconography (physical/visual form) and how this relates to the Buddhist notion that everything is MIND, everything is ONE (and so forth) according to deepest Buddhist teachings. Within these traditions, there is an understanding of the surface (apparent) truth and of deeper (hidden) esoteric truths. In the case of a figure such as Tara, she is seen as a

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-28395550827555732422011-09-07T17:33:00.000-04:002011-09-07T17:33:31.599-04:00

This is the second series of images that I discovered in my dusty digital closet. The Elemental Goddess panels were created in 2004. Aether Air Earth Fire Water

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Going thru my image closet... Came across some stuff from 2004 that I thought I would share. This is an early set of mandalas - a five part series of Goddess Creation panels. Birthing the World of Forms Birthing the World of Plants Birthing the World of Animals Birthing the World of Frequency Keepers Birthing the World of Ancestors

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-48181166385797635242011-07-23T14:07:00.004-04:002011-07-23T14:12:43.494-04:00

The number one Cosmic Law is that everything is Energy, Everything is Power and all that exist in this world are made up of that Power. It comes in all forms, in plants and animals, in people you meet and people you work with, it can be people who irritate you and cause trouble in your world - it can be family, children, lovers, and it should always be first and foremost, yourself. FEEL YOUR

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-91153784117710930922011-06-23T12:41:00.000-04:002011-06-23T12:41:30.525-04:00

The iris pond has flowered Before the old temple; I sell tea this evening By the water's edge. It is steeped in the cups With the moon and stars; Drink and wake forever From your worldly sleep. - Baisao (1675-1763) Iris Plant Spirit Mandala

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May the sound of this bell penetrate deep into the cosmos Even in the darkest spots living beings are able to hear it clearly So that all suffering in them cease, understanding comes to their heart And they transcend the path of sorrow and death. The universal dharma door is already open The sound of the rising tide is heard clearly The miracle happens A beautiful child appears in the heart of

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-5487411995380892752011-04-08T10:59:00.001-04:002011-04-08T11:00:44.642-04:00

The greatest achievement is selflessness. The greatest worth is self-mastery. The greatest quality is seeking to serve others. The greatest precept is continual awareness. The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything. The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways. The greatest magic is transmuting the passions. The greatest generosity is non-attachment. The greatest goodness

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-64681985431403825302011-03-29T19:17:00.001-04:002011-03-29T19:18:18.413-04:00

When despair grows in me and I wake in the middle of the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-19369484935844846992011-03-24T11:05:00.001-04:002011-03-24T11:05:44.878-04:00

from Reality Sandwich: Image by Niffty Neal Fowler Used courtesy of a Creative Commons license Once upon a time, the tribe of humanity embarked upon a long journey called Separation. It was not a blunder as some - seeing its ravages upon the planet - might think. Nor was it a fall, nor an expression of some innate evil peculiar to the human species. It was a journey with a purpose: to

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-45273564559697892362011-03-06T22:52:00.003-05:002011-03-06T22:59:16.082-05:00

February 28, 2011 By Andrew Durling http://transitionvoice.com/2011/02/nirvana-in-climate-chaos-and-peak-oil/ Medicine Wheel How can Buddhism help us deal with fear and anxiety as we face of the converging issues of peak oil and climate change? One way is to understand that the reality of climate change is inseparable from the actual, specific experiences of living beings here and now.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-73662864281088318162011-02-03T18:54:00.006-05:002011-02-03T19:02:43.347-05:00

May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses. May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free. May the powerless find power, and may people think of befriending one another. May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful wildernesses — the children, the aged, the unprotected - be guarded by beneficent celestials

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-59788608540694501002010-12-26T14:50:00.000-05:002010-12-26T14:50:55.465-05:00

Lunar Eclipse in the Dark Rift This eclipse occurring on the Winter Solstice is important in that it is one which is amplified by conjunction with the Galactic Core (Sagittarius A black hole) of our galaxy. As the Milky Way rotates over the year, it becomes aligned vertically across the plane of the Ecliptic and across our horizon. The Dark Rift dust clouds of the central galactic region now form

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-88697713624928953552010-12-21T20:25:00.002-05:002010-12-21T20:28:57.985-05:00

This morning at 3:17AM EST was it --- the mid-point of a 70 minute Full Moon totality in the western skies. The night was cold and windy as we gathered around a fire pit. I placed tobacco, copal incense, and a dried brugmansia flower as offerings. An offering prayer: Accept these offerings as a sign of respect and in deepest gratitude. We honor you spirits of the Land and spirits of the Sky. We

-mg-noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-75901655521385917902010-12-18T22:52:00.000-05:002010-12-18T22:52:42.960-05:00

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-41084460786639131082010-12-15T10:59:00.000-05:002010-12-15T10:59:49.677-05:00

From NYTimes, Nov 30, 2010: ...Roger Penrose, the eminent British mathematician, is arguing that there is physical evidence that may predate the Big Bang. In a recent paper, he and his co-author, the physicist V. G. Gurzadyan, describe a pattern of concentric circles detected against the universal backdrop of cosmic microwave radiation generated by the Big Bang. These circles, they say, may be

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-79118545240265621652010-12-02T23:45:00.006-05:002010-12-03T11:35:41.966-05:00

In a recent journey, I was given an image to create as a totem for this emerging cycle in my life (or at least for the next few months of transition from fall into winter). Sagittarian Vision Mirror Totem The image shows a Snowy Owl perched atop a blooming Prickly Pear Cactus. Owl is holding a Snake in its beak. Behind Owl, in the night sky can be seen the blue-white star field of the Pleiades.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-68094968414910931762010-11-15T15:01:00.001-05:002010-11-15T15:02:40.364-05:00

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-56324846631649259232010-11-14T19:33:00.001-05:002010-11-14T19:36:30.110-05:00

This weekend has been an "in your face" one in terms of signs and omens - crows showing up everywhere... I can't shake thinking about a "Murder of Crows" - "murder" being the medieval counting noun for a group of crows (a "flock" of crows being improper terminology). I wonder where that came from? From seeing a clutch of crows picking greedily away at carcasses of dead animals? From the cacophony

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-36063648094555115272010-11-14T18:59:00.000-05:002010-11-14T18:59:44.580-05:00

Medicine Thangka of Medicine Buddha

-mg-noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-47902900611435585992010-11-05T15:45:00.004-04:002010-11-05T15:48:53.723-04:00

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-74967676890657417232010-10-21T12:16:00.002-04:002010-10-21T12:43:13.812-04:00

From the Buddhist & Tibetan ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUAL SHAMANISM group page on Facebook. Posted by David Heckford on October 21, 2010. Subject: The true meaning of the Red Road This weekend I would like to talk about the red road that I’ve talked about so often I have had quite a few messages asking me what is this red road you refer to? Well first of all I would like to explain the Red Road is not

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-10653748323861164832010-09-28T16:27:00.004-04:002010-09-28T18:52:09.259-04:00

With the Full Moon falling next to the Fall Equinox, I participated in an Ecstatic Body Posture journey circle. As part of the posture enactment, we held up a snake effigy in our left hand and a woven ring of Mugwort in our right. During the journey, a large Owl came to guide and protect me. For others in the circle, Kundalini snakes and oscillating energy played a prominent role. Fall Equinox

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-59338061432007405612010-09-27T21:53:00.002-04:002010-09-27T21:58:57.218-04:00

A very interesting article about plant communication within the plant community and with the environment at large (including insects and animals)... Find out why "Tree Spirit" is redundant and embodies an anthropocentric world view... And how our ancestors spoke with and learned from the plants around them thru chemical-induced synaesthesic imagination.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-64797735626240421312010-09-21T16:36:00.001-04:002010-09-21T16:37:11.813-04:00

Visit Interactive Mandala page at www.light-weaver.com

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-85002387865591233092010-09-10T21:31:00.001-04:002010-09-10T21:32:50.047-04:00

This highly recommended book on plant spirit medicine is by Pam Montgomery. I read it last year and it changed my life. A quote from her website: The cover photo by Linda E. Law is of Lady’s Mantle. I sat with this image for the longest time wondering about the alien being that is so prominent. This being has a masculine quality to it and I was surprised to not see a more feminine being. Then

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Herman, my loving cat friend, recent passed on under rather difficult and trying circumstances. I miss his company, seeing him stalking in the garden, petting him and hearing his contented purring. But I am catching glimpses of his spirit around the house and garden - a sudden black form moving by, seen out of the corner of my eye... While performing healing ceremony for Herman, I came into

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I recently began to offer a new service:  the creation of custom artwork for folks interested in having a personal shamanic image to view and contemplate. There are currently two formats of artwork available: the Spirit Mandala and the Power Totem. The Spirit Mandala is a visual medicine wheel based upon journey work that I undertake to discover relevant plant and animal spirits associated with

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-25216187866166927682010-08-02T16:23:00.000-04:002010-08-02T16:23:26.809-04:00

Singing to the Plants is a fascinating blog by Stephan Beyer covering aspects of Amazonian shamanism  and related plant medicine topics.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-25954473106995062232010-07-19T14:39:00.007-04:002010-07-19T14:55:15.302-04:00

Skip to 1:40 to bypass intro... directly to start of chanting. Here are two of my own Tara emanation images for your contemplation while listening to the chant. 1000 Taras 21 Taras

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Sky Protector Namo Ratna GuruYou are the drum that ends the sleep of sentient beings.You are the ambrosia that takes away the torment of suffering.You are the moon that dispels the misery of the afflicting emotions.You are the sun disk that dispels the darkness of ignorance.You are the chief of physicians who dispels the sickness of the three poisons.You are the supreme sword that cuts the bonds

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-79321648441568120962010-06-28T15:21:00.000-04:002010-06-28T15:21:25.734-04:00

-mg-noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-3566642923757711102010-06-21T11:34:00.000-04:002010-06-21T11:34:59.138-04:00

Here are three images of healing and protecting deities: White Tara, Medicine Buddha and Mahakala. Each of these figures float above the Gulf. The cyclone clouds below represent multi-dimensional cleansing energies (not destructive energies as in a hurricane). Along with each figure appears a healing mantra to be recited while meditating on the desired purification of the waters. Please share and

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-49907088719567845272010-06-02T22:55:00.007-04:002010-06-07T10:46:30.502-04:00

I created this mandala for my shamanic friend, Kara, who writes the Conduit of Joy blog site. The overall composition of the animal guardians and guides, their projection upon constellations and their general locations were given to me during a recent journey. The animal spirits include a panther, an owl, a raven, a lemur, an Egyptian scarab beetle and a lunar moth. Kara, as Durga, rides a lion

-mg-noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-7410903073475809642010-06-01T18:49:00.010-04:002010-06-01T19:19:31.504-04:00

Mahakala Tree Guardian While journeying to meet with my guides, part of the discussion turned to the need for me to create a Tree Protector thangka, honoring and celebrating my deep connection with the tree spirits. I was shown the basic "layout"as a mandala and understood that Mahakala (The Great Dark One) would be the central deity. This did not particularly surprise me as Mahakala is my Heart

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-70932821768148982402010-05-19T23:46:00.006-04:002010-05-19T23:56:17.988-04:00

From the May 2010 Janosh Newsletter: We are entering a time, when it’s important to stay close within ourselves. This is the warning received from my spiritual guide Saïe. The times are strange. Everything is accelerating. You probably realize that not only is time moving faster but creation as well. Therefore your creative strength is increasing, which means everything you broadcast becomes

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-46436058263926220452010-05-18T11:19:00.003-04:002010-05-19T23:52:23.659-04:00

The latest Jewel Tree mandala displays the infinite expansion of grace and compassion from the heart of Prajnaparamita, visualized as filling (being) each and every atom of spacetime in a crystaline matrix. The radiating network of emanations form the bejeweled fabric of Indra's Net. From Wikipedia: Buddhist concepts of interpenetration hold that all phenomena are intimately connected; Indra's

-mg-noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-49283945810263755042010-04-23T10:22:00.004-04:002010-04-23T10:34:28.638-04:00

from: http://www.OriginoftheWord.com ~ Sacred Journeys Within.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-61319853709356402202010-04-23T00:11:00.002-04:002010-04-23T00:26:12.917-04:00

I received this newsletter and the image of the rainbow cords of light made me think of the Prajnaparamita visualization - or of the full Tara Jewel Tree visualization... Receiving Assistance from the Star Elders and Pleiadians March 18, 2010 - A Message received in the Palace Courtyard in Palenque The following is the first message that we received in the sacred site of Palenque 3/18, 2010.

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I felt in need of reassurances. Guidance... "What about giving me some unmistakable signs?" So I asked the other day during my meditation... I subsequently received these signs on two separate days - each occurred on "opposite sides" of the Spring Equinox: 1) Looking out across the Hudson River to the Palisades and I see a huge white owl (with white and black checked marking on wings) fly

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-41955482849503775542010-03-31T22:53:00.007-04:002010-06-01T19:33:12.470-04:00

This Spring Equinox brought an unusually close conjunction of the Crescent Moon with the Pleiades. Just before the Equinox near the time of the new moon, I journeyed to contact the spirit of the Gila Monster - which had shown up in an earlier journey undertaken for me by Kara, the shamanic practitioner who writes the Conduit of Joy blog. I decided that I needed to get to know this new spirit

-mg-noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-42067164747428950712010-03-11T09:05:00.007-05:002010-03-11T13:49:03.939-05:00

The Gila journey I will write about later. The second journey revealed that the Sasquatch was a costume worn by my "root" Siberian shaman ancestor. He told me that this was one of his ritual outfits - it's really a skin and mask that is worn as a body suit. Beyond the basic information about what Sasquatch represents energetically (etc.) , the shaman informed me that he was time traveling to

-mg-noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-47854066928455419392010-03-10T21:54:00.006-05:002010-06-01T18:14:59.442-04:00

The design is based upon the Wheel of Life thangka format. Many of the source images are from Bhutan. It is a commission for a teaching image - didactic in intent - concerning sustainable living. The assignment was to put such "modern" information into a framework (design) that would be easily recognized and read by a typical Bhutanese viewer. The parts of the Wheel are are follows: The inner

-mg-noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-84788908339719039112010-03-06T19:34:00.002-05:002010-03-06T19:39:41.961-05:00

It's been my dream for years to visit the high mountains of Bhutan and witness the mysterious dances of the Black Hats.

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New work for the New Year - a series based upon the Jewel Tree visualization practice outlined in "The Jewel Tree of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine of Tibetan Buddhism" by Robert Thurman. Bodhisattva Jewel Tree Tara Jewel Tree Kalachakra Jewel Tree If you are interested in the book "The Jewel Tree of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine of Tibetan Buddhism" by Robert Thurman - which I highly

-mg-noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-79618167012388766162009-12-25T18:38:00.003-05:002009-12-25T18:44:14.292-05:00

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-56122962150988757392009-12-10T22:58:00.007-05:002009-12-12T19:41:20.673-05:00

Sign of the times? "UFO" Seen Over Norway - Wed. 12/09/09 - Just Before Obama's Nobel Peace Prize SpeechRun up to the 12:12 Star Gate? An ancient Hopi Indian prophecy states, "When the Blue Star Kachina makes its appearance in the heavens, the Fifth World will emerge". This will be the Day of Purification. The Hopi name for the star Sirius is Blue Star Kachina. It will come when the Saquasohuh (

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-77052610794960383872009-07-01T17:05:00.007-04:002009-07-01T17:15:49.828-04:00

Now showing at The Blue Door Gallery's "Arts for Healing" exhibition, July 1st - August 1st.Opening Reception Wednesday, July 1st 4pm-8pm. 13 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701. Gallery Hours: Wednesday 12-5pm, Thursday 12-5pm, Friday 2-7pm, Saturday 12-5pm. For more information: 914-375-5100Healing Altar - M.Gilliland ©2009The Healing Altar installation is intended to bring needed healing to

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-21809287349642795582009-06-18T21:59:00.004-04:002009-06-18T22:05:27.733-04:00

This chant is called ''Calling the Lama from Afar'' it was composed by HH Pabongkha Dechen Nyingpo.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-81638227754514318892009-06-07T23:52:00.007-04:002009-06-08T00:06:08.464-04:00

Illuminati Diamond - fusion of the elements, earth, air, fire & water - the fusion of science and religion.I came across this cool 4 element example of an ambigram designed by John Langdon. Here is an article about how Langdon goes about creating graphic designs such as this rotatable square: -> http://tinyurl.com/chkzz9His website has lots of samples including this page with rotatable flash

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-21614770235776147282009-05-24T18:56:00.008-04:002009-05-25T17:53:54.323-04:00

Visualization #1: Medicine Buddha Pure Land OfferingVisualization #2: Emanation of Great Mother PrajnaparamitaVisualization #3: Prajnaparamita's Infinite PresenceVisualization #4: 3-Fold Empowerment Blessing of PrajnaparamitaVisualization #5: Prajnaparamita as Wisdom Heart FlameFull visualization / meditation step-by-step details are available here at ShamanDreaming.org.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-9227421224820633752009-04-27T19:33:00.007-04:002009-05-25T21:31:15.195-04:00

Well, perhaps it wasn't quite a new moon last night (Sunday, April 26th), but the moon was certainly at a minimal sliver of silver... Around sunset in the west, the conjunction of Mercury, Moon and the Pleiades stood out to the naked eye! Today, I meditated on this astronomical event more deeply so as to understand it's possible significance(s)...Of course, the Pleiades is the snake's rattle

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-59999181786233457842009-04-24T16:08:00.010-04:002009-04-24T16:57:59.184-04:00

This morning as I was driving past the local reservoir, I could see the almost mirror-still water through the pine trees. Breaking the calm with just a hint of a breeze, I saw a pattern of interfering ripples creating a sort of expanding checker board effect across the surface. Immediately my inner eye filled with Shri Yantra - the visualization of the sound of creation, the sound of universal

-mg-noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-26943172099835997652009-04-12T22:57:00.002-04:002009-04-12T23:05:05.990-04:00

In his book "Island of the Sun: Mastering the Inca Medicine Wheel", Alberto Villoldo recounts his trance/dream experience of the great Grandmother Apu of Machu Picchu. In this meeting, she taught him how to project his consciousness to merge with that of the condor, to fly high into the sky on the winds of this sacred bird.Read more of this article posted at ShamanDreaming.org.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-78830708088749978462009-03-28T14:11:00.007-04:002009-03-28T18:36:13.213-04:00

Celestial BannerJust finished Graham Hancock's "Supernatural" exploring what happened 35,000 years ago that made Homo sapien sapien all of a sudden start creating symbolic representations (art) on the inside of cave walls? More than that, why such strange images that can best be viewed as representing a shaman's journey?Well, everything gets much funkier as Hancock compare's ancient cave art with

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-837026767517301432009-03-23T17:05:00.002-04:002009-05-25T17:32:21.779-04:00

My piece "Durga Altar" is in the inaugural exhibition of Blue Door Gallery in lovely downtown Yonkers. Opens Sat. 3/28/09 2-5pm.Note: show is now over. Sorry you missed it!

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-42349762844302683672009-03-17T15:49:00.006-04:002009-05-25T17:30:51.789-04:00

The newest trance image based upon a new moon session last month has just been posted below as an update to the 02.13.09 post. Enjoy! The next posture session in New York area is 2 days (due to holiday) after the upcoming New Moon on Tuesday 05.26.09 - feel free to contact me for further information.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-57976011750208728512009-03-08T21:10:00.006-04:002009-03-08T21:18:54.604-04:00

Not too much to say here, but wacky psychedelia via flash animation. Check out this one: Buddha Illusion

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-84286970981061613222009-03-08T17:11:00.010-04:002009-03-08T20:59:15.161-04:00

Roger Essig - "DMT Entity"Alex Grey - "Light Weaver""Most folks experience an overwhelming sense of being in contact with one or more entities while under the influence of DMT - entities which are 'natural', unavoidable real, but startlingly alien. Perhaps not friendly or malicious, seemingly insightful & knowledgeable yet beyond emotion. This aspect of the experience is what takes it beyond

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-76584603922879852112009-02-21T21:46:00.005-05:002009-02-21T21:56:48.821-05:00

This is an amazing live dance routine by a troupe of Chinese dancers. (Personally, I'd mute the audio as it's not my type of music, but the visuals are astounding!) This is really a powerful visualization experience of compassionate female energy!

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-49339701867913663892009-02-17T17:45:00.008-05:002009-02-17T17:55:46.893-05:00

Dalai LamaI've uploaded a series of lineage portraits (some new pieces, some older work), including the Dalai Lama, Terence McKenna, Ram Dass and John Lilly. Also, myself engaged in deity visualizations. Enjoy!

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-20560561129758611922009-02-13T18:31:00.010-05:002009-03-17T16:18:39.192-04:00

This posting will be updated monthly to present posture journeys based upon this year's new moon cycles. For more information about Ecstatic Body Postures, read my previous postings (below) and visit the Cuyamungue Institute. If you are in the New York metropolitan area, contact me and I will ask Marianne Carroll, our local group leader, to contact you with details about the next (monthly)

-mg-noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-8938577403774433412009-01-24T18:46:00.010-05:002009-01-25T21:20:51.307-05:00

I recently came across a blog by Steve Beyer, Singing to the Plants which has a great overview of one of Terrence McKenna's "masterpieces" - the Alien Dreamtime rant, rave, concert. To quote:"In many ways, Terence McKenna was a performance artist. With his distinctive voice and self-deprecating humor, he could make even his goofiest ideas sound compelling. One of his great performances took place

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-67678850930939838992009-01-06T16:45:00.013-05:002009-05-25T17:20:01.329-04:00

As a new activity this year, I will be writing and sending out a newsletter with my spiritual and shamanic musings, meditations, visualizations and so forth. My goal is to be informative and to share understandings - not to try to convince you of my truths, not because I know something that you do not. Rather, I will be sharing with you so that you too may remember / construct your own stories,

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-25111287282136860412008-12-02T16:43:00.007-05:002008-12-02T17:12:02.498-05:00

According to Buddhist teachings, at some point in the near future, another great Buddha will return to Earth to ensure the transition from a realm of delusion and Bardo to a Pure Realm of Bliss. This future Buddha's name is Maitreya. In a meditation early this summer I was given a message that the time for major world change would soon arrive. That there would be a sign in the (south)west this

-mg-noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-78090043050974490212008-12-01T16:42:00.004-05:002009-01-06T17:24:34.312-05:00

Tonight, December 1st, look to the southwest sky right after sunset. Beaming brightly through the twilight you will see a tight three-way conjunction of Venus, Jupiter and the crescent Moon forming an equilateral triangle. This conjunction will continue to be visible for several days after the first of the month, but the planets and moon will move further and further apart, forming a highly

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-4338705463134496802008-11-19T16:04:00.006-05:002009-01-28T13:57:23.376-05:00

What is the Archaic Revolution? What is the role of the shaman in the struggle to save the world? Listen up here! (Note: this mp3 clip came from The Psychedelic Salon podcast #159. It is a Creative Commons mix by Waking Sleep using Nine Inch Nail's Ghost album release.)

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-65319529035249772962008-11-11T15:40:00.001-05:002008-11-20T09:53:07.259-05:00

One of the most powerful female deity forms is that of Vajrayogini - the Thunderbolt Dakini - whose fierce energy both protects one's dharma practices but also thrusts the practitioner through the inherently dense and difficult to traverse barriers of ego and delusion. She embodies the core feminine energy of necessary creation/destruction in its most evocative form. Here Vajrayogini is shown

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-50345710701145528762008-10-24T17:30:00.001-04:002008-10-24T17:49:55.214-04:00

Lady One Death presented herself to me several months ago during deep meditation. She is a root Mayan goddess, the Mother of All Being (First Mother, the Moon) and is an esoteric form of Ix Chel (the Healer). She serves to actualize and stabilize the energies of the creator god, Itzamna- Giver of Life, Lord of Fire. Her name derives from the codex naming hieroglyph "One Skull" - shown above.Lady

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-7476176779711661582008-10-24T17:25:00.012-04:002008-10-24T18:27:19.942-04:00

Part of my practice to better integrate the Lady's energies has been to work on various thangka images and portraits. Below, I have posted a selection of these meditation images.Altar of Lady One DeathTotem of Lady One DeathLady One Death InvocationYantra of Lady One DeathThe gem seen in these images reveals some of her underlying attributes (symbols within the opal stone): we see an eagle flying

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-91353940079072266562008-10-24T17:20:00.005-04:002008-10-24T18:38:09.502-04:00

As part of the Lady One Death series, I created this image of her embodiment in the form of Durga. Here Durga serves as a fierce protector of the Land of the Ancestors at the gates of Xibalba Be (The Dark Road).

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My new shamanic meditation and visualization website is now live! Please check it out at www.shamandreaming.org.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-26801243018754421652008-08-06T17:58:00.010-04:002008-08-08T10:34:01.292-04:00

Lion's GateThe Helical Rising of Sirius occurs around the end of July or early August. (This year, nominally, the date was August 2.)  The ancient Egyptians set the date for Sirius' heliacal rising as the first day of their new year and the time of the inundation of the River Nile.  Thus this was a time of life-giving fertility and promise, a time of creative destruction and renewal watched over

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-64395086582956358252008-08-06T17:30:00.010-04:002008-08-07T10:47:14.756-04:00

Mother Sekhmet - Goddess of Healing & JusticeSekhmet is also paradoxically the Goddess of the sunset, destruction, death, and wisdom. The cycle of life and death was created when the Goddess Sekhmet-Bast divided into two sisters, Sekhmet and Bast. For shamanic journeyers, Sekhmet is the Guardian of the Gates; no one may cross her on their path to wisdom and the Home of the Ancestors without

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-9507616929968490222008-08-05T23:00:00.000-04:002008-10-01T10:39:59.473-04:00

I had this book on my shelf for years, one that looked interesting, but which I had long since forgotten, gathering dust unread. Then one day a few months ago, while cleaning up the bookcase, I uncovered this book once again: entitled "Ecstatic Body Postures" by Belinda Gore (Bear & Co, Publishing.) It purports to be "an alternate reality workbook."As I leafed through it, I recalled that the

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-60010232679441669542008-08-05T20:59:00.009-04:002009-02-13T19:49:39.422-05:00

Mayan Oracle9.29.08 - Libra New Moon. On the left we see the oracle holding up her hand (which holds an obsidian crystal mirror used for divination). Above her hand are two Mayan hieroglyphs - the upper one for "smoking mirror" (the obsidian gazing device, also denoting human consciousness) and the lower one for "oracle speaking" (or a divination).To the right center we see the path of the seeker

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-20290686728116799592008-08-05T20:57:00.006-04:002009-02-13T19:50:59.573-05:00

Poppy Woman9.22.08 - Equinox - The figure of Poppy Woman was found in Crete, created by the Minoan civilization circa 1350b.c. She wears a headdress of poppy seedpods, known as "the plant of happiness". Poppy is a source for intoxicants (opium) as well as healing medicine. It is a symbol of fertility, slumber and reincarnation. For the Greeks, poppy is the flower of Demeter, Goddess of

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-75958600681760381642008-08-05T20:55:00.004-04:002008-10-01T10:45:02.123-04:00

Singing Shaman Pose8.02.08 Leo New Moon - Figures carved in the Singing Shaman posture have been found in places as varied as Melanesia and New Guinea to Alaska and Central America. The oldest known figure is from Cyclades Island, in Greece, about 5000 years old. This is a posture in which a sound is intentionally made during trance, affecting people both emotionally and physically, and it is

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-35654907041955213452008-08-05T20:54:00.010-04:002008-08-07T10:48:46.310-04:00

The Nupe Mallam Posture7.02.08 Cancer New Moon - The Nupe Mallam pose is a "divination" pose of the Nupe tribe. It is purported to provide a wide, all-encompassing perspective on a current issue or problem.My own trance journey begins with witnessing the Mallam repeatedly tossing and reading a set of painted and marked augury bones. Only the Mallam is not African, but rather a lone Lama hermit

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-56636909271788253382008-08-05T20:53:00.000-04:002008-08-06T22:59:21.352-04:00

5.05.08 New Moon - Sekhmet is the Lion Goddess, sister or wife of Ptah. She holds the key to sexual energy, especially Kundalini. She is a master of initiation: birth, death, re-birth. Cycles of materializing and de-materializing the world of forms. She is the Dark Goddess of Destruction and the Light Goddess of Creation.In my journey I see myself as a lily growing in a field. Seasons go by, I

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-66536796923136767302008-08-05T20:46:00.009-04:002008-08-07T10:49:09.897-04:00

South American Lower World Posture4.04.08 New Moon - This posture's spirit journey can be visualized as beginning with a descent through a hole, cold damp cave or a stairway to the Lower World of animal spirits. It may be used to locate one's power animal, totem animal, or spirit helper. Reports of healing such as soul retrieval may also spontaneously occur during this posture.In my journey, a

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-3055555220897776942008-08-05T20:44:00.009-04:002008-08-07T10:49:29.736-04:00

The Lady of Cholula3.07.08 New Moon. Mars opposite Pluto. Divination posture - The Lady of Cholula is a wise old Grandmother who can give sage counsel to your intended question. (Cholula was an important religious center in the Pueblo province of central Mexico, established by the Toltecs, to later become an Aztec center devoted to Quetzalcoatl.)In my journey, a old woman waits for me by a hearth

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-43462236370460625652008-08-05T20:39:00.006-04:002008-08-07T10:49:59.163-04:00

Bird Person of VeracruzFor Divination and Spirit Journeys.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-70577712661918383952008-08-04T20:08:00.000-04:002008-08-07T10:51:51.959-04:00

Its all here, folks - vision quests, sacred medicines (ayahuasca, mushroom, peyote, soma), spiritual guides, power animals, flower allies, "xibalba be" (The Royal Road, The Dark Road to the Underworld and the Ancestors), star gates and star ancestors...Guardian of the GateSpirit CircleSpirit FireSpirit PathRoyal Road / Dark RoadShaman's GateTutiwaraiSpirit MountainSpirit Tree

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-11402116553260954022008-08-04T20:03:00.000-04:002008-08-07T10:52:30.371-04:00

OfferingsSalvia Divinorum

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-51798746714166521542008-08-04T19:45:00.001-04:002008-12-06T20:04:42.278-05:00

Here are portraits of some cultural heros, early psychonauts of the 60's and beyond.Portrait of Ram DasPortrait of Terrence McKennaFor interesting, often funny & great, podcasts of Terrence McKenna (as well as many other figures discussing sacred medicines, altered states and shamanism), tune into the Psychedelic Salon  (http://www.matrixmasters.com/podcasts) hosted by Lorenzo.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-32038230184544937122008-08-04T17:46:00.000-04:002008-08-07T10:55:24.674-04:00

Hummingbird is a Native American totem animal of the North direction, the land of the Dead. Hummingbird's quick flight ensures strong communication with the Ancestors. But also Hummingbird can float in place, wings a-blur. Thus, Hummingbird is a master of vibrations. In this series of Huichol-influenced images, we see Hummingbird cleansing and re-tuning various chakras with a nectar of divine

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-18918851440420633772008-08-03T19:42:00.000-04:002008-08-07T10:54:37.288-04:00

This Tantric practice, an active meditation visualization, involves merging oneself with a target deity - or more specifically, with visualizing the deity first external to oneself. Then while attuning to the energy signature of the deity, moving the visualized deity form from outside to inside oneself, merging (overlapping) bodies, chakras and energy meridians. By taking on the cloak of the

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-7440532624636080182008-08-03T17:39:00.000-04:002008-08-07T10:55:52.745-04:00

A phosphene field of Taras provide protection during sacred ceremony. Medicine Buddha (at top center) presides over the offerings of mushrooms, salvia and morning glory.

-mg-noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587656614432521431.post-81375074491099136692008-08-03T17:31:00.000-04:002008-08-07T10:56:17.842-04:00

The gaze of 1000 Taras creates an ocean of mercy and compassion for all beings living in delusion. (This design is based upon a classical thangka motif.)

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Here we see offerings, medicines and ritual tools guarded over by a fiery Dakini goddess who dances at the healing altar.

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