The Chariot reversed/Ace of Cups. The Chariot, which corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, emotional and imaginative energy that likes to stay the same or follow the same course), Cancer (“I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody), Cheth (the fence), and the Path between Geburah (the place where forms and structure are challenged or affirmed) and Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure), tells of having the control necessary to focus on goals, and to avoid distractions. My Chariot is reversed, and since we are in the midst of another heat wave, this card really does make sense to me.  I am having a bit of trouble with the heat this summer; nothing terrible physically, but my brain gets foggy. The Ace of Cups (Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, deep, mysterious, obsessive, Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) tells of the potentials available to me for experiencing deep emotions, a connection to my Inner Voice, compassion for myself or others, attunements and connections.  This makes me happy, because I may be sweaty and sticky and foggy, but I’m not irritable or crabby or cranky.  This means that I just might be able to find some silver lining in all this heat.

My Thoth card is the Princess of Cups.  Another upright Cups card! The Princess/Page of Cups corresponds to Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Scorpio (“I desire,” intensity compulsion, mystery) and Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) is very emotional, dreamy, social, and connected to the inner voice.  This card offers a somewhat immature version of the Queen of Cups, and because of the nature of Cups cards and their connections to emotions and instincts and inner messages, that immaturity can be a good thing.  It can allow us to believe, the way a child believes, without analyzing.  My Princess is reminding me to do this today.

My Legacy card is the Queen of Wands reversed, flavored by Faith/The Hierophant. The Queen of Wands (cusp of Pisces, “I believe,” feelings, duality, soul growth, spirituality, and Aries, “I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) is energetic and enthusiastic, gives 100% of herself, and always has a smile on her face and humor in her heart.  My Queen is reversed today, however, so I do need to be aware that I could have a tendency to be a bit stubborn today, or may end up burning myself out, a real possibility with all this heat. The Hierophant corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes), Taurus (“I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn), Vau (the nail which holds tradition in place), and the Path between Chesed (the place where forms and structures are stabilized and nurtured), and Chokmah (dynamic male energy, the origin of vital force and polarity), is usually quite easily able to change the world to fit his beliefs.  This card tells me that beliefs and cultures and traditions are important today, as is being both a teacher and a student (with the higher good of the group always in mind).  But this could be an uncomfortable combination.  After all, we have the possibility for stubbornness or becoming burnt out, being flavored by an appreciation for tradition and a need to share it with others.  Fundamentalist alert!!

My 6-digit date number is 9, the number of completeness of manifestation and experience.

My Horoscopes: “A male friend could introduce you to people from foreign countries or people who have traveled a lot. They might have valuable information that you could use later. This information could also help you finish old projects that have been waiting to be done. Your eye for detail is especially acute, Sagittarius. Make notes of interesting facts even if they don't apply right now. You'll make good use of them later.”

And: “You may be in quite a party mode today. Feel free to be open and social with the people around you. Take off on a wild adventure that quenches your thirst for spontaneity and fun. Stay up extra late and talk with a friend you haven't seen for quite some time. The time to live is now. Make the most of every moment of your life.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Ten of Pentacles.  This card is about experiencing rewards that come to us because we’ve kept our nose to the grindstone and continued to do the necessary work and learn the necessary skills over the long term, to the point that this focus has become habit.  Of course, once we reach the point that something which used to require effort becomes second nature, we very quickly need to begin reaching for the next level, and I will, but for now, I am going to enjoy what I’ve already accomplished.  Tomorrow, I will begin the process again and aim high.

“Hear me, four quarters of the world - a relative I am! Give me the strength to walk the soft earth, a relative to all that is! Give me the eyes to see and the strength to understand, that I may be like you. With your power only can I face the winds.” - Black Elk.  For some reason, this quote is resonating deeply for me today.  Maybe because I am winding up this cycle of the alchemic Great Work, and thus I am taking inventory of who I am and what I have accomplished. 

The heat has been both an issue and a blessing for me.  It has been an issue because my brain seems to fog up when it gets this hot.  I have trouble focusing on details, and I have trouble taking the first step to begin any task that requires me to be more focused than “on autopilot.”  Once I take that first step, I really do clear up somewhat, but taking that first step when it is hot and I am dripping sweat is truly herculean. 

However, this heat has offered me at least one blessing: I have formed the habit of getting up early to exercise before the heat of the day.  I am a “recovering Kapha,” and for me, the best thing I can do to balance my doshas is to get up early and exercise, first thing.  It really does set the entire tone for my day, for how I feel, and for what I eat (or more importantly, what I don’t eat). 

Now, I am most definitely not a morning person, either in the cold, snuggly dark of winter or the momentarily cool early morning light of the pre-dog day summer.  But because it has been so very warm, I’ve been making myself get up early, as early as **gasp** 7 am, to do my bike ride or my walk.  And guess what? I love this time of the morning!  Don’t get me wrong; if it is rainy I will stay snuggled in my bed, but it just doesn’t rain much in July and August around here. 

Granted, my brain is still foggy by mid-afternoon, and I’ve been going to bed earlier than usual, but my body feels great!!  And the stronger I feel and the deeper a connection to my subtle body I forge, the more connected I feel to the world around me.  LOL, still a foggy heat-soaked brain, but my energy field feels alive and powerful.

$>

Knight of Pentacles/The Horned One reversed.  The Knight of Pentacles (cusp of Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, and Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) tells of persistence to the point of being stubborn, and caution to the point of being boring.  He tells me that I need to plan and choreograph every moment today, but is he right?  Not according to The Horned One! The Horned One or Devil (Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and stable, material, practical energies that are slow to change), Capricorn (“I build,” ambitious, competent, cautious, cunning), Ayin (the eye, senses), and the Path between Hod (which provides analysis and communication) and Tipareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify), tells of being caught up in the physical world and the effects of the physical senses to the point of being bound to those things.  The only planning this card encourages is planning that involves enjoying the pleasures of the physical senses.  Two very physical world connected, very intense cards; might need a bit of balance, eh?

My Thoth card is the Princess of Cups.  The Princess/Page of Cups corresponds to Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Scorpio (“I desire,” intensity compulsion, mystery) and Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) is very emotional, dreamy, social, and connected to the inner voice.  The Princess/Page is a less mature incarnation of the Queen of Cups, and tells me that I might not be as in control of my emotions as I think I am.  But I feel good anyway.

My Legacy card is the Ace of Swords, flavored by the Three of Cups reversed.  The Ace of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution authority, cunning, Aquarius and Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, soul growth, artistic) is about potential within the mental or intellectual realms.  This Ace is about challenges, but if I stay the course, it could be about rewards, too.  It is being flavored by the reversed Three of Cups (Mercury, reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody), which in an upright position is about connections, and about blessings, but not blessings of the physical world.  Because my Three of Cups is reversed, it is reminding me that in order to fulfill the potential of mu Ace, I may need to get rid of distractions and work in a solitary fashion.

My 6-digit date number is 3, the number that tells of a new creation out of the potential and position of the number 1 and the balance, duality, polarity and concept of distance between of the number 2.

My horoscopes: “You might be frustrated with romance because it seems to be causing more tension than relaxation, Sagittarius. No one said love was easy, but it doesn't have to be miserable. The key is to not get too stressed out about the little things. Know and expect that some things aren't going to match your expectations. You simply have no control over some aspects of a relationship - the other person, for example.”

And: “A social event or group activity could involve a number of people, including some close friends, who share your intellectual, philosophical or spiritual interests. A romantic partner could choose to attend this occasion with you. The conversation is likely to be so stimulating that by the close of the event your mind could well be spinning. If you can, walk home! You'll want to clear your head so you'll be able to sleep.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Queen of Wands.  This card is about being gracious and able to be the center of attention without commanding it, about being confident in your abilities and confident that you will be able to make the best out of any situation.  No arrogance here, just serene acceptance that things are as they should be.

I think I’ve finally turned the allergy fog corner.  Finally, I am more alert, feel more energized.  And I am looking forward to a weekend in Cape May with family, walking on the beach and digging in my beloved garden. 

What is this energy I was without these past weeks?  Energy can be magical, alchemical, potential, relative, reactionary, elemental or emotional.  It can be raised through spiritual ecstasy, or through simple stretches.  Dancing raises energy, and so does laughter.  The frustrating thing for me is that sometimes it is just so darned difficult to make that first plug-in so that the energy can flow, can fill me up.  Once I make the initial connection it just gets easier and easier to raise that energy and feel it fill me with its tingling warmth. 

Can I maintain this level of alertness and focus?  Can I maintain this Elemental/Metabolic Discipline?  Yes!!

$>

Death/The Sun.  Wow!!  What a powerful pair of Major Arcana cards!  The Death card corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, imaginative energy that strives to stay the same or take the same course), Scorpio, Nun (fish head; liberation), and the Path between Tiphareth (the hub of the creation process where energies harmonize and focus to illuminate and clarify) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), and tells of natural change that cannot be stopped.  Death is about endings, non-reversible endings, but these endings always present exciting new beginnings when the time is right. The Sun corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), our Sun (the inner core of a person or situation), Resh (the face; reason), and the Path between Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest in the physical world) and Hod (provides analysis and communication), and tells of a time of enlightenment.  The thing that I need to remember is this time of illumination is temporary, so I need to take advantage of it while it’s here, but I must not do so in an unbalanced way.  These two cards together tell me that there is a good potential for me to turn any endings that appear into productive and valuable new beginnings!

My Thoth card is Ace of Swords.  The Ace of Swords (Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution authority, cunning, Aquarius and Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, soul growth, artistic) is about potential within the mental or intellectual realms.  The manifestation of this potential involves the use of analysis in an ethical, just and fair manner; the manifestation also often involves challenges of some kind.  The light at the end of the tunnel is that successfully dealing with these challenges will bring growth, and with this Ace around, I do have the skills to succeed.

My Legacy card is Ten of Swords reversed, flavored by the Page of Cups reversed. The Ten of Swords (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, talkative) in an upright position is a card of interference, powerlessness and restriction, completely manifested. More importantly, it is the perception of these things, and thus it is a reminder that self-defeating thoughts can end up manifesting the very thing we fear will end up happening.  My Ten is reversed, so I should be able to see that light at the end of the tunnel, if I can force myself to look ahead rather than focusing on the things that appear to be going wrong.  The Page of Cups corresponds to Libra (“we are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation), Scorpio (“I desire,” intensity compulsion, mystery) and Sagittarius (“I seek,” philosophic, adventurous, blundering) and upright is very emotional, dreamy card that is strongly connected to the inner voice.  This Page has a message for me: don’t repress my feelings, but don’t allow them to control the situation either.  These two cards are reminding me that thoughts and feelings have real power, and without balance they can derail any positive intentions.

My 6-digit date number is 10, the number that tells of the end of a cycle, which reduce further to the number 1, which tells of potential and position.

My horoscopes: “As you work slowly and steadily toward your goals, realize that there are apt to be unexpected obstacles along the way, Sagittarius. You can't possibly plan for everything, so don't get discouraged today when some crazy variable pops out of nowhere. Your mental process may be thrown for a loop, and you might find that you go into a frenzy. There's a valuable lesson to be learned here - patience.”

And: “You will have a day of profound reflection. While you may be tempted to look back and think about how far you have come in the last months, your time would be better spent thinking what the future has in store for you. You have entered a period of rethinking both your identity and your objectives. These are not small changes. You will need every ounce of energy at your disposal to make it through this time of transition.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Eight of Cups.  Love the image on this card.  This one is telling me that sometimes we need to move away from the brilliance of the light in order to allow our eyes to get a bit of night vision.  Sometimes we need to take a time out from physical world experiences; by focusing on the non-physical effects for a while, we will heighten our awareness of physical effects by our temporary absence from that world.  This relaxation of my focus and this walking away from the messages of my physical senses in order to achieve a mini-vacation will ensure that I return rested and invigorated, and eager to dive back into work.

I’ve given more thought to the process of Fermentation.  I came to some realizations the last time that I posted about Fermentation on March 30: “I think it is interesting that Fermentation is a reaction, rather than a catalyst.  It appears that if the right ingredients are present, Fermentation will occur.  Perhaps this alchemic process of Fermentation can only happen when the other steps have been achieved with as close to perfection as possible.  The thing that really seems to be popping out to me, as I begin to think about the process of Fermentation, is that it is only once I reach this stage that I realize that if I did not pay attention to the steps before now, if I did not perform each step thoroughly and to the best of my ability, then Fermentation will not happen.  If the ingredients aren’t perfect, the reaction will not occur.”

Upon rereading this, I feel I’ve got a handle on this process.  But the other thing I need to remember is that once the process of Fermentation has begun, I can’t make any changes in the ingredients, or the whole thing will be derailed.  All I can do is maintain the current environment to the best of my ability until the process winds down, and hope that my work within the initial steps was correct. 

This means that I must continue with my Metabolic/Elemental Discipline, I must be extra vigilant as far as what I eat and what I drink (which will be difficult because of the upcoming holiday weekend, with company coming), and I must continue to strive for balance within my subtle body, all implemented with dynamic balance.  I must also continue with my Coven Third Degree Training, putting efforts into empowering others as well as myself.  And I must continue with my efforts to be mundanely employed.  Wow, not asking much of myself, eh?

But I can do this, I know I can.  I need to remember that the best results are often attained by consistency, patience, and an application of Will.

Will this process of Fermentation give me wine?  Or vinegar?  Either way, the outcome will be useful.

$>

The Emperor/Four of Swords.  The Emperor, which is a Fire card (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change) that corresponds with the astrological sign of Aries (“I want,” action oriented, assertive, competitive) and the Hebrew letter Heh (window, illumination), represents confidence and authority; it is about being ethical and just, and it is also about taking the lead and manifesting into the physical world what I have learned.  The energies of The Emperor are about justice, and about conforming to the rules.  The Four of Swords (Jupiter, expansiveness and growth, justice, fortune, in Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation) tells of the need of some time of rest and recuperation, usually to be brought about by a time of truce or pause or quiet.  This is not a truce that comes about through weakness, but rather a mutual deterrent, an agreement to not fight.  These two make a powerful combined energy.

My Thoth card is the Ace of Wands. The Ace of Wands (Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) tells of the first spark of a new and exciting creative process.  This is a card filled with potential, the potential to create, to experience courage, to have confidence, to be filled with enthusiasm. The Ace of Wands represents the light or torch that can guide me to success, but in order to access its potential, I need to agree to carry the torch.

My Legacy card is the Seven of Cups, flavored by The Sun reversed. The Seven of Cups (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Scorpio, “I desire,” intense, controlling, obsessive, mysterious) represents the distraction and dissipation that can happen when we are presented with enticing choices. The traditional image of the Seven of Cups shows seven cups, each filled with what appears to be a wonderful gift: the Wreath (Saturn and The World); the Castle (Mars and The Tower), the Woman (Venus and The Empress); the Snake (Mercury and The Magician); the Veil (the Moon and The High Priestess), the Jewels (Jupiter and The Wheel of Fortune), and the Dragon (our Sun and The Sun). The Sun corresponds with Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, spontaneous, impulsive and energetic change), our Sun (the inner core of a person or situation), Resh (the face; reason), and the Path between Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest in the physical world) and Hod (provides analysis and communication), and upright, it tells of a time of enlightenment. But my Sun card is reversed, so the messages may not be clear today.  Since my reversed Sun is flavoring my Seven of Cups, I certainly should not make any choices based on emotions or feelings.

My 6-digit date number is 11 (Archangel Uriel), which reduces further to 2, the number of balance, polarity, and the concept of distance between.

My horoscopes: “The significant other in your life needs your support not a lecture right now, Sagittarius. Let him or her know you’re available to listen and help in any way, but don’t smother your partner with kindness. He or she will come to you when ready. In the meantime, Sagittarius, take care of your physical needs. If your body craves exercise, why not increase your jogging miles or add extra time to your gym workout? Absence does make the heart grow fonder, after all.”

And: “Today, you should be feeling especially beautiful, romantic, and sexy. Therefore any current or potential romantic partner whom you encounter will probably pay you lots of attention, and want to make plans for the two of you to get together for an evening. This might be just what you need, as the last few days may have been difficult. Get out of the house and have a little fun. Everyone needs to do this now and then!”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Seven of Cups.  Hmmm . . . this card, while lovely, is about yearning for the impossible.  We all indulge in a bit of fantasy every now and then, and as long as we don’t allow our fantasy to overwhelm us, there is nothing wrong with this.  After all, fantasies are visualizations of what we would like to achieve.  The thing we need to remember is that sooner or later we must choose one fantasy and actually take actions to turn it into reality.

I was leafing through one of my husband’s business magazines this morning, and found an interesting article.  I am always drawn to read any article that presents an alternate way to view modern medicine, and this one turned out to be pretty cool.  This was a short article in Fortune magazine written by Brian Dumaine, reviewing a book written by Dr. David Agus (one of Steve Jobs’ doctors), called “The End of Illness.” 

Basically, the review describes the message of the book: treat health, not the disease.  Dumaine describes Dr. Agus’s focus in this way: “Today, if we get cancer, we attack the cells.  If we get a heart attack, we perform a bypass.  That’s fine, but why not avoid the disease in the first place?” (p 14, Fortune Magazine, February 27, 2012)  I think this is not a new idea for most of the Reiki practitioners, massage therapists, holistic healers and bodyworkers that I know.  Treating the symptom, whether that symptom is a headache or a lethal form of cancer, is only half of the task of a healer.  The other part of the process should be bringing the body, the entire body, not just the physical body, to a state of optimal healing.  All connections and workings of the body should be balanced and strengthened, not just the physiological mechanisms.  If enough focus is placed on achieving emotional health, subtle body balance and cleansing and spiritual fulfillment of some kind, then metabolic discipline will yield a much better result.

Dr. Agus believes that at least as far as the physical systems of the body are concerned, one huge enemy is inflammation.  When the human body is injured or ill, it goes into a sort of panic mode in order to bring back balance.  This panic mode involves inflammation, which is actually the body’s response to injury or illness.  All of the systems of the body, vascular, immune and cellular, rush to the scene of the disability, like a bunch of ambulances, tow trucks and rescue vehicles, and the result is swelling or inflammation. 

The key is to prevent such issues from becoming panic mode situations.  This means exercising (and Dr. Agus recommends walking rather than short but intense bursts of exercise), eating well, keeping the subtle body free of kinks and blockages, and maintaining good emotional, mental and spiritual health.  This means learning about and understanding the workings of each of these tools, for by understanding just what best case and worst case scenarios we are each prone to experience, we can be prepared to mitigate any panic mode situations and we can get the most out of the times when we are balanced and healthy.

Metabolic discipline and spiritual evolution.  And through experiencing the process of Separation, I am choosing both of them.

$>

Eight of Cups reversed/Nine of Swords reversed.  The Eight of Cups (Saturn, discipline, responsibility, limitation, law and order, in Pisces, “I believe,” feeling, duality, suffering, soul growth) tells of an ending or a change of direction, often one associated with emotions.  This card is reversed, though, and today may not be a day for endings.  Perhaps my emotions are not to be trusted today.  The Nine of Swords (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, social, dual) represents brooding and worrying, usually self-caused.  My Nine is also reversed, so the worry represented by this card will not be worth worrying about.  **wink**

My Thoth card is the Queen of Disks reversed.  The Queen of Disks (cusp of Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering, and Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning, authoritative) is very good at sustaining the physical world, keeping things dry and cozy and safe and orderly.  She is a Minor Arcana version of The Empress, and she is reversed today.  I need to remember that the details are not the important focus, and I should be open to learning about new methods. 

My Legacy card is the Nine of Coins reversed, flavored by The Chariot.  Whew!  I thought all my cards were going to be reversed again.  The Nine of Coins (Venus, beauty, allure, relationships, in Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, work and service oriented) is a card of accomplishment through the imposition of discipline.  It is reversed, so I am being told that perhaps I should try unusual methods, rather than using proven procedures.  This card could very well be supplementing the reversed Queen above.  Looks like today is not my day to access physical world tools, or listen to the messages of my physical senses.  The card flavoring my reversed Nine of Coins is The Chariot, which corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and sensitive, emotional and imaginative energy that likes to stay the same or follow the same course), Cancer (“I feel,” sensitive, tenacious, nurturing, moody), Cheth (the fence), and the Path between Geburah (the place where forms and structure are challenged or affirmed) and Binah (female receptive energy and the origin of form and structure), and tells of having the emotional control necessary to steer myself in order to arrive at a specific place.  This card is telling me that while I may wish to suppress the workings of my mind and of my need to stick with tried-and-true methods, I should not throw out the baby with the bath water and suppress my emotions too.  No endings should be attempted, per the message of my Eight of Cups, but that does not mean that no emotions should be allowed.

My 6-digit date number is 6, the number of vertical and horizontal balance. 

My horoscopes: “Recent career advances may have you wondering where to go next. You could be considering taking some time off to travel or perhaps advance your education. You aren't likely to want to rest on your laurels, Sagittarius. Striving to reach new horizons is important to you, and today is the perfect day to consider what horizons are the most critical to you now. Nonetheless, it's important to be sure. Don't feel the need to rush into anything just yet.”

And: “A powerful desire for vast changes in your life could have you thinking in terms of travel, Nanci, or perhaps even relocating to a distant state or foreign land. Friends who live far away could be trying hard to induce you to join them. This is not a minor decision, and therefore requires careful thought. Though you might be tempted to act on impulse today, discipline yourself to wait for a while. In a few days, you'll know if the change is right for you.”

My Shadowscapes Insight is regarding the Queen of Cups.  Nice card image!  This Queen is sheer poetry in motion.  She listens to her own intuition and to the voice of her heart, and she honors the elements and the stars because they have been around forever and are filled with knowledge and wisdom.  She offers her message through the medium of creativity and the arts.

Two days ago, on the 18^th, I stated: “The Fire of Calcination can be experienced as the metabolic discipline or aerobic activity that tunes the body, burning off excesses from overindulgence and producing a lean, mean, fighting machine.”  Since the Nigredo Phase is usually the longest and most difficult part of the Great Work, I think I will try out whatever it takes to possibly move things along.  This includes exercising the physical body.

This tuning of the body is important to this process for several reasons.  Metabolic discipline brings renewed vigor to my physical body while getting rid of excess weight and toxins, thus creating an optimal physical vehicle and in turn, optimal energy field.  After all, our energy field uses our physical body as a vehicle and since the energy field is irrevocably infused into the physical body (in other words, the physical body cannot live without the presence of the energy field), the condition of the physical body can affect the condition of the energy field. 

This metabolic discipline is also effective for raising and cleaning out subtle body, for clearing and increasing mind-muscle connection, for reaffirming my ability to connect to and work with my energy field, and because these processes cleanse and purify and strengthen my own energy field and thus, raise it upward, opening a clearer channel to interaction with Deity.

Sounds easy, right?  Well, go back and read my favorite visualization of the Calcination process from yesterday.  “I think the visualization that works best for me here is that of physical Calcination applied to metals.  If we apply intense heat to metals, they melt into liquid form.  Add a bit more heat, and any impurities in those metals extruded or separated from the pure metals and then float to the top of the liquid.  Often these impurities are oily or odorous.  However, as ugly as these impurities look in this form, they are now easily separated from the pure metals.”  Think for a bit about how much heat is required to melt metals.  Ouchie!  This means that in order for me to get “deep down clean,” I’ve gotta experience some pretty hefty turmoil in order to reach the point of “melting metal.” 

And the best way to clear the mind and relax the body so I can effectively deal with that turmoil?  Going for a nice, long walk.  Metabolic discipline!

$>