The Six-Petaled Lotus...a prayer to Lakshmi

Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. No goddess can teach you more about the nature of prosperity, wealth and the negative concept of poverty consciousness.
I worked with Lakshmi for 3 months and was amazed at the revelations she offers. The most important message she had to share with me is that there is no such thing as lack. Our environment, surroundings and even ourselves are only limited by our perceptions. Focus on the infinite abundance available to you, and it must manifest.
So...in honor of the gifts that Lakshmi has shared, I wrote this devotional ritual for her. I hope that you enjoy it and have the privilege of learning from this amazing goddess.

Goddess Posture

Lift your gaze to the heavens and standing in the moon goddess posture, recite:

I invoke Maha Lakshmi, who is without beginning and without end. The Eternal Goddess.

Lowering your arms to the benediction posture, recite these words as you face east bowing your head:

Benediction Posture

I bow to the Divine Goddess, who is the provider of success, intelligence and freedom and the benefactor of both worldly wealth and spiritual wealth. Her wisdom is infinite.

Facing south and again in the benediction posture with head bowed, recite:

I bow to the Ultimate Mother, who grants favors to all, who terrorizes the evil and removes all misery. Her power is limitless.

Turn to face west, still in the benediction posture with head bowed and recite:

I bow to the Great Mother, who can remove even the greatest of sins. Her mercy is unconditional.

Facing north, hands still outstretched in benediction and head bowed, recite:

I bow to the auspicious goddess of wealth, luxury, beauty, generosity and all worldly pleasures. Her abundance is boundless.

Finally, lower your hands and kneel with your head still bowed and recite:

I surrender to the Great Lakshmi, who resides in the hearts of Her devotees. Her Spirit is ever present.

Om Lakshmi. Blessed Be.

Note:  Always remember that no Hindu deity is ever called upon without first calling upon Ganesh, the elephant-headed god who is the remover of obstacles.  A simple chant can be:  Om, Ganesh.


All Blessings Be. )O(

2011...Year of the Rabbit

After going through 2010, the Year of the Tiger, this year offers a much needed reprieve.  Time to slip into a nice cozy spot and lick our wounds from all the battles we had to deal with.  I don't know about you, but I could certainly deal with a front row seat at the latest, greatest broadway production.  With champagne in hand and flowing, let's see what Mr. Rabbit has in store. Good taste and refinement will shine on everything and people will acknowledge that persuasion is better than force. A congenial time in which diplomacy, international relations and politics will be given a front seat again. We will act with discretion and make reasonable concessions without too much difficulty.  It reminds me of Mad Men...good 'ol 60's diplomacy.
On the other hand, it's also a time to be wary of any overindulgence.  Rabbit's influence tends to spoil those who like too much comfort and thus impair their effectiveness and sense of duty.
Law and order will be lax; rules and regulations will not be rigidly enforced.  No one seems very inclined to bother with these unpleasant realities.  They will be too busy enjoying themselves, entertaining others or simply taking it easy.  The scene is quiet and calm, even deteriorating to the point of somnolence.  We will all have a tendency to put off disagreeable tasks as long as possible.  Remember, procrastination is not your friend.
Money can be made without too much labor.  Our life style will be languid and leisurely, as we allow ourselves the luxuries we have always craved for.  A temperate year with unhurried pace.  For once, it may seem possible for us to be carefree and happy without too many annoyances.

Never underestimate rabbit, though.  He is considered by some, a trickster.  Watch for surprises, especially early summer.


All Blessings Be.  )O(