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[ September 21, 2019 ] How to watch France vs Argentina: live stream today's Rugby World Cup 2019 match from anywhere	Tech
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HomeSecuritySpy scandal: Canada reassures allies over leak that may be linked to Australian drug syndicate | World news
Spy scandal: Canada reassures allies over leak that may be linked to Australian drug syndicate | World news
September 18, 2019 DigitalBurndown Security 0
Canada is seeking to reassure its Five Eyes intelligence allies in the wake of a massive alleged spying leak that may be linked to an Australian drug-smuggling criminal syndicate.
Cameron Ortis, the director general of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's intelligence unit, has been charged over allegations he was trying to sell secrets to a foreign agent or terrorist group. He had access to classified information from Canada's Five Eyes global allies, including Australia.
It has been reported Canadian authorities were led to Ortis's alleged corruption while investigating Vincent Ramos, the Vancouver-based head of encrypted phone company Phantom Secure, used by drug-trafficking networks.
Ramos was a significant player in the Australian criminal underworld. The FBI estimated that of the 20,000 Phantom Secure devices in service around the world, 10,000 were used by Australian criminals.
In May, Ramos was jailed for nine years in a San Diego court for "leading a criminal enterprise that facilitated the transnational importation and distribution of narcotics through the sale of encrypted communication devices and services".
As global intelligence agencies reeled from the revelation of Ortis's arrest, the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, sought to reassure allies that Canada was treating the leak – said to be the largest of secret information in Canadian history – "very seriously".
"We are in direct communications with our allies on security," Trudeau said while campaigning for re-election.
"We are also working with them to reassure them, but we want to ensure that everyone understands that we are taking this situation very seriously."
The commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Brenda Lucki, said Ortis had access to highly classified information by virtue of his senior position in the force.
"He also had access to intelligence coming from our allies both domestically and internationally. This level of access is appropriate given the positions he held."
Lucki did not say which foreign organisations may have been exposed by Ortis, but Canada – alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia – is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance.
Ortis faces five charges under Canada's Security of Information Act, as well as the two under the Criminal Code, all in relation to alleged incidents that occurred between 2015 and 2019.
The charges show that Ortis is accused of communicating covert operational information in 2015. He also faces charges of sharing secret information with a terrorist group or foreign entity – but it remains unclear if he had interacted with a state or individual.
"We are aware of the potential risk to agency operations of our partners in Canada and abroad and we thank them for their continued collaboration," Lucki said.
"We assure you that mitigation strategies are being put in place as required."
Lucki would not confirm, but did not deny, reports Canadian authorities were led to Ortis while investigating Ramos, saying only the RCMP was working with the FBI in 2018 when they "came across certain documents that led us to believe that there might be some internal corruption".
The RCMP, FBI, Australian federal police and other law enforcement agencies were involved in the probe of Ramos.
Ramos's Phantom Secure phones – promoted as "uncrackable" – were used by criminal syndicates around the world. At his trial, a San Diego court was told US, Australian and Canadian authorities could not find one Phantom Secure customer who was not a criminal.
Ramos sold Phantom Secure devices to Owen Hanson, the kingpin who created the drug trafficking network ODOG, that shipped massive quantities of cocaine to Australia. Hanson was sentenced in 2017 to 21 years in prison.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, citing an assessment by Canada's Communications Security Establishment cybersecurity agency, reported Ortis had allegedly reached out to Ramos.
"I have information that I am confident you will find very valuable," one email from Ortis to Ramos allegedly said, according to the CSE documents.
Lucki conceded intelligence agencies around the world had been "shaken" by Ortis's arrest and that the allegations were "extremely unsettling".
Lucki said no Canadian ally had made any moves to limit or suspend intelligence-sharing with Canada but conceded there was "always the possibility" that partner agencies might lose trust in the RCMP.
"I would definitely imagine that there is concern amongst our Five Eyes community as well as within Canada," she said.
Andrew Little, the minister responsible for the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service and Government Communications Security Bureau, said he had been made aware of the charges and that he "expected to be kept informed of developments in the ongoing investigation".
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Department of Home Affairs both refused to comment.
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Petition to the Tsar on January 9, 1905
January 9, 1905 - the day of the mass execution by the tsarist troops, by order of Nicholas II, of the peaceful procession of St. Petersburg workers heading for the Winter Palace with a petition to the tsar about their needs. Frightened by the growing struggle of the proletariat, the tsarist government decided to inflict a bloody massacre on the Petersburg workers. To this end, priest Gapon proposed to the workers a provocative plan for organizing a peaceful march to the tsar. The reactionary clergy, with the participation of bourgeois liberals, drew up the text of a loyal petition (request) to the tsar. On January 7 and 8, the petition was discussed at workers' meetings in St. Petersburg. The petition was signed by thousands of workers. At workers' meetings, the Bolsheviks persuaded the masses not to listen to the Gaponists, warning the workers that they would be shot at. Petition text:
Petersburg, January 8, 1905
Petition to the Sovereign of the workers of the city of St. Petersburg.
Sovereign! We, the workers of the city of St. Petersburg, our wives, children and helpless old men-parents, have come to You, Emperor, to seek truth and protection. We have become impoverished, we are oppressed, burdened with unbearable labor, they abuse us, they do not recognize us as people, they treat us like slaves who must endure their bitter fate and remain silent. We tolerated it, but we are being pushed further and further into the maelstrom of poverty, lawlessness and ignorance, we are suffocated by despotism and arbitrariness, we are suffocating. No more strength, Sovereign. Patience has reached its limit. For us, that terrible moment has come when death is better than the continuation of unbearable torment. And so, we quit our job and told our owners that we would not start working until they fulfilled our requirements.
We asked for little, we only wished for that, without which not life, but hard labor, eternal torment. Our first request was for our owners to discuss our needs with us, but they refused us, just as they refused the right to speak about our needs, finding that the law does not recognize such a right for us. Our requests also turned out to be illegal: to reduce the number of working hours per day, to set a price for our work with us and with our consent, to consider our misunderstandings with the lower administration of factories, to increase the wages of unskilled workers and women for their work to one ruble a day, to cancel overtime work, treat us carefully and without insults, arrange workshops so that you can work in them, and not find death there from terrible drafts, rain and snow. Everything turned out to be illegal in the opinion of our masters, every our request is a crime, and our desire to improve our situation is insolence, offensive to our masters.
Sovereign! There are more than three hundred thousand of us here, and all these are people only in appearance, in reality, they do not recognize a single human right for us, not even to speak, think, gather, discuss our needs, take measures to improve our situation. Any one of us who dares to raise his head in defense of the interests of the working class is thrown into prison, sent into exile: punished as for a crime, for a kind heart, for a sympathetic soul. To pity a downtrodden, powerless, exhausted person means committing a grave crime.
Sovereign! Is this in accordance with the Divine laws, by the grace of which You reign and how can you live under such conditions, laws? Isn't it better for all of us, working people of all Russia, to die? Let the capitalists and officials live and enjoy! This is what stands before us, Emperor! And this is what gathered us to the walls of Your palace. Here we are looking for the last salvation. Do not refuse to help Your people, bring them out of the grave of lawlessness, poverty and ignorance, give them the opportunity to decide their own destiny, throw off the oppression of officials from them. Break down the wall between You and Your people, let them rule the country with You. After all, You have been placed for the happiness of the people, and the officials snatch this happiness from our hands, it does not reach us, we receive only grief and humiliation.Look, without anger, attentively at our requests. They are directed not towards evil, but towards good, both for us and for you, Sire! It is not insolence that speaks in us, but the consciousness of the need to get out of the unbearable situation for all.
Russia is too big, its needs are too varied and numerous to be ruled by officials alone. It is necessary that the people themselves help you, because only they know their true needs. Do not repulse his help, accept it: they were ordered immediately, immediately, to summon representatives of the Russian land from all classes, from all estates. Let there be a capitalist, a worker, an official, a priest, a doctor, and a teacher. Let everyone, whoever they are, elect their representatives. Let everyone be equal and free in the right to be elected, and for this it is ordered that elections to the Constituent Assembly take place on the condition of universal, secret and equal vote. This is our most important request, everything is based on it and on it, this is the main and only plaster for our sick wounds, without which these wounds will forever ooze and quickly move us to death. But one measure still cannot heal all our wounds. We also need others, and we, like a father, tell you about them directly and openly. Necessary:
I. Measures against ignorance and lawlessness of the Russian people:
1) Freedom and inviolability of the person: freedom of speech and press, freedom of assembly, freedom of conscience in the matter of religion.
2) General compulsory public education at the state expense.
3) Responsibility of ministers and guarantee of the legality of management.
4) Equality before the law of all without exception.
5) Immediate return of all victims of beliefs.
II. Measures against the poverty of the people:
1) Abolition of indirect taxes and their replacement with direct progressive income tax.
2) Cancellation of redemption payments.
III. Measures against the oppression of labor by capital:
1) Labor protection by law.
2) Freedom of consumer-productive and trade unions.
3) Eight-hour working day and rationing of overtime work.
4) Freedom of struggle between labor and capital.
5) Participation of representatives of the working classes in the development of the bill on state insurance.
6) Normal wages.
Here, sir, are our main needs, with which we have come to you. Command and swear to fulfill them, and you will make Russia happy and glorious, and your name will be imprinted in the hearts of our and our descendants for eternity. But if you do not command, you will not answer our prayer, we will die here on this square, in front of your palace. We have nowhere else to go and there is no need. We have only two paths: either to freedom and happiness, or to the grave. Indicate, sir, any of them and we will follow it unquestioningly, even though it would be the path to death. Let our life be a sacrifice for the suffering Russia. We do not feel sorry for this sacrifice, we willingly make it.
The tsarist government was preparing for the massacre of the workers. Petersburg was declared martial law. Troops from Pskov, Revel, Narva, Peterhof and Tsarskoe Selo were called to reinforce the Petersburg garrison. By January 9, over 40 thousand soldiers and police were concentrated in St. Petersburg. The tsar entrusted the leadership of the reprisal to his uncle Vladimir Romanov. On January 8, at a meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs, the plan for the bloody massacre was approved. On the evening of January 8, a deputation of intellectuals, which included M. Gorky, came to the chairman of the committee of ministers S. Yu. Witte with a request to prevent bloodshed. Witte sent the deputation to the Minister of Internal Affairs Svyatopolk-Mirsky, but the latter did not even accept it.
On Sunday, January 9, early in the morning, workers from various districts of St. Petersburg moved to the Winter Palace, along with women, children, old people; they carried banners, icons, royal portraits, and sang prayers. St. 140 thousand people At 12 o'clock in the afternoon, the workers of the Narva region, which included the Putilov factory, approached the Narva gate. The cavalry units attacked the procession, the infantry fired 5 volleys. Dozens of workers were killed and injured.Gapon, who was walking with this column, disappeared. At about one o'clock in the afternoon, at the Troitsky bridge, columns of workers were shot, marching from the Vyborg and St. Petersburg sides. Troops shot a procession of workers on Vasilievsky Island. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon, units of the Preobrazhensky regiment stationed at the Winter Palace fired three volleys one after the other at the procession participants who were standing in the Alexander Garden, at the Palace Bridge and at the General Staff building. The Alexander Park was strewn with hundreds of killed and wounded. The cavalry and mounted gendarmes slashed the workers with sabers, trampled them with horses, finished off the wounded, sparing neither women, nor children, nor the elderly. Volleys rang out on Nevsky Prospect, on Morskaya and Gorokhovaya streets, near the Kazan Cathedral. As a result, on January 9, more than a thousand people were killed and more than 2 thousand wounded.
The news of the bloody crime of tsarism shook the whole country. The workers of St. Petersburg, Moscow, Baku, Tiflis, Riga and other industrial centers of the country responded to the events in St. Petersburg with a general political strike, in which 440 thousand workers took part. More workers went on strike in January 1905 than in the entire previous decade. The events of January 9 awakened millions of working people to the struggle against tsarism.
Two years 1905 - 1906 Terror marched throughout Russia, a whip was the answer for a question and even a glance, a noose awaited those who could resist. They flogged everyone for an excuse, hung them in public, and drove away all residents in front of their eyes. And they shot, shot both publicly and secretly …
Tsar's days in Yekaterinburg
Tsar's days in Yekaterinburg gather thousands of believers. The July liturgy and the procession of the cross are becoming something of an unofficial state holiday, because in addition to the four traditional branches of government, our bureaucratic baobab has long grown a fifth - the religious
The iron mask of the Moscow Russian tsar
In 2010, an event took place in Russia that went unnoticed by the general public. Of course, in our time of pursuit of material wealth, is it worth paying attention to the book of the monk, and later the abbot of the Roman throne, Mavro Orbini? Meanwhile, it would be worthwhile to understand who the Russians are
In the 1920s, Soviet people wanted to have a rest like under the tsar
Soviet leisure in the 1920s imitated tsarist times, except that the public of city establishments changed somewhat. And so - all the same theaters, taverns and dances
The Tsar Cannon in the Kremlin is a bombard, and she shot once
The Tsar Cannon has long become one of the symbols of Russia. Almost no foreign tourist leaves Moscow without seeing the miracle of our technology. She entered dozens of anecdotes where the Tsar Cannon never fired, the Tsar Bell never rang, and some non-working miracle Yudo such as the N-3 lunar rocket appear
The Tsar Bomb was too powerful for this world
In 1961, the Soviet Union tested a nuclear bomb of such strength that it would be too large for military use. And this event had far-reaching consequences of various kinds. On the morning of October 30, 1961, a Soviet Tu-95 bomber took off from the Olenya airbase on the Kola Peninsula, in the far north of Russia

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Category Archives: Ghosts
The Ghosts of Winston Churchill
Posted by davidfoxmagic777 on January 2, 2018
Sir Winston Churchill's intriguing relationship with the supernatural has been largely overlooked. The man who was voted 'Greatest Briton' in a nationwide poll at the turn of the century will forever be best remembered for his heroics during our darkest hour. When Great Britain stood alone against the tyranny of the Third Reich in 1940, Churchill's dogged determination, superhuman spirit and rousing rhetoric rallied the nation against seemingly inevitable annihilation.
A Sense of Destiny
In his 2001 biography of Churchill, Roy Jenkins noted the great statesman's vigorous sense of destiny. From an early age Churchill seemed certain that his life had a higher purpose and that at a critical moment in history, he would be called upon to robustly defend the national interest. Despite the calamity of Gallipoli in 1916 and of being dismissed as an anachronism by younger politicians prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, Churchill never lost this inner sense of purpose and commitment.
Churchill's generosity towards Gypsies is well known
A Sensitivity to the Supernatural
As an artist and accomplished author, Churchill was far more open minded and sensitive than is commonly assumed. Jenkins and other commentators have highlighted his respect for the Gypsies who would often pitch close to his ancestral home of Chartwell. Clearly the Prime Minister understood that it would be fortuitous to treat them with kindness and viewed their appearance as a good omen.
The British occultist Aleister Crowley also claimed to have suggested the PM make use of the 'v for victory' sign during the war. Several sources have indeed confirmed this to be true, and Crowley's connections with the British secret services are now largely accepted. The mercurial occultist believed the sign to be symbolic of the god Horus who would help the British defeat Hitler. Whether Churchill spoke directly to Crowley is unknown, but his use of the sign became one of his defining war-time features.
It was very unusual for a British politician of Churchill's generation to adopt a sign. Did the Prime Minister accept advice from Aleister Crowley?
A Ghostly Visitation
Churchill wrote candidly about an extraordinary supernatural event which occurred at Chartwell after the war. Whilst painting, the ghost of his dearly departed father mysteriously materialised in the studio. According to the former Prime Minister's account, his famous stiff-upper lip held firm and he felt no fear. He subsequently conversed with the apparition of Churchill Senior for several minutes – dutifully updating him on political, cultural and social events which had occurred since his passing. However, perhaps the great man's composure could be attributed to an earlier esoteric experience. During a trip to the White House, Washington DC, several years before, Churchill claimed to have sighted the ghost of Abraham Lincoln.
Chartwell in Kent where Churchill saw the ghost of his long-departed father.
Churchill is now firmly embedded within the British national psyche – symbolic of cultural attributes such as the bulldog spirit and our sense of fair play. The ubiquitous spectre of Churchill may live on metaphorically, but there have been numerous sightings of his ghost since he exited the world stage in 1965. One of the most recent was at Queensway Underground Station in 2017 where Craig Cooper took a photograph of a peculiar misty apparition. Churchill utilised local tube stops in the Hyde Park area as bunkers during the blitz, and his formidable presence appears to still be looming large over anxious commuters and tourists.
Craig Cooper's mysterious photograph on the Tube. He also spoke of a strange 'presence'. Source: mirror.co.uk
The author of the article is David Fox, a professional entertainer and freelance writer who is currently based in the UK. Visit his website at: www.davidfoxmagician.co.uk
Feel free to email us any strange stories to: email@magician-midlands.co.uk
Follow on Facebook: David Fox Magic
Leave a comment Posted in Ghosts, Hauntings, Winston Churchill Tagged Abraham Lincoln, Aleister Crowley, Chartwell, Churchill, Churchill Ghost, Craig Cooper, Gallipoli, Ghost, Gypsy, Horus, Occult, Prime Minister, Queensway Underground, Roy Jenkins, Second World War, Third Reich, Winston Churchill, World War 2, world war two
The Ten Spookiest Churches in the World
Posted by davidfoxmagic777 on April 23, 2017
Are you brave enough to read this? Are you easily 'spooked' out? Would you dare to visit one of these spine-chilling churches late at night? Because… when the congregation's away, the ghosts come out to play…
Newby Church, North Yorkshire, UK
A hologram of the Emperor from Star Wars? No, it's the ghost of a medieval monk! Conclusive evidence that some spirits are not camera shy. Taken in 1963 by the Reverend Lord, this spectral snap-shot continues to perplex experts the world over. Psychics have speculated that it may be the ghost of a 16th century friar who treated plague victims.
Westminster Abbey, London, UK
Westminster Abbey may be an iconic British landmark, but with over 3000 burials registered on the site, it boasts an impressive array of terrifying tenants! Notable inhabitants include: a Benedictine monk who mysteriously materialises in the early evening, and a sombre soldierly spirit (said to be the ghost of the 'Unknown Warrior' who is entombed inside the abbey itself).
Christ Church, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
The perfect setting for Stephen King's next blood-curdling blockbuster, Christ Church, Virginia, is sensationally spooky! Sinister sightings of spectral civil-war soldiers in the graveyard are commonplace and ensure that this national monument is a popular haunt for avid ghost hunters. Thirty four Confederate troops were interred in a mass grave, and some tourists even claim to have captured their armed apparitions on celluloid.
7. Borley Church, Essex, UK
Borley became world famous thanks to ghost hunter extraordinaire Harry Price. Mysterious tapping sounds and unexplained footsteps around the building have been reported by witnesses. But perhaps the most disturbing phenomenon of all has taken place in the crypt. Investigators have been unable to explain how coffins have been bizarrely moved from their original positions despite the door being locked!
6. Most Holy Trinity Church, New York, USA
Anyone who has seen 'Poltergiest' will know the occupational hazard that comes with disrespecting the deceased. The spirits of those interred in an old burial ground beneath the school of Most Holy Trinity Church are said to linger after dark. Spine-tingling tones of eerily ethereal voices coupled with disturbingly disembodied footsteps resonate. Lights in the gym hall mysteriously switch on and off, as if the dead protest a denial of dignity.
Frauenkirche, Munich, Germany
The black sinister footprint at the doorway of the Frauenkirche in Munich is said to have been made by the Devil himself! Legend has it that he offered to pay for the building of the church provided it had no windows. The builder accepted his satanic salary and slyly positioned the columns so that the church windows cannot be seen from the Devil's position! When the wind howls eerily around the Gothic towers it is believed to be Lucifer expressing his anger.
Church of St Wystan, Repton, UK
From the ghoulish goblin who lives atop the spire, to the peculiar misty spirits who dwell in the graveyard, St Wystan's Church is a hive of weirdness. Locals speak of strange supernatural figures appearing during the witching hour around the church. The spirit of a seventeenth century grave-digger is also said to linger among the tombstones.
Basilique du Bois-Chenu, Domremy La-Pucelle, France
Dedicated to Joan of Arc who was burnt alive at the stake after being accused of witchcraft by the English, the Basilique du Bois-Chenu is a well known spooky hotspot. Joan was said to have experienced divine visions as a young girl living in the village. Her ghost has been sighted on numerous occasions around the church, returning to visit her childhood home.
2. Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France
Divine intervention played a role in the building of the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel when the Arch Angel Gabriel appeared before the Bishop Aubert of Avranches and instructed him to build a holy structure. Mysterious monks and the ghost of Captain Louis d'Estouteville (who defeated the English in 1434) now haunt this unique location. The ghost of the soldier is often sighted guarding the ramparts, loyally performing his duty to the King of France.
1. Lucedio Abbey, Trino, Italy
Terrifying tales of torture, murder and dark rituals prompted the Pope to close Lucedio Abbey in the eighteenth century. Its horrifying history is equally as disturbing as the weird inexplicable fog which appears around the building, and the sinister evil 'presence' which can be experienced in the crypt. Several monks were found buried in a perfect circle and were all seated! Even more bizarrely, their bodies were naturally preserved. Italy's most haunted place… were the abbots practising some sort of sinister sorcery?
The author of this article is David Fox who is a freelance writer and entertainer based in the UK. Visit David's website for more details: David Fox Magician.
Leave a comment Posted in David Fox Magic, ghost hunters, Ghost on film, Ghosts, Haunted, Haunted churches, Hauntings, Mont Saint Michel, Occult, photograph ghosts, poltergeist, Spectre, spiritualism, Supernatural, Westminster Abbey Tagged Basilique du Bois-Chenu, black magic, Borley Church Essex, Christ Church Virginia, Church of St Wystan, David Fox Magic, Domremy La-Pucelle, Frauenkirche, Ghost, Haunting, Lucedio Abbey, Mont Saint Michel, Most Holy Trinity Church New York, Munich, Newby Church, Normandy, poltergeist, Repton, Supernatural, Trino, Westminster Abbey
Tutbury Castle: Britain's Most Haunted
Posted by davidfoxmagic777 on January 26, 2017
Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire has developed a reputation as one of the finest wedding and events venues in the Midlands. Every year this majestic medieval monument attracts visitors from around the world who marvel at its exquisite charm and rich heritage.
A fortification has existed on this hilltop since the eleventh century, and the castle boasts a long and illustrious history. Its most notable past resident is Mary Queen of Scots who was incarcerated in Tutbury during the late 16th century after abdicating the throne of Scotland and being forced into exile. Indeed, there is much to amaze historians in and around the ruins, and lively re-enactments of historical events are commonplace in the spacious castle grounds on summer days. However, perhaps it is matters of a more mysterious nature which have generated most intrigue in recent years…
Mary Queen of Scots was held at Tutbury Castle
No fewer than five ghosts are said to haunt Tutbury Castle. The apparition of a soldier wearing armour has been sighted on numerous occasions, along with a spectral white lady and the phantoms of a young boy and girl respectively. In 2004 a large group of visitors saw the spectre of Mary Queen of Scots herself peering down from the South Tower. Furthermore, her celebrity spirit has been witnessed frequently at other locations and is always said to be immaculately attired. Thus, Tutbury can rightfully claim to be one of the British Isles' most haunted venues, and it is now a site of very special interest for ghost hunters.
Orbs and a ghostly figure captured at Tutbury Castle
Recently the events team at Tutbury announced they will be resuming ghost hunts at the castle. This will provide an excellent opportunity for paranormal investigators to explore this extraordinary location and seek out evidence of the afterlife.
Professional psychical investigators deploy a rigorous regime when investigating such a venue. State-of-the-art technology is utilised to record potential supernatural phenomena, and a strict scientific methodology is observed. Indeed, such ghost hunters believe that evidence can be captured on film, but this theory is certainly controversial and challenged by sceptics. Nonetheless, there are ample video clips and photographs of weird occurrences at the venue.
Whilst shooting a wedding reception at Tutbury Castle, professional photographer David Green was amazed to find this mysterious image appear in a nocturnal photograph of the newlyweds. David was unaware of the queer 'fog' whilst photographing the couple and, to date, there is no logical explanation for this peculiar phenomenon…
Professional photographer David Green captured some peculiar white mist during a wedding reception.
A closer inspection of the fog… What do you think?
For more details about Tutbury Castle and the tremendous facilities it has to offer, visit the website at: Tutbury Castle
David Green is one of the UK's top photographers and boasts an exceptional portfolio. Contact David now for your next photo-shoot: David Green Corporate Photography
The author of the article is David Fox. A professional magician and freelance writer who is based in the East Midlands: David Fox Magic
An article posted on 12th January 2017 in the Burton Mail regarding the resumption of ghost hunting at Tutbury Castle: Ghost Hunts Make Spooky Return
The Society of Psychical Research offers guidance for those interested in exploring hauntings and haunted venues: Society of Psychical Research
Leave a comment Posted in afterlife, David Fox Magic, David Green, David Green Corporate Photography, Derby magic, ghost hunters, Ghost on film, Ghosts, Haunted Houses, Hauntings, Mary Queen of Scots, Occult, psychic research, Spectre, spiritualism, Spiritualism, Supernatural, Tutbury Castle Tagged David Fox Magic, David Green Photographer, Ghosts, hauntings, Mary Queen of Scots, Society for Psychical Research, Tutbury Castle
Harry Price: Dweller on the Threshold
Posted by davidfoxmagic777 on October 17, 2016
'Harry fought a long, lone battle against, on the one hand, the Victorian educated scientists who derided the occult and, on the other, fanatical believers in spiritualism whose favourite mediums he exposed as frauds.'
Harry Price (1881 to 1948) is remembered today as perhaps the most famous ghost hunter and psychical investigator of all time. The intrepid scientist's study of Borley Rectory in Suffolk, purported to be 'The Most Haunted House in England', from 1929 until his death brought him international recognition and cemented his reputation as a colossus within the field of occult research. Nonetheless, this extraordinary figure became an object of both acclaim and disdain during his lifetime. Some commentators viewed Price merely as a sensationalist who sought publicity by courting the supernatural, whilst others championed him as a genuine truth seeker – selflessly dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of the universe.
Indeed, Price's commitment and dedication to the investigation of preternatural phenomena cannot be understated. He founded The National Laboratory for Psychical Research, compiled one of the largest libraries of the occult in the world, and was one of the first scientists to apply a rigorous and methodical approach when testing the authenticity of psychics and hauntings. Price utilised state-of-the-art technologies such as pressure sensors and infra red photography in his quest into the unpredictable and inhospitable shadow realm of spirits, poltergeists and demons. His capacity and appetite for conducting painstaking research – in often freezing and isolated locations in the dead of night – has set the bench mark exceptionally high for all psychical explorers. In Borley Rectory alone Price recorded no fewer than sixty different types of supernatural occurrence.
Borley Rectory in Suffolk – The Most Haunted House in England.
Contemporary 'ghost hunters' frequently pay homage to Price's considerable influence and achievements, but few are actually aware of his background in the art of conjuring and legerdemain. A lifelong member of the prestigious Magic Circle, his interest in this amazing art form began at an early age when he witnessed a performance of The Great Sequah in Shrewsbury market place. The young Price was mesmerised by the magician and this profound experience clearly catalysed an inner yearning for the mysterious.
'The Conjurer' by Bosch. Magic and the Occult have always been closely linked.
Thus, like the great Harry Houdini (who successfully debunked numerous fraudulent psychics in the US), an understanding of the art of magic allowed Price to deduce what secret artifices or methods, if any, were being deployed by supposed soothsayers and mediums during his research. The story of the famous 'spirit photographer' William Hope is well documented and is an example of one of Price's many skirmishes with Spiritualists who normally felt threatened by his research. The scientist was more than aware of how accomplished magicians can surreptitiously 'switch' objects, undetected by audiences, in order to achieve startling outcomes. This was precisely what Hope was doing with the photographic plates, and Price quickly concluded that his 'spirit images' were actually frauds. Indeed, this damning revelation set the tone for most of Price's investigations into Spiritualists and clairvoyants. He attended hundreds of séances and was rarely convinced by the authenticity of the spectacle. Lifelong friend Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (best known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes – but himself an ardent Spiritualist) frequently expressed his anger at Price's findings and urged him to be more sympathetic towards individuals of a psychical disposition.
Like the Great Houdini, Price's knowledge of magic helped him 'debunk' fraudulent mediums.
Nonetheless, in the midst of a seemingly incessant tide of fraudulence and deceit, Price did encounter some incredible individuals who genuinely appeared to possess exceptional extra sensory talents. The most notable is perhaps Ms Stella C who, unlike the majority of clairvoyants and mediums, did not accept money for conducting séances and was not interested in forging a career in this field. Price and others observed the occurrence of genuine telekinetic phenomena in her presence, and she also incredibly predicted (with an uncanny accuracy which startled even Price) what would appear on the front page of The Daily Mail several weeks in advance.
Price was further led to speculate that it may be 'highly probable' that some individuals actually can communicate with the deceased. A séance in 1930 with the clairvoyant Mrs Eileen Garrett, who was not a Spiritualist, provided some of the most extraordinary results ever obtained in the field of psychical exploration. Garrett claimed to be in communion with Flight-Lieutenant H Carmichael Irwin, the captain of the doomed R101 Airship which had tragically crashed in France two days earlier. All the crew and passengers had been killed, but the psychic was accurately able to relay intricate details about the sequence of events which led to the fatal accident. Specialised technological information about the airship itself, of which Garrett could not possibly have known, were also provided. Price contacted the RAF with his findings and they concluded that 70% of Eileen Garrett's account was exactly precise, 20% was 'most likely' and the remainder was rather confused.
The medium Eileen Garrett recounted intricate details of the R101 disaster.
Such examples of Price's work reveal that as well as earning a reputation as a sceptical man of science, he did have a sensitivity towards psychics and was prepared to reveal instances of what appeared to be genuine 'supernatural' phenomena. Indeed, his feud with fellow magicians the Maskelynes would reveal how he was often prepared to defend psychics who he believed were genuine. Nevil Maskelyne had long claimed that his brother Clive could duplicate all types of 'supposed spiritual phenomena' a medium could create in a séance. However, Price challenged this statement and alleged that he had witnessed events in séance rooms which even the most accomplished of conjurers would struggle to produce.
Magicians can amaze audiences with seemingly 'psychical phenomena'.
Enigmatic and complex, the life of Harry Price is arguably even more perplexing than the mediums, spirits and poltergeists he documented along the way. It is intensely intriguing when a talented and highly intelligent individual is drawn to devote his entire life to the study of a fringe subject such as the occult. They run the risk of being ostracised, condemned and ridiculed by their peers. So why did Harry Price decide to embark upon such an atypical and arduous journey which would ultimately lead him to the bowels of desolate dilapidated mansions, the icy spectral solitude of cemeteries, and the sinister sultry environs of fraudulent medium's séance parlours? Was he merely a deluded moonstruck eccentric shying away from the harsh realities of life? Or should we celebrate him as a heroic pioneer who conducted invaluable research into an area which has been largely ignored or overlooked by many of the greatest minds over the centuries?
Psychical researchers can easily become objects of ridicule. Why did Price choose this path?
For an interview with Harry Price click the link: Harry Price Interview YouTube.
A radio production about Price's life: Are You There Harry Price?
The author of the article is David Fox, a professional magician and freelance writer.
www.magician-midlands.co.uk
Leave a comment Posted in afterlife, David Fox Magic, Esoteric, ghost hunters, Ghost on film, Ghosts, Harry Houdini, Harry Price, Occult, photograph ghosts, spiritualism, Uncategorized Tagged Borley Rectory, David Fox Magic, Harry Houdini, Harry Price, Magic, Magic Circle, Maskelyne, Occult, R101 Airship, seances, Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Supernatural, The Most Haunted House in England, The National Laboratory for Psychical Research
Poltergeist Hauntings – Mischievous Spirits or Misplaced Energy?
Posted by davidfoxmagic777 on September 6, 2016
"…in the nineteenth century, investigators of poltergeist phenomena observed that children are usually present, and one of them often seems to be the 'focus' of the disturbance…"
Poltergeists are infamous in all cultures
In early August 2016 police were summoned to a property on Stonelaw Road, Rutherglen, Scotland. A series of bizarre disturbances had been reported, and the highly experienced officers were soon to be confronted with a profoundly perplexing situation. Doors opened and closed by their own accord, clothing was hurled through the air by unseen hands, and the pet dog mysteriously levitated on top of a seven foot hedge. Naturally the events caused extreme distress for both tenants and police officers alike. A more detailed account of this case can be found on The Metro website, 13th August 2016: Police Witness Paranormal Events.
Such phenomena are commonly grouped under the term of 'Poltergeist' activity (which comes from the German for 'noisy ghost'). These mischievous spirits are said to be responsible for a myriad of weird occurrences such as: moving furniture, creating disturbing sounds, switching on and off electrical appliances, and even physically attacking people and animals. Acclaimed Occult author Colin Wilson identified these actions to be the 'basic characteristics of the poltergeist' and noted that they always form the same 'pattern'. Indeed, perhaps what makes them so disturbing is that, unlike traditional ghosts, they do not assume any particular shape or form. Poltergeists can merely be described as 'forces' or mysterious 'energies' which happen to linger around particular people – normally young children or adolescents.
Tobe Hooper's cult classic raised awareness of poltergeist phenomenon
Tobe Hooper's cult movie 'Poltergeist' (1982) propelled this troublesome type of spirit into the popular contemporary mainstream. The young daughter in the movie was very much the focus of the paranormal activity which occurred in and around the family home. However, just six years prior to the movie's release, the story of the Enfield Poltergeist in the UK had caused an international sensation. Peggy Hodgson and her children were plagued by such activity at their home in the north eastern borough of London. Strange forces shifted heavy furniture, slammed doors and a police officer even observed an arm chair move unaided across the floor. Perhaps one of the most disturbing images of poltergeist phenomena is that of Janet Hodgson (Peggy's daughter) being thrown violently through the air in her bedroom. The case was examined thoroughly be a variety of agencies and, although Peggy's daughters admitted playing tricks at times, much of the phenomena cannot be conclusively explained.
One of the most disturbing images of poltergeist activity – The Enfield Poltergeist
Since antiquity, the poltergeist has made an appearance in the folklore of virtually every culture throughout the world. Stone throwing was usually the first indication that such a spirit was present, and it could even occur during daylight hours. The curious tale of The Drummer of Tedworth in 1661 is one of the oldest documented accounts of this phenomenon in the British Isles. The musician had his instrument confiscated and held at a local house which caused a variety of chaotic incidents to take place. It was only when the drum was returned to its owner and he was promptly instructed to leave town that the disturbances ceased.
Indeed, there are countless eye-witness accounts and tales of poltergeist activity in the media every year. This raises the question of what actually causes such phenomena to occur – surely there must be a logical explanation behind all of this? We live in an age of unbridled technological advancement, and queer notions of malevolent spirits seem somewhat medieval and outdated to say the least. Perhaps poltergeist activity can be explained as an aspect of what Colin Wilson termed 'Faculty X'? This is the term he gave to the largely latent range of exceptional faculties human beings may possess – but of which we are presently unaware. Could it be that poltergeist activity is actually 'created' in some way by excessive energy which has built up in and around the sphere of certain individuals?
Like many free-thinkers, Wilson believed that the overwhelming majority of human beings are unaware of the massive potential which exists within their psyches. The state of the contemporary adult could be easily compared to a toddler sitting at the controls of a jumbo jet. We have yet to fully appreciate just how powerful the human species can become and how limited our current state of consciousness actually is. If poltergeist activity really is created by individual persons, it could be grouped in with other phenomena such as telekinesis (the capability to move physical objects using the mind), premonitions (predicting future events in dreams and visions) and thaumaturgy (the ability to heal others at will).
David Fox is a professional free-lance writer and entertainer who lives in the UK. Visit his website to find out more about him: David Fox Magic.
7 Comments Posted in afterlife, Clairvoyant, Colin Wilson, David Fox Magic, Enfield Poltergeist, Esoteric, ghost hunters, Ghost on film, Ghosts, Haunted, Occult, poltergeist, Supernatural, telepathy, thaumaturgy Tagged Colin Wilson, David Fox Magic, Drummer of Tedworth, Enfield Poltergeist, Faculty X, poltergeists, poltergesists, Tobe Hooper
Harry Houdini – Spiritualism or Swindle?
Magician David Fox explores…
'What the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes'
Harry Houdini, 1874 – 1926
It was a dark and dreary mid-winter evening several years ago in Derbyshire. I had been invited to entertain guests at a corporate function in the distinguished setting of Breadsall Priory. The evening was going very well, and my repertoire of card magic, illusion, and sleight-of-hand was clearly having a positive impact on the proceedings. An opportunity soon presented itself for me to conduct some mind-reading and psychological routines (known as 'Mentalism' in magical parlance).
In one such effect I invite an audience member to think of someone they know well. It could be a family member, friend or work colleague. In this instance the lady in question happened to think of someone who had recently passed on. Needless to say, when I later revealed the person's identity, the participant thought something supernatural had taken place.
As magicians we are well aware of the possibility of creating powerful effects which will leave a profound and lasting impression upon an audience. Indeed, magic and the supernatural have long been inextricably intertwined. The priests of ancient Egypt often used the art to mesmerise and frighten their subjects. In more recent times the case of the great French magician Robert Houdin (from whom Harry Houdini took his name) is well documented. Houdin managed to scare a group of tribal insurgents in Africa by using a simple magical effect in order to quell colonial insurrection. It is for this reason that the contemporary prestidigitator must be responsible and respectful when entertaining any audience.
On hearing the word 'magic' we automatically think of Harry Houdini. This sensational individual needs little introduction and, almost a century since his death, he continues to amaze and inspire both magicians and lay persons the world over. Houdini helped to raise the profile of magic considerably throughout the early twentieth century with his wonderful stage performances and death defying stunts. His boundless charisma, formidable work ethic, and strength of personality, all combined to create one of the world's first international superstars. However, most people are unaware of Houdini's close association with spiritualism during the latter stages of his life.
On losing his beloved mother, Houdini began to ponder the possibility of an after life throughout the 1920s. Like many vulnerable souls who find themselves in such a time of emotional turmoil, he sought solace in mediums who had become more prevalent around the industrialised American towns since the 'Occult Renaissance' of the late nineteenth century.
Sadly, Houdini was bitterly disappointed by the séances he attended, and quickly developed the point-of-view that spiritualists, and those that claimed to be in league with the dearly departed, were merely charlatans. Thus, he set out on a moral crusade to disclose, or 'debunk', the fraudulent activities of such persons. Houdini's revelations are masterfully presented in his 1924 work entitled 'A Magician Among The Spirits'. The great magician demonstrates much of the chicanery utilised by purported spiritualists in order to extract hard-earned cash from the unwary.
Spiritualism grew in popularity from the mid nineteenth century onwards.
But what of Spiritualism? Can we fully accept Houdini's warnings, or is there really some kernel of truth in the possibility of communicating with the deceased? Adherents of the multitude of contemporary Spiritualist churches which exist throughout the world would refute his accusations. Indeed, one commentator has calculated that there are currently over thirteen million followers of this faith throughout Europe and North America alone. Perhaps like many belief systems Spiritualism has attracted its share of charlatans over the years, but are there mediums amongst its ranks who possess a genuine ability to contact the dead?
The eminent philosopher Carl Jung appreciated that human beings possess a subconscious desire to believe in some form of higher force, or divine purpose, to life. The prospect of living a meaningless existence with no prospect of an afterlife is, to say the least, frightful. Many magicians often scoff at those who readily accept the existence of spirits, but in my humble opinion this is a rather arrogant stand-point to assume. Granted, given a sympathetic enough context, we can create effects which may appear to defy reality.
A variety of elements combined that wintry evening all those years ago in Derbyshire such as the gloomy weather, dim lighting, and the fact that we were on the site of a medieval abbey which is rumoured to be haunted, to create an effect of almost supernatural proportions. However, there are indeed many things which contemporary science in all its wisdom still cannot fully explain such as: premonitions, photographs and recordings of unusual phenomenon, and telepathy.
As for Houdini, he promised to send a coded message to friends and family after he shed this mortal coil. To date, we are still waiting to hear from the master…
David Fox is a professional award winning magician who performs his unique brand of magic throughout the world.
Visit David's new Corporate website at: www.davidfoxcorporatemagic.com
Leave a comment Posted in afterlife, Breadsall Priory, Clairvoyant, David Fox Magic, Derby magic, Derbyshire, Ghosts, Harry Houdini, Haunted Hotels, Magic, Magician, Occult, Occult revival, psychic research, spiritualism, spiritualist, Supernatural Tagged after life, afterlife, Amber Valley, Breadsall Priory, Carl Jung, David Fox Magic, Derby, Derbyshire, Ghost, Harry Houdini, Haunted, Magic, Occult, Paranormal, Places and Hauntings, Spirits, spiritualism, Supernatural
Dennis Wheatley – The Devil Rides Out
The mysterious world of Dennis Wheatley…
David Fox explores
'Should any of my readers incline to a serious study of the subject (Occult) and thus come into contact with a man or woman of Power, I feel that is is only right to urge them, most strongly, to refrain from being drawn into any practice of the Secret Art in any way.'
Dennis Wheatley (1897 – 1977) was one of the most prolific, widely-read, and successful authors of the twentieth century. Throughout his colourful career, Wheatley penned over 50 novels, a multitude of short stories, and produced a variety of non-fiction texts. His association with the British military is well documented, and he contributed to the war effort during the 1940s. Indeed, his involvement with the War Office, and the planning of the Allied invasion of northern France, would provided the basis for much of his future fictional work.
Wheatley's character: Gregory Sallust (the protagonist of several of his best-selling thriller novels) is now regarded as a fore-runner to Ian Flemming's James Bond. Both authors came from a similar background and naturally shared both the dominant values and world-view of their generation. These are evidently reflected within their works of fiction. However, despite only producing several novels of an Occult orientation, Dennis Wheatley has become synonymous with the supernatural and Black Magic. Why has a man who sold over 50 million books in his lifetime gained such a mysterious reputation?
'In every age there have been secret societies, and the greater part of them have been brotherhoods concerned, to a greater or lesser degree, with magic.'
It could be said that Wheatley's association with matters of a preternatural nature began during his time at prep-school in the early 1900s when he was convinced that he had seen a ghost. As he states in one of his works of non-fiction 'The Devil and All His Works' (Hutchinson 1971): 'It has long been maintained by many thinkers of many nations that Homo Sapiens is endowed with a sixth sense.' Clearly Wheatley appreciated that such matters resonate strongly within the collective consciousness of mankind, and in the 1930s he had the opportunity to draw upon this fascination to cement his reputation as a highly engaging and readable author.
'The Devil Rides Out' was published in 1934 and became an instant success. Wheatley's inter-war readership were evidently mesmerised by the exotic themes of black magic, ritual, sacrifice and secret malevolent societies. Indeed, he always researched the background of every novel meticulously prior to producing a first draft. Notable occultists of this era such as Aleister Crowley, Rollo Ahmed and Montague Summers were all consulted by Wheatley on matters of the 'Old Wisdom'.
'None of us can hope to lead perfect lives. But, if we follow the Right-hand Path, we shall be armoured against the temptation to do evil.'
Wheatley's detailed descriptions of occult ceremony, practice and philosophy within his novels have lead many to speculate whether or not he was a practitioner of the ancient arts himself. Although he denied ever having been involved with a secret society during his life-time, it is patently obvious that he possessed a profound understanding, appreciation and respect for the Occult. For example, 'Strange Conflict' (published in 1941) describes the curious ability of adepts to wage combat upon the astral plane against the backdrop of the Second World War.
Sceptics would of course scoff at Wheatley's suggestions, but it must be borne in mind that many of the leading Nazis were deeply influenced by the dark arts. The so-called 'Magical Battle of Britain' has been discussed in Dion Fortune's fascinating work of the same name. It should also be remembered that governments old and new (from King Saul's dealings with the Witch of Endor in the Book of Samuel, to Queen Elizabeth's reliance on the magick of John Dee, and Margaret Thatcher's government's consultation with astrologers prior to the Falklands Conflict) have called upon the powers of the unseen during times of national crisis.
'Today the world is threatened with a new age of Darkness.'
A fitting testimony to the enduring appeal of Dennis Wheatley's work is his perennially increasing cult following. His novels remain very popular, and the Hammer Horror productions of his Occult stories are much revered by Horror fanatics. Wheatley's geo-political stance and seemingly unswerving loyalty to Queen and country may be antiquated and somewhat ridiculous to some, but there is much within his works of great value to contemporary readers and those who approach them with an open mind.
To find out more about the author David Fox, visit his website: David Fox Magician.
Leave a comment Posted in Aleister Crowley, black magic, British Intelligence, David Fox Magic, Dennis Wheatley, Esoteric, ghost hunters, Ghosts, Magic, Magick, MI5, MI6, Nazi occult, New age, Occult, Satanism, Supernatural Tagged Dennis Wheatley, Occult, Satanism, Supernatural


Living Spiritually is all about connecting to who you truly are and to what really matters.
So what is that to you?
but when you follow my 5 pillars, you will find the nectar you seek to live the life you came here to live.
Whether you are interacting with a friend, a family member, a colleague, or even a stranger you may never come across again, you are projecting your energy onto the canvas of their life. What the other chooses to see in you will very much depend on their shadows. A shadow is a repressed aspect of the self. As we heal our shadows we create change within and around us.
For instance, if you have repressed anger (everyone has some) your neighbour will only become emotionally charged by this anger if it resonates with some deep seated anger they have as well. However, if your neighbour does not react to your repressed anger then they have done a good part of healing this aspect of themselves. This has to do with healing shadows and what I refer to as bringing shadows out of shadow and into the light.
"Like attracts like" as stated by the Law of attraction. What you attract to yourself and what you are attracted to in return is a reflection of what you are.
So what does this mean? Does this sound like "new age quackery" or like something more profound worth exploring?
Ancient yogic texts, as well as religious and spiritual leaders the world over, speak of moving from the darkness to the light. This is in fact the purpose of yoga and certainly a bi-product of the practice. If your practice keeps you trapped in darkness, your practice may be giving you something you need but it's not necessarily a true yoga practice, a yoking of the body, mind and spirit.
Fear shows up in transactional relationships where the focus is on what's in it for you. Whenever there is a feeling of lack, there is fear. Love shows up as kindness and compassion without looking for anything in return. When you trust that your needs will always be met no matter what, you can love unconditionally.
The world is still very much anchored in a scarcity based mentality. We believe it's human nature to fight over resources where we take away from each other rather than work together to create a larger pie. At the same time though, many are also beginning to realize that there is an alternative to this cut-throat competitive mindset that leads to a burned out and desensitized society- the rhetoric of the diversity of our politicians' platforms reflect this.
You are being asked today to flush out the darkness.
So take a few minutes, close your eyes, connect to your breath and breathe….
Look at your relationships- what are you projecting onto the canvas of your neighbour? and what is your neighbour projecting onto your canvas? What gives you an emotional charge and what gets your neighbour riled up?
Whenever there is an emotional charge, there is an invitation to heal.
In an effort to calm our often harried nervous system, our ego helps us make sense of the world. We do this by labeling, stereotyping and judging as we place people, places and things into tidy little compartments. While this coping mechanism does seem to offer some relief in the short term, over the long term it simply creates more stress and unease in our bodies as we move further and further away from our abiding nature of inclusiveness, love and Oneness.
How do we label, stereotype and judge?
We apply labels, assign stereotypes and judge others all the time. While a label gives a snippet of information about that person, a stereotype is a widely-accepted and often simplified view attached to a person or group based on race, creed or culture. We often make judgments about individuals based on this label or stereotype without holding a complete and accurate picture of the person.
Most of us know that basing our judgments on labels and stereotypes leads to inaccurate conclusions, so why do we do this?
At play behind the scene is an orchestra of characters known as archetypes, influencing our behaviour. These archetypes are streams of consciousness that we all share. They represent fundamental human motifs of experiences.
Though they all spring from the same well, you can chose to activate some and deactivate others throughout your life. Further, how you experience a particular archetype will differ from that of your neighbour. Much of this is beyond our conscious control. Within our control, however, is the choice to find the beauty behind an archetype presented or to focus on its more negative counterpart, Also known as the shadow self.
Understanding archetypes and learning to see archetypes within yourself and others not only provides a powerful tool for self healing but also helps you build compassion and tolerance towards others.
Below I have made a table of the 12 main archetypes, XVIV century psychotherapist Carl Gustave Jung identified. Beside each, I added how each can show up in shadow and easily turn into an unflattering label.
How they affect the labels, stereotypes and judgements you make of yourself and others.
At the end of the day is labelling, stereotyping and judging truly necessary? or could we Perhaps it's time to move beyond this and embrace each other's similarities rather than differences.
Why do I love Shiva? Why have I chosen Shiva to represent my yoga business and philosophy? And why is Shiva one of the most recognized symbols for yoga, together with, the symbol "Aum"?
In the pantheon of Hindu deities lies Shiva- the Destroyer along with Brahma the Creator and Vishnu the Sustainer. They represent the 3 primordial creative energies of the Universe. We cannot have one without the other. Shiva destroys what no longer serves us so we may bring in what does. In this context, destruction is a positive and nourishing force that maintains order in the Universe.
With his 5 heads, as depicted in certain renditions, Shiva reminds us that we are multifaceted beings. As we shed the layers and step out of our need to be compartmentalized and to compartmentalize others we move to a place of ego awareness where we realize we are so much more than what we do, what we say, what we think or how we live.
Shiva, with his many arms, teaches us to grab hold of opportunities, to follow our many passions and, holding his trident, he teaches us to use weapons when needed and, clasping flowers, he reminds us of the potential for enlightenment always within our grasp.
As a dancer – the Nataraj, Shiva shows us how to dance through the fire of death, birth and rebirth. We learn to fight for what we believe in, set and enforce our boundaries, show our claws when required and to chose our battles well. There is very little place for complacency or apathy. Rather anger, rage and strength is often needed to bring in the new and then comes the dance of love, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude that follows in its wake.
As a karma yogi, Shiva teaches us the path of serving others, where we see ourselves as part of the human family, which goes beyond our tight circle of family and close friends. We become more sensitive to the suffering of Man, of our brothers and sisters. We cannot help but want to serve. We celebrate our service to others, as well as how others chose to serve, without worrying about "ulterior motives", suspiciously wondering what's in it for us or others.
As a husband and family man, he represents the bond of family headed by 2 equal partners: the stability of being supported, the need to procreate and continue without ever giving up. While Shiva was doing what he needed to do, his wife Parvati was lovingly tending to the home fires. In this, we learn that no matter what happens we can always come home to love and compassion.
Through sexual union, Shiva plants the seeds for Tantra- divine true love – and we learn to honour and bring balance to both the masculine and feminine forces within each of us. The creative force of the Universe is a sexual force and through Shiva we embrace our physical, mental, and spiritual union with a beloved where body, mind and spirit merge with the divine avatar with whom we each conspire. The Shiva Linga and the serpent are its symbols.
Shiva, the celibate ascetic, also choses a life of meditation and hardship and demonstrates that we can be many things and play many roles at once as we frolic gingerly on the poles of opposites to find the sweetness in the middle, without being trapped into a specific one.
Yoga, the union of Body, Mind and Spirit, helps us understand that we are all One, on the same pole and part of the same whole. We each carry all the potentials within us and can switch on one and all at will.
Author nickyelizabethPosted on July 18, 2016 August 21, 2016 Categories Uncategorized2 Comments on Why Shiva?
What is Consciousness and What is the $Million Question?
Energy swirls around and around and around.
Energy vibrates at a certain speed.
Energy coalesces into and out of form, it never dies, it simply transforms.
So we are constantly transforming, death is not an option.
What are we transforming into?
"To reach up to heaven we must have roots deeply anchored in hell" – ancient Sufi proverb.
We are each transforming into our highest potential, bringing in the light, bringing in the love of who we truly are.
Some of us are anchoring down into the proverbial "hell" and that's ok because only once this is done can we reach up to heaven.
Let's be compassionate, loving and forgiving- to ourselves and our brothers and sisters.
Author nickyelizabethPosted on July 6, 2016 July 6, 2016 Categories Uncategorized1 Comment on What is Consciousness and What is the $Million Question?
So, you have started to pay attention, you are now working at bringing energy into the front of your brain; into the space between your eyebrows where your frontal lobes are located. This creates a natural biofeedback mechanism that stimulates our pituitary and pineal glands and creates the blissful sensation that helps us recharge and connect. So, what's next?
Where do our thoughts fit in? Is it really important to fill our head with positive thoughts anyway? Do we understand how positive thoughts affect our life? And I mean really understand? It all boils down to becoming more aware of what goes on in our head and to building brain awareness – it's all in the head after all!
Just as energy moves within our head and activates different parts in the brain so too do our thoughts and emotions move within our gray matter either reinforcing existing patterns or creating new ones. As we bring our attention to a toxic thought or a hurtful memory a chain reaction is created as electrical impulses are transmitted from one nerve cell to another. These neurons, and we each have about a trillion of them, are interconnected and form a pathway sending messages and signals throughout the brain.
As we travel along this pathway a thought creates a feeling which generates an emotion which in turn pushes us to do something. This action finally results in an outcome, either one we like or one we like less.
I like to think of our brain's neural pathways as set in putty and not in stone. To rewire our brain we need to override unhealthy pathways and reinforce healthy ones.
To override an unhealthy pathway and get rid of it entirely we need to starve it to death. I apologize, if this sounds unkind but in this case this is the best way to go. We feed thoughts with our energy so we can eliminate a negative thought by simply depriving it of energy. We then put energy into a positive thought that will create a more positive outcome. Whenever you think of something you send energy to that which you are thinking of. For instance, if you think fear and feel fear you will create fear. The fear you were feeling was generated by a fear based thought which then manifested your worst case scenario; the"how could this have happened to me?" scenario.
What is a fear based thought?
….blah, blah, blah. Do you get the point? Sound familiar?
Once you strip out the fear and the separation you are left with loving thoughts and whenever you think loving thoughts you create a loving outcome. It's really that simple.
To reinforce a healthy pathway, we engrain it in our psyche by giving it lots of energy. For instance, if you think love and feel love you will create an outcome that you love. The more you love your outcome, the more love you will feel and then the love will spillover into your other thoughts. Suddenly the "I am so lucky and so blessed" scenario has appeared in your life.
Tools to rewire the brain?
Bring meditation and yoga into your life.
So, close your eyes, breathe and bring your awareness to the energy moving in your head following the pathways you created with your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, your actions and the outcomes you created. Bring your awareness to a recent outcome you created. What kind of outcome was it? Did that outcome make you happy? Connect to the thought that initiated the whole chain of responses that finally lead to that outcome. What do you notice? Breathe and know that you have the power to create whatever you want.
Author nickyelizabethPosted on March 21, 2016 March 21, 2016 Categories UncategorizedLeave a comment on Wire it Up!
Do you feel you are living an uninspired life? Do you crave sameness? Do you fear change? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you need to bring more stimulation into the front part of your brain, known as the frontal lobes. Understanding how our brain affects how we feel is a hot topic these days and finding our way through all the research can be a challenge. So, here are some tips to help you build brain awareness so you don't get bogged down by all the info out there.
Feeling inner peace, joy and tapping into wisdom is thought by many, to be a neurological process. Science says we can reach states of, what the mystics call, Samadhi (or bliss) by learning to pay attention. As we hone our skills of observation we activate the front of our brain and hold the key to physical health, mental stability, joy, happiness and prosperity. Now isn't that a key you would like to hold?
So how do we pay attention?
Meditation is the perfect way to learn to pay attention. In meditation, we focus on a tool; whether a mantra, an affirmation, a symbol, our breath, a candle, some guided words…to bring our attention inward. As we do this, we deactivate the centers in the brain that keep us feeling stressed, anxious and paralyzed in the here and now. We then activate the center in the brain that helps us lose sense of time, space and causality so we can feel inspired and joyful.
As we activate the frontal lobes, suddenly the volume of our outside world decreases and the volume of our inner world increases. As a result, a world of new possibilities opens up before us. We start to see opportunities where others see probabilities. We become visionaries where others are stuck in antiquated ways of thinking and behaving. We are no longer incapacitated by stress but motivated by expansion.
Of course, this doesn't mean that we no longer get angry or sad but, when we do, we embrace the emotions honestly and release them lovingly from our body. Emotions are meant to be experienced and they are a part of life. They are not meant to be ignored or hidden away.
How to light up those frontal lobes?
Do you want to feel more peace?
Do you want to feel more joy?
Do you want to feel more wisdom?
Do you want to feel more love?
And remember, it's always about balance and coming back into balance with who we are. So, bring energy into the front of your head and away from the back of your head, pay attention and notice what happens…..
Author nickyelizabethPosted on March 15, 2016 Categories UncategorizedLeave a comment on Light it Up!
Is it a challenge for you to turn a negative thought into a positive one? Do you notice that your thoughts are so scattered that you can't think clearly? Or, that all this talk about stilling the mind works for others but not for you?
Breathe, connect to your breath and bring your awareness to your brain. Imagine your brain divided into 4 sections; the first three fit neatly into each other like nesting dolls and the fourth sits at the top of your head and extends down into your forehead. The first section is the inner core at the top of your spine and includes the brain stem and cerebellum. The second section is in the middle and wraps around the inner core that includes the hypothalamus, hypocampus and amygdala. The third section is made up of the outer shell called the neocortex that wraps around the whole. The fourth section, part of the neo cortex, also known as the frontal lobes, starts at the crown of your head, and reaches down into your forehead. Each of these areas, when stimulated energetically, engages you in what I refer to as jungle killer, herd, achiever or enlightened types of behavior.
We activate the inner, most primitive part of the brain, when our primary concern is survival. The law of the jungle prevails here where only the strongest survive. We feel territorial and competitive. We fight to get our piece of the action. This is the comfort zone of the "Tiger Mother" as in "The Battle Hymn of". Here we are worried about winning so we won't lose, succeeding so we won't fail. We may need to activate this type of behavior on occasion but, when we are trapped in this inner core of the brain we are not leading a conscious and loving life. Here our actions are mainly instinctual.
As we move away from the inner core, we activate the central part of our brain where our concern shifts to building social relationships. This is where we are concerned about following the "code" of what is acceptable and not acceptable. We are motivated by a desire to be part of the herd regardless of what personal values are compromised. We delight in power plays and enjoy games of manipulation. Our thoughts become less instinctual as more options open up to us. This part of the brain starts to make us more conscious but there is no need to get trapped here.
Moving outwards, we finally arrive at the outer shell, called the neo cortex. When we stimulate the back part of the neo cortex we access our ability to reason, to use logic and to problem solve. This is the brain that understands science, mathematics, law, medicine and philosophy. In this part of the brain, sits our ego. Our ego helps us push beyond our limits and grow. Our ego helps us, but only up to a point. After that, our ego prevents us from enjoying the moment and keeps us trapped in fear and stress. This part of our brain makes us more conscious than we were but not as conscious as we can be.
Once we move forward to the front of the neo cortex, between the crown of the head and just below the eyebrows, we are in our frontal lobes. Here, we reach the crowning glory of our human potential. This is where we start to see an infinite number of possibilities before us, where we become visionaries and where we make the final leap in consciousness. It is our frontal lobes that lead us back to unity and help us remember our wholeness.
So breathe, notice where you are now, where you were yesterday. Notice that each section of the brain has helped you learn important lessons. Thank each part of your brain that engaged you in jungle killer, in herd, in achiever and in enlightened types of behavior. Be grateful for the crucial role accessing each of the 4 sections of your brain plays in your evolution and in your journey back to remembering your wholeness.
We often get stuck in a certain part of our brain that keeps us repeating the same types of so-called "mistakes" over and over again. To change these unhealthy patterns, we need to get unstuck. To do this we move into our frontal lobes by bringing our awareness to the space between our eyebrows.
We start this process off slowly. When we leave the frontal lobes, we do so for a good reason and then we come back to the front to recharge and connect. Slowly, we bring in more joy, peace and inspiration and we discover what many have already discovered. Lighting up the front of our brain helps us create the loving thoughts we need to create a life we love. Perhaps, this is what enlightenment is all about. Perhaps, it has less to do with walking on water and more to do with tapping into the love that is always around us. Building brain awareness is an excellent tool and a great place to start so Light it up! Wire it up! and Get unstuck!
Next Light it up! followed by Wire it up!
P.S: My 4 sections of the brain are inspired by Paul Maclean's Triune brain model of evolution. I invite you to learn more about this model.
"Getting Unstuck" part 3 of the trilogy of blogs I wrote in 2011 on Brain awareness has been republished here and can also be found at the end of Chapter 6 in my book.
What is Holding you Back from Stepping into the Full Potentiality of the Universe?
The Universe is expanding consciousness and you are made up of this consciousness. In theory, you are each able to connect to the unlimited potentiality of the Universe, so why do you sometimes struggle?
Connected to Oneness from a heart space, the Universe satisfies your true desires. However, when connected to Duality, the Universe satisfies what you think you want from a place of Ego. In this place you will always be blocked from reaching your full potential. Your full potential is only realized when connected from your heart space.
You may have noticed times in your life where you seemed to flow and then times you didn't-You learned to flow in the dual reality and your love life, your friendships, career, money were all bringing you great satisfaction. So what happened? You hit a wall, and everything changed.
When this happens, it's a call from Spirit to wake up and to listen to the call of your soul. This is a sign to learn to flow in a new way- in Oneness. Over your life you may have received many such knocks at your door. Eventually the knocks become so loud that they can no longer be ignored. The Universe begins to block out what your Ego wants and shifts the focus more to what your soul is truly yearning for.
ACCEPT that you are in fact receiving exactly what you asked for. The Universe will always give you what you want and desire.
Take a few moments and write down your wants and your desires and notice how your wants come from what your head thinks you want and how your desires emanate from what your heart truly desires.
The more you practice OTGF the more you will be able to flow with the wisdom the Universe in Oneness.
Order my book to learn more about Stepping into Consciousness and the Consciousness Movement that is sweeping the planet today. Stepping into Consciousness- A Guide to Living a Life of Joy, Meaning, & Abundance 2016 Edition now available on Amazon.
Visit our website to learn more about the workshops we offer in Montreal at Inspired Workshops and register for a workshop today.
Have a blessed day, Namaste!
Many good, kind, honest, hard working, loving people are able to create and enjoy comfortable lives for themselves and others. However, all too often people who make fun, belittle and bully others are the life of the party, the flashiest people lie and cheat, the least conscious companies make the most money, and the most corrupt politicians win elections.
How can you get to a point where your "goals and comfort" do not infringe on the goals and comfort of your brothers and sisters? How can you live a life of integrity where you respect and honour your brother and sister's life as much as your own while taking care of your material needs and wants?
However, if you spend a good part of your time in the Oneness reality and are Stepping into Consciousness where you can navigate both these realities, you realize that there is no Good/Bad, there is just truth- your truth as you are experiencing it in this moment that is leading you to discover and live the one Truth that we are each love. You realize that the real "goodies" of Joy, Meaning, and Abundance do not come at a price. They come when you live in a place of Unconditional Love, the True Love that is your abiding nature.
So, Step into Consciousness, let go of fear and trust that you will always be taken care of and that you will be able to care for your brothers and sisters on the path as well.


Skimmelberg Farm, a little further afield in Citrusdal but also well worth visiting, offers informative farm tours that teach visitors all about Buchu and Rooibos farming.
only grown here in the Western Cape, it is definitely something to add to your bucketlist when you find yourself in the area.
First discovered by the Khoisan people in the 1700s, the past 15 years have seen a renaissance of the miraculous medicinal properties of Buchu.
inflammation, and many other ailments. Among just a few of its curative properties,the plant has been scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels and help with weight loss.
It has anti-aging effects, helps to treat UTIs, and relieves joint pain.
To get your hands on some of this miracie plant, you can purchase various Buchuinfused products at Skimmelberg farm itself.
Beyond this, Cape Kingdom also sells a variety of buchu infused detox teas, an array of Buchulife lifestyle and health products (including Buchu water, moisturising cream and First Aid Gel, to name but a few), as well as a range of Ricky Litchfield dog products.
To find out more, visit www.buchulife.com.
At the end of a day filled with activity, head back to your chalet at Cederberg Park, light a fire in your fireplace, and curl up with a good book and a glass of Kromrivier wine - an idyllic way to recharge and escape from the pressures of everyday life.
For more information, visit www.cederbergpark.com.
Good Housekeeping - Buchu to the rescue!


Review of "Operation Red Sea" (2018), the blockbusting, action-packed sequel to the Chinese box office smash "Operation Mekong". Directed by Dante Lam.
Movie review of "Painted Faces" (1988). A fictionalised account of Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan's childhood in the tough world of Peking Opera training.
COMPETITION TO WIN Jackie Chan's action masterpieces "Police Story" and "Police Story 2" on Blu-ray. Box Sets available today, 20th August 2018 from Eureka Entertainment.
Exclusive interview with the Father of Modern Wushu, Master Wu Bin, coach to action stars Jet Li, Donnie Yen and Wu Jing.


Nia Vardalos visits The Marilyn Denis Show in Toronto, Canada, in September 2013.
Aching for a My Big Fat Greek Wedding sequel? Your wishes have been granted. Nia Vardalos, who penned and starred in the original, has whipped out the Windex to end the wait for a follow-up to the 2002 sleeper box office hit, which is one the highest-grossing independent films ever.
Vardalos told Mashable that she has been writing the screenplay for four years, and that she held off on taking further action until finishing the book tour for her New York Times bestseller Instant Mom, a book about her 10-year struggle to become a parent.
"The entire My Big Fat Greek Wedding family is invited back and we'll have a few new guests," Vardalos added. "You will not see my daughter in the movie — she's a minor and we keep her life private, but she will be on set with the family, eating their way through craft services."
The plot will once again focus on the exuberant Portokalos family members, who will likely reunite for another wedding, though Vardalos kept her lips sealed on divulging details.
"We don't have a director yet," she said, contrary to media reports that she would be directing the sequel. "I don't want to direct because I like an impartial set of eyeballs watching and editing. Plus, I'd like to become a better actor and that's only possible with someone prodding me."
Vardalos will reprise her role as Toula Portokalos, the daughter of Greek immigrants who pressured her to marry a Greek man, but she instead married non-Greek Ian Miller (played by John Corbett, who is also returning). And no, Toula and Ian will not be divorcing, she confirmed. The sequel will also not be called Back to the Altar, as some people have theorized.
"I hate writing, but my goal with this film and the one I'm developing with Paramount (Leftovers) is to create many roles for actresses because the movie business is still obtusely standing on a giant sinkhole of woman-ignoring idiocy," she said.
Leftovers is an anti-romantic comedy that Vardalos will star in and produce with Paramount. She previously co-wrote the romantic comedy Larry Crowne with Tom Hanks in 2011.
Vardalos announced the sequel to her 250,000 followers on Twitter, even though she told Mashable, "I have no idea how to use social media for anything other than forwarding a good fart joke."
(1 of 2) I'm working on the MBFGWedding sequel; now that I'm experiencing motherhood I feel ready to write this next chapter.
(2 of 2) A few jaded press corps will claim I ran out of money or just want to kiss John Corbett again. One of these things is true.
In 2002, My Big Fat Greek Wedding depended on an organic groundswell of praise to gain popularity. It eventually garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay as well as two Golden Globe nods for Best Comedy and Best Actress in a Comedy.


The Cloistered Heart: Just What IS a Cloistered Heart?
Just What IS a Cloistered Heart?
Today I came across one of the earlier papers I wrote on the subject of the Cloistered Heart. It was put together at the request of a priest, who asked me for something "concise" for sharing with others. "Concise" was not one of my strong suits. Therefore, I was grateful to Father Andrew for encouraging me to get the very basics of this down on paper.
My call is to be in the world but not of the world. This is not a new or different idea; rather, it is an emphasizing, a kind of "underlining," of every Christian's call. The uniqueness of this emphasis is in its monastic imagery. I find it helpful to recognize that within me is a "place" set apart for and consecrated to God. This place of consecration is sacred and inviolate, for the God of all dwells therein.
The word "cloister" speaks of total consecration. Those who enter a traditional physical cloister make a tangible break from the world. Compromise does not fit well in a cloister, nor does lukewarmness, nor does complacency. The cloistered life is meant to be absolute. A nun living in a cloister has made a decision to live for God. She has made a break.
A Christian living in the world is also called to make a decision to live for God, but the break is not so clean. The world is persistent in its tugs on the heart trying to live for God. Therefore, we need support in our struggles to surrender our lives to God and to resist the world's allurements. This is where the imagery of the cloistered heart can be of help.
A cloistered heart may be married or single, nurse or engineer or homemaker, yet the heart can be cloistered. My cloister is not made of bricks and stones, but of God's holy will in which I have chosen to live. The will of God forms for me a "cloister grille," through which I may view and respond to all people, all circumstances, all things that make up the world in which I live. My commitment to God does not conflict with family life, but rather enhances and empowers it.
Many years ago, another had this same kind of vision. St. Jane de Chantal, when she was yet a laywoman (widowed with four chldren), imaged her spiritual world with monastic imagery, and took the Virgin Mary as the Abbess of the cloister of her own heart.
I ask for her intercession and for that of St. Francis de Sales, who encouraged Jane in her monastic imagery. May they pray for all of us who wish to live in the world as "cloistered hearts."
Text © 2012 Nancy Shuman. All Rights Reserved.
Full Truth and Nothing But..


Main Title Effect of Area on Air Pollution Control Programs.
Two of the most popular areal bases for air pollution control are studied for the purpose of describing and evaluating the effect of specified administrative organization on the control programs. The two are: (1) regional enforcement programs grouping a number of existing political units of government, (2) enforcement areas following the lines of one political unit.


Would you believe that there is an organization in America today that lists 90 traits, characteristics, and soft-skills they want their employees to have? Well, there is. My first thought when I saw the list was … these folks are nuts! But, after reviewing the list, I changed my mind. All of them are doable and warrant our attention. Success is all about constantly becoming a better version of ourselves. But, what do we have to go by? How do we grade ourselves?
If I gave you a list of things that would help to make you more successful … would you do them ALL? Well, here is an excellent list to start with. Now, all you have to do, is be really honest with yourself and decide if you ARE or you AREN'T the things listed.
After reviewing the list several times, you may also decide to add to it. There is nothing wrong with doing that. Personally, I would add … "BE NICE" to the list. In fact, I would start with that one. But, maybe they think compassionate, respectful and empathic covers that. I like it stated in simpler terms: Be nice!
Good luck with grading yourself. The list sure does make you think. I am working on several of them right now!