Burnout Is Not Weakness

Burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can affect anyone, regardless of their job, age, or life situation. While it is a very real phenomenon that can be debilitating, it is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw.

The state of burnout is a complex issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be triggered by a job with long hours, overwhelming workloads, and a lack of job satisfaction or recognition. It can also come from external sources, such as family and relationship issues, financial pressures, and other life stressors.

Burnout is not a sign of personal failure or lack of strength. It is an indication that something is out of balance and needs to be addressed. It is important to recognize the signs of burnout in yourself or others and take steps to address it.

The first step is, to be honest with yourself and acknowledge the signs of burnout. It is important to be mindful of how you are feeling and recognize when you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope. Awareness of any lifestyle or work habits contributing to your burnout is also critical.

The next step is to address the issue. This may mean making some changes to your lifestyle or work environment or seeking professional help. It is important to be mindful of how you spend your time and prioritize your self-care. This could mean relaxing, exercising, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

Burnout can have a serious impact on your physical and mental health. It can also have a significant impact on your work and relationships. It is important to recognize it and take steps to address it. Burnout is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw; it is an indication that something is out of balance and needs to be addressed.

In our fast-paced world, burnout is an increasingly common problem. It can be caused by an overload of physical, mental, and emotional stress that can leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are holistic approaches available to help us combat burnout and get back on track.

Holistic support for burnout involves considering an individual's physical, mental, and emotional health and addressing all burnout factors. This is different from traditional medical approaches, which often focus solely on physical symptoms. Holistic support considers the whole person's lifestyle, diet, emotional state, and more. 

One of the best ways to support someone suffering from burnout is to give them the time, space, and understanding they need. Listen to them without judgment and allow them to express themselves freely. Acknowledging their feelings and validating their experiences is essential.

Encouraging the person to take care of themselves and prioritize self-care is also helpful. Self-care can be anything from getting enough rest, eating healthy meals, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. It’s key to recognize that self-care is not selfish but rather a necessary part of healing and recovery.

In addition to self-care, it’s essential to provide emotional and practical support. Offer to help out with tasks such as grocery shopping, errands, and other chores. This can lighten the individual’s burden and provide them with a sense of relief.

Finally, as stated earlier in this post, it’s important to recognize that burnout is not a sign of weakness but rather an indication of stress and exhaustion. Holistic support for burnout can provide an individual with the tools and understanding they need to get back on their feet and start feeling better. With support, understanding, and care, anyone can overcome burnout and get back to living a healthy and fulfilling life. For instance, setting boundaries and taking time to focus on self-care activities, such as yoga and meditation, can help an individual manage their stress and avoid burnout.

Within the Starry Vault of Heaven

Jung and astrology have been intertwined for centuries, and Carl Jung's theories have only further solidified the connection between the two. Jung was fascinated by astrology and how it could be used to explore the inner workings of the human psyche. He believed that by studying the stars and planets, we could gain insight into our own unconscious motivations, emotions, and, ultimately, our destinies.

In Jung's view, astrology was a tool for understanding the human experience. He was a firm believer in the power of the unconscious mind and how it could be accessed through the study of astrological symbolism. For example, he believed that the Moon's influence on our behavior was linked to our unconscious emotions, as well as our dreams and fantasies. Similarly, he saw the Sun's influence on our conscious, rational decisions. He also believed that the planets, stars, and constellations could reveal hidden aspects of our personalities and our life's path.

Jung was also interested in the use of astrology as a form of divination. He believed that by studying the movements of the planets, we could gain insight into our own lives and the world around us. He wrote extensively on this topic, exploring how astrology could be used to help us make decisions and understand our place in the universe.

Jung's belief in astrology was so strong that he even wrote his own book on the topic. In it, he argued that astrology could be used as a way to understand our collective behavior and the underlying patterns in our lives.

Today, Jung's theories still remain influential in the astrological community. Many astrologers continue to use his ideas to better understand their clients and the world around them. His theories are also often used to explain the connections between astrology and psychology and explore the deeper meanings of astrological symbols.

No matter your beliefs about astrology, it's clear that Jung's theories provide an interesting and insightful look into the power of the stars and planets. His theories can help us gain a better understanding of our own unconscious motivations, our emotions, and our place in the universe.

Hey, Amber! What the heck is metaphysics?

Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of reality and existence. It is concerned with questions such as; what is real, what exists beyond, what we can see or experience, and what is the nature of the universe. The word "metaphysics" comes from the Greek words "meta" (beyond) and "physics" (the study of nature), which suggests that it deals with things beyond the physical world.

Metaphysics can be divided into several sub-fields including; ontology (the study of being), epistemology (the study of knowledge), and cosmology (the study of the universe as a whole). These sub-fields all share a common goal--to understand the fundamental nature of reality.

Ontology is perhaps the most fundamental branch of metaphysics. It deals with questions such as what exists, what is the nature of existence, and what are the relationships between different things that exist. Ontologists attempt to answer these questions by examining the nature of objects, properties, and relations. For example, an ontologist might ask whether abstract objects such as numbers or propositions exist and, if so, what their nature is.

Epistemology, on the other hand, is concerned with the nature of knowledge. It deals with questions such as; what can be known. how knowledge is acquired, and what is the nature of truth. Epistemologists attempt to answer these questions by examining the nature of belief, justification, and evidence. For example, an epistemologist might ask whether there are certain kinds of knowledge that are innate, or whether all knowledge is acquired through experience.

Finally, Cosmology is concerned with the study of the universe as a Whole. It deals with questions such as, what the universe is made of, how it began, and how it will end. Cosmologists attempt to answer these questions by examining the nature of space, time, and causality. For example, a cosmologist might ask whether the universe is finite or infinite, or whether time has a beginning and an end.

Metaphysics can be a challenging and complex field of study, but it can also be deeply rewarding. By grappling with the fundamental questions of reality and existence, metaphysicians can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and our place within it. Whether you are interested in philosophy, science, or simply understanding the nature of the universe, metaphysics is a fascinating and rewarding field to explore.

Community and Knowledge Building

Being the publisher of niche community content means accepting the time commitment and the processes involved. It means being brave enough to make mistakes, show my weaknesses, and face my self-contradictions. It means being fully present in body, mind, and spirit, and willing to learn. It means being as much a part of the processes as other team members and contributors while remaining aware of my role and the narratives I bring to these projects. Part of that narrative is my experience as an educator in community colleges and vocational schools. I’ve developed curricula and established learning centers focusing on the success of adult learners. A personal objective is making the process of growing knowledge experiential and enjoyable.

Through my work with The Cartomancer, I strive to create an open learning community where knowledge is shared, expanded upon, and ignites innovation. I work to provide not only a reliable learning base, but an environment that fosters shared expertise, reflective dialogue, interaction, and collaboration. And I desire this publication to create lasting supportive connections among community luminaries, contributors, and readers.  

A learning community connects people. It convenes change agents across disciplines, experiences, and geographies to connect, share ideas and results, and learn from each other. These communities unite participants around theories of change, technique enhancements, measured achievement, and areas of practice. They enable shared learning. Communities share learning from both successful and unsuccessful experiences to deepen its collective knowledge.

Learning communities lend themselves to a form of guided discovery. Knowledge is socially constructed and best supported through collaborations designed in a way that participants eagerly share knowledge that incorporates teamwork features, real-world application, and the use of varied information sources.

Knowledge building directly addresses the need to educate people for a world in which knowledge creation and innovation are pervasive yet expanding. Knowledge building may be defined as the production and continual improvement of ideas of values to a community, through means that increase the likelihood that what the community accomplishes will be greater than the sum of the individual contributions and part of broader efforts.

Important distinctions exist between learning and knowledge building. Learning is an internal, unobservable process that results in changes in belief, attitude, or skill. Knowledge building, by contrast, results in the creation or modification of public knowledge—knowledge that lives “in the world” and is available to be worked on and used by other people. Of course, creating public knowledge results in personal learning, but so does practically all human activity. Whether it's scientists working on an explanation of cell aging, engineers designing fuel-efficient vehicles, nurses planning patient care improvements, or tarotists blending psychology and self-development into their reading sessions, knowledge builders engage in similar processes with a similar goal. That goal is to advance the frontiers of knowledge as they perceive them.

Take what you know, add insightful discoveries, make it your own, and then share your development. Doing so will strengthen your base and your community, propelling both toward new and exciting horizons. 

Nourish Your Higher Self

The 7th Chakra or Crown Chakra is the energy center of spirituality, the divine (our divine nature), and the transcendence of ego. It is the meeting point between the body and the ego, and between the Universe and the soul. It is the place where time and timelessness cross, and where death and life intersect.

Higher Self is a term associated with multiple belief systems. Its basic premise describes an eternal, omnipotent, conscious, and intelligent state of one's true self. The Higher Self is our greatest potential. 

Our Higher Self is the wise being within each of us. It is a calm, loving, spiritual guide that brings our positive characteristics to the surface and tasks us with questioning our lower nature. When we live in alignment with the wisdom of our Higher Selves, we become the best possible version of ourselves. Our Higher Self knows our purpose in life and encompasses our potential to live a fulfilling and joyous life through personal growth and self-awareness.

We are forever linked with the cosmos and can expand our spiritual selves in important ways once we embrace our personal cosmic connection.

When you understand that everything is interconnected and that everything is part of a larger whole, you will begin living in gratitude, trust, and faith instead of anxiety and fear. In essence, the Crown Chakra focuses on being of service to others, sticking to values, observing high ethics, being humanitarian, and being sensitive to the environment. The challenge of the 7th Chakra is liberating the spirit and opening to the divine, while at the same time remaining firmly rooted. The simple act of reaching out and helping others is an expression of this chakra's main purpose which will strengthen your connection to your world and keep you grounded.

When fully activated, the Crown Chakra holds many gifts and blessings that improve a person's life and personality via multi-layered healing. 

No matter your quest, desire, or wish, you require nourishment. Honoring yourself and your needs builds a lifestyle of enjoyment and gratitude. 

Eating with intention helps you tune into your body and mind to reconnect with the sensations that arise from within. With this awareness, you are better able to make choices that help you feel nourished physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

This violet-colored smoothie may be the tasty ticket to a bridge of connection that helps you tap into your Higher Self.

1 1/2 frozen bananas

1 1/2 cups purple cabbage

1/2 cup frozen blackberries

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

1 cup purified water or plant-based milk

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until desired smoothness.

Dream Importance

 

Dreams are a mystery. Scientists still cannot explain with any certainty why we dream. Dreams are magical, linking us to another world full of wisdom and symbolism. Our dreams reconnect us to our true wild self. They reveal to us the wisdom of our intuition, not easily accessible by the conscious mind. Dreams play with our fears, testing our limits. They link us back to our ancestors through the shared collective knowledge of all humankind.

CULTURAL INTERPRETATIONS OF DREAMING

Different cultures have widely varied interpretations of dreams and the importance of dreaming. The dreamtime of Aboriginal Australians, for example, is “A kind of time out of time … That time before the world itself was entirely awake.” During that time, the Ancestors emerged and made their marks upon the land, forming mountains and valleys, rivers and forests. When a baby is born in their culture, she inherits a particular stretch of the Dreamtime song—a stretch of the Earth—as her own personal property, which belongs to no one else. The child is one with the Ancestor who shaped that tract of land. No matter how far away she ventures over the years, at the end of her life she will return to the place of her conception, “to sing [her]self back into the land.”

Another culture, the Sng'oi people of Malaysia, believe that the dream world is real and the waking world is an illusion. They believe that they travel to the real world each night in order to bring back experiences that will help them to know what to do in the shadow world, the waking world. They gather together at dusk in small huts, softly touching, leaning against each other, arms draped over one another as they fall asleep. In the morning light, those who slept near each other form a small circle and, while still drowsy, share their dreams with one another. Often it occurs that several of them have the same dream, or similar dreams. What they dreamed about will frequently come true in some way during the following day, or provide needed guidance to the community.

The Achuar people of Ecuador, are a true "dream culture" like the Sng’oi. They wake every morning at 3 or 4 a.m., several hours before sunrise, to share a herbal infusion made from the wayusa plant and begin a ceremony to share their dreams and plan their day communally. Dream sharing is considered a social responsibility, as one person’s dream may have an impact on another person or even on the entire community. The Achuar believe that the two realities—waking and dreaming—are one continuous existence, and that dreaming and sharing the dreams with each other help to reveal underlying layers of meaning in their world. If a dream is negative, the dreamer has a chance to re-dream as many times as needed until they receive a dream that is acceptable to them or to the community. It is key to the Achuar belief system that we can all re-write our lives if we choose to do so.

In all of these cultural beliefs about dreaming, there is a softening of the edges of what we in modern society consider “reality.” There is an opening to powerful magic, a trusting in the collective wisdom shared by people and the Earth. There is less resistance; more acceptance of what the heart knows. The dream interpretations are layered and woven into a story of hope for the days and years ahead, with guidance for the people coming from an ever-present source of wisdom.

There is tremendous beauty in living this way. How can we incorporate this trust, this opening, into our own lives?

PERHAPS THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS WILL HELP YOU TO FIND MEANING AND GUIDANCE IN YOUR OWN DREAMS:

What kind of dreamer are you? Are your dreams infused with symbols or metaphors, or do they contain more mundane images such as a replay of the prior day’s events? Do you visit your fears? Do your dreams feel loving, playful, or stressful? Some theories state that dreaming helps to refresh our memory and aids in storing new learning. There is also evidence of touching another world in dreams, or having wisdom revealed to us. This occurs in the case of the indigenous dream cultures, and as many people have experienced when they dream something and then a very similar event occurs in their waking life.

Do you remember your dreams? Or do you forget them in the rush of the morning as you wake up to your alarm clock and your mind races for the day ahead? If you want to remember your dreams, place a notebook and pen near your bed, easy to reach when you are half-asleep, and try to jot down just a few words about a dream if you awaken in the middle of the night. These words will trigger your memory to recall more details about the dream later that day.

Have you ever experienced a marked increase in the frequency of your dreams? During times such as pregnancy, many people report an increase in the number and intensity of dreams. Some of the dreams may be linked to changes in the body, such as dreaming of water or fish when the womb is filling with life-giving fluids. Some pregnant women have had dreams that revealed the name or predicted the sex of their baby.

A NEW DREAM FOR THE WORLD

Do you ever feel that the dream of the modern world is headed in the wrong direction, darkened by materialism and environmental destruction?

If you believe in the possibility of a new dream for our world, a dream in which love and gratitude take precedence over profit and greed; where all life is honored; where true environmental sustainability is possible when we join hands and work together, then hold those energies and desires close to your heart the next time you drift into peaceful slumber. 

 

A Phase for Surgery

Given the option, I would not choose to undergo a surgical procedure during; A waxing or full moon, an eclipse, or a mars or mercury retrograde. Why? To me, aside from planetary influences, it feels counterintuitive to buck centuries-old experience and wisdom. Our ancestors understood the potent transformational energy of the moon, sun, and planets. They timed the planting of their crops for the most beneficial farming. They performed synchronous healing procedures. Some watched the position of the stars to guide their nomadic lifestyle. Assuming that same powerful energy would not still affect our human body seems illogical.

Obviously, emergent situations are not able to be so dictated. Likewise, with the overcrowding of medical units and tight surgery schedules, we are often limited to dates that do not fall into our preferred astrological timing. All is not lost, however.

Armed with the knowledge of potential challenges, we can move (supplement and support) areas of our physical and mental health toward achieving the best possible outcome. Medical Astrology is an ancient system that associates various body parts, human physiology, and illnesses as being under the influence of the twelve astrological signs and planets. It is referenced in ancient texts from Babylon, Egypt, India, and Greece, as well as in early American folk medicine.There is evidence that up until the 18th century physicians and surgeons also studied and practiced astrology. They believed that the phases of the moon exerted a critical influence on human blood flow, particularly the full moon, and thus it was critical to know when it would occur. Additionally, the astrological sign the moon was transiting through on a particular date and time, determined the best date to perform surgery and bloodletting.

Hippocrates, regarded as the father of medicine, taught that all disease originated from the physical realm. He also believed in the influence of astrology to manipulate human health. He is quoted as saying, "He who does not understand astrology is not a doctor, but a fool." He touted the value of a physician's understanding of astrology in order to be a better doctor, and that surgeons, in particular, should be well versed in the phases of the moon and its assistance in controlling blood flow and other bodily fluids in performing surgery.

In addition to his notoriety as a seer and astrologer, Nostradamus was a physician. He regularly charted the transits of the moon and other planets when treating his patients. And in 1996, the cardiothoracic department of Rhode Island Hospital conducted a study about the potential influence of lunar cycle phases on cardiac surgery patients. Among other findings, they discovered increases in intracranial bleeding during the waxing and new moon phases. At the conclusion of their research, Dr. Frank Sellke (then chief of cardiothoracic surgery) stated, "Though procedures cannot always be timed around the lunar cycle, a better understanding of the effects of the environment--including seasonal and lunar cycles--on our health can help us to better understand these rhythms, and ultimately provide better care for our patients."

Medical Astrology is far vaster than can be expressed and shared in this blog post. I will concentrate on sharing the general influences of the moon's transits and offer suggestions for how you may enhance or ease its influence.

According to Medical Astrologers, the most advantageous time to have surgery is during a Waning Moon phase. This is because complications are more common and recovery is prolonged when the moon is waxing. Patients may experience more pain or bleeding, inflammation, and side effects. 

Tip: If no contraindication is present, during the weeks leading up to your surgery day, consider adding a natural anti-inflammatory (such as Bee Pollen) to your regular vitamin and supplement regimen. You may also look to add turmeric, chamomile, and green tea to your menu. Of course, check with your general practitioner and surgeon before adding any supplement to your diet.  

Avoid timing the surgery from 30 minutes to 36 hours after the New Moon. Especially if only local anesthesia will be administered. Take caution as during this time, you may feel more anxious and tense--not the optimal mindset for a successful recovery.

If you are able to choose the surgery date, it is recommended to have that date set to begin and end within 5 days before, to 30 minutes after the New Moon. People tend to bruise less, swell less, and do not usually experience hemorrhaging during the Last Quarter to New Moon vs. Full Moon to Last Quarter.