Introduction to IoT

What is IoT?

IoT is here. It's real. It's inevitable. We are just at the beginning of the Internet of Things and it will be huge.

Infographic - What exactly is the Internet of Things?

"The possible applications of the Internet of Things are more or less endless. Basically any device or product can be made ‘smart’ when several sensors are added and the device can connect to the Internet. Throw in some smart algorithms and the data can be analyzed and provide insights to the user as well as the device itself. With so many possibilities, cheap infrastructure and high demand it is very likely that we will see an explosion of IoT startups in the coming years" ~ Mark van Rijmenam.

“Internet of Things (IoT) enables the objects in our environment to become active participants, i.e., they share information with other members of the network or with any other stakeholder and they are capable of recognizing events and changes in their surroundings and of acting and reacting autonomously in an appropriate manner. In this context the research and development challenges to create a smart world are enormous. A world where the real, digital and the virtual are converging to create smart environments that make energy, transport, cities and many other areas more intelligent.

The concept goal of the Internet of Things is to enable things to be connected anytime, anyplace, with anything and anyone ideally using any path/ network and any service. Internet of Things is a new revolution of the Internet. Objects make themselves recognizable and they obtain intelligence thanks to the fact that they can communicate information about themselves and they can access information that has been aggregated by other things. For example - alarm clocks will go off early if there’s traffic; plants will communicate to the sprinkler system when it’s time for them to be watered; running shoes communicate time, speed and distance so that the wearer can compete in real time with people on the other side of the world; medicine containers tell your family members if you forget to take the medicine. All objects can play an active role thanks to their connection to the Internet." ~ Ovidiu Vermesan et al.

Enabling technologies for the Internet of Things such as sensor networks, RFID, M2M, mobile Internet, semantic data integration, semantic search, IPv6, etc. are considered in and can be grouped into three categories (DuPress):

(i) technologies that enable “things” to acquire contextual information,
(ii) technologies that enable “things” to process contextual information, and
(iii) technologies to improve security and privacy.

 The technologies enabling IoT
Source: DUPress.com

Internet of Things - History:  http://postscapes.com/internet-of-things-history

Turning Data into Wisdom 

Wikipedia

 
Credit: Karim Vaes 2013

From Data to Wisdom
Credit: Gene Bellinger, Durval Castro and Anthony Mills - systems-thinking.org
Redrawn by Peter James Thomas

IoT, Industry 4.0, Web 3.0 and IoE

Four phases of Industrialization (IoT and Industry 4.0)
Figure credit: SapHanaTutorial

Source: IoE CISCO

IoT Applications

• Examples of IoT applications: http://postscapes.com/internet-of-things-examples

The sky is the limit in terms of IoT applications.

Battling urban gridlock

Figure credit: Dupress

 Key feature of digital age transportation systems
Figure credit: Dupress

Potential applications of the IoT are numerous and diverse, permeating into practically all areas of every-day life of individuals, enterprises, and society as a whole (Source: IoT Cluster Book).

Smart Cities

• Smart Parking: Monitoring of parking spaces availability in the city.

• Structural health: Monitoring of vibrations and material conditions in buildings, bridges and historical monuments.

• Noise Urban Maps: Sound monitoring in bar areas and centric zones in real time.

• Traffic Congestion: Monitoring of vehicles and pedestrian levels to optimize driving and walking routes.

• Smart Lightning: Intelligent and weather adaptive lighting in street lights.

• Waste Management: Detection of rubbish levels in containers to optimize the trash collection routes.

• Intelligent Transportation Systems: Smart Roads and Intelligent

• Highways with warning messages and diversions according to climate conditions and unexpected events like accidents or traffic jams.

Smart Environment

• Forest Fire Detection: Monitoring of combustion gases and preemptive fire conditions to define alert zones.
• Air Pollution: Control of CO2 emissions of factories, pollution emitted by cars and toxic gases generated in farms.

• Landslide and Avalanche Prevention: Monitoring of soil moisture,vibrations and earth density to detect dangerous patterns in landconditions.

• Earthquake Early Detection: Distributed control in specific places of tremors.

Smart Water

• Water Quality: Study of water suitability in rivers and the sea for fauna and eligibility for drinkable use.

• Water Leakages: Detection of liquid presence outside tanks and pressure variations along pipes.

• River Floods: Monitoring of water level variations in rivers, dams and reservoirs.

Smart Metering

• Smart Grid: Energy consumption monitoring and management.

• Tank level: Monitoring of water, oil and gas levels in storage tanks and cisterns.

• Photovoltaic Installations: Monitoring and optimization of performance in solar energy plants.

• Water Flow: Measurement of water pressure in water transportation systems.

• Silos Stock Calculation: Measurement of emptiness level and weight of the goods.

Security & Emergencies

• Perimeter Access Control: Access control to restricted areas and detection of people in non-authorized areas.

• Liquid Presence: Liquid detection in data centers, warehouses and sensitive building grounds to prevent break downs and corrosion.

• Radiation Levels: Distributed measurement of radiation levels in nuclear power stations surroundings to generate leakage alerts.

• Explosive and Hazardous Gases: Detection of gas levels and leakages in industrial environments, surroundings of chemical factories and inside mines.

Retail

• Supply Chain Control: Monitoring of storage conditions along the supply chain and product tracking for traceability purposes.

• NFC Payment: Payment processing based in location or activity duration for public transport, gyms, theme parks, etc.

• Intelligent Shopping Applications: Getting advice at the point of sale according to customer habits, preferences, presence of allergic components for them or expiring dates.

• Smart Product Management: Control of rotation of products in shelves and warehouses to automate restocking processes

Logistics

• Quality of Shipment Conditions: Monitoring of vibrations, strokes,container openings or cold chain maintenance for insurance purposes.

• Item Location: Search of individual items in big surfaces like warehouses or harbours.

• Storage Incompatibility Detection: Warning emission on containers storing inflammable goods closed to others containing explosive material.

• Fleet Tracking: Control of routes followed for delicate goods like medical drugs, jewels or dangerous merchandises.

Industrial

• M2M Applications: Machine auto-diagnosis and assets control.

• Indoor Air Quality: Monitoring of toxic gas and oxygen levels inside chemical plants to ensure workers and goods safety.

• Temperature Monitoring: Control of temperature inside industrial and medical fridges with sensitive merchandise.

• Ozone Presence: Monitoring of ozone levels during the drying meat process in food factories.

• Indoor Location: Asset indoor location by using active (ZigBee) and passive tags (RFID/NFC).

• Vehicle Auto-diagnosis: Information collection from CanBus to send real time alarms to emergencies or provide advice to drivers.

Smart Agriculture

• Wine Quality Enhancing: Monitoring soil moisture and trunk diameter in vineyards to control the amount of sugar in grapes and grapevine health.

• Green Houses: Control micro-climate conditions to maximize the production of fruits and vegetables and its quality.

• Meteorological Station Network: Study of weather conditions in fields to forecast ice formation, rain, drought, snow or wind changes.

• Compost: Control of humidity and temperature levels in alfalfa, hay, straw, etc. to prevent fungus and other microbial contaminants.

Domotic & Home Automation

• Energy and Water Use: Energy and water supply consumption monitoring to obtain advice on how to save cost and resources.

• Remote Control Appliances: Switching on and off remotely appliances to avoid accidents and save energy.

• Intrusion Detection Systems: Detection of window and door openings and violations to prevent intruders.

• Art and Goods Preservation: Monitoring of conditions inside museums and art warehouses.

eHealth

• Fall Detection: Assistance for elderly or disabled people living independent.

• Medical Fridges: Control of conditions inside freezers storing vaccines, medicines and organic elements.

• Sportsmen Care: Vital signs monitoring in high performance centers andfields.

• Patients Surveillance: Monitoring of conditions of patients inside hospitals and in old people's home.

• Ultraviolet Radiation: Measurement of UV sun rays to warn people not to be exposed in certain hours.

IoT and Community Wisdom (Source: IoT Cluster Book)

People live in communities and rely on each other in everyday activities. Recommendations for a good restaurant, car mechanic, movie, phone plan etc. were and still are some of the things where community knowledge helps us in determining our actions.

While in the past this community wisdom was difficult to access and often based on inputs from a handful of people, with the proliferation of the web and more recently social networks, the community knowledge has become readily available - just a click away.

Today, the community wisdom is based on conscious input from people, primarily based on opinions of individuals. With the development of IoT technology and ICT in general, it is becoming interesting to expand the concept of community knowledge to automated observation of events in the real world.

IoT Challenges

“While ICT offers opportunities like a platform for freedom of speech, social contact and enhanced democratic accountability, there are also ethical problems online: for example important questions like privacy and data protection. As ICT becomes ever more important, pervasive and useful, we need to raise and discuss these ethical question.

The Internet of Things promises to bring smart devices everywhere, from the fridge in your home, to sensors in your car; even in your body. Those applications offer significant benefits: helping users save energy, enhance comfort, get better healthcare and increased independence: in short meaning happier, healthier lives. But they also collect huge amounts of data, raising privacy and identity issues.” ~ Neelie Kroes

"ICT revolutions since the invention of the first single-chip microprocessor in 1971 have transformed the way we live, work and do business. By giving autonomy to objects, and by blurring the line between bits and atoms, the Internet of Things will produce another quantum leap forward on both the technological and societal levels by erasing boundaries between information entities and moving the reality across traditional legal, business, social and cultural concepts towards a single  environment. The scale of the challenge is unprecedented." ~ Gérald Santucci
 
Some Research Challenges

• Absolutely safe and secure communication with elements at the network edge
• Energy saving robust and reliable smart sensors/actuators
• Technologies for data anonymity addressing privacy concerns
• Dealing with critical latencies, e.g. in control loops
• System partitioning (local/cloud based intelligence)
• Mass data processing, filtering and mining; avoid flooding of communication network
• Real-time Models and design methods describing reliable interworking of heterogeneous systems (e.g. technical / economical/ social / environmental systems).
• Identifying and monitoring critical system elements
• Detecting critical overall system states in due time
• System concepts which support self-healing and containment of damage; strategies for failure contingency management
• Technologies supporting self-organisation and dynamic formation of structures / re-structuring

 

Internet of Things (IoT) - We Are at the Tip of An Iceberg from Dr. Mazlan Abbas

Resources and References

• Postscapes - Resources on IoT
• The Internet of Things - New Horizon, IERC Cluster Book 2012
• Open Tech Diary - IoT Series
• European Research Cluster on IoT
• History of IoT 
• Building the Hyperconnected Society - ERC Cluster Book 2015

 

Esoteric Numerology Based on the 7 Rays

Leoni Hodgson [updated Jan 2010]

PMAFA, DMNZAS, MSE (Psych), Ph.De Esotericism

Source: http://www.brisbanegoodwill.com/astrology-counselling-research/esoteric-numerology-based-on-the-7-rays/

Astrologers and Numerologists are always looking at numbers or planet movements in order to try to ascertain upcoming trends and cycles. There are many systems of numerology. I thought it might be useful from an esoteric viewpoint, to look at how numbers affect humanity on a global scale, and how human consciousness is shaped and moulded by the influences which condition the human psyche year by year – the Seven Rays.

1. THE SEVEN RAYS

The Seven Rays are the seven forces wielded by the Absolute Creator to build the universe (all forms and Souls), and to have a Spiritual experience through the pageantry of these players on the stage of life. The orthodox numerologist should merge current understanding of the numbers, with the following. For more information read Alice A. Bailey’s Esoteric Psychology volumes I and II.

The three major rays of “the Father”

1. Ray One of Will and Power (1)

It is easy to reconcile the traditional understanding which numerologists have of the number "1", with the description given in this Ray 1 paragraph. When "1" is potent in the personality, then very powerful and often arrogant characteristics will be seen.

Ray 1 is the creative-destroying force of the universe – volcanoes erupting, earthquakes, tsunamis, war, death, destruction, all followed by the bursting forth of new life and new beginnings. In human nature it gives tremendous power, strength, will, courage and fearlessness. It focuses upon the “I”. Ray 1 types are rulers and leaders – statesmen, managers, statesmen, governors, supervisors, politicians, judges, law enforcers, military personnel, pioneers, explorers, the matriarch who rules the family with a rod of iron. Examples are Mohandas Ghandi, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela.

Strengths: Strength of will, courage, fearlessness. Dynamic power to lead, govern, direct. Power to synthesise, centralise, initiate. Power to preserve values, to establish and enforce the law. Independence and detachment; large mindedness. Power to destroy, liberate old forms.

Weaknesses: Wilful, anger, violence, controlling. Unrelenting ambition, pride. Impatient, power-hungry. Inhibited, suppresses, stubborn. Separateness, isolationist. Hardness, cruelty, arrogance.

Historical Ray 1 figures: Patton, Franklin Roosevelt, Charlemagne, Anwar Sadat, Chancellor Bismarck, Adolph Hitler, Mohandas Gandhi, Mikhail Gorbachev, Hercules, Winston Churchill, Mussolini, Margaret Thatcher, Paul Keating, Khrushchev, Luther, Carlyle, Walt Whitman, Napoleon, Kitchener.

2. Ray Two of Love-Wisdom (2)

Numerologists have always used the "2" as dualism and a primary symbol of relationships, and this is confirmed by the universal force of Ray 2. Other interpretations however such as 'submissiveness and the feminine' need to be questioned when viewed esoterically, because this is the cosmic ray of love, of unification and of wisdom. Above all else it is potentially the most powerful (although still undeveloped in most) force in nature. When "2" is potent in the personality, then gentle, loving and inclusive characteristics will be seen.

Ray 2 is the attractive and magnetising force of the universe, which draws life and matter together, to build the stars, planets and all form life. Then in man, from the merging of Father-Mother, the Son (consciousness, soul) arises, and evolves from ignorance to wisdom. Our solar system is governed by the second ray, and there are more ray two souls on Earth, than on any of the other rays. Ray 2 focuses on “we.” There are two distinctive Ray 2 groups – those who represent the love aspect and are drawn to go into healing, and those who represent wisdom and are drawn to education. Both groups are the embodiment of love and wisdom and are the most charismatic and magnetic group of souls. They are reformers and humanitarians, and many are drawn to work in religion.

Love Types: Strengths – Loving wisdom, serene, composed. Inclusive, empathetic, sympathy, compassion. Exquisite sensitivity. Tolerant, patient, tactful, faithful. Magnetic, attractive love. Power to salvage and redeem. Power to heal through love.

Weaknesses – Express emotions indiscriminately. Binds others through a need to be loved, over attachment. Impressionable, vulnerable, fearful, overprotective, hypersensitive. Non assertive, inferiority complex, self-pity.
Wisdom types: Strengths – Clear perception, intelligence. Power to teach, heal, illumine. Love of pure truth. Clear understanding.

Weaknesses – Cold and indifferent. Over absorbed in study. Scorns mental limitation in others.

Historical and Famous Figures: Buddha, Christ, Plato, Pythagoras, Albert Schweitzer, Abraham Maslow, Mother Theresa, Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, Alice Bailey.

3. Ray Three of Active Intelligence (3)

Number "3" has always been regarded as symbolic of expansion and growth, and many numerologists have linked 'intelligence' with this number, confirming the correctness of this when compared to Ray 3. When "3" is potent in the personality, an active mind and natural intelligence will be displayed.

Ray 3 is the force of the Mind of God as it works through substance. It is the highly fertile and intelligent activity of matter itself (3rd Aspect, Holy Ghost, Mother), which naturally and easily adapts itself to suit its environment. It is the proliferation of nature, covering the earth with an active blanket of life. It is form life which knows exactly what it needs to do to reproduce, to nourish itself, and to survive, the apotheosis of which is – the personality! This is the third ray at work in the universe, and it is always concerned with the material and external. This ray develops human intelligence, and produces individuals who can master the complexities of the modern civilised world, and excel in all its fields. Vocations which come under this ray are, business people, financiers, entrepreneurs, alchemists, chemists, astrologers, astronomers, physicists, mathematicians, tacticians, strategists. Examples of people with ray three somewhere in the make-up are Albert Einstein, Aristotle, Bill Gates, Richard Branson.

Strengths: Acute, powerful intellect; capacity for rigorous analysis. Great mental fertility and creativity. Wide ranging, philosophical, and abstract mind, wide views on all abstract questions. Ability to plan, strategise, theorise, speculate. Skilful, influential communicator, facility with language. Great activity and adaptability. Power to manipulate. Power to understand and explain complexly woven patterns. Executive/ business skill, good with money, philanthropic.

Weaknesses: Intellectual pride. Devious, untruthful, deceitful. Manipulative, calculating, an opportunist. Excessive thought without practical action, scattered reasoning. Hyperactive, restless wasted motion, disorder, chaos, busyness. Amoral materialism, excessive materialism. Chameleon, always changing.

Historical and Famous Figures: Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russel, J.D. Rockefeller, Isaac Asimov, Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, Shylock, F Krupp, Jack Nicholson, Lucretia Borgia

The four minor rays of “Mother-Intelligence”

4. Ray Four of Harmony through Conflict (4)

The traditional understanding of number "4" is that it symbolises all that is solidly earth-bound, practical and four-square. This is correct and based upon the incarnation of the soul into matter. But when it is linked to Ray 4, the true esoteric power of "4" can then be seen. It is the force which bridges the spiritual worlds and the worlds of man, and symbolises the war which occurs between spirit and matter, between the beauty of spiritual beingness and the earthbound selfish ego. When the higher trinity – spirit, controls the ego, then beauty and harmony – on earth and shining through the form nature, is the result. When "4" is potent in the personality, creative and artistic characteristics will be seen, and often rebelliousness and emotionalism.

This is the ray-force of conflict and war. It rules the Human Kingdom, hence the struggle and conflict which seems so distinctive of our race. But it is also called the Ray of Beauty, because when all differences are resolved and all parts come together into a harmonious whole, the result is glorious. Artists can be found on any ray, but there seems to be a preponderance of them on R4 – composers, musicians, writers, and all entertainers. Mediation, counselling and peace-making belong to this ray.

Strengths: Facility for bringing harmony out of conflict. The capacity to grow spiritually and psychologically through constant crises and struggle. Capacity to reconcile, to achieve "at-one-ment", to compromise, mediate and ‘bridge’ opposites. Love of beauty, ability to create and express exquisite beauty. Strong imagination and intuition. Love of colour, strong sense of drama. Abundant creativity, musicality, ability to entertain, amuse, delight. Spontaneity and improvisation. Fighting spirit, courage, ability to make peace.

Weaknesses: Constant inner/ outer conflict, excessive moodiness. Self absorbed in suffering, worry, agitation. Artistic temperament, unregulated passions, exaggeration, temperamental, dramatic displays. Inertia, indolence, procrastination, indecisive. Unpredictable, unstable activity patterns. Overeager for compromise, moral cowardice. Fights for sake of fighting, confused combativeness, swings to extremes.

Historical and Famous Figures: Michelangelo, Pablo Picasso, Dostoyevsky, Shakespeare, Salvador Dali, Sir Lawrence Olivier, Dylan Thomas, Eugene O'Neil, Ludwig van Beethoven, Isadora Duncan, Pablo Picasso, Benevento Cellini, Richard Wagner, Robert Burns (poet), Wolfgang Mozart, Franz Schubert, Clause Debussy, Giacomo Rossini, Leonardo da Vinci, Lord Byron, Vincent Van Gogh, El Greco, Edgar Allen Poe, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Felix Mendelssohn, Anna Pavlova, Raphael.

5. Ray Five Concrete Mind and Science (5)

Number "5" is definitely representative of change, and has been linked to the intellect through Mercury by some numerologists. Its true esoteric purpose and power is seen when viewed as the fifth ray of nature, the force of mind when used by man in very practical ways – to understand the world in which he lives. When "5" is potent in the personality, it enhances the power of the lower mind so that often people have good mechanical mental processes, and a natural orientation towards science and scientific thought.

This ray-force governs the Aryan (in consciousness) race, and the development of the discriminating and scientific mind. It has brought about the enquiring, questioning nature which launches man to search for answers about himself and his place in the world. But it becomes a problem when over-emphasised. For then facts and knowledge are used to find differences, and to divide and attack – the separative spirit is the cause of all sin on Earth. It produces scientists, electricians, engineers, inventors, analysts, surgeons, lawyers, technicians, psychologists, astrologers, detectives, etc. Historical examples are Thomas Edison, Louis Pasteur, Charles Darwin, Alan Leo, Rudolph Steiner.

Strengths: Keen, focused intellect, scientific mind. Highly developed powers of analysis and discrimination. Capacity to think and act scientifically. Power to define. Accuracy and precision in thought and action. Detached objectivity. Facility with mathematic calculation. Technical expertise, mechanical ability. Lucidity of explanation. Common sense and rejection of non-sense. Power to discover through research, investigation, experimentation.

Weaknesses: Excessive mental activity. Over-analysis, rigid and set thought patterns. Ultra-rational, over detailed. Lack of intuitive sensitivity. Narrowness and prejudice. Separativeness and judgment. Seeks to control through knowledge. Excessive objectivity. Lack of emotional responsiveness and magnetism; social awkwardness.

Historical and Famous Figures: Louis Pasteur, Gregor Mendel, Thomas Edison, Wright Brothers, Charles Darwin, Niels Bohr, Galileo, Isaac Newton.

6. Ray Six Devotion and Idealism (6)

Number “6” has long been viewed as a number symbolising compassion and love, and this latter is correct when interpreted strictly as the conditional love of earth-bound souls. “6” is man’s attempt to love which is limited and flawed. The true number of love is “2”. When "6" is strong in the personality very emotional, intense, passionate and fervent 'servers' and 'believers' are seen.

Ray 6 is related to the Astral Plane, and is the force of idealism and burning desire. It gives the energy of fiery devotion, unshakeable loyalty, a self-sacrificial nature – for an ideal, a cause or a leader. On the personality level Ray six souls are idealistic, pure, good, saints, earnest, trusting, sincere, profoundly humble, and their unstinting service to the poor and suffering is legendary. Mother Theresa is an outstanding example. Ray six types are drawn to religious and service vocations – the mystic, devotee, the saint, preacher, evangelist, missionary, church official, martyr, orator, the active philanthropist, reformer, service men and women, nurse, aide, carers. Examples of strong ray six types are Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King, Florence Nightingale and President Jimmy Carter.

Strengths: Transcendent idealism. Power of abstraction. Intense devotion, self-sacrificial, self-sacrificial ardour. Receptive to spiritual guidance. Ability to achieve ecstasy and rapture. Earnest, sincere. Utter loyalty, unshakeable faith, undimmed optimism. One-pointed, single-minded, unflagging  persistence.  Profound humility. Purity, goodness, sainthood.

Weaknesses: Rigid idealism. Unreasoning devotion, ill considered loyalty. Excess; extremism; hyper-intensive; overdoing. Unvarying one-pointedness in spite of evidence to contrary. Blind faith. Emotionalism. Selfish and jealous love. Too dependent on others, unwise susceptibility to guidance. Superstition and gullibility; lack of realism. Unnatural suppression of the instinctual nature. Masochism, the martyr-complex, self abasement. Easy to be involved with fanatical (mob) behaviour. Fanaticism and militarism.

Historical and Famous Figures: Jesus of Nazareth, Joan of Arc, Ayatollah Khomeini, Jane Fonda, Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell, Ronald Reagan, Pete Seager, Rev Jesse Jackson, Jimmy Carter, Sir Galahad, Martin Luther King, Florence Nightingale.

7. Ray Seven of Ceremony, Order and Magic (7)

Number “7” has been viewed by many numerologists as being a number involving ‘going into retreat’ and also sacrifice, and is often associated in this regard with Neptune. Esoterically, this sacrifice is a result of the pain and suffering which occurs when souls are too attached to their material possessions – Ray 7 rules the physical plane. In the cycle of numbers from 1 to 7 it is the last number, so when strong in the life does teach the necessity of learning to “let go” and move on. Although it is a number which gives power to organised earth life, Ray 7 also rules ritual and magic. Many “7’ people may be organised and earth-bound, others live with “fairies” and opt for an alternative lifestyle.

This lowest ray is related to the highest – ray one. It manifests God’s Plan on Earth. It is the manifesting ray, producing forms on the Physical Plane, which it rules. A seed is sown, and after a period of gestation a form is born on the physical plane – a baby, a creative work, an organisation. This is the seventh ray in action. Ray seven types are “manifesters” because they know how to work the rituals of life. They excel in any vocation which requires superior management and organising skill – business leaders, managers, politicians, organisers, alchemists, ritualists, designers, architects, stage director, magician, occultists.

Strengths: Power to create order out of chaos, to plan and organise. Power to manifest and to work upon the material plane. A keen sense of rhythm and timing, a natural ritualist. Power to work as a magician, to work with Devas and elementals. Power to perfect form, manage detail.  Power to understand and implement the law. Power to renovate and transform. Power to build. Power to coordinate groups. Power to synthesise.

Weaknesses: Rigid orderliness and formalism; crystallisation. Over concern with rules, regulations, the “law.”  Subservience to habit, excessive perfectionism. Superficial judgement based on appearances, a snob.

Meaningless, pompous ritual. Intolerance of individuality; lack of originality. Bigotry and sectarianism.

Addiction to occult phenomena, perversion of the magical process. Materialism; earth-bounded.

Historical and Famous Figures: Sir Francis Bacon, Sir Francis Drake Leonardo Da Vinci, General Kitchener, Aleister Crowley, Benjamin­ Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Merlin, Kofi Annan, Tony Blair, Jackie Onassis, Audrey Hepburn.

—————————————————————————

The number "8" is a combination of rays 7 + 1 and is power manifested upon the physical plane.
This can be used for material purpose by the ego or for spiritual service by the soul.

The number "9" is a combination of 7 + 2 and is love manifested upon the physical plane.
This can likewise be used for material purpose by the ego or for spiritual service by the soul.

2. THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS CAN BE MAPPED BY ANALYSING THE FOUR DIGIT NUMBER SYSTEM WE USE TO NAME THE YEARS.

Example: 1953.

1.      The first digit sets the tone and goal for 1000 years. Hence the goal of the “1” which underpinned the evolutionary goal for humanity in the last millennium was to develop individuality and self consciousness.

2.    The second digit sets the tone and goal for 100 years. The development of individuality (1), was to be fine tuned by the nine vibration in the 1900’s. “9” is a synthesising number, so the development of a holistic and more philosophical attitude in human consciousness, was the goal. This would help balance the self centred and selfish tendencies of “1”. As a consequence, a more integrated and interdependent society emerged into the 21^st century.

3.    The third number is in effect for ten years. The fifties was intended to be a decade of change and movement, fundamental qualities of the “5”. Humanity still remained in a state of flux following the end of the world war, as immigrants sought a new life in new countries. This transplanting of millions of people, and the introduction of their new ideas and culture upon the collective mind of their new country, would help achieve the goal of the “9”.

4.    The last digit, that of any current year, remains in effect for twelve months. The purpose of this final number is to bring about certain specific results which:

       1. Contribute to the goal of the current decade.

       2. Contribute to the goal of the current century.

       3. To the overall development of consciousness according to the millennium number.

For example: The “3” in 1953 brought in the vibration of the Active Intelligence Ray, and in that year the structure of DNA was worked out. This was a great intellectual feat for mankind.

This helped to change (5) how mankind viewed itself.

The discovery of genetic coding made a major contribution not only to scientific thought which belongs to the “5”, but also to philosophical thought which belongs to “9”.

All these number effects helped the overall “1” evolutionary goal in that millennium – to turn out self conscious human beings.

3. THE SPIRITUAL GOAL OF A MILLENNIUM WITH BASE NUMBER “2”

A millennium responding to the “2” vibration
brings in the power of Ray 2 of Love and Wisdom – the “2” millennium
is all about developing brotherly love in relationships.

Its purpose is the development of wiser and more loving ways of interacting with others. This is the goal on both a personal and global scale. Some of the Names of the Lord of R2, and therefore which give a clue to His purpose, are:

The Displayer of Glory, Lord of Eternal Love, The Cosmic Magnet, Giver of Wisdom, The Great Geometrician, The Radiance in the Form, The Cosmic Christ, The One who hides the Life, The Cosmic Mystery, The Light Bringer.

This millennium gives the Lord of Ray 2, the Lord of Love and Wisdom, a thousand years to develop these qualities in human consciousness. This is also the goal of the Solar Logos whose primary ray is “2”, and which is also a major ray of our Planet Logos. So one can see how vital this millennium is, not only to humanity but in larger schemes and cycles as well!

Paralleling this is the fact that we are also currently in the Aquarian Age. Its goal also happens to be the development of love and wisdom, to be expressed through the Aryan (intellectual) consciousness, – once it has been raised to a more universal or wiser level.

Have you noticed a different type of consciousness in children born since 2000? I have heard that many have had speech difficulties, seem to be a little backward in walking and communicating. My own grand daughter was one of these. She had Mercury retrograde when she was born an astrologers know this indicates slower development of communication, and introversion.

I suspect there is a tremendous re-orientation going on, as sensitive souls who are seeds for the “2” vibration and therefore ‘wired’ to be more considerate of others, try to cope with an atmosphere on earth which has been created by one thousand years of self centredness and gratification under the “1”. A few years may be needed for adjustment.

4. THE FIRST DECADE OF A NEW MILLENNIUM IS THE MOST VITAL SEEDING PERIOD FOR THE ENTIRE GREATER CYCLE

Based on the law of analogy, we can say that events which occur on earth during the first decade, set the tone for what can be expected in the future. The following list indicates the years which affect future decades and centuries.

Year 2000 sets the tone for the first ten years and for the entire first century.
Year 2001 sets the tone for the second decade (2010-2019) and for the second century (2100-).
Year 2002 sets the tone for the third decade (2020-2029) and for the third century (2200-).
Year 2007 sets the tone for the eighth decade (2070-2079) and for the eighth century (2700-).
And so on.

In the year 2007 [when the original paper was written]:

The world as a whole was bathed in the vibrations of “2” and “7”. The Lord of Love was seeking to seed His purpose in a more organised, fundamental, and generic way (7).

Ray 7 is called the Ray of Ceremony, Order and Magic. It is often called the manifesting ray, as many things previously conceived only in the mind, are birthed physically. Some of the Names of the Lord of Ray Seven are:

The Unveiled Magician, Worker in the Magical Art, Creator of the Form, Manipulator of the Wand, The Watcher in the East, Custodian of the Seventh Plan, Keeper of the Magical Word, The Temple Guardian, The Representative of God, The Lord of Death, The Whirling Fire, The Divine Alchemical Worker, Orienting Force.

In a “7” year, the 7^th Ray should see major events occur upon the physical plane.

In 2007, perhaps the most important event along these lines, was that the debate about the health of the physical world upon which humans live – the reality of global warming, finally registered in the collective human psyche. Particularly so in the United States, and positive steps were taken by the international community to begin to formulate ways to combat the problem.

New magical-like scientific and technological wonders can be expected – especially in the health field. For example, 2007 saw the birth of personal genomics, where individuals can learn about themselves and improve their health by having their genome scanned and analysed.

You could expect to see leaders who are more group-oriented, who are more practical and organised in meeting the needs of suffering humanity, make their appearance. As an example, Kevin Rudd and his Labor Party were elected into office in Australia, after 11 years of the wealth-oriented Liberal coalition. The Labor party traditionally supports the rights of the workers and disadvantaged in society – and therefore is more closely aligned with the work of the Christ. A simple act of saying “sorry” to the Aboriginal people for the suffering endured under Australian Government policies over the last 150 years, was a milestone in right-human relations, and has helped bring white and black closer together.

A “7” vibration provides opportunity for occult workers, to manifest aspects of the Plan – specifically to do with the Reappearance of the Christ – since 7 is associated with the planet Neptune which is a symbol for Christ. [i] It is a year in which White Magic can be potently wielded by those who know how to express this force through occult meditation.

Seven is a number also associated with endings, sacrifice, sorrow, grief, letting go, and as a result – spiritual re-orientation. Seven type words could be “sadder, but wiser, the chastened one turns within.” The underlying purpose for any sorrowful events occurring in a “7” year, is to provide mankind with an opportunity to learn from its mistakes, and respond more wisely in the future. This will be a challenge for some time, since all those in power still have the number “1” powerfully resonating through their natures. It will require those who are in touch with the Soul, and are responding to the higher vibrations of the numbers and rays, to show humanity how to respond in a new and wiser way. I would expect there will be more of this type appearing amongst the crop of new world leaders over the coming years.

It is logical to think that since Neptune in a lower sense rules fundamentalist religious groups, ‘sorrow’ could continue to come via their machinations, as it has for so many years. But the old ways of responding to terrorist force – seeking an “eye for an eye”, a “1” type of response, is no longer appropriate. Now that humanity is in a “2” millennium, we need to learn to respond in line with Christ’s vibration. By dealing with the roots of the disaffection – and through intelligent negotiation, including all affected and involved parties. The Aquarian way!

5. INFLUENCE OF “9”

When the numbers 2007 are added together, we realise the digit “9”, which was also influential in that year. As well as being a number associated with wise realisations, 9 is also a number indicating major endings leading to new beginnings! This all fits with the above observations. For example, we should see the ending of certain world alliances (political, national, social), and the birth of new partnerships in the coming “1” year [2008 = 1].

Both the UK, Australia and the US are due for new political leaders in this period, and the new brigade will lay the foundation for a new 9 year cycle of inter-action.

The new Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, is in an ideal position now time-wise, to bring about necessary reforms and updates which will enable the UN to be more effective vehicle for the Christ, as it responds to world need.

On an individual level, analyse your own life to see what has become old and lifeless, and which needs to be shed in order for you to be unencumbered and free for the coming new cycle beginning next year! Figure out what you need to do in order to fulfil your soul destiny as a seed for the new age (because you are in incarnation now). The Christ energy is drawing closer to mankind, and is due to manifest around 2025. The collective response from aspirants, disciples and initiates will determine whether this revelation is delayed or on time! We are being presented with an opportunity as occult workers, to make a difference. What we do now and in the next few years will have reverberations for a thousand years! It is something to think about and respond to.

---

[i] “Christ is spoken of as Neptune” Esoteric Astrology 219

Free Reiki Course Certified Practitioner Level 1-2

Natural Healing - Reiki

Natural Healing

Reiki is the name given to a system of natural healing which evolved in Japan from the experience and dedication of Dr Mikao Usui (d. 1926). Fired by a burning question, Dr Usui was inspired to develop this healing system from ancient teachings after many years of study, research and meditation. He spent the rest of his life practising and teaching Reiki. Today Reiki continues to be taught by Reiki Masters who have trained in the tradition passed down from Master to student.

There is no belief system attached to Reiki so anyone can receive or learn to give a Reiki treatment, the only prerequisite is the desire to be healed.

A Reiki Treatment

The method of receiving a Reiki treatment from a practitioner is a very simple process. The recipient simply lies on a couch and relaxes. If they are unable to lie down the treatment can be given in a sitting position, the main thing is for the recipient to be as comfortable as possible. There is no need to remove any clothing as Reiki will pass through anything, even plaster casts. The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively in a sequence of positions which cover the whole body. The whole person is treated rather than specific symptoms. A full treatment usually takes 1 to 1½ hours with each position held for several minutes.

Which conditions can Reiki help?

It is possible to heal at any level of being: physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Acute injuries can be helped to heal very quickly but more chronic illness takes longer. In some cases such as terminal illness, there is not enough time for the progress of the disease to be reversed. However, in such cases there is usually great benefit and enhancement of the quality of life giving a sense of peace and acceptance during the time remaining.

Reiki healing can be given anywhere at any time as no special equipment is needed. The practitioner is a channel which the energy is drawn through by the need or imbalance in the recipient. Neither person has to use any effort of will or concentration during this process.

As running water smoothes the jagged edges of a rock until it is small enough to roll away, Reiki flows to the areas of need, soothing pain and supporting the body's natural ability to heal itself. Reiki restores balance in one's life.

Reiki supports all forms of treatment both orthodox and complementary.

Source: http://www.freereikicourse.com

Symmetric electric systems and the energetic exchange with the quantum-vacuum

Mindfulness games to play with kids

Here are a few great resources:

• http://www.mindfulteachers.org/p/free-resources-and-lesson-plans.html
• https://mindfulkids.wordpress.com/
• http://mrsmindfulness.com/how-to-teach-mindfulness-to-children/
• http://blogs.psychcentral.com/stress-better/2014/12/how-mindful-children-react-differently-illustrated/
• https://mindfulnessalive.wordpress.com/

I also like to use Freeze Dance (if you do yoga, you can have them freeze in a yoga pose). Another fun mindfulness activity I use is get a deck of yoga cards, place one on each mat or space, ring the bell, everyone looks at their card, reads it and does the pose (take a breath in and out when in the pose). When bell rings again, either pass the card to the next person, or move to the next mat.

Eve Costarelli
Always Be Dancing Mindful Movement
Eve's STEAMYoga
Lead Youth Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher
Nourishing Teachers, Strengthening Classrooms Project
Open Spirit Center, Framingham, MA

The Power of Subtle Activism

Expand your ability to access higher realms and take your spiritual practice to the next level of world-shifting impact.

Explore exciting frontiers of spiritual transformation in community with other pioneers at the leading edge of meditation, prayer and collective intention.
If you’re like so many spiritual practitioners, you’ve been fascinated by the growing body of scientific and anecdotal evidence that shows we have an ability to affect things at a distance — from the power of prayer to measurable effects from global meditations to the ability of shamans, yogis and qigong masters to heal others from afar.

A new wave of research on things like the Maharishi Effect, which has demonstrated reductions in crime rates in parallel with group meditations, and experiments like the Global Consciousness Project are providing evidence that supports the power of consciousness work as a way to create positive social change.

And while all of the research is likely fascinating for your mind, you probably have an even stronger pull on your heart to explore this leading-edge work as you witness so much war, conflict and ecological devastation on the planet. Our hearts ache and even break as we see the level of unnecessary violence playing out on the world stage. Our hearts call for us to do SOMETHING to uplift humanity and address these situations.

So how you can bring together your heart and mind and integrate your spiritual practices with real social healing? 

 

In a phrase: subtle activism.

Subtle activism is both a new discipline and a growing movement that brings together spiritual practices with emerging insights into how we can begin to shift our world in a positive direction through the power of our individual and collective consciousness.

Subtle activism both opens intriguing new horizons of transformational practice, AND serves as a way to integrate inner development with outer engagement — bonding communities together in a mission of healing and positive change. And not only is there evidence for positive impact collectively, there is also a beautiful secondary effect of increased hope and co-creative energy for the subtle activists themselves.

In the past, these domains were often considered too speculative and “far out,” but now we’re moving into an era in which we are starting to understand how transformational practices can extend the capacities of our minds, broadcast the love in our hearts, and begin to affect the “collective field” in a way that helps to heal social wounds, clear past traumas and reduce humanity’s propensity to violence and crime.

In this way, our spiritual practices can evolve beyond personal liberation alone to helping address “hot spots” in the world — areas of real suffering — or even major political processes involving millions of people.

The research is also beginning to show that advanced meditative and healing practitioners are better than novices at creating these shifts non-locally — implying it’s a skill we can each develop.

That’s part of why the field of subtle activism is gaining momentum as a legitimate area for inquiry and focused practice. Subtle activism also gives us unique insights into group and collective practices, from ceremonies to simultaneous meditations.

There are few people who have explored this area in as much depth and breadth as Dr. David Thomas Nicol, the author of the acclaimed 2015 book Subtle Activism and the host of the recent Subtle Activism Summit, as well as the co-founder of the BeThePeace annual global meditation on the International Day of Peace, which had more than 1400 participating locations worldwide in 2015.

In his first-ever online Subtle Activist Training, David will show you how you can harness the power of your spiritual practices for greater good, to affect positive change in the world — and yourself. He’ll distill more than a decade of research into a concrete set of insights and practices that can open up a whole new domain for your spiritual growth and service.

He’ll take you step-by-step through the theory and techniques that allow you to engage in effective subtle activism as both a participant and organizer, as you build a field of co-creative exploration that can help shift our world.

And the best part of this work is that the benefits not only ripple out into our society but they also flow into yourself. A great deal of experience shows that when individuals work in subtle activism, they become more energized, joyful and hopeful. The experience of entering into a “group mind” leads to a feeling of oneness. As a result, people connect more deeply, feel like they’re part of a soul family, access more life force and collaborate more actively on worldly projects.

In other words, subtle activism builds a sense of real community and larger purpose, while empowering actions in the manifest realm as well.

It thus serves as an important way to advance beyond purely solo practices, which can limit our collective growth potential. By learning to consciously step into larger fields of intention, practice and work, we release the self-serving and self-seeking impulse of the ego and experience ourselves as part of a larger whole. This work, in turn, acts as a bridge to support collective awakening and transformation through direct experiences of global oneness.

Source: http://theshiftnetwork.com/PowerOfSubtleActivism

 

The Science behind Chakras

There is much controversy associated with the existence of CHAKRAS. Many consider them to be a theory with no real backbone. Some believe they are the source of our wellbeing. And others even believe they are the key to enable our spiritual connection to the Universe.

So what are the Chakras?

Chakras were first described in the Hindu Scriptures (The Vedas) thousands of years ago, and literally means ‘wheels‘ of energy. They predominantly deal with energy flow in the body and are said to be focussed areas (or vortices) of high, expansive energy, within multiple locations in the body.
There are thought to be 114 Chakras within the body in total, but 7 main Chakras spanning from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, and are considered to follow the curvature of the spine.
Connected to these Chakras, there are said to be Nadis (literally translates to RIVERS in Sanskrit). These Nadis are considered to be the vessels through which energy flows, from the chakras to the rest of the body.

‘Everything is Energy’. This is a widely accepted theory in Quantum Physics and a scientifically proven fact.  In religion and spirituality, the movement of energy is the central, and fundamental, core around which many traditions are based. Ancient practices such as Reiki, QiGong and Tai Chi focus on the manipulation of energy to achieve well being.

We like to think of space as empty and matter as solid. But in fact there is nothing to matter when you look at it at a subatomic level, most of what is contained within an atom for example is 99.9% space. It is mostly unsubstantial.

Everything connects via magnetic energy and is electrical energy.


All matter is held together via energetic bonds and consist of these atoms, of which most, is space. The movement of energy is vital to life. When we think, breathe, function or even when we are resting, electrical energy is flowing through our bodies via our neurones and nerve pathways.
The position of the major chakras correspond to the major nerve plexus’ or nerve ‘bundles’.



Now for some Biology:

By far, the most energetic processes within our bodies are caused by our nerve tissues and specifically our nervous system. The nervous system is that part of our body, that coordinates its voluntary and involuntary actions, and transmits signals to and from different parts of the body and brain. The ‘communication‘ of the body, if you will.

The nervous system is composed of two main parts:

The Central Nervous System (CNS) within the brain and spinal cord, and
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) ,which connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, via little ‘river‘ like nerve fibres (Nadis!). This system is what correlates with the chakras.
There are different categories of nerve bundles within the PNS, but the most relevant to the Chakras is the AUTONOMIC nervous system of the PNS. This deals with the involuntary or automatic responses within the body. For example – digestion; our heart rate, sneezing, swallowing and breathing. All these processes are regulated by the hypothalamus.

The Autonomic Nervous System is further divided into the Sympathetic Nervous System (activated in emergencies to move energy, the ‘fight and flight’ responses) and the Parasympathetic Nervous system (activated when ‘resting and digesting’).

It is the Parasympathetic Nervous System (part of the automatic nerve response system) which has the greatest relevance to the areas where the Chakras are thought to be located.


The diagram above shows where these  major nerve plexus’ (or networks) of the Parasympathetic Nervous System lie. The brain actually connects to these parts of the body via the ‘big-dog’ of the nervous system – the big, fat, juicy,  VAGUS nerve – the 10th cranial nerve (cranial meaning, out of the cranium/skull).

The Vagus nerve is considered the ‘Holy Grail’ of all nerves. Where the major networks of nerves are, they correspond with the glandsin our bodies – So I guess the question to ask is – why do glands require so much electrical input?

The diagram below shows the position of the various Chakras. Notice how they correlate to the above diagram:

As mentioned above, these nerve ‘bundles’ are associated with major GLANDS in our body. Glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream and are HUGELY important in the functioning of our bodies, more so than what a lot of people realize!

Hormones are critical players in the body’s chemistry and stimulated by the Vagus nerve.



They (as well as nerves) carry messages between cells and organs and affect many aspects of our bodily processes, from growth through childhood, sexual development, mood, to how well we sleep, how we manage stress, brain functioning and even how we break down food.

In fact, the gradual decrease in hormone production over time, is what leads to the aging process!

Other hormones, such as DMT (Dimethyltryptamine), secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, is known to cause Out of Body Experience, heightened creativity and even psychic abilities!

The Biology in a nutshell:

The Chakras are associated with the major nerve networks within the body, which connect from the brain/spine, via the major Vagus nerve, to the glands responsible for hormone production and the functioning of the body in general.

THE VAGUS NERVE and KUNDALINI:

The Vagus nerve is considered the ‘holy grail’ of the nervous system and it mostly conveys sensory information about the state of the body’s organs to the Central Nervous System. Once it leaves the brain it winds its way down the body, and around the internal organs.

One key role that the Vagus nerve plays, is as the ‘reset’ button, to counteract our internal, automatic, ‘alarm’ system, resulting in the fight and flight response – a key culprit in stress and depression. Therefore stimulation of the Vagus nerve may lead to some very positive health benefits, especially in a society which is suffering from the effects of subconscious fear (fear of stability, the status of our jobs, terrorist attacks, money, and so on and so forth!)


The Kundalini Serpent

The Kundalini is the ancient description for the energy (or shakti) present within our bodies. It is said that the kundalini stems from the base of the spine and winds its way up to the top of the head, and is often compared to a snake or a serpent.

‘Kundalini awakening’ is said to result in deep meditation, enlightenment and deep sense of bliss. It is said that this Kundalini ‘snake’ coils 3 times as it travels up the spine. Guess what – The Vagus nerve connects precisely 3 times to the spine!

Although the ancient descriptions are considered a little far fetched, it appears perhaps they used metaphors for very accurate information related to our wellbeing. It sounds like the ancients were on to something!

There are over 13000 studies on the Vagus nerve, and it is well documented that Vagus Nerve Stimulation can assist in a multitude of illnesses, such as treatment-resistant Depression and certain forms of Epilepsy. The great news is that the most effective, natural method for stimulating the vagus nerve is deep belly breathing (also known as Pranayama in ancient Indian culture), meditation and exercise. (Sounds a lot like Yoga – don’t you think?)

Quantum Physics has already proven that observation affects matter. (See the article on this HERE). Since all of matter is energy organised in a particular arrangement, perhaps the ancient traditions of observing your thoughts, or placing your attention and awareness on the Chakras, bears real weight! Especially when it comes to creating real changes within the body.

For me, personally, Meditation and Chakra Activating has changed my life and I would urge you to give it a go!

By: Risha Joshi


Source: http://thespiritscience.net/2015/07/27/the-science-behind-chakras/

Greater Good in Action

Greater Good in Action is a one-stop-shop for mindfulness-based and research-backed practices that can help you build essential skills for navigating challenges and living a more fulfilling, rewarding, and enjoyable life.

From building empathy to learning gratitude for the little things in life, Greater Good in Action has you covered. This simple website from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley is teeming with new practices for you to try, from mindful breathing to giving yourself a self-compassion break. The website is designed to help you find practices that can make a difference in your life with easy filters to find the practice specifically for your needs. The site is interactive and easy to integrate it into your life. You can save practices that interest you, mark ones you’ve completed, take quizzes, comment on how the practice worked for you, and read how it’s worked for others.

Greater Good in Action’s practices range from casual to intensive. You can choose one that’s five minutes or one that’s a whole day. Each practice has all the information you need to understand it, in straightforward language. When you find a practice you’re interested in, you can view and save it and read why you should try it, how to do it, and scientific evidence that the practice works. Greater Good Science Center revolves around using science to create a more compassionate society and giving you the tools to help. The science and research-backed approach used to create Greater Good in Action means you can see the evidence behind each practice that shows that it works and how.

Easy to use, interactive, and extensive: Greater Good in Action is filled with powerful practices you’ll love and are simple enough that you can start them today.

 

Source: http://ggia.berkeley.edu/
 http://www.mindful.org/news/this-new-website-turned-hundreds-of-scientific-studies-into-meditation-practices-you-can-try