Awakening Ganesha

June 1 , 2006                       Monthly  Newsletter                                            Volume 19              

Namaste,

Starting July 5th a FREE Introduction to Yoga class will be offered on the first Wednesday of every month from 5:30 -6:30pm.  This will be an hour-long talk on the benefits of yoga, clarification of the different styles of yoga that may interest you, and a Q & A session.

Please join us and tell a friend who has never done yoga before!  First Class, July 5th; next class, August 2nd. 

New Class offering:    50+ YOGA

No matter where you are today in your physical or mental condition, yoga can help improve your state of mind and body. With yoga, you can learn deep breathing and relaxation techniques that will help you remain healthy and active. Now you can practice with other "boomers" who are at or near your age-level, with similar goals for increased vitality!  Kevin will be lead this practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30am in the Yurt.

Sat Kartar & Friends will be here on June 10th, just in time to begin our June/July teacher training!  What a treat.  That's Saturday, June 10th, for an evening of Kirtan from 7:00-9:00pm.  We are expecting, as always, a lovely evening filled with joy and song.  Tickets available in advance both at www.spiritvoyage.com and 7Centers for $15 advance/$20 at the door.  CALL SYDNEY NOW TO RESERVE your space.  203-4400.

Looking for workshop or retreat space? 7 Centers is offering summer discount for the month of  August on rental space - contact Sydney for more information.

The Adventures of Lionheart,  Temple Cat

The Lilac-and-Pampas Grass Affair

Little did I know that the negotiation with the gophers was going to lead to interfacing with the plants in the garden over territory.  As Michele's assistant, I followed as she responded to a yodel for help from the Pampas Grass that had taken the brunt of the gophers appetite.  After placing a veil of invisibility over it's roots, the Grass asked if we would help a friend. The dowsing rod lead us to Pampas Grass #2 on the other side of the yurt. " I am lonely", Pampas #2 said relieved to finally have an audience. "What about the Lilac Bush that sits next to you?, I telepathed. "I want a nature spirit-the Pampas #2 went on, " I don't like the Lilac Bush-its frequency is incompatible". Immediately the lilac bush bristled at the comment and declared, " I don't like the Pompous grass either...".Michele quickly intervened with "Would you like to be planted somewhere else"  "Of course", the lilac bush replied and this time the dowsing rod lead us to the grove of Golden Bamboo. Cautious, Michele asked the Bamboo, "would you like to have the lilac bush as your neighbor?" "Of course", the Bamboo replied in unison. Michele asked gingerly, "Can we cut back a few of you to make room, the lilac promises to get quite large and flowery?" "Fine, as long as they can be moved to grow along the fence," the Bamboo swayed agreeably.

And so it was that the Lilac bush found a new home and I happily bloomed great bunches of fragrant lilacs a week later in graditude. It seemed to me, (or it could have been the sun in my eyes) that she bowed to me as I headed for my morning nap under the bird feeders.

The Ayurvedic Corner

Butter Pecan Pasta

(serves 4-6)

6 Tbsp. ghee

1/3 to 1/2 cup raw pecans, finely chopped

1 tsp. dried sage leaves

1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

1 Tbsp. whole wheat flour - more for a thicker sauce

1 - 1 1/2 cup whole milk or rice milk

Salt and pepper to taste

In a saucepan melt ghee over medium to low heat.  Add pecans and saute for a few minutes.  Add sage, rosemary and flour.  Stir in milk. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let thicken while stirring occasionally.  Add salt and pepper as desired.  Add sauce to pasta and enjoy!

Serve with sauteed veggies over a bed of pasta and a side salad and you have a nice, simple, complete meal.  Pitta challenged individuals - beware of the pecans which are heating and pittagenic in nature.

(Thank you, Chef Kevin, sounds yummy!)

Vedic Astrology News

The Transit of Mars in Cancer

The planet Mars will be transiting the sign of Cancer during the entire month of June. Mars began its trek May 24 through Cancer and will enter the sign of Leo on July 12. Mars is debilitated in the sign of Cancer. A debilitated planet is considered weak, or it may act differently or contrary to its natural tendency.  Mars is the planet of courage, action, assertiveness, passion, desire, energy, power, arguments, the military, war, athletic prowess, sports, stamina, competition, mechanical and technical things, surgery, and siblings (especially brothers). Mars is exalted in the sign of Capricorn, and rules the signs of Aries and Scorpio. Physically, Mars rules the muscles, blood, and adrenal glands and is a pitta (fiery) planet.  So as Mars rules desires and actions, if we cannot fulfill our desires or take appropriate action, we may feel frustration, anger, and be more prone to arguments during this time. Another way Mars in Cancer many manifest is feeling a lack of enthusiasm and energy, which can also be problematic. Psychologically, it can express as passive-aggressive energy. Those ruled by Mars (Aries and Scorpio Ascendants) might feel this transit more than others. With this in mind, June would be a very appropriate month to work with Mars in life-affirming ways, such as taking yoga classes (especially hatha yoga or kundalini yoga). As Mars rules power, passion, and desire – why not use this month to develop the quality of detachment through meditation or other spiritual practices. Be mindful of your actions and observe how they affect others. This is also a good time to analyze one’s desires for their authenticity. Use the wonderful Mars quality of courage to overcome spiritual obstacles and challenges. Debilitated planets also teach us the quality of humility, to be able to relate well with all beings, without pride or excessive ego. 

Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, can be reached at (928) 639-0623 for astrological consultations, either in person or by phone.

 7 Centers Yoga Arts

Upcoming Yoga Trainings and Special Workshops            

 Teacher Training Alumni News

Jennifer Johnson (January 2006) taught a 6 week yoga course for teachers at a local school in Kansas City, MO.  Jennifer says "hello" to everyone, including the not-so-innocent Temple Cat!

Sallie Thurman (June, 2005) is attending her first Vipassana (right now) at the North Fork, California, Vipassana Center.  Good luck, Sallie, can't wait to hear about it. 

Mira Murphy (September 2005) is coming to Sedona during the June/July teacher training to apprentice in the kitchen with Chef Kevin.  Chop! Chop!

Zac teaching yoga to youngsters in a Headstart program in Sedona.