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Today for my blog entry, I want to talk about social media. The subject, remains controversial; just like 'Marmite', you either love it or hate it. To be honest, at the beginning when I first brought a computer in 1998, I thought I would never buy one again. My first PC, brought from Argos, was a nightmare; slow and cumbersome. I was so annoyed and frustrated, that within a week of purchasing this monstrosity, I wrapped it back up, in its box and frog marched the offending item back to the outlet, from where I purchased it, refusing to leave the premises, without a full refund. It worked, my money was refunded and I vowed never to get another PC again; that was the end of modernity for me!
Of course times change, computers got faster and my job demanded I use one of these dreadful machines on a daily basis; within a short while, I was hooked, like everything else in my compulsive, obsessive life. It wasn't until 2004, that I really became interested in technology. I had time on my hands, a lot of time, to utilise however I wished. I spent a long period, reading and researching, different subjects; one of which was computers. I studied everything about them and within a short space of time, had bought the biggest, tallest case I could find and built my own desk top, neon flashing lights, water cooling system, everything you could possibly imagine. It was only natural, thereafter to get involved in the internet, something I hadn't really done up to this point.
I set up my first social media account, with 'myspace', in 2005, reluctantly. At the time it was the most popular platform and within a few months, had embraced it fully. 'facebook' entered my life a few years later; originally, in my internet infancy, I hated it, but once again became comfortable very quickly, having been a member for about ten years now.
Initially, I found facebook pretty banal and still do to an extent. You see, nobody really says how they feel in their status updates; everyone is trying to outdo someone else, post pictures of their dinner, nails or new hair cut; most people, really have very little to say, just like they don't, in real life; this goes for any social network. Others like instagram, I find even worse. Filtered, airbrushed photographs, of everyone looking beautiful. For those people, who's lives are not so seemingly perfect, this can lead to a lot of insecurities, problems with low self esteem and jealousy. The one thing all of us should remember, is other people only allow us to see what they want us to see. Lives are not perfect, all of the time, if ever!
When I joined facebook, I made a constant effort to be as true and honest as I could; I wanted to do things differently. My status updates were honest, blunt and to the point; my photographs were not edited and my views on everything were unmistakable. In a nutshell, people knew exactly who I was and what I was about; this is when my problems started. People do not like honesty; within a short space of time, I had lost friends, had complaints and been blocked, from people who I regarded as close. They had got fed up with my ranting, which it has to be said, was at times inappropriate and out of hand.
Two years ago, I started blogging. This was a conscious decision, one I made in order to continue speaking my mind. I was prepared to keep facebook ordinary, prosaic, predictable and facile; using my own blog as a stage for free speech and opinions. I do still of course use social media, but always in conjunction, with my blog, they all work well together. Cross promotion, sharing and likes from friends and others is a great way to get my message across, without the constant complaints, that I was being 'too real', or 'insensitive', if you can do such a thing. I am today a big fan of everything that facebook and other sites have to offer. I myself have learned much about my friends and the world. The reality is, I would have never kept in contact with people, without the internet; is that a good or bad thing? I really don't know! I have reconnected with people from school and University, as well as people I knew twenty, thirty years ago, people I met on holiday, ex partners and long lost family. In the past, when friendships broke down, as people we just moved on; today, I even have the class bully, trying to add me on facebook. Should we just forget certain periods of our life or allow facebook to remind us, of a history, probably best forgotten?
Since moving to Spain, I have found facebook invaluable; keeping in contact has never been easier and cheaper. Gone are the expensive costs of landline telephone calls. A simple app on a phone, will deliver the freedom to speak to whoever we like, whenever we desire for nothing. I do have a mobile phone in Spain, but I haven't once used it to phone anyone, preferring to use facebook or whattsapp. In fact that is the way businesses in Spain function; the costs are negligible! Connecting people, who otherwise wouldn't be in contact, is a good thing and something we should embrace. Think how difficult, it was, to speak to loved ones, living abroad, only ten years ago. Times are changing fast and I applaud those changes.
Of course there are many downsides to social media; just as in life, so bullies and internet trolls will attack those more vulnerable, I should know, I have been there myself. There have been far too many incidents of people taking their own lives, because of the reckless actions of a few, twisted individuals; most of the time faceless and anonymous! As long as we stay within our own personal boundaries, avoid the worst elements, who use the internet, as their personal playground and don't believe everything said, stated or reported as true, we should be able to enjoy a safe and rewarding experience.
I look forward to the future with anticipation. Sadly I am getting on in years now and wont be around to see the evolution of social media, but I have a good idea, where it is heading, which is another blog, for another time. The internet is most definitely our past, but equally, it is firmly rooted, in our future; its inception has opened many doors for me, not least with my writing; use, envelop and nurture it, because it is our destiny. Look forward to a future, far more connected than presently, a future full of possibilities, one I will not see myself, but one I am happy to leave for others to enjoy, knowing I played a small part, in creating a world that is here to stay; where friends remain friends and where one has the freedom to speak ones mind, at least most of the time!
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Did myself a quick reading today. Not only do I practice palmistry and dabble in tarot, but I also have runes, which I actually prefer. The reading was pretty much as I would have expected!
Past - URUZ in reverse
Uruz is the second alphabet of the Runes which means power, fruitfulness and virility and incorporates the people within the zodiac sign cancer and Leo. The element within this runic alphabet is earth, gemstone is carbuncle and the color is dark green. Every runic alphabet has some poems associated with it and these poems tell out the complete meaning hidden in the symbol. Sometimes when it becomes really difficult for the Rune Alphabet reader to understand that what does the runic alphabets wants to say, they follow the poems associated with them. Similarly, Uruz also have a poem related to it, which helps people to understand the meaning of the symbol.
The Auroch is fierce with powerful horns, a ferocious fighter that roams the moor with mighty courage.
The Uruz Interpretation
Uruz symbolizes a wild bison which is known for its speed and strength. Uruz provides power to all those people who have been facing a break in their lives for one or the other reason. Uruz helps to introduce new beginnings after bringing an end to the past life or the past incidences that has caused a break. Endings can be touching and even disturbing at times, but they ultimately are for the better of a person. Uruz helps people to learn the actual meaning of life and how each day should be lived at its fullest. Uruz helps people to take the advantage of all the opportunities that come in life and not to miss these opportunities.
Some runic symbols can be easily inverted and they reveal some meanings, but at times some symbols, when inverted make a negative connotation, which is not good. However, Uruz can be inverted and also has an inverted meaning. When Uruz is inverted it means that the person might suffer from ill health or any kind of body weakness can annoy the person. This ill health can also lower down the self confidence and the will power in the person leading to face some difficult situations in life. In such a situation, the person will need to take care of the circumstances appropriately, so that the future remains secured and protected. If you are also a Cancerian or a Leo and want to know about your future, let the Uruz do it for you and make a way for your success.
Properties of Uruz
Alternate Names: Uraz, Uros, Ur
Ancient Meaning: The primal force behind creation
Keywords: Beginnings, Spirituality, Opportunity
Description:
Uruz is the Rune of harmony, order and inner strength. Often it marks endings and beginnings of periods in our lives. Uruz also symbolizes your ability to tackle new challenges by confronting them with the powers that lie within you. Opportunities probably abound for you right now.
Reversed Description:
Uruz reversed may represent a time of discord in your life and a disassociation from your inner strengths. You may be in a rut—absent of goals or challenges. The power to change this lies within you. While opportunities may seem to be nonexistent, they are there and waiting for you to find them.
Astrological Correspondence: Taurus
Tarot Correspondence: High Priestess
Gods/Goddesses: Vanir
Color: Dark Green
Tree: Birch
Herb: Sphagnum
Stones: Tiger's Eye
Animals: Ox, bison, bull, cow, horse, whale, dolphin, manatee, boar, sow, goat, ram, buffalo, bear, alligator, anaconda, baboon, sea eagle, gorilla, lion, hippopotamus, dinosaur
Element: Water
Magic:
Pulls energies together to form a magical pattern
Heals mental and physical ailments
Knowledge and perception of the self
Magical strength and power
Increases business opportunities
Accesses the power and energy that lies within the Earth
Combines energies to assist realization of your goals
Present - Berkana in reverse
Runes have been named for Gods, animals, plants, natural features, objects used in everyday life and even for timeless concepts like gift, harmony etc. Each rune has a significant role to play in a person’s life.
The rune Berkana is also known as Beorc. When translated, the word Berkana means a birch twig. This rune can also mean growth, fertility, new life and physical beauty. When this rune appears in the reading for a person, it brings about physical and mental growth in a person. It also indicates an increase in business, investments made and the profits. It can also signify that a loss can be recovered and that new business ventures can be established. It fills a person with energy and activity. It tells a person to work hard and wait patiently for the rewards as they cannot be obtained immediately. Berkana asks a person to forget the past and live for the present and also learn from the grueling experiences of the past.
The rune also represents renewal, regeneration, purification and healing. It is a rune that is symbolic of a family and home. The rune’s effects work in the most beneficial ways possible and bring about success in everything.
The rune represents the English alphabet B. It is symbolic of female polarity. The rune is associated with moonflowers and the gemstone called the moonstone. The ruling runic number for this rune is 18 and the ruling element is the earth. The rune is also linked with Gods Nerthus and Holda. The rune is connected with the dark green color and astrologically, it corresponds to Virgo.
Berkana represents Goddess force and female fertility. It signifies the relationship between a mother and her child. It brings about the feelings of maternal love. It also indicates positivism in relationships. It also represents the enjoyment of sexual relations. The rune helps one to clear all misunderstandings and focus on the new beginnings in a relationship.
When reversed, the rune represents a lack of growth. It even indicates that losses will be faced in business ventures. It may even bring about a reduction in the yield of crops when it is placed in a reverse position. It also brings about health problems for a person when reversed. It also indicates problems in relationship between a mother and child. However, this is only a temporary problem.
Conversely, the rune indicates that profits are being hidden through dishonest means or are being misused. It may even indicate that a person will suffer losses. When in its converse position, the rune says that if an investment looks or sounds risky, it may not be so. Rather the investment might be a safe one and give maximum returns.
With reference to divinity, the rune represents birth, growth, fertility, new beginning and rebirth. The rune is also said to possess magical powers that can be used for bringing domestic harmony. The rune helps one get a clear vision of the spiritual path and enables one to purify the mind and the heart completely.
Future - Dagaz
Runes are believed to have magical powers that have been put to many uses and mainly for invoking psychic capabilities. The runes have also been used relative to divinity and spirituality.
Dagaz is also called Daeg. Dagaz means day, dawn, breakthrough or a radical change. When this rune appears in a person’s reading, the rune indicates that a major change is going to take place in a person’s life. It also brings about success in an endeavor. The rune signifies prosperity and achievement in a person’s life. The rune tells a person that all darkness and difficulties from his life are gone and the person must begin life like beginning a new day. The rune also informs a person that the divine light is always guiding one and helps to reach the goal. It asks a person to be true and honest in order to ensure good luck and fortune in life. The power of this rune protects a person from dangers. The rune also tells a person that one must be thankful for everything that he has obtained in life.
Spiritually the rune represents divine light that takes a person from darkness towards light. The magical powers of the rune can be used to make a fresh start or to make a person come to his senses and understand life.
In reference to divinity, the rune represents day, awakening, transformation, hope, happiness, growth, security and certainty. It helps one to achieve a balance of mind and spirit. Dagaz is a sign of good fortune when it is connected to divine powers.
The rune represents the alphabet D. Dagaz is associated with the God Heimdall. The runic number that rules this rune is 24 and the ruling elements are fire and air. It is connected to the color light blue and the gemstones diamond and chrysolite. The rune is also linked with marigold and cowslip. Astrologically, the rune corresponds to the full moon. Dagaz is a symbol for male polarity.
The rune has no reverse. However, Dagaz may lie in opposition and it then represents darkness, night, confusion, ending, blindness, uncertainty, hopelessness and misfortune. Conversely, the rune signifies a false dawn. It tells a person that the time is not right for a change and the person needs to wait patiently for daylight. For this the person needs to be strong and have perseverance.
Dagaz warns a person of not being blinded by his ego as it can be damaging. The rune represents brightness, growth, progress and development. It helps a person to have a positive attitude towards life. With its protective powers, Dagaz ensures that a person emerges successful even from a disastrous situation of life. The rune indicates that the life one leads is a life of balance where the good and the evil and darkness and light exist and a person can move from one to another at any time in life. It is therefore necessary to have a clear vision and knowledge of all aspects of life. Dagaz can also be used for cleansing and purification of mind so that a person can start life afresh.
Properties of Dagaz
Alternate Names: Daaz, Dagr, Daeg, Dagur
Ancient Meaning: Light of Day
Keywords: Light, enlightenment, polarity, awakening, intuition, well-being
Description:
Dagaz represents the fresh light of a new day. You are close to making a breakthrough. You have the will to change whatever you deem necessary. You may see the world with absolute clarity at this time.
Reversed Description:
NONE
Astrological Correspondence: The Moon
Tarot Correspondence: Temperance
Gods/Goddesses: Odin
Color: Blue
Tree: Spruce
Herb: Clary sage
Stones: Lapis Lazuli, Amazonite, Azurite, Sapphire
Animals: Wolf, raven, horse, eagle, bear
Element: Fire
Magic:
Awakens the light within you
Embodies the powers of light and darkness
Increases magical patterns
Spiritual enlightenment
Protects from harm
Energizes
Blog entry contents taken from Moonwhisper!
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There has been some thick fog in Gran Alacant tonight. It was an amazing spectacle, watching it rolling from the sea. I have never seen anything quite like it before!
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We popped up to the British supermarket, 'Quicksave', this morning, to stock up on a few essentials. Afterwards we had a bite to eat in Zest, our bar of choice. After a chat with Aunty Pam , Denise and Paul, we were done. Just a brief stop, as I was still suffering with a niggling hangover from last night. Tonight Darrell and I are staying in, having a sci-fi evening in front of the Television!
