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From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

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On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions have to be made. Illness, family bonds and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in a life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

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Luke Martin-Jones On The Debra Rufini Show!

12/7/2021

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It was my absolute pleasure to be interviewed for the 'Artist First Radio Network,' and the 'Debra Rufini' show this week. Debra was engaging as ever, as we both spoke about the issues important to us. I was able to talk at length, for an hour, about my life, blogging, my campaign against bullying and my experience growing up gay in the 1970s/80s.

As a blogger, it is important to get my message across to my readership, so when the lovely Debra Rufini approached me for an interview, I was delighted to oblige. I have listened to her show numerous times and followed her radio programme with interest. Talking about a wide range of subjects, her interviews have always struck a chord with me. From spirituality, writing, narcissism and bullying, her topic of conversation, never fails to inform and entertain. My small contribution has allowed me to finally speak about subjects close to my heart, with a person who understands the mission statement of 'Roaming Brit.'

I felt relaxed talking with Debra, through a medium I have never used before. The radio is a great way for me to get my message across to others; expressing my feelings, vocally, has been an empowering experience. After listening to the broadcast yesterday, I was happy to have been given the opportunity to tell a small part of my story.

The original reasons for creating 'Roaming Brit' all those years ago, are still there and my passion about ending bullying and abuse in all its forms, is as important today as it was then. Debra and I have much in common; our shared values and beliefs come across in an interview that spanned nearly an hour. For me, it was a cosy chat with a friend, but it is also a programme that explored my character, sentiment and conviction. Debra made me remember why I blog, who I blog for, how it has shaped my life and, more seditiously, just how much trauma I have suffered throughout.

My sexuality is the common factor that linked every component in the interview. This is the one single theme, that has really been responsible for the decisions I have made and the challenges I have faced. This connection was at the forefront of my mind during my chat with Debra and continues to dominate my life, even today. From bullying and writing, to childhood and family, homosexuality has been the most tenacious obstacle to my sense of self-worth. It has controlled my life and has made me the person I am today. It isn't until you listen back to a conversation or, in this case, a dialogue on a radio show, that you realise, just what shaped your future direction. If only all of us were accepted for who we are, we wouldn't have to go through the terrible pattern of injustice, that many LGBTQ+ people suffer daily.

My sincere hope, is this interview will help others, who are suffering from bullying. I have written so much about the subject, that I was glad to be able to finally tell my story. Debra was wonderful at making me feel at ease and comfortable, so I felt in a position to tell my narrative, in a way I wanted to, not how others would have demanded. Bullying and abuse are serious issues that need to be addressed, and it is only by talking, that you are able to see through fog. The 'smoke and mirrors' effect, so often used by abusers to muddy the water and make you feel guilty, is a difficult method of manipulation to see through. Listening to other stories, is a great way of understanding the sinister processes at play.

Do take a listen to the podcast of the broadcast on YouTube, which I have included in the link above, and of course let me know what you think. I would of course like to thank Debra and all those at The Debra Rufini Show for their support and for the opportunity to tell my story. I have been amazed by the positive feedback I have received and hope it isn't too long before you hear from me again. Roaming Brit survives, because of its readership and I hope you will all take a moment, to sit and listen to my experiences, in this crazy World we all live in.

This radio interview is dedicated to all those who have suffered and continue to suffer abuse. Many of you helped me come to terms with my struggles, and for that I am truly thankful. Without your love and support, I wouldn't be here today!
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Clairvoyance

27/2/2021

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I've always had a keen interest in all things spiritual, believing in an afterlife and the power of mediums to channel energy. Whilst searching through some personal items today, I came across a cassette tape, produced by Terri Day in 2002, during a psychometric reading I had with her in December of that year. To be honest, listening to that recording today, I have been transported backwards twenty years. I remember the conversation I had with her in her House in Salisbury. She was an extremely nice, agreeable person, who through the power of jewellery, tried to analyse me and my life. Terri came highly recommended by a friend and at the time, sceptically, I took the plunge and booked an appointment to see her.

In many respects I have always been open to people like Terri; I really do believe there are people who can see past the earthly plane we live on. As a person who is constantly seeking answers for different aspects of life, Mediumship offers a way to make sense of confusion, in a way we can't always determine ourselves.

I have included an extract from the recording on that day, so readers can make what they will of her abilities. At the time I thought she was remarkably accurate in her assessment of my life, but much of what she said could have been interpreted in any number of ways. She didn't really tell me anything enlightening or miraculous; in fact she misunderstood many aspects of my life, especially my personal life. Her evaluation was completely off kilter, referring to my partner Darrell as 'her' and not even understanding we were living and working together on a daily basis. Today, listening to the recording I am disappointed at her reading and can only come to the conclusion, that she wasn't necessarily the person she claimed to be.

That is quite difficult for me to say, admitting that a Clairvoyant wasn't accurate, but that is the truth of my experience; I can't say I recognised much of what she said. I am not saying for one-minute Miss Day was fraudulent or deceptive in nature, but I don't believe she had clairvoyant ability. Nevertheless, Terri sparked an inquisitiveness in the supernatural side of life for me. Her reading in 2002 was the beginning of an interest in the occult that still remains prominent and part of who I am.

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I began to read and appreciate the different ways one can tap into the unconscious and really understand a person. I spent the next ten years studying Chiromancy or Palmistry to the layman and entered a World that gripped my imagination. So obsessed with the meaning of life and how to interpret our journey in this World, I turned my interest into a passion, that still exists today.

I would often read friends and strangers hands and would not only surprise myself, but also others, in just how much you could tell about another person, just by looking at the lines on the palmar surface. I have often been blown away by the circumstances and events I have seen mapped before me; I truly believe all of us have the ability to understand ourselves more, by looking at the lines on our hands, but acknowledge it isn't always possible for everyone to grasp that narrative before them.

In complete contrast to Clairvoyance, Palmistry offers a tangible insight into a persons mind. Mediumship relies on faith and a belief in an individual; we are hopeful they are honest and true and can do what they portend, but there will always be an element of trust involved. A Medium can research and investigate, to obtain information by dishonest means. Only the person having a reading can really determine if it is sincere and reliable. Throughout my audience with Terri, I didn't feel entirely comfortable with her commentary and if I am brutally honest, she didn't really understand who I was at all.

Then of course there was the so-called psychic who had spent three months living with my dead Grandmother. When a work colleague contacted me, claiming of her ability to contact the afterlife, including my Grandmother, I was in no position to disbelieve her. This unscrupulous person even came to my home as a trusted friend and confidante, to help Darrell and I meditate and open our minds to the concept of the spirit world. Spending an hour 'opening our chakras,' she spuriously pretended to help us see past our own scepticism. Self-evidently, it was all nonsense and this unethical reprobate, just wanted to cause us maximum hurt and pain. For a while I did believe her and thought she was a friend, but as time moved on, I saw past the lies and her disruptive shenanigans, discovering she wasn't the person I thought she was. Most people understood her true nature at the time and could only shrug, hold their hands in the air and say, they told us so. I only had myself to blame, wanting to believe in her more than anything else; I was blinded from the truth!


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My next brush with the transcendental came with a trip to see my all-time hero 'Psychic Sally,' at The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. I used to watch her television show all the time, as often as I could. When I found out she was going on tour, I just had to go. I had high expectations for the evening, but sadly ended up very disappointed. Her live performance was particularly mediocre, and I didn't feel she was genuinely tapping into the spirit World. My interest in her diminished shortly afterwards and her perceived lack of ability turned me away from parapsychology completely, as I sort answers to problems elsewhere. I am not saying for one minute that Sally Morgan was a fake, far from it, but she just didn't connect with me, in a way I hoped she would; for someone seeking answers, that is important!

Today, I continue to read palms when I can and still have that curiosity in divination, I think I probably always will. I have a packet of tarot cards, placed under my bed, wrapped in a silk scarf and often ask them questions. I watch 'Most Haunted,' read my horoscope in the newspaper and stumble across fortune telling websites; Yes, I still have an enthusiasm for anything that can't be explained. However, I am more realistic with rationales and remain a sceptic, until convinced to the contrary. Something inside me will always want to believe, no matter how much I am persuaded otherwise, but until I really understand the nature of spirituality, I will continue to wrestle with my conscience, searching for aggregates and reading between the lines!

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Chasing Ghosts!

16/11/2017

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I have met some wonderful characters working at LoungeD; the most rewarding aspect of working in a bar. A couple of nights ago, two of our regular customers returned, after a few months away in sunnier climes and we got chatting, as we usually do. For some unknown reason, the subject turned to the supernatural. I am quite a spiritual person myself, an agnostic in name and by nature; a believer in a higher being, although unsure what or who that is; I am also a convert where ghosts, spirits and an afterlife is concerned. In truth I never used to be, but changed my mind, after experiencing unexplainable experiences later in life. 

​In the early 1990s, whilst living in Southampton, I saw what one could only describe as an apparition, a vision that didn't fit in with my surroundings. I lived in a rather odd shaped flat, in St Mary's; a heavily built up inner city area, close to the centre. St Mary's had a large immigrant community; an area also preferred by students, because it was cheaper than elsewhere in the City. The flat was triangular in shape, reaching its point in the lounge, sporting a large arched window at its apex, overlooking the road in front. It was my first flat, with my then new partner; small, rather dated but perfect for a new young couple. We decorated it, as best we could; money was tight but that didn't matter; why would it, we were enjoying our first home together. I have many happy memories from that time, others more morose and one I can not explain, eerie, chilling and thought provoking!

It was 1993, we had just finished painting the bedroom; it was a deep plum colour, not purple or red, somewhere inbetween. We had just picked up a new bed, from a generous benefactor; I can remember collecting it, but for the life of me, can't recall who from. Looking back, it was probably the best bed I had ever had, really comfortable, a large king size, enough room for ten; It fitted in our new bedroom perfectly. Just to the right, on my side of the mattress, was a large window; the sun shone through everyday, warming the room; always a bonus, since the building had no heating and was often cold.  You could see the air from your mouth as you spoke, cascading forth, like puffing away on a packet of those Marlboro 100s, I used to smoke; 80 a day and that is a conservative guess! 

I was laying down, spread eagle, looking up at the ceiling; it was a Sunday morning and my partner had just left for work, he was an organist in the local church. As I lay there contemplating the day ahead, from the corner of my right eye, I saw a figure appear through the wall, walking past the bottom of my bed looking straight ahead, disappearing across the other side of the room; through the wall without a second look. I had no idea what had just happened, but knew deep inside, I had seen something other worldly. A startling but comforting experience at the same time, that I shall never forget. It was a few months later that I met someone who also used to live in the same flat, just by chance, as if it was meant to be, who also described the same experience as me; in fact in her words, whenever she dreamed, she dreamed of that house, as I still do today. There was a presence there, not terrible or evil, just calming and serene!

A couple I met in the summer, just after LoungeD opened, have returned to their holiday home in Gran Alacant. I will call them Mike and Ruth; I never use peoples real names, unless I am naming and shaming. A blog is a wonderful thing, but can still get me in  trouble, by mentioning things I shouldn't. Mike told me about his experience, taking his dog for a walk in the forest at Temple Newsam, near Leeds. His dog had ran off, as a Lady appeared, dressed in blue by his side. She turned to Mike asking him if he could tell her where the 'large house' was. Mike turned away briefly to point her in the right direction, a few seconds later he looked  back, this time the unknown lady had vanished, she was gone, disappeared from view, nowhere to be seen.

Mike told Ruth what happened, when he returned home; she immediately knew what had occurred, Mike had come across the 'Blue Lady,' who is said to haunt the grounds at Temple Newsam. Neither of them know for sure if what Mike saw was a ghost or a real person, just as I can not explain what I observed walking at the bottom of my bed, it is something we will never know, but that really isn't the point. A wise lady once told me, that if our minds remain receptive and open, we would observe those who had walked these streets before us; a record of past lives, lived in the shadow of our own.

As a person I remain deeply spiritual; I am a Palmist, have a pack of tarot cards, practice runes and have had experiences that I can't explain. I rarely talk about these things, since some people remain understandably skeptical, at times hostile to any talk of ghosts and spirits. My beliefs are personal, consequently I have no need to express how I feel publicly. Occasionally you will come across people like Mike and Ruth, who not only allow you to talk without prejudice, but also have their own stories to tell. Life is a journey, one where you will meet many different people. My faith tells me everything is meant to be; we are born, with our lives already mapped out, it's up to us how we reach the end of our story, a story that also includes meeting people, just like Mike and Ruth, who I just happened to cross paths with, whist travelling the  road I am currently on; my road, my journey, my story, my life! We all have a tale to tell, some more explosive than others. Listen to the narrative, give your earnest attention and don't judge until you understand the words spoken. The only people to explain the inexplicable are those who experience it themselves!
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Interest in Palmistry!

8/8/2017

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I have spoken briefly in the past about Palmistry, an interest of mine for nearly fifteen years. Last night I had a discussion with friends about this very subject, close to my heart; which brought it headlong back into my mind, briefly looking at a subjects hands, discussing the lines that crisscross the palmar service. What I have never written or talked about, is where my interest came from. Before 2002 I had never even considered Palmistry, in any shape or form. Like most people, I had heard about the practice, but considered it be occult, meaningless, without basis or foundation. Of course before  2002, my life was very different, compared to the period after. I was running a successful business, enjoyed a relatively affluent lifestyle and the so called mystic arts were not important to me. Like most things in life, dramatic changes were approaching and I would use hand reading as an escape from difficult times.

An illness in 2004 was responsible for a change in outlook. I had a lot of time on my hands and wanted to channel my energy into something, a hobby and interest, that I could use to focus my mind on other things and not the illness at hand. Both myself and Darrell had moved in with a friend, who was a tarot reader, a pastime that interested me greatly. Myself and Dominic were close; he taught me much about the spiritual side of life. Although I was fascinated with tarot reading, it wasn't where my talents lie. I became fascinated, addicted, almost obsessional with the ancient art of Palmistry, Chiromancy, or Chirology. 

I have to admit I read every book I could find. Today I have a collection of about three hundred, which I kept when I moved to Spain. Palmistry had become a passion of mine and I began to read peoples hands whenever I could; I was good at it, very good and people were amazed with what I knew; to be honest I was amazed myself. More and more, I built up my confidence, read hands without my books and actually saw signs, circumstances and lives that I couldn't possible have known about. I was unsure about Palmistry at first, but as time went on, the credentials of this practice became more and more obvious.

I am often criticiced by others, who see what I do as rubbish, a lie and not what I pretend it to be. In reply I can only say, I was as skeptical as you at the beginning, but soon realised I was wrong. I studied a book on 'Medical Hand Reading' and soon discovered that this fairground attraction was in fact a legitimate medical practice, used by General Practitioners to determine the state of a patients health. Not only can a heart line show love and relationships, but it can also pinpoint the physical state of ones heart. Equally the head line will identify the mental state of an individual, as well as their educational abilities. A hand will also have a health line and a life line, where the querents length of life is determined by the quality of the line, not its length.

I was hooked and have spent fifteen years cementing my relationship with other peoples hands, enjoying hand reading as much as I ever did, even if I don't practice as much, as I have done in the past! I can't explain why Hand Reading works, it just does. Each individuals hand is different, a map of ones life for us to interpret if we have the abilities to do so. 

I have a scientific mind and believe we should have proof and answers for everything, so Palmistry goes against what I believe in. There is no scientific proof that what I am seeing is real, but when one studies the subject, one is confronted by evidence that just can not be explained. Everything I have seen, points towards an art that is equally as valid and important as any other analytical profession, I could mention. One should always remember that not everything in life is explainable; the day will come, when we can prove the processes involved in Chirology; I still remain baffled as to why it works, it just does. Next time you have some spare time on your hands, sit down google this mystic art and see for yourself, the signs that make up the story of our lives!

Currently I have quite a lot of Palmistry readings to do and will get round to them as soon as I can. At the moment I am busy with work and writing and will fulfill them when the busy summer season ends here.

Thanks for your patients!

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Empath!

25/6/2017

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I came across this article in The Guardian, online this morning. I have written a lot about 'sociopathy,' in the past, but very little about the opposite side of the coin, those individuals who are 'empaths.'  The article above touches on the subject of empaths and explores the extreme side of it. At its most basic level, an empath, has an ability to offer empathy to others, understand their feelings and put themselves in the mindset of an individual. I am personally an empath, completely opposite to a sociopath. Sadly empaths and sociopaths are drawn together naturally. An empath, wants to help others, common knowledge to a sociopath, who exploits an empaths good nature for their own ends.

As a person, I have always wanted to help others, which is why I decided to follow a career in the charity sector, both paid and as an unpaid volunteer. The circles I mixed in, offered me an insight into a World, that I had not been born into myself. I found charity work very rewarding on the one hand, but upsetting on the other. I had always been told to try and detach myself from the terrible abuses I knew about, but as an empath, I could never fully do that. I have  self belief in everyone, good or bad and believe everyone should have the same chances in life; sadly as I found out, that isn't the case.

Bad people, the sociopaths of this World, have always taken advantage of people like me. Looking back at my life and the position I find myself in today, I understand the reasons why. I was too busy helping other people to understand, I was the one who really needed help. Empaths often help others at their own expense; this is key to a sociopaths ability, to manipulate and cause harm. A sociopath will mimic an empath in all respects, so others, especially potential victims, believe their empathic mimicry. Let me give you an example, personal to me:

A lady, i thought to be good, caring and a close friend, helped me through tough times at Oxfam; during the traumatic last year spent there. In order to gain my confidence and acceptance, she had pretended to be a psychic. This is often a ploy used by sociopaths, to gain the trust of an empath. I have a belief in the spiritual and she knew that, taking advantage of it in every respect. It is easy for me to trust others; as a rule I don't believe they are evil and their intentions, like mine, are honourable. This woman was a charlatan; instead of helping me, she used everything I said, against me. She was a sociopath and I never knew it.

My trusting nature, is indeed my achilles heel. Despite what happened to me in the past, I have never really learned the good from the bad. When I look back, as far as I can remember, I have always got myself in the same situations, preferring to help and believe, rather than walk away and distrust. Today things have changed; not necessarily for the better. I have had to live in a World, where I know longer trust anyone.

When I moved to Spain, settling in a new country, I let my guard down somewhat. I should have learned from my time at Oxfam,  but although the memories remained raw I tended to make the same mistakes. Once again, I would invite people into my life, unconditionally. It didn't cross my mind, that the same issues I had in the UK,  would surface here; open arms, I welcomed everyone into my heart.
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This all sounds very depressing doesn't it. I was heading towards the same cliff I was teetering over, when I worked for Oxfam. There is a difference this time however; I am not about to fall over the edge. I have put my empathic character traits to one side and am gradually learning to reject those who cause harm to others, more especially me and those close to me.

Recently, I have met some wonderful people here in Gran Alacant; people who have shown myself and Darrell true friendship; haven't taken a penny from us, used us in anyway or abused our good nature; they are decent, giving and true. Gradually I am finding my own two feet; unlike yesterday, today I have the ability to remove or reject those who are not good for me. This does go against my empath credentials; at times I feel like I should be helping someone, rather than blocking them, but I understand, just how bad others can be and have finally began to recognise the signs; the same signs I missed, when I lived in the UK.

After suffering at the hand of a sociopath, you do find yourself judging everyone you meet, sounding them out, making sure they are who or what they say they are. It takes a long time to heal the wounds of confrontation with sociopaths; the scars will always linger as a reminder, indeed a warning to avoid the same ordeal in future; so it is imperative victims change their outlook and evolve to avoid the same mistakes.

I have changed much, even over the last couple of months alone, so much so, I am finally taking charge of my own destiny, doing what I want to do, associating with who I choose and above all removing any threats to  my well being. If you have been a victim of a sociopath or bully, you need to rid yourself of their influence, remain aware of the possibility that life, will most likely repeat itself again and don't be afraid to say NO. Believe in your gut instinct; if someone doesn't feel right, they probably aren't. Take the appropriate action to avoid confrontation and move forward with your life; never look back or return there again. An empath will always be an empath, but they can learn to recognise danger signals; protecting oneself is important, nobody wants a repeat of past indiscretions!

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Runes!

12/3/2017

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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!
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​Past - URUZ in reverse
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​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.
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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
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Present - Berkana in reverse
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​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.
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Future - Dagaz
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​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
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Magic: 
Awakens the light within you 
Embodies the powers of light and darkness 
Increases magical patterns 
Spiritual enlightenment 
Protects from harm 
Energizes


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Blog entry contents taken from Moonwhisper!


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Palmistry! Part I

20/2/2017

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Introduction!



Over the next few months I will be conducting a series of tutorials on Palmistry, something I have been interested in and studied over fourteen years.  I took up Palmistry as a hobby, because it was right for me at the time.  I had tried other such activities, but found 'hand reading', suited me best.

I have read other peoples hands on a regular basis, mainly friends and believe you should use the skills you have, for the good of others.  Many people, who I have given a reading to, have said how much it had helped them in their life!

I am not going to go into great detail, writing about Palmistry here, as I will cover most of it in my video tutorials, but I am going to enclose a few words, I wrote on the subject for a gay website in 2007, where I used to give away free readings to competition winners.
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A Snapshot in time!


A little old lady, her head and face covered in a thin silk scarf and adorned with cheap gold jewellery; cross her palm with silver.  This is the stereotypical palmist: in a faded windswept tent at the end of a rusting, old pier; a small wooden table wobbling gently, under a yellowing, frayed, lace table cloth. Well I am a Palm Reader; despite the fact that I may wear a silk scarf in the privacy of my own home (Weekends only!) none of the above apply!

The study of hands , Palmistry, or to give it, its proper title, Chirology, can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome.  It reached its high point here in Britain, during Victorian times, where a fascination, with all things occult blossomed. Now I may well be a Palmist, but I am certainly  not an occultist; worshiping the devil, or a slayer of sheep. This is the mistake the Victorians made and many people also make today. Chirology at its most basic level, is a science used by academics, medical professionals and psychologists to assess clients.

Take a look at your hand for a moment.  There is a simple test, to see what type of person you are, or rather, the type of person, you want others to see. Hold your writing hand up in front of your face; the hand you use most, your active hand. Look at the lines on the surface.  Most people will see at least three, others a few more and many more a myriad of crisscrossing lines and symbols.  The more lines you have, the more you worry.  People with so many lines, that are difficult to unravel, live on nervous energy, unable to sleep at designated times, but have wonderful imaginations.

We use our hands, more than any other part  of our body. Just think of the many movements we make, the  way we hold our hands and yes, the scars we achieve over our lifetime; all are assumed to be random; but what tells us to make these movements? Well our mind,  of course, the source. Other lines begin to form on the hand through our unconscious movements, all we need to do, is interpret the code that is formed.

Some lines on the hand can change every day, others take about six months and on the hand we use least, the lines change every six years or so.  This hand remains our private self, how we see ourselves. Our well used other hand, is as we would want others to see us; this is the edited version!

Interestingly, there are many signs on a persons hand, that can for example, point to a persons sexuality, indirectly.  There is not a gay sign as such, but bought together, a number of factors can offer an opinion, as to a persons sexual orientation.

Next time you use your hand in whatever capacity, take notice of the way you hold it, the lines on the palmer surface, the colour of your nails, the spacing between the fingers and the scars formed. Everything can be explained, nothing is random, above all, nothing is certain.  We can all alter our fate, which is why the lines on our hands change.  When a hand is read, it is simply a snapshot in time!

I have included a copy of a Palmistry report below, so you can see what is involved.  I have taken the persons name out of the document and haven't included a copy of their hand for reasons of privacy.

So my first introduction to hand reading is out on youtube now and I will be doing a series of short VLOGS about this subject.  If you would like a reading done, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will arrange it for you!
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Tarot

23/1/2017

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Quiet Saturday night
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A quiet night in for me on Saturday.  It's still cold at the moment, so I got into bed, watched some television and did myself a tarot reading; just a quick, past, present and future reading.  The cards  came out quite positive for a change, so maybe things are about to change.

I started to do Tarot in 2004 and have practiced it ever since.  It is a great tool to help determine direction in your life and work your way through any problems you might have; highly recommended!
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Chirology!

13/5/2016

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A snapshot in time!

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​A little old lady, her head and face covered in a thin silk scarf and adorned with cheap gold jewellery… Cross her palm with silver. This is the stereotypical palmist. In a faded windswept tent at the end of a rusting, old pier. A small wooden table wobbling gently under a yellowing, frayed lace table cloth.  Flickering candle light, the smell of the sea breeze in ones nose, musty drapes and smokey air!  I went here once and never went again, leaving more confused than when I entered the old tent at the end of the pier!

Well I am a Palm Reader or Chirologist and, despite the fact that I may wear a silk scarf in the privacy of my own home, none of the above applies.  I am a normal middle aged man, who just happened to stumble across a book in an old antique shop, written by 'Cherio', one of my Palmist hero's.  The more I read, the more amazed I became.  There was more to this Palmistry and I wanted to know what!

The study of hands, palmistry, or to give it its proper title, chiromancy, can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Rome. It reached its highest point here in Britain during Victorian times, where a fascination with all things 'occult' blossomed.

Now I may be a palmist, but I am certainly not an occultist - worshiping the devil or a slayer of sheep. This is the mistake the victorians made and many people also make today. Chiromancy at its most basic level, is a science used by academics, medical practitioners and psychologists to assess clients.  The hands tell a story, our story, our journey, our fate and just how we have and will continue to change it!  Each hand is unique to the individual.  As a Chirologist, I only see what you want me to see.  An open heart and head is needed to achieve the correct reading for you!

Take a look for a moment at your hand. There is a simple test to see what type of person you are, or rather the type of person you want others to see. Hold your writing hand up in front of your face - the hand you use most. Look at the lines on the surface. Most people will see at least three, others will see a few more, and many more will see a myriad of criss-crossing lines and symbols. The more lines you have, the more you worry. People with so many lines that are difficult to unravel live on nervous energy, unable to sleep at designated times, but with wonderful imaginations.

We use our hands more than any other part of our body. Just think of the many movements we make, the way we hold our hands and yes the scars we attain over our life time. All are assumed to be random. But what or who tells us to make these movements? Well our brain  of course is the source. Other lines begin to form on the hand through our unconscious movements. All we need to do, is interpret the code that is formed.

Some lines on the hand can change every day, others take about six months and on the hand we use least lines change every six years or so. This hand remains our private self, how we see ourselves, our well used other hand is as we would want others to see us….this is the edited version!  There are lines within the ball of the thumb, that change every day.  These are influence lines, they include people, objects, places, in fact anything that tends to influence our daily lives.  How the lines, form on our hands, determines how we see these influences.  A logical list or an ilogical mess, people we take notice of and others we don't.  We make these lines, nobody else does, just us, little old us.  Equally we can alter and change them.

Interestingly there are many signs on a persons hand that can point to their sexuality indirectly. There is not a “GAY” mark, but bought together, a number of factors can offer an opinion, as to a persons sexual orientation.  I mention sexuality, because of my own orientation.  Marks pointing to a persons sexuality, begin in early childhood. Assuming that someone who has feelings for someone of the same sex, went through a difficult time growing up, wrestling with their own thoughts, emotions and feelings, the indicators will show in their hands, at appropriate junctures.  Each indicator is cross checked with other indicators, marks and lines, situated in the same position in time on other lines of the hand!

Next time you use your hand in whatever capacity, take notice of the way you hold it, the lines on the palmer surface, the colour of your nails, the spacing between the fingers and the scars that have formed.  In order to discover exactly what is going on with each persons hand, awareness is the key.  Dates, times, people, events including deaths and relationships, can all be seen in  the lines on the palm.  The shape of ones hand, how one holds it under normal circumstances, the prints on the tips of ones fingers and the mounts that rise above ones lines, are all factors in determining, just who one really is!

Everything can be explained, nothing is random. Above all nothing is certain. We can all alter our fate, which is why the lines on our hands change. When a hand is read, it is simply a snapshot in time.

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Live Each Day....

19/4/2016

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On average we all live between 75 and 80 years of age.  A long time, I here you thinking, but is it really? As I have got older, so life seems to have sped up. Some days I feel like I can´t keep up with how fast time is moving.  Living in Spain, life seems to move even faster here than it used too, or maybe that is just my age!  In reality, life is short and by all accounts we only have one, although I personally have my own views on that.  So many spend all their lives, growing up, living and eventually dying in the same place. That can't be good!

Each of us has defining moments in our life.  Times when one could have chosen to do something different, taken a different path or quite simply, given up.  These are crossroads in our life.  Now as a Palmist or rather Chirologist, I read many peoples hands, where these marks can be clearly seen.  As yet, I have not seen one hand that doesn't have these traits!

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Here is a picture of my hand, from about 12 years ago.  I can see many restarts and renewals, as has been the story of my life.  It is natural to go through changes that are life changing, how we cope with them is the most difficult challenge!

Since I have been with Darrell, I have pressed the reset button many times, about six times in reality and each time the process involved has been very different.

The latest new beginning for us, was the most difficult yet and involved climbing mountains we had never climbed before.  I would have never dreamed that I would be living in Spain this time last year, I never saw it coming, because I hadn't looked at my own hand for many years.

​As a rule, I tend to take the easy options in life.  Why bother making something more difficult than it should be.  Life is hard enough, with adding extra work, to an already busy life! 

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Over the twenty years I have been with Darrell, when we have approached these crossroads, I have to admit I have been far more reluctant than him, to take the most risky or dangerous option.  I am a Taurean, love my security and home and don't take too kindly to being uprooted and thrown into the unknown.  This time it has been no different to be fare!  I did not want to leave the UK, and if I don´t want to do something, I wont, if I am forced to do it, I just will not bother putting in any effort.  A stubborn bull!  This time however, I have thrown my awe into life here in Spain.  I think I must have realised that this may well have been the last opportunity to get things right. I have to stress, this is the first time, I have ever been this way and it shocks me!

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After 20 years with my partner at the age of 44, there are not that many years left in my life or chances to take, before I have my body donated for medical research.  Yes that is the cheapest option in Spain and yes that's what I want to do.  I have begun to realise my own mortality in this World and am embracing my new life and making new decisions with gusto!

For me at least, it is time, to live each day like it´s your last.  It is time to embrace new cultures, traditions, food and people and finally start living the life I always wanted.  After all I am finally away from those dreadful people in Britain, and actually for the first time, enjoying my life!


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