Holistic Gazette
November 2016 Issue
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The Power of the Flame
In general, candles symbolize life, love and celebration. Candles can have customized meaning through personalization. They are also commonly used as part of religious ceremonies and holidays, and in each instance, the meaning may be different depending on the traditional beliefs.
The candle symbolizes light in the darkness of life especially individual life, illumination; it is the symbol of holy illumination of the spirit of truth.
Festive in nature; in Judaism the holiday Hanukah is the 'Festival of Lights', and a candle is lit for each of the 8 nights.
Used to ward off evil spirits, life safe as long as candle burns; in relation to Halloween, candles were carried from eleven til midnight, if the candle went out it was an evil omen, if it didn't it meant one year free from witchcraft.
Its components also have great meaning:
Wax - pure flesh or humanity
Wick - soul, light - love, divinity
Flame - godhead
Fire - obedience
Heat - humility.
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Agony Aunt
Good News! We happy to announce a regular advice column in our monthly gazette.
Do you have a problem that has been bothering you and you need some friendly helpful advice? Look no further than our new 'agony aunt' who is ready and waiting to answer your questions.
Please rest assured that you will not be identified by name and we can not enter into personal correspondence.
Perhaps you are having relationship trouble or are grieving after the loss of a loved one. Or you might be stressed out at work, or a busy parent struggling to make ends meet and feel taken for granted by your family. No matter what your problem is, it is worth talking to someone, whether that is a therapist, a friend or a relative. Even getting your feelings down on paper can be a great relief.
So why not
write today?
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Next Holistic Fayre 15 November 2016
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Welcome New Member
Mark and Charmaine Howard, from
Spiritual Vitality, have an immense wealth of knowledge to share. Their expertise range from healing, to workshops, to shop, to counselling, to mention but a few.
They have both appeared on various radio talk shows and now spreading their light in Cape Town
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Lighting a Candle
Lighting a candle is a long-held practice in many cultural, family and faith traditions. The practice is common across international borders and societies.
Lighting candles can bring serenity, focus and comfort to participants.
Meditative Thought
When a person wishes to meditate on a thought or idea but lacks the ability to form the appropriate words to express herself, lighting a candle is a traditional way to show the intensity of her thoughts and feelings.
Expression of Support
Groups of people have taken up the practice of lighting candles to show support for many causes. The practice, when done by large numbers of people, helps build a sense of solidarity for the movement, as well as raise awareness regarding the cause.
Memorials
Lighting a candle in memory of a lost loved one is a centuries-old practice. The practice gives the candle lighter a specific time to reflect on the deceased, as well as to pray or meditate on their relationship with the loved one.
Prayers
In many Christian churches, both Catholic and Protestant, lighting a candle while praying is a common practice. When submitted publicly, individuals can pray for others' concerns as well as their own.
Virtual Candle Lighting
With the advent of the Internet, candle lighting has spread to online groups. A person can light a virtual candle at many online sites, sharing their thoughts or concerns to a broad audience.
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Something to Think About
Spiritual growth is a process of shedding our wrong and unreal concepts, thoughts, beliefs and ideas, and becoming more conscious and aware of our inner being. This process uncovers the inner spirit that is always present, but hidden beyond the ego-personality.
Spiritual growth is the process of inner awakening, and becoming conscious our inner being. It means the rising of the consciousness beyond the ordinary existence, and awakening to some Universal truths. It means going beyond the mind and the ego and realizing who you really are.
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