Ouija Boards - Do They Work and Should You Really Be Afraid?

The Ouija board is just another divination tool.
A board can be made from either wood or just simple letters from the alphabet which can be arranged on a table top or smooth surface.
If the board is used sensibly and with the right frame of mind the Ouija is a great tool for communicating with those in the afterlife.
In my opinion the Ouija board really got its bad press from the film the Exorcist, when the child Reagan in the movie becomes possessed by the devil after using the Ouija board on her own.
I do not agree with the hype that lower negative energies will enter your body and make you speak in a demonic style voice whilst levitating off the bed after using a Ouija board either.
I have used a board since I was about 14 years of age and as yet I have not been dragged to hell.
I do however think if you are of a nervous disposition its best to leave well alone, not for the fact that something bad will happen to you but for the fact that your imagination may well-run riot and scare you more than anything else.
I am also a great believer that communicating with the Spirit world whilst drinking alcohol should never happen and I do not agree with anyone undertaking anything paranormal or spiritual whilst drinking alcohol. You are not in control of what you are saying or doing when you have had a drink so I always think it's just not a good idea to mix the two together.
Also be careful of the questions that you ask especially if you're a very nervous person. Never ask silly questions such as "when am I going to die?" This can only lead to paranoia and is just stupid. You may get an answer, but not the answer you want to hear!
There are many great Ouija boards out there to buy of all shapes and sizes.
Personally I have a beautiful board. It is round and sprayed black with gold letters and the glass glides easily across the letters on the board which is important.
Some people are afraid to keep an Ouija board inside their house.
Remember it's just a piece of wood with letters on and just to let you know mine is kept in a cupboard in my home quite safely every day!
The Ouija a great tool to get more information especially good when used during the night whilst at a haunted place.
Make sure you have a pen and paper to make a note of anything that is actually spelt out on the board by the spirit you that you are communicating with.
Good Luck!

The Ouija board is used sometimes during overnight ghost hunting investigations with Dusk Till Dawn Events the ghost hunting company http://www.dusktilldawnevents.co.uk

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Dream Phenomena While Sleeping

There are a number of dream phenomena that can take place while sleeping that creates a sense of heightened reality in people. This is because during the night there are many different types of stimuli that bombard the sense and which the brain incorporates into the realm of dreams. The brain does this to ensure that we are not woken, but the mind can, and often does, awaken a person if it perceives something as a danger to that person. The mind can also be trained to wake a person when it hears a certain sound such as babies crying.
Did you know? The term "dream incorporation" is used to refer to the about sleep phenomena. However, the term is also used to describe the process in which preceding daytime events become elements of dreams
Precognition Events While Dreaming
Many people have claimed to experience at least one precognitive event during their lifetime. Most while in a state of deep sleep or hypnosis. A precognition sleep event is a psychological phenomenon in which the sleeper feels that their dreams are predicting upcoming life events.
The psychological explanation for this is that the mind can trick one into believing in precognitive abilities because of memory biases. This means that dreams are retrospectively fitted onto life experiences to fit the upcoming "reality" of a situation.
Lucid Dreaming Phenomena
Lucid dreaming is in reality the conscious perception of one's state while still dreaming. While in this state the dreamer sometimes has a degree of control over their actions within the dream.
Did you know? A lucid dream is in reality any dream during which the dreamer knows they are dreaming. Once a person knows that they are dreaming they should (in theory) be able to influence the dream.
Dreams of Absent-minded Transgression
Dreams of absent-minded transgression are also known as DAMT's and are simply dreams in which the dreamer absentmindedly performs an action that he or she has been trying to stop. A good example of this is when a smoker tries to kick the habit. They will often for a time after quitting continue to smoke and enjoy the cigarette in their dreams.
Dream Recall
One of the most well-known dream phenomena is the distinct lack of ability to remember dreams in detail. However, the remembering of dreams can be improved as it is simply a learned skill.
Did you know? Often, a dream is recalled upon viewing or hearing a random trigger or stimulus. This is often the cause of feeling of déjà vu in many humans

The author is a member of a bed and mattress sales team member who has taken an avid interest in sleep and dream science. He currently works for a South African bed and bedroom furniture company in Cape Town.

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Alien Abduction Accounts Indicate 3 Major Types of Alien Beings

Reports of alien visitations with humans have been described by alien abductees to UFO investigators as well as organizations that are documenting these eyewitness accounts for further research and study. Over time, those who have been abducted by aliens have named the different forms of aliens responsible for these interactions. Based on these eyewitness accounts, there are 3 major types recognized by those who have encountered them: the Grays, the Reptilians and the Nordics.
1) The Grays - most reports of alien encounters concern alien beings called the Grays. The public has become familiar with these gray skinned, creased & wrinkled alien forms as their images appear frequently in many television shows and movies. They have been described as 4 feet tall with large bulging heads and extremely bulbous eyes without eyelids. Witnesses explain that the Grays take humans into their UFOs and perform what can only be described as scientific experiments on their abductees. Apparently, the Grays have a social hierarchy in that multiple people have mentioned there are workers and doctors/leaders performing separate tasks on the ships.
2) The Reptilians - first hand alien encounters with the next type of alien is by far the most disturbing for those who experience it. This class of alien is called the Reptilian. Not only do they appear lizard and snakelike, but from eyewitness accounts, this alien type treats their captives less than favorably. They use brute force and fear to intimidate.
3) The Nordics - these alien beings have been reported as "Nordic-looking" with blonde or extremely light hair and blue eyes. Considered to be quite beautiful, they could potentially pass as humans if you saw them from a distance as they walked down the street. Sightings have been reported in Europe and Scandinavian countries but not the U.S.
Most cases of alien abduction result in the affected person being returned to the area where they were first abducted; however, often the memory of this experience does not always come back to them quickly. Often, they experience lost time, unknown injuries and memory flashes, which cause them to seek help from doctors and psychologists. Many alien encounters are recovered after therapy, dream analysis and/or hypnosis.
No extraterrestrial being has ever actually informed their human captive of the names Grays, Reptilians or Nordics. Instead these monikers have developed over time to help alien abductees describe these alien beings to the general public, doctors, friends and family members.

Caroline Michelle is a freelance journalist fascinated by the alien and UFO phenomenon. To learn more about alien abductions, see my alien abduction stories blog to learn more about whether aliens exist.

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Year of the Snake (2013) Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui Guide

Certain helpful, logical and practical Chinese customs, organisational principles and beliefs about life improvement are recommended. Advancing your understandings of 5 topics joined by 5 common elements enables you to achieve enlightenment across 5 inter linked key areas during Yin Black Water Snake Year 2013-14.
1.The Chinese Zodiac
China considers the Snake and Water (2013 Year Animal and Element respectively) surprisingly differently from the West. Forget 'all years are the same' notions in favour of China's conviction that all differ significantly in ever-repeating cycles of 60.
The Chinese Zodiac's 6th Snake Sign's distinctive qualities are explored and the fortunes of those born under all 12 signs during the period are considered alongside 5 Elements influences on these and the fortunes of all every year..
2.The 5 Elements/ 'Wuxing'
Relating forecasts and horoscopes of all Chinese Zodiac Signs for the period to the 'Wuxing' enables their overview. Better acquaintance with Chinese 5 Element/ 'Wuxing' Theory enhances your understanding of Feng Shui, Chinese Astrology, Qigong and much more of Chinese culture than you first expect.
3. 5 Elements Feng Shui
Exploration of the 'art of placement's' Wealth-links to Water, Snake Year (2013-14) Year Element leads to Feng Shui 'Wealth Enhancers' like the Chan Chu's use and topical Feng Shui advice for the period. Broad, balanced guidelines will help those interested in 5 Elements Interior and Exterior (including garden) Feng Shui get their studies underway.
4. 5 Elements Qigong
This eBook's insights and straightforward practical instructions encourage readers to pursue the many benefits of Qigong. A popular Chinese anti-aging, health, longevity and youthfulness-bringing Art, Qigong utilises the same 5 Elements to achieve these ends and 5 Elements Qigong's many advantages are presented clearly.
5. Chinese New Year
The 5 Elements and the Animals exert surprising influences upon events at this time. Insights into Festival customs and traditions of this world-wide event include explanation of how its changing dates are determined accompany insights into its celebration.
Overall
Fire, Earth, Water, Metal and Wood, the 5 Elements or 'Wuxing' link all the above areas together (and much more). Their influences change with their Yin/ Yang modes modulating the essential nature of the predominant Year Animal (and the year's nature) in continuously repeating cycles.
As China and the East view both Dragon and Snake very differently from western 'wicked serpent' biblical stereotypes fundamental 'mind-set' re-orientations may follow reading this eBook. Subtle changes in the Water Year Element influences after Yang Water Dragon's replacement by Yin Water Snake Year on 10th Feb 2013 will affect events, circumstances and individuals according to the Snake Sign's specific attributes and those of their birth year Animal and Element.
'Year of the Snake (2013) Chinese Astrology & Feng Shui Guide' (1) contributes to the West's growing fund of knowledge about these associated Chinese beliefs and customs. Improved happiness, health and fortune via closer 'attunement' to each Year's energies are traditionally associated with their practical pursuit.
Notes
(1) Available from Amazon Kindle Bookstore

Alongside Chinese Metaphysics, Astrology and Feng Shui Peter Allsop M.Ed's interests also include Anti-aging Training, 5 Elements Qigong and Daoism.
Feng Shui Consultant Peter also publishes ' Martial Arts Ezine; Red Dragon' free online.Explore the resources at http://www.sheffieldkungfu.com or http://www.hylenergiser.com
Senior Student of Grandmaster Yap Leong, Peter teaches Shaolin Kung Fu and Qigong as a Shaolin Fists International Area Instructor.

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Aphrodite

Born from the genitals of Cronus as his sons used a sickle on him for revenge. They were thrown into the sea which foamed up with a beautiful girl within. Aphrodite was born in a wave of foam on a shell, as the myth goes, leaving the sea, onto the island of Cyprus. She was greeted and as each drop of water fell from her body, they turned into pearls. The Horae (Goddesses of the Seasons) that met her gave her jewels and golden robes to wear. After getting royally dressed she was taken to Mount Olympus to greet the other Gods.
Aphrodite is one of most known of the gods. Mortals and Gods were always after her favour, including Zeus. When Zeus asked to be his wife however, she scorned him and made her marry Hephaestus. He was the crippled God of Blacksmiths and was very boring, to a sensuous and loving goddess.
She was a very promiscuous  Goddess who found joy and beauty. She did have an evil side though. She took revenge on mortals and gods alike when they interfered with the natural order of love. With her power of love, good and bad, she was a powerful Goddess who was adored but feared at the same time. She started the Trojan War infact by offering Helen of Sparta to Prince Paris of Troy at a wedding between Peleus and Thetis. Of course Helen's husband, Menelaus was not too pleased and the war broke out. With the passion and spark of love, she could manipulate the importance of a lot of episodes in mythological history.
Aphrodite had many lovers and many children by them. They were all passed off as Hephaestus's offspring.
Her most known of all affairs is with Ares, the God of War. He was the favourite of so the myth tells. They had a child together, Anteros who punished people who never returned love. Adonis was another suitor who stayed with Aphrodite for a third of a year with Aphrodite, a third by himself and a third with the Goddess of the Underworld, Persephone. The goddesses were fighting over him and so Zeus sorted the solution to the argument.
The openness of the affairs with Ares was noticed by Gods and soon filtered down to Hephaestus. He made a golden web for revenge and threw it over them when they were naked and in each others arms. Both were totally humiliated and embarrassed by the act.
She did have a child to Zeus, Cupid (Eros). He became the god of sensual love. Aphrodite actually turned down Zeus when he made his intensions known to be his wife.
By Hermes she was the mother of Hermaphroditus, who was welded with a nymph into a body with both male and female.
By Dionysus she had two sons, Hymen and Priapus. While Hymen was worshipped as the god of marriage, his ugly brother, Priapus represented human lust. They were exact opposites
One of Aphrodite's mortal children was Aeneas, her son by the shepherd, Anchises. Aeneas became the mythological God of Italy and the Roman countrymen. Therefore he is well remembered in Italian history
With all the passions of herself and her offspring together, they had the most control of every felling known to God and mortal alike.
A tourist guide to Cyprus, Paphos, The Mayfair Hotel, and our apartment within.
http://www.apartment5137.com

Donna owns an apartment within a hotel complex in Paphos, Cyprus. Her site [http://www.apartment5137.com] provides information on the apartment and its surroundings.

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New Chinese Year of the Snake - 2013

The Year of the Snake begins on 10th February 2013. The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac are divided into elements, each with slightly different characteristics - this New Year is a Water Snake. Anyone born during this sign are able to slip through trouble like water: totally fluid.
Snake Characteristics
In the West the snake is associated with danger - the Scriptures say the devil was in snake form. However Eastern philosophy regards the snake as a symbol of good luck.
Snakes are mysterious, clever, refined, and masters of transition and camouflage. They can be flexible as a worm, or powerful like 37-feet pythons that can crush an antelope and swallow it whole - or the king cobra's venom that can kill an elephant.
Snakes can sense minute vibration and taste faint chemical signals with their tongues. Likewise, those born under this sign are good at judging people and identifying opportunities.
Snake People
People born in the Year of the Snake coolly slither through problems, while cunningly scheming their future. This makes them good at business and finance. They are discreet, inquisitive and secretive, say little, and yet are charming and romantic. They are passionate but jealous lovers. Snake people are wise and snobbish, but vain, selfish and stingy. Intuition drives their strong sophisticated personality.
A snake person will be charming, proud, elegant and graceful. They keep their emotions, stay cool, and appreciate comfort, beauty and good style. Snakes are loners and suspicious, and act aloof as if nothing is on their minds - yet they will use others to achieve their goals. They will seduce you, but get bored quickly, so are unfaithful in relationships. Their strong will allows them to cunningly slip away from unpleasant situations. No wonder they're not frightened of danger or lack of money.
The snake is good at avoiding distraction and trivia, allowing him to concentrate on his goals. He is cultured and artistic as well as practical. They are materialistic, dress well and like to follow fashion. Although honest, a snake will lie if he can get away with it and tends to exaggerate. Be careful not to threaten a snake as they can suddenly strike out with carefully chosen words to cause far-reaching pain, and their long memory creates lifetime grudges.
If you are a Snake
This should be a good year, but be freer with money and flippant with life. Don't be complacent, keep on top of things and expect to work at goals. Be less reserved with relationships. You need calm and relaxation to thrive as you stress easily, so avoid chaotic situations. You like to do a good job, so your best careers are as a teacher, writer, interior designer, philosopher or psychiatrist.
Famous Snake People
Art Garfunkel, Audrey Hepburn, Bob Dylan, Brook Shields, Chris Rock, Christie Brinkley, Elizabeth Hurley, Frank Sinantra, Grace Kelly, Howard Hughes, Jackie Kennedy, Kim Basinger, Linda MaCathney, Liz Taylor, Mao Zedong, Oprah Winfrey, Paul Anka, Queen Elizabeth 1 and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Predictions
The Dragon Year of 2012 was full of vigor - the following China zodiac beast, the snake, sheds its skin and starts afresh. This will bring change to correct excess. The Water Snake is particularly enquiring and money-orientated, and so will look for new ways around debt and the recession.
Historically, Snake Years brought correction. In 1893, many US railway companies went bankrupt in their rush to expand. It started a run on bank deposits and a 6-year depression with 17% unemployment. In 1953, the idea of hire-purchase was introduced in the UK to boost flopping sales. The same year in China, Mao Zedong launched an extreme 5-year-plan that caused future famine.
In 1955, the buildup of troops in Vietnam brought huge protests. More recently in 1977, the first home computers changed the way we work, and Deng Xiaoping came to power bringing capitalism to China. In 1989 the Berlin Wall came down and the Tokyo stock market crashed. And 2001 brought 9:11.
My guesses for 2013 are that Western Governments will try to shake debt by printing more money and then increase interest rates to slow inflation. This will further lower property prices and cause panic. To restore confidence in the US dollar, America will once again try to link its currency to gold.
New ways to aid finances will be created. Both for personal spending to help companies grow - and within the EU to help struggling European countries.
Personally, you should be thrifty, save money and plan for the future. This year of change will attract scammers - so be careful! It's a good time to invest, but be wary in business deals or a new marriage. Stay focused and beware of complacency.
Snake Years
If you were born during these dates, then you are a Snake: 02/04/1905 to 01/24/1906, 01/23/1917 to 02/10/1918, 02/10/1929 to 01/29/1930, 01/27/1941 to 02/14/1942, 02/14/1953 to 02/02/1954, 02/21/1965 to 01/20/1966, 02/18/1977 to 02/06/1978, 02/06/1989 to 01/26/1990, 01/24/2001 to 02/11/2002
Western Equivalent: Taurus
Snake Likes
Color: Turquoise
Number: 9
Gemstones: Topaz, jasper

For a lucky Chinese jade snake pendant or details of the other animals in the Chinese zodiac click: here.
See my personal site at http://www.NigelHayMckay.com

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The Lost Civilizations of Atlantis and Lemuria

The mystique of Atlantis and Lemuria is legendary. While little is known factually, their memory and mythology live on in the collective psyche.
Songs have been written about Atlantis, Disney made an animated movie about Atlantis and there's even a resort named Atlantis down in the Bahamas.
Lemuria on the other hand is less of a cultural phenomenon than Atlantis. Its origins and existence are shrouded in more mystery than those of its counterpart.
Some have theorized that a "super-continent" once existed connecting Madagascar and India. This large land mass was given the name Lemuria, or the "Land of Mu" after the Lemurs found in the area.
Others, including famous American psychic Edgar Cayce, have suggested that Lemuria existed in what is now called the "Pacific Ring of Fire." This area encircles the basin of the Pacific Ocean and is home to all kinds of seismic and volcanic activity. One theory says that gigantic earthquakes swallowed up Lemuria.
Interestingly, the legend of Mu is a part of island lore all across the Pacific. In fact, for thousands of years the Polynesian peoples have handed down the story of a long lost continent in the Pacific that was the original motherland of mankind.
Then there are the writings of James Churchward. His 5-volume series of books about Lemuria suggests that this "motherland" stretched from the Hawaiian Islands to Fiji and from Easter Island to the Marianas.
I find it intriguing that the Mariana Trench, located near the Marianas, is considered the deepest part of the world's oceans. Who knows what lies buried beneath... perhaps the lost civilization of Lemuria?
Drawing upon science, ancient art, mythology and the occult, Churchward describes in vivid detail what he believed life was like on Lemuria. He goes so far as to say that the Biblical story of the Garden of Eden was centered on this now-submerged continent.
Churchward writes that Lemuria had a sophisticated government, advanced scientific technology and a flowering culture. The people of Lemuria had highly developed psychic abilities including telepathy, teleportation and telekinesis.
Some believe the Great Pyramid of Giza was built by descendants of Lemuria or Atlantis who retained these abilities. That might explain how such large blocks of stone could be moved and aligned so perfectly.
So... are Atlantis and Lemuria lost civilizations, and if true, what secrets might they hold?
Sadly, even with advanced technology, a disease-free existence and mental abilities far beyond what we have today, these civilizations faded into the mists and myths. Theories surrounding the downfall of Lemuria and Atlantis vary from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods to weapons of mass destruction.
It leaves me to wonder... if these civilizations could be unearthed, might there be lessons to be learned from their ancient histories? Are there technological marvels waiting to be rediscovered that might eliminate disease or world hunger?
The discovery of what Cayce calls a "Hall of Records" hidden beneath the watery depths could radically transform our understanding of God and our place in the Universe. Such a discovery might help heal religious divisions at the root of so many senseless wars.
If Churchward, Cayce and others are correct, these lost continents may hold keys to the positive transformation of 21st human life. And this may be the greatest gift the lost continents of Atlantis and Lemuria could give present day humankind.
Time will tell...

Lawrence Neal Katzman is an artist, writer and visionary spirit, whose art is inspired by love, beauty and the cosmos. He writes about lost civilizations, ancient wisdom and the quest for love. You can view his art at http://www.theartmystic.com.
Lawrence's beautiful soulmates art is featured in his eBook, "101 Soulmates Quotes", which you can download for free by visiting: http://www.101soulmatesquotes.com/.

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