My Power Animal/s

Sitting in a psychism class, which by the way I shouldn't have been there, I decided to join in their exercise to find their power animals.


Previously I have had met chinese dragons and indian nagas (which are not ordinary animals in the esoteric sense). They are more like enlightened beings who are vastly intelligent, since they have lived for many human lifetimes. So they would be more like spirit guides than power animals.


Getting back to the story. So we are going about the exercise and entering the lower shamanic world (through a tree for me. hehe). I end up in an East Indian forest. I could feel the grass beneath my feet and the dry humid air around me, and yes all the sounds of the indian forest.


The first thing I see is a sambar deer coming at me, hoping it wasn't him, I asked: "are you my power animal?" Thankfully he politely said no and siad that my power animal is somewhere in the forest. The next animal to appear is a proud peacock. At this point I was scared to even ask and end up coming back to the human world with a peacock as my power animal. With all his tail feathers spread out and being, to me, vain and proud. Hehe. He snobbishly ignored me, so I was relieved that is was not the peacock as i walked away. The next creature was a blacked faced langur (an type of indian monkey) up on a tree, so I asked him if it was him, and he pointed to a direction saying that my power animal is over there.


So at this point I was just hoping my power animal was nearby. I just really wanted to know who and what my power animal is. The next thing I know I am face to face with a white bengal tiger. She was sitting on a rock. I was just mesmerized by her white coat and her light blue eyes. I was really excited at this point, so I cut to the chance and ask her: "are you my power animal?" and with the most gentle gesture (for a really big cat) she answered: "I've been waiting for a long time, but I am glad you came." 

So we ventured back to the human realm. She on by my side. It was kinda strange. But a good strange, to have a white tiger and a really big one beside me. on our way out, a black cobra appeared and said that he wanted to come along. And with that he slithered up my ankle and coiled up there and was this beautiful black anklet.

I'm happy that my power animals, both major and minor, are animals I adore. Yes i kinda don't like the animals people would associate me with (like a peacock, swan, deer, gazelle and the rest). :) Just thought of paying homage to them with this post. I feel like a kid in a candy store. :)

My Anthropological View on Society

People have always discriminated a group people because differences in beliefs and practices. But the fact of the matter is, what is taboo to some is actually the norm to others. 


Native filipinos were never afraid when the spanish colonials told them that if they don't worship their "god" that they would burn in eternal fire underneath the earth. Why? Well the native belief at that time was that when someone would die, especially a baby, the soul/spirit would return to the earth where a local goddess/deity with many breasts would nurture the soul and prepare it for the next life. And fire was important to the natives. It provided warm, protection, it cooked their food and it gave them light when the darkness of night would come. So who in their right mind would fear fire back then.?


Some people consider the fact that because voodoo uses blood sacrifices, that it is evil and a practice that is dark and demonic. The reason for the blood sacrifices is the fact that in voodoo, blood is sacred. It is a powerful medium wherein one can commune with the spirits of the earth and connect to the source of all things.


In a more mundane sense, in chinese culture there are instances that dog and cat meat are eaten. People will be shocked and sickened just by the thought of it. But the fact is, there was never an instance that dogs and cats are kept as pets. The dog and cat being a pet is a purely western practice that was brought to Asian and China when the west started trading with the east. The hardworking oxen was more important in chinese past, that a dog and cat.


In India, the cow is considered a sacred creature which should not be harmed or eaten. To the west this might seem as some form of animal worship. But the fact of the matter is, is that the cow provides everything for them. It provides milk, which will never let them go hungry of thirsty. The cow also helps with farming and agriculture. Everything that the cow gives is important. Even to its dung. the cow's dung is used in building a traditional indian house. to the west this would be the most disgusting thing, but to them it is the most natural thing.


Because of the modern era and technology, people have lost their connection to the old ways. Everything that is not modern is taboo. And everything that doesn't correspond to the main belief system of society is deemed as bad and evil.


I believe that each person, no matter who and what they believe in deserves the same respect we want. To each is own really.


But because of how society is today people have closed their minds to mostly everything. Even the ones who say they are open minded still express disgust and discomfort to the practices of others, which are not familiar to them.


The fact of the matter is, what may be normal to us may be taboo to others. Why not think of it that way, instead of judging before understanding what is it.

Tea, Herbs and Me

People have always wondered why I drink tea and don't take any medicines. Coffee wasn't really my thing and medicines I stopped when I turned 14 or 16 (can't remember the exact age, let's just say way back when. hahaha).


Tea has been a huge part of my life, being of East Asian descent and a large part of my life learning about my mysterious ancestors from China (everything, from their culture and a failed attempt on learning their language and dialect). So why do I drink it?


Well the number one reason is that, yes I am chinese and learned about alternative medicine. The number 2 reason is that, tea in itself is "medicine".


Tea is basically an infusion of herbs in hot water. The hot water brings out the properties of the herbs and brings out the vitamins and minerals that the herb contains. All plants consists of many chemicals and minerals in the doses that are not too concentrated. 


So let's put it in easy terms, the tastes and flavors from plants, especially herbs are results of all the chemicals they contain, NATURALLY. Everything in nature is composed of different chemical reactions and properties. And all conventional and chemical medicines are the "babies" of years of people using plant and other alternatives based remedies to cure illnesses and other diseases.


The medicines that pharmaceutical companies produce are concentrated mixtures. Not that I am saying taking conventional medicines is bad, but i grew up (well my early teen years at least) using plant based remedies to cure the stuff that would make me sick. I would use ginger tea to cure my sore throat; VCO and lavender oil to cure my eczema; sili (cayenne pepper) leaves to cure my sore muscles and broken ligaments; peppermint and or tea tree oil to cure my pimples; sandalwood powder and almond oil to help my skin and many others. :)


I'm not against taking chemical medicines, nor am I here to stop anyone from patronizing pharmaceutical companies. I am just simply saying that for every illness or every sickness, there is a conventional remedy and a alternative remedy. And it's the person right to choose what he or she wants to take to cure the illness plaguing them. 

Models, Models, Female Models (I Like)

Not too many models seem to catch my eyes nowadays. Everyone seems so generic and so "commercial". For a change of posts here, I decided to post something about fashion models. Hehe


Here are some that stand out for me. And who embrace who they are and proud of where they came from. Here's the world of high fashion for your eyes. :)

Agyness Deyn a.k.a Laura Hollins, an English fashion model. She stands 5'8".

Alice Burdeu, an Australian model, known for winning Australia's Next Top Model Cycle 3. True high fashion, and stands at 6'1".

Anya Rosova, a model born in Russia and who was runner-up in America's Next Top Model Cycle 10. She is 5'10".

Charo Ronquillo a model from Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines. She competed in Ford Supermodel of the World Search and was said to have "that unique look from the Philippines." She is 5'10".

Liu Wen, a chinese fashion model from Yongzhou, Hunan, China. She was the first model of east asian descent to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She stands at 5'10.5".

Coco Rocha is a model from Canada. She's been on the cover of every magazine from USA to Australia and done campaigns for Chanel, D&G, Dior and many others. She is 5'10".

Fatima Said a Somali fashion model and was 3rd place in America's Next Top Model Cycle 10. She is 5'9.5".

The fashion industry today still does try to get a face that can sell and that majority of society can relate to, but I am glad that in the world of high fashion and couture, a lot of the models there have a face that is unique and stand out from the rest of the other niches of the modeling industry. I can only hope that the world of modeling still tries to push for individuality and uniqueness and embracing the race and ethnicity that you come from. :)

Ylang Ylang, Rain and Engkanto

As everyone (how lives in Manila, especially the QC area) knows it has been raining nonstop for the past few days. I literally found myself saying: "Rain rain go away, come again another day...." from time to time, out loud an or in my head. 


It was a welcome relief from the heat though, as everyone who knows me and is close to me, knows that I sweat bucket loads whenever the sun blazes the entire day. Water is my friend, and the sun, well not so much. Hehe


Well cutting to the chase, last night I found myself awake at around 1am for some odd reason. So I went downstairs, literally the epitome of dark and cold, as scrounged about the cupboards looking for tea. I was maybe halfway between this world and the world where furniture could fly and animals could talk at that time. So I brewed my tea and waited for it to cool, and the strangest thing happened, I started to smell ylang ylang coming from somewhere. The nearest church is like a mile a way and as much as I am a practitioner of aromatherapy, ylang ylang is an oil i rarely use, maybe from time to time, but not as often as i would let's say lavender, jasmine and peppermint. So by this time I am wide awake frantic and looking for every possible way the smell could have popped up.


I knew for a fact that my tea was jasmine so that automatically was crossed out.  And all the would in the house is red mahogany. At most I know I have a sandalwood "secret" box from Sri Lanka in my room (I am a collector of various oddities and nik naks), but to smell that you would have to open it using the right combination or else the smell and scent is sealed up. At the verge of just ignoring it I look behind me and more or less i was at the shock of my life.


*For those who believe in the spirit world and all the folktales and myths that our forefathers have left, keep reading. For those who don't I do advise you to stop, less you want to call me crazy and call the local mental institute up and have them pick me up.*


I knew for awhile now that there has been an engkanto (a Filipino term for elf or some form of elemental spirit that has lived for many years) lurking around me for reasons I can only imagine.


So going back to it, I turn to see a male engkanto behind me. He had the most fine features and was around 5'10" or 6' (I was too busy trying to think what to do, panic or say "hi" to get an accurate measurement) Strangely enough, he has the most gentle smile on his face. His expression was like how a kid would be when passing by the window of a toy store or a candy shop, innocent and pure.


As quickly as he appeared he vanished like a waft of smoke from a dying candle. So did the scent of ylang ylang. I got a name as he left, something that I will keep to myself in fear of the engkanto getting mad at me. But it wasn't much less of a "you're-not-alone-so-don't-think-we-don't-look-after-you" experience. It was nice to know that even in their world, one which few of us see and access and rarely get to see for that matter. It was I guess a friendly way of them saying that I or we can be friends with someone totally different and have no relation to, much less share a not so similar world with.


I guess the moral is really Respect. We can't just think that we are the only ones who live on this world, even if we don't believe in the spirit world, we still share the earth with another 7 billion people and countless other animals, plants and other organisms after all.

Herbs, Scents and Oils 2

Here's Part 2 of my herbal post.


Lemongrass is known for being a natural bug repellant herb. It is also an antiseptic, anti-depressant and anti-fungal. It's fresh grassy scent also alleviates headaches and other stress related conditions. It also energizes and uplifts. This herb is also a natural coolant, aiding digestion and naturally lowers temperature.


The scent of Pink Grapefruit is both refreshing and energizing. The soft citrus smell clears nervous exhaustion and stress. It is also known to increase self-esteem and lessen mood swings. Its oil is also good for the skin. It brightens and reduces oil production. It is also known to reduce cellulite when used in massage oil blends.


Sandalwood has been used throughout the ages and many cultures have used it both for it's metaphysical and physical properties. It has a harmonizing and calming effect on the body, reducing tension, confusion and depression. It is used widely in aromatherapy to cure coughs and respiratory infections to reducing the effects of negative qi/chi and spirits. Sandalwood also relieves itching and inflammations. This property makes it good for skincare as well as anti-aging.


Lemon boosts the immune system. It also cleanses and improves the digestive system. Lemon oil invigorates and energizes the body. It is also a natural astringent, reducing oil production and brightening the skin. It relieves headaches and mental fatigue thus improving concentration and mental awareness.


Patchouli improves the properties of the skin. It is an antiseptic and hastens wound healing, lessens wrinkles and can prevent scars. It is also known to balance emotions and control depression, stress and anxiety. And because of it's antiseptic properties, it can reduce acne, pimples and dandruff. It can also stimulate hair growth and improve hair texture and reduce gray hair.


Chamomile is best known for it's calming effects, thus aiding with sleep and reducing insomnia. It also reduces anxiety, anger and tension. Chamomile is also good for the skin. It soothes and clams burns, inflammations and skin problems.


Green Tea has strong antioxidant properties. It can retard aging and reduce the build up of free radicals in the body. It inhibits the breakdown of collagen, thus keeping skin firm and elastic. It also protects the skin from UV damage. It also reduces aches and rejuvenates the skin and it's properties. It is also an antiseptic and anti-depressant.

Beads Beads BEADS!

Because of the fact that I am a frustrated "Jewelry Designer" and the fact that I have been studying gemstones and their properties (physical and metaphysical) over the years this is my post for that side of me. Plus it's also for bragging rights too. :P

Rose quartz and Cherry Quartz Necklace

Turquoise Elastic Bracelet w/ Elephant Charms

Turquoise Elastic Bracelet

Double Stranded 27 Beaded Rose Quartz Mala

Double Stranded 27 Beaded Garnet Mala

Champagne and White Freshwater Peal Bracelet

More to come soon (?).

Herbs, Scents and Oils

After sometime of "no-time-for-myself", what better way to pass the time than to blog.? Hahaha


So for the first official post here on my new-old blog, here's something for the ones with green thumbs and noses.


Most people like a certain scent or taste of a plant or herb. A lot of times it.s based on the plant that it comes from or just how a person feels from it. But it goes beyond that. Most oils and herbs actually don't just help us smell good, but can help us feel good as well.


Lavender has soothing and calming properties. It is also an antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial too. Lavender balances the mood, thus helps with mood swings, depression, grief, trauma and PMS. It aids with sleep and lessens the effects of insomnia. And because of it's calming properties, it is used to facilitate meditation.


In a greek myth, the nymph Menthe was in love with Hades. Hades' wife Persephone filled with rage and jealousy turned Menthe into a beautiful smelling herb called the mint plant from the nymph's name. The scent of the plant stopped the anger which Persephone was feeling. Peppermint is used to cure nausea, indigestion and muscle aches. It is also useful to calm irritability, improve focus and reduce fear. And like the greek myth, peppermint and all mint variants are said to lessen and reduce anger.


Ylang ylang is used to reduce stress, depression and insomnia. It is also beneficial for the skin and scalp, reducing skin irritations, and keeps the skin moisturized. And due to it's ethereal and alluring scent, it is used as an aphrodisiac in the East. It increases libido and sensuality.


Rose calms the heart and is the best known oil to attract and bring love. It has the ability to heal emotional wounds and soothes the nervous system. Rose oil has anti-aging and moisturizing properties as well, and helps bring back a youthful glow to the skin. It also helps relieve anxiety, stress, depression, trauma and grief.


More oils to come on my later posts. :)


This is Yue signing off for now.