"The Ape and The Sushi Master-Cultural Reflections of a Primatologist" By Frans de Wall.

Very interesting that we as Human Beings may believe we are human because we are social animals, as if somehow that is what makes us different. Frans’s first book was "Chimpanzee Politics Power and Sex Among apes" was recommended reading by Newt Gingrich for freshman Congressmen. I can certainly see why having had a little political fun in my past. I think every one who has a spiritual or passion driven need for the understanding of cultural anthropology should read this book. I found particularly interesting the notion that chimpanzees used tools like rocks and flat stones to crush pinecones to get out the seeds in the center to eat.

The tools were so similar to those used by Indian cultures like the American Indians, Incas, Mayans and Aztecs that one might have to wonder if they learned that from us or if we learned that technique from them. Of course their stones were bigger because they were stronger, so many of the ancient stones found in caves which were large did not come from humans but from Apes and Chimpanzees. Nearly ten times the weight. So much for Louis Leakey’s work may actually have been miss interpreted. If you read Jane Goodall, Louis and Richard Leaky, Dian Fossy you will find the answers of culture in other species to be so similar it is scary.

We know from Dolphins and ordinary house pets from observations that no one can dismiss some sort of culturalization amongst other species. In Western Cultures we have hard time with this since we are the top of the food chain and therefore we cannot be similar to other species. This is a falsity of western culture. I bet Hitler would have been pissed about my comments, since not only were his blond haired blue eyed Aryan considered the top of the food chain and he actually believed everyone else inferior. We as a western culture are also in the belief that our human race as a whole is the tops. But after reading this book we find that chimpanzees, which are of higher intelligence also have an incredible socialization.

The old question of nature VS nurture tends to lend itself quite nicely to theories that culturalzation does not purely come from genetics, but rather from a simple form of behavioral transmission. Hey, before you say that statement is nuts read the book yourself and see the examples. We as humans are both similar and different, but with respect to culture only the actual actions of the culture are different, not culture in itself. The Taliban had culture, just an unacceptable type of culture to the rest of the world. I really do not see a lot of difference between them and their warlords and the attacks on the US, with the culturaliation of chimpanzees. And we all agree that the Taliban are human beings, just not very good ones with respect to our beliefs and culture. If we are looking for what makes humans different to other species you will not find it in the cultural learnings of the species; much to similar. We will have to look further. If you look towards language you would also be incorrect, if you look at genetics we too are much too similar to the apes and the chimpanzees. What makes people different may only be that we have gotten to a spot to discuss it rather than just do it.

Yet until the codes of the languages of the dolphins are broken or the fact that a flock of 1000 little birds can all change direction at the same time without hitting each other, I would hold fast on that notion as well. Assuming that apes and chimpanzees also have culture but do not know why they are doing it in the first place, one might then ask why do humans wear clothes in warm climates. Why are we doing what we do? We talk about it, yet cannot seem to reason out of it.

Maslow has so far to go to finish his works, too bad he is dead, as we still have not answered these questions. We maybe the conqueror of the surface of the Earth thus far, yet we have unexplored oceans and caves with other species who may have culture and other attributes which likely will be difficult for us to understand or recognize. When we do, it maybe tougher than we think to redefine ourselves as vastly different than other living things on the planet. If you have the intellect to look beyond your enculturation and religion, then I recommend you buy this book. If not live in the dark and we’ll wake you up if we need you in your cave.

“Lance Winslow” – If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

I don’t propose that his writings on horsemanship be required reading for the horse lover, but you’ll find many nuggets of solid and fundamental advice therein. We can relate more to what Pat Parelli, John Lyons, Cherry Hill, Buck Brannamen, Ray Hunt or other contemporary trainers have to say. But Parelli, Lyons and the others will certainly give a tip of their hats to Xenophon and acknowledge the debt owed to him by all who have followed him.

What makes Xenophon’s work so special and timeless? If nothing else it’s because what he had to say is built upon his love for the horse and his strong belief that the horse’s mind in many ways parallels the human mind. You can take Xenophon’s teachings and distill them into a few “commandments” which, if you keep them in mind will take you a long ways in working with a horse

Temperament – A fundamental principle of his teaching is “never show anger to the horse”. If we can keep that in mind we avoid many of the problems with horses which we in reality often bring upon ourselves.

Our youngest Fjord gelding, Lars, is a wonderful animal who has a stubborn streak (Norwegian background I guess). I find myself smiling at him through clenched teeth on occasion and have learned that anger on my part either produces zero results or simply makes a touchy situation worse. Anger does not work, nor does force. Xenophon taught that horses, like people, respond poorly to force. We will do things when forced, but not necessarily do those things well – at best enough to “get by”. A horse doing something under force does so without understanding and it is fundamental in teaching the horse that the horse understands.

The use of force is almost always counterproductive when the horse is in a situation in which it is afraid of something. If the horse is afraid of an object, such as a mailbox by the side of a road ( been through that one), you need to either avoid the object or slowly work the horse in closer proximity to it. Anger, force or punishment will only reinforce the horse’s fear. It now associates the bad things you’re doing with the object, compounding its fear. We learn this when first placing a bridle on a horse. Trying to force it on the horse only makes it that much more difficult the next time.

Trust and Care – Xenophon insists that a horse be well cared for including food, grooming, proper and clean quarters, and attention. While it was the custom back in his time that training be done by a groom, Xenophon insisted that the owner visit the horse daily to ensure it’s welfare and as a means of building trust for the time when owner and horse will become “partners”.

My favorite riding horse comes to me instead of running away when she sees the halter in my hand. She associates the halter with grooming, a bit of grain, or exercise and perhaps a good ride. I don’t have to chase her around the pasture which would be the case I’m sure if she received rough treatment. Even Lars comes to the halter, which means I have done a good job with anger management when he experiences a stubborn streak. We are indeed “partners”.

Riding – Xenophon taught that the horse should be mounted slowly and the rider should be able to do so from either side. The horse should be encouraged to carry it’s head properly and once that is accomplished to proceed with a loose rein. To quote from Xenophon:

“If you teach the horse to go with a slack bridle, to hold his neck up and to arch it towards the head, you will cause the horse to do the very things in which he himself delights and takes the greatest pleasure.

A proof that he delights in them is that whenever he himself chooses to show off before horses, and especially before mares, he raises his neck highest and arches his head most,looking fierce; he lifts his legs freely off the ground and tosses his tail up.

Whenever, therefore, you induce him to carry himself in the attitudes he naturally assumes when he is most anxious to display his beauty, you make him look as though he took pleasure in being ridden, and give him a noble, fierce, and attractive appearance”.

Now Xenophon was primarily introducing novice horsemen to the purchase, care and training of the war horse. But with the exception of some “battlefield” training exercises, nearly everything in The Art of Horsemanship applies to our relationship with horses in this day and age. Xenophon assumed zero experience on the part of his audience and, like a good teacher will do, heavily stressed the fundamentals.

If you’re looking for a book, video or DVD on some aspect of horsemanship or training and have the luxury of being able to review the item in advance, try to see where the author is setting the foundation of his or her work. Is there an underlying theme based upon a few basic principles or beliefs? You’ll certainly find this in anything published by Parelli, Lyons, or Hempfling to name three.

And if you want to explore the world of Xenophon further several sources are -

Life and Writings of Xenophon from The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy at

http://www.newsletterjournal.com

His work on the Art of Horsemanship is nicely summed up at http://www.newsletterjournal.com,

and, http://www.newsletterjournal.com

For a scholarly translation of The Art of Horsemanship, sometimes difficult to read but written in great detail -

http://www.newsletterjournal.com

You’ll get a thumbnail sketch from – http://www.newsletterjournal.com and at the same time be introduced to a fine Internet reference source – Wikipedia; their main page is -

http://www.newsletterjournal.com

Copyright © 2005 W. Savage. All Rights Reserved.

William “Bill” Savage, a retired, engineer lives on the Goose Bay Ranch in Montana where he spends time with family, horses, and his web site. You can read other articles of his including those on horsemanship on his web site http://www.newsletterjournal.com

Comedy Central features stand-up comedians, shows, and movies that are all meant to make you laugh until you can’t breathe. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is one of Comedy Central’s original programs and, in my opinion, a must-see show. The program offers an entertaining way to learn a bit about current news and political events. The following is some of the features that make The Daily Show worth watching.

Anchor Jon Stewart is a Riot. Jon Stewart has had a long background in comedy as a standup comedian and also author of America: A Citizen’s Guide to Democracy Inaction. He also has appeared in several movies such as Big Daddy and Half Baked (many of his movies are featured on the Comedy Central channel). Jon Stewart is a perfect fit for this comedic show with his great humor and large knowledge of politics.

Headlines that Cover Current Topics in the News. My personal favorite part of the show is where Jon Stewart goes through today’s headlines. In less than five minutes, Jon explains what has been happening most recently in the world while adding a twist of humor. His satirical commentary gives the viewer a chance to laugh about political and current events. Jon Stewart’s headlines are informative and amusing.

Hilarious Election Coverage. The Daily Show’s coverage of the presidential election (known on the show as “Indecision 2004″) not only keeps you informed on the current topics of the election but also pokes a bit of fun at the candidates. As surprising as it is, according to the National Annenberg Election Survey viewers of The Daily Show are more informed about the candidate’s platforms than people who watch television news or read newspapers. While some may want to turn to CNN to get election coverage, it seems that the channel they should really be turning to is Comedy Central.

Interviews with High-Profile Politicians. Another great feature of The Daily Show is its interviews with major political players. Guests on the show include former President Bill Clinton, Senator Ben Nelson, Senator John McCain, Tom Brokaw, Joe Lieberman, and many more. During the election, the show was even able to snag John Kerry to talk about his platform. These interviews give the audience a chance to learn more about the people in politics and their views.

Correspondents that Present In-Depth Reports. Along with anchor Jon Stewart there are a slew of regular correspondents on the Comedy Central show to highlight important events that are going on in the world and also to emphasize the point that the world of politics can sometimes be ridiculous. Regular correspondents include Samantha Bee, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Rob Corddry, Ed Helms, and Stacey Grenrock-Woods. These correspondents are equally as funny as Jon Stewart while still leaving you something to think about.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central is a great way to get those who are not so keen on politics to all of a sudden get excited to learn more about it (or at least excited to laugh about it). While the program probably shouldn’t replace your regular news watching, it is still a good way to get in a few laughs while still learning something at the same time.

Kaitlin Carruth is a client account specialist with 10x Marketing – More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. To find out how to order Comedy Central and other channels,visit I-Satellite.

I concluded this after an early morning shopping trip with the wife to the local Supermarket. There I saw this 70-year-old hippie, with his gun moll, cussing up one aisle and down the other looking for liquor. Doesn’t that just figure? He ended his search with a screeching revelation,

“They don’t even have beer here for Christ’s sake!”

Why do Americans always want to attribute something mundane and worldly to Christ and for His sake? I mean, really, is it for Christ’s sake that this early morning lush was searching so diligently for some booze? Anyway.

So, off he marched after screaming loudly enough to wake the dead.

I have some ideas that Mexico could do to stem the ever-increasing tide of displays of the Ugly American Syndrome:

First off, Mexico could pass a stupid tax. Americans who insist on acting like horses’ butts in Mexico would be charged $50,000 pesos for each incident. I think this is a grand idea for Americans acting stupid in America too! What do you think of that? This money could be used to improve the infrastructure of the Colonial towns (like where we live!). But, after the tenth commission of a stupid act (which will take about 2 days), Americans would be deported immediately and without recourse.

Second, Mexico could enact a drunken bum or boozehound tax. There would be an allowance of three times you could appear in public WITHOUT falling down before you they would start taxing you. This would be particularly profitable in Puerto Vallarta where American drink to excess day and night.

We were in a little place in Puerto Vallarta once for breakfast when this couple came in and had three rounds of beer before their scrambled eggs and hotcakes came. We were told (because we asked the manager) that this goes on all the time. Americans are constantly drunker than skunks and are falling down all the time.

We saw more 75-year-old plus men stumbling around town like drunken sailors trying to pick up young coeds. Mexico could make a killing in Puerto Vallarta and no doubt the other resort towns as well.

The highest tax would be for each incident of The Ugly American Syndrome. This means that, each time you do the following, the Mexican government will charge you a tax of $150,000 pesos:

1. Insisting on paying for something with dollars because you are too lazy (or stupid) to get them changed into pesos. This would really be a moneymaker for the Mexicans since Americans do this routinely.

2. Telling the waiter who brought you EXACTLY what you ordered that you wanted a REAL taco.

3. Shouting English at a Mexican vendor or salesclerk as though will miraculously change them into a bilingual person.

4. Cutting your finger and toenails while in public. (This not only will get you taxed but a good slapping as well.)

5. Loudness or obnoxious behavior that is so typical of Americans when they come to another country. For example, statements like,

“Gee are all Mexican women this fat?”

“It sure is filthy here.”

“Don’t they serve real beer?”

“These Mexican houses don’t suit our American tastes.”

“Don’t you know how corrupt your government is?”

And so on!

There is more, much more, and the Mexican government would have to publish a handbook with hundreds of examples of the Ugly American Syndrome to be fair to the visiting or expatriating American. Perhaps they could use Rick Steves’ Europe Archives: Ugly American Sightings as a template for their handbook for Ugly Americans!

Check it out at: http://www.newsletterjournal.com

Doug Bower is a freelance writer and book author. His most recent writing credits include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Houston Chronicle, and The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Transitions Abroad. He lives with his wife in Guanajuato, Mexico. His new book, Mexican Living: Blogging it from a Third World Country, can be seen at http://www.newsletterjournal.com

Eerily, times of a rich, historical past parallel today’s society. The familiarity to modern civilization is uncanny. In the biblical tale of the tower of Babel, men came together with one language and one common goal: the desire to control the land and all that lay beneath the tower. Making the impossible – possible to Human nature.

The construction of the tower of Babel tells a story of man and its amorous lust for greed and power. To build such a massive structure that led directly to the heavens, what a marvel it must have been. Though the tale is simple, its meaning is vast. Herein lies the virtue of society itself. With the industrialized world at its peak and infinite computerized technological advances, we have reached the brink of Babel. In this day and age, mankind has the means to communicate to the far outreaches of all the earth. With mere strokes upon a keyboard, we can speak with persons of different languages, cultures, race, religion and region. There are no boundaries to the human initiative.

What began as an oversized “brain” made of wires, metal and countless conductor boards, has evolved into the modern PC. We have at last designed the perfect mechanism to do our bidding. It thinks for us, supplies and stores information, and now with more and more technology, we can even speak to other peoples by means of a computer translator. The small screen that sits atop our office counters, our workbenches and our personal desks at home has become the brainchild of society’s modernization, and has revolutionized the way we do and encounter most things.

Although it is just a machine, it has served a wonderful purpose. Through the use of computer equipment, time is no longer a challenge. Messages, tests and reports can come back to us in a matter of seconds. Physicians, technologists, mechanics, archeologists, biologists, and so many other career paths have endless uses for this manmade tool. It has rewarded us richly with its knowledge, as we have enriched it with ours.

But, the question still remains: At what point does the tower of Babel (figuratively speaking) collapse? When has humankind reached its boundaries and at what interval will all be lost because of modern technology? The world is our oyster – but what we must never forget is that the pearl of an oyster is created by disease. Just a thought to ponder.

© 06/2003

C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. LadyCamelot
Public Relations’ Director & Staff Writer for Holistic Junction – Your Source for information on Healing Arts Schools

Ten years ago, when I started teaching classes at the local university, I was typically ten years younger than the majority of the students. Now, I am at least ten years older than the majority of the students – and many of my students are in their early to mid-twenties. This diversity in the generations is not without challenge. I cannot expect to teach all of the students in the same way. I have to be flexible and open to new ways of getting my message across. The same is true anywhere you have a blend of the generations. All bring a unique perspective and different ways of relating to their environment.

All of my students at the university must present a report on the challenges and benefits of working with the generations. Most of the students believe that their generation is the best. It is human nature to believe that the generation we are part of is the best. The truth is – they all add value. The trick is to be open to the new ideas and changes that each generation brings.

The four generations: The Matures – born prior to 1946; the Baby Boomers – born between 1946 through 1964; Generation X – born between 1965 through 1980, and the Millennials – born 1981 through 1994, all bring with them different perspectives on life and work. The Matures are dedicated to a job once they take it, the Boomers live to work, Generation X work to live, and the Millennials live in the moment. All have great ideas to bring to the workforce and all can benefit the organization, but we have to learn to value the differences and not get caught up in thinking our generation’s way is the best way.

I believe the biggest problem with working with the generations is understanding them. It is easy to stereotype a generation if you haven’t taken the time to learn about them. The more you know about a generation, the more you can appreciate them and value their contribution. Reading about the various generations is a great start. The best research of all, though, is to talk to people of various generations, ask questions, and listen.

Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, PhD, is a Certified Master Coach specializing in working with business owners and professionals in being more profitable and productive while staying sane and balanced. Coach Lee is the publisher of the award winning e-zine, 365 Days of Coaching. Her first book, 365 Days of Coaching ? Because Life Happens Every Day (Universal Publisher, 2004) was named a finalist for Best Book 2004 by Publish.com and has a five star rating on Amazon.com. Visit Coach Lee at her websites http://www.newsletterjournal.com and http://www.newsletterjournal.com

True Direction, Inc. Copyright
>>>This article along with byline attached may be freely republished

Druidic University:

Long before there was a Rome or Eternal City there was a Druidic University near Rennes-le-Chateau. Just as we saw Oxford University was built at the same location the Pheryllts (Druidic Alchemists like the Cabiri discussed by Lewis Spence) had a university you will find many locations sacred to the Kelts are usurped by Rome/Bruttii. Chartrés is one of the most intriguing of these sites. Rome made it a custom to build on the old cultures roads and churches or other sacred sites starting with Constantine and Heliopolis. I highly recommend Fulcanelli’s Les Mysteres des Cathedrales if you can find it and if you are able to intuit code. Here is a little wisdom from a man who mentions Fulcanelli. The language of the region Saunière grew up in is in fact ‘of Occamy’ or Alchemy. It is Langue D’Oc (camy) or Languedoc. In fact the whole region is sometimes called by this name. When he mentions the Language of the Birds he is addressing the Bardic Troubadours of the Hibernian system. It is BRD and my last name.

Vincent Bridges is on the right track as he knows the Green Languages and the Language of the Birds which was originally BRD in vowel less script and symbols that became language or alphabets. Thomas Carlyle and his Cant is there too. Here is what Mr. Bridges says which ties Jesus into the forum of adept Hibernians or Gaedhils.

"It was also the “green language” of the Freemasons (‘All the Initiates expressed themselves in cant,’ Fulcanelli reminds us) who built the art gothique of the cathedrals. Ultimately the “art cot,” or the “art of light,” is derived from the Language of the Birds, which seems to be a sort of Ur-language taught by both Jesus and the ancients. It is also mentioned in the Sufi text, entitled “The Conference of the Birds,” by Attar the Chemist. In de Tassey’s French translation of this work, which Fulcanelli references, the “conference” of the title is translated as “language.” De Tassey goes on to explain the complex linguistic metaphor beneath the simple fable. Fulcanelli uses the same method to decode the alchemical meaning of the cathedrals." (3)

The Sufi were allied with the Cathars and those Sufis who escaped the Crusade which the ‘Hounds of hell’ perpetrated upon them went to join the Bogomils in the Balkans where problems still continue and a Library/Museum was recently targeted by the US bombers. This library held their sacred books.

TARTESSUS/TARSHIS:

Author of Diverse Druids

King George III came to the throne in 1760 and was determined to recover the power lost to the ministerial council by the first two Georges by systematically weakening the Whig party through bribery, coercion and patronage. Prime Minister, William Pitt the Elder was toppled by Whigs in 1763 after the signing of the Peace of Paris, and men of ordinary aptitude were then hand-picked by George as Cabinet members to become little more than yes-men. Bouts with madness and the handling of the American Revolution eroded his support and the power of the Crown was granted again to the Prime Minister.

In 1763 The Peace of Paris brought an end to the Seven Years’ War with France and Great Britain emerged from the conflict as the world’s greatest colonial power. England thrived but King George III’s ongoing commitment to taxing the American colonies to pay for military protection led to conflict in 1775. The colonists declared their independence from England in 1776, but George stubbornly continued with the war until the final American victory at Yorktown in 1781. The signing of The Peace of Versailles in 1783 ensured British recognition of the United States of America. The stress of these events took their toll on George: his sanity was stretched to the breaking point and his political power decreased when William Pitt the Younger became Prime Minister in 1783. George clawed back some of his powers, driving Pitt from office during the years 1801 to 1804, but his condition worsened and he ceased to rule in 1811.

Ten years after the ending of war with France, England joined a continental coalition against French revolutionary forces who sought total French supremacy throughout Europe. By 1797, most of Europe was under French control, with England going at it alone against the oppressive French Republic. The British Navy again proved its worth by defeating French forces at Camperdown, Cape St. Vincent and the Battle of the Nile in 1797, and finally at Copenhagen in 1801. France sued for peace in 1802.

Napoleon Bonaparte came to power and in 1803 renewed attacks against England, which lasted until 1814. Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, led the army whilst Lord Horatio Nelson, who won the decisive battle off Cape Trafalgar, commanded the British navy. In addition to the war with France, England was also at war again with the United States during the period 1812-14, over the British practice of conscripting American seamen into service in the British Navy.

In 1814, both wars came to an end; Napoleon was defeated and England agreed not to press into service anymore-American sailors.

George’s madness ultimately left the fate of the crown in the hands of his eldest son George, Prince Regent. Prince George was put in the unenviable position of attempting to govern according to the increasingly erratic behaviour of his father.

King George III died blind, deaf and mad at Windsor Castle on January 29, 1820.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about King George III.

In my next article will learn about the life of King Ludwig II Unitl then,

Best wishes and have a great day

Stuart Bazga

Guide to Castles of Europe

A Guide to Castles of Europe was born from childhood dreams and aspirations. It is my hope to educate and stimulate you into exploring these castles for yourselves.

Let’s imagine that a girl named Ellen goes to an astrologer, who, after studying Ellen’s natal chart in relation to this month’s planetary positions, tells her that next weekend she will meet a fine young man with whom she will begin a relationship. And that’s exactly what happens. Ellen exclaims to Sue, a friend of hers: “It’s magic! Everything happened just like my astrologer predicted!” Sue, impressed by this, makes an appointment with the same astrologer. In her session, she is told that yes, she will indeed find that job she’s been looking for, and will have it by May. Sue, delighted, goes home and waits for a response from the company to which she had applied, yet May comes and goes, and she doesn’t receive a call from them. “What a fool I was!”, she remarks when she sees Ellen, “I should have known: astrology is nonsense!”

Which one of the two girls is correct in her opinion? One might say that they both are, since after all, astrology seems to have “worked” for Ellen, yet not for Sue. Yet I think it would be more correct to say, on the contrary, that neither girl was correct in her conclusion, since in each case, that conclusion was based on the acceptance of a faulty idea of astrology, that idea being one which many people, both “believers” as well as “sceptics” share: namely, that astrology indeed purports to be able to reliably predict what will happen in the future.

At this point, many readers, both the believers and the sceptics, will be disagreeing with me: “Well, astrology DOES INDEED claim to predict the future, doesn’t it?”, you may say. And you are right in a way: many astrologers do say that they can tell you what is awaiting you in the future. This is a claim which no “true believer” would ever dispute, and one that no self-respecting sceptic would fail to criticize, or even ridicule. Opinions on the subject thus would seem to be hopelessly polarized. The solution lies in distinguishing what many astrologers CLAIM from that which in fact astrology can really DO.

More than twenty-five years of experience as an astrologer has convinced me that

• astrology cannot make precise predictions about your future
• astrology can indeed reveal the tendencies of your future

And what is the difference? Well, if an astrologer tells you that next Tuesday you will be walking down the street, and will accidently trip and fall, breaking your left wrist as it cracks against a fire hydrant, that would be a pretty precise prediction, wouldn’t it? But no astrologer I’ve ever known makes predictions of such a nature. More likely, an astrologer would say: “There is danger of an accident next Tuesday; try to be more careful than usual!” This is not a precise prediction, but a statement, based on astrological techniques, about an increased probability of a certain type of event occurring. This is the real strength of astrology: not to tell you what is going to happen (since that is beyond its capabilities), but to inform you about the probabilities of certain types of events happening.

Those of you who may be seeking to know just what’s going to happen in the future might be disappointed by that last sentence, though you shouldn’t be. After all, if the future were totally predetermined, and if it were possible to predict future events exactly, what would be the point? If something unpleasant were predicted for you, you’d have to be living in constant dread, and if a positive event were foretold, you might just sit back smugly and wait for it to happen, and would thus be robbed of that sudden, wonderful sense of amazement that you would have felt if you hadn’t known it was going to happen!

The true value of predictive astrology is to show you the probabilities so that you may take full advantage of the fortunate times in order to fully prosper, and take special care during the more unfortunate periods, and thus have a better chance of avoiding mishaps, overcoming negative thoughts, making the best out of unpleasant situations, etc.

Using astrology to find out when to expect the “ups and downs” of life will not only give you concrete advantages in many situations, but above all, it can help you achieve a greater understanding of the intimate relationship which exists between our lives and the cosmic forces which are continually shaping them.

About The Author

David Bolton, astrologer, harpsichordist and language teacher, is co-creator of “Omnicycles” astrology software, that creates personal graphs showing the future trends for many areas of your life. Get your free demo at: http://www.newsletterjournal.com

omnicycles@omnicycles.com

In 1858, at the age of thirteen, Ludwig was introduced to Wagner’s opera – Lohengrin, the story of which centres around the heroic medieval Swan-knight Lohengrin, by his governess. The young Ludwig instantly fell in love with its concept and it was the begining of a life long love with all of Wagner’s works. It was not long before he was acquiring and reading every book written by Wagner. On February 2nd, 1861, Ludwig attended his first Wagner opera – Lohengrin, the Knight of the Swan which left a lasting impression on the young Prince.

In March of 1864, his father died at the age of 53 and Ludwig, at the age of eighteen, became King Ludwig II. With in days of coming to the throne a young and impressionable King ordered his officials to seek out Wagner and bring him back to Munich, taking it upon himself to become Wagner’s patron. He settled his debts, and set him up comfortably in an Italianate-style villa.

Munich society began to grow weary of Wagner’s arrogance and were also increasingly jealous of his hold over their young King. Eighteen months after his arrival, Wagner left Munich for Switzerland and Ludwig fled to Hohenschwangau. The one person that brought joy into his life had been taken from him.

In 1866 war broke out between Austria and Prussia in what became known as the Seven Weeks War. Because of her strong links with Austria, Bavaria was drawn into the conflict on the Austrian side. In a secret treaty King Ludwig II placed the Bavarian army at the disposal of the Prussian General Staff.

Ludwig was to marry in August of 1867 but he was unhappy with the relationship so changed the date to October 12th, which incidentally was the date that both his grandfather and father married. Ludwig was very unsettled at the prospect of marrying and as such voiced his apprehension to his Court Secretary, confessing that he would rather drown himself than marry. He wrote to Wagner “Oh, if only I could be carried on a magic carpet to you . . . at dear, peaceful Tribschen (Lucerne, Switzerland.) – Even for an hour or two.

In November, King Ludwig II broke of his engagement fleeing to his beloved Alps. He wrote to Wagner from Hohenschwangau on 21 November, 1867; “I write these lines sitting in my cosy gothic bow-window, by the light of my lonely lamp, while outside the blizzard rages. It is so peaceful here; this silence is stimulating, whereas in the clamour of the world I feel absolutely miserable. “Thank God I am alone at last. My mother is far away, as is my former bride, who would have made me unspeakably unhappy. Before me stands a bust of the one, true Friend whom I shall love until death. . . If only I had the opportunity to die for you.”

It was at this point that Ludwig began to plan and build his castles. The task of being king was becoming a heavy burden. He had at the age of only 20, sent thousands of his countrymen to fight in the Seven Weeks War. Two years after his failed romance, Ludwig again had to send his countries men into battle. This time it was against the French in what became the Franco-Prussian War. From then on Ludwig withdrew into himself and into a world of make-believe. The plans for both Neuschwanstein and Linderhof originated from this time in his life (1869).

Ludwig was a changed person. He went from a slender youth to a huge man in just a few years, spending all his time in the mountains at Hohenschwangau and Linderhof as well as his small mock-Gothic castle at Berg, beside Lake Starnberg. He refused any contact with his ministerial staff and sought only the companionship of the mountain people. The only time King Ludwig II ventured out of the mountains and into Munich was at the annual investiture and banquet given in the Residenz for the Knights of the Order of St. George, Bavaria’s highest Order of Chivalry which Ludwig was the Grand Master.

Shortly after Prussia’s victory in the Franco-Prussian War, Bismark sought Ludwig’s approval for Bavaria to enter a unified German Empire with Prussia as leader. After several days, Ludwig succumbed and wrote a letter inviting Wilhelm II to become Emperor of a united Germany. King Ludwig II handed over his beloved Bavaria, becoming a lonely figurehead in a constitutional monarchy. Life had dealt Ludwig blow after blow and it was these events that were the root of his seclusion and alleged "madness". With his world falling apart around him King Ludwig II withdrew from it into a world of his own making.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about King Ludwig II.

In my next article will learn about the life of Queen Mary I of England or as she was nicknamed “Bloody Mary”.

Until then,

Best wishes and have a great day

Stuart Bazga

A Guide to Castles of Europe

A Guide to Castles of Europe was born from childhood dreams and aspirations. It is my hope to educate and stimulate you into exploring these castles for yourselves.