Podcasts about Sanskrit

Beyond Ayahuasca: The Ancient Tree Medicine and Tobacco Tradition That Predates Modern Plant Healing with Jordan Mockingbird. Sacred Tobacco, Master Trees and the Forgotten Path of Human Awakening. The Old Way Is Returning: Ancient Tree Medicine for Modern Healing. Ancient Tree Medicine, Sacred Tobacco & The Old Way with Jordan Mockingbird What if trees could help us remember something humanity has forgotten? In this fascinating episode of Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, I'm joined by Jordan Mockingbird, a teacher of the Medicine Path and devoted practitioner of the shamanic healing arts, for a profound exploration of master tree diets, sacred tobacco, ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, embodiment, and the ancient relationship between humans and the natural world. Jordan's spiritual journey began with a decade of Gnostic studies in Asia. After experiencing severe illness, he left his career as a producer and committed himself to a path of personal transformation through shamanic plant study, trees, breathwork, fasting, and traditional medicine practices. His work with Amazonian plant dieting traditions radically transformed his life, vision, health, and sense of purpose. Jordan studied under Cocama elder William Llerena Murayari and spent seven years in mentorship with Apache elder Iron Eagle Joe, through whom he received the name Mockingbird and the blessing to teach through ceremony. One of the central subjects of our conversation is the ancient practice of master tree dieting.Jordan explains how these traditional practices involve periods of fasting, solitude, dietary restriction, silence, breathwork, and communion with a particular "teacher tree." Participants work with the bark tea of the tree while entering a deeply focused and embodied state. Rather than approaching plant medicine solely through psychedelic experiences, Jordan describes the master tree diet as a slow, grounded, somatic process in which dreams, body wisdom, emotional awareness, and subtle perception can become important avenues of learning. The practice is described as both medicine for the body, mind and spirit and a kind of "nature's mystery school. #free #podcast #astrology Subscribe to YouTube channel:  @jilljardine2186 to hear more astrological updates! https://bleav.com/shows/cosmic-scene-with-jill-jardine/ for audio versions. Across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and major podcast outlets such as Apple and Spotify, the buzz is on August 2026 eclipses and astrology. The episode explores the relationship between master tree diets and ayahuasca traditions in the Amazon. Jordan shares his perspective that tree dieting traditions represent an older layer of Amazonian plant medicine practice and describes how he encountered these traditions while working with ayahuasca and master trees in the Amazon. We discuss the difference between seeking a powerful altered-state experience and undertaking a longer process of embodiment, integration, discipline, and transformation. Another major theme is sacred tobacco medicine.Jordan explains the traditional understanding of tobacco as a bridge, emissary, or voice to the Creator, and discusses how tobacco is used within his work through intention, prayer, song, ceremony, and dietary practice. We explore tobacco not from the perspective of commercial tobacco use, but through Jordan's description of its ceremonial and traditional role within the Medicine Path. He describes tobacco as a teacher and ally and discusses how it can be incorporated into work with the trees and the different layers of embodied experience. At the heart of Jordan's philosophy is what he calls "The Old Way"—a remembrance of ancestral power and our innate spirituality as human beings. We talk about what it means to reconnect with nature, ancestral knowledge, the body, Earth consciousness, and traditional healing practices in a modern Western world. Jordan describes the Medicine Path as a process of shedding false identities, slowing down, becoming more regulated and embodied, and reconnecting with a deeper sense of soul purpose and personal transformation. Jordan emphasizes somatic knowing, body awareness, breath, fasting, dreams, emotionality, and physical experience as pathways into deeper awareness. We discuss how spiritual awakening can be grounded in the body rather than existing solely as an altered state of consciousness. Working With Trees in the Northern Hemisphere Jordan's work has expanded beyond the Amazon. He now works extensively with Northern Hemisphere trees, including oak and birch, and facilitates master tree diet experiences in different parts of the world. We discuss his upcoming Ojai Master Tree Diet, as well as his international work in England, Ireland, Australia, and other locations. His upcoming programs include: Integrated Tobacco Diet September 26–October 26, 2026 Sacred Tree Keepers Community 2027 Integrated Tobacco Diet February 19–May 21, 2027 Ojai Master Tree Diets May 27–June 4, 2027 This episode explores: What exactly is a Master Tree Diet? The ancient tradition of plant dieting Shamanic healing and the Medicine Path Amazonian plant medicine traditions The relationship between master tree diets and ayahuasca Sacred and ceremonial tobacco Tobacco as a spiritual bridge to the Creator Ancestral healing and ancestral wisdom Somatic awareness and embodied spirituality Dreams as a pathway of plant intelligence Breathwork, fasting and solitude Nature as a teacher and "mystery school" The concept of The Old Way Spiritual awakening through embodiment Shedding outdated identities and reconnecting with soul purpose Indigenous and ancestral approaches to healing Working with oak, birch and other teacher trees Bringing traditional practices into the modern Western world The importance of discipline, discomfort and integration on a spiritual path Sacred ceremony and the relationship between humans and the natural world Jordan Mockingbird is an artist, teacher, medicine practitioner and devoted student of the Medicine Path. His work centers on shamanic healing, plant medicine, master tree diets, sacred tobacco, breathwork, fasting, ancestral wisdom, embodiment and spiritual transformation. His passion is helping human beings "wake up The Old Way"—remembering our ancestral relationship with nature, the body and the deeper spiritual dimensions of human existence. Jordan describes himself as an eternal novice, continually learning, exploring and walking the path. Connect With Jordan: Learn more about Jordan's Sacred Tree Keepers community, master tree diets, integrated tobacco diets, courses and upcoming gatherings through his website: www.sacredtreekeepers.com Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine explores astrology, spirituality, consciousness, healing, metaphysics, sacred traditions and the evolving human experience. Hosted by Jill Jardine, professional astrologer, psychic, healer, hypnotherapist, Sanskrit mantra teacher and author of Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind, Cosmic Scene brings together fascinating guests and explores the deeper connections between astrology, spirituality, consciousness, energy, ancient wisdom and personal transformation. If you enjoy conversations about spiritual awakening, shamanism, plant medicine, ancestral healing, consciousness, sacred traditions, energy healing and the mysteries of human transformation, subscribe to Cosmic Scene and join the conversation. #ShamanicHealing #PlantMedicine #MasterTreeDiet #SacredTobacco #AncestralHealing #SpiritualAwakening #Shamanism #PlantMedicineJourney #AncientWisdom #AncestralWisdom #EmbodiedSpirituality #SomaticHealing #SpiritualTransformation #MedicinePath #TreeMedicine #NatureMedicine #Ayahuasca #Consciousness #Spirituality Get Jill's Book at www.jilljardine.com Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration. Discover how ancient Sanskrit mantras can help raise your frequency, deepen your spiritual practice, and support manifestation, healing, and inner peace. Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist: www.jilljardine.com ️ Subscribe to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine on YouTube @jilljardine2186 for monthly astrology forecasts, zodiac predictions, spiritual guidance, Sanskrit mantra teachings, and intuitive insights to help you navigate the cosmic energies with confidence. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A special interview with Dr. Ross Bender, who recently finished his translation of the Shoku Nihongi, including a capstone work on the court of the 8th century.  We cover his work, from his training with some of the greatest names in Japanese historical circles to his dissertation on the Hachiman cult and the Dokyo Incident, and then to his most recent work publishing translations of the various senmyo, the edicts, as well as the entirety of the Shoku Nihongi.  Throughout the discussion we touch on many different  topics, and for notes on everything, please check out our blogpost page:  https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/bender-interview   Rough Transcript: JOSHUA: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyō's Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is a special episode I'd like to share with you an interview I had with Doctor Ross Bender, translator of the shogunate. Now, some of you may know Doctor Bender from his work translating the Shoku Nihongi, the official history of the Japanese court compiled in 797 and covering from the end of the Nihon Shoki in 697 through the entirety of the Fujiwara capital and Nara periods ending at the 10th year of the reign of Kanmu Tennō in 791. Not only has he translated the historical chronicles, but he has a series of books on the senmyō, the edicts, as well as more about that period, including institutional life more generally. And we cannot forget the paper that started at all, the Hachiman cult and the Dōkyō incident. We'll have links to all of this and more over on the episode blog post page. Now, in this interview, we cover the Shoku Nihongi and Dr. Bender's academic journey. Throughout that journey, he has had the chance to converse and study with some of the big names in Japanese historical circles, such as Donald Keene, Alexander Vovin, G. Cameron "Cappy" Hurst, and more. It was absolutely a pleasure to be able to talk with him about his career, his work, and about the Shoku Nihongi and this period more generally, and I really hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. So without further ado, I give you Sengoku Daimyo's interview of Dr. Ross Bender.    Dr. Bender, thank you very much for joining me for this. Dr. Bender has done some absolutely wonderful work, in particular with translating the Shoku Nihongi, which is going to be very key to some of the stuff we're going to be looking at here in the coming years. I want to thank you, first of all, for all of your efforts and welcome you to Sengoku Daimyo's Podcast, here; our little Chronicles of Japan.    DR. ROSS BENDER: Thank you. Happy to be here.    J: So your translation of the Shoku Nihongi: how did you come about deciding to do that? What was it that pulled you into the translation?    R: Well, it's a long story, but it does go back to my time in graduate school at Columbia in the 70s. In 1974, I finished my Master's thesis, which was "The Hachiman Cult and the Dōkyō Incident". I started grad school in 1971, and after a lot of intensive language training, became interested in Hachiman because, as you know, the common definition was that Hachiman was the Shinto god of war. Of course, at the time, the Vietnam War was raging. And so I became interested in, you know, what was this theology of a war God. And so I became rather obsessed with Hachiman, and, two things: In 74, I was in a seminar with Donald Keene on the Noh theater, and I found a play--a Hachiman play--called "Yumi Yawata". And I translated that and became interested in the way that Hachiman was portrayed in this Noh play. And then at the same time, I became interested in the Dōkyō incident and the Hachiman Oracle. So that was really my first encounter with Shoku Nihongi.    Two things I suppose really struck me. The first was that although the text is in classical Chinese or literary Sinitic, the senmyō and a few of the- there are a few poems are in the old Japanese script inscribed in Shoku Nihongi.    J: And the "senmyō": They are specifically the edicts.    R: They are the imperial edicts that are recorded in old Japanese.   And Motoori Norinaga, in the 18th century did an intensive study and interpretation, really, of them. And he came up with a canonical number of 62. There are some quibbles with that number, but that's the number. And so at the same time, I was discovering that some of the pioneers in the field had done work on these. So, for example, George Sansom in the 1920s had started to translate the senmyō, and he had also done work on the ritsuryo. And then in the 30s, JB Snellen had begun translation of the Shoku Nihongi, and he completed the years 697 to 715. So the reigns of Monmu and Genmei and-    J: I remember actually going through that translation. I think at one point I found it and was so enamored of like, oh, we have some of this, but then it then it stops.   R: Then it stops. And so both Sansom and Snellen are published in the Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan. And as I say, these were real pioneers, you know, digging into this stuff. And it was amusing because Snellen prefaced his work by saying that Shoku Nihongi is "dry as dust". And he further said that translating it was like "intellectual coolie labor". But his translation, you know, is still very useful and extraordinarily well documented, footnoted. And of course, I was able to use that, although it needed updating.    J: You mentioned that you had language training before going into this.    R: Well, I started at Columbia in fall of 71 with no Japanese at all. I had visited Japan and as a teenager in 67, but no language training. So they gave me an intensive full year of language study. So you had first year, second year, and third year all in the first calendar year. And then in the second year of study you started Bungo and further modern Japanese. And I have to say that I was very fortunate to be at Columbia at a time when some of the giants and pioneers of the field were there. So Ivan Morris had the first class in classical Japanese, and we did bits of Hōjōki and Heike Monogatari. And he told us that when we eventually went to Japan, we might find ourselves at a cocktail party, and we could be sure to amaze the hosts. And so he had us memorize the opening lines of both of those.    J: That's fascinating. So, so all about the Gion bells, and-    R: Yes. "Gion shōja no kane no koe...", and "Yuku kawa no nagare wa..." So I actually- I think there was one time I was at a party with, oddly enough, bunch of pediatricians from Kobe Children's Hospital, and I tried them out and with Hōjōki, and they couldn't get it. They said, oh, is that Hyakunin Isshu?    J: [laughing] R: So I was kind of pleased about that. But then everybody knew the "Heike".    J: Right.    R: Yeah. So actually my first class in ancient Japanese history was with Morris. He tragically died in 1976, so he had the Bungo introduction in the fall. And then Donald Keene came back from Japan and did it in the spring. And so he introduced us to a Noh play and "Oku no Hosomichi" and Shinkokinshu, I think. So the language training was just excellent. And then in the third year, Doctor Hakeda did Shingon Buddhism and classical Chinese and so forth. So yes, there was a lot of front-loading and intensive language study, but it was very pleasurable.   J: As you're studying about Dōkyō and the Dōkyō Incident and Hachiman, that then allowed you to access these sources and the senmyō, and all of that, correct?   R: Right. That was my first introduction to them. Both the "Yumi Yawata" and the "Hachiman and the Dōkyō Incident" were published in the late 70s in Monumenta Nipponica, and then in 1980, I finished my dissertation, which was the political meaning of the Hachiman cult in ancient and early medieval Japan.    J: I came across that as I was going through Ōjin Tennō's period. R: Yes, it was sort of a simplistic construction, but what I did basically was to posit three stages of the Hachiman cult. The first at Usa, which was the oracular stage, the second at Iwashimizu, which was where the Ōjin Tennō connection developed, and also the Hachiman Daibosatsu connection. And then the third stage, you know, identified with Tsurugaoka in Kamakura, which was the Minamoto- Where the martial aspect--the god of war--really developed.    J: And that is fascinating because, you know, you go to Hachiman shrines today and that's probably where people's minds will first go. But it is such a fascinating religious exercise of like Shinto, but also kind of Buddhist and kind of continental.    R: Yes. And I don't know what the statistics are today, but at least I think 35 or 40% of Shinto shrines have some connection with Hachiman. So it's yeah, it's a fascinating study all by itself.   J: So as you were doing this, you come across the Shoku Nihongi. Can you talk a little bit about where the Shoku Nihongi falls in all of this?    R: Yes. Well, the notable thing about both Nihongi and Kojiki is that they begin with the Age of the Gods, so that the first sections, the Shinwa, are the mythologies. Nihongi probably becomes historically accurate sometime in the late, I don't know, it's late six hundreds, but for the seven hundreds it's probably pretty much historically accurate. And of course, you know that John Bentley just recently did the first English translation since I think 1898 was going to ask, so that was long overdue. And that's a very useful publication. J: It's interesting to see the differences in some of the things he updates and the different take he has on it in terms of how to do some of the translating.    R: Yes. And he is a historical linguist. And so he has a very valuable exegesis and commentary. And then, of course, Matthieu Felt just published the first volume of his translation. It was Oxford Press. That just came out a few months ago. That's also a useful document. He actually has the text of the Nihon Shoki along with the translation. And so that's very useful. And I'm not sure when he's going to be publishing the second half, but that's something to watch for.    So the first one started with The Age of the gods. Now, Shoku Nihongi is the second of the Rikkokushi, or 'Six National Histories', and it, unlike the first two, is judged to be a very accurate historical chronicle. And it, of course, was presented to the Court of Kanmu in two recensions, 794 and 797, and takes the story up to 791, which I think was the 10th year of Kanmu's reign. That's where it fits. And then, of course, you have the rest of the Rikkokushi. The next one is Nihon Kōki, which I'm just starting to get into now. Then Shoku Nihon Kōki, Nihon Montoku Tennō Jitsuroku, and then Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku. So they take the story up to 887, and they become increasingly detailed, and the language becomes more intricate as time goes on. But that's where Shoku Nihongi sits in terms of the six national histories, and they're all court chronicles, compiled by court scholars and ordered by the emperors. And of course, the point of view is that of the central court.    J: Right. You're not getting Kyūshū's take on things.    R: No. Although, you know, Kyūshū is a fascinating place. A lot happens there. So of course you have the Dazaifu, the Kyūshū government headquarters, which is an important outpost, almost a mini capital by itself. J: The first several dazai sōchi, I think, all become Daijin. Like Sadaijin, Udaijin. They kind of come back and do that if they don't pass away in the meantime.    R: Yeah, it's an important post. People take that position and come back. But also what's interesting is that the Hayato people of southern Kyūshū begin to appear in the chronicles, and in the early years, there are some major Hayato rebellions, and that's a story all by itself. Those rebellions are, for the most part, put down. And then there's some sort of accommodation because Hayato people show up at court almost as envoys from, you know, the barbarian realm, and then some of them become guards. So they are assimilated more or less early on. And then, of course, there's the whole question of the Hayato and the Emishi and where did they come from? There are some theories that when the Yayoi people came in they mixed with the Jōmon people and assimilated. But some theories that the Hayato in the far southwest and the Emishi in the northeast were remnants of the old Jōmon. So that's, you know, it's a possibility, but it's certainly interesting. And unlike the Hayato, the Emishi, as you know, were constant problem for the Nara court. And all through Shoku Nihongi, but particularly from about oh 780 on, there were more and more intense periods of warfare. And these are described in great detail in Shoku Nihongi. Karl Friday and Wayne Farris back in the 90s, both did books on. I think Farris was the "Heavenly Warriors: History of the Samurai". And then Karl Friday also did a book on the samurai, but they paid a lot of attention to these Emishi wars, so that's well documented in English. J: Getting back to the Shoku Nihongi, which includes all of this, really, what were some of the biggest challenges you found?    R: Well, part of the story is that after I finished my dissertation, I went off and did a variety of things, this and that, and finally wound up at University of Pennsylvania teaching in the English Language Programs, which was the program to teach English to foreign students. At that time the majority of the students when I started were from Japan. So I actually ran a program for the Monbushō, and they would send over Japanese high school teachers of English for a summer session, and we would give them language classes, but also pedagogical training, how to teach English. And so that was my connection with Japan during that period. And so I really was away from my original interest until the early 2000s. I took early retirement and I visited my old advisor, Paul Varley. He had, of course, taught at Columbia, but then he had retired and moved to University of Hawaii. I visited him, he introduced me to Wayne Farris, who was also there at the time, and they both encouraged me to get back, get back to work. So that was sort of the impetus. I have to give them credit for that. So I found myself in Kobe for several months in 2006, and that was when I decided I was interested in the senmyō. So my first thought, my first ambition was to translate the senmyō. As you know, in the late 80s and 90s, the immense five volume Iwanami collated and critical edition had come out, the one edited by Aoki Kazuo and his team. That was still a magnificent piece of work, you know, with I'm sure you've seen it with all of the head notes and footnotes, and on one page there's the kanbun and on on the facing page is the yomi-kudashi, and, you know, more than you could ever hope to know. But also at that time there were three modern Japanese translations, so that was very useful. It was a good time to be starting into this, so I went to a secondhand bookstore in Kobe and got myself the books, and that started, I guess, what's turned out to be a 20 year project.    J: 2006 to 2026.   R: Right.    J: And it looks like you're doing most of this through self-publishing. Is that correct?    R: Yes. I discovered early on that what's now called Kindle Direct--it used to be called Create Space--through Amazon was a very useful piece of software. In fact, I first published several volumes of poetry in 2012, and that was my introduction to using this platform. And I've been very pleased with it, because I don't have to wait years and years to try to find an academic publisher. And actually they pay royalties through Amazon, so... J: That's not bad.    R: Yeah, that's worked out well for me. So I never had a chance to have an academic position teaching Japanese studies. Although when I was at Penn, my friend Cappy Hurst--Cameron Hurst--was the chairman of the department and he had been a student also of Varley's at Columbia, although before my time. And he invited me to give some lectures in his class on Japanese history. So another thing was that my classical Chinese needed an upgrade. Fortunately, at Penn, Victor Mair was teaching a year long course in classical Chinese, and so I sat through that and he was extremely, extremely helpful. Then one other thing was that I also got to know Alexander Vovin, who at the time was at Hawaii, and he, of course, is *the*- was *the* authority on old Japanese. And, you know, his Man'yōshu translations and, and commentary are just really helpful. So he gave me some good advice. So I had good teachers all the way through. And, you know, I'm always very grateful for that.    J: You mentioned classical Chinese. I'm curious how much of it is a standard classical Chinese, or is it kind of their own thing in the archipelago? I'm curious what the language is like in the Shoku Nihongi.    R: Okay, so of course, at that time, the eighth century was sort of the apogee of the Tang dynasty, and at least from what Victor Mair told me. And he was very helpful in beginning this translation. And he would look at some of my stuff. And according to him, it was pretty much like the Tang dynasty Chinese. I think that's called Early- I forget- Early Middle Chinese. So at least for the eighth century, that seemed to be the case. And, you know, you have records in the Shoku Nihongi of teachers who come from the mainland and lecture and teach the correct pronunciation and how to read. And then, of course, with the Buddhist monks, they're using the Chinese translations of some of the Sanskrit, and they have their own techniques for reading. So, yeah, the eighth century is a really dynamic time because the Japanese, at least at the elite level, are and with the help of the Koreans and that should be emphasized after the fall of Paekche there were a large number of refugees and high ranking aristocrats who came to Japan and helped them to learn to read and write Chinese. And then, of course, the Japanese started sending students to China and, you know, staying there for ten, twenty years. So, yeah, it was a very dynamic time. And then, of course, they were learning how to use Chinese characters to express old Japanese. And that's another story in itself, using the characters as semantograms, but also as phonograms. That's one of the things I found really fascinating about old Japanese, about the senmyō. J: And how does that compare to- I think we usually just refer to "Man'yōgana" as any of that. Is it very similar to what's going on in the Man'yōshu, or is once again, is there something else going on with the senmyō?    R: The standard edition of the senmyō I think notes that there are about 250 some--if I've got the number right--of phonograms used in the senmyō. There is a huge number used in the Man'yōshu; much greater. In fact, I think Vovin once said that it's not really known that you can't count. Although Bentley has a very excellent book, I think it's called an ABC Dictionary of Phonograms, like that. He has really scoured the landscape. So- But you could say that the phonograms in the senmyō are Man'yōgana, but that the set of Man'yōgana is far, far greater. J: Only 250 phonograms to have to worry about, as opposed to going through the Man'yōshu and seeing every once in a while a character and going, which pronunciation or what are they trying to represent here?    R: Yeah, yeah. So I mean, Man'yō studies, you know, or a whole realm in themselves and some of the, the emperors--I'm thinking of Genmei especially, or is it Gensho? I think it's Gensho. She has three poems in the Shoku NIhongi and they may be included in Man'yōshu. So there's some crossover. I was going to say that, of course, once you start reading these phonograms, you begin to see where the kana systems developed from, from Man'yōgana.    J: Right. So I think I've read that in Old Japonic, we think that there were more or at least different sounds than maybe we have today. R: Yes.    J: And so you see it represented in different ways. You'll see the same--what we would think of as the same character--represented differently, because to them it was different.    R: Yes. So there's still, as far as I know, no absolute standard for representing old Japanese. You'll see different scholars have their own takes on it, and Vovin, in his Man'yōshu translations, has his own very intricate system. Another good place to look that's freely available. The Oxford, I think it's called the Oxford Ninjal Corpus of Old Japanese Texts, is an ongoing project. It's actually been ongoing for many years, but you can go there. They have laid out all of the Man'yōshu poems with their  romanization system. I suspect that, you know, that's very prestigious and will eventually become a standard. But that's where you find all these things. Like is it "Himiko" or "Pimiko"?    J: Do you say "Kapa", "Kaha", or "Kawa"?    R: Yes. There you go.   J: [Laughter]    R: Right. Yeah.    J: I'm constantly wondering that myself.    R: Yeah. So you'll see different scholars have different ways of approaching it. But my opinion is that the Oxford, which is a very long standing and slow running project, will probably produce the standard.   J: In doing this translation, were there any favorite moments or items of particular interest that you found? R: So yes, actually my first go at the senmyō were the edicts of the lady we call Koken/Shotoku. Actually, I think almost half of the senmyō were produced during her reign. And so that was where I started. I think the first article I got around to writing in 2009 was for the journal Oral Tradition, and it was called Performative Loci of the Shoku Nihoingi Edict 749 to 770. And also because of my interest in Dōkyō my interest in her went way back. So 2015 I did the edicts. I called it the Edicts of the Last Empress, and it was a translation of all of the edicts from her reign. That year and the next year I did the four volumes I called them, Nara Japan 749 to 757, 758 to 763. So that period was, yeah, my first period of interest. And of course it went back to the Hachiman cult and the Dōkyō incident. I mean, you know, the stories about this wild empress I saw I saw an article that's just come out. I think it's a compilation of Women in Japanese Buddhism. And the title of the article by Emily Simpson is "The Depraved Empress". So that was one of the things that, early on, I decided was not accurate. That's a whole rabbit hole by itself. But according to Shoku Nihongi, there's no evidence, you know, of any illicit goings on between the two. But in Nihon Ryoiki, which appears in the early Heian period, not much later, you find the first really scurrilous story that about Dōkyō and the Empress. And then, as if you look at, for example, Donald Keene's "Seeds in the Heart," he has a long excerpt from a medieval tale. I forget which one that, you know, really rings the changes. And what fascinated me was that in there was a Playboy fable- I forget they were called. Some sort of fabulous stories. This one was done anonymously, but it was a very scurrilous, licentious story about Dōkyō and the Empress, and done anonymously. But it was later found to have been Bill LaFleur--William LaFleur--who taught at Penn and passed away unfortunately, some years ago.    J: So then in the Shoku Nihongi, it's just straight up politics, right? Just about Dōkyō's rise. And then it's just the political conflict going on rather than anything else?   R: Right. And it's a very intense period of political- So of course, the story was that when she was at the Hora capital, which was up near Otsu, it was a brief capital, and she was there and she was ill, and Dōkyō apparently at that time attended her as a physician. And that was the beginning of their relationship. So this would have been 760 or so. But the only phrase is that Dōkyō received the favor of the Empress, but it doesn't have a sexual connotation. It's used in other political settings also.    J: Yeah, I have to wonder how much they weren't looking back at Wu in the Chinese, which of course she also gets excoriated for stuff that is questionable. How much worse was it than anything that any of the men did? But she was a woman doing it.   R: Yes. Well, that's what happens to female rulers. You know, you have Catherine the Great in Russia. So. Yes. So that was initially my what really excited me. It was that period. And then I finished the "Edicts" translation. This was 2012. Bryan Lowe, who's a good friend at Princeton, he was finishing his doctorate and he had a workshop on Shosoin documents, and he invited Dr. Sakaehara Towao to present at the workshop. And he had been Bryan's advisor in Japan. So I was able to meet him and then talk to him and said, you know, I think I'd like to translate Shoku Nihongi. And he basically said, go for it. But I met him later that fall in Nara. He was at the Todaiji Museum, and so he encouraged me. A lot of people gave encouragement along the way. Yeah. So 20 years later, actually, I finished the translation 2025. And then this year in the spring, I did what I- is sort of considered the capstone, the volume: "The Japanese Imperial Institution in the Eighth Century." That's available as an e-book and also paperback and hardcover. And so there I have about a 75 page overview of the eighth century and then the introductions, not the translations, but the introductions to each of the emperors throughout the period. I'm very happy with that. And that sort of puts a cap on it. I should mention that that was in memory of Herschel Webb, another one of my great teachers at Columbia. He had done a book way back in 68 called "The Japanese Imperial Institution in the Tokugawa Era". And so this is sort of an homage to his memory.   J: And we very much thank you for it.  I remember when that came out, and we definitely snapped it up as soon as we saw it.    R: Well, great.    J: [Laughter]   R: Yeah. And you know, it's all available on Amazon. So let me let me make my plug.    J: Absolutely. Absolutely. You mentioned something about the Nihon Kōki. Are you are you serious about taking this project on and moving forward, or is that just kind of something you're toying with? R: Well, no, I'm actually I've actually made a start. That's an immense document. And what I'm interested in is finishing the reign of Emperor Kanmu. He dies in 806. And so Nihon Kōki begins in 792, and I'm currently up to 799. But I'm not putting as much energy into it. I do maybe an hour a day if I feel like it, but it's slow going. But there's some really fascinating stuff. So Wake no Kiyomaro died in 799, and they've inserted this immensely long biography of his life at this point, although it was obviously produced later and it's set apart. But that has details of his miraculous trip to the Usa shrine. And, you know, it's not clear if somebody cut his tendons, but he was lame and so he was on his way to Kyūshū, and suddenly a pack of wild boars appeared and sort of escorted him down to the shrine. It is just a really wonderful story. Then he has a vision of Hachiman, which is not part of the Shoku Nihongi tale. Yeah, I'm trucking along. My ambition is at least to finish the reign of Emperor Kanmu, and then we'll see what time there is beyond that.    J: So do you have any recommendations for current students of Japanese history? Those coming up? R: Actually, there are some young scholars. I was at the Association for Asian Studies meeting in Columbus, Ohio, which was, I guess, yeah, 2025. And for some reason there were a good number of presentations on eighth and ninth century. So there's a scholar by the name of Nadia Kanagawa. She finished a dissertation at USC on immigrants in the eighth century. Then Abigail McBain finished up at Columbia, and her dissertation was on specifically Tang Buddhist monks and interchange with Japan. Yeah, so there are some young scholars who are digging in to this. You know, I was just looking the other day at Wikipedia, which is a good start for anyone. I would say, you know, take it with a grain of salt. But if you want to know the names of the, you know, the famous emperors and the rebels, you know, Tachibana no Naramaro, and Fujiwara no Nakamaro. And just, just the other day I found this amazing thing called 'Grokipedia', which apparently is a new. But it's one of those AI things. Yeah, but it had the best summary of the Shoku Nihongi that I've seen. So with the AI revolution, goodness knows what's going to happen. But yeah, I find that it's possible to dip in and a lot of things are available. For example, the Rikkokushi text is online, it's been online, and it was first published by Asahi Shimbun way back when. But I used that and then that the Oxford project that I mentioned is online -- more and more it's becoming possible to access, you know, original documents. J: Yeah, combination of making them available online, better online translations.    R: Machine translation is going great guns. Yeah-   J: Yeah. Although I have to admit, it can get you a sense of what the classical Chinese is kind of saying sometimes, but the translation for some of the old stuff just it still has some work to do. I think it's better if you can translate the at least the modern Japanese translation, rather than sometimes going back into this. It's still tricky.    R: Yeah, well, it's I admit I'm getting old, but this this stuff is getting kind of frightening. This machine translation...   J: It is, yeah.    R: I feel like I'd be out of the job if I had a job.    J: Well, I think there's still a lot of questions to be asked on that. I don't think we need to get into a whole thing on AI right now, but I think there's some great benefits, obviously. And then, you know, I definitely know there's some concerns too, because every once in a while it can just hallucinate an answer. And you might be going through things that seem absolutely wonderful and then find something that you're like, wait a minute, I never knew that. [laughter]     R: And then it turns out not to be true.    J: Yeah, I don't know if you heard there was one, and I mean, this was a year ago, which already seems, in AI terms, ages and ages, but apparently it hallucinated entire papers and authors.    R: Yes, that's there was I don't know if you follow the PMJS list.    J: Oh yeah.    R: But I think there was a discussion and an example of that. So it's-  J. But the world is going to be different. J: Things are changing. And I think we will figure out how to use the tools that are useful will hopefully win out. And there's always going to be certain things. For instance, I remember early days, Wikipedia and still, you know, looking at Wikipedia sometimes for certain things around more popular subjects got to be a little more wary, though I have found the Japanese Wikipedia has been great when you're just trying to look for something and go, let me at least get what a common sense of this is so that I know the other things to go research. R: Well, I was going to say, just to sort of sum up, yeah, we're in a very dynamic time, but the eighth century was very similar because the new technologies were pouring in from the continent and the peninsula, and people were learning these new methods of reading and writing and orality to literacy.    J: So any last thoughts? I do appreciate all your time. But any last thoughts as we finish up here?    R: Not really, but I noticed that yesterday you came up with a long spiel on the UNESCO World Heritage site, and that's exciting. The Asuka region you seem to have links to photographs that took me back to wandering around that area. The Ishibutai, I remember, was something. So party on and keep up the good work. J: Thank you very much and thank you again. Thank you for your time today, and thank you for all the work that you've put into this. You have made these sources so much more accessible for people in English, and I think that is going to be critical as we move forward. I know for me this is a huge help. I was looking at Shoku Nihongi going, okay, I know we've got like the first so many years so I can get through that and then I'm really going to have to up my game. Then I saw all the work that you'd been doing and it was like a big load felt lifted off of my back. Now I can, you know, take a look. But at least with the idea that someone more experience than I has already done some of the really hard labor. I really want to say thank you for all of that.    R: Yeah, you're very welcome.    J: And once again, I would like to say thank you to Doctor Bender and thank all of you for listening. If you think that this is something you would like to see more of, please let us know. We'll see what we can do. Perhaps we can make it the start of a new interview series. In the meantime, next episodes we get back to our regularly scheduled program. And as always, if you like what we are doing, please tell your friends and feel free to rate us wherever you listen to podcasts. If you feel the need to do more and want to help us keep this thing going, we do have information about how you can donate on Patreon, where we have early and add free episodes for you to listen to. You can also donate through our Ko-Fi or BuyMeACoffee Sites. Just look up SengokuDaimyo for all of that. You can also find the links over to our main website, SengokuDaimyo.com, where we will also have more discussion on topics from this episode. Finally, feel free to reach out to our Sengoku Daimyo Facebook page. You can also email us at the.Sengoku.Daimyo@gmail.com. Thank you also to Ellen for their work editing the podcast. And that's all for now. Thank you again and I'll see you next episode on Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan

The practice of history in premodern Java was profoundly influenced by precarious conditions of textual production and preservation: fragile manuscripts perished in the tropical environment, archival records were scattered far afield, and historical memories faded over many generations. InThe Precarious Past in Premodern Java, Wayan Jarrah Sastrawan examines how Javanese societies between the fifth and fifteenth centuries CE responded with distinctive strategies to record and transmit knowledge of the past. Drawing on sources in Javanese, Sanskrit, Malay, and related languages from the Indonesian archipelago, Sastrawan provides a detailed account of diverse forms of history making in premodern Java, reconstructing a dynamic culture in which written and nonwritten modes of transmission coexisted and intersected. By situating these practices within broader discussions of global historiography, this book challenges modern assumptions about what counts as “history” and illuminates how societies have developed different ways of preserving and remembering the past. A free ebook version of this title is available through Luminos, University of California Press's Open Access publishing program. Visit here to learn more. Dr Wayan Jarrah Sastrawan is a historian, lecturer and DECRA research fellow at the Australian National University, Canberra. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gaṇeśa's name doesn't mean “remover of obstacles” — that title came later. Gaṇa + īśa: lord of the many. The samelittle word gave India gaṇita (mathematics), the ancient gaṇa-saṅgha assemblies, and gaṇatantra — the modern word for republic, honored every Gaṇatantra Divas. On the one day that is both Ganesh Chaturthi and Hindi Diwas, a scholar's quick decode of the word that runs from the Veda to the Constitution.#GaneshChaturthi #GaneshChaturthi2026#GanpatiBappaMorya #Ganesha #HindiDiwas #Sanskrit #Ganeshotsav #Ganpati#IndianKnowledgeSystems #Etymology #Rigveda #DiscoverIndiaDecoded

The biggest film franchise on earth carries a Sanskrit name, and its director himself said so back in 2007, calling it an incarnation of one of the Hindu gods taking flesh. Notice the vocabulary: incarnation, flesh. That is Christian language, borrowed because English had nothing closer. But avatāra never meant a picture, or a face, or a blue alien. It breaks into ava, "down," and the root tṝ, "to cross over" — a crossing down, a descent. The same root gives tīrtha, a ford in a river and so a place of pilgrimage, and Tīrthaṅkara, the Jain title for one who makes the crossing possible. Its cousins reach as far as Latin trans, hiding inside transit and translate. Three lives of one word: the divine crossing down, a man crossing into a body built for another world, and you, every day, crossing into a screen. A scholar's quick decode. (Box-office rankings here are the standard unadjusted count.)#Avatar #Tirthankar #Tirtha

September 2026 Horoscope: What Your Zodiac Sign Needs to know!  Love, Money and Major Changes Discover how to navigate love, career, finances, spiritual growth, and personal transformation with your personalized September horoscope.September 2026 is a month of major transformation, personal reinvention, relationship revelations and new beginnings. In this September 2026 horoscope and zodiac forecast, Professional Astrologer,  Jill Jardine ,takes you sign-by-sign through the most important astrology influences affecting Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. #free #podcast #astrology Subscribe to YouTube channel:  @jilljardine2186 to hear more astrological updates! https://bleav.com/shows/cosmic-scene-with-jill-jardine/ for audio versions. Across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and major podcast outlets such as Apple and Spotify, the buzz is on August 2026 eclipses and astrology. From the Virgo New Moon and Aries Full Moon to Uranus retrograde in Gemini, Jupiter in Leo, Saturn and Neptune in Aries, Pluto in Aquarius, Venus in Scorpio and Mars entering Leo, September brings powerful opportunities to release an outdated identity and step into a new version of yourself. Whether you're interested in love, money, career, relationships, manifestation, spiritual growth or major life changes, discover what September 2026 has in store for your zodiac sign—and why knowing your Rising Sign can make your forecast even more precise. Zodiac Sign Forecast and Lucky Days! September 2026! How will you be impacted by September's astrology including the Virgo New Moon (9/10), Uranus retrograde (9/10), Aries Full Moon (9/26), and the luckiest days for all 12 zodiac sign?. Discover how to navigate love, career, finances, spiritual growth, and personal transformation with your personalized September horoscope. Aries: The September 26 Aries Full Moon makes this a major personal turning point. Saturn, Neptune and Chiron emphasize identity, healing and the creation of a new version of yourself, while Jupiter in Leo supports creativity, romance and self-expression. Lucky Days: September 26–27 TAURUS — The Virgo New Moon activates creativity, romance and joy, while Uranus in Gemini shakes up your relationship with money, security and resources. Saturn and Neptune encourage deep spiritual healing and release, while Venus in Scorpio intensifies partnerships and intimacy. Lucky Days: September 1–2, 28–29 GEMINI — Uranus is traveling through Gemini and turns retrograde on September 10, placing Gemini at the center of one of the major evolutionary stories of 2026. Your identity, communication style, lifestyle and future direction are undergoing significant change. Jupiter in Leo expands communication, teaching, writing, media and networking. Lucky Days: September 3–4, 30 CANCER — Jupiter in Leo expands money, income and self-worth, while Saturn and Neptune in Aries bring a major restructuring of career and public identity. The Virgo New Moon favors communication, writing, teaching and important conversations. Lucky Days: September 5–6 LEO — Jupiter continues its powerful journey through Leo, beginning a major 12-year expansion cycle. The August Leo eclipse may have initiated something significant, while September asks you to embody your new direction. Mars enters Leo September 27, bringing another surge of confidence, courage, creativity and momentum. Lucky Days: September 7–9 VIRGO —The September 10 Virgo New Moon creates an especially powerful opportunity for personal reinvention. Reset your routines, health practices, work, priorities, habits and identity.This is an excellent month to refine your life and create systems that support the future you're building. Lucky Days: September 10–11  LIBRA — Mercury enters Libra September 10, followed by the Sun entering Libra September 22. The Aries Full Moon then activates your relationship axis.Partnerships, marriage, business relationships, boundaries and independence become major themes. Lucky Days: September 12–13, 22 SCORPIO — Venus enters Scorpio September 10, increasing magnetism, passion and emotional intensity. Mercury enters Scorpio at the end of the month, beginning a period of deeper conversations, investigation and psychological insight. The Virgo New Moon activates friendships, networks and future goals. Lucky Days: September 14–15 ️ SAGITTARIUS — Jupiter in Leo activates travel, teaching, publishing, spirituality, higher education and international connections.The Virgo New Moon activates your career zone, making September an excellent month to refine your professional direction and expand your reach. Lucky Days: September 16–18 CAPRICORN — The Virgo New Moon encourages education, travel, spirituality and expanding your understanding of the world. Saturn and Neptune in Aries restructure your home and family foundations. Jupiter supports shared resources and financial partnerships, while Venus in Scorpio activates friendships and community. Lucky Days: September 19–20 AQUARIUS — Pluto continues its long-term transformation of Aquarius. The Virgo New Moon highlights shared resources, investments, debt, taxes, intimacy and energetic exchange. The Aries Full Moon activates communication, while Venus in Scorpio intensifies career and public visibility. Lucky Days: September 21–23 PISCES — Following the powerful August Pisces Lunar Eclipse, September shifts the focus toward relationships. The Virgo New Moon activates your partnership sector, bringing possibilities for beginning, redefining, deepening or ending relationships.Saturn and Neptune also ask you to clarify financial and energetic boundaries. Lucky Days: September 24–25 SEPTEMBER 2026'S BIGGEST ZODIAC THEMES BIGGEST EXPANSION — LEO Jupiter and Mars activate Leo, creating a powerful cycle for visibility, confidence, creativity and self-expression. BIGGEST PERSONAL RESET — VIRGO The Virgo New Moon offers a powerful opportunity for reinvention, healing, new routines and personal renewal. BIGGEST BREAKTHROUGH — ARIES The Aries Full Moon combined with Saturn, Neptune and Chiron creates a major period of identity transformation and personal awakening. BIGGEST REINVENTION — GEMINI Uranus retrograde in Gemini turns the evolutionary spotlight toward identity, mindset, communication and the future. ️ BIGGEST RELATIONSHIP STORY — LIBRA The Libra-Aries relationship axis is activated, bringing relationship clarity, boundaries and important partnership decisions. DEEPEST LOVE TRANSFORMATION — SCORPIO Venus in Scorpio brings magnetism, passion, intimacy and emotional transformation. SEPTEMBER 2026 SPIRITUAL MESSAGE September is not simply about predicting what will happen. It is about consciously working with the astrology. Virgo says: Clean it up.Uranus says: Think differently.Chiron says: Heal the identity wound.Libra says: Create healthier relationships.Aries says: Choose yourself.Leo says: Now shine. Get Jill's Book at www.jilljardine.com Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration. Discover how ancient Sanskrit mantras can help raise your frequency, deepen your spiritual practice, and support manifestation, healing, and inner peace. Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist ️ Subscribe to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine for monthly astrology forecasts, zodiac predictions, spiritual guidance, Sanskrit mantra teachings, and intuitive insights to help you navigate the cosmic energies with confidence. #SeptemberHoroscope #September2026 #ZodiacForecast #Horoscope2026 #AstrologyForecast #Virgo #Libra #Manifestation #SpiritualAwakening #LuckyDays #ZodiacSigns #AstrologyPodcast Featured Book: Order it now at:  www.jilljardine.com or Amazon Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration by Parashakti Jill Jardine ️ Subscribe to Jill's YouTube channel: @jilljardine2186  for monthly astrology forecasts, spiritual teachings, Sanskrit mantras, and intuitive guidance to help you navigate these extraordinary times. #August2026Astrology #EclipseSeason #LeoSolarEclipse #PiscesLunarEclipse #LionsgatePortal You can listen to the complete update for free on our website Cosmic Scene – Jill Jardine Astrology, also on Apple Podcasts Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. You can find the Cosmic Scene Podcast on Facebook, Follow Cosmic Scene on Instagram and LinkedIn, YouTube and even IMDB- mdb.com/title/tt26653684/. Be sure to follow us on and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Thanks for listening and don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, IMDB, YouTube #free #podcast #astrology Book an astrology reading with Professional Astrologer Jill Jardine: www.jilljardineastrology.com Buy Jill's Book: https://jilljardine.com/ #astrologypodcast #astrologyforecast 2026 #zodiacsigns If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on YouTube @jilljardine2186 and share it with friends who love astrology and spiritual growth. Connect with Jill Jardine: www.jilljardine.com Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist • Author Thank you for listening to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, where astrology meets consciousness and the stars illuminate your path to personal and spiritual transformation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Kali Jayanti/Krishna Janmāshtamī last week, we were especially inspired and we gave a talk called What Form of Kali Do I Worship? | Ādyā Kālī vs. Kṛṣṇa and still buzzing from that, we plunged right into Are We Aghoris? | Kapālikās & Tāntrikas of the Deccan & South India where we looked at some historical Sanskrit literature to contextualize just what tradition we're part a of and just what it is we're doing here, especially given all the ambiguity around the internet's conception of "aghoris". In this talk, along the same lines as the previous two, we continue to flesh out the historical context to ground our understanding and practice of Tantra, this time making the claim that its easy to misunderstand our tradition if its seen through a Mogul, British apologetic (i.e Brahmo Samāj) or even "Hindu", lens. I argue for Tantra as a heterodox tradition like Buddhism and Jainism and at the same time argue for a broader understanding of the word Hinduism that includes not just Buddhism, Jainism, Cārvāka etc.(traditions that emerged in the subcontinent but are typically excluded) but also Islam, Christianity, Judaism and even Art and Science as all viable paths of Hinduism. I try to the center the Deccan and South India, as well as South East Asia, Nepal, Tibet and Central Asia as important Tāntrik locations. A pretty deep discussion I thought! Enjoy!Hit Me Up xSupport the showLectures happen live every Monday at 7pm PST and again at Friday 11am PST Use this link and I will see you there:https://www.zoom.us/j/7028380815For more videos, guided meditations and instruction and for access to our lecture library, visit me at:https://www.patreon.com/yogawithnishTo get in on the discussion and access various spiritual materials, join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/U8zKP8yMrM

On Kali Jayanti, we gave one of my favorite talks ever called What Form of Kali Do I Worship? | Ādyā Kālī vs. Kṛṣṇaand buzzing from the inspiration of that one, we rolled into into our Friday morning satsangh with this wonderful introduction to literary depictions of early śaivas (i.e Kāpālikas) in some classical Sanskrit and non Sanskrit historical sources to establish ourselves in a historical context that is often missed when discussing Tantra & Aghoris & whatnot. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did! Here's a playlist of all our material on śaivism in all its phases and here's one for our vāmācāra classes. Hit Me Up xSupport the showLectures happen live every Monday at 7pm PST and again at Friday 11am PST Use this link and I will see you there:https://www.zoom.us/j/7028380815For more videos, guided meditations and instruction and for access to our lecture library, visit me at:https://www.patreon.com/yogawithnishTo get in on the discussion and access various spiritual materials, join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/U8zKP8yMrM

Stories from India: What happens when a love for motorbikes meets a passion for Sanskrit? In Bengaluru, a unique riding community is bringing the ancient language into everyday conversations. Founded by Samashti Gubbi and her friends, Kimbho Sanskrit Rides brings together bike enthusiasts who share an interest in learning and speaking Sanskrit. Open to people from all backgrounds, the group combines road trips with language practice, creating a welcoming space where riders can connect, learn and keep Sanskrit alive beyond the classroom.

Kṛṣṇa is not a title or a metaphor — in Sanskrit it is simply the word for dark. Born at midnight, in the dark fortnight, on its eighth night: the name is the birth chart. And instead of softening that name, the tradition multiplied it — Śyāma, Ghanaśyāma, dark as the monsoon that ends the heat. This Janmashtami, a scholar's quick decode of the god whose name made darkness beautiful.Which name for him did you grow up hearing at home — Krishna, Kanha, Śyāma, something else? Tell me below.

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September 2026 Astrology: A Major Cosmic Reset Is Happening — Are You Ready? Major astrological shifts including Uranus retrograde in Gemini, the powerful Virgo New Moon, Libra Equinox, and Aries Full Moon activatemajor themes of transformation, relationships, identity, and new beginnings. Discover what the September New Moon, Full Moon, Uranus retrograde, and other key astrology transits mean for your journey—and how to use this month's powerful energy to create your next chapter. #free #podcast #astrology Subscribe to YouTube channel:  @jilljardine2186 to hear more astrological updates! https://bleav.com/shows/cosmic-scene-with-jill-jardine/ for video versions. Across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and major podcast outlets such as Apple and Spotify, the buzz is on September 2026 astrology. #September2026Astrology #Zodiac #Virgo What needs to be released, reorganized, healed, or completely reimagined? Uranus turns retrograde in Gemini, asking us to rethink outdated beliefs and patterns of thinking, while the Virgo New Moon invites a practical reset of our routines, health, work, habits, and daily lives. As the Sun enters Libra, our focus shifts toward relationships, balance, and the question of how to honor both ourselves and others. The month culminates with a powerful Full Moon in Aries, illuminating identity, courage, independence, relationships, and the need to choose a more authentic path. Jill also explores the deeper spiritual meaning of September's astrology, including how to work consciously with these energies for personal growth, manifestation, spiritual awakening, intuition, healing, and creating your next chapter. September 2026 Astrology: A Major Cosmic Reset Is Happening — Are You Ready? Major astrological shifts including Uranus retrograde in Gemini, the powerful Virgo New Moon, Libra Equinox, and Aries Full Moon activatemajor themes of transformation, relationships, identity, and new beginnings. Discover what the September New Moon, Full Moon, Uranus retrograde, and other key astrology transits mean for your journey—and how to use this month's powerful energy to create your next chapter. In Part I, discover: • The biggest astrology transits of September 2026 • What Uranus retrograde in Gemini means for your mind, communication and future • The spiritual significance of the September Virgo New Moon • How to use the Virgo New Moon for manifestation and a personal reset • The September Equinox and the shift into Libra season • What the Aries Full Moon is revealing about identity and relationships • How September continues the energetic story of the August eclipses • The major energetic turning points to watch throughout the month • How to consciously work with September's cosmic energy rather than simply react to it August opened the door. September asks you to walk through it. This month's astrology encourages us to: Release what no longer belongs in our future  -Reorganize our daily lives around what truly matters Question outdated beliefs and ways of thinking Listen to our intuition while staying grounded Heal old identity patterns Create healthier relationship dynamics Take courageous action toward our authentic future Virgo New Moon on 9/10: Reset. Refine. Reorganize. Recommit. Libra Equinox on 9/22: Rebalance. Relate. Reevaluate. Aries New Moon on 9/26: Choose yourself. Take courage. Begin again. Featured Book: Order it now at:  www.jilljardine.com or Amazon Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration by Parashakti Jill Jardine ️ Subscribe to Jill's YouTube channel: @jilljardine2186  for monthly astrology forecasts, spiritual teachings, Sanskrit mantras, and intuitive guidance to help you navigate these extraordinary times. #August2026Astrology #EclipseSeason #LeoSolarEclipse #PiscesLunarEclipse #LionsgatePortal You can listen to the complete update for free on our website Cosmic Scene – Jill Jardine Astrology, also on Apple Podcasts Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. You can find the Cosmic Scene Podcast on Facebook, Follow Cosmic Scene on Instagram and LinkedIn, YouTube and even IMDB- mdb.com/title/tt26653684/. Be sure to follow us on and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Thanks for listening and don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, IMDB, YouTube #free #podcast #astrology Book an astrology reading with Professional Astrologer Jill Jardine: www.jilljardineastrology.com Buy Jill's Book: https://jilljardine.com/ #astrologypodcast #astrologyforecast 2026 #zodiacsigns #AstrologyForecast#SeptemberHoroscope#VirgoNewMoon#AriesFullMoon#UranusRetrograde#UranusInGemini#SeptemberEquinox If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love astrology and spiritual growth. Connect with Jill Jardine: www.jilljardine.com Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist • Author Thank you for listening to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, where astrology meets consciousness and the stars illuminate your path to personal and spiritual transformation. 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The next day, Mary tells Martha that she has seen the secret of Misselthwaite Manor: Colin Craven. Martha freaks out: She thinks she'll lose her job, or that Colin will throw a fit now that a stranger has seen him. Colin behaves toward Martha like some young king or lord or something; Mary compares him to a "Rajah," which is a Sanskrit term for a prince. (We have a slightly more direct way of saying it: He's a spoiled jerk). I hope you have been enjoying these episodes as much as I enjoy bringing them to you. Reviews and shares make a huge difference. If you are enjoying these timeless stories, please leave a review wherever you listen. And pass the podcast along to a friend. To find out more about High Horse Press, go to https://www.cathicolas.com/You can also see more of my work at cathicolas.com, or find me on Audible.  If you like the podcast, please leave a review or share it on Social Media. Thanks for listening.

Tim leads the community in a musical exploration of joy, arguing that after so many nights spent on hardship and catalyst, we have earned an evening of levity. Opening with the question are you happy? and a story about three sons who each try to buy their mother's happiness, he establishes that no gift cannot become a burden and no burden cannot become a gift. He then reframes joy itself: drawing on Doug's earlier teaching on the rhythm of being — emanation filled with yearning, return filled with longing, reunion filled with rejoicing — Tim proposes that the entire circulation of beingness occurs in the medium of joy, and that joy is being itself. What we seek when we seek joy is our own essence, sounded at our own unique frequency. The musical frame carries the evening. A single note on a staff stands for one incarnation; strung across lifetimes it becomes a melody. Played all at once it would be noise — which is why time is a gift, metering the score so it can be enjoyed in stages. Tim goes to Ra's counsel on revitalization (meditation, acceptance of limitations, joy through association with others and the beauty as of the singing, and contact with second-density life, especially trees) and then to Ra's musical language for chakra work: balance, tuning, and harmony. He develops each through musical analogy — the imbalanced orchestra, the guitar that must be tuned daily, the choir that sings in harmony rather than unison — and lands on Ra's description of the mind/body/spirit complex as a tone poem rather than a machine. The session's metaphysical core is sympathetic resonance: Ra's statement that the linkage between certain sound vibratory complexes and the creation is mathematical, or that of the ratio, and may be considered musical — and that when certain sounds are correctly vibrated, the creation sings. Tim examines 432 Hz and the 136.1 Hz frequency associated with Om, tracing the latter's derivation from the Earth's orbital period, and plays it on a Tibetan cymbal. He closes with transposition: keys can be changed, the Earth is changing key into fourth density, and we are here as co-composers to make the song our own. Rather than describe this, he performs it — singing his own rewritten lyrics to "One Song" from Snow White. Community reflections follow on the necessity of time for experience, sympathetic resonance as spiritual attraction, the harmonic series and the densities, tuning forks and daily practice, and perichoresis as the circle dance of the Creator. Key References Ra, Session 25.2 — Carla's question on how best to revitalize herself; Ra names meditation, acceptance of limitations, experiences of joy through association with others and with the beauty as of the singing, and exercise with contact with second-density life forces, especially trees. Ra, Session 54.8 — The precision of energy-center alignment lies in fluid and plastic placement rather than systematic arrangement; the mind/body/spirit complex is not a machine but what you might call a tone poem. Ra, Session 54.15 — Beyond activating each energy center, it is a priority to refine the balances so that each tone of the chord of total vibratory beingness resonates in clarity, tune, and harmony with each other energy; this balancing, tuning, and harmonizing is most central to the adept. Ra, Session 75.26 — The linkage between Hebrew and Sanskrit sound vibratory complexes and the creation is mathematical, or that of the ratio; it may be considered musical. Ra, Session 75.27 — Sympathetic resonance: when certain sounds are correctly vibrated, the creation sings. Q'uo — Joy as a living energy, as powerful and effective a teacher as sorrow. (Quoted by Tim from a Q'uo channeling; source session not verified against project files.) Ephesians 5:18–19 — Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Isaiah — Songs of everlasting joy. John Stuart Mill — Ask yourself whether you are happy and you cease to be. Joseph Campbell — Follow your bliss. Alan Watts — Rushing toward enlightenment as telling the conductor to play the concert too fast. Hans Cousto — Derivation of 136.1 Hz (C-sharp) from the Earth's orbital period. Doug's teaching on the rhythm of being — Emanation, return, and reunion; the circulation of beingness occurring in the medium of joy. Doug's three faces of joy — Joy at the precipice of creation, joy in creating, joy in experiencing. Music discussed: "Over the Rainbow" (Harold Arlen), transposed from A-flat to G by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole; "One Song" from Snow White, performed by Tim with original rewritten lyrics. Coming Up Next Week: DeMarcus presents on Yahweh — who they are, their involvement with our planet from the beginning of third density, the Martian transfer, the Exodus and the Israelite narratives, and what continues today.

Three lines of Sanskrit, from three different texts written centuries apart: "Arise, awake" (Kaṭha Upaniṣad), "keep walking — caraiveti" (Aitareya Brāhmaṇa), and "you alone are my refuge — gatistvam" (Bhavānī Aṣṭakam). Read together, in order, they stop being scattered quotes and become a single map of a life: wake, walk, arrive.I trace all three back to their sources — including what Vivekananda's famous rendering leaves out — and follow the two Sanskrit threads that tie them together: uttiṣṭha, "stand up," and the root √gam, "to go," behind both caran and gati.SOURCES & NOTESKaṭha Upaniṣad 1.3.14 · Caraiveti Sūkta, Aitareya Brāhmaṇa (Rohita narrative; verse ordering and numbering vary across editions) · Bhavānī Aṣṭakam, traditionally attributed to Ādi Śaṅkarācārya.On the yuga sequence: the ladder in this verse runs Kali → Dvāpara → Tretā → Kṛta, the reverse of the familiar declining order. That is what the verse does. Here the yugas are postures of a person — lying down, stirring, standing, walking — not ages of the world. Read figuratively.Vivekananda's "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached" is his rendering of the Kaṭha verse, not a literal translation.WATCHVideo version on YouTube ▸ [LINK]MORECourses, writing and scholar-led journeys ▸ https://linktr.ee/ProfPankajJainABOUTProf. Pankaj Jain — scholar of Indian religions, Hindu ecology and Indology. Director, The India Centre, and Head of Humanities & Languages, FLAME University.

In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler explores a fascinating question: What happens when we look beneath the physical practice of yoga and return to its deeper purpose? Beginning with the history of āsana, Amy traces how yoga postures evolved from simple meditation seats into the diverse practices we know today. Along the way, she examines the Tantric influence of the Śiva Saṃhitā, the rise of embodied awareness in modern somatic practices, and the importance of lived experience as a pathway to understanding ourselves more deeply. The episode invites listeners to consider how yoga therapy can serve as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary understandings of human experience, healing, and transformation.In this episode, Amy discusses:• The Sanskrit root of āsana and its original meaning as a seat or stable posture for meditation• The role of āsana in the Yoga Sūtras and why Patañjali devoted only a few verses to posture• The evolution of āsana through the Haṭha Yoga tradition, including the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā, and Śiva Saṃhitā• Why the Śiva Saṃhitā is considered one of the most Tantric of the major Haṭha Yoga texts• The concepts of prāṇa, nāḍīs, chakras, and kuṇḍalinī as experiential maps of human transformation• How modern somatic approaches emphasize interoception, self-awareness, and embodied regulation• The importance of first-hand lived experience in understanding consciousness and healing• The connection between lived experience, yoga therapy, and the study of consciousness• How Indigenous ways of knowing value observation, participation, relationship, and direct experience• Why lived experience may be one of the most important meeting points between yoga, science, and healingClosing ThoughtsOne of the enduring gifts of yoga is its invitation to investigate experience directly. Whether we approach that inquiry through Classical Yoga, Tantra, somatic practice, lived experience, or Indigenous wisdom traditions, each reminds us that transformation begins with attention. The path of yoga therapy is not simply about changing symptoms or improving function. It is also about learning to observe, inhabit, and understand our lived experience more fully. In doing so, we may discover that the body, breath, mind, and spirit have been teaching us all along.Contact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool

In this raw and radiant episode, host Dara Levan sits down with yoga teacher, author, and Strala Yoga founder Tara Stiles. Tara opens up about being sexually assaulted at her dance school, how she never reported it, and how yoga became her blueprint for healing. She shares why she stopped dancing professionally at 22, the pushback she received for not using Sanskrit and for putting yoga on YouTube, and the Harvard Business School case study that compared her approach to Bikram. You'll learn three key takeaways: why “softness is not weakness” and how mobilization builds real strength, how to avoid burnout by not taking credit for others' transformations, and the simple practice of “never suffer a bad position.” Tara also reveals the somatic symptoms Dara experienced while writing her first novel, the back-to-back exercise that changes everything, and why her upcoming book Living Softly took six years to complete. This is a conversation about presence, protection, and the power of being movable.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro11:28 - Sexual assault disclosure at dance school15:24 - Drawn to yoga for healing18:33 - Don't take credit for transformations22:42 - Be movable so you can be moved27:15 - Somatic symptoms while writing29:45 - Never suffer a bad position33:39 - Good enough vs perfectionism40:50 - Pushback from traditional yoga48:56 - Softness connects diverse people52:07 - Softness is not weakness54:57 - OutroRESOURCES:•    Tara Stiles Website: tarastiles.com•    Tara Stiles on Instagram: @tarastiles•    Tara Stiles on Substack: Tara StilesDara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story:•    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/•    Website: daralevan.com

Days after narrowly surviving a catastrophic flood, meditation teacher Delson Armstrong joins Michael Taft to consider what remains when spiritual ideas fall away. Their conversation explores primal awareness, the spiritual ego, and Delson's forthcoming collection of Sanskrit aphorisms—a “love letter to the exhausted seeker” synthesizing Buddhism, Vedānta, Yoga, Sāṃkhya, and Tantra. They also discuss paraconsciousness, karma and divine play, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Śrī Vidyā and Lalitā, and the challenge of teaching with authority without taking the role of guru too seriously.Delson Armstrong is a meditation teacher whose work brings together Buddhist, yogic, and tantric traditions. A teacher of Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation, he is known especially for his expertise in the jhānas and other deep meditative states. He is also authorized to teach all seven stages of Lahiri Mahasaya's Kriya Yoga and practices in the Śrī Vidyā and Trika lineages. Delson teaches internationally, offering retreats, workshops, and individual guidance focused on awakening, freedom from suffering, and translating ancient contemplative methods for modern practitioners.Learn more about Delson Armstrong here.You can support the creation of future episodes of this podcast by contributing through Patreon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode isn't about finding who you are. It's about remembering who you came here to be.Tarra Rullo left a career as a marketing executive to follow her spiritual path, becoming a Vedic astrologer (Jyotish), the ancient Sanskrit "science of light." Her work centres on self-mastery, using astrology to illuminate who you already are rather than hand you a new identity.She's back on the podcast for round two, unpacking what her corporate chapter taught her, how she deconditioned from it, and what her days look like now, from Ayurvedic rituals to natural approaches to beauty and aging.In this episode, you'll learn:→ How to spot what you already knew deep down, even in a season that didn't feel aligned→ How to tell the difference between a knowing that arrives all at once and one that reveals itself gradually→ What it really takes, emotionally, spiritually, and practically, to leave a path that no longer fits→ The conditioning worth questioning if you want a life and business that actually feels like yours→ How understanding your own timing and gifts can change the way you lead, instead of pushing against the clock→ Ayurvedic rituals to help you feel more grounded, clear, and radiant in everyday life→ A more natural approach to skin, energy, and beauty, without relying on BotoxConnect with Tarra through her astrology readings and book club, Lumen.Visit her Tarra's website, instagram and book club here.Listen to the previous podcast episode with Tarra and EstelleConnect with EstelleBuilt By Design is now open for enrolment. My 6-week accelerator course to build your signature offer, design a life-first business model, attract high-value clients and exit your 9-5Follow on @thealigned.path on InstagramFollow on Substack

Send us Fan MailGet your notes app or a fresh piece of paper ready, because this conversation with former movie executive and tech entrepreneur Steven Puri took a turn into pure gold. We went so deep into the mechanics of productivity that we completely lost track of time—proving the exact focus concepts we were discussing! If you've ever felt like modern digital distractions are stealing your workday before you even get started, this episode is your ultimate antidote.In this episode, Steven and I dive into the neuroscience of focus, master-level time-boxing, and actionable dopamine management for nurse solopreneurs. We break down why getting into a flow state isn't just about willpower, but about building the right environment, audio cues, and routines to let your creative brain excel. Tune in to discover how you can transform a single hour of daily focus into monumental progress for your health writing business.About Steven PuriSteven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life.Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects.Steven's first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28.Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci Productions (Star Trek 11, Transformers 1&2, Eagle Eye, Transformers: Prime, et al.).After Fox, Steven returned to building tech companies and had two failed start-ups before founding The Sukha Company – ‘sukha' means ‘happiness from self-fulfillment' in Sanskrit. The Sukha is a focus app that bundles all the tools necessary to enter into a Flow State and a have healthy, productive workday.Steven now lives in Austin, TX.Dopamine Management and Time-Boxing for Nurse WritersToday on the Savvy Scribe Podcast:Why modern tech platforms are intentionally engineered to steal your attention—and how to reclaim your life through effective dopamine managementWhat actually happens in your brain during a flow state, including fascinating neuroimaging findings from FMRI scans.How to conquer the “cold start problem” in the morning and stop reaching for quick digital hits when your work gets frustrating.Unforgettable stories from blockbuster Hollywood screenwriters on using physical environments and personal chronotypes as focus triggers.How a busy high school vice principal and dad used just one focused hour a night to complete his PhD dissertation.The brain science behind why your best ideas strike while doing laundry, walking, or taking a shower.How to harness time-boxing and Parkinson's Law to get more done in two hours than you used to get done all day.The surprising power of ambient audio triggers, from 60–90 BPM focus tracks to real Himalayan rain and Viennese coffee shop sounds.Steven's simple 30-day challenge that will completely transform your daily momentum before you even check your phone in the morning.Mentioned Resources:Sukha (Flow State AppFlow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiThe Net and the Butterfly: How to Unlock Your Inner Genius by Olivia Fox Cabane and Judah PollackWelcome to the Savvy Scribe Podcast, I'm so glad you're here! Before we start the show, if you're interested, we have a free Facebook group called "Savvy Nurse Writer Community"I appreciate you following me and listening today. I would LOVE for you to subscribe: ITUNESAnd if you love it, can I ask for a

From Gross to Subtle: The Journey of Ashtanga Yoga Practice In this episode, Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldmann explore the two ends of the yoga spectrum: the gross and the subtle, the dynamic and the still, the effortful and the refined. Ashtanga Yoga asks us to inhabit both worlds, jumping through, sweating, moving the body with strong discipline, and then turning inward, softening into breath, subtle sensation, and the quietude of mind. Drawing from Sanskrit roots and classical teachings, Kino and Tim explain how sthūla, gross or dense practice, and sūkṣma, subtle or refined practice, are not opposites but complementary gateways into yoga. They discuss how the foundational tools of the practice, āsana, prāṇāyāma, and dṛṣṭi, can carry practitioners from surface-level sensation toward deeper layers of awareness. The conversation unfolds around Patañjali's timeless definition of yoga, yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ, the stilling of the mind's movements. Kino and Tim share stories, personal reflections, and practical lessons on balancing abhyāsa, steady practice, with vairāgya, letting go. Along the way, they remind us that contentment, santoṣa, is not resignation but a doorway into clarity, and that every choice plants seeds in the soil of karma. Whether through strong postures, subtle meditation, or the quiet discipline of daily practice, this talk invites us to see yoga as both gross and subtle, both active and still, always guiding us toward the inner horizon of awareness. Practice with Kino, Tim, and our global community on Omstars. Explore thousands of yoga classes, in-depth courses, live practices, meditation, prāṇāyāma, and more at Omstars.com.

You've probably heard that your ovaries age 2.5x times faster than the rest of your body. I went looking for that study. It does not exist. In this episode I trace that number back to an uncited supplement company blog post, and then I give you the one that is real: ovarian aging shows up 15 to 20 years earlier than in any other tissue in your body. Your ovaries are not a fertility organ. They are the organ that sets the pace for your bones, your heart, your brain and how long you live. This is the first episode built on my four pillars: Nourish, Stack, Live and Align. I also share what is changing behind the scenes, including my practice, my planner, and where this brand is going next. Work with me one on one as a women's longevity practitioner and holistic nutritionist: https://biohackingbrittany.com/pages/clients WHAT I COVER The 2.5x ovarian aging myth and where it actually came from Why the Stanford organ aging clocks never included an ovary Senescence and fibrosis: it is not that the seeds run out, it is that the soil goes hard Why less than 2 percent of venture funding goes to women's health, and 90 percent of that goes to fertility Your full lab panel: AMH by age, antral follicle count, day 3 FSH and estradiol Why AMH does not predict whether you will get pregnant this month The birth control trap: if you are on hormonal contraception your AMH is wrong by 14 to 55 percent PMOS and why a high AMH is not extra time Cysts: functional, hemorrhagic, dermoids, and why the pill does not shrink one you already have Endometriomas, and what cystectomy actually costs your ovarian reserve Premature ovarian insufficiency, the 2024 criteria change, and why POI is not early menopause What the food research does and does not support CoQ10, melatonin, inositol, DHEA, vitamin D, NMN and omega 3, ranked by real human evidence Rapamycin, the VIBRANT trial, and ovarian tissue freezing The pelvic bowl in the classical Sanskrit text, and what it actually describes Jing, Tian Gui, and how Chinese medicine predicted the end of fertility at 49 How misalignment shows up in the body, and the guardrail I insist on Why clinical hypnosis is the woo that actually works TIMESTAMPS 08:03 The 2.5x ovarian aging myth, and what is actually true 13:23 Your ovaries are an endocrine organ, not a fertility organ 19:54 The labs to run, and AMH by age 23:55 If you are on birth control, your AMH is wrong 28:03 Cysts, dermoids, and what the pill does not do 32:24 Endometriomas and what surgery costs your ovarian reserve 34:20 Premature ovarian insufficiency 36:43 Nourish and Stack: food, CoQ10, melatonin, inositol, NMN 47:06 Rapamycin and ovarian tissue freezing 49:22 Align: the pelvic bowl, Chinese medicine, and how misalignment shows up 1:00:18 Clinical hypnosis, and my full protocol MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 1:1 client consults: https://biohackingbrittany.com/pages/clients The LongHer Life community, where this was recorded live: https://biohackingbrittany.com/pages/longherlife Her Stack Planner: https://biohackingbrittany.com/products/her-stack-planner Shop: https://biohackingbrittany.com/collections/shop Questions for the next live Q&A: info@biohackingbrittany.com CONNECT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackingbrittany/ Website: https://biohackingbrittany.com This episode is for education only and is not medical advice.

Are You Experiencing THE SHIFT? Signs of Spiritual and 5D Consciousness include ascension symptoms, energy upgrades, synchronicities, heightened intuition, and the transition from 3D to 5D awareness. Lear practical ways to ground, integrate, and navigate these powerful energies as humanity enters a new chapter of consciousness. Maybe your sleep patterns have changed. Your intuition is stronger. Time seems to be speeding up. You're experiencing unusual energy sensations, vivid dreams, synchronicities, or emotional releases. Perhaps you're questioning old ways of living and finding yourself naturally drawn toward people who seem to resonate with your new frequency. If so, you may be experiencing what many spiritual traditions describe as The Shift—a profound transformation in individual and collective consciousness. #free #podcast #astrology #SpiritualAwakening #TheShift #Ascension #5DConsciousness #EnergyUpgrade #SpiritualAwakening2026 #ConsciousnessShift #AscensionSymptoms #HigherConsciousness #Synchronicity #Intuition #5D #NewEarth #2026Astrology #JillJardine #CosmicScene In this episode of Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, Jill explores the signs of spiritual awakening, ascension, energy upgrades, and the movement toward 5D consciousness, along with practical tools to help you navigate the process. Jill brings more than three decades of experience as an astrologer, hypnotherapist, psychic healer, and spiritual teacher to this fascinating exploration of what may be happening energetically on Earth right now. Across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and major podcast outlets such as Apple and Spotify, the buzz is on the Shift. An extraordinary astrological configuration unfolded during July 2026, when Neptune, Pluto, Uranus, and Jupiter formed a powerful pattern at approximately 4 degrees of Aries, Aquarius, Gemini, and Leo. Rather than simply calling this a "portal," Jill describes it as a portal of possibility and potentiality—an energetic opening that may accelerate personal and collective evolution. Jill explains why you may have been feeling these energies months or even years before the July 2026 activation. Subscribe to YouTube channel:  @jilljardine2186 to hear more astrological updates! https://bleav.com/shows/cosmic-scene-with-jill-jardine/ for video versions. 12 Signs You May be Experiencing the Shift: Changes in sleep patterns Waking around 3–4 AM Waves of fatigue followed by bursts of inspiration Tingling, vibrations, warmth, pressure, or energy surges Heightened sensitivity to people, environments, sounds, or foods Vivid dreams and intuitive downloads Stronger intuition and knowing things before they happen A feeling that time is speeding up—or slowing down Increased synchronicities and meaningful coincidences Major changes in friendships and relationships Feeling drawn toward your "tribe" or soul connections A growing sense that something larger is happening within you Jill emphasizes that physical or emotional symptoms can have ordinary medical or lifestyle causes as well, and persistent or concerning symptoms should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. One of the central themes of this episode is the movement from third-dimensional consciousness toward fifth-dimensional awareness. Jill explores the contrast between: 3D consciousness Separation Fear Competition Scarcity External validation Material achievement and 5D consciousness Love Unity Compassion Collaboration Intuition Creativity Trust Inner peace Purpose and service The Shift isn't about leaving Earth or escaping ordinary life but a change in consciousness and the way we experience reality. Feeling overwhelmed by energetic changes? Jill shares practical ways to ground and integrate the experience: 1. Ground yourself in nature Walk barefoot on the Earth, sit against a tree, garden, or spend time near the ocean, rivers, lakes, or waterfalls. 2. Practice conscious breathing: Jill shares several breathing approaches, including a 4-count inhale, 4-count hold, and 8-count exhale. 3. Embrace stillness Turn down the external and internal noise and allow yourself simply to be. 4. Pay attention to your emotional state If you desire peace, consciously cultivate peaceful feelings. If you desire abundance, practice embodying the feeling of prosperity. 5. Practice forgiveness and gratitude Jill discusses the Hawaiian Ho'oponopono forgiveness prayer and the powerful connection between forgiveness, gratitude, and energetic release. 6. Trust your unique path Your perspective, gifts, and experiences may be part of what you are here to contribute during this period of transformation. 7. Love yourself deeply Jill shares the Sanskrit mantra Aham Prema — "I am Divine Love" and explores why she considers love one of the highest frequencies for navigating the Shift One of the most exciting aspects of the Shift is the increase in synchronicities. Thinking about someone just before they call? Finding exactly what you need at exactly the right moment? Repeatedly encountering meaningful symbols, numbers, people, or opportunities? Jill explores how these experiences may become more noticeable as your awareness expands. She also discusses relationship shifts, including releasing connections that no longer resonate and discovering people who feel like your true soul tribe. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who has been wondering, "Why do I feel so different lately?"  Featured Book: Order it now at:  www.jilljardine.com or Amazon Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration by Parashakti Jill Jardine ️ Subscribe to Jill's YouTube channel: @jilljardine2186  for monthly astrology forecasts, spiritual teachings, Sanskrit mantras, and intuitive guidance to help you navigate these extraordinary times. You can listen to the complete update for free on our website Cosmic Scene – Jill Jardine Astrology, also on Apple Podcasts Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. You can find the Cosmic Scene Podcast on Facebook, Follow Cosmic Scene on Instagram and LinkedIn, YouTube and even IMDB- mdb.com/title/tt26653684/. Be sure to follow us on and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Thanks for listening and don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, IMDB, YouTube #free #podcast #astrology Book an astrology reading with Professional Astrologer Jill Jardine: www.jilljardineastrology.com Buy Jill's Book: https://jilljardine.com/ #astrologypodcast #astrologyforecast 2026 #zodiacsigns If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love astrology and spiritual growth. Connect with Jill Jardine: www.jilljardine.com Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist • Author Thank you for listening to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, where astrology meets consciousness and the stars illuminate your path to personal and spiritual transformation Subscribe to @jilljardine2186 on YOUTUBE to get Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine and follow the podcast for astrology updates, spiritual teachings, energy activations, Sanskrit mantra wisdom, and conversations exploring the evolution of human consciousness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A practical guide to embodying the principles of “namaste” in everyday life“An appealing manual that offers encouraging methods for pursuing a happier and more connected life.”—Kirkus Reviews• Defines the meaning of “namaste” and explains how to apply it in daily interactions to build stronger communities• Offers practical strategies to develop self-awareness and compassion, foster deeper connections with others, and support mutual growth• Includes exercises, mindfulness meditations, and svadhyaya (“self-study”) practices to deepen personal growth and understandingNamaste is a Sanskrit greeting that means “I bow to the divine in you.” It has become a common phrase to say at the end of yoga classes, but as Jeremy Engels shows, “namaste” is more than a polite expression; it is a powerful principle for building connection and community.Engels organizes the practice of living namaste around three reminders—“I am divine,” “you are divine,” and “live the word, together”—noting that the significance of mindfulness and yoga practice is about remembering to return to a state of awareness, presence, and connection.The practical approach Engels offers in Living Namaste encourages self-awareness and empathy, cultivating gratitude, and treating one another with compassion to foster deeper connections and support mutual growth. Each of the three reminders is accompanied by exercises, mindfulness meditations, and svadhyaya (“self-study”) practices designed to help you apply these teachings to your daily life. By responding thoughtfully and with care to each other, rather than reactively, readers can form stronger, more supportive relationships, support each other's well-being, and contribute to healthier communities.Jeremy David Engels, PhD, is a cofounder and teacher at Yoga Lab, which offers science-based yoga and meditation classes that emphasize mindfulness and functional movement. He is a Liberal Arts Endowed Professor of Communication and Ethics at Penn State University and has written extensively on community-building, peace, and justice. He lives in State College, Pennsylvania.https://jeremydavidengels.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/earth-ancients--2790919/support.

“The machines today are like toddlers learning how to walk. They stumble. They're not very good. They make mistakes.” — Anmol Madan One in three American adults are already using AI for health information — with or without their doctors' permission. The machines, in other words, are already seeing us. This will chill some Americans in our summer of luddite discontent. For others, however, like the San Francisco-based medical tech entrepreneur Anmol Madan, the appearance of doctor AI in our lives is mostly good news. In his new book, The Machines Will See You Now, Madan lays out what he calls a “human roadmap” to “autonomous health care.” I'm not entirely sure what he means by “human” in a Blade Runner-style world where machine and man are quickly merging. But by “autonomous,” which I suspect is a euphemism, Madan means artificial intelligence. What worries Madan about our current moment is the broken dialogue over AI. On the one hand, we have tech utopians promising a totally automated healthcare industry. Then we have an anxious establishment struggling to change America's archaic and often dysfunctional medical system. And, of course, American consumers (if that's the right word) who are already using ChatGPT or, more troublingly, TikTok, as their doctor. America spends $4.7 trillion on a healthcare industry which compares poorly with the medical systems of other wealthy countries. Madan's “parallel universe,” he promises, would cost half as much and double access. The machines will see you now. Like it or not, Dr AI is our all-too-human future. Five Takeaways •       One in Three Already Ask the Machines. The KFF poll behind the episode: a third of American adults already use AI for health information, with or without their doctors' blessing — and if they're not asking ChatGPT, they're asking TikTok. Madan's frustration is the broken dialogue between AI exuberance (“we're going to automate healthcare”) and medical anxiety, when the right answer is in between: new technology is no excuse for throwing out the guardrails of medical devices and clinical safety. The stakes are the brutal arithmetic of American medicine — $4.7 trillion spent for the worst outcomes among peer nations — and his “parallel universe”: half the cost, twice the access, delivered by AI systems that are tested, safe, and rigorous. Consumer appetite is already there; the safeguards are not.•       The Waymo Scale for Medicine. The book's organizing framework applies the self-driving industry's levels of autonomy to healthcare. Level zero is today: 99 percent of decisions — diagnosis, treatment, prescription — made by humans. Level one is doctor assistance, already deployed: radiologists who once hauled backpacks of reports now guided by machines to where to focus. Levels two and three ease machines into the lowest-stakes treatment and diagnostic decisions with human review — and the fully autonomous end state, Madan concedes, may never arrive. To Andrew's objection that Waymo's scale ended with the drivers removed, Madan offers the transatlantic pilot: autopilot flies ninety percent of the route, and nobody thinks the pilot doesn't matter. The structure, he argues, is what lets regulators, doctors, and builders finally talk about the same thing.•       Toddlers Learning to Walk. Madan's metaphor for today's medical AI: toddlers — stumbling, error-prone, needing layers of protection, and badly underestimated at their peril and ours. The mistake, he argues, is concluding that because the systems aren't perfect we shouldn't try them at all, when a constrained system is starving for capacity. Pressed by Andrew on what the machines will never do (“toddlers grow up”), his list is candid: human perception — reading body language, assessing the person who walks into the clinic — improves far more slowly than diagnostic reasoning and may never reach human capacity; and the relationships people form with chatbots, loneliness epidemic notwithstanding, have no literature yet showing they produce clinical outcomes like a human therapist's thirty minutes. Plus one asterisk on the machines' famous exam results: we grade them on human benchmarks, and machines fail differently than humans do.•       The Behavior-Change Trillion. Of America's $4.7 trillion, a full trillion is the behavior-change problem — the eating, drinking, smoking, and sitting that no pamphlet has ever fixed. Andrew's objection: nobody needs an MIT degree to know they should exercise, so why would a machine's nagging beat a doctor's? Madan's answer is the space between visits: patients leave the office motivated and fall off within days, and personalized systems — like those he built for tens of millions at his previous companies — learn what actually moves each individual: this one walks more but won't change diet, that one needs the stress addressed first, another needs the language and cultural register matched. Not one-size-fits-all “eat healthy,” but friction removed person by person, programmatically, at a scale no human workforce could staff. Andrew's rejoinder: in an age of ubiquitous AI slop, the exercise reminder may be deleted as exactly that.•       Priceless. On trust, Andrew invoked the neighbors: Slippery Sam Altman, the mistrusted AI giants, and entrepreneurs — RadiantGraph included — getting rich while asking for our bloodwork. Madan's counsel is unexpected caution: in the AI era all data matters, healthcare data most of all, and it belongs on healthcare-specific, HIPAA-bound platforms — not pasted into general chatbots. He concedes San Francisco's mansions-and-homelessness inequity (he advises New York City's Department of Public Health and wants to help at home), but defends the Bay Area as the place where the PC, the iPhone, the web, and now AI actually happened — Jeff Dean announced his next act the morning they recorded. And the bot test: how would he prove he's human? “I'm quite flawed, and I'm often wrong. An AI avatar of Anmol probably wouldn't be as wrong as I sometimes am.” Fittingly priceless — which is what Anmol means in Sanskrit. About the Guest Anmol Madan is a healthcare entrepreneur and computer scientist, and the founder and CEO of RadiantGraph, an AI platform helping health plans and healthcare organizations deliver proactive care. An MIT Media Lab PhD who worked on the first generation of wearables, he founded Ginger, the pioneering AI tele-psychiatry company later acquired by Headspace, and served as Chief Data Scientist at Livongo and as a data and AI executive at Teladoc Health. He advises the New York City Department of Public Health and lives in San Francisco. The Machines Will See You Now: A Human Roadmap to Autonomous Health Care (Johns Hopkins University Press, September 1, 2026) is his first book. References: •       The Machines Will See You Now: A Human Roadmap to Autonomous Health Care by Anmol Madan (Johns Hopkins University Press, September 1, 2026). Alex Pentland, MIT: “A critical read about AI in he...

This verse is indicative of Caitanya Mahāprabhu's teachings to Sanātana Gosvāmī. In fact, Caitanya Mahāprabhu quotes this verse when he is teaching Sanātana Gosvāmī, that the way in which one is attracted away from the material energy is by observing a devotee who is no longer interested in the material world. He quotes a verse from the Bhāgavatam—which I haven't memorized, but I'll give you the essence of it—when one comes to the end of one's material existence, then one meets a pure devotee of the Lord. Now, our ācāryas comment on that quite straightforwardly, and they're all in agreement. They say the purport of this verse is an indication of a poetical device in Sanskrit where you state the effect before the cause in order to emphasize something. In this case, it is saying that when you end your material existence, then you meet a pure devotee. What our ācāryas say is that's an emphasis that when you come anywhere close to meeting a Vaiṣṇava, then your material life is finished; it's a foregone conclusion, in other words. That's the emphasis given in the verse. So Caitanya Mahāprabhu gives that verse. He also offers this verse as well, and points out that this is the beginning of one's spiritual journey back to Kṛṣṇa, and we all know the famous extended metaphor that Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu uses: brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja When one is wandering in the brahmāṇḍas—or as Prabhupāda says in other places, "loitering," which is worse than wandering, because in any case you have no real purpose; you're just hanging out. In that state, when you meet a Vaiṣṇava, then you get Kṛṣṇa, and from Kṛṣṇa you get the Vaiṣṇava, or vice versa. Caitanya Mahāprabhu says that the means by which one is awakened is by the devotee, and he says also that the devotees are like vaidyas; they are doctors that carry with them two things: one is hymns, and the other are instructions. In their little black bag, they hold out the hymns and the instructions, and by those, one can become cured of the material disease. The meaning of smearing one's body with dust, (rajo-'bhiṣekam means taking the dust and putting on on one's body) is to awaken to the realization that we are helpless without the instruction of Krishna that comes through the spiritual master. Prabhupada explains how a spiritual master means two things: one is it's a position and also a person. He would give the example that(17:57) ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://vaisesikadasayatra.blogspot.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------

Spiritual Awakening is Accelerating with guest Pamela Downes.  What if the chaos you're experiencing isn't happening to you—but is happening for your evolution? In this illuminating episode of Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, Jill welcomes Pamela Downes, a multidimensional soul-body healer, trance channeler, spiritual guide, mother, entrepreneur, and former corporate leader whose own profound spiritual awakening ultimately led her to a completely new life path. Spirit Calling — Pamela Downs Pamela shares how her awakening unfolded, how she began experiencing clairvoyance and profound synchronicities, and how she eventually began trance channeling the Great Council of Light. #SpiritualAwakening #SpiritualAwakeningJourney #PamelaDowns #TranceChanneling #GreatCouncilOfLight Subscribe to YouTube channel:  @jilljardine2186 https://bleav.com/shows/cosmic-scene-with-jill-jardine/ for video versions. Across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and major podcast outlets such as Apple and Spotify, the buzz is on spiritual awakening Together, Jill and Pamela explore what may be happening for people who suddenly find themselves questioning their relationships, careers, identities, beliefs, and life direction. In this episode we explore:  Is this a spiritual awakening—or something else? Why spiritual awakening can feel like your life is falling apart The connection between the physical body and the spiritual or energetic body Why relationships and old identities may suddenly shift The importance of surrender, compassion, and grace during transformation How painful experiences can become catalysts for growth and expansion Recognizing your inner guidance and spiritual intelligence Clairvoyance, premonitions, synchronicities, and intuitive "knowings" Pamela's extraordinary spiritual awakening journey Her transformative experience with ayahuasca and plant medicine Soul-level and karmic clearing Activating dormant gifts, DNA, and light codes What Pamela describes as soul-body repair and activation How Pamela began communicating with the Great Council of Light What trance channeling is and how Pamela experiences it Messages from Yeshua/Jesus Galactic beings, multidimensional consciousness, and changing frequencies How spiritual teachers must experience their own transformation to serve others Why humanity may be experiencing a collective awakening Finding your purpose, dharma, and authentic path Learning to navigate major life changes from a higher perspective Pamela describes beginning her awakening by questioning the beliefs and assumptions she had inherited about life, spirituality, love, energy, and consciousness. As she explored meditation, Reiki, spirituality, past lives, energy healing, and her own intuitive abilities, she began experiencing increasingly powerful synchronicities, visions, dreams, clairvoyant experiences, and intuitive "knowings." Her journey eventually led to profound energetic experiences and what she describes as a major opening of her psychic abilities. From there, Pamela began receiving guidance from what she identifies as the Great Council of Light, eventually developing the ability to trance channel their messages. Pamela explains her experience of trance channeling as entering a meditative state in which she moves her consciousness aside and allows information and wisdom to come through. She describes receiving information telepathically and eventually allowing the energy she connects with to utilize her voice and physical body to communicate. She also discusses channeling experiences involving Yeshua, divine feminine beings, and galactic energies, as well as receiving downloads, visions, and guidance about her life's purpose. One of the central themes of this episode is the experience of being in aliminal space—the place between the life you once knew and the life that is emerging. As Jill and Pamela discuss, spiritual transformation doesn't always feel peaceful or glamorous. Sometimes it looks like: A relationship ending. A career changing. A loss of identity. A financial shift.A move. A sudden realization. Or simply knowing that you can no longer live the way you used to. Pamela's message is to meet these moments with compassion, grace, surrender, and trust while allowing the emotions to move through you. Near the end of the episode, Pamela shares a powerful message she says came through her connection with Yeshua: Return to love. She encourages listeners to examine what they're consuming, the conversations they're engaging in, the social media they're absorbing, and the energy they're putting into the world. Rather than fighting, controlling, or constantly positioning ourselves, Pamela encourages us to become more grounded in our own inner knowing and to see life from a higher perspective. Her message is ultimately one of unity, forgiveness, love, surrender, and remembering who you truly are. Pamela shares the idea that we are beautiful, powerful beings of light connected to all that is, and that part of our journey is learning to step away from ego and control so we can fully embody our purpose. Like a flower opening one petal at a time, our transformation unfolds according to its own divine timing. Spirit Calling — Pamela Downs Explore Pamela's spiritual community, Soul Path coaching, mastermind, healing work, and teachings. Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration, by Parashakti Jill Jardine Jill's book explores powerful Sanskrit mantras for raising consciousness, transformation, prosperity, protection, love, and liberation, along with her companion oracle cards. Jill Jardine's Website You can listen to the complete update for free on our website Cosmic Scene – Jill Jardine Astrology, also on Apple Podcasts Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. You can find the Cosmic Scene Podcast on Facebook, Follow Cosmic Scene on Instagram and LinkedIn, YouTube and even IMDB- mdb.com/title/tt26653684/. Be sure to follow us on and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Thanks for listening and don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, IMDB, YouTube #free #podcast #astrology Book an astrology reading with Professional Astrologer Jill Jardine: www.jilljardineastrology.com Buy Jill's Book: https://jilljardine.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love astrology and spiritual growth. Connect with Jill Jardine: www.jilljardine.com Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist • Author Thank you for listening to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, where astrology meets consciousness and the stars illuminate your path to personal and spiritual transformation. #SpiritualAwakening #SpiritualAwakeningJourney  #TranceChanneling #GreatCouncilOfLight #SoulHealing #MultidimensionalHealing #SpiritualGuidance #PsychicAwakening #Clairvoyance #LightCodes #DNAActivation #HigherSelf #SoulPurpose #SpiritualTransformation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. 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August Horoscope 2026: Your Zodiac Sign's Lucky Days and Cosmic Predictions! August is one of the most dynamic astrological months of the year! The powerful Lionsgate Portal on August 8, major planetary shifts, and transformative lunation energy create opportunities for growth, manifestation, healing, and exciting new beginnings. #August2026Astrology #EclipseSeason #LeoSolarEclipse #PiscesLunarEclipse #LionsgatePortal Subscribe to YouTube channel:  @jilljardine2186 to hear more astrological updates! https://bleav.com/shows/cosmic-scene-with-jill-jardine/ for video versions. Across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and major podcast outlets such as Apple and Spotify, the buzz is on August 2026 eclipses and astrology. Discover the spiritual significance of the Lionsgate Portal (8/8). In this episode of Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, professional astrologer, psychic, and healer Parashakti Jill Jardine shares an in-depth horoscope for each zodiac sign, highlighting your greatest opportunities, challenges, and luckiest days throughout August. The major astrological themes shaping August 2026: The powerful energy of the Lionsgate Portal (8/8) Eclipse and lunation influences and how they affect each zodiac sign Love, relationships, romance, and social opportunities Career, money, and professional breakthroughs Spiritual growth, intuition, healing, and manifestation Aries A month of courage, creativity, and soul-level transformation. Saturn and Neptune retrograde challenge you to become your most authentic self while the Lionsgate Portal inspires bold new beginnings. Lucky Days: August 3, 4, 30 & 31 Taurus Behind-the-scenes healing leads to exciting creative opportunities as Virgo season encourages romance, joy, and self-expression. Lucky Days: August 5 & 6 Gemini Your words carry extra power this month. New conversations, brilliant ideas, and meaningful connections can open exciting doors. Lucky Days: August 8 & 9 Cancer Financial opportunities grow while Mars entering your sign gives you the motivation to take action and pursue your goals with confidence. Lucky Days: August 10 & 11 Leo Happy Birthday, Leo! Your confidence shines brightly as the Lionsgate Portal, birthday season, and Mercury in Leo help you manifest exciting new beginnings. Lucky Days: August 8, 11 & 12 Virgo Prepare for your personal new year! Release the past before stepping into a powerful season of clarity, wellness, and fresh intentions. Lucky Days: August 23 & 24 Libra A beautiful month for joy, creativity, friendships, and reconnecting with your heart. Take time to recharge while embracing playful new experiences. Lucky Days: August 15, 16 & 17 Scorpio Deep healing, transformation, and spiritual breakthroughs await as you release outdated emotional patterns and embrace profound personal growth. Lucky Days: August 18 & 19 Sagittarius Adventure calls! Jupiter expands your horizons while Leo energy encourages travel, social connections, and exciting future opportunities. Lucky Days: August 20, 21 & 22 Capricorn Focus on creating healthier routines while Venus later in the month inspires more romance, creativity, and joy.Lucky Days: August 23 & 24 Aquarius Higher consciousness, exciting friendships, and innovative ideas flourish as Lionsgate and the Aquarius Full Moon energize your future vision.Lucky Days: August 25 & 26 Pisces Intuition reaches new heights. Spiritual insights, emotional healing, and relationship renewal help you move forward with greater clarity. Lucky Days: August 1, 2, 27, 28 & 29 Get Jill's Book at www.jilljardine.com Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration. Discover how ancient Sanskrit mantras can help raise your frequency, deepen your spiritual practice, and support manifestation, healing, and inner peace. Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist ️ Subscribe to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine for monthly astrology forecasts, zodiac predictions, spiritual guidance, Sanskrit mantra teachings, and intuitive insights to help you navigate the cosmic energies with confidence. #AugustHoroscope #August2026 #ZodiacForecast #Horoscope2026 #AstrologyForecast #LionsgatePortal #AugustAstrology #LeoSeason #VirgoSeason #Manifestation #SpiritualAwakening #LuckyDays #ZodiacSigns #AstrologyPodcast #CosmicScene #ParashaktiJill #JillJardine #SanskritMantras #PsychicAstrologer #SpiritualGrowth Featured Book: Order it now at:  www.jilljardine.com or Amazon Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration by Parashakti Jill Jardine ️ Subscribe to Jill's YouTube channel: @jilljardine2186  for monthly astrology forecasts, spiritual teachings, Sanskrit mantras, and intuitive guidance to help you navigate these extraordinary times. #August2026Astrology #EclipseSeason #LeoSolarEclipse #PiscesLunarEclipse #LionsgatePortal You can listen to the complete update for free on our website Cosmic Scene – Jill Jardine Astrology, also on Apple Podcasts Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. You can find the Cosmic Scene Podcast on Facebook, Follow Cosmic Scene on Instagram and LinkedIn, YouTube and even IMDB- mdb.com/title/tt26653684/. Be sure to follow us on and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Thanks for listening and don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, IMDB, YouTube #free #podcast #astrology Book an astrology reading with Professional Astrologer Jill Jardine: www.jilljardineastrology.com Buy Jill's Book: https://jilljardine.com/ #astrologypodcast #astrologyforecast 2026 #zodiacsigns If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love astrology and spiritual growth. Connect with Jill Jardine: www.jilljardine.com Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist • Author Thank you for listening to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, where astrology meets consciousness and the stars illuminate your path to personal and spiritual transformation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why does Sanskrit place so much importance on sound and pronunciation? I'm joined by Dr. Varun Khanna to explore the stories, philosophy, and history behind Sanskrit, and discuss what modern yoga teachers really need to know about the language.Episode Highlights:Meaning of the word guruSound and vibration in SanskritOrigins of Devanagari scriptSanskrit's role in Indian philosophySound, vibration, and the subtle bodyPronunciation and mantra accuracySanskrit in modern yoga teachingSanskrit as a tool for learning yogaOm as the ultimate vibrationSanskrit beyond power and hierarchyPractical takeaways for yoga teachersPrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet's Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

August 2026 Astrology Forecast: Eclipse Season, Lionsgate & Massive Cosmic Shifts! August 2026 is one of the most pivotal astrological months of the year. Eclipse Season opens a powerful new chapter, bringing fated events, spiritual awakenings, and opportunities to step into your authentic purpose. This month also features the Lionsgate Portal on August 8, major planetary shifts, and two powerful eclipses that help us release the past and embrace a new future. #August2026Astrology #EclipseSeason #LeoSolarEclipse #PiscesLunarEclipse #LionsgatePortal Subscribe to YouTube channel:  @jilljardine2186 to hear more astrological updates! https://bleav.com/shows/cosmic-scene-with-jill-jardine/ for video versions. Across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and major podcast outlets such as Apple and Spotify, the buzz is on August 2026 eclipses and astrology. Discover the spiritual significance of the Lionsgate Portal (8/8). #August2026Astrology #EclipseSeason #LeoSolarEclipse #PiscesLunarEclipse #LionsgatePortal Solar Eclipse in Leo ushers in new beginnings, leadership changes, creativity. and heart-centered purpose. Pisces Lunar Eclipse (August 28) brings emotional healing. spiritual awakening, karmic completion, releasing the past. Sabian Symbol: "Officers on Dress Parade" and its deeper meaning of disciplined spiritual mastery. August Planetary transits: Mars enters Cancer Mercury enters Virgo Sun enters Virgo Venus enters Leo How each planetary shift influences: love & relationships career finances creativity intuition emotional healing spiritual evolution Which zodiac signs experience the greatest breakthroughs The collective message of the North Node in Aquarius and South Node in Leo How Eclipse Season can fast-track your destiny Spiritual practices to navigate August's transformational energy Sanskrit mantras to raise your vibration and align with your soul's highest path. Featured Book: Order it now at:  www.jilljardine.com or Amazon Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration by Parashakti Jill Jardine ️ Subscribe to Jill's YouTube channel: @jilljardine2186  for monthly astrology forecasts, spiritual teachings, Sanskrit mantras, and intuitive guidance to help you navigate these extraordinary times. #August2026Astrology #EclipseSeason #LeoSolarEclipse #PiscesLunarEclipse #LionsgatePortal You can listen to the complete update for free on our website Cosmic Scene – Jill Jardine Astrology, also on Apple Podcasts Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. You can find the Cosmic Scene Podcast on Facebook, Follow Cosmic Scene on Instagram and LinkedIn, YouTube and even IMDB- mdb.com/title/tt26653684/. Be sure to follow us on and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Thanks for listening and don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, IMDB, YouTube #free #podcast #astrology Book an astrology reading with Professional Astrologer Jill Jardine: www.jilljardineastrology.com Buy Jill's Book: https://jilljardine.com/ #astrologypodcast #astrologyforecast 2026 #zodiacsigns If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love astrology and spiritual growth. Connect with Jill Jardine: www.jilljardine.com Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist • Author Thank you for listening to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, where astrology meets consciousness and the stars illuminate your path to personal and spiritual transformation.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gamechanger! Astrology Forecast 2026–2028 for North Node in Aquarius | South Node in Leo! Your Zodiac Sign's Destiny-North Node in Aquarius Predictions. #free #podcast #astrology How will the North Node in Aquarius and South Node in Leo transform your zodiac sign over the next 19 months? In Part 2 of this special series, astrologer Jill Jardine explains how this powerful karmic cycle, from July 26, 2026, through March 26, 2028, influences every zodiac sign through a solar chart interpretation, helping you understand where your greatest opportunities for soul growth, relationships, career, creativity, healing, and spiritual evolution will unfold. Discover how to consciously align with this evolutionary cycle and unlock your highest potential. While Part 1 explored the collective meaning of this evolutionary shift, this episode focuses on how every zodiac sign is personally affected and where your greatest opportunities for growth will emerge over the next 19 months. Subscribe to YouTube channel:  @jilljardine2186 to hear more astrological updates! https://bleav.com/shows/cosmic-scene-with-jill-jardine/ for video versions. Across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and major podcast outlets such as Apple and Spotify, the buzz is on the Lunar Nodes Astrology. Using a solar chart interpretation, Jill explains how the North Node activates a different life area for each zodiac sign and why Aquarius invites you to embrace innovation, collaboration, authenticity, and your unique contribution to the collective. Whether you're an astrology beginner or an advanced student, this episode provides practical guidance for working consciously with this transformative nodal cycle. What the North Node in Aquarius means for each zodiac sign Why the North Node represents your soul's evolutionary path How the South Node in Leo helps you release outdated ego patterns A solar chart interpretation for all 12 zodiac signs Career, relationship, financial, and spiritual themes through March 2028 How Pluto in Aquarius amplifies this karmic cycle Practical guidance for aligning with your highest timeline Aries — Build your future through community, networking, and collaboration instead of going it alone. Taurus — Reinvent your career and discover purpose through innovative leadership and meaningful service. Gemini: Expand through higher learning, travel, teaching, publishing, and spiritual wisdom. The Aquarius–Leo nodal cycle reminds us that our individuality is meant to serve the collective. Leo teaches us to shine from the heart, while Aquarius teaches us to share those gifts in ways that uplift humanity. The next 19 months are an invitation to release outdated identities, embrace authentic purpose, and become a conscious co-creator of the future. Jill Jardine is a professional astrologer, psychic healer, hypnotherapist, yogi, spiritual teacher, and the host of Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine. She has guided clients for more than three decades with practical astrology, intuitive counseling, Sanskrit mantra, meditation, and consciousness-based healing. Jill is also the author of Sacred Sound Formulas to Awaken the Modern Mind: Sanskrit Mantras to Raise Your Vibration, a guide to using ancient mantras for healing, abundance, protection, and spiritual awakening. Listen to Part 1: North Node in Aquarius & South Node in Leo Subscribe to the YouTube channel @jilljardine2186  for monthly astrology forecasts, New Moon and Full Moon updates, planetary transits, spiritual awakening insights, meditation, manifestation techniques, Sanskrit mantras, hypnotherapy, and practical tools for living in alignment with the cosmic cycles. #Astrology #NorthNode #Aquarius #SouthNode #Leo #PlutoInAquarius #AquariusSeason #ZodiacSigns #AstrologyForecast #SpiritualAwakening #CollectiveAwakening #SoulPurpose #KarmicAstrology #AgeOfAquarius #EvolutionaryAstrology #CosmicScene #JillJardine #Podcast #YouTubeAstrology #2026Astrology You can listen to the complete update for free on our website Cosmic Scene – Jill Jardine Astrology, also on Apple Podcasts Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. You can find the Cosmic Scene Podcast on Facebook, Follow Cosmic Scene on Instagram and LinkedIn, YouTube and even IMDB- mdb.com/title/tt26653684/. Be sure to follow us on and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Thanks for listening and don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, IMDB, YouTube #free #podcast #astrology Book an astrology reading with Professional Astrologer Jill Jardine: www.jilljardineastrology.com Buy Jill's Book: https://jilljardine.com/ #astrologypodcast #astrologyforecast 2026 #zodiacsigns If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love astrology and spiritual growth. Connect with Jill Jardine: www.jilljardine.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Mahabharata, Volume 8 (U Chicago Press, 2026) is a translation of the twelfth book of The Mahābhārata, an epic tale of history and kingship, reinforced with legends, romances, and metaphysical, theological, and ethical teachings written in Sanskrit 1700 or more years ago. The Book of Peace is focused particularly on the ways people can escape the cycle of rebirth and realize sublime beatitude by way of saving knowledge or yoga meditation or devotion to God Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa. Supported by an extensive introduction and notes, this publication will be greeted as a major event in Sanskrit studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The Mahabharata, Volume 8 (U Chicago Press, 2026) is a translation of the twelfth book of The Mahābhārata, an epic tale of history and kingship, reinforced with legends, romances, and metaphysical, theological, and ethical teachings written in Sanskrit 1700 or more years ago. The Book of Peace is focused particularly on the ways people can escape the cycle of rebirth and realize sublime beatitude by way of saving knowledge or yoga meditation or devotion to God Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa. Supported by an extensive introduction and notes, this publication will be greeted as a major event in Sanskrit studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/indian-religions

The Mahabharata, Volume 8 (U Chicago Press, 2026) is a translation of the twelfth book of The Mahābhārata, an epic tale of history and kingship, reinforced with legends, romances, and metaphysical, theological, and ethical teachings written in Sanskrit 1700 or more years ago. The Book of Peace is focused particularly on the ways people can escape the cycle of rebirth and realize sublime beatitude by way of saving knowledge or yoga meditation or devotion to God Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa. Supported by an extensive introduction and notes, this publication will be greeted as a major event in Sanskrit studies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

What is yoga — really?Most practitioners and teachers can answer that question with a pose, a breath, or a feeling. Far fewer can answer it with the philosophical depth the tradition actually deserves. This week's episode does just that.Drawing on academic scholarship, Sanskrit etymology, and nearly 30 years of teaching and study, Jason identifies the six core teachings that appear consistently across the diverse spectrum of yoga traditions — from Hatha to Jnana, from Karma to Bhakti, from Patanjali to modern practice. Not a single reductive definition, but a genuine philosophical framework that holds up across lineages, eras, and approaches.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/yogaland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rev. Daishin Yalon talks about the Buddhist virtue of joyful effort or Virya in Sanskrit. He encourages us to cultivate a stillness within the activity of our every day lives that is bright and energetic. This talk was given at Shasta Abbey on Sunday, June 14, 2026. YouTube: https://youtu.be/W_lQt1OdkLITwitter/X: @shastaabbey 

How do ancient teachings remain alive across centuries, and what can their transmission reveal about the living heart of Tantra?In this conversation, Hareesh is joined once again by fellow Sanskrit scholar Dr. Ben Williams to discuss ongoing research and upcoming textual publications in the field of Tantric studies. Together, they explore the origins of the Śiva Sūtras, the tradition of writing commentaries on mysterious scriptural aphorisms, and historical manuscript evidence revealing an unbroken seventeenth-century lineage in Kashmir. The conversation also touches on Ben's collaborative work on devotional hymn literature, his research into historical ritual manuals, and a new course on meditative practices. Offering a glimpse into both the living tradition and the scholarship that continues to illuminate it, this episode highlights how careful study helps preserve and deepen our understanding of these extraordinary teachings.Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #59 Summary The delightful and engaging Laura Spinney is a science journalist and author of the book Proto. Laura joins the podcast to help us unpack the extraordinary story of the ancient Bronze Age Yamnaya culture, whose linguistic legacy endures today in the family of Indo-European languages. Even though the Yamnaya's Proto language went extinct without being recorded, its linguistic offspring have survived across millennia, evolving into a multitude of other languages that are alive and well in our time. Some of these many languages are English, Urdu, Russian, Farsi, Bengali, Spanish, Norwegian, and Irish. Proto is also the mother tongue of other languages that have since become extinct, such as Latin, Sanskrit, and Ancient Greek.With admirable mental dexterity, Laura weaves the complex, multilayered facets of the Proto story. She helps us tackle the core mystery of it all: who were the ancient peoples who spoke Proto that was never written down and hasn't been uttered in more than 4,000 years, and how is it that their Pontic Steppe culture ended up being the progenitor to a set of languages that are now spoken around the planet?Armed with the most up-to-date insights from linguistics, archaeology, and genetics, Laura shows us how these disciplines have converged over the last two decades to provide an increasingly clearer, but still evolving portrait. By unearthing DNA, tracing word roots, and studying cultural remnants, science has modeled aspects of this prehistoric period and the Yamnaya peoples, providing a deeper glimpse into the linguistic origins of nearly half of the planet.This episode concludes by considering the contemporary lessons Proto's themes offer. Migrations, evolving linguistic and genetic demographics, and the nativist and nationalistic reactions to change are familiar motifs. Citing the shifting language demographics in the United States, Spinney reminds us that migration and linguistic change are constant throughout human history rather than aberrations, arguing that only languages and cultures that adapt endure.This big-picture conversation in our Social Cohesion season invites us to consider the large tides of human history in our quest for cohesion. Spinney's Proto story shows us how intermixed the current state of affairs already is, asking us to widen our view and our hearts to see beyond apparent differences. The truth is there are vast scales of cultural and linguistic patterns moving through and around us. Proto asks us to open up, let go, and trust the wild and unrelenting change that has defined the human saga across thousands of years and will continue to do so in the coming centuries.

In this Conflicted Conversation, Thomas meets Laura Spinney, author of Proto: How One Language Went Global, the story of the Proto-Indo-European language and its descendants, which are spoken today by half of humanity. Laura explains: How, where, and among whom Proto-Indo-European emerged How Indo-European split into English, Hindi, Persian, Russian, Greek, Latin-derived Romance languages, Celtic, Germanic, Baltic and Slavic tongues How linguists reconstruct an unwritten prehistoric language through sound laws, comparative vocabulary and ancient texts Why ancient DNA has transformed the debate over Indo-European origins by restoring migration to the centre of the story Who the Yamnaya were, and how mobile pastoralists north of the Black Sea spread language through cattle, wagons, dairy and steppe mobility How a small number of steppe migrants may have transformed Europe's languages through disease, prestige, violence, intermarriage and social networks Why Tocharian, Sanskrit and Persian reveal extraordinary Indo-European journeys from the Pontic-Caspian steppe to China, India and Iran How ‘Aryan' began as a real Indo-Iranian self-description before being distorted by racial nationalism and Nazi pseudoscience Join the Conflicted Community here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Laura on X: https://x.com/lfspinney And on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/laurainparis.bsky.social And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.spinney Find us on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/MHconflicted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ And Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ And Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. Produced and edited by Thomas Small. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

North Node in Aquarius 2026: EVERYTHING Changes! Big Astrology Shift!The Lunar Nodes shift into North Node in Aquarius and South Node in Leo on July 26, 2026, launching a powerful 19-month karmic cycle that will reshape our collective consciousness, relationships, careers, and spiritual evolution through March 26, 2028. #free #podcast #astrology In this episode, astrologer Jill Jardine explores the deeper meaning of this transformative transit, its connection to Pluto in Aquarius, historical parallels, and what this major astrology event means for every zodiac sign. Discover how to align with your soul's purpose, release old ego patterns, embrace community and innovation, and navigate one of the most important astrological cycles of the decade. Subscribe to YouTube channel:  @jilljardine2186 to hear more astrological updates! https://bleav.com/shows/cosmic-scene-with-jill-jardine/ for video versions. Across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and major podcast outlets such as Apple and Spotify, the buzz is on the Lunar Nodes Astrology. In this episode of Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, professional astrologer, psychic, hypnotherapist, and spiritual teacher Jill Jardine explains how this rare nodal shift will transform collective consciousness, awaken humanity's higher purpose, and influence every zodiac sign over the next 20 months. This is much more than an astrology forecast. The Lunar Nodes represent our collective evolutionary path, and this transit marks a profound shift away from ego, external validation, and personal performance toward collaboration, innovation, community, humanitarian ideals, and conscious evolution. What makes this cycle even more extraordinary is that the North Node enters Aquarius while Pluto is already transiting Aquarius, amplifying themes of transformation, technological breakthroughs, artificial intelligence, higher consciousness, spiritual awakening, and the emergence of new ways of living and connecting. Jill also explores historical parallels with previous Aquarius-Leo nodal cycles, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the birth of the World Wide Web, the rise of smartphones and social media, and the 2008 global financial crisis—revealing how astrology often mirrors major turning points in world history. Jill shares: • What the Lunar Nodes are and why they're called the "Nodes of Destiny" • Why the North Node in Aquarius represents humanity's evolutionary future • The spiritual meaning of the South Node in Leo • How to release ego, comparison, pride, and the need for external validation • Why collaboration replaces competition during this cycle • The connection between Pluto in Aquarius and the North Node • Historical events during previous Aquarius-Leo nodal cycles • The deeper meaning of the Age of Aquarius • Collective predictions for 2026–2028 • Spiritual lessons for navigating this powerful karmic transition Book a Reading:  www.jilljardine.com Jill Jardine is a professional astrologer, psychic healer, hypnotherapist, author, and spiritual teacher with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate life through astrology, intuition, and consciousness-based practices. She is the host of Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, where she shares monthly astrology forecasts, spiritual insights, interviews, and practical guidance for personal transformation. Subscribe to the YouTube channel @jilljardine2186  for monthly astrology forecasts, New Moon and Full Moon updates, planetary transits, spiritual awakening insights, meditation, manifestation techniques, Sanskrit mantras, hypnotherapy, and practical tools for living in alignment with the cosmic cycles. #Astrology #NorthNode #Aquarius #SouthNode #Leo #PlutoInAquarius #AquariusSeason #ZodiacSigns #AstrologyForecast #SpiritualAwakening #CollectiveAwakening #SoulPurpose #KarmicAstrology #AgeOfAquarius #EvolutionaryAstrology #CosmicScene #JillJardine #Podcast #YouTubeAstrology #2026Astrology You can listen to the complete update for free on our website Cosmic Scene – Jill Jardine Astrology, also on Apple Podcasts Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. You can find the Cosmic Scene Podcast on Facebook, Follow Cosmic Scene on Instagram and LinkedIn, YouTube and even IMDB- mdb.com/title/tt26653684/. Be sure to follow us on and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Thanks for listening and don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, IMDB, YouTube #free #podcast #astrology Book an astrology reading with Professional Astrologer Jill Jardine: www.jilljardineastrology.com Buy Jill's Book: https://jilljardine.com/ #astrologypodcast #astrologyforecast 2026 #zodiacsigns If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends who love astrology and spiritual growth. Connect with Jill Jardine: www.jilljardine.com Professional Astrologer • Psychic • Healer • Hypnotherapist • Author Thank you for listening to Cosmic Scene with Jill Jardine, where astrology meets consciousness and the stars illuminate your path to personal and spiritual transformation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To celebrate the Gupta Navarātrī (Summer Goddess Festival) this year, we got together in Portland and decided to take up a new text, the Saundarya Laharī, an exceedingly beautiful Śrī Vidyā primary source & primer attributed to Ādi Śankarācarya to study alongside the Yoginī Hṛdāya which we started studying together last week. In this first of many talks on the Saundarya Laharī (follow along with this lecture series here), after a little introduction & discussion featuring Mahadevaji (which you can watch here), I jump in to introduce some foundational & preliminary ideas about Tāntrik Goddess worship starting with the Aṣṭarasā (अष्टरसा) (the “8 flavors of consciousness”) model and the Aṣṭamātṛkās (the 8 fierce yoginīs that correspond to the 8 sets of the Sanskrit alphabet) to which these rasas are often mapped. Here are some citations & resources:From Bhārati's classical source:शृङ्गारहास्यकरुणरौद्रवीरभयानकाः । बीभत्साद्भुतसंज्ञौ चेत्यष्टौ नाटये रसाः स्मृताः śṛṅgārahāsyakaruṇaraudravīrabhayānakāḥ | bībhatsādbhutasaṃjñau cetyaṣṭau nāṭaye rasāḥ smṛtāḥ || Śṛṅgāra (erotic love) Hāsya (comedy) Karuṇa (compassion/grief) Bhayānaka (terror) Bībhatsa (disgust) Vīra (heroic) Adbhuta (amazement) Raudra (anger)And the bonus +1 from Abhinava: Śānta (quiescent/transcendent/spritiual)note: Aṣṭarasā (8 flavors) is the classical list; Abhinava adds the 9th to make “navarasa” (9 flavors).The source for these is Abhinava Bhārati, Abhinava's commentary on the Nātya Śāshtra of Bharati but also for the “9th”, see Abhinava's Dhvanyaloka Locana, his commentary on Anandavardhana's “dhvani” idea (what makes poetry poetic)Here are the 8 sets (mātrikā-Varga/Mātrika Kula) of Sanskrit letters:स्वर (vowels)अ (a), आ (ā), इ (i), ई (ī), उ (u), ऊ (ū), ऋ (ṛ), ॠ (ṝ), ऌ (ḷ), ॡ (ḹ), ए (e), ऐ (ai), ओ (o), औ (au), अं (aṃ), अः (aḥ)कण्ठ्य (gutturals)क (ka), ख (kha), ग (ga), घ (gha), ङ (ṅa).तालव्य (palatals)च (ca), छ (cha), ज (ja), झ (jha), ञ (ña).मूर्धन्य (retroflex)ट (ṭa), ठ (ṭha), ड (ḍa), ढ (ḍha), ण (ṇa).दन्त्य (dentals)त (ta), थ (tha), द (da), ध (dha), न (na).ओष्ठ्य (labials)प (pa), फ (pha), ब (ba), भ (bha), म (ma).अन्तस्थ (semivowels/liquids)य (ya), र (ra), ल (la), व (va)ऊष्मन् (sibilants + aspirant)श (śa), ष (ṣa), स (sa), ह (ha).In the next class, we'll look at another set of 8 (the 8 shadows/pāśās) to complete our understanding of today's material! Hit Me Up xSupport the showLectures happen live every Monday at 7pm PST and again at Friday 11am PST Use this link and I will see you there:https://www.zoom.us/j/7028380815For more videos, guided meditations and instruction and for access to our lecture library, visit me at:https://www.patreon.com/yogawithnishTo get in on the discussion and access various spiritual materials, join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/U8zKP8yMrM

If you are a human being and you read the Bhagavad-gītā, then you're doing the right thing. If you are a human being and you don't read the Bhagavad-gītā, then you're missing the greatest opportunity, because there's nothing better than the Bhagavad-gītā, and not many people read it. They just say they read it, or they keep it in their house and say, “We believe in the Bhagavad-gītā.” But the trick is to actually read it. I was on a Zoom call earlier with a bunch of kids, and we have this system where, whenever we have our call, we always read a chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā together—Sanskrit and English—and then we discuss some of the purports, and the effect is amazing every time you read it. When I was in London, because we were zipping around here, there, and everywhere, every time we would jump in the car, I'd pull out my phone and open my Bhagavad-gītā app, and I started reading chapters. And so I had a minimum of three chapters a day of hearing the Bhagavad-gītā, and nobody told me to stop. Because people could have got annoyed in the cars, like, “Here he goes again,” but nobody said that because it's so interesting to hear the Bhagavad-gītā. I remember when I first got a Bhagavad-gītā when I was a kid; it was just translations, and I couldn't wait to get home from school and read the Bhagavad-gītā again. And I know from that very beginning of reading the Bhagavad-gītā that it fortifies you. Now we have Bhagavad-gītā As It Is. Last year, as an international society ISKCON, we sold over 5 million Bhagavad-gītās. But I can tell you what Prabhupāda would say, because he said it to us in San Francisco in 1973 when our temple president introduced us. Prabhupāda said, “These guys sold this many books.” You know what Prabhupāda said? “You must also read my books.” He said, “I've not written these just for selling." We have to read the Bhagavad-gītā. We have to be up on the Bhagavad-gītā. When your mind's tricking you, it means you're not reading enough Bhagavad-gītā. That is what it means. If you read at least a chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā a day—or at least a verse, anyway—then you won't get tricked. You won't get fooled again. The old boss, same as the new boss; it just comes in over and over again—same old trick of Māyā. But you can't get tricked if you read the Bhagavad-gītā. In fact, you can tell people that out on the street: “You won't get fooled again if you take this Bhagavad-gītā and read it every day.” So that's the solution to everything. Where's your Bhagavad-gītā? Do you know where it is right now? (one of the ladies in the audience takes out Bhagavad-gītā from her purse) In your purse? Show it. Show the Bhagavad-gītā. Look at her tilaka—she's not bewildered, she's not tricked by Māyā. She gets up, puts her tilaka on, because she has a Bhagavad-gītā. If you carry a Bhagavad-gītā with you wherever you go and you read it every day, you'll never get tricked by Māyā. That's how to trick Māyā back. Prabhupāda said, “You should defeat death before death defeats you.” So it's a race for time. We don't have much time. You have to really lean into the Bhagavad-gītā. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://vaisesikadasayatra.blogspot.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025

A conversation featuring the editors of the new Heidelberg Asian Studies Publishing series Pathika - Studies of South Asian Texts and Traditions (HAS, 2026) Pathika – Sanskrit for "traveler" or "one who follows a path" – is a new series dedicated to the textual traditions of South Asia, engaging with the rich landscape of South Asian literary and religious traditions. The series encompasses critical editions, annotated translations, and in-depth studies of texts spanning the full breadth of South Asian traditions. From inscriptions to previously untranslated manuscripts, Pathika provides a venue to both established scholars and emerging researchers to publish their work on the textual traditions of South Asia. The volumes adhere to rigorous philological standards while making important texts and translations accessible to a wider academic audience. Pathika particularly welcomes interdisciplinary approaches that situate texts within their historical, religious, and cultural contexts. The series fully supports all South Asian scripts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

A conversation featuring the editors of the new Heidelberg Asian Studies Publishing series Pathika - Studies of South Asian Texts and Traditions (HAS, 2026) Pathika – Sanskrit for "traveler" or "one who follows a path" – is a new series dedicated to the textual traditions of South Asia, engaging with the rich landscape of South Asian literary and religious traditions. The series encompasses critical editions, annotated translations, and in-depth studies of texts spanning the full breadth of South Asian traditions. From inscriptions to previously untranslated manuscripts, Pathika provides a venue to both established scholars and emerging researchers to publish their work on the textual traditions of South Asia. The volumes adhere to rigorous philological standards while making important texts and translations accessible to a wider academic audience. Pathika particularly welcomes interdisciplinary approaches that situate texts within their historical, religious, and cultural contexts. The series fully supports all South Asian scripts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

What if the whole point of your yoga practice was to prepare you to die well? In one of our favorite conversations of the year, Dr. John Campbell joins Harmony Slater and Russell Case for a third time — and goes somewhere we've never gone on the show. John is one of the few Westerners certified to teach Ashtanga by the Mysore lineage, finished the Fourth Series, and holds a PhD in Religion from Columbia. He co-founded the Contemplative Sciences Center at UVA and translates Sanskrit and Tibetan tantric texts with Prof. Robert Thurman. Today he teaches Vajra Yoga at Tibet House US in New York. Together they explore the Bardo — the Tibetan “in-between” of dying and rebirth — and how the same dissolution can be glimpsed through psychedelics, deep meditation, and moments of love or terror. Russell shares what an ayahuasca journey revealed about a lifelong fear of death; John recounts a 24-hour ceremony and the integration that mattered more than the medicine; and Harmony reframes asana as the building of a “diamond body” — a vessel strong enough to hold the energy that practice unlocks. They sit with hard, beautiful questions: Why would an enlightened being choose to be reborn? What is the “clear light mind”? Can you really care for someone without carrying them? And is a strong backbend the goal of yoga — or just the prerequisite? This is philosophy, dark humor, lineage, and tenderness in one sitting. Please note: this episode discusses psychedelics, addiction, and death, and is offered for educational and contemplative purposes only — not as medical advice or an endorsement of substance use. Links  Vajra Yoga at Tibet House US — tibethouse.us / thus.org  Newburgh Yoga Shala (upstate NY) with Bibi Lorenzetti: https://newburghyogashala.com/ Nepal pilgrimage with Corey Michael Bryant / @thespiritualpilgrim, Sept 27–Oct 7  Harmony & Russell's upcoming yoga + art + integration retreat — DM @harmonyslaterofficial   The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermind FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

What if the whole point of your yoga practice was to prepare you to die well? In one of our favorite conversations of the year, Dr. John Campbell joins Harmony Slater and Russell Case for a third time — and goes somewhere we've never gone on the show. John is one of the few Westerners certified to teach Ashtanga by the Mysore lineage, finished the Fourth Series, and holds a PhD in Religion from Columbia. He co-founded the Contemplative Sciences Center at UVA and translates Sanskrit and Tibetan tantric texts with Prof. Robert Thurman. Today he teaches Vajra Yoga at Tibet House US in New York. Together they explore the Bardo — the Tibetan “in-between” of dying and rebirth — and how the same dissolution can be glimpsed through psychedelics, deep meditation, and moments of love or terror. Russell shares what an ayahuasca journey revealed about a lifelong fear of death; John recounts a 24-hour ceremony and the integration that mattered more than the medicine; and Harmony reframes asana as the building of a “diamond body” — a vessel strong enough to hold the energy that practice unlocks. They sit with hard, beautiful questions: Why would an enlightened being choose to be reborn? What is the “clear light mind”? Can you really care for someone without carrying them? And is a strong backbend the goal of yoga — or just the prerequisite? This is philosophy, dark humor, lineage, and tenderness in one sitting. Please note: this episode discusses psychedelics, addiction, and death, and is offered for educational and contemplative purposes only — not as medical advice or an endorsement of substance use. Links  Vajra Yoga at Tibet House US — tibethouse.us / thus.org  Newburgh Yoga Shala (upstate NY) with Bibi Lorenzetti: https://newburghyogashala.com/ Nepal pilgrimage with Corey Michael Bryant / @thespiritualpilgrim, Sept 27–Oct 7  Harmony & Russell's upcoming yoga + art + integration retreat — DM @harmonyslaterofficial   The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermind FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Hermann Ebbinghaus is remembered mostly for discovering the forgetting curve. Open any psychology textbook, any blog devoted to a flashcard app or any study-tips listicle, and you’ll find his name alongside a distinctive graph. Memory expert Tony Buzan called it the most important graph in the world. That’s because its iconic line shows memory plummeting within hours of learning something new, then flattening out over days. Countless discussions of how to reduce forgetting give you the same tidy recommendations. Usually they tell you to review your study materials at intervals, just at the point you’re starting to forget. That way, many authors promise, you’ll beat the curve. The problem, just one of many you’ll discover today, is this: Ebbinghaus didn’t discover the forgetting curve. He discovered his forgetting curve. He was one man, testing his own memory, on one kind of material, using one method. And although the forgetting curve is indeed one of the most repeatable and reproducible principles in the history of scientific studies, reproducibility in laboratory settings does not mean you’ll stop forgetting by using the conventional recommendations. Besides, here’s something almost no one else will tell you: The deepest principles the Ebbinghaus experiments revealed were already written down more than two thousand years earlier by Aristotle. You’ll find them in a short treatise that describes something remarkably close to using a Memory Palace in combination with the same kind of serial positioning Ebbinghaus described as a means for reducing forgetting. So today I’m going to cover a few aspects of the forgetting curve all serious users of memory techniques need to know. These are points I’ve been putting off writing about for a long time. However, a few emails and comments I’ve received over the past few years have convinced me that now is finally the time. Especially since I’ve spent decades memorizing poetry, scripture, mantras, complex terms, the names of people from various backgrounds and vocabulary and phrases in multiple languages. And I’ve done this all while teaching thousands of students to do the same. From where I sit as a practitioner, the forgetting curve is real, useful and badly misunderstood. But treated correctly, it’s an invitation to success. First, however, for the uninitiated, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about the definition of this term. That way, you’ll be able to discover your own curve and work on reducing its impact in your learning life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_qwUkfO65M   What Is the Forgetting Curve? In 1885, Ebbinghaus published Über das Gedächtnis (Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology). In this monumental work, he reported years of experiments he had run on a single subject: himself. He memorized lists of sinnlose Silben, the German term for nonsense syllables. These were consonant-vowel-consonant combinations like ZOF and KEB. After committing lists of such invented words, he then tested how much effort it took to relearn them after various delays. Notice two things. First, these were invented words. Nothing with any meaning. Second, pay attention to the word relearn. Ebbinghaus did not measure memory only by asking whether he could reproduce an entire list perfectly. He also measured what he called “savings” in the context of relearning. This study goes quite deep into the nuances and implications of this particular concept for memory. To get the concept in brief, suppose it initially took you 20 repetitions to learn something. If it took only 10 repetitions to relearn it later, some trace of the original learning clearly remained. Your inability to reproduce the information perfectly would not mean the memory had disappeared completely. Keep this idea of “savings” in mind. It matters more than the famous graph, and we’ll return to it when I show you what happened to a long Sanskrit mantra I intentionally abandoned for years. It also connects to some concepts in memory introduced by Richard Semon and studied more recently by Dr. Paul Garrett in relation to the role of fuzzy memory. Back to Ebbinghaus, the  result of his experiments is what we now call the forgetting curve. It shows how retention drops steeply at first, then the decline slows. He also documented what we now call the spacing effect. It describes how reviews distributed over time preserve more in long-term memory than the same number of reviews crammed together. All of what Ebbinghaus found replicates, so his science is not in question here. What’s in question is what you and I should actually do with his findings.  And that’s where things really start to get interesting. Ebbinghaus Was an Early n=1 Memorizer Notice what Ebbinghaus actually was: A practitioner running experiments on his own memory. In today’s language, he was doing n=1 self-experimentation. He had skin in the game, memorized real material with his own mind, and measured what happened. I took his actions as both a lesson and an inspiration. It’s just that rather than memorize nonsense (apart from a bit of Kurt Schwitters’ “Ursonate”), I’ve focused on applying memory techniques to Chinese, scripture, poetry and facts related to law school. But you will never see the results you can achieve by reading about Ebbinghaus. You’ll only see it by memorizing information yourself and paying attention to what happens next. Tony Buzan was great about splitting the difference during his ThinkBuzan seminars. He taught memory techniques, but also had participants draw their own graph of the forgetting curve. Here’s mine: In sum, reading about the forgetting curve while never memorizing anything is like reading about swimming while refusing to get wet. Is There Such a Thing As Too Much Scientific Literacy? Years ago, Harry Lorayne coached me on becoming a successful memory coach. I followed just about everything he said, except one thing. He said, “whatever you do, don’t tell ’em about the science.” The reason I ignored the advice is that: I’m very interested in memory science Studying it has helped me discover many powerful memory activities and brain exercises The only problem I’ve seen is that about a year ago, students of all ages started writing to me in the language of science at an increasing rate. And for many, the various terms and memory statistics available online have created anxiety and perfectionism I don’t think needs to exist. For example, a medical student taking the Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass recently emailed multiple times with worries about whether his review schedule was set to properly combat the “decay function.” Now, obviously, the research on memory genuinely matters. I cite it often and terms like this can be useful for forming a solid practice with using mnemonics. But Lorayne’s warning has started to take on a strange and unexpected sense because something strange happens when the vocabulary of science replaces practice. After all, science is mostly there to describe, not proscribe. We can certainly use scientific findings to improve our practice, but it’s not helpful to let techniques that have been used happily for thousands of years become the source of anxiety thanks to scientific papers. Don’t Let These Terms Interfere With Your Memory Training It’s not only beginners with memory techniques or medical students who would tend towards scientific verbiage when contacting me. I regularly hear from people fluent in the terminology, sometimes with publications to their name. A published researcher wrote me recently and had thoroughly reasoned himself into genuine paradox. Amongst other things, he wanted to know what a trained mnemonist’s memory does “without any technique.” Now, you certainly can get a swimmer to demonstrate what a particular stroke looks like without the water. And in the context of memory training, the question can sound rigorous. But in my view, this kind of question suggests that the researcher has lost contact with the very thing he’s asking about. This is because someone with a trained memory can’t isolate a ‘raw baseline’ without risking cognitive paradox. I would have to reflect on my use of mnemonic methods while not using them. And since he immediately followed-up with a pseudo-scientific claim about photographic memory, I knew he was not taking Ebbinghaus’ n=1 practice as an example by actually using the techniques himself. After all, photographic memory has been thoroughly debunked and I’ve demonstrated many times over that it not only does not exist. The term itself makes zero sense. So this is where some nuance about the forgetting curve is very important to the serious user of memory techniques. No matter who you are, you need to make contact with actual remembering. Aristotle Described the Core Principle Two Thousand Years Ago Actually studying and practicing a wide variety of memory techniques will get you insight far more interesting and impactful than any psychology textbook could hope to provide. In De Memoria et Reminiscentia, Aristotle describes recollection as movement through an ordered series. At one point in the book, he uses a sequence like the letters of the alphabet and gives strikingly practical advice that deeply inspired what I call Recall Rehearsal. This is a form of spaced repetition applied specifically to the Memory Palace technique. As Aristotle puts it, if you forget something, don’t start over from the beginning. Start from the middle of the series and move outward from there. Richard Sorabji, in his landmark study Aristotle on Memory, admits that he doesn’t understand what Aristotle is talking about in this passage. That’s a courageous confession, as many scholars would just make something up or speculate. As a practitioner of memory techniques with decades of experience, I can tell you what I believe Aristotle is describing. It’s either: An alphabetically labeled Memory Palace An early description of serial positioning and spaced repetition Or a description that provided the inspiration for creating this kind of Memory Palace practice. It’s genuinely difficult to say which. But either way, the principle and how it reduces unwanted forgetting is unmistakable to anyone who has actually run the technique. In case you have never used a Memory Palace, it involves ordered locations, deliberate starting points, and strategic entry into the middle of a sequence as part of several spaced repetition patterns that establish substantial retention. Modern Practitioners Who Know How to Beat the Forgetting Curve  You can trace this practitioner lineage forward through Peter of Ravenna, Jacobus Publicius, Robert Fludd, Giordano Bruno, and in our own time, mnemonists like myself and Lynne Kelly (especially in her book, Memory Craft). Our combination of fieldwork and daily personal practice in particular sets the standard for studying these techniques. Certainly Frances Yates deserves credit for reviving scholarly interest in mnemonics through her book, The Art of Memory, but she acknowledged never practicing the techniques herself. Frankly, it shows. Her treatment of memory wheels, for example, creates the impression they were used as Memory Palaces, which is possible but unlikely. Practice changes what you can see in the Memory Palace books you read. Why does the Aristotle passage matter for the forgetting curve? Because his advice that you should “start from the middle” of a sequence of information you keep forgetting is serial positioning in action. And serial positioning is the key to defeating the curve. My Own Forgetting Curve, Observed in the Wild The reason I’ve never tried to reproduce Ebbinghaus’s experiment formally by memorizing nonsense is precisely because you see advice on how to beat the forgetting curve thousands of years before he conducted his research. That said, I have watched my own forgetting curve operate over years, and the observations I’ve made are instructive. For example, I worked daily with one long-form mantra built from a few dozen Sanskrit phrases for many years: the Song Celestial. Then I deliberately let it lapse with no rehearsal at all for approximately two years. I was not as deliberate as I could have been in terms of tracking like Ebbinghaus would have. But since the research is so heavily reproducible and we know why Memory Palaces work, I was happy to be casual about it. When I finally came back to this mantra, I was shocked by how much I could still recall. The forgetting curve had certainly caused some “decay.” But it was nothing like what Ebbinghaus’s graph would predict for material of that length after that much neglect. In Ebbinghaus’s own terms, the “savings” were enormous. And the relearning cost me a fraction of the original effort, because the trace was never gone. It was waiting for me. The question is, why? After all, I can’t sing songs I used to know by heart when I was a kid? Part of the answer is that I never stopped reciting the other three Sanskrit mantras I have memorized. They have very similar meanings, and in many cases, some of the same words. The meaning element in particular suggests that I partly benefitted from stronger retention due to what scientists call context dependence. Because I never left the realm of reciting Sanskrit entirely, that must explain the higher rate of retention. Compare this to my previous career as a Film Studies professor. I hardly watch movies anymore, let alone read theoretical books about them or lecture for weeks on end during a traditional university semester. The lack of context has accelerated the force of the forgetting curve and deskilled my chops as a film scholar. Memory Palaces: Structured Spaced Retrieval Systems That Beat Forgetting Apart from context-dependent memory benefits, another reason I could recall so much of a mantra despite not reciting it for years has to do with how I memorized it: using the Memory Palace technique. Not as a party trick, but as a structured spaced retrieval system. To learn more about how it works, check out my Complete Guide to the Memory Palace technique. In brief, the key is to place information tethered to associations along the stations of a Memory Palace and then practice Recall Rehearsal following patterns no software like Anki can guide you through. Titus Andronicus and Recall Rehearsal in Action My favorite demonstration where I show you Recall Rehearsal in action involves Shakespeare, specifically a passage from Titus Andronicus I memorized for my case study of how Anthony Hopkins memorizes his scripts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhjIkGu32CA I’ve retained the passage ever since running it through Recall Rehearsal with minimal repetition. Or better said, I repeat these lines often, but now it’s performance, not just recitation. But the interesting thing isn’t really that I can recite this passage. Anyone can chain words together through brute force rote learning and recite lines like these forward. The proof of the power of Recall Rehearsal is that I can recite the lines out of order: Jumping between sections Running lines in reverse Reciting the odd-numbered lines and then the even numbered lines It’s now probably my favorite demonstration because it makes the power of serial positioning visible. Even better: I’m not alone in enjoying the benefits of improved retention. Magnetic Memory Method Students Who Have Bent the Curve I’ve watched this play out in my students for years, and two cases capture it especially well. Jeannie Koh spent years learning Koine Greek using rote learning during years of what she said were filled with tears and pain. But after learning to encode with Memory Palaces, she found memorizing “much less painful, and much more enduring over time,” now recalling whole passages in that ancient language with an ease she says feels almost suspicious. Same brain, same language, two encoding methods, two completely different forgetting curves. She’s a one-person controlled experiment. For more success stories, including physicians who used these methods to retrieve high-volume, complex information under exam pressure months after encoding it, check out my testimonials page. The pattern is always the same: the forgetting curve is not destiny. So long as you’re using memory techniques optimally, you can resist it, if not beat it. Should You Reproduce Ebbinghaus’s Experiment? One problem I see time and again is that many people want the exact steps needed to measure their progress. Especially when they hear me discuss how rigorously I use journaling as part of my memory activities. I’m sorry, but the demand for “exact steps” is mostly a desire installed by content marketing. The truth is that there isn’t one exact path. There are several and the real lesson in Ebbinghaus’ story is that you need to get involved in creating your own. You can journal manually by simply memorizing real words or nonsense words. Note the dates, and test yourself over time. What matters is that you work inside projects that matter to you. Whether that’s language learning, poetry, mantras, scripture, use a memory journal to help you test what holds and what fades as you use memory techniques. If you’re competitive, you can study how memory athletes use journaling to sharpen their game. My podcast conversation with Johannes Mallow, in which he explains how journaling improved his competitive standing, will be useful in that regard. Often Forgetting Is Actually a Crisis of Commitment If there’s one thing I’ve noticed over the years, it’s that people often take on learning projects connected to lives they do not actually want. They study for a qualification because they believe they should, or to please a family member. As a result, they struggle to memorize information for a job they already suspect will make them miserable. Then they interpret their resistance as a defective memory, when the deeper problem is in fact a conflict of purpose. I’ve had to face this in my own law-school experiment. I could not know in advance exactly what studying law would involve or how well the field would suit me. The saving grace is that trying it has given me greater insight into what’s involved. But now that I’ve seen some of the field from within, I have to ask a different question: Just because I am a mnemonist who can memorize legal Latin quickly and an upcoming presentation I have to give does not mean I must continue pursuing every possible outcome associated with the degree. The ability to remember something does not prove that it deserves years of my life. As I know from my studies in polymathy, memory mastery must include the development of careful selection parameters. In other words, one of the best “meta level” ways to beat the forgetting curve is to decide whether the material deserves a place in your memory at all. If you’d like help picking what to memorize on top of using the Memory Palace technique and Recall Rehearsal, my new training “The System” can help you pick a first project you actually care about. Once you have a learning goal you love, keep a journal as you memorize. Not to reproduce a nineteenth-century experiment, but to watch yourself break the forgetting curve, one piece of info at a time.

At first glance, Ashtanga Yoga may look like a simple sequence of postures. But beneath the surface lies a subtle framework that carries the entire method: Tristhāna, the threefold support of breath, posture, and gaze. In this episode, Kino and Tim explore the deeper meaning of Tristhāna. The word comes from Sanskrit, with tri meaning "three" and sthāna meaning "place" or "support." These three abodes are not just techniques. They are thresholds that guide the practitioner from gross sensation into subtle awareness. Breath is the golden thread linking body and mind. Posture is the seat that establishes presence. Gaze is the discipline that steadies perception. Together, they guide us inward, moving us from the visible body into the subtle body, from surface sensation into deeper stillness. Kino and Tim also reflect on how these pillars extend beyond the mat. Breath becomes a refuge, posture teaches resilience, and gaze becomes discernment. To practice Ashtanga is to realize that we are never not practicing. Yoga becomes alive in every moment of our lives. Listen in to explore how the three pillars of Tristhāna support the movement from external to internal, from gross to subtle, and discover how yoga is not just something you do, but something you live. Practice with Kino, Tim, and the Omstars community at Omstars.com, where you'll find guided Ashtanga Yoga classes, philosophy, meditation, and practice support for every stage of your path.

Most yoga teachers have heard of at least one or two of the Shat Kriyas — maybe you've practiced jala neti, maybe you've taught kapalabhati. But the full picture of what these six techniques actually are, where they come from, and why the Hatha Yoga Pradipika places them before pranayama is a conversation the modern yoga world rarely has with any rigor. In this episode, Aru goes deep into the Shatkarma — the six cleansing practices of Hatha Yoga — drawing directly from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Gheranda Samhita to unpack what these techniques were actually built to do, and why "yogic detox" is one of the least accurate ways to describe them.This is not a beginner overview. This is the episode for teachers, trainees, and serious practitioners who want to understand the architecture of Hatha Yoga — why the body had to be cleared before the breath could be regulated, what the texts say about each technique specifically, and where modern science has quietly caught up to practices that are at least six hundred years old on paper, and likely much older.Episode Highlights:What Shat Karma actually means — Sanskrit breakdown of the term and each of the six kriyasThe historical context: Swatmarama's Hatha Yoga Pradipika (15th c.) vs. Gheranda Samhita (17th c.) and how they differ in their treatment of ShatkarmaWhy Swatmarama places the six kriyas before pranayama — and what that sequencing tells you about the entire logic of Hatha YogaThe difference between "cleansing for wellness" and "removing a specific obstruction so practice can go deeper"A full breakdown of all six — Neti, Dhauti, Basti, Trataka, Nauli, and Kapalabhati — with Sanskrit etymology, traditional technique, and purposeWhat modern research actually says (and where it goes quiet)Why Trataka is the only kriya that isn't physically invasive — and why that makes it the most misunderstood of the sixBasti: why it's the most prerequisite-dependent kriya, and why almost no one can do it traditionallyThe two texts don't list the six in the same order — and why that sequencing difference matters more than it looksPrana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern ItalyJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on InstagramSubscribe to Aham Yoga on YouTubeLet's Talk Yoga Podcast on YouTubeLeave us a review and share this podcast with your friends!

Henry David Thoreau wrote, "The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it." With every choice, we're trading the moments of our life for something. The Vedic tradition asks: what is it actually worth – material prosperity? Liberation? Bhakti Vedanta points higher — divine love, connection with the very origin of your existence. In this episode Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the meaning of Krishna's Lila, which may sound like mythology or a fairy tale. But at the pinnacle of Vedantic thought, after hundreds of thousands of Sanskrit verses building a complete philosophy of existence, we arrive here: Krishna is the origin and sustainer of all that is. And beyond that — his intimate love makes one forget all worldly attachments and gives the highest fulfillment the soul can find. Srimad Bhagavatam 10:31.9-16 ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************