Tis the season

Like local blogger Sara Foss I'm a last-minute shopper, though I notice she has filed posts about watching movies and a comedy show since writing that Christmas deadline piece.
Meanwhile, let us praise unfashionable old-fashioned liberalism in the form of Gov. Paterson's proposed raising of welfare payments and other benefits for poor people, and even more unfashionable compassionate conservatism in the form of President Bush's alleviation of the AIDS epidemic throughout the world; and local residents who, according to the Gazette's Ed Munger, have been responding generously to rising need.
I just got an email from my wife's nephew, who is in town from Florida and is coming with his family for dinner tonight (which means I gotta clean out my "office"). I hear his son has been enjoying the brand-new experience of sledding and playing in the snow. I also can report that there are lots of cardinals this year, looking very red against the white. My sister-in-law tells me there are more in New Jersey too, and that I should look up their religious symbolism. But as my lovely wife might say, it is time for triage and to step away from the computer. Merry Christmas.

Comments

[Mary Cafarelli]

Planet Albany, Huzzah for the Christmas message and glad that it's not all "bah, humbug." FYI: cardinals are symbolic of many things. (See below) The beauty of their bright red against a snowy landscape takes my breath away and prompts me, once again, to marvel at nature's many wonders. Despite some of the reasons to be depressed at Christmas this year (family members far away, poor economy and folks out of work, "wars" which we should be out of), the flash of red in the wintry air brings me hope. Happy Christmas! Mary C

The cardinal is a power packed bird that transforms and awakens us. Its color and its voice are its two strongest characteristics. It is a member of the finch family and is often recognized by its brilliant red color.

The eggs laid by the female hatch in about twelve days. This, along with the cardinal being a year round resident, reflects the rhythm of the number twelve. The number twelve often has important significance for those with this totem. It can indicate a turn of events or a life changing situation. When the cardinal flies into your life expect a change to occur within 12 days, 12 weeks, 12 months or at the hour of 12. Because this bird is a year round resident its medicine is available at all times and should be used by those with this totem whenever a need arises.

Cardinals have a loud whistle, Whistles penetrate the air with sharp distinct tones. They demand our attention urging us to hear what is carried through the air. Both male and female cardinals join in the whistling. This reflects the need to integrate our male and female characteristics into our day to day life. Feminine energy is linked to intuition. Male energy is linked to perseverance. If both are operating within our life our intuitive knowledge has the perseverance and strength necessary to manifest our goals and dreams.

Cardinals eat many decaying weeds and injurious insects. When a cardinal appears in your life it is telling you to pay attention to your eating habits. Are you eating things that might be injurious to your health? IS your diet nutritionally balanced? Extra care should be given to the blood and circulatory system. Past life ties to overindulgence or the consumption of poisonous substances is often linked to cardinal medicine people.

The bright red color of the cardinal is very symbolic. Red represents the blood or life force of the Mystic Christ. In yoga circles this vital force is known as the kundalini. The kundalini lies dormant within us until activated by a disciplined spiritual practice. Once activated spiritual power can be attained. The cardinal offers safe passage into the world of personal power for those who ask for its help.

When a person with cardinal medicine steps onto a spiritual path there will be no turning back. Everything else in their life will seem insignificant. Extra care must be taken here to insure personal happiness, particularly in the area of one to one relationships. Balancing spiritual ideals and physical pleasure will need to be instated in ones life so harmony on all levels is known.

Cardinals are named for the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church with their bright red robes. A great love or a strong dislike for religion and churches is common amongst cardinal medicine people and can indicate a past life connection with one or both.

The cardinals voice is strong and clear and reflects an air of importance. This power packed bird can teach you how to express your truth, develop confidence and walk your talk. If you respect its teachings it will lead you home.