Post No. 968 – For Sunday evening’s meditation-clearing

Note: I am NOT a journalist, and make NO claims to objectivity or freedom from bias or trying to cover all [there are often more than two] sides of an issue: these posts are the equivalent of a re-tweeting service, or, at best, a commentary site, and are posted for the purpose of assisting in the clearing of nonBPM (“unbalanced/unbalancing”, or spiritually immature”) energies.

For everyone’s convenience:   the reminders / explanations about Sunday’s meditation-clearing are here;   a simplified blogiography of posts related to this work is here,   a list of themes I have identified here;   my changing the personality of oppressors and other world leaders post is here;   (see here for some investigation into evidence of the effectiveness of this type of work … and also here and here are interesting);   a range of information on emotions is here, and suggestions on how to work with emotions is here;   this copy of a speech to one of the Parliament of World Religions has excellent, helpful insights on generational transmission of harm, the cost of war, and ways to heal our hearts;   and   this post reminds us to be patient and persistent, like a “speeding oak” (and I like the comment about a sudden “shift” being just another form of apocalyptic thinking).

Now, as mentioned above, the purpose of posting these news links (and, incidentally, these posts are the equivalent of a re-tweeting service, or, at best, a commentary site: I am NOT a journalist, and make NO claims to objectivity or freedom from bias or trying to cover all [there are often more than two] sides of an issue – see here) is not only to inform:   it is also to stimulate a connection to nonBPM units that need to be cleared and BPM units that need to be strengthened, so that you can do the clearing / strengthening that is required.   That only works if you don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by this, so take it in small chunks if you need to, but remember to actively clear and heal! … including yourself.

Further to that, in the same way that activists used to argue that “the personal is political”, the energies we use and manifest in our daily lives contribute to the larger soup of energies that influence world events. If you want to, for example, improve the communication of nations, improve yours. To help stop abuses of power, be always ethical in your conduct. Want peace? Then work in an informed, understanding, intelligent and nuanced way for peace in yourself and your life.

There are some notes at the end of this post about other options for those who do not like this way of working, opportunities for healers, and the default plan for any time I am late getting my Psychic Weather Report up.

Now, the themes – short, medium and long term - that come to mind for my work this week, after I review all this news, are (and no apologies if this repeats the themes of any previous weeks – in fact, given the size of this task, that is to be expected):

(a)   based on my interpretation of information here and here with Saturn in Sagittarius contributing to finding an authentic balance (until 20^th December, 2017), Uranus in Aries contributing to fresh and possibly radical starts (until some date in the Year 2018), and Pluto in Capricorn contributing to a transformation of power and business (and careers) (until some date in the Year 2024), conditions are ripe for a change for the better in world politics;

(b)   there is an enormous need to clear nonBPM energy – the thought forms, unattached energy and scars of the collective unconscious created by millennia of violence. This need includes rescuing those who have been trapped by that history, and healing the warped views, seemingly “inherent” biases, and other damage done by the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual violence committed on scales large and small in that timeframe;

(c)   viewing the overall emotional state of the world from an elemental point of view, this week we need more of the compassion of BPM Water;

(d)   I’ve created a bindrune for this week’s meditation, which is:

(e)   the major events this week are:   the ceasefire (not peace!) in Syria;   the UN resolution about Israeli “settlers”;   seasonal religious festivals and derivative social celebrations;

(f)   there have been some good examples of caring responsible leadership this week, which is to be encouraged even as attempts are underway to bring those who abuse or misuse (or fail to use) power;

(g)   the appeal to lowest common denominator continues to be a problem: clear, objective and correct BPM thinking is required to counter that – which requires clearing of any nonBPM units impeding such thinking and BPM help to anything which promotes or enables such thinking;

(h)   the fear and inflexibility / inability to adapt to new knowledge which underlies discrimination and authoritarianism also needs to be cleared;

(i)   sharing skills – in the sense of building capability - is an important part of all aid – from the interpersonal level all the way to global;

(j)   numerologically, 2016 is a “9” year – it marks the completion of many things, which is one small part of why it has been such a rough year (doubly so for me, as I am coming out of a Saturn return :) ): next year will be a “1”, which is about new beginnings, and thus the potential is there for the year to be better, but such influences are subtle, and can be drowned out by other actions / intents;

(k)   the counter to fear is genuine  EQ and clear thinking, expressed through calm, de-escalating speech;

(l)   peace is powerful, but it is a process requiring patient (not impatient!), persistent and nuanced nurturing, and a blend of conventional spiritual work, clearing nonBPM units, and physical world activism;

(m)   where problems exist, advocating for BPM responses, and being as BPM as one can be, and constructive solutions - as is clearing nonBPM units;

I also take this opportunity to emphasise that it is absolutely VITAL that this psychic / metaphysical / spiritual work be performed non-violently and as is for the Highest Spiritual Good – which is part of being BPM – on all levels and in all ways. Always remember (see here): Do you fight to change things, or to punish? See also here, here, here, here, here, and my comments about “authentic presence” in this post.

News and other matters from this week include the following (opportunities/good news are shown in green; comments are shown in purple; WARNING: some of these links may contain triggers around issues such as violence, sexual assault, discrimination, etc).

• Permanent issue: may all actual and potential BPM [1] Leaders be kept BPM safe, including keeping them undetectable to the nonBPM and keeping all their Significant Others inviolable against being used for indirect  psychic attack, and may they have all the BPM opportunities and assistance (so-called “good luck”) for them to be BPM effective at influencing the world’s direction, development and unfoldment, all as is for the Highest Spiritual Good;
• Permanent issue: may all humans recognise, irrespective of the appearance of difference, the essential shared humanness of other people, the inherent resilience, the dynamic power, the strength of BPM collaboration, and the opportunities of having a diverse, inclusive and welcoming population, and may all people choose fairness, when such decisions are before them;
• Permanent issue: may all humans choose to live modestly – to forgo outdoing others, or trying to have more than they need - for the sake of an easier, more manageable life, if they cannot do it for the sake of the planet;
• With regard to democracy (which requires  protection of minorities and the vulnerable), freedom and governance (e.g., here, here, here and here):
     -   analyses this week include:   a favourable critique of the UN resolution against Israeli squatters (my term) in occupied Palestinian territory, and background – including Palestine’s current mature far-sighted and admirable offer of a demilitarised nation with international peacekeepers;   an examination of New Zealand’s governments which shows “[the] lesson is that electorally successful conservatism can come with a reasonable cloak, it doesn't have to be harsh, it doesn't have to be consistently mean”;   more concerns around President-elect Trump’s possible conflicts of ethics;   the author of this article on a Basic Wage completely missed several key issues, and showed no regard for those people who need this the most: poor, unemployed / underemployed people. Fortunately, these gross mistakes were corrected by some of the comments (owing to the profound flaws in the article, by the way, I wasn’t going to post the link-  until I read those comments). Also, this article led me to a proposal for a Job Guarantee, which I am still thinking on;   an opinion piece on the “battle of ideas” in 2016;   claims that one state in the USA is no longer strongly democratic, and that this is indicative of the need to consider the issue of “democratic decline” – which term led me to “procedural extremism”, “the illusion of choice”,   a University site on decline/renewal of democracy here, this academic review, the “Journal of Democracy” review of the topic including this article, and this review of democratic decline in South East Asia;   the possible role of politeness in French (and other?) politics - see also here, for a more conventional review of the possible influence of populism;   an examination of the characteristics of nations which profited from the Industrial Revolution suggests Australia could be left behind by the current technological revolution;   a criticism of private medical insurance;   increased but changed political activity amongst young people, including at least one magazine –see also here;
     -   of concern this week:   concerns that the poor will be worst affected by a proposal in the UK to address a possibly over-estimated problem of voter fraud;   Gabon’s disputed election could turn violent;   the problems associated with private security forces – which US President-elect Trump wants to use;   concerns over changes to Somalia’s electoral process;   Canada’s conservatives may have found their own version of Trump;
     -   good news this week includes:   the United Kingdom’s Prince Charles, who I consider has actually done a fair few good things (which does NOT include his marriage and behaviour towards Lady Diana), has made an appeal to remember the lessons of the 20^th Century and be tolerant and inclusive;   US President-elect Trump’s success in the elections has led to more measures to increase the number of women in politics;   the USA has expelled Russian diplomats and sanctioned others who it believes were connected to the hack during the US election, but Russian President Putin has refused to expel diplomats in return;   a rift may be developing in the notorious “alt right” movement;   the Czech Republic has created a special “anti-fake news” unit, with particular focus on Russian propaganda;
     -   and in my home nation this week:   a call for Australian politicians to get over their addiction to conflict (possibly of relevance to others?);   the hypocrisy of politicians over pensions – theirs vs. those for the aged and disabled;   Australia’s foreign aid under the current neoliberal government is at its lowest in years – and would have had the former Prime Minister who founded the party very unhappy, as he set record highs for foreign aid;   my nation’s government has “distanced itself” from the current US administration’s excellent actions in support of peace between Israel and the Palestinians (showing a favouring of the financial advantages of currying favour with the incoming US administration over supporting peace, human decency and ethics? I’ve made a point of writing to the US Embassy to explain that at least one Aussie supports the recent US actions – and I suspect a very significant number of Israelis do as well, as they know peace will come by co-existence, not outgunning);   another criticism of Australia’s refugee gulags;
  There have been some good events this week –the UN resolution about Israeli squatters, some good holding to account of people, and signs of activism / engagement in the next generation, but the struggle for but a BPM dynamic balance that allows people to grow, which requires basic needs (including food, housing, water, finances and social/personal security) to be met. Something that would also help is for an increase in the numbers of BPM activist shareholders in corporations, people who can and do drive commitment to ethics, responsibility and stewardship of company resources.
  Also, have a look at my comments under a news link in modern living on the flawed, simplified assumptions made by politicians and economists on some matters.
• With regard to violent extremism (aka, terrorism - e.g., Da’esh) (and, incidentally, I consider ALL people advocating hate or discrimination in response to violent extremism to actively be doing the work of violent extremists. This PARTICULARLY includes those cretins [including in the media, and Amnesty International] who use the acronym ISIS (see also here), which is actually the Greek name of the Egyptian Goddess Aset – and others (see also here and here) - and actively perpetuates the patriarchal and sacrilegious evil that violent extremists are trying to accomplish in this world – which will be countered, in part, by the sort of approach advocated by “Cure Violence”, and, in part, by addressing real and perceived disempowerment and acknowledging the variety in what provides genuine, BPM fulfilment as a counter to fanaticism as a source of meaning. I also am inclined, personally, to include here the last two millennia of neochristian and colonialist social engineering, which has led to suppression of women, child abuse, the Crusades, the Inquisition, etc, as violent extremism, but that would take too much explaining. As a final point, I am deliberately avoiding the use of specific names of violent extremist groups as much as possible to reduce the publicity they get – I’m not a primary news source, and thus consider I can do so: any names that are needed are in the articles I have provided links to):
     -   violent extremist attacks/acts have occurred this week in Afghanistan, China, Mali, Colombia, and, according to this Wikipedia page, there have been 8 attacks in Iraq (out of a total of 32);   prevention has or may have occurred in Indonesia, Australia, Nigeria; and actions have occurred against violent extremists in Australia, India, China, Niger;   the important but risky and low reward role that Bedouins in the Sinai are taking in the fight against violent extremism;   as one violent extremist group is being overcome in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, an older group is regrouping;
     -   the United Kingdom’s United Kingdom’s Prince Charles, who I consider has actually done a fair few good things (which does NOT include his marriage and behaviour towards Lady Diana), has made an appeal to remember the lessons of the 20^th Century and be tolerant and inclusive;   letter box drops to counter Islamophobia;   the US Obama administration has formally ended the registration of immigrants from Muslim majority nations (which President-elect Trump wishes to reinstitute);   Pakistan has confirmed the execution of a terrorist, thereby ensuring the soul will be reborn angry, bitter, vengeful and distrustful;
     -   criticism of emotive and uninformed responses to the recent violent extremist attack in Germany, and articles stating that Germany is composed, not afraid;
  The need for a reduction in the levels of nonBPM energies – particularly fear, hate and anything which leads to anger – remains high. The influence of the tabloid press and social media remain high: ultimately, the best defence against their influence is to teach kids at schools how to think objectively and clearly. Direct action against media outlets and social media rules is good, admirable and necessary … but basically a short to medium term option that needs to be supplemented in schools. And that is where parents with the flawed “mini me” approach to parenting will become problematic – and good research now could help set the scene for overcoming that, but I doubt any academic has thought of that, and no-one is likely to fund that research (ironically, as it would also lead to increased parental support).
• With regard to refugees (noting the New York Declaration):
     Afghanistan’s first female airforce pilot has sought asylum in the USA;   US aid to homophobic Uganda for refugees has tripled;   an Iranian refugee who is too ill to explain his situation will be returned to Iran by my nation;   clowns are trying to bring some cheer to refugee camps (I have a friend who used to travel to India to do the same there);   another criticism of Australia’s refugee gulags;   over 1,000 Turkmen have fled fighting in Iraq to go to Turkey;   the most significant article I have read on refugees for quite some time points out the treatment of refugees is creating a (generational) “mental health time-bomb” amongst refugee children – and not just in Europe, which is the focus of this article;
• With regard to human rights and discrimination (including associated violence / crime):
     -   on homophobia/transphobia this week:   a notorious idiot has been gay bashing on UK TV again;   research shows cisgender men are more concerned than cisgender women about trans women using female toilets;   Bangladesh has failed in attempts to recognise trans people, and in fact made problems worse;   deliberate homophobia is costing Russia teachers;
     -   on racism this week:   an indigenous man is walking from Western Australia to the nation’s capital to promote indigenous rights;   two new “National Monuments” in the USA will protect sites of significance to tribes;   an opinion piece arguing that a rise in racist behaviour severe enough to have students suspended reflects UK government biases in the UK;
     -   on sexism this week:   an Indian actress has been praised for standing up to sexist comments;   Afghanistan’s first female airforce pilot has sought asylum in the USA;   an alternative rite of passage to FGM is developing in Kenya;   a Nigerian cleric has rejected a gender equality bill;
     -   on other forms of human rights this week:   the United Kingdom’s United Kingdom’s Prince Charles, who I consider has actually done a fair few good things (which does NOT include his marriage and behaviour towards Lady Diana), has made an appeal to remember the lessons of the 20^th Century and be tolerant and inclusive;   letter box drops to counter Islamophobia;   a timely and appropriate warning about privacy issues in relation to posting images of one’s children;   the blasphemy trial of a Christian governor in Indonesia will proceed;   concern over inter-caste marriages still exists in India;   “A United Nations human rights expert on freedom of religion or belief has welcomed the United States' legislative amendments aimed at protecting non-believers and atheists”;   a timely reminder of one of the main reasons the number of homeless people is increasing;   research shows the financial penalties faced by “zero hours contracts” workers;   workers protesting inadequate pay in Bangladeshi garment factories have been sacked (do any of these factories supply Western companies? If so, why are the shareholders allowing this to happen?);   improvements in the fight against human trafficking and slavery;   China is trying several human rights activists at a time when there is less likely to be international attention (a bit like the “take out the trash days” referred to in politics);
  This week sees a mixture of good news and bad – some steps forward, as few backward, and some sliding sideways. Improving human rights is a long, slow process that requires careful, aware, self critical and adaptive persistence.
• With regard to crime, judicial matters and policing:
     major concerns over consideration of allowing metadata to be used for civil, as well as criminal, cases – as forewarned by critics;   a reminder to know the laws before using a drone;   a timely and appropriate warning about privacy issues in relation to posting images of one’s children;   a raid on a Buddhist temple in Thailand has been called off (I recall being so disappointed when I found out the level of hypocrisy in some parts of Buddhism, but that was a useful lesson for me in not being naïve and of the necessity of accountability);   a major drug bust in NSW;   the illegality of holding children in a maximum security adults’ prison in my home state has been confirmed;   the (claimed) surprising truth about the "infamous McDonald's hot coffee incident" (including that 700 other people had suffered burns from coffee), and that McDonald's attitude (along the lines of "callous disregard for customer safety") is what cost them the case (and that the woman concerned bore 20% of the responsibility);   more concerns over US police behaviour;   a Cambodian police officer appears to have faked being hit by an opposition MPs moving car;   the head of Finland’s anti-drug police has been jailed (for smuggling drugs);   a review has recommended that, because of the Internet, child offenders now be given life time anonymity – which has some obvious concerns touched on in the article;   police have arrested suspected snake venom smugglers in India;   29 Turkish police officers have been charged with supporting the recent abortive coup (innocent until proven guilty – and I hope they get a fair trial … );
• With regard to press aka the media, and freedom of expression (keeping in mind that claims of presenting “both sides” of a debate can be WRONG if the other side is RUBBISH –as is the case on LGBTIQ issues: having an “equal say”, or a “right to respond” MUST be assessed in the context of what is happening overall in society – NOT solely in one limited incident):
     Egypt is continuing to silence dissent - see also here;   a Thai student who published a BBC profile on that nation’s new King has been jailed;   the blasphemy trial of a Christian governor in Indonesia will proceed;   evidence Australians do NOT want changes to Section 18C of the racial discrimination act;   the Unite Arab Emirates have detained a journalist for over a year;   continued suppression of media in Turkey;   the murder of a journalist in the Philippines has been condemned;   one newspaper’s sensible moderation policy for comments;   an Iraqi journalist has been kidnapped;   the Czech Republic has created a special “anti-fake news” unit, with particular focus on Russian propaganda;   a Kashmiri newspaper is again printing after a ban was lifted;
  Refer to my earlier comments under “democracy” and “human rights”, and then have a look at this list of powerful advertising people. Changing those companies will require more than just changing the hearts and minds of their leaders (and I consider efforts by many people to do that have succeeded in the case of people like Mark Zuckerberg – although the efforts of other rich and powerful people like Warren Buffett are as or more significant): the numbers of people and volumes of money (which does a form of psychic energy – albeit not necessarily a good energy) create a momentum that is difficult to break. Energy work is, however, still the best short term option, with activist shareholders the best medium term option and better education of everyone the best long term option.
• With regard to overcrowding and “modern” lifestyle issues (is YOUR smart phone free of conflict  minerals, environmental harm and child labour? I was recently pleasantly to find IT manufacturers now making at least some effort in this regard. Do you suffer from FOMO? Are you being duped by modern mantras? Does your AI use ethics? Does your corporation misuse mindfulness as a distraction from working conditions? Do you understand embedded emissions? Do you want a bigger, flashier home/car than people had 50 years ago – which means you are actively abusing the environment and society’s cohesion?):
     -   a large company has used community investment to switch to solar power;   US President Obama has used an old law to ban drilling for oil in the Arctic – and this may not be able to reverse by President Trump;   the financial problems facing the biodiesel industry;   household solar power producers are adapting to maximise financial returns from feeding into networks;
     -   major concerns over consideration of allowing metadata to be used for civil, as well as criminal, cases – as forewarned by critics;   a tech supporter makes a point of not using a so-called “smart” phone;   a reminder to know the laws before using a drone;   a timely and appropriate warning about privacy issues in relation to posting images of one’s children;   the European Union’s highest court has again rejected blanket data retention;  scientists are being forced to waste time and energy on fund raising, rather than doing science (there is a very simplistic assumption – held particularly by many politicians and too many economists - that “efficiency” with money means efficiency in other areas. I dispute that – the scientists who is best at coming up with ways to raise money is NOT necessarily – or even likely to be – best at doing science!!! The problem of this flawed assumption applies elsewhere as well – for instance, bidding for engineering works requires technical engineering competencies, separate skills associated with cost management, separate skills associated with bidding and creating the impression the company can do the work, separate skills in the authority relating to the ability to see through flaws/pretty images/etc in bids, separate skills relating to accountability for public money, and so on – and the chances of them all occurring together are virtually nil);   a review has recommended that, because of the Internet, child offenders now be given life time anonymity – which has some obvious concerns touched on in the article;   a trial of drones to deliver blood supplies in Tanzania is planned;   tech is being used to improve water harvesting in Mozambique;   the Czech Republic has created a special “anti-fake news” unit, with particular focus on Russian propaganda;
     -   the author of this article on a Basic Wage completely missed several key issues, and showed no regard for those people who need this the most: poor, unemployed / underemployed people. Fortunately, these gross mistakes were corrected by some of the comments (owing to the profound flaws in the article, by the way, I wasn’t going to post the link-  until I read those comments). Also, this article led me to a proposal for a Job Guarantee, which I am still thinking on;   the world’s richest people have ended 2016 with another $330 billion … which is a test of them, to see what they do with it;   predictions of major changes in the UK by 2030, including job losses to robots;
     -   another young victim of a drunk driver;   another nasty, vicious, gutless (anonymous), controlling busybody has struck – and, as is so often the case, shown their utter cluelessness about the possibilities of other people’s circumstances;   a ban has been imposed on alcohol in public spaces by one Council following “trashing” of public spaces (sadly, I think more bans will need to be imposed in other Council areas – and I blame immaturity);   rising populations in some areas of Papua New Guinea are leading to food shortages;   an examination of why some cretins try to undermine others’ effort to reduce or stop drinking, and what to do about it;
• With regard to education:
     the human price of South Korea’s obsession with good marks;   $3.5 million will be spent restoring education in Haiti;   whilst I consider this Professor’s remarks to be over-the-top, the violent threats in response are utterly unacceptable;   an opinion piece arguing that a rise in racist behaviour severe enough to have students suspended reflects UK government biases in the UK;   increased but changed political activity amongst young people, including at least one magazine;   deliberate homophobia is costing Russia teachers;   problems with social mobility, discrimination (see here and here), and fear over jobs in the UK education system;
• With regard to the conflict in Afghanistan (noting that Afghanistan was once a peaceful and modern society, even allowing women in miniskirts, before the Russian invasion – see here):
     Afghanistan’s first female airforce pilot has sought asylum in the USA;   continuing problems in Afghanistan;   accusations that the USA is ignoring funding of anti-violent extremist groups which are abusing human rights;
• With regard to Africa, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (and other sources) also has:
     -   US aid to homophobic Uganda for refugees has tripled;   more macho rubbish (not showing pain despite being circumcised without anaesthetic) is being promoted in Uganda as a tourist attraction;
     -   Kenya’s cultural tradition of cattle raids for status has, over the last few decades, become deadly as weapons have modernised;   an alternative rite of passage to FGM is developing in Kenya;
     -   pro-democracy activists in the “Democratic” Republic of Congo (“D”RC) have been released from jail as violence kills dozens more, the hunger for peace grows, and next year’s elections are jeopardised by the jailing of an opposition figure;   floods have killed at least 50 people in the DRC;
     -   Somalia’s police force is continuing to develop its capabilities;
     -   Gabon’s disputed election could turn violent;
     -   a short ceasefire has been declared in Mozambique to allow New Year celebrations … Does anyone think a short and temporary ceasefire will lead to celebrations?;   tech is being used to improve water harvesting in Mozambique;
     -   a typhoid outbreak has started in Zimbabwe;
     -   an examination of Botswana’s history over the last half century and a bit, which suggests the previous multi-racial successes are being overtaken by other forms of bigotry (homophobia and discrimination against indigenous people) and economic problems;
     -   concerns over changes to Somalia’s electoral process;
     -   a trial of drones to deliver blood supplies in Tanzania is planned;
     -   a Nigerian cleric has rejected a gender equality bill;
     -   improved prevention and management of fire risks in “informal settlements” in South Africa;
• With regard to China and East and South East Asia:
     -   China’s elderly may be turning to aged care homes;   an examination of the reasons for ineffectual responses to China’s grab of the South China Sea – where China has sent aircraft carriers;   China has improved its actions for peace in South Sudan;   a bike sharing plan aims to put China back on two wheels;   concerns that giving land to Chinese investors in Sri Lanka will deprive people of much-needed agricultural land;   China is trying several human rights activists at a time when there is less likely to be international attention (a bit like the “take out the trash days” referred to in politics);
     -   suggestions that Thailand is pivoting away from the USA towards China;
     -   the blasphemy trial of a Christian governor in Indonesia will proceed;
     -   a call for civilians in northern Burma affected by fighting to be protected;   more than a dozen fellow Nobel laureates have warned Aung San Suu Kyi over the violence against Rohingyas;
     -   the murder of a journalist in the Philippines has been condemned;   Philippines President Duterte has threatened to murder corrupt officials by throwing them out of a helicopter (this may be more grandstanding [did Trump model himself on Duterte?], but is unacceptable for the leader of a civilised nation);
     -   a Cambodian police officer appears to have faked being hit by an opposition MPs moving car;
• With regard to the conflict in Iraq (noting that Iraq was once a peaceful and prosperous society, before the UK / USA / CIA backed revolution – see here, and that it needs an emphasis on a secular society and citizenship – but also here, although based in Syria and here):
     -   the ongoing fighting is making caring for the elderly more difficult in Iraq;   violent extremists have murdered civilians who resisted their rule;   over 100,000 civilians – including 50,000 children - have been displaced by fighting in Mosul;   civilians may have been killed by an airstrike on a hospital in Mosul (I would expect better on this, given the PR disasters of such events in Syria and the fact that the US military can and does learn from mistakes [albeit eventually]);   as one violent extremist group is being overcome in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, an older group is regrouping;   an Iraqi journalist has been kidnapped;   over 1,000 Turkmen have fled fighting in Iraq to go to Turkey;
     -   and the Iraq Body Count project reports 140 people killed in the last week;
• With regard to the Libyan civil war:
     water shortages and problems with water projects in Libya;   a call (again) for aid to be given to women and children being detained after fleeing fighting;   air strikes in eastern Libya;
• With regard to Russia (which is currently actively supporting an – in my opinion, based on R2P principles - illegitimate regime in Syria):
     Russia and Turkey have agreed on a ceasefire in Syria;   the USA has expelled Russian diplomats and sanctioned others who it believes were connected to the hack during the US election, but Russian President Putin has refused to expel diplomats in return;   deliberate homophobia is costing Russia teachers;   a Russian official has admitted to institutional doping;   the Czech Republic has created a special “anti-fake news” unit, with particular focus on Russian propaganda;   Russia is investigating an animal cruelty case where a bear was crushed to death;   Ukraine appears to be being subjected to a sustained cyber-attack from Russia, with thousands of hack attacks in the last two months;
  Russia is looking more and more like a conglomeration of the nastier social aspects of the USSR every day. I personally consider the ideologically driven, unsupported and rapid transition away from totalitarianism to an unrestrained economic situation - that Russia lacked the institutional capability for - in the early 90s a significant part of the current problems. I actively opposed the way that transition was done at the time, and I have seen nothing to change my mind since.
  The question is, however, how does Russia move towards a better state of being?
  President Putin retiring won’t end the current spiritual crisis – too many others share Putin’s nationalist mindset, the nation is largely conservative, and, despite a downturn in the last few years, the economy and life for many people is much better than it was in the 90s. Change to a modern, pluralistic and progressive nation with a peaceful and inclusive democracy as well as a strong and healthy economy will take patience and persistence –and support for those progressive, caring and spiritual people in Russia who are trying to help this happen.
• With regard to South and Central America:
     -   Venezuela has extended the deadline for removing its most popular note;   what life is like under Venezuela’s rampant inflation;
     -   the revised peace deal in Columbia has been approved;
     -   mediӕval conditions in Antiguan prisons have been condemned;
     -   “The situation of instability due to mismanagement and corruption in Rio de Janeiro haunts the lives of thousands of people, mainly those who live in favelas”;
     -   a US bank continued financing a Mexican oil firm despite accidents causing more than 190 deaths;   more violence in Western Mexico;
  Poor governance and the problems that result (such as poverty) continue to plague this continent – and much of that goes to a combination of colonialism (including by the USA) and naïve revolutions in response to the colonialism and short-sighted coups (too many supported by former colonial powers) in response to the revolutions. Institutional capability building and support for those capable BPM individuals already in that continent remains important, as does a focus on the wellbeing of everyday people. Energetically, that can be supported by not shooting one’s mouth off unless one actually knows what one is talking about – objectively measured by experts in the field, not one’s sense of self-importance.
• With regard to South Asia (aka the Indian sub-continent), The Hindu and other sources have:
     -   an Indian actress has been praised for standing up to sexist comments;   legislation enables the government to compel payment of workers through bank accounts – which many poor people don’t have;   a criticism of senior government appointments in 2016;   concern over inter-caste marriages still exists in India;   harassment of NGOs by government supporters is hurting those most in need;   police have arrested suspected snake venom smugglers;   at least 9 have been killed and a couple of dozen are trapped after a coal mine collapsed in India;
     -   a Kashmiri newspaper is again printing after a ban was lifted;
     -   Pakistan has confirmed the execution of a terrorist, thereby ensuring the soul will be reborn angry, bitter, vengeful and distrustful;
     -   Bangladesh has failed in attempts to recognise trans people, and in fact made problems worse;   a superstitious (and incorrect!) view of karma is blocking action to prevent the drowning of children in Bangladesh;   workers protesting inadequate pay in Bangladeshi garment factories have been sacked (do any of these factories supply Western companies? If so, why are the shareholders allowing this to happen?);
     -   concerns that giving land to Chinese investors in Sri Lanka will deprive people of much-needed agricultural land;
• With regard to Sudan and South Sudan:
     -   allegations of torture in Sudanese prisons;
     -   fighting over oil has erupted in a South Sudanese state;   the former Vice-President has called for a new political process…;   South Sudan is disappointed that the rest of the world is holding it to account for the ongoing violence;   China has improved its actions for peace in South Sudan;
• with regard to the conflict in Syria, where Assad’s regime has, in my opinion, lost all claims to legitimacy, and it is time to consider partition (see here, here, here and here):
     -   Russia and Turkey have agreed on a ceasefire in Syria, following which Syria and the rebels have agreed on a ceasefire and peace talks (violent extremists are excluded, which I consider appropriate and BPM necessary, in the same way that the Nazis in Germany in the 1940s had to be defeated, not allowed to continue) – see here for an analysis of this (I agree with the imminent problems over the Kurds, but disagree with some of the other assumptions - I think lack of interest and bad timing are more significant as US flaws) and also here;   the Assad dictatorship’s foreign minister considers a political solution to be a real possibility;   the incoming UN Secretary-General has – validly, in my view - described the Syrian conflict as a global threat;   a Polish journalist living in Berlin with her German husband is organising a “civil march for Aleppo” for peace (great intention, but lots of risks, and I don’t know that it will influence the decision makers it needs to – it will, however, mobilise the media, and they may be able to … );   criticism of the bombardment of Aleppo by Hamas has led to a split with Iran, and may lead to isolation of the group – and see here for criticism of Iran’s alleged exploitation of sectarianism;   airstrikes have killed more civilians – see also here;   a call for more humanity on the part of the rest of the world in relation to Syria;   as one violent extremist group is being overcome in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, an older group is regrouping;   the Assad dictatorship’s foreign minister considers a political solution to be a real possibility;
  The big news this week is the ceasefire in Syria – which is NOT a peace treaty, is entirely dependent on external nations, and does not address issues such as those which led to the initial peaceful demonstrations in Syria in 2011 and the limited ability of the Assad dictatorship to hold territory (they took Aleppo by allowing other territory to fall to violent extremists). Nevertheless, it does bring hope of a slowing of the death, destruction and suffering (it won’t stop while the Assad dictatorship still exists – and whether that dictatorship going would result in a change depends on what replaces it and how [think of Iraq and Egypt, and there are older examples of bad situations going to worse – e.g., the French Revolution]), and raises the possibility of aid being delivered and some form of peace. That peace will probably not be BPM – it will last another generation at the absolute most, and quite possibly less than a decade. Still, the ceasefire is good, and I will be working for its success, and for a nonviolent transition in due course to a sustainable peace – now, if that is feasible.
• with regard to Turkey:
     Russia and Turkey have agreed on a ceasefire in Syria;   continued suppression of media in Turkey;   over 1,000 Turkmen have fled fighting in Iraq to go to Turkey;   29 Turkish police officers have been charged with supporting the recent abortive coup (innocent until proven guilty – and I hope they get a fair trial … ;   the experiences of a novelist who was detained;   the cafeteria manage of an opposition newspaper has been jailed for saying he would not serve tea to the Turkey’s President …;
  Much as Russia is looking like the worst social aspects of the USSR, Turkey is starting to look like some of the excess of the Ottoman Empire. This suggests a need to do more clearing of historical – pre-World War Part One - energies.
• with regard to the conflicts in Ukraine, particularly in the east:
     Ukraine appears to be being subjected to a sustained cyber-attack from Russia, with thousands of hack attacks in the last two months;   a young activist is being investigated for corruption;
• With regard to West Asia / the Middle East and North Africa, the Middle East Eye and other sources have:
     -  an examination of the last quarter century of history leading to the current instability in West Asia, the need for governments there to focus on political, not military, solutions in order to ”live in peace with neighbours, not outgun them” and a rebuttal of “fashionable” blame games in the USA;
     -   a favourable critique of the UN resolution against Israeli squatters (my term) in occupied Palestinian territory, and background – including Palestine’s current mature far-sighted and admirable offer of a demilitarised nation with international peacekeepers;   Israel’s retaliation spat is continuing;   an opinion piece suggesting Israel’s concerns are actually more about possible investigation of war crimes;   the USA has criticised Israel for putting peace at risk, and says it MUST accept a Palestinian state – see here for an article suggesting this is too little, too late;   my nation’s government has “distanced itself” from the current US administration’s excellent actions in support of peace between Israel and the Palestinians (showing a favouring of the financial advantages of currying favour with the incoming US administration over supporting peace, human decency and ethics? I’ve made a point of writing to the US Embassy to explain that at least one Aussie supports the recent US actions – and I suspect a very significant number of Israelis do as well, as they know peace will come by co-existence, not outgunning);   criticism of the bombardment of Aleppo by Hamas has led to a split with Iran, and may lead to isolation of the group – and see here for criticism of Iran’s alleged exploitation of sectarianism;
     -   Egypt is continuing to silence dissent - see also here;   the important but risky and low reward role that Bedouins in the Sinai are taking in the fight against violent extremism;   prisoners in Egyptian prisons have been subjected to mass assaults;
     -   Lebanon finally has a government;
     -   Brazilian-made cluster munitions are being used in Yemen by Saudi Arabia– and some made in the UK;   Saudi Arabia is increasing its military budget 6%;
     -   Oman has said it is joining the Saudi-led anti-violent extremist alliance;
• With regard to the war in Yemen (unlike Iraq and Syria, I cannot find a source of regular information on casualties in Yemen, but the hardship and deaths from food, water and medical shortages that concerns me just as much – if not more, and I don’t know if such sites would report that; it is also important to remember that there are multiple sides in this dispute – and opponents to the government are not necessarily Houthi or violent extremist):
     Brazilian-made cluster munitions are being used in Yemen – and some made in the UK;   Saudi Arabia is increasing its military budget 6%;   as one violent extremist group is being overcome in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, an older group is regrouping;
• With regard to natural and other catastrophes:
     people are missing and homes damaged after flash floods at and near Uluru;   rising populations in some areas of Papua New Guinea are leading to food shortages;   a typhoid outbreak has started in Zimbabwe;   floods have killed at least 50 people in the DRC;
• With regard to peace and/or spirituality generally, and the occasional nice story:
     a favourable critique of the UN resolution against Israeli squatters (my term) in occupied Palestinian territory, and background – including Palestine’s current mature far-sighted and admirable offer of a demilitarised nation with international peacekeepers;   there are some good things happening;   a good Samaritan has helped a woman who needed repairs to her wheelchair;   a Japanese veteran of World War Part Two thinks that nation’s Prime Ministerial visit to pearl Harbour is a stunt, but others think it could open the way to reconciliation - although that has been undermined by this idiocy;   the hidden generosity of George Michael, which is a useful reminder that not all rich people are bad :) ;   criticism of a more activist model of peacekeeping – which I vehemently disagree with;

and from a range of other sites:

• an evacuation for disposal of a large bomb in Germany from World War Part Two;
• eight heroes/heroines from 2016;

(Dear Reader, please remember, I expect you to think when reading this blog, and reserve the right to occasionally sneak in something to test that)

Now, some relocated notes and other comments/information.

Remember that many others are very capably doing this type of work – for instance, the Lucis Trust's Triangles network (which has been running for many decades),   the Correllian Tradition's 'Spiritual War for Peace' (begun in 2014, and see also here, here, and here), the Hope, Peace, Love and Prosperity Spell (also from the Correllian Tradition, in around 2007 or 2008),   the Healing Minute started by the late, great Harry Edwards (held at 10 AM and 10 PM local time each day, and has been running for decades);   the “Network of Light”  meditations;   and   also see here and here – even commercial organisations are getting involved (for instance, see here), there are online groups (e.g. here and here – which I’m not members of, and thus do not know the quality of) and even an app. No doubt there are many others, so, if you don't like what I am suggesting here, but want to be of service, there are many other opportunities for you. I also point out that more than just psychic work is required – activism in the physical world, even if it is “only” writing letters to politicians / the media will help, as will a whole range of other stuff. To stimulate some ideas on this aspect of service, see here, here and here, and, of course, here. On more physical level, there is the United Nations Online Volunteering page.

(Please note that I now specifically have a role for (absent) healers on Saturdays, as explained in the Psychic Weather Report posts. Anyone who wishes to be protector has a role every day :) , including – perhaps particularly - the first permanent issue I list below. At all times, on all levels and in ways, BOTH must ALWAYS be BPM in the way they perform such roles.)

If I am ever late getting my Psychic Weather Report up any week, the default plan is to build up energy in the “Shield of Hope” on Sunday, send energy to West Asia / the Middle East on Monday, and then extend that to include Europe on Tuesday, the USA on Wednesday, East and South East Asia on Thursday and Africa on Friday.

Regular sources include the Daily Briefings of the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, “War on the Rocks” (a very US-focused site which also has articles I have concerns about, but also a surprising number of gems),  the Early Warning Project blog, the Justice in Conflict blog, the Political Violence at a Glance blog, the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, the International Crisis Group, the Middle East Eye, The Hindu, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, the BBC, Spiegel International, The Conversation, John Menadue’s blog, Wikipedia’s current events portal, Wendell Williams’ blog, George Monbiot’s website, the Campaign Against Arms Trade, the “Cure Violence” blog, the Inter Press Service Agency (IPS), the Lowy “Interpreter” blog (which occasionally has good links about what is happening in the Pacific), and others.

I apologise for publishing these posts twice, but Blogger keeps changing my formatting. I can either publish it and then correct the altered formatting and re-publish it, or save and close the post and correct it when I reopen it prior to publishing it, but that leaves an extra copy in my "drafts" folder which I then have to clean up ...

No signature block for these posts.