I was recently interviewed on BBC Radio 4 about the origins and meaning of the swastika symbol. The experience has focussed my mind on the significance of the symbol and the controversy that surrounds it.

It is a very ancient symbol representing permanent spiritual victory and has been held in great esteem by many different cultures around the world. The fact that such a benevolent symbol was abducted and utterly abused in the 20th Century makes it one of the most controversial symbols around. I have been finding that most people have an opinion about it - one way or another.

A movement has been started to Reclaim The Swastika for the spiritually inspiring intention that it truly stands for:
www.reclaimtheswastika.com

For your photos of swastikas in their natural habitat, I’ve started a photo group on Flickr:
www.flickr.com/groups/swastika/

Time soars on the edge of the sun,
The lights flare, then are gone.
Body surrendered, battle done
Your friend remains the only ONE.

Stream of consciousness exercise:

London.
Strange place.
Or maybe it is because I have left the cosy cockles of my Manchester spiritual family behind.

Money, clothes, property.
He went to an Argentinian restaurant and ate a steak an inch thick, he boasts.
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Mind buzzes,
Fickle bee.
Flower to flower,
Drinking sap of memories
and humming of things to come.

When mind-mouth is open
Eye is closed.

When I is open
Mystery unfurls
Like new leaf
Studded with rain gems.

Voices hushed
Listening to colour,
Shapes,
Mystical whisper of Now.

Spiritual practices, such as meditation, have existed for thousands of years, yet it is still only a small percentage of the world’s population that choose to follow a spiritual discipline.

I am defining spiritual discipline here as the intuitional practice of meditation to develop the subtle layers of the mind rather than adherance to a religious faith - a popular phenomenon - because I see them as two entirely different things.
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