Rachel's Tomb

This is a visit to Rachel's tomb in Bethlehem. Rachel's greatest desire and purpose in life was to protect and defend her children from evil. That's why she evokes the element of protection of the universe.

She gave us the "Red String". Kabbalists wear it for protection against the 'evil eye' -- that negative look or thought we consciously or even unconsciously give each other that actually keeps us away from our potential. Each piece of Red String is taken to Rachel's tomb and imbued with the essence of protection.

The energy here was intense. Visitors were not especially happy (or remotely happy!). Much heavier energy than I expected. A lot of pushing and 'desire for self alone'. I actually felt like pushing this 1,000 year old woman back. The religious conservative were making some of us put on shalls to cover up more. We weren't exactly exposed or flaunting it. Then, we started singing and one guy started screaming -- almost hysterically -- about Elijah the prophet's disapproval. As if!

It was really dramatic. In all honesty, I found it entertaining and I wanted to sensationalize it more. Like, "get a load of the crazies in there!"

Which is actually kind of ironic, right?

Is it possible that I'm no more enlightened? I cringe at the thought. But it is quite possible. It almost feels justified to give the evil eye at times. And therein lies today's human consciousness.

It's all perspective, I guess.