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Riches from the Depths: Poseidon

Poseidon is a god of many names, including, for the Romans, Neptune. He is most famous as the god of the sea. The son of Cronus and Rhea, Poseidon is one of six siblings who eventually "divided the power of the world." His brothers and sisters include: Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Zeus. The division of the universe involved him and his brothers, Zeus and Hades. Poseidon became ruler of the sea, Zeus ruled the sky, and Hades got the underworld. The other divinities attributed to Poseidon involve the god of earthquakes and the god of horses. The symbols associated with Poseidon include: dolphins, tridents, and three-pronged fish spears.

Poseidon often used his powers of earthquakes, water, and horses to inflict fear and punishment on people as revenge. Though he could be difficult and assert his powers over the gods and mortals, Poseidon could be cooperative and it was he who helped the Greeks during the Trojan War.

As ruler of the depths of the sea, Poseidon also is associated with the riches that lie beneath the surface of things. Think of all the ships that carried cargos of gold and precious gems that went down over the centuries through natural causes or from wars or pirates. All those treasures are still down there underwater, and Poseidon holds them.

This is why we often associate Poseidon with money -- and not just money, but great wealth... treasures, legacies, family fortunes, gold bullion, chests filled with loot.

In Jungian psychology, Poseidon represents the Keeper of the Unconscious. He is the god of everything in us that is below the surface. He rules dreams and the personal past -- that which cannot be seen, but is rich with information. In astrology, Poseidon rules Pisces, realm of the imagination, intuition, and compassion.

You and Your Money: The Clean Sweep

This month we return to the Clean Sweep. Created by the late Thomas Leonard, the Founder of Coach U, The Clean Sweep comprises 100 items in four categories of living which, when completed, give you the vitality and strength you want and need to live fully, alive and awake. You have more natural energy when you are complete with your physical environment, well-being, money and relationships. (See the previous two month's newsletters for the first and second parts of the Clean Sweep, on your Well–Being and your Physical Environment.)
  • Aesculapius
  • The Penantes: Blessings of the Household Gods

    Dr. Leonard challenges you to complete all 100 items in one year. Below is the part of the Clean Sweep devoted to your money. You might want to print out this newsletter and sit quietly scoring yourself on the questions. If true, check the box marked True. Be rigorous; be a hard grader. If the statement is sometimes or usually true please DO NOT check the True box until the statement is virtually always true for you. Then WORK TO MAKE THE STATEMENT TRUE. You may change any statement to fit your situation better.

    Money

    No Yes
    ____ ____ 51. I currently save at least 10% of my income.
    ____ ____ 52. I pay my bills on time, virtually always.
    ____ ____ 53. My income source/revenue base is stable and predictable.
    ____ ____ 54. I know how much I must have to be minimally financially independent and I have a plan to get there.
    ____ ____ 55. I have returned or made-good an any money I borrowed.
    ____ ____ 56. I have written agreements and am current with payments to individuals or companies to whom I owe money.
    ____ ____ 57. I have 6 months' living expenses in a money market-type account.
    ____ ____ 58. I live on a weekly budget which allows me to save and not suffer.
    ____ ____ 59. All my tax returns have been filed and all my taxes have been paid.
    ____ ____ 60. I currently live well, within my means.
    ____ ____ 61. I have excellent medical insurance.
    ____ ____ 62. My assets (car, home, possessions, treasures) are well-insured.
    ____ ____ 63. I have a financial plan for the next year.
    ____ ____ 64. I have no legal clouds hanging over me.
    ____ ____ 65. My will is up-to-date and accurate.
    ____ ____ 66. Any parking tickets, alimony or child support are paid and current.
    ____ ____ 67. My investments do not keep me awake at night.
    ____ ____ 68. I know how much I am worth.
    ____ ____ 69. I am on a career/professional/business track which is or will soon be financially and personally rewarding.
    ____ ____ 70. My earnings are commensurate with the effort I put into my job.
    ____ ____ 71. I have no "loose ends" at work.
    ____ ____ 72. I am in relationships with people who can assist in my career/professional development.
    ____ ____ 73. I rarely miss work due to illness.
    ____ ____ 74. I am putting aside enough money each month to reach financial independence.
    ____ ____ 75. My earnings outpace inflation, consistently.
    ____ ____ Section Total


    Discussion/Journal Questions

    1. What has kept you from making a 'clean sweep' of your money in the past? How has that affected your energy level?
    2. What was the most surprising item on the money 'clean sweep' list? Why was it surprising?
    3. Name three things that you could do in the next month to improve your financial situation. How might the cleaning up affect the people around you?
    4. Name three things that you continue to tolerate in the area of your money for the sake of 'keeping the peace' or not 'rattling the cage.' How would your life be different if you addressed these in an appropriate way?


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