Riches from the Depths: Poseidon

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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?