The website is two years old

Today is the two year anniversary of the ShahMai Network website. It has been an interesting journey over the last two years; the site has gone from strength to strength and has helped make the ongoing meetings and activism a success.

I also plan to expand the site in the near future with articles and more information on the ideas of the network.

I would also like to thank all those who have got involved and supported the project so far. I hope the next two years will be even more prosperous and inspiring.

International Day of Peace

Today is International Day of Peace, a reminder that conflict still rages across many parts of the world. At present this day is not widely observed, but I hope one day peace will become a truly respected value and that we will no longer accept 'security', the distorted shadow of peace as a substitute for a real and lasting peace at the heart of our societies.

To learn more about what today means please visit: Peace One Day

Lunar Standstill

In June this year I had the privilege of witnessing the full moon lunar standstill from Avebury in Wiltshire. The lunar standstill is a rare event happening only every 18.5 years. It was believed to be sacred by many of the ancient peoples of the British Isles and possibly in other parts of the world as well.

In July I also travelled to Callanish on the Isle of Lewis, a site off the far north of Scotland that is believed to have been based around this rare event. You can see from the image on the right how large and low the moon appeared.

Now tonight the lowest visible minimum lunar standstill is happening at 20:50, while not a full moon, this will be a beautiful sight and a sacred moment dating back thousands of years.

Copyright © 2006 Graham E. Nicholls. All rights reserved.

Britain Goes Veggie Month 2006

Viva! the international vegan and vegetarian charity are launching a month of campaigning to promote vegetarianism in the UK. The ShahMai Network is committed to the practice of veganism and vegetarianism for compassionate, health and environmental reasons and supports Viva's initiative. Although you don't have to be vegan or vegetarian to get involved with the ShahMai Network it is definitely something we would urge anyone with a spiritual outlook to consider. We as humans have the awareness and intelligence to view other species with compassion, not as objects, but as a unique beings. Take a look at Viva's website to learn more about how you can help.

I would also urge non-vegetarians to view the film Earthlings by Shaun Monson, this is a truly profound journey through the abuse and violence used against animals that is considered normal within our society. It portrays the deep-seated hypocrisy inherent within our society's view of other species on this planet. The film is narrated by Joaquin Phoenix with a score by Moby, it can be viewed online at Google Video, but I would urge you to buy a copy and support the director and those involved to continue their work.