Mercury enters retrograde motion starting December 28, 2022, lasting into the new year till January 18.
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| Mercury retrograde in Capricorn |
Navigate through this time with deep self awareness, creativity, patience and an inner knowing that we create our reality.
All are welcome to try out some of these helpful tips. Stay alert and aware as we end 2022 and start 2023.
I am loving this winter solstice 2022 issue of Cathy Pagano on Wisdom of Astrology - featuring our many divine mothers and beacons of light.
Each year here in the northern hemisphere of Mother Earth we celebrate the rebirth of the Light from December 20 to 25. We rejoice in the return of the light. Cultural holidays aligned with the Wheel of the Year - the yearly cycle of the Sun and Earth.
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| Danu the Mother Goddess |
With 2022 grinding quickly to its end - are you feeling the friction and rub? Do the year's events add up to weigh you down?
Just in time the 12:12 gateway portal is here to add some wind beneath our weary wings.
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| 12 represents wholeness and completion |
On the 12th day of the 12th month this powerful numerology code is activated to raise the frequency of our light body, access high realms of consciousness, and bring a sense of completion to a greater cycle.
On the second week of Advent the focus is on Peace - understanding the true meaning of peace.
Peace in Greek is eirene - from the primary verb eiro, which means to join. In Hebrew it is shalom - signifying wholeness. Joining that which is not joined and making whole that which is not whole.
Peace is used many times in sacred writing, and it is certainly one of the most frequently used words in our modern vocabulary. Isaiah referred to Christ, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas as “the Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6.
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| Nativity of Jesus, by Botticelli, c. 1473–1475 |
The inner esoteric meaning - the information that can be found behind this Christian festival - is revealed when we look more deeply and translate them energetically. Its meaning is purposefully hidden for human beings to begin their search for life's purpose - leading us on a spiritual pilgrimage.
This time of the year we often hear the phrase, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
Without understanding the true nature of peace these texts can be misleading.
A more accurate translation of Luke’s words is, "Glory through the highest God, and on earth peace among men of good will.”
Peace then is not a gift, nor a right. Indeed, Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34
It becomes clear that this most prized state of being is one of human achievement.
There is an intricate relationship between peace and the power of our will. The truth of this is revealed when we consider that there are different kinds of peace.
In John 14:27 we find these words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” The word leave here means ‘to send away’ showing us two kinds of peace - one that has departed and one that is offered in a different way.
We cannot experience the new peace unless we divest ourselves of the old peace. Shattering the old self to make ourselves whole - by joining the pieces back together.
This can only be achieved through the human will - not the ego bound will, but the higher will awakened by the I Am.
The old will is pushy and selfish - motivated by self-survival. The new will is gentle, approachable, and always applied inwardly rather than directed towards others.
The use of this new will was made possible for the first time through the birth of Jesus Christ which we celebrate every year at Christmas.
It is the task of Advent to awaken in all of us the guiding spirit of goodness that opens doors of hope. Happy Holidays to all!
The Antares Stargate is amazingly high vibrational energy to work with. Every year, from December 2 to 4, the Sun aligns with Antares, activating and unlocking the Antares Stargate Portal.
Antares is the guardian of the western sky - it is believed to be the resting place for souls after they leave the body.
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| Antares is the brightest star in the constellation of Scorpius |
The supergiant Antares is the bright orange heart of the scorpion. It is much brighter, heavier, and larger than the Sun.
One must say Yes to life and embrace it whenever it is found - and it is found in terrible places; nevertheless, there it is.
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| Banzai Pipeline - Oahu, Hawaii |
For nothing is fixed - forever and forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock.
Generations do not cease to be born - and we are responsible to them because we are the only witnesses they have.
The sea rises, the light fails, lovers cling to each other, and children cling to us.
The moment we cease to hold each other - the moment we break faith with one another; the sea engulfs us and the light goes out.
~ James Baldwin “The Price of the Ticket”
Number 11 starts a new cycle - giving us the opportunity to learn and to teach. A path has been traveled and wisdom added along the way. We are now in the twin position of master and apprentice.
11:11 is idealism doubled and 11 is a number that allows fearless dreams. This is manifested in extent of resilience, creative intensity, and passionate fervor with which we release our ideas out in the world.
Hecate is the great Goddess of the Crossroads - the initiator into the mysteries of death and rebirth. At her triple crossroads magic happens. A blessing or curse - we will be challenged. What happens depends on what is held in the heart.
The Western Christian triduum of Allhallowtide is upon us - All Saints' Eve (Halloween, Oct 31), All Saints' Day (Nov 1), and All Souls' Day (Nov 2).
Allhallowtide is a time to remember the dead, including martyrs, saints, and all faithful departed. The present date of Hallowmas (All Saints' Day) and thus also of its vigil (Hallowe'en) were observed as holy days of obligation.
Practiced by Christians initially but popularized by the public and soon turned into commercial enterprises all over the world.
All Saints Day around the world
Today this multi-day holiday is celebrated internationally in many diverse cultures. It focuses on gatherings of family and friends who pray for and remember loved ones who have died, and assist them on their spiritual journey.
As 2022 draws to an end it feels like time is speeding up for us. The final solar eclipse of 2022 is coming fast. It's a partial eclipse (the sun won't go completely dark) visible in parts of Asia, Africa and Europe on Tuesday.
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| a partial solar eclipse, 2012 (image by Phillip Jones) |
The new moon and partial solar eclipse in Scorpio will occur on October 25, 2022. This potent Scorpio energy provides the chance to make important changes in our lives that will benefit us well beyond this Moon cycle.
The 10:10 gateway is significant because it marks a turning point in human history. As we move from the Age of Pisces into the Age of Aquarius this portal can accelerate the process. The lower frequency energy of fear in the Piscean Age has been used by some to control, disturb or even try to stop humanity's ascension.
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| celestial map depicting Pisces & Aquarius constellations |
While the new energy of the Aquarian Age is one of love and union. As the lower energies crumble and fall away the 10:10 portal allows us to raise our vibration, increasing our frequency to connect with our higher destiny and realize our soul purpose.
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| This reflected light is called earthshine. Credit: Zolt Levay |
We - a society so obsessed with noise, news clips, action, arguments, debates, anger, confrontation, stimulation and busy-ness - must recreate ourselves and re-carve a place of silence (some might call it prayer) in our lives. It is a great healing measure for the wounded world outside of us, and the wounded world within us. ~ Lyla June Johnston
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| a place of silence |
Has the "civilized" Western approach to spirituality "domesticated" deep and complex ancient Eastern practices? ~ Peter Kingsley
Turning them into something comfortable and relaxing that can be monetized and compartmentalized from the destructive systems of corporate economics and politics, wealth production, standardized education, colonialism, militarism and ecological destruction?
The 9:9 energy portal on September 9 was fierce and focused on areas of our life where changes that need to be made. No time to excuse people in our lives that are troublesome or pretend that all is well when it isn’t.
last retrograde cycle for 2022
This energy takes no hostages and is quite fierce and forceful. It is highly recommended that we ride this energy and drive the momentum in the coming weeks.
Serena Williams has likely played her final match. After a thrilling run through the early rounds of the U.S. Open, she lost last night to Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia.
Time Magazine cover story
Williams’s poise, strength, style and array of hairstyles have inspired Black girls and women to see themselves in the game she has dominated.
Self-care is how we treat ourselves. It's how you find enjoyment, play, happiness, balance, rest, and companionship. Everyone is in the middle of a life story, and that story is shaped by what we say yes and no to. Our YESes and NOes are what boundaries are made of.
Let's begin with the most essential boundary tool that everyone has. Take a moment and visualize a compass in your hand. It looks just like this - it has two words on it, yes and no. We use this compass to make decisions, figure out relationships, and set boundaries our whole life.
The recent Elvis movie of Baz Luhrmann brings The King back to life for generations of fans. Elvis Presley - the man, the legend, the voice - has been impersonated and depicted many times through the years.
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| Elvis Presley himself & played by Austin Butler |
Baz Luhrmann's latest extravaganza, Elvis, stars Austin Butler and Tom Hanks alongside a range of performers portraying real-life superstars. The movie is an ostentatious take on the life of The King in all his humanity and glory.
“Provide hope and inspiration for collective action to build collective power to achieve collective transformation, rooted in grief and rage but pointed towards vision and dreams.” ~ Patrisse Cullors, founder, Black Lives Matter
It’s a statement that acknowledges that grief and hope can coexist.
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| book & author |
If individuation is that which one is set on the face of the earth to accomplish, then to find one's dharma or vocation or individuation is the one criteria of success on the face of the earth. ~ Robert Johnson interview, 1995, with John van der Steur
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| individuation is the path that takes us to our complete being - consciousness & unconscious |
Far too many of us are oblivious to the dangers that some of our behavioral patterns pose to our long-term well-being. Instead of facing up to our problems, we either try and convince ourselves that our issues are trivial and so can be ignored, or we pretend that the problems do not exist at all.
We can only delude ourselves for so long, as eventually what were once manageable problems turn into problems of unmanageable proportions. For this reason, Carl Jung maintained that a crucial first step toward self-improvement is simply to become more aware of the reality of one’s situation.
Jung, however, is not unique in this respect as many philosophers and psychologists throughout the ages share in this view. Where he is more unique is in his belief that not only do we have to overcome our ignorance regarding the reality of our external situation, but just as importantly we need to become more aware of what he called the reality of our psyche.
The task of striving toward completeness, or what is also referred to as wholeness of the personality, is imperative. Separating the true self from any persona - peeling off layers to get to the core of our being.Wrathful deities are a notable feature of the iconography of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist culture.
These wrathful or fierce deities are those aspects and manifestations of enlightened Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, or Devas (divine beings).
They possess the power to destroy obstacles to enlightenment and are also termed krodha-vighnantaka, "wrathful onlookers on destroying obstacles".
Defenders, destroyers, demons or gods these tantric deities are the ideal avatars for our chaotic and confusing age.
Our family recently lost a beloved child. We offer this closing prayer from the Navajo Way blessing ceremony.
This traditional prayer from the Navajo People has been passed on for generations. Though the original author of this beautiful blessing is no longer known, its blessing spirit remains strong.
Some say that reading the words bring us peace and calm us. We have found this to be true.
Chaco Canyon, New Mexico
From here in beauty creator.
Today everything unnecessary will leave me.
I will be as I was before.
I will have a cool breeze over my body.
I will have a light body.
I will be happy forever.
Nothing will hinder me.
I walk with beauty before me.
I walk with beauty behind me.
I walk with beauty below me.
I walk with beauty above me.
I walk with beauty around me.
My words will be beautiful.
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
Thich Nhat Hanh (Thây to his students) was an extraordinary human being. Through his teachings, lectures, writing, meditative centers, and worldwide retreats on the art of mindful living - he offered us a world of wonder we could all step into as well.
They're giving away Michelin stars like a bowl of air puff mints on the way out the door. Gourmet or gourmand more is not better folks. If it were so easy to attain that star what's the point of jostling for one? All the subtlety has gone out of our world - a dire sign of the times.
When did the joy of an easy simple dish lose its flavor? Appetites turned voracious and insatiable are sickening and have degraded many in the elusive chase for the next best thing.
While the world is busy spinning all to dust I sit still and quiet at home. Shifting consciousness - mine and the planet's. Me to you. You to me. We to tree.
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| our local Canlaon Wonder Tree - a 1,328 year old balete or banyan |
Buried and borrowing deep roots into the rich dark soil of the land - into the core of Mother Earth. Growing and spreading eager fresh tendrils and branches into the Ether.
Here I am. Be I Am. You I am.
Tara, whose name means star or she who ferries across, is a Bodhisattva of compassion. In Tibetan, Tara is known as Dölma (Sgrol-ma), or She Who Saves. In particular she represents compassion in action - as she steps from her lotus throne to help sentient beings.
Tara is the Mother of all the Buddhas, the essence of compassion in action. Her right foot is slightly extended, because she is ready to leap to the aid of beings. Her right hand is opened out on her right knee, in the gesture of generosity. Her left hand holds the stem of a lotus flower, which is blossoming next to her left ear.
In some myths Tara’s origins is said to have been given by Amoghasiddhi Buddha, her spiritual consort - who is himself green. Both Tara and Amoghasiddhi are connected, in the Five-Buddha Mandala, with the element Air - also associated with that color.
The Wesak Festival, celebrated at the Taurus Full Moon, is said to be the day of greatest spiritual opportunity in the year. For Buddhists Vesak marks the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.
It is a living event, a time when a great blessing is poured forth upon the world by the Buddha. This blessing results in an unusual inflow of life and spiritual stimulation, vitalizing the aspiration of all people of goodwill everywhere.
Theravada Buddhists observe Vesak, releasing lanterns into the sky - Borobudur, Indonesia
Wesak or Vesak is the highpoint of the spiritual year. Legend speaks of a sacred ceremony in which the Buddha, the Christ and enlightened Beings at the heart of all faiths deliver a special blessing to the world.
As we link with this event, a great channel of light is created that uplifts all life. May our lives be blessed always.
LOVE our Mother - #wonderwanderwomen celebrate motherhood, maternity, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers.
On Mother's Day we honor the mother of all mothers - Earth Mother, Goddess Gaia, Mother of God.
In a changed and challenged world with our human footprint too heavily trodding upon a diminished world - we watch in awe and wonder as Mother Nature blazes in glory no matter what.
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| brazos de mi madre - Porfirio Jimenez, 2014 |
Happy Mothers Day to all our nurturers and matriarchs throughout the ages. Women of substance all - each a powerful radiant queen reigning over her kingdom.
What means the term Easter itself? It is not a Christian name. It bears its Chaldean origin on its very forehead. Easter is nothing else than Astarte, one of the titles of Beltis, the queen of heaven, whose name, as pronounced by the people of Ninevah, was evidently identical with that now in common use in this country. This name as found by Layard on the Assyrian monuments, is Ishtar. ~ Alexander Hislop, The Two Babylons
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| Venus, Mars & Cupid, Piero di Cosimo |
The concept of Ēostre or Ostara has had a strong influence on European culture since the 19th century - as reconstructed by Jacob Grimm and Adolf Holtzmann - from many fanciful legends and associations growing up around the figure of the goddess in popular speculations of these early folklorists.
A holiday named for the goddess is part of the neopagan Wiccan Wheel of the Year (Ostara, 21 March). In some forms of Germanic neopaganism, Ēostre is venerated as well and has been popularized again in current practice.
