Of all the sacred portals, in our part of the world in Asia, the one considered most special and auspicious is the Lion's Gate - 8:8:8.
Eight is the number of infinity - the number of abundance, of energy leaving you and returning to you multiplied. In August it appears twice - magnifying its power beyond measure at the exact moment the portal opens.
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| Lion's Gate 8/8/8 ∞ 888hz ∞ Cosmic Energy Flowing, Sirius Rising |
This year also carries the vibration of one - 2026 reduces to a single one.
The number of new beginnings and untouched pages. Abundance and a brand new chapter are merging into one rare, charged moment. Whatever you call in on this day becomes the cornerstone of an entirely new life.
As I start a new chapter with this seventh decade, I wonder what my prayer will be. What feels urgent?
Can we love ourselves enough to change? Can we love each other enough to change? Can we embrace change in all of its manifestations? That is my prayer for today.
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| Manhattanhenge 11 July 2026 - Grand Central Station, NYC |
Can we create the kind of changes necessary - together, to thrive on this planet? The only planet that we will ever call home. That's my prayer. ~ Terry Tempest Williams
Beloved books of this author are often about what is easy to overlook – the holy ordinary as she calls it. Whether it's the beauty and plight of the natural world, or the silence and struggle of a loved one.
In this session of Wild Card, she talks about why women with big ideas get labeled crazy and how her late mother influences her.
“The celebration of our 100th anniversary as a nation also took place in a time of trouble, but taking pride was a good thing. We gained strength and looked to the future.” ~ Margaret Mead, famed anthropologist
Today, many of us listen to Heather Cox Richardson, a political historian who uses facts and history to make observations about contemporary American politics. Her instigated discussions provide hope in trying times.
Available on several social media platforms, where she and her featured guests talk about history, politics, and the relationship between image and reality in America.
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| #WeAreAmerica250 |
Aside from her daily "Letters by an American," she and their tireless team share carefully researched and verified political explainers, chats and conversations with peers, experts and leaders - on varied topics that inform and clarify what is going on around us today.
The latest addition to these presentations is "250 to 250" - a collection of 100-word stories documenting the American journey to democracy - narrated by chosen representatives according to the topics covered.
From the time of our country’s founding 250 years ago, the story of America has been one of the constant efforts of Americans - from all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities - to make real the belief that we are all created equal and have a right to have a say in our democracy.
We will be telling their stories over the next several weeks because now, as ever, “We Are America.”
These stories live on and continue to strengthen the fabric of our nation and our individual efforts to inform and inspire a better future - one that serves the best of what we strive for in this democracy.
Despite what is going on in society, the mothering nature of Earth and the fierce protective Sun still sustains us. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun is getting higher in the sky. The Wheel of the Year turns and Beltane, the season of blossoming, is here once more.
At Beltane, the veils between the worlds thin - the faery folk and elementals come through to our world. Why not listen to them and see what they might have to tell us about the state of the land. Is it thriving? Is it suffering? Where do we need to put our energies?
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| wishing all a blessed Beltane |
There are so many new energies at play in the cosmos right now. The chaos here on Earth gives those energies the room to manifest.
The human heart is the one human organ in our biological system that transcends all other bodies - physical, emotional, mental, etheric.
Its substance is solid muscle, liquid blood, gaseous air - all pumping plasma in constant and involuntary motion.
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| 11 RASA ASI2600 RGBHa, 120x1minute - John Nassr image |
The heart is more than a biological organ - it is an electromagnetic transmitter that interacts with everything inside us and the world around us.
“Conflict is connection. It’s how we figure out who we are, what we want, who our partners are and who they are becoming, and what they want. It’s how we bridge our differences and find our similarities, our points of connection. The problem is, we haven’t been taught how to do it right.” ~ Dr. Julie Gottman
The cycle of give and take is a natural rhythm the earth and most of its inhabitants are in sync with. With the main exception being us human beings - its indulgent infants.
Our elders and older beings sharing this planet with us have learned to move with the ebb and flow. We on the other hand have much to learn and improve yet.
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| if it's to me it's up to me |
The wake we make is erratic and chaotic to the cycles and rhythms that have been around long before we were even possibilities in the murky muddy pool we first crawled out of.
Equinoxes and Solstices are moments of important energy shifts for us - as light and dark ebb and flow.
This year’s psychological harvest awakens us to our body’s senses, our world’s needs, and our spiritual place in the cosmos.
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| pumpkin patch |
Autumn Equinox is a sacred moment for grieving our many losses - as individuals, as a culture, as Earth-Gaia. We join Demeter and other Mother Goddesses from around the globe - weeping for all that is gone. Our beating hearts beating on.
The Mother weeps and rages, the Daughter leaves courageously, the Old One beckons with Her wisdom and promise of transformation.
Persephone is the Seed in the Heart/Core of the Mother and the Mother is in the Seed within us. They are in each other - we are of each other.
We wish all a bountiful harvest! May there be peace within us and between us.
Originally published at https://wonderwanderwomen.blogspot.com.
August has some celestial delights in store for us all. The night sky is putting on an unforgettable show - from meteor showers and full moons to a rare planetary lineup and a mysterious Black Moon.
Whether you're a stargazer, photographer, or cosmic dreamer, these celestial events leaves us all awe struck.
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| on Astrowonders |
“In many traditional cultures, healing was not the burden of one person alone, It was held by the entire community.” ~ Sandra Ingerman, Soul Retrieval
Is it any wonder then that no matter the advances in science and health today, a growing number of dis-ease and illness afflict too many in our modern world.
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| this critical time is calling us to shift to a higher dimension of reality |
Pentecost is a movable feast that celebrates the Holy Spirit coming to descend upon the Apostles, as Jesus the Christ promised. Many religions recognize Pentecost as the birth of the Church. In 2025, Pentecost is celebrated on June 8.
Pentecost is the universal dissemination of the Christ Consciousness throughout all time in the heart of every human being.
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| Pentecost - artist unknown |
The patadyong is more than just fabric - it is a woven story of resilience, tradition, and artistry. As we continue to support and celebrate this heritage textile, we honor the craftsmanship of Filipino artisans and ensure that this cultural legacy enchants countless generations.
I have collected patadyongs since I had the consciousness to pick out my own clothes. In our coastal island home - they were the perfect piece to throw over myself.
As I hid from the sun on a blisteringly hot day. As I stepped out of the water - by the pool, on the beach, or off a boat. As I was caught in a flash by a passing thunderstorm or grew chill up among the clouds on the towering slopes of Kanlaon volcano.
When I left for university in the big bad city - I had a difficult time selecting a mere half dozen that would come along with me. To comfort and cocoon me far away from home, as I was leaving for the first time.
Through graduation, several boyfriends, and decades later - my all time favorite, a bright splash of acid colored psychedelic swirls - made it all the way to another life all across the world to the US of A.
It had served as sleepwear, towel, bedspread, curtain, tablecloth, picnic blanket, full skirt, and off the shoulder stunner - among its many incarnations. I had it before Mahala and I have it still - both such truly beloved, lovable companions.
It remains vibrant and vivid to this day. It has served me well in life. I am saving it for one last service as my cremation shroud.
*Now available on Medium and Substack as well.
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| some patadyongs of my own |
Change is inevitable - no matter how much it surprises or how we resist. Around the world the Ring of Fire has been restive.
Also referred to as the Circum-Pacific Belt, is a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
Seventy-five percent of earth’s volcanoes - more than 450, are located along the Ring of Fire. Ninety percent of earth’s earthquakes occur along its path, including the planet’s most violent and dramatic seismic events.
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| Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park on the island of Java, Indonesia |
In Negros Island where I was born and grew up, Mount Kanla-on had been spewing volcanic ash and shaking the earth since September 2024. Folks have been displaced and evacuated from its vicinity. Farms have been abandoned and left follow under sulfur fumes.
What if freedom wasn’t about external circumstances but about the liberation of your own heart and mind? ~ Sandra Ingerman
Often, we tend to define freedom in the doing - what we can do, where we can go, what we can achieve. Yet true freedom is not in the outside world - it lives within each of us.
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| salve for our soul |
Caught between Marcos in the Philippines and Trump in the US, we are hard pressed to keep our love light tended and thriving. And yet we must - so we turn within to liberate ourselves from all these chaos and challenge.
It is not in the doing where freedom exists but rather in our being. It is in who we are that our independence prevails. When we nurture and nourish this spirit, then we live on our terms and not by those imposed on us.
May we always remember this and may it always be enough to sustain us.
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| an iconic Yuletide poem |
“If ‘I think, therefore I am’ is true, we are people who are. We are, and we stand on this ground. If you deny us ground, you are denying us our ‘I am.’ Isn’t that negation of our existence? We are here and we are you and we are yours.” ~ Patrick Fealey, The invisible Man
Too true for all humans - badly needed and sadly lacking in our overwrought world. On my second year after closing up my apartment and locking my few must haves in storage - this definitely strikes a raw nerve.
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| descent of the holy spirit mosaic - image by Holger Schué |
My innate Cancerian nature requires a homey nest to keep me warm and cozy. I've relocated halfway around the world - going and coming, moving every two years, easily settling in, happy to call myself a global citizen.
My own space is a sought-after sanctuary at all times - however temporary or simple. As easy as it is for me to claim a place, its removal or lack can easily displace and cause concern. I value my solitariness and have worked for years to claim it absolutely.
In the 15 years away from and the last 15 back - there have been shifts and surprising realizations. Space can open up or shut down. Folks can accommodate or adjust, resent or be threatened. There are several pros and cons either way.
Family, friendship, connection, community - come under strain and are tested. Much is unearthed and revealed in the exchange. A migrant, an immigrating immigrant - what does it all entail? A refugee seeking refuge, a transplant being relocated, shelter and asylum.
Even when planned for and prepared success is not a given, countless concerns and challenges are faced, others along the way may not welcome or care. We exist and are in a world grown tense and tight, fearful and lacking.
Making it harder to hold and manifest, grasp and work our magic. May the spirit of the holidays come alive in our hearts and homes.
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| clay diya lamps - © Uma Shankar sharma |
As the Aries full moon rises, it invites us to embrace the energy of intensity swirling around us. This lunation may bring feelings of tension and the urge to release pent-up emotions. It’s a perfect time to confront what’s been bubbling beneath the surface and create space for new beginnings.
Observe all the change happening around you and embrace it within.
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| supermoon blessings |
To help you navigate this transformative period, call on the healing power of bloodstone to partner with the vibrant energy of the Aries full moon.
Bloodstone is known for its ability to enhance vitality and freshness, making it a perfect companion during this time of emotional release.
Emotionally, this Full Moon can feel like a rollercoaster. Aries’ fiery energy may stir up tension, especially if you’ve been bottling things up. Let yourself feel these emotions, but don’t let them control you. This is also a time for deep emotional healing.
The Full Moon shines a light on the areas where we need to grow and release old wounds. It’s time to forgive yourself, let go of past hurts, and move forward into a more empowered version of yourself.
Ultimately, this full supermoon in Aries is a powerful reminder that you are in control of your life. It’s time to release any fears or doubts that have been holding you back and step into your power.
The Universe is supporting you, but you have to be willing to take that first step. Trust that everything is happening for your highest good, even if it feels challenging right now.
Now is the time to harness the energy of this moon and work through those difficulties. Bloodstone holds the power to empower our journey, helping to clear the way for honesty and authenticity.
Embrace the energy of the Aries full moon and be guided towards clarity and courage to connect with our inner strength.
World Humanitarian Day takes place every August 19 to raise awareness of the plight of civilians around the world who have become caught up in conflicts, and to honor and support humanitarian workers who risk, at times lose, their lives to help.
As the United Nations explains: "No matter the danger or the hardship, humanitarians venture deep into disaster-stricken regions and, on the front lines of conflict, strive to save and protect people in need."
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| #ActForHumanity. JOIN THE CAMPAIGN |
World Humanitarian Day was established in 2008 by the United Nations General Assembly and was first officially celebrated in 2009. The date of 19th August was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, an event in which the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mellothe and twenty others lost their lives.
