Author: Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.com

Building my altar to existence, designing the playhouse of my environment, and just bringing more presence and awareness into my life with every breath. *Welcome*

Nodal axis moved from Sco-Tau to N.Node in Libra and S. Node in Aries

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Aries and Libra, Astrology, Nodes of the Moon, Scorpio and Taurus3 Comments

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In honor of this switching of the tides, I thought I’d write a little something about it. According to my trusty ephemeris, the nodes changed into Aries/Libra on February 20, 2014.  While some of the new energies and themes may seem to have really changed the tone of our surrounding relationship themes, the new Libra/Aries nodal positions will be in effect up to October of 2015.

The nodal positions in our birth chart show our soul’s past and future trajectories. While this may sound like fate/destiny, it’s really only so in the sense that we are working with archetypes. There’s so much room for movement and interpretation in this expression of the archetype—such as is with astrology.

What the changing nodal positions indicate is theme for all relationships and outcomes. In essence, the nodes express the focal point for the One’s evolution, and therefore consciousness taken as a whole.

Libra/Aries changes the tone quite a bit from Scorpio/Taurus. Perhaps we’ve taken things as far as they can go “on our own.” We’ve may have even triumphed with the energy of individuality and with Uranus currently sitting in Aries, there’s been a lot of electricity and inspiration in self-motivation—but it’s also been a lot more erratic. Where’s the balancing point? What’s the unifying piece, the “key-stone” in togetherness?

This is what it means to have the North nodal position in the sign of Libra.  It means that we are working on making things more pleasant for ourselves and for those around us. We are more interested in developing social graces and tactfulness. The idea and the goal is for the expression of the individual, Aries, energy to find ‘peace’ within the Libra framework of beauty. This, in essence, is the balancing of the masculine ‘within’ the feminine.

Mars as ruler of Aries has been in Libra for an extended stay. The energy of Mars has been bubbling to the surface in little spits and fits. Underlying is the need for expression in a socially acceptable way. The planet is healing this anger and the boundaries put in place by Scorpio/Taurus arrangements.

Want to Play? Kokology, a Game for Self-Discovery

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Transformation10 Comments

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Kokology is the study of kokoro (“mind” or “spirit” in Japanese). It is a game of self-discovery that was designed by Isamu Saito. We are about to play it!

Directions: read the exercise below and leave a comment with your own response to what follows in the story.  Once I have 3 comments/responses (or until I get back to my computer)—I will post the responses/meanings to the kokology game in my comments section.

The Game Begins:   Welcome to My Parlor

In the human unconscious, spiders hold a place of fear and respect that’s entirely out of proportion to their tiny size. Perhaps it’s their skill in hunting, their patience when lying in wait, or their ability to weave devious webs to trap their prey. Whatever the reason, spiders evoke a strong mixture of feelings in us all.

Imagine you are a spider, sitting at the center of a large web you have spun.

You will need a pencil and paper for this one—to record your answer (or you can describe with words what you pictured in the comments section).

1). Draw a picture of your web and the number and types of insects you have trapped in it.

2). You move to make a meal of one of your pray, but somehow it frees itself from the web and escapes. As it hurries out of reach, the lucky bug says something to you. What are its parting words?

 

****************************************KEY************************************Kokology’s Key to “Welcome to My Parlor: The spider is one of the great hunters of the natural world. Your impressions of life as a spider show us something about how you see your experience as a hunter in the wilds of love. 1.) The number and types of bugs you drew corresponds to your own love conquests. The web represents your strategies and techniques for luring others into your clutches, while the types of bugs you caught reflect your opinion of your former lovers. Was it a single common housefly? A lovely butterfly that only leaves you hungry afterward? Perhaps a fat, juicy caterpillar? Or maybe an unappetizing mass of mosquitoes, roaches, and worms wriggling as they await your approach? Some spiders will eat anything. 2). The parting words of the bug that got away are your memories of rejection in a failed conquest. Let’s face it, we’ve all been shot down at one time or another–this game shows the words that hit closest to home. “You’ll never catch me, you ugly old spider!” Ouch. “Better luck next time!” Well, thanks for the encouragement, anyway. “Hooray! I’m free, I’m free!” Okay, you’re free. But you don’t have to be quite so happy about it, do you?”

What I didn’t know I’d write…

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Creative Writing, CreatrixLeave a comment

There’s this beautiful silence that begins every word.

If I allow myself the time

to saturate in the words,

to marinate in the feeling,

I admit, my colors spin more vividly

on the page.

It’s as if I immerse my whole self, bodied, full

into the pool of language.

into the space of spaces,

open to the air.

Such is water-color and brush

Whole-heartedly dunked in hue.

but if such a moment happens,

that I lapse in concentration,

the color spills out of bounds

and onto unintended pages.

no longer vibrant, nor intentional.

but, sometimes,

I’m way happier.

Exuberant Full Moon in Leo, February 14, 2014

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Leo14 Comments

ImagePhoto from: oprs.usc.edu

This full moon is at 27 Leo with the Sabian symbol for, “Daybreak – the luminescence of dawn in the eastern sky.” All year so far we’ve been heralding new beginnings—and OH it does continue. This beginning is more about your individual flare. What is it that only you can contribute, that no one else can? Simply by virtue of being yourself—you offer your energy and your services—your presence, your individuality is part of ALL that is. Your ability to ‘be present’ is your gift to creation.

I’ve never really identified with my Leo Sun-sign, even though, in part I did more-so when I was a child. When I was a child, I was rather uninhibited. A full moon in Leo with sun in Aquarius is a time when my solar energy and my ascendant path are highlighted. Perhaps it was the attention to the Leo side of me that the Aquarius side of me felt really neglected—outcast, even. Well, I’m starting to feel the pendulum swing back again, my friends. Every time it does swing though, it brings with it the momentum from where it’s come. The seeming polarity of Aquarius and Leo has begun vibrating in my life with a resonant tone. The archetypes have been singing together, the SAME tune!

I‘ve been walking the path of Ubuntu. As astrologer Stephanie Austin so wonderfully writes in the Mountain Astrologer for this lunation something that I’ve had in my mind for a while, but never put into words myself. “Ubuntu, a Zulu or Xhosa word meaning ‘humanness,’ is a principle that describes the spiritual task of Aquarius: to create a kinship transcending family, religion, race, and country.”  It’s a great word. I first noticed it when people talked about open source computer software. Then, I heard it while wearing my Anthropologist’s hat.
Now, you don’t have to be an Aquarius rising and Leo Sun to want that, Ubuntu, nor do you have to be an astrologer, a Zulu or a Xhosa, but the anthropologist in me feels that she was looking for that kinship in tribe for a long time, and she’s really found it. This full moon in Leo also activates my Nodal axis of N.Node in Leo and S. Node in Aquarius.

Regardless of what the astrological interpretation IS:  I’m going to enjoy myself –and move as spirit moves me.  I know what it means to be human and transcend my family, religion, race, and country. Now, I want to know, again, what it IS like to just be ME again, with nothing to transcend.

I’m starting to get my incredibly long and unmanageable mane back (my hair). I’m starting to find that spark that was purely ME again.  Let’s DO this, tribe! Let’s BE US—a people full of ME—that are really good at letting other people BE whoever it is that THEY ARE… and encouraging all of us… just to BE. I look forward to this new momentum and updating my website, and all that I can make available to you via this spiritual transmission of beingness called Ka Malana. In my heart of hearts, I SEE you. I FEEL you. You have inspired me to cultivate my own spark, for you and I are ONE. Thank you.

I’ve been working with a beautiful deck by Ana Cortez, http://anacortez.com/. She and her father created the deck together. Here’s a poem about the One-Eyed Jacks by CJF that I think really illustrates the duality of Aquarius and Leo; the subjective and the objective realities; science and art. I also encourage you to check out this oracle beautiful deck, if it resonates with you.

“THE ONE-EYED JACKS”

In among the Lords and the Ladies

That rule this curious pack,

There’s a one-eyed pair of brothers

Both take the name of Jack.

At a glance they seem dissimilar,

Like night opposing day

Each looks his own direction,

Sees the world in his own way.

What’s misleading, each lives separate

And serves a different Queen

But unless they’re viewed together,

Leaves half a man unseen.

–CJF”

Daily Inspiration ~ February 8th

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology3 Comments

I just LOVE this photo and the quote, “Growing does not happen all at once. It is gradual awareness and cultivation of little awakenings!”

Wendy Zake's avatarGlobal Light Minds ~ Daily Inspirations

growing

~

Growing does not happen all at once.

It is a gradual awareness and cultivation of little awakenings!

~

What’s New Today On Global Light Minds

 

 

 

~ Image by Vanillapearl ~

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The Warmth and Light we pass to Each Other

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn AstrologyLeave a comment

Imagine yourself as a flame…

kimberlyharding's avatarSoul Healing Art

When you were born
God provided vessel and
Spark

Ever since, Your flame
has been warming many of
Hearts.

—–
I like to imagine God always being so pleased that you are part of creation. In an initial spark, you emerged and you have been providing light and warmth ever since. I think of God sitting close by, being pleasingly warmed by your flaming heart.

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Mercury Retrograde in Pisces

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, Mercury, PiscesLeave a comment

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From February 6th to 27th of 2014, Mercury will retrograde.

Really, I like mercury retrograde. Call me weird. This is the time when things all around us could benefit from slowing down, our communications, our movements, even our thoughts. Maybe we could try walking instead of driving the car, if possible. When I slow down, the scenery that I see EVERYDAY can become richer and more detailed. This never fails. When I go slower, I notice more.

We can all benefit from being more careful—but how can we do that unless we go slower?

Let’s consider the standard astrological advice about Mercury retrograde. Don’t sign contracts. I will tell you from experience that I’m not super interested in signing contracts during this time—and, if I do, I do so with the awareness that there’s a whole lot that can change about the contract’s terms. Or, maybe I’m not getting what I thought I’d be getting out of it. Hands down, things done during Mercury Retrograde aren’t really “said and done,” ever. When Mercury is retrograde, the evidence presents itself: ours is a life “in-progress.” Actions and projects are re-workable, and they may need re-working—even when it’s not convenient.

But, what does it mean to experience Mercury retrograde in Pisces?

Well…. it’s rather boundless and non-categorizable. I just made up that word. It’s creative, too! Pisces is a paradox—two fish swimming in opposite directions, bound by a silver cord. Does that silver cord represent the karma of cause and effect? Could the fish moving in opposite directions indicate that the spiritual meaning of Pisces is to relinquish our knowledge about direction?

I think Mercury Retrograde is a fantastic time for having more questions than answers. After all, what good is a mind/body that doesn’t keep moving? We can meditate on that together, if you wish.

This reminds me of some zen koans:

“To carry yourself forward and experience myriad things is delusion. That myriad things come forth and experience themselves is awakening.” -unknown

“The place is right here and the Way leads everywhere, the limits of what can be known, cannot be known.” http://www.zendust.org/greatvow/genjo-koan

The image above is a tattoo design. Anyone could be wearing it… (and I don’t know who)

 

Enter the Maiden Goddess, Imbolc

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology2 Comments

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[“IMBOLC” © The Celtic Art of Hamish Burgess 2011: Original Celtic art by Hamish Burgess]

 

Today we celebrate Imbolc, the return of the maiden goddess, Brigid, and the exit of the Crone (winter). Although she is part of the Celtic legacy, Brigid (whose name is spelled many different ways) represents the eternal goddess in many pagan traditions. During Imbolc we celebrate her aspect of youth and new beginnings. Her spirit is fiery and her message is that Spring is near.  Thank Goddess! I’m ready for that dose of triumphant energy that magically awakes the green life from its slumber. Here we mark the turning of seasons, along with the Chinese Lunar New Year and all the other lunar-aware traditions, such as Groundhog Day, Candlemas, and others! I think it’s especially auspicious that Venus would turn direct at such a time! The Goddess is in the air as we continue to remember and celebrate her.

The following is a song, hymn written for Brigid by a man who has since past. This youtube video was made in honor of him who honors the Goddess.

Venus Station Direct: February 1, 2014

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology, VenusLeave a comment

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[Image from http://humansarefree.com/2011/11/gaia-from-hypothesis-to-theory.html, artist unknown]

Venus keywords: relationships, values, art, the senses, Taurus, Libra, money

Some relationships are built into our lives so deeply that they simply seem to align with our deepest needs for growth and change—despite all the ups and downs and vicissitudes of life. Other relationships, well, they may have been continuous, or seeming to last over a span of time, but there’s something about them—in and of themselves—wherein interaction betrays our deepest authenticity. These relationships we feel compelled to maintain due to on-going patterns beyond our control, such as family relations, or because we made promises to ourselves to be a good friend by being consistently present.

Both of these types of relationships can be described by Venus in Capricorn: those relationships that are solid and lasting because of their ease and innate naturalness, and those relationships that persist to wear away at our very essence. If we are honest with ourselves, we know which are which, and we can make appropriate decisions about where to put our energy. Nevertheless, as Venus stations direct, we can return our awareness to those relationships that are most in alignment with our deepest values—relationships that honor the integrity of our being. In other words, It’ll be easier to spot a true-blue friend going forward.

 

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Welcoming the Year of the Wood Horse

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn AstrologyLeave a comment

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Wu Xing and the five phases describe the interrelationships of the cosmic cycles as well as the interrelationship of the organ systems in the human body.  Wu Xing, or the five-phase system, describes seasonal cycles of interaction between Yin and Yang, the dualistic components of Universal Qi. Originally, the term Yin referred to the shady side of the hill, and Yang to the sunlit portion—so it’s clear to see that Yin and Yang were understood pragmatically, in terms of observation. We can say the same about the developments of astronomy—born of observation, tracking, and measurement.

Chinese astrology the Wooden Horse

In both astrological traditions, Western and Chinese astrology, there’s attention to how the movements “in the celestial sphere” affect our daily lives. Farmers and avid growers of the plant and vegetable kingdom have often utilized the knowledge of the cycles of the moon and the seasons (of the Sun) in order to determine the best and most productive time to plant. It may be obvious to mention that both traditions come from astronomy originally, but it was the Western world that officially divided from astrology during the 17th century, during the “Age of Reason.” (Perhaps, I should mention here that one of my favorite idioms is “don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.”)
Nevertheless, there are obvious differences in the Eastern and Western traditions of astrology. In fact, each can be understood best in their own context, as they evolved in different geographic regions. That said, there IS a correspondence between the Chinese 12-animal astrological system, and the approximate movements of Jupiter through the Western Zodiacal signs. Jupiter changes approximately one Western zodiacal sign per year.  It should be noted that though this relationship is not exact—Jupiter’s movements and the Chinese zodiacal movements—it certainly is open to further inquiry.

The phase of Wood

Wood/Spring: a period of growth, which generates abundant wood and vitality.  In Traditional Chinese medicine, the generative interaction of wood is that it feeds fire. This relates to the liver and the gall bladder, areas were energy in the form of anger can stagnate or go rancid. Wood supporting Fire has capacity to generate in the tongue and blood vessels (we can see how this may correspond to outbursts of anger).  Nevertheless, the interest for the fire element is Joy—and we can learn from laughing and alleviating in this way.

Horse

I particularly enjoy reflecting on the poem below, and respectfully thank the author, Beth Johnston, for all the following information:

The horse is the seventh sign of the lunar calendar.
Cheerful, popular and quick-witted, although can be hot-tempered and headstrong at times


I am the Kaleidoscope of the mind. I impart light, color and perpetual motion. I think, I see, I am moved by electric fluidity. Constant only in my inconstancy, I am unshackled by mundane holds, unchecked by sturdy, binding goals. I run unimpeded through virgin paths. My spirit unconquered, my soul forever free.

I wanted to share this video with you because the music is really invigorating, just like the horse 🙂

 

 

Lunar New Year, Spring Festival, Gua Nian, Chinese New Year!

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology1 Comment

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In China, the celebrations (and sales) have already begun. Wheeee! I can imagine the lanterns and abundant red decorations, the fireworks, and burning paper money! This money is also referred to as joss paper, and it is burned along with incense in many Chinese rituals. Joss paper is used as an intermediary between worlds, transferring the tangible into the ethereal and spiritual world. Rituals such as these help us to maintain family continuity, and preserve connections with our ancestors.

In Chinese mythology, a mythical, horned beast named Nian is said to rise from the sea floor (or the mountains) and eat children and livestock on the first day of the year. In order to distract Nian’s toothy scariness *away* from devouring our beloveds, the Chinese people would stock plenty of food at their front doors, as if to say, “Eat this, Nian! Not my friend!”  Also, loud sounds like firecrackers and the color red are said to scare away Nian. 

Nian, as a mythological beast, has represented different things throughout the years, mostly serving as a reminder of calamity and destruction; and therefore, the need to take action against it. Nian has also represented poverty in the 80s and 90s. Not surprisingly, these are years where China made a lot of progress economically.
 
Yesterday I read an interesting personal story about rituals and heritage in the context of a Taiwanese American family, by Emily Chen.

“We may already be a few weeks into January, but I’ve just warmed up to the new year — right in time to welcome Chinese New Year at the end of the month. In recent years, I started treating Chinese New Year as a second chance to start the year fresh. As if January 1 is the soft launch and the arrival of the next Chinese zodiac sign marks the true beginning to another annual cycle. As an added bonus, Chinese New Year extends the holiday season for me by an extra month or so… continue“

As a person who likes to keep in tune with the lunar movements (as well as the solar movements), I can certainly relate to her written passage above. Again, “[It’s] as if January 1 is the soft launch and the arrival of the next Chinese zodiac sign marks the true beginning to another annual cycle.” So…, if you’re also into celebrating the Lunar New Year, please enjoy the Lion Dance (below) and start your New Year’s ‘True Launch’ now!!!!

What a remarkable dance it is! More to come!

 

Aquarius New Moon: During a silent hour…

On By Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.comIn Astrology8 Comments

Hello my readers, friends, visitors, and spiritual buddies,

                 Breathe,

                           Breathe,

We’ve got some interesting times up ahead in the next couple of weeks (and you thought they were already interesting)!  On January 30st, we’ve got the new moon in Aquarius.  On January 31st, we’ve got the celebration of the Chinese New Year. It’ll be the year of the wooden Horse. On February 2, we’ve got the festival welcoming the beginning of spring, called Imbolc (pronounced “IM-bulk” or “EM-bowlk”) or Candlemas. Finally on February 6, Mercury will go retrograde for 3 weeks–we are currently in it’s retrograde shadow.

New Moon in Aquarius

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First, let’s look at the new moon. The Sabian symbol for this new moon is, “During a silent hour, a man receives a new inspiration which may change his life.”

There’s a reflective quality to this Sabian symbol that literally directs us to sit down for meditation. The new moon is the time for planting the seeds of your intention. Pause, and sit in silence, as you are called into meditation. Take this Sabian symbol, coupled with the observant style of Aquarius, and you’ve got yourself a date with perfect quietude.             

(surrendering to sweet silence…………and hope you do too!)

If you happen to receive any messages… and you would like to share them, please do.