verdancy,
fresh tendrils,
spiral spun.
jewel of the woods
flourishing’s begun.
The slow twist of the mist
from rainforest’s rug,
where vines like anchors
can swing and tug,
from delirious duff
to dizzy canopy
airy soars,
treetop balcony.
air so dense and
wafting streams,
leaf cutters crawling
among sunbeams.
nightime jaguar
onyx-blue flickering
stalking past trees,
she’s writing the
rainforest’s grimoire.
The above is my photo, from the first captured image of my journey with energy and life from a low stance. It’s unclear which MA I am practicing here, but it might even be karate inspired. I adored the Karate Kid but it wasn’t until I was in my late twenties until I got started. I wanted to start earlier so badly, though. If you have any Mars/Moon connections in your natal chart. Martial arts is an EXCELLENT channel.
Today is a big day. My daughter is taking her first MMA class, and it’s gonna be a trial. We are gonna see if she loves it. I feel like this is one of those “peak” moments in life. For some people it’s a belt. For me, it’s the evolution of my family tree. 🌳 It’s the development of connections and the skill sets for survival, discipline and dedication to a higher cause/purpose. For me it’s the passion of devotion, and finding ancient traditions for me wasn’t something that was “directly” handed down. I did practice yoga with my mother as a child. These were critical moments that seeded in me the desire to intermittently practice yoga informally for the rest of my life. I almost now have a daily practice without even considering it “formally, I do yoga, daily.”
Blessings and gratitude for all my teachers. 🙌🏻🌻 🙏🏼💗🥋☀️🙌🏻
May all beings be free
All this past week, and probably longer, I’ve had tech tech tech non-stop snags and delays, broken products, broken dishwasher, the list is so extensive, I really don’t feel like writing about it. Could it be transiting Mercury Conjunct Neptune in my 1st house?! Very likely! This is helping me in some unseen way tap into talents and skills in tech that I haven’t even wanted to explore. 😂 so here we are, making the best of it!
Thanks for being here! 🌻☀️
Hello loves and friends,
Construction 🚧 and art 🖼️, design and building. Here we make things from the “brick and mortar” of our imaginations. Putting out fires 🔥 and riding on trains. The city is always bustling just like the movement in our brains.
If you are new to my blog you will find many different displays. What I do know is that you will not be dismayed. Creativity is fuel for the soul!
This space is being constructed as we think and speak! 🗣️ Come, come, and join us!
It has been such a magical full to moon to have in the family-oriented sign of Cancer. How can we appreciate our families even more?
The above pictures are for your viewing pleasure! We are in Denver, Colorado getting ready for Healing Fest with Donny Epstein this upcoming weekend. We’ve had a blast 💥 These images are from a cute restaurant with healthy food called “JustBE kitchen.”
Now to get right to it:
It has come to my attention that a number of you are not able to comment on my blog. I have emailed WordPress to help me with this. It’s no fun that it is happening. Also I checked my reader and there’s a lot of blogs that are somehow no longer in there so I have to track back and find a way to re-follow you. It was never my intention to unfollow you. It disappoints me that this has happened. Finally, I found some comments in my spam that did not belong there.
My blog needs a lot of other housekeeping updates such as fixing the twitter auto share share function: since Twitter became X, it’s functionality is no longer working and I don’t even think I have access.
As for writing, I still had hoped to get another updated poetry book published, but that project has been very-slow-to-nonexistent.
I’ll be following up with a post soon of some of my daughter’s artwork 🖼️ to keep you entertained while I work out the nuts and bolts of things and make my way back to you all. Each and every one of you are so special to me. Blogging is by far the most meaningful form of social media that exists. Your thoughtful posts and your ridiculously kind comments are such an inspiration to me. You have no idea how much you ALL add to my life day in and day out! I love your creativity, passion, photos, philosophy, sharings.
Thank you for your patience!! 🙏🏼💗
P.S.
I am very Virgo-y
1). My progressed Sun is currently in Virgo (Honestly can’t wait until it gets to Libra ♎️)
2). My descendant is a huge chunk of Virgo in that house (albeit the cusp is in Leo).
3). My natal Vertex is in Virgo — right on this upcoming Full Moon 🌕‘s position of the Sun
4). My Jupiter is in Virgo
5). My Saturn is in Virgo
6). My mother is a Virgo sun
7). My husband’s moon is in Virgo
There————>
Now Let’s get organized and use that Mercurial Magic for the best. And no worrying, Ka!!! 😉
If any of you are interesting in consulting with me about your astrological chart. I’d be happy to do so in the beginning of the new year, 2024—just reach out! We can have a little meet and greet on zoom and share a beverage, smiles, and get to it! 😃
This full moon has us in a weird way. Just take a look at the chart above. You’ve got Mars and the Moon forming a conjunction that is less than an orb apart. This is a *very* close conjunction. Mars the planet of fire is heating up the moon in all sorts of ways. Those ways could be Gemini–neighbors, short distance-travel, language, siblings, local community, tools, and mobility or even transportation issues. Mars is in Retrograde–so the planet is in its “inverted position.” This is has zero ‘objective’ meaning in astronomy, but in astrology it has subjective meaning (I argue here that subjective meaning can be shared). The meaning historically is that the planets energies could be blocked externally–with retrograde planets. This could be that the energies and challenges are mostly inward and emotional; there’s extra aggressiveness internally, or sense of urgency that cannot be quelled easily. So, practice your deep breathing!
Look over at Jupiter and Neptune. They are both in an approx 7 degree orb of conjunction (for these transpersonal planets –those that are further away from our personal planets, in astrology), this conjunction has significance–mixing those energies together. A couple of days ago I posted about the sea. These planets have the same ancient (Jupiter) and modern ruler (Neptune) in Pisces. The energies have to do with the flighty depths of the sea–dealing with themes of escape or surrender, emergence into the ineffable and indistinguishable–dissolved, if you will. Jupiter and Neptune planetary themes can also deal with miracles, changes in fortune, and spiritual emergence. The goal is to locate and prevent addiction to illusions and lost causes. However, these planets are in a T-square with the Mars/Moon combination in Gemini and the Sun in Sagittarius.
Mercury is the ruler of Gemini. (which is important because this is a FULL MOON in GEMINI) Mercury is at 1degree 51 min of Capricorn, READ as Capricorn 2. The Sabian Symbol is “Three Stained Glass Windows, One Damaged by Bombardment.” Here is an interesting break down of that on a YouTube channel.
If you have been reading my blog in the last week *and* paying attention. Reflect back to my post red hair. There is the stained-glass. I didn’t plan this, plan on posting these old paintings of mine during this time when the themes are completely in-tune with the astrology. However, here it is. The stained-glass is evident in my work of art. Listen to this link above for the Sabian Symbol’s elucidation. I hope you find all this as interesting as I do. Consciousness–“awarding significance to items of beauty… we find our belonging.” That quote taken from the youtube video about the Sabian Symbol.
I’ve often struggled to find my belonging–to share my true self [and be seen!]. I look back at my old paintings now, and I see tremendous beauty, and I hope that takes me into the inspiration of producing more of them. I “gave up” too may times in my life. I will not give up any more. You will see me again and again. I will not go away. 🙂
This Full Moon connects directly back (by trine) to my natal Mars and Pluto conjunction. I think that this moon is the message for me to keep delving deeply into my own themes and not look for other people to make the connections that I need to make. I am making them. I’m building my voice in order to share them (Gemini).
When can we be with art when war is at hand?
How can be protect the art, our energy, and our resources and our values in a way where we can join with community and feel a sense of belonging? What I find beautiful you may not find beautiful. At this point I need to make whatever art comes and is begging to be released…
These are things to think about. I wish you a safe full moon in Gemini. If you are interested in working with me in terms of astrological consultation, I’d be happy to do so. I have been offering my services for years. Please click the link on the contact section of my blog. I am happy to help you.
Guitar strings feel sore on my fingers while
my daughter’s voice chants “sing again! Again”
“Sing me the spooky song,” and so I begin again
“There is…
a house…
in New Orleans”
as I shift from one minor chord to the next,
sore and weak fingers coordinate to each rolling chord and manage the gist of the spooky
Now dancing in circles with joy…”They call it the Rising Sun”
***We stopped briefly to look at some flowers and saw a special moth
Happy New Moon in Libra ♎️ tomorrow!
This is my final blog post for the November Nano Poblano Challenge, and I’ve been blogging every day, all month! This was a challenge I didn’t think I’d take on with such a busy schedule, but alas, I did it! I’ll be linking all my blog posts here at the bottom. It’s also the day I’m going to be writing for Linda’s challenge, called, “Litebeing Chronicles Change Challenge,” which is going through to the end of the year. If you are interested in adding your blog to the challenge, go ahead and clink on the link above. She asked us to write about “our insights, ideas, and evolution.”
What I’ve noticed is I have a very hard time following prompts, be they writing prompts or any kind. I’m learning that prompts are big for bloggers and creative people; but, I’ve just never been really good at them. When I attempt one, I find my mind goes blank. Some would call this writer’s block, but I never considered myself a writer. I do enjoy writing poetry, but I prefer to write it without rhyme more often than not. This style is called free verse, and it’s completely legitimate poetry. Well, maybe one day I’ll try my hand at ever newer things. I know would love to, in a way, when the time is right. Especially when it seems like it will be fun!
My evolution: Since the pandemic, being in graduate school full time (and finishing up this term) and also taking care of my now-toddler at home full-time, I found that I can still meditate, stretch, exercise, and basically work on things like alleviating my chronic pain. I have solid knowledge about what is helpful for me to keep myself afloat during these days where we wonder what’s next. I’ve become comfortable with where I am in life, exactly as it is. My ambitions are pretty relaxed right now. I’ve lost the pregnancy weight; I’ve kept myself afloat, mostly positive, and hopeful when I needed it the most. I have a very small support network, but I am grateful for the few people I have in my life.
I have less resistance to the present moment.
I find life incredibly exciting, delicious, and full of opportunity. I also love blogging with all of you! I wish I had something deep to say, but I really don’t. I’m immersed in the ordinariness of life right now, of time management, of trying to squeeze out creativity where I can. I’m still in the middle of the pandemic, in my world. It’s still happening. The most important thing I do these days is keep my mind on the present moment. That said, I’m pleased with how the month went with Nano Poblano.
Here’s an easy to use guide/summation of my posts for this month:
This month I decided to review my images from my time in Cambodia. You can see those images here. The intention for my posts this time was to be random. As it turns out there were a few themes, travel:
Cambodia 1, Cambodia 2 , Cambodia 3, Cambodia 4, Cambodia 5, Cambodia6
I also recorded a number of meditation tracks to help you with your meditation practice, or for you to give it a try.
Lovingkindness meditation, Compassion meditation for easing anxiety, Outdoors meditation, Self-kindness meditation, Qi Gong video
I also wrote more poetry than I have for a while, even while feeling uninspired for a while.
diegesis, hope is manifest, life of bamboo, roots, delicious sun
I shared a couple of recipes:
apricot yums, chocolate vitality chia pudding,
A microstory with some vintage music:
Animal love/medicine:
Hedgehogs! (more than necessary during election time), hummingbird, dragon,
Mixed
Pablo Neruda’s poem and commentary on the environment.
*All throughout my posts are a lot of my photography. It’s not something I’m doing right now, but I have enjoyed sharing these images.
In the beginning of 2017, I published my first book of poetry. It’s available to purchase if you click on the link to your right of this text. I hope to publish another book someday. Although, I have no plans right now to do one.
I’ve also been listening to jazz a lot. I mean, a lot. Here’s an upbeat favorite of mine. I read that Lee Morgan did the trumpet on this one. Benny Golson does the tenor sax. That trumpet and sax really have “voice.” What I love about jazz is how the music it builds and flows. I love the personality of the instruments. Then the piano, Bobby Timmons, just makes me smile. How could I not smile when listening to this track? That’s just me. Art Blakey on the drums, and Jymie Merritt on the bass, and the deal is sealed.
We’ve got a full moon upon us, as an eclipse, this lunation joins the a wide 11 degree angle to the North Node in Gemini. Tis the season for communicatin’ while the Sun anchors in the sign of Sagittarius (tropical zodiac). While we are all in our local neighborhoods (Gemini) for the most part, due to the pandemic, the travel desire of the Sun is strong. So we can use a few “mental vacations” or some light-hearted fun! How about a card game with your housemates? No, I’m not talking about “online.” Take some time to unplug from your tech, even if it’s only 10 min you wouldn’t have otherwise, unless you set the intention.
An eclipse in the mutable signs lends for more changeability and reorientation. Maybe you’ve thought of moving your furniture into a different configuration, or maybe you want to give your sister or brother a call and see what changes they are up to, maybe their relationships are changing, breakups and back-together-agains and they’d like to chat in your ear? What new ways have you found to navigate in your living spaces during this pandemic? You might want to embrace those Sagittarian ambitions but have to look at what’s right in front of you (Gemini). What can you communicate that is ordinary (something you thought was matter of fact) but hasn’t been said? Maybe it will help others get through the day with a little more smoothness? How can that ready sense of adventure be translated into your next foray into the walls within your local community? The past couple of days I was out at the park and laced up my roller skates for the first time in 2 years. Getting around on skates is a good match for this full moon. Be safe, be well, and have fun navigating these times!
Each twist and turn
in the story of life
is but a flutter of light
glinting off a butterfly’s wings.
each moment is a whisper of
soft spoken messages fleshed with meaning
during our telling of it
who and what, where and which way when
is not as important as how we felt
when we quieted the inner din
and stared dark into the silence
feeling the holy fragility of the moments
that are too few to give us any true picture
of where we are going…
So grateful for another day on planet earth with my loved ones. I’m grateful for all the genuine connections I have in my life with people who are not physically close, too, but are so so close to my heart. My friendships that are enduring are so valued in my life. I’m grateful for my loving family. I’m also grateful for my blogging connections and this month’s challenge helps me to keep centered on what matters most while being able to weave in and out as I need to and am able!
As people weave in and out of our lives, its so important to remember our inner lives. This new moon I embarked on a new journey with my Medicine Woman studies. It’s an incredible New Moon in Scorpio sextile to the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction. I received an initiation today and conducted a special ceremony; my path has begun on a deeper level, in private. Many of us walk between the two worlds, and as we anchor ourselves in the unseen world, we enrich the world we do for the consciousness of the planet. Today we also celebrate along with this New Moon, in many regions of the world, such as Northern India, Diwali, the festival of lights. It’s the celebration of good over evil. May we realize the goodness in our hearts, and come together on this planet. That is my hope each and every day.
Another day has gone by in the Nano Poblano challenge. Here’s my post for today. I felt fortunate this hummingbird let me get a photo with my phone. Sending out wishes for peace. Grateful for the simple things in life, like the beautiful, vibrant flowers on a cacti.
Tiny granite gravel garners
your contours
arranged and shaped by larger hands
from the hours and minutes
passed
Our conversations linger above
like a cloud
accumulating memories as
rain drops and I chase the
sensations
In new places, on islands,
in another part of the world
I sit under the same tree.
At this point it is beyond
40 days and 40 nights,
how many lifetimes,
Like a leopard stalking
hungrily, I’ve faced you,
and sought your incarnation
in every one.
Yet each moment with you
is like a million moments
that are first moments;
and I am covered in morning light,
a soft gaze, your tenderness.
I shall return for more.
“The moon exerts a force on the earth, and the Earth responds by accelerating toward the Moon [or “falling” toward the moon]; however, the waters on the side facing the Moon, being closer to the Moon, accelerate more and fall ahead of Earth. Similarly, Earth itself accelerates more than the waters on the far side and falls ahead of these waters. Thus two aqueous bulges are produced, one on the side of Earth facing the Moon, and one on the side facing away from the Moon. As Earth rotates on its axis beneath these two bulges, the rise and fall of the oceans results.” Princeton website
For centuries the moon has been used for timing the cultivation of food, and planning events related to fertility. Tidal life is most obviously affected by the gravitational forces of the moon, earth, and sun. Shoreline-affected areas can expect fluctuations in salinity and alter marine life population densities.
Can you just picture the approximately 60% or more of water that makes up your body, swish around inside of you *very slowly* as the gravitational bodies of the sun, earth, and moon change their relationships throughout the day? Nope, maybe you can’t. Consider how difficult it is to experience the true spin of the planet, right now, whirling on its axis and barreling through the universe along with everything else.
Perhaps what’s most important is, that regardless of what forces you feel acting on your body, a cyclical aspect to your body does exist (and this could never be more apparent than for females). Developing a rhythm for your life’s activities that accords with the moon‘s cycles—and even just recognizes the symbolic cycles of the moon, may turn out to be a very, very illuminating endeavor!
The time of the new moon is dark; it’s when the moon is between the earth and sun, and when the moon therefore obscures the light of the sun. During a new moon, it’s a subjective time. A time for creating your plan, bringing that plan into existence, and giving it some tender nurturing as it develops into a fuller idea. Start to think about what types of materials, resources, and materials you might need. This is not a good time to express your ideas just yet (duration 3-4 days).
The crescent moon suggests that a tiny sliver of light begins assisting you in putting your plan into motion—internally. Whatever you experience here as resistance, is internal and is related to emotions that arise resisting your plan. See this period as a natural time to brush away your inner fears, and begin to develop strategies for dealing with any concerns that arise. Here you are ready to speak of your plans to the public. (duration 3-4 days)
This is a time for organization, and building the framework to support your project. Foundations are put into place and the idea is expanding into a growing reality. Here’s where you intensify activity related to your plan. (duration 3-4 days).
Gibbous Moon and First-quarter moon are times for working past any emerging obstacle. The project will be challenged as to its validity in the bigger picture of your own life and as it relates to the lives of those in your bigger social circles. Furthermore, this period is critical to maintaining your health and nourishment. (duration 3-4 days).
At the full moon is an “apparent” outcome. This is where you can assess, “Was my plan successful, or did it fail?” Do I need a partner? What else have I seen or realized at this time that I did not before?
This is when you assess the outcome of the project in the light of sharing it with others. This can be a truly challenging period, because it matters how well you can see and use constructive criticism. Here you can see from a larger perspective. (duration 3-4 days)
Building on the previous phase, it’s necessary to integrate the new understanding that came from sharing your project with others—and opening up your work to criticism. Here, the more that your perspective was broadened in the previous phase, the more you are successful and easily replace unproductive aspects of the project with more productive ones—such as attitudes, details, or materials involved in the project. (duration 3-4 days)
Somewhere between here and the new moon, you need to wrap up everything you’ve learned. You can spend some time de-briefing yourself on your related experiences, and even begin to draw up a consolidated view of your experience—doing whatever you need to do to clear out and be ready for what you may want to begin in the new moon cycle.
If you know what sign the moon was in when you were born, you can add a whole new dimension to regulating your life. There are many free resources online that where you can draw your astrological chart. http://www.astro.com Contact me if you are interested in exploring your moon’s sign and placement in more depth. Also the phase the moon was in at the time of your birth describes your incarnation cycle. My own natal moon was in a balsamic moon at my time of birth, indicating an old soul.
Fiesta Estrellas 
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