This is more of a “coffee chat” blog post. Although I have not tried to write in that style per se. There’s a blog share that I often read with the topic of the “coffee chat” but I’ve never tracked back to who hosts it. Well, it’s not the time to do that now because I’m just flowing…
Tonight it occurred to me that I have a pile of letters that I wrote to my grandmother while I was growing up. In 2020 when she passed away at the age of 99, and maybe a year later, I received the letters back.
I put them inside of a drawer without a deeper thought than, “woah” as I bumped up against versions of my former self I wasn’t quite ready to visit, yet.
When the time is right, I’ll know. But it’s been at least over a year since I actually put the letters away in a drawer. Those juicy memories might all come flooding back. There might be uncomfortable memories…too…
And, then, there’s gonna be just a lot of emotions. So I am on ‘pause’ with it.
Has this ever happened to any of you? It feels like a treat, or a special pastry I’ll be able to enjoy at some point in my future once I get over whatever fears of triggered memories might be inside—or maybe just missing her and the past, and getting those strange glimpses into the past through a time capsule I hadn’t planned on stowing away for later opening? Sigh. When the time is right.
Ka Malana Photography 2024Dive right in! Ka Malana Photography 2024“Retro” Ka Malana Photography 2024
Astrological pairing:
Universal: Mercury (planet of communication) stationing Direct
Personal: Mercury is Stationing Direct in my 1st house (4 house from my 10th house —father’s mother), conjoining my natal Neptune, which is currently still transiting my 1st house (which relates back to paternal grandmother). The fact that it’s in Pisces ♓️ shares a little bit about dreams and ideals, and maybe I just convinced myself to get to reading those letters sooner than later. Or start with one a week or something, so I don’t get overwhelmed (Pisces). Natal Neptune is in Sagittarius, so it’s likely I will be inspired by the letters and the topic will probably be about traveling the most of all.
We have a solar eclipse coming up here on December 14, a Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in Aquarius shortly after that and then a Full Moon in Cancer on the 29th. There’s been a lot of astrology to talk about during all these crazy months but these newer developments feel more liberating than we’ve seen in a while.
The solar eclipse on the 14th is in the sign of Sagittarius. It’s a good opportunity to take stock of beliefs and how beliefs affect and color emotions to create mental filter through which we determine our realities. There’s a lot of social movements and many small groups that have communications around beliefs and translating those into visions for how to live in the world. However I’m more interested on the individual level and how the astrology can be used to help liberate us.
For one, this solar eclipse which translates into a Sun and Moon conjunction in the sign of Sagittarius at 23 degrees and 8 min, at at 11:16 a.m. ET/8:16 a.m. PT. is within a 3 degree orb conjunction with Mercury. The stories we tell ourselves are so important, and they are important at any time. However when we are on the cusp of a new adventure or journey, as at this eclipse, we are even more guided to the star ⭐️ we hitch our wagons to. That wagon is the energy or the wheels we give to our personal stories. When we seek liberation, we often try to overcome personal stories but then miss out on the richness of a life of non-attachment within those stories that decorate and frame our lives.
For me, this eclipse takes place in my 11th house of hopes and dreams and this week I’m finishing up a long term goal to complete my Masters program in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and fulfill my last requirements. I’ve had a long journey 6+ years with this endeavor and I’ve really struggled a lot through many personal challenges. There’s also been many graces along the way; but overall, I wanted to quit many times. At this point, I’m looking forward to integrating and spending some time in a place where I can be on the other end of this milestone. I put in a tremendous amount of energy, work, and slayed so many personal demons, but I’ve got more effort and work ahead of me, no doubt. For now, I’m enjoying the energy of this solar eclipse to highlight for me how my life is in many ways “scheduled and on-time” regardless of how my ego sometimes prefers.
This Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in my 12th house will further light up areas where my self-undoing has short-changed me but best of all these openings will finally be in the same sign as my ascendant in Aquarius. I’m ready to be moving into my Aquarian energy again, into my 1st house eventually, which is a little while away, but will be an additional boost to how I experience myself interfacing and interacting with deepest hopes and dreams, as a whole and refreshed person on the new horizon of my new consciousness.
It’ll be interesting to see where we all land on the full Moon in Cancer on December 29, as this virus continues to challenge individuals, families and cultural and financial systems.
January 2020 began, after all, with a moon in Cancer, on January 10. Reflecting back on this time is full-circle, where will we be? Where will you be? Come January 28, 2021 the first full moon of the year will be in Leo. So let’s think on it. Let’s call in Sagittarian wisdom from experience that we have special access to during this eclipse and look at this Cancerian (stay at home) year, in bookends.
Let’s figure out how we translate into the New Year 2021, as the year that brings our strengths into the equation in a new way. We have in so many ways been vulnerable in 2020 (Cancer), some have fought against what might have been perceived as authoritarian and rules from governance, and now it’s time to think about the ways within we’ve grown as we continue to walk into a more Leonine head-still-held-up, in a “how we survived,” call to grace. It’s those sprouts 🌱 which will come up in the new year, 2021. We will be dusting off the ashes, so to speak.
I hope you all have a peaceful and healthy holiday transition this December as many have already begun celebrating Hanukkah and this month is rich in energy for hope and magic. May you be well, May you be happy.
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:
*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.
“Never travel alone” Ka Malana Photography
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!
There are so many different ways that I meditate. As a reiki practitioner, I have a practice for giving myself reiki. I work with mantra, healing sounds, ringing bowls, guided meditation, vipassana meditation, walking meditation, laughter yoga, other yoga, and many other methods.
Considering I have so much to choose from, it keeps my practicing fresh and alive. I pick and choose what works for me. Often this means that I have diligence for a period of time using a particular method. In this area of my life, I don’t have a specific teacher, but many teachers. About 3 days ago I returned to my beloved horse stance that I first used in Kung Fu a decade or so ago from my Pai Lum Tao. This started to translate into me practice more Qi gong. My favorite go-to is “polishing the stone.” It’s also called “polishing the table,” but it’s the same. The previous practice I learned from another school. I’ve included the video below for your reference, but I hadn’t seen it before today. Same with the video above, which I think is a great introduction to moving like water. Today, on Thanksgiving, I created a movement that’s perfect for my needs and I named it “bamboo swaying in the wind.” I’ll be working with this new Qi Gong I taught myself for a little while, and so far it feels amazing!
There are so many ways to look at abundance and prosperity. In times of challenge and pain, grief from loss, and sadness it can be very difficult to see even the tiniest amount of hope. We must be humble and remember that circumstances are fleeting. They change, they are subject to the ebbs and flows and the vicissitudes of life. What I love about Qi Gong, is that it’s a gift you can give yourself, and you don’t need any supplies but your own breath and movement. It’s a way to cultivate Qi which is the what the entire universe is made up of——-talk about abundance!
It’s not easy to get my photography converted from a shiny print into a photograph with glare; and even though I saved the negatives, there are projects that I never got around to, like making new prints or digital images from the negatives, or scanning in photos, etc etc.
However I enjoyed these compositions of people in their natural element, and really feel these images express the beauty in the spirit, and the community liveliness I witnessed.
This full moon will be conjunct my natal Neptune, within a 2 degree orb, so there’s a good possibility that Neptune will influence how I read this full moon’s chart. Neptune will be making some ‘friendly’ aspects to Pluto (sextile, 60 degrees) and the retrograde planet Mercury (trine, 120 degrees). So, I anticipate that what I have to write will be relevant to at least some of you.
The Sun part of the (Sun opposite Moon = Full Moon) equation will be occurring right on the cusp of my natal 11th house. This is the 5/11 house axis that relates to the individual’s creative output (5th) and the groups, friendships and associations (11th), with whom the individual is participating. With the full moon on my 11th house, it’s about these groups and friendships, community hopes and ideals, coming to fruition in some way. Sure. I can see that. Also, Gemini and Sagittarius are natural rulers of the 3rd/9th houses of the mentality, neighbors, local networks (3rd) and higher learning, educational institution, and publication (9th).
With Full Moon square Chiron, it’s also about healing wounds that arose from previous attempts with groups, friendships, and associations, and thus culminating into new fields of learning and associations. I AM really experiencing a lot of new growth showing up in that area of my life, as the moon deals with the public and Chiron with healing.
A full moon will bring something visible to your awareness in the area/house placement in your natal chart where it occurs. If you are looking at your own chart, see where 22 degrees of Gemini/Sagittarius are housed. See what planets are aspecting the full moon in your nativity; and then, look at those aspects by transit and progression.
General themes
The Full Moon in Sagittarius is squaring Chiron in Pisces. Sagittarius is about seeing the “bigger picture,” it relates to optimism and faith. Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter (ancient ruler of the sign Pisces) and represents grand portions and big plans. Sagittarius is also the natural ruler of the 9th house, in any nativity. Pisces is about spirituality and psychic experiences (Jupiter is the ancient ruler of Pisces). All in all, there’s a call to faith here that will take some effort for going the long distance (square aspect 90 degrees).
Gemini/Sagittarius: Anatomy & Function
According to Max Heindel in his book called, The Message of the Stars, “Sagittarius rules the hips and thighs, the femur, ilium, the coccygeal and sacral regions of the spine, the iliac arteries and veins, [and] sciatic nerves.” (p.543) According to Robert Carl Jansky in his book, Astrology, Nutrition, and Health, “the physiological functions of this [Gemini/Sagittarius] sign pair are distributive and locomotive.” (p.24). Gemini rules the lungs and trachea, and commonly known to astrologers is that Gemini is the ruler of the 3rd house of communication and short distance travel.
Pisces Correlations: Host of transiting Chiron (Wounded-healer)
In Jeffrey Wolf Green’s Evolutionary Astrology book called, Medical Astrology: Astrological correlations to anatomy, physiology, and the chakra system, he makes the following associations for Pisces with regard to the Chakra system as well as other processes. Neptune/Pisces/12th house: crown chakra, sacral chakra with co-ruler Jupiter, and the astral body. “Neptune also correlates with the phenomena of consciousness, the consciousness of the Soul. It correlates with sleep/being awake, dreams, visions, and hallucinations that occur within consciousness.” (p.23)
Finally, this Sagittarius Full Moon forms a trine (120 degree) aspect with Uranus in Aries. This is more fuel for fire in the ‘change and inspiration’ aka “newness” department of our lives. Aries rules the 1st house in the natural astrological chart. It deals with beginnings. The awakening involved with Uranus in Aries really is bringing in the ‘Age of Aquarius.’ It is fitting for Uranus to be cast in this role, as Uranus is the archetypal ruler of Aquarius in the form of Prometheus – one who stole fire from the gods and gave it to man!
References:
Green, J.W. (2014). Medical astrology: Astrological correlations to anatomy, physiology and the chakra system. San Bernardino, CA: School of Evolutionary Astrology.
Heindl, M. (1976). The Message of the Stars. Pasadena, CA: Wood & Jones.
“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” ― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
I want to spend a little time and attention on Jupiter just now. In astrology, Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius. He’s the guru and teacher – a benefactor. He helps us to make use of knowledge (his complement on the zodiacal dial is Gemini, knowledge). Jupiter is wisdom, and is pretty relevant right now. We’ve got the Sun and Mercury transiting in the sign of Sagittarius (per the tropical zodiac).
The word “guru” means to remove ignorance, or darkness. Guru is a benefactor by helping to support that which leads to the enlightenment of the student. A teacher arrives when the student is ready, they say. I say *also* that the teacher lives in you, and assumes external manifestations as the student realizes itself as the teacher. This is important, for the student to see the teacher outside of himself first – this part of the process is not to be skipped, for this is how we realize our ideal.
Sagittarius has a special understanding for nature…
Nelson Mandela on the nature of leadership:
“When you want to get the cattle to move in a certain direction, you stand at the back with a stick and then you get a few of the cleverer cattle to go to the front and move in the direction that you want them to go. The rest of the cattle follow the few more energetic cattle in the front, but you are really guiding them from the back. Nelson Mandela then added: That is how a leader should do his work.”
“We have laid the foundation for a better life. Things that were unimaginable a few years ago have become everyday reality. I belong to the generation of leaders for whom the achievement of democracy was the defining challenge.” — Speech to Parliament in Cape Town, March 26, 1999
With his sun in the sign of Cancer, he acted as guru to the whole consciousness of the human family, centering his energy strongly at home working for freedom from apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela helped guide people through truth and reconciliation (healing) out of the ignorance and darkness of apartheid.
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” — Statement at the opening of his defense in the Rivonia treason trial, April 20, 1964.
His chart’s ruling planet Jupiter (Guru) is currently transiting his solar home sign in Cancer – just as a hero/leader/guru returns home beyond the veil of the material plane. May he be eternally in peace.
Sun conjunct Moon in Sagittarius trine Uranus in Aries. December 3, 2013 UT 00:23 in @ Sagittarius 10.59
Sagittarius has this special ability to follow a star. A star can be a hope or a vision, and it can also be an unknown destination. It is an inspired direction, much more than an urge. Compared to the other fire signs, it’s not like an Aries-type impulse, and it doesn’t have the Leo-type leading style. Sagittarius is the adventurer, the one who throws caution into the wind, because breaking free of the world, and being spontaneously oneself while seeking the divine is a necessity–the only true necessity. Sagittarius doesn’t look back to see who follows.
Sagittarius knows that there’s something bigger “out there,” something inextricably worth the journey. What Sagittarius understands better than any other sign is that “experience is the teacher.” You will learn as you go, just follow the signs.
Because there is a part of the centaur that is wild and untamed–and Sagittarius is the centaur–here is in Sagittarius, the representation of a being who traverses at least two worlds. One world is wed with instinct, and the other is embedded in reason. This is a powerful combination of innate talent and perception. It is a true recipe for the visionary and explorer – equipped with the talent, the vigor, and the courage to complete the quest, to recover and to uphold the divine mystery.
A true Olympian on one hand, and an epicurean on the other…Sagittarius is super sagacious about human problems and yet so completely unbothered by any mundane affairs, preferring either to contemplate expansive questions about the meaning of life – or toss out a good laugh about the absurdity of it all.
This new moon is perfect for letting loose and experimenting with building new traditions. If you’d thought of jazzing up your holiday celebrations this year in new ways, this moon will help you hitch your wagon to a star, and plan out something enjoyable for an eclectic group (Uranus). If you’re missing loved ones this year, you may find it easier to connect with them by looking up at the stars, and feeling his or her presence in your heart. If you just aren’t “feeling it” this year, then this new moon can help you to let go of trying, and just ease into whatever it is that you really do feel–with no need to push, or go beyond what is true for you.
However this new moon manifests for you in your life (and in your natal chart), Sagittarius offers up the possibility to see a chance and take it – to connect with something seemingly distant and beyond ourselves, and at the same time that which is deeply within.
(this post was converted from my blog at keen.com – it was originally published on May 25, 2013)
This full moon, super moon, (in fact ‘super’ in astronomical terms) takes place on May 25th, 2013. In astrological terms, this full moon will be in the sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarius is the sign of wisdom. Wisdom’s counterpart is knowledge, or Gemini.
This moon illuminates the wheat from the chaff. After this moon, it will be easier to make decisions about what gets your energy and what does not. Let us be clear in our intention (Sagittarius) to sow better seeds (Gemini). Those seeds can be words or deeds, and they can also be seeds of inspiration that we plant. The full moon shows us what we have already planted, or have neglected to nourish.
The gardener watches all of this with detached observation, has some faith in his or her intention, and plants again with higher knowledge (Sagittarius) – the wisdom that comes from experience. Let’s try to do that with our thoughts, and our deeds.
Spend some time tonight and look up at the stars. Soak up the cosmos in a single, deep breath. Take a moment to embrace the silence of that deep knowing without mind or thought. The ultimate pregnancy is in swelling silence and expansion. Be an empty vessel, filled up by love itself. Just for today, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Just step off of it completely…
This is a stellar event to just feel with your whole being, no matter if it brings you pain or pleasure–likely it’s a mixture of both. How you experience this eclipse is up to you.
Aspects at Work
Saturn trine Venus in Gemini
Venus sextile Uranus
Saturn opposite Uranus, Squaring Pluto Retrograde-> Capricorn rules structures, establishments
Moon conjunct N. Node in Sagittarius
Sun and Mercury conjunct S. Node in Gemini
The responsibility of relationship (Saturn in Libra) opposes (Uranus in Aries) the desire and freedom “to be myself.” Oppositions represent awareness. What is being transformed is the structure of relationship—how we view it, and what we think defines it (Sun conjunct Mercury aspect makes it cerebral). What can we live with, and what can we live without? Additionally, our relationship to the world of material (Venus aspects and Jupiter in Taurus) is highlighted. We want the stability (Venus trine Saturn) and we want to be give love freely (Venus sextile Uranus). These are the questions that help keep you flowing.
Otherwise, you’re pitting yourself up against a T-square with Pluto at the fulcrum, enforcing change and adjustment, bringing you the experience of irritation and pressure. It’s best if you take this on consciously, and address the questions above. Get deep into them so that you don’t burst out and cause/experience injury.
I’m going to have to tell you, pay attention to your feelings. What you FEEL you need, if you can untangle that from your unconsciousness and allow it to live and breathe, will best supply you with your answers at this critical juncture. Eclipses are huge turning points. With the moon conjunct the North Node, expressing your emotions first to yourself is paramount, make sure you know how you feel and are in touch with that, you have to FEEL it fully to know it. Take the time! It’s hard to do, especially during an upheaval, but that’s when it’s all the more necessary. It is the only way to bring about healing instead of building atop longer-term problems.
With Pluto trine to Jupiter in Taurus, what you release from your life, and what you confess to yourself about your needs/feelings will educate you best. Opening up to your emotions now will help you bring vision and happiness into your relationships. If you’re relationships fail when you express your deepest, most honest self, then they are not good relationships for you. Let them fall away so that your true needs are met with love. Find your emotional groupies, and accept the differing needs of others. Let people be who they are, let yourself be who you are, regardless of how uncomfortable that may make others.
This information has been shared with love and is offered as a gift.
-KM
Fiesta Estrellas 
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