As 2009 comes to an end, it seems appropriate that the year goes out with a Blue Moon, as most of us know is a second Full Moon in one calendar month. But not only is this a Full Moon, and a Blue Moon; it is also a partial Lunar Eclipse in the sign of Cancer.
A Lunar Eclipse represents what is needed for our own soul growth; what we have come here to learn, where we hurt, and where we need completion. As one masters these lessons, the entire planet learns them, and part of the universal balance is achieved.
This full moon is in the sign of Cancer, representing nurturing, the family, caring, emotional sensitivity, and compassion. As Humans, we have many lessons to learn about emotional responsibility to others. We can either be responsible for our moods and attitudes, choosing not to ‘rock the boat’, or become engaged in friction and conflict with others, being at odds with everyone, and having to learn these lessons through constant irritation.
With this moon in Cancer, it forces us to deal with our emotions and to learn to be comfortable and centered in our own body. We learn to nurture ourselves as well as nurturing others. Consciously operating at this level can allow the unconditional love and acceptance of the universe to channel through to our emotional wounds, as well as the wounds of others in our lives.
Ever since I can remember, I've been fascinated with Ancient Egypt. There's a feeling I get when I look at these ancient pyramids and tombs; a feeling of wonder and amazement. It moves me and it's hard to describe.
I would love to visit Egypt someday and really take it all in. I've heard that people are moved emotionally from being there. I can relate. I'm moved just from the pictures and movies.
I put together this slideshow of some of my favorite Egyptian pictures I've found and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it!
Forty years ago, in a song called Aquarius, these words brought the dawning of the new age into our collective awareness:
When the Moon is in the seventh house
and Jupiter aligns with Mars.
Then peace will guide the planets
and love will steer the stars
This year, at dawn on February 14th, Valentines day, the Moon in Libra enters the seventh house of relationships, and Jupiter and Mars are aligned in Aquarius in the twelfth house of spiritual transformation.
In basic Astrological terms, the Sun represents your will and purpose, your sense of vitality, and your evolving higher Self. The Sun in Aquarius represents a forward thinking, logical, and confident energy; aligning with a higher purpose for the advancement of social and humanitarian ideals. Sun in the Twelfth House represents a concentration of the vital forces. Where the sun shines brings light and awareness.
The Moon in Libra in the Seventh House represents a courteous and sweet nature and an emotional sensitivity in the area of interpersonal relationships, being more aware of how others are feeling. Libra is constantly striving for balance between opposing points of view.
Mars in Aquarius is freedom loving and socially oriented and with Mars in the 12th house, it is more sensitive and transformational; being more held back from its usual action or aggression.
Jupiter in Aquarius lends to social consciousness and strong humanitarian ideals. This is a very good placement for motivation, the betterment of society, and security. Jupiter in the 12th house is friendly, easy-going, and considerate of others.
The strong conjunction between Mars and Jupiter suggests expansive, abundant energy and good luck. There is a more optimistic nature and a feeling of ‘Yes I can do’ self image, tempered with a healthy sense of limitation.
The Lunar North Node is in Aquarius and in the 12th house it gives a focus on spiritual concerns, expanding horizons mentally and spiritually to a higher plane of activity.
As a collective consciousness we can envision possibilities far larger than our immediate world, so that the betterment of all society becomes our focus.
I have always felt ‘Aquarius’ was an important song when it first came out 40 years ago. To this day it uplifts me and gives me ‘goose bumps’. It doesn’t surprise me we have a new president with a humanitarian focus through peace and understanding at the dawning of this new age.
During the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals.
This 2009 King Day of Service on January 19 is a day of interracial and intercultural sharing. Sparked by President-elect Obama and his call to service, it promises to be the biggest and best ever!
Martin Luther King Jr.'s most inspirational and memorable quotes:
All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.
Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.
I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Let no man pull you low enough to hate him.
Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man’s sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars…Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative.
All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.
Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal’. (Speech at Civil Rights March on Washington, August 28, 1963)
Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
…And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land. So I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. (Speech in Memphis, April 3, 1968, the day before Dr. King was assassinated)
The pictures used in this article are courtesy of Wikipedia.com.
I recently returned from my winter trip to Tucson, Arizona. I love the desert with its many varieties of cactus and shrubs, poised against the dramatic backdrop of mountains and canyons in nearly every direction.
I visit Tucson each year to visit my daughter and grandkids. Each year I discover new plants and areas to explore, with even more focus on medicinal plants since starting my botanical studies in Herbalism.
The picture to the left was taken while we were out collecting fire wood during my stay. I was amazed at how many Saguaros we saw.
The Sonoran Desert straddles the Mexico and Arizona border, reaching north and west towards the Gulf of California and Mojave Desert. The Sonoran Desert of Mexico and Arizona is the only place in the world where Saguaros grow wild. These ‘cactus trees’ are quite old and they don’t even grow their ‘arms’ until they are over 100. I’ve heard some are even a couple hundred years old.
Among the Saguaros grow Prickly Pears, Chollas, Chaparral, Palo Verde trees, Mesquite, Agave, Aloe Vera, Palms, and hundreds of other varieties. Many plants not only survive the harsh conditions of the Sonoran Desert, but they actually thrive there. Many species have evolved with specialized adaptations to the desert climate.
Chaparral, commonly called ‘Creosote Bush’, is one of the Earth's oldest plants. Chaparral is a word borrowed from the Spanish language -- "chaparro."The common chaparral plant can live up to 12,000 years! The fact this waxy-leaved bush can thrive in the harsh Arizona desert without being eaten or infected is testimony to the potency of its chemical arsenal.The plants must be able to tolerate long periods without rain, in dry soil, with baking sun. The Native Americans of the Southwest long ago discovered this medicinal plant and used chaparral to treat everything from respiratory infections to arthritis.
Even with all of its magic and beauty, the desert is not a friendly or forgiving place to hike. The desert is protective and defensive, full of thorns and sharp spikes. That’s probably why it has endured for so many years. The thorns deter many predators; animals as well as humans! The thorny seed pods are also easily distributed throughout the desert by hooking onto animals’ fur, or your clothes in passing.
When hiking in the desert, be careful where you walk and what you touch. Wear hiking boots, long pants, and if you’re collecting, wear gloves.
Don’t get me wrong…it’s well worth it and it’s just a little added protection.
Bring your camera too! You won’t want to miss the beauty of the Sonoran Desert in pictures.
To the left is my grandson Sidney. He loves collecting rocks and crystals. He's also interested in gardening and learning about plants.
I knew very early in my life that my path would involve nature, animals, plants and rocks were something I loved.
Taking care of my animals and gardens are my 'sacred chores’. I love this work and look forward to it everyday with a positive attitude. Even in a blizzard, it’s never really a chore. After all, my animals are part of the family and a real joy in my life. They love me unconditionally and are always happy to see me. I can’t imagine my life without them. My menagerie includes two horses, a donkey, four dogs, and six cats.
Although feeding time can be quite a yoga, I lovingly do it each day. They never miss a meal and they get all their nutrients and plenty of fresh water, and some treats too.
My gardens are also a reflection of my love of nature, with a magical feel; contrasting shapes and textures, flowers, rocks, trees, frogs, stepping stones, and delightful aromas. I am passionate about gardening and sustainable living. My botanical medicine program fits another piece of the puzzle and connects me to the plant energies even more.
I’m interested in saving plants, planting heirlooms, planting medicinals, and collecting seeds. I’m striving to be more conscious of the endangered species of plants and have been propagating some to help re-establish them once again.
Medicine for my soul is being the caretaker for my animal friends, the land, the trees, plants, and gardens; enriching the Mother Earth and giving thanks for her abundance. Medicine for my soul is doing something that I have a passion for.
Winter Solstice occurs about December 20 or 21, when the sun is over the tropic of Capricorn. Winter Solstice is the longest night and the shortest day of the year. The lowest ebb of light means that light is returning. Yule is the return of the sun; the return of warmth and light.
The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs about June 21, when the sun is in the zenith at the tropic of Cancer;
The origin of the word solstice comes from Latin solstitium, from sol, ‘sun’ and stitium, ‘a stoppage.’ Following the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and the nights shorter.
Some ancient cultures celebrated this solar event and constructed markers for the summer and winter solstice. Most know about Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids.
Have you heard about Newgrange? (photo to left)
Newgrange is a beautiful megalithic site in Ireland. This huge circular stone structure is estimated to be 5,000 years old, older by centuries than Stonehenge, and even older than the Egyptian pyramids! It was built to receive a shaft of sunlight deep into its central chamber at dawn on winter solstice.
These ancients celebrated earth and planetary cycles. They honored the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon. Many medieval Catholic churches built solar observatories. The church needed astronomy to predict the date of Easter, so observatories were built in churches throughout Europe. A small hole in the roof admitted a beam of sunlight, which traced a path along the floor. This is called the meridian line, often marked by the Zodiac with inlays. This marked the position of the solstices, as well as noon every day.
Winter Solstice brings the ‘Return of the Sun’, crossing over with Christianity with the 'Return of the Son’ at Christmas. Winter Solstice marks the time of the birth of Jesus in Christianity.
Winter Solstice is a time of going within; of finding our center and looking towards the light. It’s a cycle of birth and death, strength and weakness, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty, and the harmony of change.
It’s the time of year to have family and friends around. It’s a time to share your food and warmth. It's time for candles and Christmas lights.
It's a magical time.
I wish you a Peaceful and Joyful Winter Solstice and Wonderful Holiday Season!
Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 7:15PM 
As 2009 comes to an end, it seems appropriate that the year goes out with a Blue Moon, as most of us know is a second Full Moon in one calendar month. But not only is this a Full Moon, and a Blue Moon; it is also a partial Lunar Eclipse in the sign of Cancer.
