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Beavers, Chores, and Families by Dr. Steven Farmer

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:47:04 +0000

Beaver from Children's Spirit Animal Cards

“Our house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy.”—Anonymous

“Said the daughter: ‘I don’t have to help my Mom with the housework. She knows how.’” —Anonymous

Amongst other elements there are two areas the family unit must continually address: social needs and maintenance requirements. Social needs pertain to the way the family interacts with one another, whereas maintenance requirements involve the tasks necessary to keep the household running smoothly. It’s a constant balancing act and if there’s too much attention to one over the other for an extended period of time, the family simply doesn’t operate as well. At one extreme is the family that interacts so much that chores don’t get done and as a result the home environment suffers. On the other hand if it’s all work and no play, the needs for involvement and affiliation are adversely affected and can lead to the members feeling isolated from one another.

If you look at the various cards in the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards you’ll see that these two dimensions are addressed in a variety of ways. The value of contributing to the family by doing chores is the message from Beaver spirit. The card itself shows a Beaver looking out at us, branches in hand (which he undoubtedly chewed off a tree), with the simple message, “Do Your Chores.” Beavers themselves have tightly knit family units and maintain these bonds not only through working together, but also through grooming, play and vocal communication. As Beaver said in the extended message in the guidebook for the cards:

You might have heard the expression, “busy as a beaver,” but I’m telling you we’re not always that busy. I get things done as quickly as possible and try to do my best when I have some chores to do. I don’t even think of what I do as chores, but more that I’m making important contributions to my family, friends, and to my community.

So today check with your parents or friends and see if there’s anything they want you to do. Then do what they’ve asked, do your best, and try not to look at any of these tasks as chores. Instead, think about how good it feels to help someone else out, even with easier chores like taking out the trash or drying the dishes. Especially in your family there are a lot of ways you can help out by doing different jobs. And do them with a smile.

An older child who is interested in reading this more extensive message will also find suggestions for activities that support the value of contributing to the family functioning smoothly. Parents can also guide their children in engaging in these particular activities, thereby reinforcing the importance of their contribution to the harmony of the family unit. Here are some of the possibilities:

* Look around your house and find one or two chores to do that contribute to the upkeep of the home and do them before you’re even asked.

* Finish something you started but had put aside, like writing a story or doing an art project.

* Whenever you are doing any of your chores, try to do them graciously and with a slight smile on your face knowing you are helping others.

For parents, there are additional suggestions of things they can do with their children in the guidebook to further encourage their children to contribute by doing the chores that are needed.

* When a child is given specific chores, giving them a choice can help lessen power struggles, such as, “Would you like to clean your room now or when we get home?” The implication is that they are expected to do it but still have a choice in the matter.

* Children like to help out and contribute to the family, so giving them chores that are age appropriate so that they can succeed in fulfilling them helps build their sense of responsibility, competency, their sense of community, and their work ethic.

As stated, the child should be given responsibilities that are age appropriate. They should be encouraged for their efforts and not for perfection. As parents we can continue to shape the desirable behavior through encouragement and comments that acknowledge what is right about what they are doing, rather than criticism for what they are doing wrong. This supports the child’s initiative and deepens their innate desire to help out others in their family unit.

In our household my stepdaughters Serena, 8, and Ari, 6 in addition to picking up after themselves are given responsibilities that are reasonable for their ages. After dinner, the girls alternate on different days cleaning off the dishes and placing them in the dishwasher or vacuuming the dining room. Another responsibility is on Mondays to collect the trash from around the house and put it in the larger trash bin in the kitchen. Although when these were instituted there was some grumbling and complaining, now they do these chores as expected. We make occasional requests for them to do other chores and each girl generally cooperates in doing so.

Although the word “chores” can sometimes take on a heavier, more somber meaning and feeling, it can be reframed to mean an act of contribution and service such that any of us, adult or child, can view this kind of work within the family as a joy and a pleasure.

“We labor to make a house a home, then every time we’re expecting visitors, we rush to turn it back into a house.—Anonymous

”A family in harmony will prosper in everything.”—Chinese Proverb

To purchase Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, click here.

Author and teacher Steven D. Farmer

About The Author: Dr. Steven Farmer is the author of the several best-selling products including Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, Earth Magic, Animal Spirit Guides, Power Animals, Earth Magic Oracle Cards, Power Animal Oracle Cards, Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides Oracle Cards, and Sacred Ceremony. He is a shamanic practitioner, ordained minister, hypnotherapist, former college professor and retired psychotherapist. Steven offers workshops and presentations on a variety of shamanic healing and earth-centered spirituality topics and also offers private shamanic healing and divination sessions. To learn more about his workshops or to contact him, please visit www.EarthMagic.net.

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Chrissie Blaze’s February 2012 Horoscopes

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:29:47 +0000

Aries

This may be a frustrating month for Aries, as your ruling planet, Mars, turned retrograde on January 23 making it seem like a “stop-go” kind of month when you won’t be able to make as much progress as you’d like. However, the planets are there helping us to grow, and Mars retrograde is telling you that perhaps you’re doing something wrong or need to make some adjustments to the way you expend your energy and assert yourself. Don’t be discouraged; actually this is a great time to review, revise and solidify your plans. It’s also great when lovely Venus enters your sign on February 8, making you feel favored, charismatic and appreciated. Also, there are some things you can do with gusto – one is to communicate, especially around February 13-15 when Mercury makes a harmonious aspect to Saturn, helping you to get your point across in a powerful and realistic way.

Taurus

February is a month of opposites and contracts which brings some possible complications. On the one hand you are feeling sensitive, spiritually-minded and mystically-inclined with several planets in Pisces including Neptune that begins a 13 year visit to this sign. You may feel inspired or confused about what is going on and the best approach is to nurture your spiritual self with prayer, meditation and spiritual practices to get on the right track and avoid confusion. On the other hand, with Venus leaping into impulsive Aries on February 8, joined by Uranus the following day, you may experience sudden impulses or attractions that seem to be out of character. Rely on your inner guidance so you’re not led astray by a fleeting feeling or illusion.

Gemini

Things may be a little stressful as the month begins, especially in the area of relationships but overall the outlook is good – just a few bumps on the road of life. It’s best to count to three before speaking to loved ones, though, because you could say too much and regret it later, especially around February 9 and 10. Slow-moving planet shifts into the water sign of Pisces on February 3, after a long stint in fellow air sign of Aquarius and you may a shift in energy. Also, this is moving into your area of career and so you may begin to feel you want a more fulfilling and meaningful career and think for the long term. You’re an ideas person and may have a great idea around February 7 around the time of the Leo Full Moon in your area of communication.

Cancer

The month begins with you in a communicative mood with Mars in this area of your chart opposed by Venus. You may feel sharp, witty and flirtatious and enjoy playing with words. You are always a good storyteller; now especially so. You are also feeling more socially-oriented than usual so this is a good time to plan a social event, certainly early in the month. However, expect some sudden changes from February 6-9 leading up to and after the Full Moon on February 7. Don’t be impulsive and rush into situations that you might regret later. You’re feeling romantic around Valentine’s Day but be careful what you promise because reality sets in a few days later. Neptune, the planet of mystery, magic, faith and dreams is revisiting the area of your chart that rules travel, education, religion and the higher mind. It is a major visit since this planet will remain here until May 2025.

Leo

As a Leo you have a noble heart and you will need to draw on this in February, taking the high road in all your dealings. Also, don’t hesitate to express yourself especially around the time of the Full Moon which is in your sign of Leo on February 7 reminding you of your own dreams and aspirations and how important it is that you don’t get sidetracked. However, this Full Moon makes several aspects with other planets, including an opposition to the Sun and Mercury, which indicates there could be some disagreements with a partner or associate at this time; someone who is keen on getting you to agree with them rather than go your own way. Don’t be discouraged and keep going as you’re on the right track, despite what others may say or do.

Virgo

February is a good month to take a step back and relax a little. Do some honest reflection about your life rather than full steam ahead. Things are shifting this month. The subtle but significant planet, Neptune, enters your opposite sign of Pisces and remains there for a long time – until 2025. Whenever a slow moving planet changes signs, we find that our lives begin to shift – in this case, subtle but definite ways. It is particularly affecting relationships. You will no longer be satisfied by superficial relationships but will more and more seek close and fulfilling connections. However, the downside of Neptune is that it tends to make us more gullible than usual and so it’s important to face things as they are, in a realistic manner.

Libra

The month begins on a stressful note as your ruler, Venus, opposes Mars in the area of work. There may be a female colleague or work associate who’s bent on putting you down. Be diplomatic now and your mediating abilities can really pay off and you can end up with a friend for life! February 14 is a romantic time for you but watch out that you don’t lose your head or make promises you’re never going to be able to keep. In other words, enjoy the romance but also keep your feet on the ground. Around this time of the month, you’ll probably find yourself dealing with some routine tasks like your tax return but you’ll find if you get stuck into them, you gain a more realistic and practical perspective generally which is needed at this time.

Scorpio

You’re in a creative and romantic phase since Venus entered this area of your chart on January 14 and continues to be there, joined by mystical Neptune on February 3. Get used to the inspirational quality of Neptune in your creative work since Neptune will remain in this area for the next thirteen years! However, there is a negative side to how we manifest the power of Neptune – that is by being overly gullible. However, it is better to be open to love, and even a little naïve, than to harden our hearts with too much cynicism, lack of trust or fear of rejection. This is a time to learn unconditional love and embrace your Spiritual life even more fully. Neptune can sometimes cause us to feel a little uncertain and these feelings are enhanced by a Venus-Saturn aspect around February 7. Conservative Saturn turns retrograde also at this time reminding you to be cautious rather than impulsive in all your dealings and relationships.

Sagittarius

The month begins full steam ahead in your personal life and not much action professionally or career-wise. Mars is in its extended visit to your area of career and currently in retrograde motion until mid-April so you may feel as if you are treading water. It’s definitely slowing you down but it is an excellent time to revise your plans. You feel strongly that your whole life is on an upward swing, and being an optimist at heart, it is usually not hard for you to feel this way. However, rest assured that not too much is going to improve unless you take a realistic look at your life and goals and be honest about whether a particular pet project is really working for you.

Capricorn

Sometimes you treasure security too much but in February it’s good for you to follow your feeling as much as possible. The month begins in a serious vein but try not to get bogged down in other people’s head trips. Humor is always a good tonic for you. You may be feeling impulsive on the home front from February 8 when Venus is in Aries in this area of your chart. Instead of venting frustrations on family members, use this creative energy to begin a new project at home. Things could get a little extra explosive on the 9^th when Venus joins Uranus, stirring up a need for change. The New Moon in Pisces on February 21 connects with mystic Neptune. Again, another prompt for you to listen to your feelings rather than your analytical mind.

Aquarius

February is all about you. It is your month as the Sun moves into your sign of Aquarius, helping you to get your ideas off the ground and put your thoughts into words. However, although it’s time for you to go after your dreams, the Leo Full Moon on February 7 also reminds you about other people’s needs. Although independent and a person who likes his or her own space, at the end of the day you are not meant to be a loner but working with others in a team or group. On February 14, Valentine’s Day, you may be in a romantic frame of mind but acutely aware of spending too much. Although not usually a particularly emotional person – and priding yourself on your ability to detach – your emotions could come bubbling to the surface about now. Be careful that you don’t say or promise something that you might regret later when impulsive Venus in Aries makes a difficult aspect to the planet that tends to unearth secrets – Pluto.

Pisces

As a Pisces, you are drawn to the unseen and the mysterious. Dealing with the concrete, material world can often be a challenge to you. Don’t worry, February is the time to retreat, meditate, and enjoy these intangible areas of life rather than dealing with overly mundane issues, with the Sun in the Spiritual area of your chart. February 3 is an important day when your ruling planet, Neptune, returns to your sign for a long stretch of thirteen years. This will give you more power, especially in the realms of the imagination, art and music and with Spiritual matters but may incline you towards being overly idealistic and gullible. One thing that will gradually change is your approach to life. You will be seeking more fulfillment in all areas, including your career.

Internationally-renowned astrologer Chrissie Blaze

About The Author: Chrissie Blaze is an internationally-renowned professional astrologer, author of eight books and sought-after international speaker. She is an author of eight published books and her newest book, “Deeper Into Love: 7 Keys to a Heart-Based Spirituality” by Mill City Press. Her books in print are all available at Satiama by clicking here.

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2012: Just Another Year? by Dr. Steven Farmer

Steven Farmer — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:15:05 +0000

I watched a fascinating show a few months ago called How the Earth Was Made, produced by the History Channel and available on YouTube. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOW5A7t5-Zo). This 90-minute program captured beautifully the evolution of the Earth from its inception 4.4 billion years ago to the present day. It was a vivid reminder of the fact that we human beings have been on this planet for such a very, very brief time. When I’m reminded of this I realize what a true privilege and blessing it is and has been to be a guest on this fair planet.

It also prompts some considerations about this year, which has been on our minds largely due to interpretations of the Mayan calendar and related prophecies. There are several websites and even a Facebook page dedicated to this year and the prophecies. One site that you may find of interest is http://www.2012predictions.net/maya.htm. It gives several different viewpoints as to the meaning of these predictions and prophesies.

Though I haven’t studied this extensively, there seems to be some agreement that we are at the end of an era and a new one will begin following December 31, 2012. It’s obvious that there are lots of changes going on, evidenced by the unrest and turmoil in the Middle Eastern countries, the Occupy movements worldwide, unusual weather events, the concerns about the economy (particularly in the Eurozone), and the waves of the collective angst that we all experience from time to time, to name but a few.

Yet in another sense, 2012 is just another year.

Particularly in light of the age of the Earth and the minute amount of time we as humans have lived on our Earth Mother’s skin. Big changes? You bet! Changes in the Earth and in human consciousness. For sure! Everything seems to be speeding up. Our relationship with this planet and all the beings here is going through a much needed evolution. There are efforts on several fronts to find creative ways to live more harmoniously with the land and its inhabitants and address the severe imbalance in our relationship with the Mother of us all.

The foundation that is essential during this time of such dramatic shifts taking place is a strong spiritual philosophy and practice, one that is inclusive rather exclusive and incorporates the practice of the universal principles of compassion, love, gratitude, and forgiveness. It’s time that personally and collectively we become more intimately acquainted with the beings that reside with us, both plant and animal, and respect the fact that we are all intimately and intrinsically related. Through the common ancestry we share at the most fundamental level of existence, our DNA, when we go back far enough in our ancestry we realize that we human beings are related to every other being on this planet!

There isn’t going to be some apocalyptic event at the end of this year. The shifts that are increasingly evident have been building for some time, with the massive increase in human population, misappropriation of the earth’s resources, and the greatest loss of all—the deep ancestral memory of our relationship with the land and all other beings that share this awesome piece of creation upon which we live.

As Turtle spirit told me in a recent shamanic journey, “Everyone should slow down. 2012 is going to be a year of—get ready—change! Of course every year is change, every millennia is change. You human beings need to learn that it is part of life, so get used to it. Learn to live with the land and receive the gifts the land has to offer with humility and gratitude.”

Simple and wise advice from Turtle, but how do you “get used to it” as he stated? He wasn’t suggesting to be passive, but letting us know we must learn to adapt and not stay in reaction to events around us. Not always easy to do, but here’s some suggestions of things to do whenever you get overwhelmed or stressed due to the sometimes dramatic changes taking place.

1) Limit the amount of time you spend with television, computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Particularly for children, there’s an increasing body of research that indicates how harmful excessive use of these devices can be to the still developing minds of children. When you do this it opens the space for something else to take place. Read, paint, dance, play music, write, or engage in some other creative expression.

2) Slow down and breathe! Try experimenting with moving at about 80-90% of your usual pace, making sure you consciously breathe deeply and slowly. Drive slower. Remind yourself there really isn’t any emergency unless there truly is an emergency.

3) Get outdoors! This is essential in order to get acquainted with the land and other beings who dwell in the natural world. Sit by a tree, go out and look at the stars, take long walks or bike rides. Discover what you most enjoy about the natural world. See the world with open eyes and an open heart

4) Develop a consistent spiritual practice. Meditation, yoga, qui gong, shamanic journeying, prayer, consulting divination tools, or joining a community such as a church where you can share your spirituality with others. Any of these types of practices encourages your compassion, love, gratitude and forgiveness.

This list is by no means exhaustive and I’m sure you have other ideas that will help you feel balanced or find it again when you feel off balance. Let’s all do our best to take good care of the trees, rivers, oceans, plants, and the animals.

“…the care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy and, after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope.” ―Wendell Berry

Author and teacher Steven D. Farmer

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Chrissie Blaze’s January 2012 Horoscopes

Karen — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:36:37 +0000

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The New Year brings big changes but begin slowly and be realistic; you still have old business to complete with the Sun in your 12^th House of Completion. You can expect the unexpected in relationships this year with three Eclipses creating waves that last just about all year. As a detached Aquarian, you are not one to focus too much on romance but true love and true friendship are knocking at your door this year helping you to realize that cooperation and teamwork is the key to success. One of your personal messages this year is to be flexible and go with the flow when necessary.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
The New Year begins with a debate between your head and heart, with the Sun and Mercury in pragmatic Capricorn and the Full Moon in Cancer on January 9. Your feelings may win and romance takes center stage. Indulge yourself with issues of the heart and romantic venues such as art galleries, theater and Spiritual events. Too much pragmatism and concrete reality can be scorching for your delicate sensitivities and there are times you need to nurture your Spiritual self. January is one of these times.

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)
Breathe deeply and be patient: a frustrating period should end when Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus go direct, bringing possible career change later in 2012. The New Year begins dynamically when Mercury squares your ruler, Mars. Use this powerful energy to review and revise rather than push ahead with new goals. You may feel a little frustrated as your usually dynamic ruler, Mars is crawling along in your area of work and routine and on January 23 actually begins a retrograde motion. However, don’t be fooled. It’s all good. Mars is just suggesting you slow down a little and smell the roses. What you had planned to launch in January may need a little tweaking and now is definitely the time to tweak.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20)
2012 is the time to aim for greater recognition with expansive Jupiter in your House of Self until June 11, bringing opportunities your way and a sense of feeling good about yourself and the world, and drawing helpful people into your orbit. Do remember that when opportunities come your way, it’s a good thing to take them, otherwise they will come and go and nothing will change. Jupiter is urging you to expand your life and aspirations in some way and will bring you opportunities to do this. With the Sun in your fellow, practical Earth sign, Capricorn, serious studies can raise your professional standing. On January 8, Mercury also moves into Capricorn and you can crystallize your goals and ambitions, bringing things into focus and setting the steps needed to get where you want to go.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)
2012 brings an intense focus on domestic affairs and a move could be on the cards. Mars is in this area of your chart July. Even if you don’t move, it’s a great time to work on your home at this time. It’s also the perfect time to step up your spiritual practices because in astrology one’s home is linked to one’s inner self. At this time, both need your attention! On January 7, your ruler, Mercury, is supported by good aspects to Saturn and Neptune, reminding you that you can indeed bring your dreams into manifestation through attention and hard work. Hard work really is the key now so don’t expect things to come easily but just keep moving forward with your goals one step in front of the other.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Relationships are key in January; a New Moon in quirky Aquarius on January 23 and Mars retrograde could attract unconventional relationships from the past. Also, this progressive New Moon occurring in your House of shared Resources brings the ideal time for you to reassess any joint finances, such as a business partnership or marriage. There may be some relationships that are putting a drain on your resources and you might think about making adjustments. You have been through a period of uncertainty regarding finances for a while and this feeling should end later in the year.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
As January begins you feel confident and ready to tackle anyone and anything. Be careful you don’t provoke an argument or come over too strong! A powerful trine from the Capricorn Sun to Mars on January 12 brings an ideal time to see the results of your hard work and efforts in the past, and it’s also a great time to work on your health and self-improvement. However, this is a very long trend as Pluto is in the area of your chart, the Sixth House of Health for years to come. This is causing things that may have been buried deep to come up to the surface to be dealt with. It is also causing you to become more interested in alternative ways of treatment and healing modalities, such as homeopathy, contact healing or herbal remedies, and this interest may deepen in the years to come.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
With Mars in your sign through January, you have a lot of vitality but avoid taking on new projects. Even apparently simple things seem to develop into complicated tasks that can overstress you. One of the things you, as a Virgo, is here to learn is a fine discernment and now is the time to discriminate between what tasks and projects will waste your time and which will be useful to you. Also, don’t think you have to tackle things alone. Your friends and loved ones are offering you support, especially around January 9 with the Full Moon in nurturing Cancer. Turn to your friends for advice. Be careful what you say and promise this month. Even a few casual words spoken in jest can spark off arguments..

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
You begin the New Year with high expectations for relationships but work responsibilities may cause domestic stress. It’s time to focus on improving existing relationships and let go of unrealistic dreams. You are feeling energetic and confident around January 12 when the Sun in Capricorn makes a trine aspect to Mars in Virgo. It’s a time of hard work and achievement. Expect a few frustrations this month as you undertake a reality check later in the month. This causes you to see the important relationships and other important parts of your life with rose-colored glasses off and this can be painful. However, it is certainly not all bad for it urges you to reconnect with your heart and look at what it is you really want from life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)
Be ready to think and act quickly on January 1 when Mercury forms a stressful square with your ruler, Mars. Don’t miss a great opportunity by reacting emotionally. Breathe deeply! Your relationships can be a bit difficult on January 7 when Venus makes difficult aspects with your two ruling planets, Mars and Pluto so remember the best control is not trying to control others but yourself. Self-mastery is a key for you, especially now. Then a week later, you begin a potentially romantic phase when Venus in fellow Water sign of Pisces, draws romance into your life, or inspires you to bring more romance into your life and existing relationships. This is a great time for you to experience all the beautiful, non-tangible things of life – music, art, creativity, spirituality and love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
2012 promises to be a great year and you feel you’ve turned a corner after some stressful years. You are probably feeling a pressure to change and put your whole life on a more spiritual, inspired footing. Your ruler, Jupiter now clears a way for personal growth and this is a year of progress for you. What you accomplish during the first half of the year can prepare you for opportunities that come quickly in the second half through people you meet. You could experience an emotional crisis around January 9 with the Full Moon in Cancer in your House of Shared Resources. Don’t allow your emotions to put a spanner in the works but breathe deeply, be philosophical and keep going.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
The New Year begins with a fast pace with the Sun in your sign. You have experienced a lot of change in the last few years but you are still in the middle of this long phase of transformation and self-discovery with Pluto in your sign. This transit began on November 26, 2008 and will continue until 2023 so it is very important for all Capricorns and you are gradually changing the way you think about yourself, others and the world. Take the time to explore the unusual, the unexpected and the unfamiliar – they will all become a part of your life in the future. The first half of 2012 is favorable for romance and matters of the heart with Jupiter in your House of Romance.

Internationally-renowned astrology Chrissie Blaze

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Aquarius Goddesses — The Spiral by Julie Loar

Karen — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:22:33 +0000

Aquarius is a Fixed Air sign where the unfolding sequence of the zodiac expresses in group consciousness, which ideally can be unified by a common ideal. Aquarius looks for truth in all things and desires to unite with others on a universal level. Aquarians are forward thinking and can be mental pioneers. However, this energy is mentally fixed, so Aquarians can also rebel at the status quo, or object in principle to structures which don’t seem to work, or appear to them to be outmoded.

The Goddess Sign for Aquarius is the Spiral. The spiral can be seen in the whirling galaxies of deep space, hurricanes, sunflowers, pinecones and seashells. The spiral tells us that everything in form is in motion, and this symbol represents the nature of reality that eternally spins and revolves. The spiral represents the cyclical motion of Nature and the sky, including the arms of our Milky Way, inviting us to look up and beyond our limited scope to widen our view. The affirmation for this sign asserts that what seems like a straight line is a never-ending spiral.

Aquarius goddesses are connected to space and knowledge of the alchemical “Above.” In astrology Aquarius represents the realm of the higher mind, so Aquarius goddesses reach toward heaven, connecting to the sky and stars, celestial themes, and the ancient wisdom of astrology. Some of these goddesses have a very cosmic nature.

Hebe is the Greek goddess of eternal youth and beauty. Like other goddesses who lost their once-powerful status, she was later replaced by the beautiful young male, Ganymede. As a consolation, she was placed in the sky as the constellation of Aquarius. In keeping with her eternal youthfulness, her importance has remained while most people have long since forgotten Ganymede. Bau is a Babylonian sky goddess who was called goddess of dark waters. Her name actually means “space.” She was also seen as the goddess of dogs, which may link her cosmologically, similar to the Egyptian Isis, to Sirius, the Dog Star. Tanith is a Phoenician goddess who was called “parent of all things, and “highest of the deities.” Although the Romans destroyed Carthage they took her rites to Rome, where they depicted her with wings and a zodiac above her head.

Uni was the supreme and cosmic goddess of the Etruscans, the people who preceded the Romans. She was seen as so vast and powerful as to be the “uni-verse.” She was a sky goddess who threw thunderbolts across the sky. Nut was an Egyptian sky goddess and one of the original nine deities of ancient Egypt. Her name is actually translated as “sky.” Nut was “mother of all the gods,” including both Isis and Osiris. Her mate was Geb, the Earth. The Pleiades are a famous cluster of stars that have been revered by many cultures. In myth, they were seven sisters who were the daughters of Atlas and Pleione. Although Pleione was called a nymph, she was actually a manifestation of the goddess Aphrodite. The Egyptians saw the Pleiades as the Seven Hathors who were powerful judges of human character.

Brigid, whose name means “bright,” is a goddess of the Irish Celts. She was Brigantia to the English, Bride to the Scots, and Brigandu in Celtic France. She was so powerful that the Catholic Church made her a saint, complete with all her prior goddess attributes. She was called High One, describing the realm from which poetic inspiration springs. Her feast day is February 1, Candlemas to the Catholics and Imbolc to Pagans, the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox.

Aataensic is a great sky goddess of the Huron people, Indians who originally lived along the Great Lakes. She fell through a hole in the sky and landed on the back of a great turtle that was known for its wisdom. Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge and all aspects of the literary tradition. Some sources say it was Saraswati who discovered amrita, the cosmic elixir of the gods that confers immortality, truly bringing heaven to earth.

Anahita is an ancient mother goddess from Persia, in what is now Iran. Her name means “immaculate one.” She is a sky goddess who has dominion over fertilizing waters and the great spring among the stars, the Milky Way, which was thought to be the origin of all earthly rivers. Ananke is the Greek goddess of necessity and is said to have emerged self-formed from primeval Chaos in serpentine form. Her mate is Kronos, the principle of time. According to Plato, it is Ananke, or necessity, who is the mother of invention.

Nisaba is a Sumerian goddess who had great knowledge of the stars and was depicted with a tablet made of lapis lazuli, which contained a sky chart. She also possessed what has been translated as “measuring lines,” with which she measured the distances of objects in heaven. The Dakinis of the Tibetan tradition are “sky dancers.” The name actually translates as “she who traverses space.” Dakinis are similar to Celtic fairies and the air spirits who serve the Hindu goddess Kali. Dakini priestesses take care of the dying, and they are said to take the last breath of the dying into themselves, thereby easing the person’s transition.

Iris is the Greek goddess whose physical form is the rainbow. Before Hermes/Mercury was the messenger of the gods, Iris had this role, and her words were never doubted. She could fly from the heights of heaven to the depths of the sea, connecting humanity to the divine. Crystal Woman is the mythical goddess of the crystal skulls. She is said to transmit information between the dimensions, especially to healers and indigenous medicine people. She is said to have once possessed thirteen crystal skulls with magical powers, but they were separated and are now protected by shamans until the time comes for them to be rediscovered.

During the time of Aquarius, as the spiraling cycle of the year brings the return of light in the northern hemisphere, we can call upon these goddesses of the sky and stars and set our sights on heaven. It’s a good time to consciously engage the higher mind that Aquarius represents and articulate our noblest aspirations, invoking the vast scope that these goddesses embody.

Julie Loar

About The Author: Julie Loar is the multiple award-winning author of six books and dozens of articles. She has a BS in Psychology, has done postgraduate work, and has been certified in numerous professional training and development programs. Julie was a Human Resources executive in two major corporations, and an independent training consultant, working with large companies. Her latest book, Goddesses For Every Day: Exploring the Wisdom & Power of the Divine Feminine Around the World, (available at Satiama) has won three national awards.

Her popular astrology feature appears in ATLANTIS RISING magazine, and she is a featured contributor on John Edward’s web site, InfiniteQuest.com where she has her own internet TV show. She has traveled to sacred sites around the world, researching the material for her books and teachings. Each year she leads a sacred journey to Egypt. Visit her at http://www.juliel

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Wackily Happy By Daniel D. Woo (2012)

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:15:42 +0000

I’ve had a story brewing in my mind since last summer when we experienced a wild yard and observed that more species of birds, butterflies and other wild things appeared than in the 23 preceding summers.

In place of a clean, mowed & trimmed yard, a meadow grew with a profusion of wild flowers and life forms. My meditations on the back deck took on a different flavor.

When I am able to let go of like and dislike, I’ve learned about contentment and joy – about the appearance of life and colors.

Anger, aversion (fear) and desire are truly poisons that obstruct a full embracing of the gift of each breath. These poisons all arise from my foolish and vain attempts to clean up the universe to be just right for me.

At the beginning of this year our son Travis asked me if I get disgruntled by the dark, cloudy, rainy & cold days in Seattle. After pausing to respond, I told him that if I wanted to squander time with discontent over these kinds of conditions, Seattle is a perfect place to practice and hone such discontent until I am perfectly miserable.

This morning after working out and talking to someone about breath practice (Buddhist, conscious breathing, Taoist circular breathing and Kundalini yoga), I set off to meet some friends. On the drive, I felt very happy for no apparent reason. I was wackily happy and it was okay.

This is far better than trying to whack away everything showing up in the mind as if the whole universe were a Whac-A-Mole game where my mind was an iron fist and mallet. It used to be that there could be 10,000 reasons to lack joy and I couldn’t see that the creator of all 10,000 reasons was me. When I am not whacking away at every mole in my perfect garden, a full life appears.

When I saw my friends at noon today, we wound up talking about patience and the value of meditation and mindfulness practices to learn its benefits.

I explained that one of my practices to learn patience was to stand in lines at grocery stores, banks and elsewhere practicing awareness of breath and the present moment. I began to learn to do this during everyday situations and every relationship. During this process and over time, I began to experience the Now – the present moment – and consequently joy.

Daniel Woo

(Revised 22 January 2012.)

Satiama would like to express our most heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Daniel Woo for his continued flow of amazing articles, for his assistance to and support of Satiama and for his lovely and open heart. We are most grateful for you, Daniel.

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Danielle MacKinnon’s Animal Soul Connections: Anxious Cat?

Karen — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:25:30 +0000

Dear Danielle,

I have a 2 year-old cat named Faith. She is the SWEETEST and has made such a tremendous impact on my own well-being. I love her more than I thought it was possible to love an animal. She has a tumor in her Mediastinum area. She’s been taking chemotherapy meds for it and it is shrinking and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’m concerned though that her time in my small apartment is lonely and creates anxiety and dis-ease in her and I want her to have the happiest of existences. Is there any way to tell if she needs a playmate or how I can ease her anxiety?
-Concerned Kitty Mommy

Dear Concerned Kitty Mommy,

The moment I read your question, I knew I was going to answer it in this month’s column. First, as you have yourself expressed, the connection between an animal and their human, is one of the most powerful connections we humans can experience. I can’t tell you how many people have said exactly the same thing “I love this dog/cat… more than I ever believed was possible!” There is a reason behind this love – it’s the connection between the two souls: the Soul Contract. As you will hear me say over and over, animals want to help human-kind evolve and one of the ways they do this is through their personal relationships with us. This means that you can read into the behavior of Faith to figure out how she’s helping you evolve – and as you evolve, this will in return assist Faith.

When I connect with Faith – I’m immediately guided to connect with you as well. The two of you are so intricately linked that in order to feel like there is a complete connection, I must include you. Faith shows me that you spend a lot of time worrying about her, worrying about the environment, worrying that things in your life are or aren’t going correctly (not just concerning her but also in other areas of your life). She shows me that you like to make sure things are “just so” and that when things are not that way, you work hard to correct them so they match your expectations. Now, don’t get me wrong – she’s not saying this with any judgment (like “Oh no! Julie is such an anxious person! Get her out of my life!”) Instead, she shows me that your life contains a lot of nervousness and disquiet. She feels that the anxiety you have over things going “right” is distracting you from having fun and fully enjoying all of your relationships – including the relationship with her.

So, the reason you are seeing discomfort in Faith is because she is mirroring your own anxiety back to you. She’s actually using herself as the example so that you can see the behavior that isn’t serving you. I know, I know. It’s a pretty incredible idea. But, if you can accept the belief that Faith is in your life as companion, partner and teacher, understanding her mirroring of your behavior becomes easier.

As you work on your anxiety (whatever that means to you – it may mean yoga, meditation, running outside, drawing, screaming… who knows! It’s up to you to find out) and you begin to feel more at peace with your environment, within yourself and with Faith, she will reflect that back to you. This is her Soul Contract with you. This is why she is in your life. Faith will act as a barometer for you, helping you have more peace, and more acceptance for those things you cannot control- by reflecting the degree of your anxiety back to you. For Faith, it’s not about being lonely while you’re out of the house or about wanting another animal friend (although she does say she’d love another “one” to hang out with – but that’s beside the point), it’s about wanting to help you with your nervous energy, wanting to help you be grounded and calm so that the two of you can be more connected and go even deeper in your relationship. She also says that this will help you with your other relationships too. Accepting what you cannot change. She says “it’s time to go more with the flow than you ever have before!” and that’s what will make her the happiest.

About the Author: Animal Communicator and Intuitive Danielle MacKinnon is the author of several highly-successful classes including Beginning Animal Communication, Animal Soul Contracts and Animal Communication Q&A. She is a well-known animal intuitive and intuitive coach, named one of Bob Olson’s “Top 10 Best Psychic Mediums.” Using Soul Contracts as a foundation, she offers a fresh perspective on working deeply with pets, developing intuition, and spiritual growth. Danielle’s column “Animal Soul Connections” focuses on soul-relationships between humans and animals and she offers coaching, workshops, presentations and online classes centered around this idea for people and for people and their pets. To learn more, visit www.daniellemackinnon.com.

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Love Is The Order Of The New Day On Planet Earth

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:13:52 +0000

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Capricorn Goddesses: The Spinning Wheel by Julie Loar

Karen — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:06:21 +0000

Capricorn anchors the Winter Solstice and combines the principles of Cardinal Earth. In Capricorn matter organizes itself into perfect forms. In astrology Capricorn represents the crystallization of matter into the Father principle and is the opposite sign to Cancer, who holds the energy of the Mother. Capricorn’s energy is governing and conserving, focused on achievement, integrity, recognition and responsibility. Capricorns are fueled by tremendous ambition, and their lessons stem from learning the underlying motives, which propel their drive to climb. Capricorn is the tenth sign and represents the stage of the spiritual journey where our aspiration turns to the cold, clear mountain air of our spiritual nature. Capricorn represents the principle of ambition, whether it is directed outwardly in the world of accomplishment or turned inward toward the spiritual path. The theme of the Capricorn goddess reveals the threads of our destinies that are spun by choices and deeds.

The Goddess Sign for Capricorn is the Spinning Wheel, representing the Crone goddesses who are weavers of Fate and represent the dark time of the year and the wisdom time of life. Spinning, weaving and looms are the province of wise elder goddesses who pronounce destiny, measuring and cutting the threads of our lives. The triple aspect of goddesses of fate is often seen first spinning the thread of a life, then measuring how long the life will be, and finally cutting the thread and ending the life at the appointed time. While Scorpio spins the threads out of the substance of the goddess’s belly, it is in Capricorn, the sign of form, that the threads take shape and are woven into the tapestries of our lives. Mountains are symbols of this process in all spiritual traditions, so Capricorn has usually been symbolized by a Mountain Goat with the tail of a fish or dolphin. Ancient mountain goddesses are included in Capricorn along with goddesses who embody structure, organization, time or duration, as in measuring the thread of Fate, endings, the dark of winter and the wisdom of old age.

Chin Nu is a Chinese goddess of spinners and weavers. She is the daughter of the Jade Emperor. Although a goddess, she visited Earth and a human man stole her clothes, caused her to remain, and convinced her to marry him. When she eventually returned to the sky her husband longed for her and followed her to the sky. Her father gave them each a star, but they were on opposite sides of heaven. So, her father built a bridge between the two stars, and once a year flocks of magpies bring twigs for the bridge so the lovers can cross the sky and spend one night together. Ariadne is an ancient goddess from Crete, which preceded Greece by thousands of years, who is a goddess of fate and weaving. She aided the hero Theseus in the Cretan labyrinth, where the bull monster hid, by giving him a ball of her thread so he could find his way out.

Chomolunga is the Buddhist goddess whose body is the great mountain we call Everest, while Konohana Sakuya Hime is the Shinto goddess of Japan who is the goddess of mount Fuji. Jord is a Norse goddess who was worshipped on mountaintops where she mated with the sky to bring heaven to earth.

Hekate is an ancient goddess of the people who preceded the Greeks. She was the daughter of two Titans who both represented the principle of scintillating light. Hekate has dominion over crossroads, especially where three roads converge. She is also believed to be a guardian of the Gates of Immortality. Hekate is a master of time, and is often depicted as having three faces, each one looking in a different direction: past, present and future.

Holda is a Germanic or Teutonic goddess who is like a female Santa Claus. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Holda flies through the night in a magical carriage on December 24, bringing gifts and spreading boundless joy. She dresses in red and white with a cape made from goose feathers and decides who is worthy to receive her gifts. La Befana is the Italian Lady of the Twelfth Night, January 6, and the Feast of the Epiphany. She visits every child in Italy on the night of January 5, filling stockings with candy. Juno Lucina is called Mother Light. She is a Roman goddess who bestows the gifts of vision and enlightenment. Her festival was celebrated at winter solstice with torches and bonfires. She acted as the midwife for the annual rebirth of the light. Juno Lucina also opened the eyes of newborn children as they emerged from the darkness of the womb.

The Zorya are three Slavic goddesses honored mostly in Russia. They express the triple aspect of the goddess—maiden, mother and crone, or elder. The Zorya are responsible for morning, noon and night respectively. Zorya means “star” in Russian. The three are guardians of life and time and keep charge over a giant doomsday hound that is chained to the North Pole. The dog constantly pursues the constellation of Ursa Minor, the Little Bear, as it circles around the vault of heaven.

Kali Ma is the beloved Hindu goddess of India who holds the energy of the Dark Mother, or the destroying crone. It is her role to eliminate what needs to be removed in order to make room for what needs to be created or brought into expression. Kali also has a Triple Goddess aspect in which she mates with the three gods of the Hindu pantheon: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

The New Year begins with the Capricorn goddess White Tara, and her day is January 1. In bold contrast to the transforming energy of death and release embodied by Kali, White Tara is a divine manifestation that “brings forth life.” Her destiny is to manifest the supreme bodhi, the spirit of enlightenment in the consciousness of humanity. In Japan, temple bells are rung 108 times in her honor at midnight on New Year’s Eve to help counteract humanity’s sins. As the wheel of the year turns, and we slowly move out of darkness into light in the northern hemisphere, we can take time to reflect on the lessons of experience this year has offered. We can also decide to leave outworn forms behind and bravely focus on what we long to bring into being in the New Year.

Julie Loar

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Chicken with Tarragon-Caper Sauce on Mixed Greens by Aline Fourier

Karen — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:01:50 +0000

Author Aline Fourier

At the beginning of the New Year 2012, I would love to share a heart-warming story that was contributed to my cookbook, Everything I Eat Nourishes Me ©2010, by Peggy Keller, literary agent for Blessingway Authors’ Services. Peggy has been working in trade publishing for over 30 years, beginning at Yale University Press, then Random House in New York, New England and California. When we talked about the concept of the cookbook she voiced her doubts about the word “nourishment” and how it applied to her own life. After talking with her about “conscious eating,” (we ingest how we feel when we cook and when we eat along with the food itself), suddenly her voice took on a lilt and with excitement she related the following narrative about her nourishing and regular experience of cooking with her 11 year old neighbor. May we have more and more of these kinds of soul experiences that bring nourishment to our plate of life this New Year.

“Sandy Warner (my 11-year old neighbor – the child I never had) and I cook together at least once a week, all year round. Now and then, her brother, Scott, joins us to prepare more elaborate dishes. He attends Cypress College Culinary Arts School and would someday like to own a restaurant. Tragically, they lost their mother in the spring of 2007 and are living with their grandparents two doors from my home. Sandy and I first began spending time together when she was about two months old, when I babysat for my little angel (my pet name for Sandy). On my 50th birthday, at a neighbor’s house, a 14-month old Sandy took her first steps into my arms. She laughed and I cried tears of happiness. I guess I could be considered her Auntie Mame, the poor one, but loving all the fun things we do together. We now spend much of our cooking time discussing what Sandy has been doing since we last got together. I hear about girlfriends, school projects, the Jonas Brothers, but not too much about potential boyfriends yet, because of her infatuation with Nick Jonas.

Sandy

I love to cook – it’s my therapy – and I prefer doing what I love with someone I love, and that happens to be Sandy. I’ve often told her that since she has to eat, she should learn how to cook, so she can eat healthy meals. That is my goal – to get her to eat healthy and to have fun while she prepares her meals. Sandy began stirring the pot, any pot – when she was about three years old, under my very watchful eyes. She would drag a stool into the kitchen, place it in front of the stove, then climb up, grab a wooden spoon and begin stirring whatever was cooking, whether or not it needed to be stirred. Now, at least two, sometimes three times per month, on a Saturday morning, we visit our local farmers’ market to buy fresh produce and fruit for a Saturday night meal. One of our favorites is Chicken with Tarragon-Caper Sauce on Mixed Greens and Skillet Corn served with fresh, sliced, heirloom tomatoes and basil from my garden, drizzled with Girard’s Italian salad dressing (an excellent dressing). For dessert we have gorgeous, plump locally grown strawberries with nothing on them, only their natural sweetness to whet our taste buds. We love the ease of making these dishes and the freshness of all the ingredients. It feels and tastes like summertime. Before I know it, Sandy will be a teenager and too busy spending time with her girlfriends (and boyfriends) to cook with me as frequently as we do now. But the affection and love we feel for each other and the time we spent cooking together will always be remembered for the joy and laughter we shared preparing our favorite comfort foods.”

Chicken Tarragon

Chicken with Tarragon-Caper Sauce on Mixed Greens

(serves 4)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tbs. white wine vinegar

2 tbs. shallots, minced

2 tbs. fresh tarragon, chopped

1½ tbs. capers, drained

4 roasted, grilled or poached boneless chicken breast halves (we prefer grilled)

6 cups mesclun (assorted small, young salad leaves) salad blend (about 4 oz.)

2 tbs. olive oil

¼ cup roasted red peppers (fresh or jarred), thinly sliced

Whisk together mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, shallots, tarragon and capers in a small bowl. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Season chicken breasts to taste with salt and pepper after cooking. Toss mesclun in bowl with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Arrange mesclun on a platter. Slice the chicken breasts and fan out atop salad leaves. Drizzle tarragon-caper sauce over chicken. Garnish with red pepper slices and serve immediately.

May this be the beginning of a wondrous and affirming year of self-nourishment.

About The Author: Aline Fourier is a writer, symbolist painter, and multimedia artist who holds a Masters in Special Education and has trained in Psychosynthesis Counseling with Dr. Tom Yeomans and in Mandala Symbolism with Dr. Robert Johnson. Her background has been quite eclectic, including extensive study in Eastern and Western psychological disciplines and shamanism. Fourier conducts grief and trauma workshops and workshops focused on awakening the child who is the spontaneous explorer within us all. Fourier and her husband own Ortiz Mountain Gallery, where she displays her artwork. She presently devotes all her time to her writing, painting, healing work and caretaking the earth where she lives. To order Everything I Eat Nourishes Me,A Cookbook for Body & Soul, click here. To learn more about Aline Fourier, visit www.alinefourierstudio.com.

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