Using the Energy of the Eclipse: a Personal Reflection

These reflections are part-science, part-psychic interpretation, and come on the heels of an intense Lunar Eclipse on Friday 2/10/17. An eclipse triggers for me such a sense of awe; our ancestors, all animals, other creatures inhabiting the earth, all have experienced these celestial events. They occur outside of our control and portend coming changes. In feeling this eclipse coming, I slowed down, even in the midst of expression in the conventional work world. In my mind's eye, where Psychic Sense is present, I could feel/sense/hear/see some kind of invisible gears coming to a stop, slowing down, getting ready to change direction. As is typical with an eclipse, for me and likely for others, it feels like the veil between the worlds becomes thin. I often see/sense things that I cannot explain or describe.

During this eclipse, I was given the image of an empty cylinder, much like a paper towel roll: one end represents the Sun during the eclipse, in this case at 22'Aquarius. Through this temporary portal, it is possible for Help and Light to come in to the planet to help with our healing. At the other end of the roll, the Moon at 22' Leo, darkness, a void where negative energies can be drawn out. I felt these two portals begin to open during the eclipse time, and stayed in prayer that the negative energies would leave the planet, for this is a time of letting go. It feels as if humans are offered the opportunity to let go of negative emotions, memories, events that are lodged in the field and the psyche. The trick is not to get caught up in them as they pass through. They may take form. They may have sound. They may not want to leave, either due to their own desires or our attachments. It is okay to just...let...go. Trust that the Light is doing it's work. It is Enough. You are enough.

Now, for the science. From what I have gather from some other astrologers, including Rick Levine, this Lunar position of 22' Leo is indicative of a time of reflection as to what we are giving out versus what we are receiving back. Self-care. Fill your own cup first. There may be many out there reading this column that are in the process of weighing what they are giving out in a relationship, friendship, partnership, and what they are receiving back, and making a calculation of sorts deep within. Rick Levine has said that 22'Leo is about personal love; it is contrasted against 22' Aquarius, and as he said in a recent lecture, "Aquarians love humanity but hate people." We all have Aquarius somewhere in our birth chart!

This Lunar eclipse cycle may involve some letting go, either by choice or by the hand of the Universe. It is okay to let go. Allow there to be a space without having the need to fill it. It will come. In two weeks, time, we will be visited by another eclipse, this time a solar eclipse in Pisces. The time period between eclipses is, to me, sacred and filled with magic.

May you find the magic needed to inspire you through your days and nights....Namaste.

2017 and Lessons to Learn from Astrology

Hello friends,

2017 brings to us a fresh perspective, a way to turn the page, start a new chapter, cleanse the human form, begin anew. Now that Mercury is moving full steam ahead, it feels to me that we have truly started a new year. In the United States, forces are polarized as we welcome (cough) the new president and take in the changes that will occur. Activism appears to be revitalized as we revisit civil rights issues of the 60's. Those of a certain age cry out, " I can't believe I have to march against this sh*t again!" and others plot their moves to Mexico or Canada.

In looking at the astrology of 2017, there are so many things that stand out. For example, the cardinal T-square between Jupiter in Libra, conversing with Pluto in Capricorn, conversing with Uranus in Aries. The aspect, called a square, can be though of as a conversation, and conversation can be clarifying, it can be upsetting, it can mend fences, or all of the above. Some people may dominate the conversation, talking over others, and some may feel unheard.

I feel that this conversation, this T-square, is holding a space for us, and at the moment it may feel like a space of tension. Have you ever walked into a room as two people were having an argument? The disconnection palpable? At times this energy offered by the planets may feel that way. But the gift behind it is the opportunity for new beginnings and for clarification. The path to clarification may not be easy, but it is worth it. I know when i have had a conversation that is clarifying, it may have taken discomfort to get there, but i am left feeling released, and more connected to both the other person and myself.

Cardinal signs are all about new beginnings, leadership, the start of things. If you think about it, Libra begins just as fall begins, Capricorn commences as winter commences, and Aries heralds the start of spring. Something has completed, and something new begins.

The missing cardinal sign in this alignment would be Cancer: there are no planets currently transiting this sign. I call it an "empty cell". What is not being said, the undercurrent in the conversations between Libra and Capricorn and Aries, is all things Cancer. This sign rules nurturing, family or those that we identify as family, self-care, loyalty. It is a fluid water sign but offers newness and leadership in it's own way. For some, it represents the scared feminine, the Goddess, and the world of feeling and emotion. I sense that in the coming year, this will be a great theme, spoken or unspoken.

Also adding to conversations this year will be the eclipses of February 2017 and August 2017, both of which portend more changes. This will be the focus of the next conversation...

Astrological Musings as 2016 comes to a close

Here in the states, we have all survived the most recent election for president of the United States. There seem to be strong opinions on this particular election, and whether your candidate won or not, the reality is, great change is upon us.


There are many wonderful astrologers out there who can offer opinions into the charts of the candidates, the United States, and so forth. For myself, I feel the deeper need to look beyond the current dilemmas and into the Bigger Picture. Concurrent with this is the need to share what that might mean for the smaller pictures, the individual, as well as the collective!


One of the emerging relationships that is arising is Jupiter traveling through Libra again, where it will spend one year. Jupiter, the planet of expansion, abundance, and opportunity is moving through the sign associated with relationship, social justice, fairness, and communication. Libra is totally focused on and interested in relationship. So i can see the potential for a cycle now that is reflective of our need for relationship, noticing the absence or presence of it, perhaps feeling grateful for relationships that we have. In addition to being interested in relationship with others, 1:1, Libra is interested in and nurtures relationship with Self, self-care, self-awareness, and relationship with the Source.

Jupiter visits the sign of Libra for one year at a time, and does so every 12 years. So we would have been under this same beautiful, fair, collective influence 12 years ago....there may be things from that time of life that resurface now, depending on how the last cycle manifested and was handled.

The last few times Jupiter visited Libra were as follows:

September 2004-October 2005
November 1992-November 1993
October 1980-November 1981
June 1969-December 1969, November 1968-March 1969
June 1969-December 1969, November 1968-March 1969

Astrology and Self Understanding

Mercury seems to be as ready for forward movement as I am, the last few moments of the cycle unravel with as much chaos as could be expected. Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending an astrological workshop presented by astrologer Austin Coppock, as he presented in such depth and detail about the decans in astrology. The history and evolution and inspection he offered on each we can was graphic and so accurate. If I were to break it down, the basic premise is that it matters if a planet, such as the Sun, was at the beginning, middle,or end of a sign, and this has hearing into  how those traits filter into the personality. I've always noticed that the Virgo energy passing through someone that is early August Virgo is diferent than someone late Virgo/almost Libra, for example. For me, it is another way of seeing astrology as a journey, as we mimic the evolution through the signs over the course of our lifetimes. I like to think that we have all 12 signs within us...just to varying Wrees. Our task is to understand and embrace all facets of the signs and to attain a balanced expression of each.
I recently saw a beautiful documentary called The Secrets of Water. I learned about how vital water is for our survival and that it has import beyond beingbeing liquid...it also holds and emits energy. Our planet and our physical forms are filled with water. As water is impressionable and holds memory, so too does ths body. Delicate microbes in the human gut become more active just prior to a solar flare, as if they are aware of the impending surge of energy of the sun. And parasites that take up residence in the human form are more active in the wee small hours of the morning and during a full moon. In astrology we talk about the profound impact of prenatal eclipses on the developing human.
This deepens for me a tense of awe of the human form, as well as for those divine, sometimes unknown cycles of the Universe and cosmos.

secretsofwaterthedocumentary.com

Voice and Expression

Hello and happy New Year! 2016 brings forth images of a clean slate and new beginnings, despite the impending Mercury Retrograde that begins on Monday. We may have an opportunity revisit our actions of the last few weeks for greater clarity and to re-examine the energy we put into certain conversations or practices.

I recently saw a movie called Suffragette; it is a period film set in the early 1900's in Britain, and shines light upon the early women's movement of that time, when women were struggling for the right to vote. This movie deeply impacted me. As a female living in a "free" country with full voting rights, I realize I have taken it for granted in my lifetime that I have a voice, that my voice and my vote count for something. I have a vague awareness of the women's movement and that somewhere along the line women were not able to vote in the United States and at some point that changed. But i had never really studied how this came about. In my mind's eye, there were maybe a few conversations were women pointed out their need to vote and men acquiesced.

Suffragette provided details of women really went through, the lives they had that led them to the need to vote, the abuse at the hands of men in power, the plight of the poor and disadvantaged. I learned that the women who came before me had to fight tooth and nail to change this outdated power structure, one in which only men had a say. Women that I don't know marched in the streets, set the world on fire, took a risk, and some lost their lives: in short, it was a fight. The old adage,
I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, has been burned in my mind since viewing this film.

I realize I have made a mistake in making it something casual that I have a say and can vote. At the end of the film, there was a powerful credit reel at the end where it lists various countries and the year in which women received the right to vote; at the tail end is Saudi Arabia, where women are still in the struggle.

This being an election year, blogging about this film and this issue feels timely. As a woman I recently met said, "this is the best time and place to be alive as a woman." I am feeling more deeply what this means: the right to own property, to be protected from harm, to have creative expression, to Love God in whatever way one feels drawn - to have one's voice be heard. I plan to take more action on this in 2016, to make my voice heard, to make my life matter. Of course, it goes beyond a shameless plug urging you to make your voices heard through the vote: there are a lot of ways to self express and make your voice heard.

Because, as the saying goes, I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me.

Namaste,
Jane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=056FI2Pq9RY

Summer 2015 Activity

As I write this blog, summer is winding it's way toward the end of it's days. Children are returning to school, students are again filling the collages, and in the desert we have high hopes for eventual cool weather. Each summer seems to have it's own theme unique to the person or group of people experiencing it. For me, it was a summer of new beginnings, a few needed endings, connections with nurturing friends, and conscious rest. I say 'conscious' because my normal tendency is to keep the to-do list full, my schedule hopping, and then at the end of the summer feel resentful that I didn't really 'do' anything (besides work!). This summer I made sure I had time for pleasure, spaces in my calendar, time for activities that are refreshing and fun. I even made a trip to Michigan to do spiritual service and connect with old friends.

Astrologically, my attention goes toward this as the summer of retrograde planets; normally, the outer planets are retrograde during our summers, but for some reason, this summer I actually saw and felt that as support to slow down, re-evaluate, re-think my plans, and rest. Uranus, the planet of revolution and change, retrograded on July 26 in the powerful, action-oriented sign of Aries. Did you feel any cues to slow down? Neptune, which brings us mystical cycles that augment our daily realities concurrent with choices to stay clear headed or move into addictions or ways that we fool ourselves, went retrograde June 12th in it's home sign of Pisces. Pluto, planet of transformation, change, and restructuring, has been slowly moving retrograde since April 16, offering a second chance with our plans to revisit existing foundations. And finally, Saturn, planet of discipline, motivation, and rewards from hard work, has been backtracking in Scorpio since March 14.

We live in a world where technology allows our psyche to be tethered, tamed, timed, and teased 24/7. Entire self-help books and workshops are being formed around teaching people how to slow down and how to un-plug. I feel that with these retrogrades, the Universe offers the support that can only be located through slowing down, reflecting on our words before they are chosen, revisiting ideas that are not working as they should. As my Teacher as coached, without slowness, we cannot really feel who we are and we miss out on the present moment.

This fall, planetary momentum will again build as planetary cycles move toward forward motion. The combination of full moons and solar flares and eclipse activity will serve as triggers to move us forward. The Pisces Full Moon of August 29th will send ripple effects into our psyches through the dream time and other realms; pay attention to your intuition! The eclipses of September 12 and September 27 will bring changes of their own.

The direct motion of Uranus will not occur until December 25th, so Uranian energy may not be as full as it has been; this will impact especially those born under Aquarius, as this is your ruler. The direct motion of Pisces will occur on November 18th, allowing for more clarity and insight; this will especially impact Pisces, as this is your ruler. Pluto moves forward on September 25th, allowing the transformation to move with better alignment; Scorpio will feel this movement the most as it is your ruling planet. Saturn's recent movement forward on August 2nd will impact everyone, but especially Capricorn, as this is your ruling planet. We may be visiting a few issues or ideas left over from the last Saturn cycle until Saturn moves back into Sagittarius on September 17, where it will remain until September 2017.

Planning and doing are important aspects of keeping the world afloat and progressing in evolution. I encourage you to consider adding spaces into your lives for rest, reflection, time in nature, doing things that bring you happiness and allow you to unplug. May you all have a beautiful remainder of summer and a brilliant and creative fall.

Namaste,
Jane

Mercury Retrograde: working positively with the Cycle

Mercury, planet of communication and transportation, will retrograde from May 18 to June 4 in the sign of Gemini. This could be perceived as a double-whammy as Gemini's natural ruler is Mercury. Typically this cycle is related to setbacks with communication, articulation, snafus with computers and phones, and glitches in transportation. Certainly, a cursory review of this transit could likely result in viewing the planet and it's 'backward' motion as something that will be challenging, but there are gifts as well.

Mercury takes an apparent look backwards about three times per year. I like to look at Mercury retrograde cycles in terms of their relationship to the last Mercury retrograde, in this case, back in January/February 2015 in the sign of Aquarius. Usually, if I examine the issues in my life in the previous retrograde cycle, there is something relevant that is continuing or being adjusted in the new Mercury cycle. Case in point: during the last cycle, I was hired on to work for a particular company. A bit dismayed, I realized I was beginning something new on a retrograde and that's not always the best energy to ride in on. I simply entered with the best enthusiasm that I had, knowing if there were glitches with email and computers and that I could just be patient and work them through, and they would resolve. I was in a new position and laid the groundwork for it during that time. I had a new commute, new employer, new way of relating to the world, and new class of living.

Now that we visit the second retrograde, the job is again shifting gears, and requiring my patience as my daily duties shift. congruent with the last retrograde are the same computer and email issues I faced in my first few weeks! This gives me a chance to be patient, check my energy, pause, and engage my meditative practices. I would venture to say that because of this, the retrograde feels somewhat good, as I am more mindful and more slowed down than usual! This new switch brings me a new boss, a new office, a new commute, and a different set of duties. Somehow, Mercury feels to have had a role in this movement, and I am in awe of how astrology works. I am excited to see what happens and shifts for the next retrograde, which will be in September/October in the sign of Libra.

May the movement of the planets create awe in your heart as it has in mine...Namaste.

Astrology of March 2015

Hello to all! March promises to be a busy month astrologically! New energies, new beginnings, and the closing of a long and perhaps challenging chapter. This month we have the final of 7 squares between Pluto and Uranus: in plain talk, the planets tend to have conversations with each other - these conversations have an impact on us as human. The conversations can be pleasant, challenging but with deeper results, and sometimes frustrating, but all of them push us toward growth. To understand the final square this month, we have to look back at the past to understand the present. The conversations between planets took part in segments, as follows:

6/6/12 to 7/9/12
9/18/12 to 10/1/12
5/15/13 to 6/1/13
10/17/13-11/15/13
4/12/14 to 4/29/14
11/26/14-12/27/14
3/11/15-3/28/15

 As is the case with change, it does not happen overnight. We may rise in the morning, have thoughts about a change we want to make in our lives, and then forget it. We may rise in the morning again, have those same thoughts, have a few conversations with people. We may be in the middle of our day when those thoughts come in again, we may do some research, have more conversations. And then finally, one day, we look back, and see that change has occurred. Think of this planetary aspect, or conversation, as contractions toward change. If you were to reflect on these time periods in your life, what was happening? What changes were you trying to make? I feel these aspects were helping us to restructure some way of thinking, being, or relating. Each piece of the conversation has taught us about ourselves, each other, the world. A foundation has been set forth from which we can make future plans. Assisted by planetary cycles of deep cleansing and self examination, we are able to set forth a new path.

Balance is needed as we move forward, a slowing down of the body and mind through yoga, meditation, the addition of supportive herbs or teas into our lives. It helps during times of change to see the bigger picture at play while in the midst of change, especially during those times when things seem stuck and we may doubt that change is occurring.

Other aspects to consider this month include the upcoming eclipse on March 20th at 29' Pisces. This is a planet at the end of it's rope, humanity at the completion of one cycle, poised for the beginning of another. It occurs just prior to the beginning of the astrological year at 0' Aries, celebrated as the welcoming of spring in the northern hemisphere.

So as we see global changes continuing to occur around us, the restructuring of governments and systems, so too do we see this reflected in our own lives, as our own systems and defenses are dismantled. I feel really excited at the closing of one cycle and the beginning of another. Best wishes to you all on your journey.

Happy New Year Everyone!

To me, it felt like the New Year began at the Solstice on December 21st. I celebrated by doing a fire ceremony, letting of what is no longer needed by writing things down and tossing them into a fire, and then writing affirmations to bring in the new. This year, for me, is going to be about expanding my horizons in terms of my social networks where I live. I also plan to have more excellent adventures to post!

We are winding down now the Capricorn energy that was ushered in on the 21st, preparing to move more into Aquarius. This sign has so long been associated with revolution on the planet, so needed in order for change to happen. It is also associated with new inventions and ideas and global justice. We can see these issues playing out around us, nationally and globally. The time for healing is here! On Tuesday we welcome Aquarian energy via the movement of the Sun, as well as a New Moon in this sign. This is a great time to write intentions! On Wednesday, Mercury, planet of communication, begins to roll "backwards", offering a cycle that is well-suited to second chances, reviewing revising and re-examining existing plans and projects. We may see people from the past arrive again at our door.

As I attempt to bloom where I am, so to speak, I have been joining different groups and organizations. I've linked to a wonderful and inspirational group of women via a monthly book group, have joined two healing circles, located an astrology group, and began hiking Sabino Canyon.  In an effort to have more beauty and art in my life, I finally went to the DeGrazia gallery, which has been on my wish list for so long. Both DeGrazia and Sabino Canyon are in my backyard - and perhaps yours, too. I especially loved the signs of the zodiac.

for those who may be interested: http://degrazia.org/

An annual parking pass is only $20 and helps sustain the park: http://sabinocanyon.com/

Welcoming Saturn in Sagittarius next month!

We are quickly closing in on the tail end of 2014...can you believe it? Two years past the famed 2012 possible-end-of-the-world, and yet here we are all...still dancing on this little blue planet. Today I found myself reflecting on the planet Saturn, and it's movement through Scorpio, which began in October 2012 and will wind down on December 23rd, 2014. At that time, Saturn will slip into Sagittarius, an unlikely dance partner, as Saturn and Sagittarius are opposites in many ways.

Saturn is all about lessons to learn, discipline, and the rewards of hard work. Did you hear what I said? Not punishment for no reason at all, but rewards from work that has been done. Sagittarius rules religion, philosophy, matters at a distance, higher education, and long distance travel. It also relates to our sense of freedom and beliefs in God.

To me this cycle upcoming feels like it may root out more scandal and unhealthy patterns from religious and other leaders, exposing what has happened for many years, not creating something new to be upset about. When these issues hit the news, I give out a big yahoo, knowing this is the exposure of an undercurrent in operation for a long, long time, now coming to light, to be healed. This is good!

I feel this cycle will bring balance into our lives. Anyone else out there have difficulty maintaining work-relationship-life balance? These cycles teach us the beauty of having aspects of our lives come into balance with each other - a work in progress. I see an opportunity for hard work to be balanced with creative expression, the sense of release from a job well done and the release of play and creativity with friends. A balance of relationships with others and time alone for ourselves for reflection. From my perspective, the planets draw us toward health, balance, creativity, and love, through the cycles that we share together.

Another thing I am feeling about this cycle is how critical it is to play, especially adults. To consciously make time and create space for the engagement of play, putting it on the calendar the same as you would any other appointment.

As we move through fall and head towards winter, I wish you balance in all things, and much much happiness. 

Midway between a Lunar Eclipse and Solar Eclipse

We are well into the fall season and one week past the vital and powerful Lunar Eclipse that we had in Aries last week. Major forces at work for the last several years are giving energy to support changes we want or need to make in our live; they also support major global changes. It may seem like more 'bad' things are happening in the world if you read the conventional news, but what seems to really be happening, courtesy of Pluto in Capricorn, is that our very foundations are being shaken as that which needs to heal and change is so obviously revealed to us. This is a great time to make a decisions about how to support what needs to change in the world and committing to a positive stance in conjunction with like-minded others. Together we can do great things. Expect change to be fueled by the Solar Eclipse in Scorpio on October 23rd as more is revealed...

On a positive note, Tucson just completed a week of the celebration of modernism, an architectural style that proliferated the area after World War II. There have been a series of stunning lectures and tours across town. Taking in Martin Treu's lecture on the evolution of signs since the 1920's, I have come to a deep appreciation for this artform. From humble beginnings of a small sign above a shop designed to attract pedestrians, to the neon signs standing free and tall to attract the attention of motorists, this artform shares a story and history about our past as well as our present. Many stories and photos were shared of old-time motor lodges from a time when families would travel across the Unites States by automobile; likely, many of these signs hold a history and nostalgia for many.

I caught Charles Phoenix's show at the Loft Cinema and it was highly innovative and creative. Charles has taken historical shots of local establishments and woven throughout his slide show completely unrelated pictures of strangers, weaving a story that somehow becomes coherent. His enthusiasm is contagious and enough to power a small country.

As a result of participation in modernism week, I am seeing my fair city in a whole new light. I am checking out signs, searching for neon, appreciating unique styles and structures. I did not have a chance to tour miracle mile and the neon treasure that lay therein, but that will wait for another day.

Perhaps this story will inspire you to explore your surroundings in such a way as to gain unique and new perspectives.

http://tucsonmod.com/

http://martintreu.com/

http://www.charlesphoenix.com/

Summer Solstice and Astro Climate

We have the Sun at 29' Gemini tonight, as tomorrow it moves into 0' Cancer, signifying the end of spring and beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. This takes place in the context of a Mercury retrograde, fresh from it's walk through emotional Cancer, now moonwalking backwards in Gemini. It may be the case that we find ourselves ruminating over events or relationships from the past, perhaps finding ourselves equipped now to have that conversation or move our thinking in a forward direction.

The Sun's movement into Cancer adds another harmonic or note onto the existing Cardinal Cross. As I have mentioned before, my feeling on this Cardinal Cross is that it is holding something in place so that things can occur - almost like standing very still so the tailor can adjust the suit. We may be aware of some of these events happening or they may occur without our notice. Uranus is in Aries, adding an element of surprise or an undercurrent of feeding the revolution at hand. The Sun joins Jupiter in Cancer, and perhaps we are feeling the need to add to our family circle: we can consider family as our bio relatives, or our families of choice. Some may be contemplating a desire to set an extra plate at the table for someone new: one of the effects of personal loss is a desire to reinvigorate the circle, add to it's members, give back to those around us. Mars is finishing up a six-month journey in Libra, bringing our attention to what is fair and just. Many may be exercising more self-love and what is right and fair for self for a change. Finally, Pluto continues to clean up our government, transiting the sign of Capricorn and shaking out our structures in preparation for rebuilding.

best wishes for an enjoyable summer season; celebrate your growth and your time on this beautiful planet!

The astrology of April 2014

The ethers seem replete with planetary alignments that support change, coupled with the strong need to slow down and center as often as needed. The energy of Aries dominates the air for the early part of the month. Being the start of the zodiac and rules by Mars, Aries is all about the beginning of things, the energy to start things up. At times, things may need a boost or massive amount of energy to get rolling or to create needed changes or a wave of energy on which further changes can ride. At times, Aries has been called the me-first sign, but that's a misnomer. We must begin somewhere - whether it be a project, relationship, job, new home - and beginning with centering the self as deeply as possible is the best way for a positive and grounded outcome.

This month the headlines have been replete with unusual a stories. A friend once suggested, for every 'negative' news story, they should cover at least five minutes of a life-positive story, to balance things out. This is a great suggestion or starting place - perhaps the media will take heed!

Tuesday will bring an eclipse in the sign of Libra; this is part of a larger context of planetary conversations called a Cardinal Cross. Basically, the signs are forming a pattern in the sky, and creating a conversation if you will, that at times may be challenging but will definitely clear the air and set a foundation for later work to be done. I think of planetary relationships like conversations - they can be easy, they can be made of fluff, they can be challenging and hurt our feelings, or they can challenge us in ways that help us grow. With Libra reverberating in the airwaves, this is a great time for socialization, relating to others, focusing on relationships, give and take, sharing.

Enjoy the month of Aries for the blast of fresh air that it brings! Namaste.

Adventures in the Riparian Preserve

This week, reeling from a Mercury retrograde cycle that claimed the life of my beloved computer, I opted to take solace in the comfort of nature. As the weather was a cooperative 78' and very sunny, it was a perfect hiking day in Arizona, Valley of the Sun. I came upon the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, and yes, I had to look that word up in the dictionary (uh, internet) too. Also known as Water Ranch, this area is home to numerous varieties of birds and plant species. There are walking trails and photo opportunities at every turn. The Preserve is also home to the Riparian Institute (http://www.riparianinstitute.org/).

It's not unusual to see hikers, birders, and folks on horseback, as well as well-positioned photographers, when exploring Water Ranch. As well, there is a large telescope on the grounds, and it adjoins the local library. From what I understand, the telescope is open on Friday and Saturday nights from Sunset to 9:30. http://www.riparianinstitute.org/riparian.cfm

New Year, New Moon, New Beginnings...

Happy New Year, everyone! Well, I suppose I could be dramatic and say I had a near-death experience today, but to be fair, I simply over-exerted my middle-aged self on the hiking trail! I am on a quest for adventure and this coming year my desire is to challenge myself to doing things that are outside of my normal comfort zone. I have joined up with a site you may have heard of called meetup.com as one possible venue of engaging new activities and meeting new people. As such, today we met up and hiked what I believed would be the beginner trail.

Mind you, when I say I want to hike, what I found I really mean is I like to stroll along a flat surface and be done with it in 30-50 minutes. Today, I found myself over hill and dale for many hours, but it was worth it. In fact, it was just what I needed, body mind and soul!

Our leader is all about not just the physical activity, but also the social connections. This group was easy to be with and the trail was very worthwhile, showing off some of the desert's best views. We could practically see Phoenix from the top of one mountain we climbed! The visual was stunning and the air was crisp and clear.

Best wishes to you no matter what you New Year goals or activities may be. We are all of us together on this planet, sharing time and space. May our connections be clean and clear and steady and our relationship to the earth respectful.

Helpful Hints for Surviving the Holidays

Well, the holidays have come around again, ushering in times of joy and times of stress. The holidays are not always easy and thus here are just a few words that may offer help if you find your stress level soaring. Having experienced holidays that are packed with family gatherings, and having had the experience of creating and raising a now-grown and gone family, I now contrast those lively days with a quieter existence. Life has taught me to be flexible with the various cycles of growth; there are always opportunities for service and connection if you are willing to take the risk.

Thus, if you find yourself at odds with how to spend your time, or simply crave new traditions, here are some suggestions.

1. Volunteer! There are always social service agencies looking for help, not just on the holidays but year round. There are even agencies that will assist you in finding a good match for your volunteer talents. It was through such an organization that I came across an equine rescue group in need of assistance. www.volunteermatch.org.

2. Play tourist! I have been fortunate to live in several tourist-towns, such as Sedona and Scottsdale. Both have travelers year round and thus there are fun events and places to visit. On one holiday I found myself sharing a table at a coffeehouse with an older gentleman who seemed to just not want to be alone on that day, and we were able to connect over small talk.

3. Reach out! It can be fun to assemble an array of your friends for a day of fun. I did this one year with my significant other at the time, and we collected an unusual array of individuals at our home for a Thanksgiving dinner. The memory of that unique ensemble stays with me still, even though it is many years later.

4. Join a group! I have discovered meetup.com, an online group organizing service that collects like-minded individuals together over such diverse interests as ghost hunting, healing arts, playing board games, even hiking. And what is great about this resource is that it seems to be pretty much everywhere! This year I tried a hiking group with good result.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2014, a year filled with radiant good health, nurturing friendships, and creative work that you love. Namaste,
Jane

I've always been fascinated by all things ancient, not explained, mysterious....including old maps. When I was little I would avidly watch a television show called "in Search of..." They tackled many mysteries, such as the Bermuda Triangle, the Nazca Lines, Bigfoot, many times without reaching an answer. I was captivated. It led me to a sense of awe and a brief experience, I guess, of a deeper sense of Awe that I would tap into in later life. I would fall asleep to a sense of deep wonder. To my youthful way of thinking, I could not figure out why these mysteries were not front page news, instead of the jarring crime and other things that were covered nightly. I'd much rather dream of ancient sunken cities and to wonder about people that used to exist. How did those pyramids get built? and why are they found all over the globe, and in alignment with certain star patterns?

Today while lingering at Sky Harbor Airport, I came across the work of an artist that blends two of my favorite and inspiring things: picture of the west, natural and raw, and maps. Termed cartography, Deborah Springstead Ford has managed to create the same type of awe I felt as a child as she blends magic and mainstream in her artwork. The link to the photos can be found here: http://aridjournal.com/cartography-and-the-cultural-terrain-deborah-springstead-ford/

Diving Deeper into Coffee Adventures

The Bold Roost Coffeehouse in Gilbert, AZ, brings an eclectic vibe to an otherwise sleepy end of town. Replete with images relating to roosters for some unknown reason, the Roost offers a haven of caffeinated beverages in the midst of an otherwise desert town that is missing just such pleasures. The vibe is creative and upbeat.

For your eating and drinking pleasure, this coffeehouse is stocked with fresh coffees and outstanding sandwiches. The baristas are always especially welcoming and friendly. It is easy to feel at home in this mecca of cappuccino and cake.

A stage sets the scene for musical events, there are lots of books and activities, including wifi, and best of all is the chalkboard, where you can draw or write to your heart's content.

http://www.boldroost.com/

We are soon approaching the end of 2013; the last eclipse is complete, Mercury is now rolling forward, and the astrological climate supports the gathering of friends, nostalgic celebration and emotional release. Myself, I am feeling much in the way of deep gratitude for the lessons and gifts of this year. 2014 promises to bring much into play regarding building upon foundations recently set, putting structures beneath dreams and ideas, and continuing to connect with like-minded people on projects and pleasures.

As we write, a comet is preparing to dive into the sun in the next two weeks. This feels to me in alignment with Hopi prophecy and much like an punctuation mark at the end of a very, very long sentence. The earth has existed before we erected a Starbucks on each corner and placed an I-phone in each hand. I feel many good things with this comet; there seems to have been a flurry of them in quick succession, along with more solar flares helping to support change and release.

The eclipses of 2014 will continue to strengthen us by urging us to clarify our relationships and to stand up for justice (Libra), to venture out on our own and create our own happiness and bliss through work or other projects (Aries), to increase within our beings our own sense of self-love and self care - even to the point of pampering (Taurus), and finally we will find and express our depth through our daily lives (Scorpio).

Did you know that there is a group of people that actually 'chase' or follow/document each eclipse as it occurs? They call themselves the eclipse chasers, as in http://www.eclipse-chasers.com/SEC2014.html. What a wonderful thing to do: build relationships around capturing the essence of the awe-inspiring moments surrounding these celestial events.

Drinking it in on Higher Ground

Every once in awhile, I have the experience of driving around the corner of where I live, and suddenly seeing something of interest for the very first time, despite that fact that it has been sitting there all along. Such is the case with Higher Ground coffee roasters, which is literally right next to my usual grocery stop. In my quest for decent coffee in the west, I've encountered a number of great places, and this is one of them. Not only is the coffee good, but the menu is compact and meaningful, and the architecture is interesting. What I especially loved was the mason-jars-turned-lighting fixtures perched on the ceiling. Something about that felt really sweet.

http://www.hgroastery.com/