Crossposted from Reflections Journal.
Hat-tip to Andrew Sullivan on the most wrong-headed analysis of Harry Potter I think I've ever seen, which, to my great surprise, comes from Amanda Marcotte at Pandagon. In addition to getting important plot points completely wrong, Marcotte reveals far more about herself than she does the Harry Potter series. Marcotte attempts to address the Harry Potter as "nerd" with "misfit" friends narrative. I don't know whose narrative that is but it isn't Rowling's, which Marcotte tangentially acknowledges before going on to debunk it anyway.
Harry, Marcotte explains, isn't a "geek." He's a "jock." While it's certainly true that Harry distinguishes himself as an athlete in the richly symbolic game of Quidditch, I think to call him a jock is a bit of a reach. Nor are athletes so feted at Hogwarts as to make such "jocks" the in crowd. The social structure is far more complex than that. There is no jock/geek dichotomy in the Harry Potter universe.
As Sullivan points out, Marcotte misidentifies both Harry and Ron as "stereotypically privileged." Ron is best known for coming from a poor family and relying on frequently embarrassing hand-me-downs. The wealthy Malfoys openly mock the Weasleys for their poverty. Harry is an orphan raised by relatives who treat him like Cindarella and his own hand-me-down clothes have the added benefit of being absurdly large because they come from his fat, bully cousin. He spends the first years of life consigned to a cupboard under the stairs. Neither of these boys' lives could be remotely described as privileged.
Jul 17, 2011
Jul 15, 2011
Dendrolatry
Crossposted from Reflections Journal.
Monday evening during a rather intense thunderstorm I sat watching an albeit somewhat pixilated Kill Bill Vol. 1, for the umpteenth time, and noodling on the computer. I didn't realize just how a bad a storm it was until an incredibly loud crack of thunder shook the wall next to me and something shiny flew across the living room a couple of feet from my face. What I thought must have been a shard of glass from a broken window turned out be lightning. There was no damage at all to the window or to me. The tree outside the window, however...
Our phone lines also got a good jolt that night and we've been replacing things all week, starting with the router which was magically transformed into a paperweight. So I've been offline for a few days. Turns out that thing about turning off and unplugging all your appliances during thunderstorms might have some merit.
We've been learning a collective lesson about the frailty of our technological society. In our endless to quest to subdue and control nature, nature keeps winning. Just ask the good folks in Japan who thought loading up one of the most seismic areas on the planet with nuclear plants was a good idea. There's power and then there's power.
Monday evening during a rather intense thunderstorm I sat watching an albeit somewhat pixilated Kill Bill Vol. 1, for the umpteenth time, and noodling on the computer. I didn't realize just how a bad a storm it was until an incredibly loud crack of thunder shook the wall next to me and something shiny flew across the living room a couple of feet from my face. What I thought must have been a shard of glass from a broken window turned out be lightning. There was no damage at all to the window or to me. The tree outside the window, however...
Our phone lines also got a good jolt that night and we've been replacing things all week, starting with the router which was magically transformed into a paperweight. So I've been offline for a few days. Turns out that thing about turning off and unplugging all your appliances during thunderstorms might have some merit.
We've been learning a collective lesson about the frailty of our technological society. In our endless to quest to subdue and control nature, nature keeps winning. Just ask the good folks in Japan who thought loading up one of the most seismic areas on the planet with nuclear plants was a good idea. There's power and then there's power.
Jul 12, 2011
Cafe
Around the Web, Around the World
"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt
Rebroadcast: Shamanism and the Trickster
This week will be a rebroadcast of a past Why Shamanism Now show. Please visit www.whyshamanismnow.com or iTunes to download all of our past shows. Live shows will return July 19 with guest, Will Taegel.
"The Trickster cannot be trusted," writes author Lewis Hyde, "It is a contact that puts us slightly at risk; we open ourselves to disruption whenever we call on him." But it is that opening that allows miracles, the impossible, surprise and the reversal of fortunes. Work with the Teacher supports us in our mastery along the steady path of our lives. However it is the Trickster who reveals the short cuts that allow us to get there-to the full, loving expression of our soul's true purpose-while we are still young enough to enjoy the fruits of our labors. Join host and shaman, Christina Pratt, this week as we explore the ways that we unwittingly cut off The Teacher in our lives, relying instead on old, soul-killing patterns of judgment, control, and distrust. Yet even when we are at our most wretched, positional and righteous in our suffering the Teacher-usually in the guise of the Trickster-is there to open the way back to balance and wholeness. Author Lewis Hyde explains that the trickster made the world as we actually find it. Other gods set out to create a world more perfect and ideal, but this world--with its complexity and ambiguity, its beauty and its dirt--was trickster's creation, and the work is not yet finished. Join us as we explore the art of the Teacher and within that, the life saving, sacrifice demanding, crazy logic of the Trickster.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific
Log on to Listen
Why Shamanism Now? on Co-Creator Network
Questions? Comments? Call: 1-512-772-1938
All episodes are now available in the iTunes Podcast Library.
Jul 11, 2011
Horoscope for July 11-17
Cross-posted from Aloha Astro
Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
Aries is a pioneering fire sign, but this week, some water and earth will soften and stabilize you, Aries. If you feel like you have been spinning since the new moon of the first of the month, you are right - you have been. Now you are coming to rest on a few clear ideas or goals and you are vocalizing or taking assertive action. You cannot repress your creativity or your dreams. Many Rams will get a financial boost when the full moon in the 10th house of career brings something to a culmination point or makes a career move certain. Home and family bring you pleasure now, but if your work is at home, you may find it difficult to work around a partner or family members. A friend may have some suggestions for a home office or work space to suit your needs.
Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
"Something of value," is what I heard when I looked at your chart this week, Taurus. "Strange, but good," is another possibility. Money could come from surprising sources, possibly a windfall or inheritance, when you least expect it. Nothing can really go wrong for you now while Jupiter visits your sign and the sun and Venus are making you feel sure, secure, loved, and loving. Everyone feels like a brother or sister to you now, which helps you make the most of this week's full moon in your 9th house of higher education, foreign travel, and philosophy. You delight in learning new things, meeting new people, or planning a trip or relocation. Writers, teachers, or salespeople can accomplish a lot now because the planets are blending drive with imagination, speed, and the potent power of desire. You know where you are headed, even if the path isn't entirely laid out before you yet.
Gemini (May 21st - June 21st)
"All you need is love," Gemini. You have an inner confidence in the tendency for things to always work out in the way that is best for you, which will help you in making important decisions. Although work and money may matter this week, love and shared resources are the important things. If it feels like love, or makes your heart or gut feel content and secure, you are willing and ready to commit to your chosen person, investment, or course of action. If it doesn't feel like you think love should, or it upsets or frightens you, then you are just as prepared to sever ties, withdraw your support, or even go to court over an issue. The full moon in your 8th house is not playing around when it comes to intimacy, business partnerships, investments, and the shared assets of marriage/divorce. Love is your compass and self-worth is your true north.
Aries (March 21st - April 20th)Aries is a pioneering fire sign, but this week, some water and earth will soften and stabilize you, Aries. If you feel like you have been spinning since the new moon of the first of the month, you are right - you have been. Now you are coming to rest on a few clear ideas or goals and you are vocalizing or taking assertive action. You cannot repress your creativity or your dreams. Many Rams will get a financial boost when the full moon in the 10th house of career brings something to a culmination point or makes a career move certain. Home and family bring you pleasure now, but if your work is at home, you may find it difficult to work around a partner or family members. A friend may have some suggestions for a home office or work space to suit your needs.
Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)"Something of value," is what I heard when I looked at your chart this week, Taurus. "Strange, but good," is another possibility. Money could come from surprising sources, possibly a windfall or inheritance, when you least expect it. Nothing can really go wrong for you now while Jupiter visits your sign and the sun and Venus are making you feel sure, secure, loved, and loving. Everyone feels like a brother or sister to you now, which helps you make the most of this week's full moon in your 9th house of higher education, foreign travel, and philosophy. You delight in learning new things, meeting new people, or planning a trip or relocation. Writers, teachers, or salespeople can accomplish a lot now because the planets are blending drive with imagination, speed, and the potent power of desire. You know where you are headed, even if the path isn't entirely laid out before you yet.
Gemini (May 21st - June 21st)"All you need is love," Gemini. You have an inner confidence in the tendency for things to always work out in the way that is best for you, which will help you in making important decisions. Although work and money may matter this week, love and shared resources are the important things. If it feels like love, or makes your heart or gut feel content and secure, you are willing and ready to commit to your chosen person, investment, or course of action. If it doesn't feel like you think love should, or it upsets or frightens you, then you are just as prepared to sever ties, withdraw your support, or even go to court over an issue. The full moon in your 8th house is not playing around when it comes to intimacy, business partnerships, investments, and the shared assets of marriage/divorce. Love is your compass and self-worth is your true north.
Jul 10, 2011
Astrological Trends for July 11-17
Cross-posted from Aloha Astro
An invigorating start to the week is promised on Monday, July 11th, as the moon in the mutable fire sign of Sagittarius forms a favorable trine to electrifying Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of impulsive Aries. However, the moon is also square to Neptune conjunct Chiron in the mutable water sign of Pisces, which indicates that it may rain on your parade today. The weather could be wet, hot, and humid, which could affect work or recreation plans and make people feel uncomfortable physically, no matter how much they want to get a move on. Mercury in the fixed fire sign of dramatic, creative Leo is sextile to both Saturn in Libra and Mars in Gemini, stimulating creativity, physical activity, and competition, and enhancing mental precision and physical performance. Venus in the cardinal water sign of Cancer forms a challenging square to Saturn in Libra, possibly producing some indecision around romantic feelings or clingy, needy behavior in yourself or a partner. Venus is stabilized and supported, however, by Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of Taurus. On the negative side, some people may be attached to the material aspects of love, but most of us are simply appreciating the sensual side of romance now. Jupiter in Taurus also forms a trine to Pluto in Capricorn, which is a powerful force for increasing income or building wealth. The sextile between Jupiter in Taurus and Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces can also bring financial gains or create easy access to assistance or opportunities for beneficial growth. A semi-sextile between Jupiter in Taurus and Uranus in Aries hints that some money or an opportunity for growth may come as a surprise or as a unique situation. Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn is still making a square to Uranus in Aries, continuing to make friction between old and new, as it has done for several weeks now. The effect of this square aspect will be felt more on the level of society and political issues, especially between conservatives versus liberals. In your personal life, you may want to avoid locking horns with people over their personal convictions. Pluto in Capricorn sextile Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces is helping you adapt to changes or challenges and to stand strong in your faith or positive mindset. At midday, the enthusiastic Sagittarius moon adds on a quincunx to Jupiter in Taurus and a semi-sextile to Pluto in Capricorn. Another quincunx forms in the early evening between the Sagittarius moon and Venus in Cancer. The afternoon can be highly productive on the material level, bringing personal satisfaction over a job well done or a service being performed or delivered properly. Later this evening, the sextile between Mercury in Leo and Saturn in Libra fades and the sextile between Venus in Cancer and Jupiter in Taurus fades, as well. Now, a sextile between the Sagittarius moon and Saturn in Libra is active. Relationships will feel more friendly and equal and less needy, clinging, or dramatic. This expansive, social moon encourages the friendship aspect of all relationships.
An invigorating start to the week is promised on Monday, July 11th, as the moon in the mutable fire sign of Sagittarius forms a favorable trine to electrifying Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of impulsive Aries. However, the moon is also square to Neptune conjunct Chiron in the mutable water sign of Pisces, which indicates that it may rain on your parade today. The weather could be wet, hot, and humid, which could affect work or recreation plans and make people feel uncomfortable physically, no matter how much they want to get a move on. Mercury in the fixed fire sign of dramatic, creative Leo is sextile to both Saturn in Libra and Mars in Gemini, stimulating creativity, physical activity, and competition, and enhancing mental precision and physical performance. Venus in the cardinal water sign of Cancer forms a challenging square to Saturn in Libra, possibly producing some indecision around romantic feelings or clingy, needy behavior in yourself or a partner. Venus is stabilized and supported, however, by Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of Taurus. On the negative side, some people may be attached to the material aspects of love, but most of us are simply appreciating the sensual side of romance now. Jupiter in Taurus also forms a trine to Pluto in Capricorn, which is a powerful force for increasing income or building wealth. The sextile between Jupiter in Taurus and Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces can also bring financial gains or create easy access to assistance or opportunities for beneficial growth. A semi-sextile between Jupiter in Taurus and Uranus in Aries hints that some money or an opportunity for growth may come as a surprise or as a unique situation. Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn is still making a square to Uranus in Aries, continuing to make friction between old and new, as it has done for several weeks now. The effect of this square aspect will be felt more on the level of society and political issues, especially between conservatives versus liberals. In your personal life, you may want to avoid locking horns with people over their personal convictions. Pluto in Capricorn sextile Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces is helping you adapt to changes or challenges and to stand strong in your faith or positive mindset. At midday, the enthusiastic Sagittarius moon adds on a quincunx to Jupiter in Taurus and a semi-sextile to Pluto in Capricorn. Another quincunx forms in the early evening between the Sagittarius moon and Venus in Cancer. The afternoon can be highly productive on the material level, bringing personal satisfaction over a job well done or a service being performed or delivered properly. Later this evening, the sextile between Mercury in Leo and Saturn in Libra fades and the sextile between Venus in Cancer and Jupiter in Taurus fades, as well. Now, a sextile between the Sagittarius moon and Saturn in Libra is active. Relationships will feel more friendly and equal and less needy, clinging, or dramatic. This expansive, social moon encourages the friendship aspect of all relationships.
Jul 7, 2011
Fighting James Ray with James Ray
Crossposted from Reflections Journal.
As I've mentioned previously, the James Ray letter-writing campaign is underway. As James Ray's supporters and family are requesting letters about what a great guy he is and how many people he's "helped," for the mitigation hearing, the prosecutors are also accepting letters about what a creep he is and how many people he's harmed.
In addition to the aforementioned letter from Karen Oritz, pleas have gone out from Ray's family members and even Ray himself. He has enlisted the help of one Tony Alessandra. Details on this can be found on Connie Joy's Facebook page and in this post from the Salty Droid. Here is Alessandra's appeal for support which includes Ray's assault on grammar and decency.
As I've mentioned previously, the James Ray letter-writing campaign is underway. As James Ray's supporters and family are requesting letters about what a great guy he is and how many people he's "helped," for the mitigation hearing, the prosecutors are also accepting letters about what a creep he is and how many people he's harmed.
In addition to the aforementioned letter from Karen Oritz, pleas have gone out from Ray's family members and even Ray himself. He has enlisted the help of one Tony Alessandra. Details on this can be found on Connie Joy's Facebook page and in this post from the Salty Droid. Here is Alessandra's appeal for support which includes Ray's assault on grammar and decency.
From: On Behalf Of Dr. Tony Alessandra 858-999-2119
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2011 12:06 PM
Subject: [CSPlink] Re: More on James Arthur Ray
…I just received this email from James Ray. He needs help from all those who really know him. I’ve volunteered to testify as a character witness in Aug.or Sept. prior to sentencing. ALL your letters will help his case.
From: James Ray
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 8:58 PM
To: Tony Alessandra (TA@Alessandra.com )
Subject: help James Ray
Tony I need as many letters of support as possible talking about the good I’ve done and WHY I SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE DOING MY WORK and get probation versus prison. Can you help me? How do they know me, what have I done for them or what have they observed me do, what do they know about my character, work ethic, contribution, WHY SHOULD I BE ALLOWED TO GET BACK AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY, ETC.
You mentioned that many speakers have made supportive comments to you, can you get them to write letters-the more the better. My lawyers want to give them to the judge to help sway his sentence. Have them send via email to nk@jamesray.com. Attachment with a signature is best but if not possible can be in the body of the email.
Thanks in advance for your help
James Arthur Ray
Jul 5, 2011
Cafe
Around the Web, Around the World
"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt
Rebroadcast: Soul's Purpose: The Core of Being Well
This week will be a rebroadcast of a past Why Shamanism Now show. Please visit www.whyshamanismnow.com or iTunes to download all of our past shows.
One of the highest values held in shamanic cultures is the fact that each individual brings to this world a unique soul's purpose. The gift of that soul's purpose has never been seen before and will never be seen again if you do not live it. This isn't karma and there are no second chances.This is the one moment to live that unique genius. This value was held in various ways by pre-contact shamanic peoples around the world. To live one's purpose was believed to be at the core of one's well-being. "I see this, or more precisely the lack of it, to be true today," says host and shaman, Christina Pratt. "When we are living far from our right work, spending 8-10 hours a day in a job that is not meaningful to us, ignoring the body's cries for balance, and making sure that our sleep is so short or shallow that we never touch into the call of the soul then it's no wonder we are unwell." Join us this week as we explore how to catch the scent of your soul's purpose and bring your life back on track with your passion. By changing this one thing- your relationship with your unique purpose-you can restore well-being in all aspects of your life.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific
Log on to Listen
Why Shamanism Now? on Co-Creator Network
Questions? Comments? Call: 1-512-772-1938
All episodes are now available in the iTunes Podcast Library.
Jul 4, 2011
Horoscope for July 4-10
Cross-posted from Aloha Astro
Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
Strong creativity and self-expression at the start of your week are directed toward work and your career, Aries. You have an intuitive sense of future trends and understand what motivates people now, and you use that knowledge to enhance your business. Shortcomings in your product or service, if you are self-employed, or a dissatisfaction with your work environment or job tasks lead to creative solutions or decisions to change something. You will find ways to improve business or cash flow. As the week progresses, your relationships become the focal point. Family, romantic, and work relationships may all require attention or a renewal of commitment.
Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
Friends, family, and your home life are important to you the first half of the week, Taurus. You love to share with other people and you have a lot to share lately. Your mind and intuition are both amplified by the planets. Your logical mind will see the sense in believing in impossible or improbable things when they quickly become your reality, so keep imagining and dreaming. Mind over matter and persistent insistence can help you with a work or health matter. Whether you are communicating, writing, or traveling for business or pleasure, your situation can change in an instant based on your attitude, so stay positive and don't take no for an answer. Some of you may meet a potential partner at the end of the week. If you are already with a mate, your relationship could deepen significantly.
Gemini (May 21st - June 21st)
Work you have done on your prosperity consciousness may pay off in a big way this week, Gemini. A passion for what you do along with a healthy sense of self-worth and a willingness to take a business risk when an opportunity presents itself can have a significant impact on your career and future earning potential. Time spent in meditation or creative dreaming earlier in the week puts you in touch with your Muse or a benevolent spiritual guide to assist you. So many good things may come your way that choosing which opportunity to take could be difficult. Your phone and e-mail may be hopping and local travel could be busy, too. Enjoy your neighborhood and the great outdoors. Flirt or match your wits with a playful partner.
Aries (March 21st - April 20th)Strong creativity and self-expression at the start of your week are directed toward work and your career, Aries. You have an intuitive sense of future trends and understand what motivates people now, and you use that knowledge to enhance your business. Shortcomings in your product or service, if you are self-employed, or a dissatisfaction with your work environment or job tasks lead to creative solutions or decisions to change something. You will find ways to improve business or cash flow. As the week progresses, your relationships become the focal point. Family, romantic, and work relationships may all require attention or a renewal of commitment.
Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)Friends, family, and your home life are important to you the first half of the week, Taurus. You love to share with other people and you have a lot to share lately. Your mind and intuition are both amplified by the planets. Your logical mind will see the sense in believing in impossible or improbable things when they quickly become your reality, so keep imagining and dreaming. Mind over matter and persistent insistence can help you with a work or health matter. Whether you are communicating, writing, or traveling for business or pleasure, your situation can change in an instant based on your attitude, so stay positive and don't take no for an answer. Some of you may meet a potential partner at the end of the week. If you are already with a mate, your relationship could deepen significantly.
Gemini (May 21st - June 21st)Work you have done on your prosperity consciousness may pay off in a big way this week, Gemini. A passion for what you do along with a healthy sense of self-worth and a willingness to take a business risk when an opportunity presents itself can have a significant impact on your career and future earning potential. Time spent in meditation or creative dreaming earlier in the week puts you in touch with your Muse or a benevolent spiritual guide to assist you. So many good things may come your way that choosing which opportunity to take could be difficult. Your phone and e-mail may be hopping and local travel could be busy, too. Enjoy your neighborhood and the great outdoors. Flirt or match your wits with a playful partner.
Astrological Trends for July 4-10
Cross-posted from Aloha Astro
Happy Independence Day, USA! Celebrations should be fun and lively on Monday, July 4th, with the moon in the fixed fire sign of playful Leo. Mercury, the planet of communication and transportation, is also in Leo and heavily aspected by several planets, making Monday a day of high activity, both physically and verbally. Mercury is quincunx Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn, quincunx to Chiron in the mutable water sign of Pisces, trine to Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries, and square to Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of Taurus. Creativity is strong, along with the urge to bring an idea into being quickly, but there is a nice built-in stop check in the Mercury/Jupiter square that keeps you from going too far too fast. Pluto in Capricorn and Chiron in Pisces form a supportive sextile that completes a yod, or Hand of God, aspect pattern between Mercury/Pluto/Chiron. You may open your mind to something that transforms your life under this potent pattern, which has a bold and highly creative Mercury at the helm. Venus leaves the sign of fickle Gemini now and enters the cardinal water sign of emotional, nurturing Cancer. Love is less playful or uncertain and more comforting and secure now. A beautiful trine between Venus in the imaginative mutable air sign of Gemini and romantic Neptune in the dreamy mutable water sign of Pisces makes this the perfect time to find love, fall in love, or be ridiculously romantic with your partner. Two other fantastic trines are in the heavens now that can help you be Romeo or Juliet. Mars in the mutable air sign of Gemini thrills at the idea of flirting, playing the field, or thinking up novel and fun dating activities. Mars happens to be trine to Saturn in the relationship-minded cardinal air sign of Libra, which will make Mars try harder to attract, entertain, and show off a match. Jovial Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of sensual, pleasure-seeking Taurus forms a trine to intensifying Pluto in the success-oriented cardinal earth sign of Taurus. The physical side of love is deeply satisfying now and "winning" at the game of love can make you feel on top of the world. Excitement, pleasure, romance - how much better can it get? Early this evening, the late Leo moon opposes Neptune in Pisces, but also forms a pleasant sextile to Venus in Gemini. You may be so smitten with someone or caught up in your creativity that you lose touch with reality briefly. Unless you are overindulging in mind-altering substances, I don't see this opposition as being difficult - just a bit reality-distorting. Later tonight, the moon leaves the fire sign of Leo and enters the mutable earth sign of discerning Virgo. A semi-sextile from the sun in Cancer to Mars in Gemini and a square between the sun and Saturn in Libra help you to keep one foot on the ground while you enjoy a delightful, sensual summer evening.
Happy Independence Day, USA! Celebrations should be fun and lively on Monday, July 4th, with the moon in the fixed fire sign of playful Leo. Mercury, the planet of communication and transportation, is also in Leo and heavily aspected by several planets, making Monday a day of high activity, both physically and verbally. Mercury is quincunx Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn, quincunx to Chiron in the mutable water sign of Pisces, trine to Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries, and square to Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of Taurus. Creativity is strong, along with the urge to bring an idea into being quickly, but there is a nice built-in stop check in the Mercury/Jupiter square that keeps you from going too far too fast. Pluto in Capricorn and Chiron in Pisces form a supportive sextile that completes a yod, or Hand of God, aspect pattern between Mercury/Pluto/Chiron. You may open your mind to something that transforms your life under this potent pattern, which has a bold and highly creative Mercury at the helm. Venus leaves the sign of fickle Gemini now and enters the cardinal water sign of emotional, nurturing Cancer. Love is less playful or uncertain and more comforting and secure now. A beautiful trine between Venus in the imaginative mutable air sign of Gemini and romantic Neptune in the dreamy mutable water sign of Pisces makes this the perfect time to find love, fall in love, or be ridiculously romantic with your partner. Two other fantastic trines are in the heavens now that can help you be Romeo or Juliet. Mars in the mutable air sign of Gemini thrills at the idea of flirting, playing the field, or thinking up novel and fun dating activities. Mars happens to be trine to Saturn in the relationship-minded cardinal air sign of Libra, which will make Mars try harder to attract, entertain, and show off a match. Jovial Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of sensual, pleasure-seeking Taurus forms a trine to intensifying Pluto in the success-oriented cardinal earth sign of Taurus. The physical side of love is deeply satisfying now and "winning" at the game of love can make you feel on top of the world. Excitement, pleasure, romance - how much better can it get? Early this evening, the late Leo moon opposes Neptune in Pisces, but also forms a pleasant sextile to Venus in Gemini. You may be so smitten with someone or caught up in your creativity that you lose touch with reality briefly. Unless you are overindulging in mind-altering substances, I don't see this opposition as being difficult - just a bit reality-distorting. Later tonight, the moon leaves the fire sign of Leo and enters the mutable earth sign of discerning Virgo. A semi-sextile from the sun in Cancer to Mars in Gemini and a square between the sun and Saturn in Libra help you to keep one foot on the ground while you enjoy a delightful, sensual summer evening.
Juror Speaks Out on James Ray Sweat Lodge Trial
Crossposted from Reflections Journal.
The first press interview with one of James Ray's jurors has hit the street. The only big surprise for me in this story is that juror Phillip Lepacek found Luis Li "personable and entertaining." Well... I guess I found him somewhat entertaining but only in the most darkly comic sense. I'm far less surprised to learn that he was "taken aback by defense attorney Tom Kelly, who clearly stated to the jury that he didn't like its verdict."
I hadn't thought that insulting the jury would go over real well -- especially considering that they'd just rearranged four months of their lives to hear this case.
The upshot? Four of the twelve thought it was manslaughter. The other eight won the argument and the four let themselves be talked down to the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide. They also did not buy the organophosphate theory. Shocker!!
The first press interview with one of James Ray's jurors has hit the street. The only big surprise for me in this story is that juror Phillip Lepacek found Luis Li "personable and entertaining." Well... I guess I found him somewhat entertaining but only in the most darkly comic sense. I'm far less surprised to learn that he was "taken aback by defense attorney Tom Kelly, who clearly stated to the jury that he didn't like its verdict."
I hadn't thought that insulting the jury would go over real well -- especially considering that they'd just rearranged four months of their lives to hear this case.
The upshot? Four of the twelve thought it was manslaughter. The other eight won the argument and the four let themselves be talked down to the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide. They also did not buy the organophosphate theory. Shocker!!
Jul 1, 2011
Kissing the Sun
Crossposted from Reflections Journal.
With today's partial solar eclipse, we will complete another of what Lauren Gorgo calls sandwich cycles; two solar eclipses on either side of a lunar eclipse. And I agree with Gorgo that the lunar eclipse was a doozy.
With today's partial solar eclipse, we will complete another of what Lauren Gorgo calls sandwich cycles; two solar eclipses on either side of a lunar eclipse. And I agree with Gorgo that the lunar eclipse was a doozy.
How are you faring?
We did come up for a quick breath of air after integrating that noxious lunar eclipse, but only for a hot second before the solstice energy waves started to pull us under again.
This lunar eclipse was a doozy for many…in some cases it successfully cracked open core blocks and forced us to take a solid look at our foundations before we begin to build upon them. If your foundation was slightly damaged, most likely you spent the last 7 days repairing it. If the damage was severe or irreparable, you may have been suddenly forced to begin again…to dig up the existing foundation and lay an entirely new one. If you are one who is experiencing the latter, no worries...this is not a race. Everything is always exactly as it should be.
For all of us, the lunar eclipse provided a massive opportunity to release some deeeeeeep feelings of lack/unworthiness…we were given the chance to coddle those remaining loveless parts which, unfortunately meant revisiting some dark places in our past so that we could illuminate and reclaim those aspects of ourselves that we unknowingly left behind.
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