GAIA TALKS TO US all the time. After all, we are subject to life on her skin, and she is subject to our doing that living on her skin. Try to imagine it from her point of view for a moment. All of us - billions of us - scrabble around daily on her skin with our toys and machines and chemicals... that would get a bit itchy, don't you think?

Now, even though I love it here and feel a great affinity for this planet, some of us do not. Some of us feel alien here, as though we're from somewhere else entirely, as though we don't belong or aren't wanted. Whether that feeling comes from significant physical trouble - allergies to pollens, foods, dust, etc. - or the misunderstanding of other people, or difficulty assimilating the energy of this place... I believe Gaia does her part every day to communicate with us. I believe she is doing her best help us make sense of our daily experience.

I believe that Gaia shows us, every day, in her inimitable way, how energy moves in Her Natural world outside our buildings and cars and suits. Think of it... she is a PLANET! She experiences energy and life force on a whole different level. She perceives the energy that moves in our small, synthetic world very differently than we do and she wants to make our stay as comfortable as possible - for BOTH of us.

Whether or not you feel any affinity for this planet, it is the elements of her body that provide your physical vehicle. It is the cycle of her warmth/chill, wet/dry, light/dark that forms the structure of your daily routine. She is the mother, the lady of the house, and it is her rules that we must live by.

Let's have a listen, shall we? 

THERE ARE TWO PARTS to this article. The first is the energy of the "Moons" through which we are moving. The Moon is the fastest moving heavenly body in our sky. Its movement influences the tides of our planet, and, since our physical bodies are made up of mostly water, it influences us, too. Most directly, we feel the Moon our emotional state. It can be revealing - and quite helpful - to consider the way our experience "flows" with the Moon.

Technically, there are 13 moons in each year, but for our purposes, we'll be using twelve, which correspond to the astrological cycle and our western calendar. This means there are three for each season, and, if we pay attention, we will see the arc of influence and how it correlates with our experience. For those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, I've reversed the cycle... just scroll down.

The second part of the article is the Reading. In our Reading, we're using the Sacred Path Cards, by Jamie Sams. This is one of the most remarkable decks I've ever, personally, had the pleasure of using. If you're interested, you can find a copy on Amazon.com.

The symbology of these cards is Native North American and I use a spread, called the Inner Spiral spread, to seek insight into the particular challenges that face us at this time.

 
NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

From Earth Renewal...
In late December, we entered the time of the Earth Renewal Moon. Earth Renewal is a time of power, following one of the two primary solstices of the Earth's cycle. It is a time when we take the lessons we've recently mastered and step forward into teaching roles.

Over the past weeks and months, you've been through some challenging experiences. Perhaps you lost a loved one, suffered ill health, or fell into financial difficulty. Whatever the case, you learned a LOT. We are now entering into a time when the wisdom of that experience will be needed by people around you.

You've probably been feeling some personal pressure, lately, as people have been asking for advice. Perhaps you've felt vulnerable or even inadequate to the task. Rest assured that you DO have much wisdom to offer, tucked away warmly within your authentic being. Put down your burdens - let the challenges of recent days rest. Remember to breathe... and invite this energy of renewal to flow with ease.

A light touch will serve you well. Offer yourself, but be sure to allow those asking your advice to do as they will with it. You don't need to become caught up in their karma. Remember to allow yourself to be renewed, now, too. Ask for advice where you need it, and resist judging the advice that you receive. Keep an open heart. Give and receive in a spirit of great compassion.

... Into Rest and Cleansing
Around the 20th of January, we will transition into the Rest and Cleansing Moon. The words "rest and cleansing" are a reminder, and a warning. Winter's influence is strongest now and those around you will continue to need your assistance.

This will be a time of working to remain balanced. Be sure to get plenty of rest, don't be afraid to set personal boundaries, and cherish those relationships that will nurture your spirit, not drain it. Seek out friends and activities that will let you be yourself and bring a smile to your face.

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

From Strong Sun...
The heat is turned up this moon, so lose the attitude. It's too hot to get your knickers in a knot; just lighten up and let it be opportunity that you perceive...

The time of the Strong Sun is a time of exuberance, a time of "bursting forth." This is when all those stubborn, slumbering seeds that stayed under their covers through all of Spring are finally forced to awaken and grow - or shrivel and die. In order for a plant to ensure that something of itself will survive for another cycle, it must set fruit (which contain seeds) during the growing season. In order to grow, it must accept the heat of the sun and burst the shell of old patterns. Acceptance is powerful stuff, as it causes energy to flow - it opens a gateway to new possibility. This is a time for allowing joy and creativity to bubble up and effervesce in the sunlight. Enjoy!

The sun acts as a natural spotlight, so expect to be invited to parties and events. Expect, too, to become the center of attention. You could be surprised by someone or something from your past, a forgotten passion or talent or gift. Don't fight it; don't scowl and scorch... let the laughter flow, allow yourself to be showered with attention, and relax in the warmth.

...Into Ripe Berries
Somewhere between the 20th and the 23rd, we'll transition into the Ripe Berries Moon. This is a moon about survival. So, if you did the work of relaxing under Strong Sun's spotlight, then you're growing well, and prepared to put forth fruit, now. Fruit is abundance, and your next lesson is about reaping the rewards of your perseverance.

If you didn't do the work... well, you get one more shot at it. Those old fears that you keep dodging will be back, this moon, and you can try again. There's still time to reap the rewards, but you'll have to be willing to burst forth, first.

This moon is about victory. You've been through some life lessons... are you ready to claim them? If not, start by claiming your courage. Remember, courage isn't the absence of fear - it's movement in spite of fear. Claim your courage. Look your challenges in the eye and KNOW that you have the knowledge already within you to move forward. Nurture yourself; keep up your strength and open yourself to possibility.

January, 2009

Creator Card - Offers Divine Guidance
COUNTING COUP - A great personal victory has been won! Your spirit reminds you that with celebration comes storytelling; be sure that your stories are truthful. Conduct yourself with the greatest integrity and honor, and share the wealth of your victory with those in need.

Mother Card - Suggests Where You Should Turn Within
NORTH SHIELD - The lesson learned was a painful one, but you developed a potential for great wisdom in the process. As you step back to nurture your spirit, cultivate gratitude for this lesson so that you may claim the power of that wisdom.

Father Card - Shows You Where You Should Act Decisively
FIRE MEDICINE - There is a great passion burning within you. You must acknowledge this hunger and come into balance with your inner fire. The sacred fire of life is not just about procreation, but also excitement, adventure, intimacy, spontaneity and passion. Bring these into balance. Release your judgment; let go of fear... spark your passion for life!

Grandmother Card - Speaks With the Voice of Your Past
VISION QUEST - Claim your personal truth. You have sought it before, entered the silence and heard its voice. Seek it again. Release your confusion and your doubt... allow the darkness and the silence to envelop you; open your being to the words only you can hear. Perhaps you will hear them in thunder, perhaps a breath of wind; perhaps you'll hear star song... Open your soul to your personal truth.

Turtle Card - Represents Your Current Position, Focus
HOUR OF POWER - What gives your heart greatest joy? THAT is where your focus needs to be right now. Each person has an "hour of power" when they feel the most energized, the most enlivened. Find your hour, and then honor yourself by taking that hour to be in harmony with your deepest, most vital being. Perhaps you'll go for coffee and a scone, perhaps you'll water your plants, or maybe you'll just sit and watch the birds at the lake. Whatever feeds your soul, you NEED. Give yourself this gift.

Frog Card - Represents The Obstacles You Face
CORAL - To feel is to heal... take a moment to feel where you are in your body. Physically, is your body energized and healthy? Or are you run down? Emotionally, are you happy and peaceful? Or is there angst, anxiety, fear, or depression? You are at a place where some part of you requires nurturing; ignore this need at your peril.

Thunderbird Card - Represents The Energies At Work
SACRED SPACE - Consider your attitude toward the possessions, ideas, homes and people around you. They demand respect, and, at this time, the need for that respect is critical. All are sacred; treat them well. This applies not only to others, but to yourself, as well. You must consider your possessions, feelings and body to be sacred, too! Mark your territory, claim your sacred space, and do not allow others to abuse you.

Butterfly Card - Represents The Future Coming To You
BURDEN BASKET - We carry only the burdens we choose to carry. In your quest to connect with the Great Mystery, you have learned many lessons in self-reliance. You know how much you can carry; you're aware of whose burdens you choose to pick up, and when you must lay them down. You have learned to ask advice when you need it, and to follow the advice given. This wisdom returns to you now. You are strong and capable and aware of your limits. This self-reliance will serve you well in the days to come.

© Vara LorEl, 2009

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 
Vara LorEl is a model builder at heart, an Exec Admin by training, and a Graphic Designer by experience. She has also worked in a grocery store, a greenhouse, a bank and a bookstore. She's done Customer Service, Construction, Missions and Marketing... and let's not forget the years she studied Bonsai or the uncounted hours spent in a saddle.

Chinking the spaces in between, she engages in an ongoing little exercise she likes to call Spiritual Cartography... studying the archetypes found (again and again) in Mythology, I-Ching, and Shamanism, also poking about in Astrology, Numerology, and Tarot, as well as study of the Chakras and eastern philosophies. It could also be noted that she considers Cooking and Gardening to be some of the richest meditational spaces anywhere.

Over the years, she has lived all across these grand United States - from California to Georgia - currently calling Alaska home. When not up to her eyebrows in the next issue of PLW, she can be found in her home office playing Oblivion (way to go Bethesda Softworks!), on her couch reading a good book (with her cats curled nearby), on her soap box talking about any one of a dozen esoteric subjects... or on her knees thanking GOD for the best life partner to ever embrace her nomadic heart.