mermaidcamp
Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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Jumping Jupiter Retrograde, Batman
December 17, 2014
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Jupiter is by far the most massive planet in our solar system. The Roman god Jupiter was worshiped as the purveyor of the universe. He was the ruler of the daytime sky, the god of lightning and thunder, and the political deity of the Roman state. As king of the gods he administered the cosmos. He is the son of Saturn, known for his jovial nature. Jove, as in by Jove the English expression, refers to the god Jupiter. Thursday is his day and protection of the state is his mission. He was the main man in the pantheon when Jesus was born in a Roman colony. He was revered for his reputation for abundance and good fortune, as well as very fine organizational and judicial skills. He was known for bringing chaos to order.
The fifth planet from the sun is now retrograde from the point of view of the earth. This means that due to our orbits around the sun, Jupiter appears from the earth to travel in reverse. This phenomena has significance in astrology, representing a chance to go over events in the past and make improvements. The Jupiter retrograde period will last until April, ending just as US taxes will be due. It represents a chance to review our organization and abundance issues. This time is a portal to edit and remake your own movie that has been running since last September. You do not have to believe in the power of Jupiter to know that good fortune regularly follows good organization. There is no need to worship the god of the daytime sky to use this time to significantly improve your own judgement and organization. Americans need to review the year for the IRS, if not for Jupiter. Take your habits through an honest evaluation aimed at creating more joviality and order. We all have room for improvement, Gentle Readers. What did you start last September that is not properly organized? Imagine jolly Jupiter guiding you through tax preparation and New Year’s resolutions. Redirect your attention to all that brings you joy. Rigorously remove disorder and chaos that clutter your life. Finish what you started, either by discarding it or completing it.
Angelic Forces
December 15, 2014
— 4 Comments
Angels were common before Jesus was born. There were happy spirits protecting humans all over the pre-Christian world. Some people today debate the powers and presence attributed to angels because we know them through story and legend. Their existence is a rhetorical belief, but there has been no empirical evidence that proves they are here with us. December is a very popular time to display angels and even dress up and portray them in live nativity scenes. In the darkest month of the Northern Hemisphere’s year, angels usher in the light. They often wear white, have white wings and a bright body halo. They are messengers, beings of light, that assist humans on both sides of the grave. They intercede for the benefit of humans.
December is the right time to settle into a hot herbal bath, light a candle, and put out the do not disturb sign for the human element. Around the winter solstice have a conversation with angels. If this is easy and natural for you, pray and get in touch with the angelic realm. If you need some help getting used to the idea of being surrounded by beings of light, do some meditating. Soak in the aromas of your scented tub, breathing deeply and leave thought behind. Have a conversation, out loud or in your mind, with the spirit guardians of your life. Imagining the presence of another dimension, allow yourself to say what is in your heart and ask for help that you know you need. You can do it with eyes open our closed. Using this method is a formula to make wishes come true. Belief in our angels is belief in supernatural powers at work on our behalf. Speaking to angels has been done by all kinds of people without shame or embarrassment for a very long time. The time is right to tell your deepest wishes to the angels, Gentle Readers.
Falling Upward by Richard Rohr
October 9, 2014
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Clarkdale, AZ
I bought the audio book Falling Upward at the suggestion of a fellow student at a conference I attended last June. I encountered the contemplatives for the first time, and had a lot to learn from them. James Finley guided us for a meaningful and educational weekend. I owned an audio book by Dr Finley and Carolyn Myss covering the subject I have already heard at the conference, transcending trauma. This complex idea deserved a review, so on my recent car trip I listed to the trauma book to deepen my understanding. On my trip back home I decided to hear Richard Rohr read his own book, Falling Upward. I started from Clarkdale before dawn and arrived in Tucson about 10 in the morning. Most of the drive was really scenic, but even Phoenix traffic was bearable because I was enjoying the book so thoroughly. I have one disc still to hear, but I am fully ready to recommend this book to anyone, especially to those over 40. This is another way to look at retirement planning, from a spiritual perspective.
Falling Upward explains spirituality as it pertains to the two halves of life. In other words, humans are involved in the giant birth/death/recycle action of the universal field. There is a time for building up, and a very appropriate time for breaking down. All of nature does this constantly. Although Mr Rohr is a Franciscan and a Catholic priest, his point of view is not all presented from a theological stance. He knows history very well and uses his experience in the study of initiation rites of native people around the world to draw large conclusions. His conviction is that humans are capable of taking a grand excursion of the soul. He reminds us that all saints and holy figures leave home on a big crazy journey, only to return to home. The journey represents necessary suffering that teaches the mystery beyond the suffering. In the second half of life this death of the perceived self, or being in the world but not of it, can lead to enlightenment. In our culture many of us cling to the structures we built in our youth as if there is nothing greater or beyond our own creative control. Falling Upward involves letting go to the point that previous reality fades from view as we float to our intended home in eternal bliss. Sound kooky??? Well, it is. All the saints and prophets were considered to be out of their minds. Many were killed. Before the truth sets you free it generally makes you appear to be crazy.
I like to hear authors read their own books to me. I feel like it becomes more personal. This one is very special because I had never heard of Richard Rohr before his fan told me about him last June. Now I am a huge fan too. I invite you to listen, gentle reader. I could make a big difference in the end.
Falling Upward
Durga Days
September 25, 2014
— 5 Comments
Durga is the mother goddess capable of killing demons. She was born from the anger of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and outfitted with every weapon of the gods. She was brilliant, and extremely bad assed. She is the very angry mother who drives demons from the earth and puts the fear of retribution in all her children. She has nine different forms she may assume in her motherly duties. During the festival of Navaratri she is worshiped in three of her forms. First Durga the destroyer purifies for three days as only wrathful mother can. Then Lakshmi takes over for three days of bestowing spiritual wealth. The final three days are ruled by Saraswati, the mother of wisdom. To skip any one of the three mothers is to fail to grasp the whole meaning of the creative essence. The feminine spark, or Shakti, does all the work and holds all the energy. In 2014 Navaratri lasts from 25 September until the 3 October. The Durga puja is an affirmation of good over evil, a classic version of mother knows best. She will remove the miseries of life and chase the demons out of the building. Respect her in all her forms…..you want to stay on her good side.
Pomegranates and Persephone
September 23, 2014
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pomegranate
pomegranate
pomegranates
One of the most symbolic of all the foods we harvest in the fall is the pomegranate. This is the fruit of the dead Hades gave the goddess Persephone before she was retuned to her mother. The pomegranate seeds she ate in the underworld created a magical bond she could not break. She was doomed to return to Hades for three months each year. This complicated story is about birth and death, cycles and seasons, sabotage and fate. She was kidnapped and raped by her husband Hades who planned to keep her forever. Persephone’s mother, Demeter, goddess of fertility, went into such a tizzy about her daughter’s kidnapping that Zeus, her husband, finally relented and brought Persephone back to her. The entire incident could have ended at that, but the pomegranate seeds she ate magically sealed her relationship with Hades and the underworld. She was, after all, since her kidnapping and rape, the queen of the underworld. Now we have three months of winter, and during that time Demeter will not produce crops or warmth for the land. Each spring when Persephone returns from her underground realm life begins anew and Demeter gets busy providing ample food for humans.
The ruby red color and the delicious taste of the pomegranate makes an exotic ingredient in all kinds of dishes and drinks. Here are a few ways to honor Persephone and enjoy the season:
- Sweet Potato Pomegranate Salad
- Cranberry and Pomegranate Bruschetta
- 5-Ingredient Pear Pomegranate Salsa
Pomegranate molasses is available at Middle Eastern grocery stores, and is a wonderful ingredient. It is very handy at the bar. This beautiful alcohol free drink is named after the queen of the underworld:
Last but certainly not least I leave you with a recipe for an exotic cocktail with chocolate covered pomegranate seeds:
Enjoy!!!
Equinox Celebration
September 20, 2014
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fall colors
pumpkins in the house
The Fall Equinox is a time to reflect, budget, delete, and take stock of what we have. In modern times our personal harvest is less crucial to our survival than it was hundreds of years ago. We import and ship what we want all over the world. Because so much of our food costs are transportation related this might be a time to take stock of what we have in our local market or garden that can be a substitute for imported or processed foods. We like convenience, but may be able to find better priced locally made foods, goods, and services of superior quality. We like to be served, but can save money and enhance creativity by doing more of our own food preparation and preservation. It is time to create, prosper and appreciate. Do you have practices to note the day when the whole world has an equal amount of darkness and light? Normally the moon rises about 50 minutes later than the previous night. On the equinox it rises only about 10 minutes later, and the effect is that of almost standing still for a few days.
In ancient Greece this time of year was the time for grand rituals known as the Eleusian rites. From the equinox until the end of the month processions and rites to the goddess Demeter were performed. The elaborate rites involved bathing in the sea, building an altar around a tree, blessing the earth with wine and special potions, and a giant party to honor Demeter, goddess of the earth. Holy Night, on September 28, when the goddess Koré would turn from maiden to krone, and then into the young queen of the underworld. Some of the celebrants were granted the chance to see their own deaths on the Holy Night in order to free themselves from fear of the afterlife. The following day was a sports and games day before the final eighth day of the festival returns to solemn ritual to signify spiritual rebirth. This was very different from football season or American festivities for fall because everything was viewed as sacred. The rituals were believed to be an important spiritual gift to mankind. Can you find a way to honor that seasonal shift in your life this year? I would love to hear any ideas you have, gentle readers. I believe we have instinctive spiritual patterns that evolve, but are also part of historical beliefs and rites. We are still connected to Demeter even if we don’t know who she is.
Artemis, Goddess of Discernment
July 8, 2014
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Artemis is an independent spirit, choosing solitary activities. She is a hunter who feels at home in the woods and with nature. Her social life is limited, and she remains single. She loves a group women who are her companions, all sworn to chastity. These are the original wild women, happy in the forrest, hunting and living in accord with natural rhythm. The story of Callisto illustrates how seriously Artemis took the privacy and chastity of her followers. Artemis’ own father Zeus seduced Callisto and made her pregnant. When Artemis discovered the pregnancy she changed Callisto into a bear.
Her protective nature makes her the guardian of childbirth and children. She is Apollo’s twin sister. It is said that she was born first, then assisted in the birth of her brother the sun god. Her strength and confidence come from her powers of discernment. Hunters learn the ways of the prey in order to be successful in a hunt. Artemis is physical prowess and natural instinct combined in a strong feminine being. Her positive force is derived from loving herself without reservation. She is not influenced by the opinions of others, and rarely condescends to take part in arguments. She has abilities to discern the motives of those around her. She is happy, free, and physically in tune with nature. Her fitness and poise come from a life of natural exertion. She has enough self confidence to protect, inspire and enlighten others.
To get in touch with Artemis use the herb Artemisia vulgaris. It can be purchased as essential oil, although a good quality oil is hard to find of this herb. Use it very sparingly because the oil is very potent. It needs to be diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba. On full or new moons the Artemis energy is high because she is a moon goddess. Inhaling the scent or using the diluted oil on the temples of the head increases the connection to the magical huntress. Choose a meditation or journaling exercise that invites animals into your imagination. By setting a scene, perhaps a lake, or a shady spot, in your mind’s eye, wait to see the wildlife that comes into the picture. Notice if the animals are healthy or seem stressed. Just observe what they do, how they act, and what you think they desire. By going deeper into these images you will make a connection with the Artemis in you. Follow her instincts. Her refined intuition makes a wonderful guide through the woods of life.
Bay Laurel
June 26, 2014
— 2 Comments
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- bay laurel
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- bay laurel
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- bay laurel
Laurus nobilis is a shrub or tree native to Asia Minor, popular in the Mediterranean, known and used for centuries. It was sacred to Apollo, the sun god in Greece, and had been used in Mesopotamia as protective incense. In the fourth century AD Greek magician and philosopher Proclus Diadochos stated that bay laurel branches were used in ceremonial work to banish spirits. The use of crowns of laurel leaves to award victors in the contests started at the Pythian games, in honor of Apollo who revered the plant. The custom spread and the laurel assumed a meaning of victory or triumph in Rome. A sudden withering or visible demise of a bay tree in the yard was considered to be a very bad omen for the owner.
The leaves are poisonous in large doses, and the sharp edges of the leaves can damage your digestive tract if ingested. They can be used in cooking either by themselves or in a bouquet garni that is removed before serving and thrown away. The flavor is exotic, lending deep flavor to sauces, stews, and pickles. Although it is less common to use bay leaves to season dessert dishes, here are some great ideas:
- Resting on Laurel Creme Brûlée
- Double Pear Upside Down Cake with Bay Leaf Glaze
- Brown Butter, Vanilla Bean, and Bay Leaf Ice Cream
- Bay Thyme and Honey Roasted Pears
Try using bay leaf in new ways. Become the cook laureate of your kitchen.
Celebrating the Muses
June 13, 2014
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Apollo and the 9 muses
In Greek mythology the nine muses are daughters of Mnemosyne. She was the muse of memory. Zeus slept with her for 9 nights, resulting in the birth of the 9 muses. They were raised by Apollo and a nymph in a secluded atmosphere. They became completely dedicated to the arts. Each was in charge of a different aspect of culture:
- Calliope-epic song
- Clio-history
- Euterpe-lyric song
- Thalia-comedy
- Melpomene-tragedy
- Terpsichore-dance
- Erato-erotic poetry
- Polyhymnia-sacred hymns
- Urania-astronomy
June 14 is celebrated as the birthday of the muses. Have you ever tried to invite a muse for a visit in your creative world? I have wanted to be more poetic since I discovered my Pilgrim poet ancestor, Mistress Bradstreet. I made some effort in April to write a poem each day, but I think the missing piece is the muse. I have trudged away at the poems without inviting a spark or a mystic inspiration to reach into the creative process. I have assigned myself the job of poet, but have not consulted with the poetic energy that inspires and makes art possible. Words themselves need a creative current or tradition on which to flow, or the audience will be left flat. I love comedy the best, although Mistress Bradstreet was more about sacred hymns. Next time I go out into the world I will ask Thalia to accompany me to find the humor in what I experience. Which is your favorite muse? Could you call on them to enhance your creativity more often? I know I could.
Rosalia, Holiday of Roses
June 4, 2014
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- a rose
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- a rose
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- a rose
The rose has been celebrated for fragrance and beauty. It is a symbol of the goddess Aphrodite. The Romans used garlands of roses and violets to commemorate the dead. Rosalia was a time to decorate with roses to show respect for the ancestors. The rose originated in Arabia where it was cultivated for perfume as well as for landscaping purposes. Crusaders brought plants back with them when they returned to Europe. This very popular flower continues to captivate our attention in gardens and in perfumery. The symbolic power of the rose is still in use as well. I found a Rosalia party in Maine, here in the US. The Maine folks will make a batch of rose mead, among other DIY rose products. Here are a few ways I have found to include roses in my life:
- rose flower water in cooking and cosmetics
- rose petals in bath sachets
- rose flower essence
- roses in tea
- roses as ingredient in bitters
- cut flowers
The roses I cultivate are Lady Banksia, or Tombstone roses that spread and like the very hot climate in Tucson. In season they yield many small white and pink flowers that I use for making flower essence. They are fragrant, and in an essence, very tasty. I drink the essence straight up rather than preserve it with alcohol. The taste is delicious. Many hybrid roses are without scent, so I usually prefer the old style, strong smelling, varieties. To preserve that smell for later use, simply spread the petals out in a single layer and dry on a basket in the dark until dry. I store herbs in paper bags or glass jars. The scent lasts longer if you use glass.
