good fortune

Well…no wonder I love fortune cookies !
Cookies are Venus and Jupiter ruled – both of which I have in the 8th house.

The 8th house is the natural house of Scorpios – secret compartment freaks~
!? whats inside ?! 
I have fun-loving Leo there, and we LOVE toys and games.

Surprises are Uranus which I have conjunct Sun (gifts) and my Uranus is conjunct destructive Pluto.
Destroy cookie, get curious surpise ~ancient wisdom ~
All of these planets in my chart are in aspect to Neptune or fortunes !
nom nom nom


I made them once for my ex-boyfriend and sadly, they turned out like greasy little pancakes.
(He scored points by eating them anyway )
I still write my own fortunes.  I accidentally got a hilarious translation a few years ago when my document margins slipped, and two fortunes got smooshed together.
It read:    You will soon see a rare bird.  Dinner !

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The history of the fortune cookie is fascinating…did you know they used to be tucked in the crack, not inside ?!
The fortune above is beautiful, yes ?!
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Fortune cookie researcher, Yasuko Nakamachi, a Japanese grad student, found the cookie’s Japanese origins, in an illustration from a 19th-century book of stories, “Moshiogusa Kinsei Kidan.”  A character in one of the tales is an apprentice in a senbei store.

In Japan, the cookies are called, variously, tsujiura senbei (“fortune crackers”), omikuji senbei (“written fortune crackers”), and suzu senbei (“bell crackers”).
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namaste~
gneissmoonastrology.net

zig zag moon

I went all Virgo persnickety on my yard today – mowed, and yanked a ton of weeds so this dark Virgo moon I can rest easy knowing my inside and outside chores are done.  A happy Virgo is a Virgo with work completed (Virgo is the sign of work and service).
The cool thing is what stopped me dead in my tracks ! 
I brake ( break ! ) for critters.

I just had to get a pic of this most beautiful, groovy (Saturn-ruled) spider and her web.

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How appropriate my new spider friend is a Nephila, or ‘fond of spinning’, as I have been having a weird spun-out, emotional weekend.   Transiting Jupiter is nearly conjunct my natal 4th house Moon/Neptune opposition my emotional geiger counter is c-c-clicking !
I need a distraction, so here are some pics (Neptune) from my home (4th house) !

Golden silk orb-weavers  are sometimes referred to as writing spiders due to occasional zigzag patterns called stabilimenta  (web decorations) built into their webs.  There are many theories as to why the spiders spin such patterns, such as they make shiny UV attractors, excess silk, but the coolest theory is because they like the patterns, it is their spider artHow cool is that ?!

I’m going with aesthetics, because I once saw a large web with a teeny-weenie miniature web (just like the big one) in the far upper right corner of the web.  I often wondered if it was a practice web, wall art or maybe a guest bed…who knows..?!  I keep an eye out just in case I see another someday.

If my theory is true, it would mean spiders are not only Saturn-ruled, but also Venus (art) ruled.  This particular spider often kills her mate, so better toss in some Mars and Pluto as well.
What do you think….?

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I looked up spider totem, and it is spot-on because I wasn’t even going to post this evening….and just as I waited for the page to load, I glanced at the clock- 11:11 !   (manifestation time)
So groOovy…let’s all see the web of life during the dark Virgo Moon !

Spider helps understanding of illusions and reality, spiritual and physical balance, awakens sensibilities and weaves influences in development in your own world, stay focused on the center of things.  Spider is gentleness and strength and will remind you of this pattern. She also will aid in communications and the written word.
namaste~

Gaia speaks

Hurricane Irene feed from Global Weather Satellite

Transcendent Neptune (seas) sextile (opportunity) Pluto (turning point), unpredictable Uranus (strong winds of change) in square (restless energy) to Pluto (rebirth) which is in a grand Earth trine.

North node of destiny is quintile the Chiron Neptune conjunction from Sagittarius the sign of understanding.  Neptune is in the powerful ( fully saturated) last degree of Aquarius (humanity at large), and Chiron is the wounded healer, herbalist, the teacher.

Transpersonal message from the sentient Earth to all earthkind…?

Pluto (turning point) is in Capricorn (Earth), Saturn (responsibilities) is in Libra (seeks balance) an Air sign (communication).  The Moon is waning to dark (a sign of introspection), duty-bound Virgo Sun (conscious awareness, life) is conjunct Venus (love and harmony-rules Libra and relationships).  
Venus is also trine (co-operation) Jupiter (hope) in patient, practical Taurus, the sign it rules.
Mercury goes direct in Leo the sign of expressing the heart in the sign opposite of futuristic, visionary Aquarius, and we have a message from our Mother…

the seer looks up

Hermes was the god of the birds of omen, birds despatched from heaven under the divine inspiration of prophetic Apollon. Only seers, under the god’s patronage, could distinguish birds of omen from those “idly-chattering” and interpret their divine messages.

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Hermes presided over the rustic art of divination by pebbles aka Lithomancy practiced in the highlands of shepherds and cattle-herders.  He was said to have learnt the art from certain Nymphai known as Thriai, given to him by Apollon in a trade for the music of the pipe.

Mercury stations direct today, in the shadowzone (degree where it began retrograde) until September 9, when it will return ‘fully’ direct.  Communications become easier, less technical mishaps, less typos, less re-working, less navel gazing, revisions of the past finally completed.
warp speed factor one….

Hypersensitive Adaptation

“My belief is in the blood and flesh as being wiser than the intellect. The body-unconscious is where life bubbles up in us. It is how we know that we are alive, alive to the depths of our souls and in touch somewhere with the vivid reaches of the cosmos.”  – D. H. Lawrence

Spoken like a Virgo with Scorpio rising, Pluto (chart ruler) conjunct Neptune.  D.H. Lawrence has Virgo Sun conjunct Jupiter, Uranus, North Node in the 11th house (natural house of Aquarius).  He was visionary; a very creative thinker, writer.

I find it so interesting that by following my heart, I have perfectly played my astrological hand, walked my astrological map- including the pitfalls, without consciously doing so.  What I love about learning astrology is it has explained so much about my habits and tendencies.  Astrology has given me the tools to be pro-active in charting my own course to physical and spiritual healing.  I am hoping through reading this site, I can help you do the same.

My friend Rhonda introduced me to Craniosacral Biodynamics, and having Moon opposite Neptune in the 11th, and Sun conjunct Uranus, I find this fascinating.
Body fluids are ruled by Aquarius and Uranus
movement of the body fluid is ruled by Moon and Neptune. 

The intention of craniosacral work is to encourage the cellular breath to move freely, without restriction, thereby allowing the life-giving oxygen, ions, and vital fluid to flow thoughout the body.


The cellular breath, or The Breath of Life produces a series of subtle rhythms (rhythms are Moon and Neptune ruled) that may be palpated in the body and which make up an integrated physiological system. At least three subtle rhythms have been identified in this “primary respiratory system”, each having a different rate and producing rhythms within rhythms.

These three “tides” are referred to asthe cranial rhythmic impulse; a more superficial rhythm expressed at an average rate of 8-12 cycles per minute, the mid-tide; a tidal rhythm that carries ordering forces into the body expressed at a slower rate of approximately 2.5 cycles per minute and the long tide; a deep and slow rhythmic impulse expressed about once every 100 seconds. The long tide is considered to be the first stirring of life and motion as the Breath of Life emerges from a deeper ground of stillness at the center of our being.

This same ‘breath of life’ takes place on a larger scale in the oceans of the Earth via thermohaline circulation.  It is like a giant ocean deep water conveyor belt transporting enormous volumes of cold, salty water from the North Atlantic to the Northern Pacific, and bringing warmer, fresher water in return.

Salt water oceans make up 71% of the Earth’s surface, the human body is more than 60 percent water. Blood is 92 percent water, the brain and muscles are 75 percent water, and bones are about 22 percent water.

Scientific studies cannot prove the rhythms of the Moon influence water in the human body, or that the Moon has an influence on humans at all, for that matter; but they cannot prove astrology either, and I know it works.  I know astrology works because I have seen it working in the charts of myself, my family, and those people I admire.

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Look for any aspects to Mercury, Gemini, or Jupiter to indicate the quality of your breathing.  Look to aspects to Uranus, Aquarius, Moon and Neptune to indicate the rhythmic movement of blood, or water in your body.

I have Neptune both opposite Moon, and square Leo meaning in my chart I may have to watch for heart trouble, as Leo rules the heart, and Neptune bodily fluids.  I have also learned to be attuned to emotional balance as my Moon is in the 4th house (natural house of Cancer- rules the stomach) and can cause vague (Neptune rules the hidden) stress induced illness.  I have Saturn (restriction) in the 3rd house (natural house of Gemini). 

Mercury, Gemini and Jupiter rule breathing in the astrological chart.

I spent many years smoking on and off, and haven’t smoked now in several years.  My Saturn placement is a red flag for lung issues, so good thing I quit.  (not that I recommend smoking for any placement, I don’t)

The first step to health is prevention.
Like the Bene Gesserit from Dune, I know humans can bend the life force towards health and well-being through concentration and will.

In the Bene Gesserit tradition, Sisters received many years of training in prana/bindu body control. They were capable of entering a trace-state, altering metabolism and slowing heart rates to neutralise toxic chemicals in the body on a molecular level.  Bene Gesserit are trained in “the minutiae of observation”, noticing details that the common person would miss in the people and environment around them. When combined with their analytical abilities, this “hyperawareness” makes the Bene Gesserit capable of divining secrets and arriving at conclusions that are invisible to everyone else.

It’s no surprise I love Dune and reading of the Bene Gesserit, as I have a Virgo stellium and giant Neptuner, both leading me to be conscious of physical and spiritual health.
The first step to balance is awareness.
May the road to health rise up to meet you…

Namaste~

a light in dark places

May I introduce a very talented young gentleman who has been playing mandolin since the tender young age of 5.

Pisces Chris Thile formed the band Nickle Creek with members of his family when he was 8.  Winning the national mandolin championship at the age of 12, Chris was well on his way to fame and fortune in music well before he was old enough to drive a car. Pictured below is his solar chart, which remember, means there is no specific time of birth, so pay attention to the planets in signs, not the houses.
Chris is a life path number 5, he is here to face the challenge of many changes throughout his life.  His will be a life of freedom and adventure and finding personal balance.

One of the first things that jumps out at me is the Saturn (discipline, older people) tightly conjunct Jupiter (teachers) which rules Sagittarius where Neptune (string instruments) is placed.  This speaks to me of being under the tutelage of all the great musicians Chris has had the privilege of jamming with at festivals across the country since he was very young.  (Saturn and Jupiter in Libra, ruled by Venus which rules art)  Pluto is working overtime transforming Mercury Rx (communication, rules Gemini, which rules the hands, dexterity, and young people) and Venus (his art) and his Sun (ambition) in Neptune -ruled Pisces.  Chris also has Sun in the first decan of Pisces which is Neptune-flavored.  Mercury Rx conjunct Venus shows me that he will only continue to improve with age as his Mercury retrograde fully blooms.
Mars, the planet of action conjunct Sun in Pisces is an aspect par excellence for musicians.
Check the solo below, it’s smokin’ hot !

Moon in perfection-driven Virgo squaring (internal conflict) Neptune gives him the passionate drive to learn (Sagittarius of higher learning) his craft (Neptune) until he is the very best he can be.  Creativity and self-expression is his life path with North Node in creative, flamboyant Leo.  If you have heard him play, you know he is frisky and playful, a bit quirky and he loves to have fun ! (Individualistic Uranus square Sun, Mercury Rx, and Venus from Sagittarius)
I give the love of Star Wars and Tolkien to Mercury conjunct Venus in the sign of science, Aquarius (love of reading, science) sextile Neptune (film, fiction) in Sagittarius of philosophy.  Chris is not only very driven (Mars/action conjunct Sun), but he also loves baseball (Mars ruled) and is the great-great grandson of Baseball Hall of Famer, Sam Thompson (Sun along with Saturn can indicate males in the natal chart-and Sun rules Fame).
  Also of note is Sun (creativity, spirit) quintile (spiritual gifts) Venus ruled Chiron (wounded healer, herbalist and philosopher) which indicates generosity of heart and a willingness to help and inspire others via the arts. 
Thank you, Chris for your beautiful song in Elks Park.
Elen síla lúmenn’ omentielvo.

cosmic omphalomancy

The spider web relates to the creation of the web of life; the interconnectedness and inter-dependence of all things.

Plato had a dream of great goddess Ananke, “Necessity,” spinning the universe; the sun, moon, and planets were her spindle’s whorls; sirens sang through the webs of time and fate that she wove, and souls endlessly moved through the strands on their way to and from death and rebirth.

The Axis Mundi, or The Lesser Heavenly Cycle, and Axis Coeli, or The Microcosmic Orbit, are ubiquitous symbols that represent cycles of energy of rebirth and restoration and that cross diverse human cultures.  They have also been referred to as the cosmic axis, world axis, world pillar, columna cerului, and center of the world.

I made a joke about my navel being my 4th eye once, then I read this today…

Communication from lower realms may ascend to higher ones and blessings from higher realms may descend to lower ones and be disseminated to all. The spot functions as the omphalos, or navel: the world’s point of beginning. This is the point where we find our anchor point in this incarnation, our cord that attaches us with all manifestations of life. *

The navel of the universe being the macro and the personal navel being the micro.
The navel is the lotus of the body.
The navel is ruled by Venus.
Venus rules Love.

If you think it’s getting too serious in here, try some of this on for size.  hee
Omphalomancy is the art of fortune telling by navel gazing~>

1) The Horizontal Navel. This belly button is oblong in shape and spreads
sideways across the tummy. People with horizontal navels are complex and highly
emotional. This can take a toll on their health.

2) The Vertical Navel. Also oblong, this belly button stands on end, running
up and down along the tummy. It indicates a person who is self-confident,
generous, and emotionally stable.

3) The Outty. A belly button that protrudes outward indicates an optimistic
person who approaches life with enthusiasm.

Dreaming of your own belly button is traditionally associated with starting
up a new venture with possible long-term benefits, and dreaming of someone else’s navel denotes a new love affair.

The second form of omphalomancy is based on the umbilical cord. A Jamaican
old wife’s tale holds that the number of knots in the umbilical cord of a
newborn baby shows how many more brothers or sisters are yet to come. It is
 interesting that this one has been verified and it seems to be accurate.  **

*http://www.areveda.com/category/axis-mundi/

** more navel gazing here : http://www.serenapowers.com/unusual.html

whispering


Some of the energies are a bit edgy lately, with squares and oppositions above us, so I’m going to concentrate on the good energies.  These are some tips on how people react to stress and how best to handle it.
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When dealing with fire element people (Aries, Leo, Sag) it is helpful to remember they can be quick to defend their position.  They are action-oriented and will fight if pressed.  Listen, and show them you are on the same team.

Earth people (Toro, Virgo, Cap) are ‘hands on’ and like to keep some measure of control.  So listen, and give them the tools they need to work it out for themselves.

Air people (Gems, Libras, Aquas) need to be heard, so listen, ask them to explain, reassure them you heard, understand their point, and will continue to listen if they need to talk.

Water people (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) need to know you care, that their feelings are safe with you.  They are good readers, so don’t try to hide anything, speak gently and be compassionate.

namaste~
gneissmoonastrology.net