New Moon in Gemini & Solar Eclipse...May 20, 2012...

("Gemini" by Hellobaby on Deviant Art)

The next New Moon is Sunday, May 20th, and this one is heavily charged because of the accompanying Eclipse.  New Moons are a time to start fresh and initiate new beginnings, to set new goals.  However, there is a bit of conflicting energy this time.  On the one hand, there is a lot of heightened powerful energy from the influence of the eclipse, and that energy gives the impression of it being a good time to set some new plans in motion, and plant some seeds.  That's not necessarily the case though.  There are actually some negative influences that are surrounding us, and a good bit of the time will be spent separating the wheat from the chaff/the lies from the truth.  The general atmosphere through this lunation is prime for disagreements of all intensities.  Gemini is an intellectual sign, so energy of the mind is high.  It could spark some new ideas, but it's best to wait until the eclipses influence wanes more towards the end of the month.

There is quite a lot happening with the planets this lunation.  A Piscean Neptune is square the New Moon.  It might promote the positive (goodwill), but it's more likely to push lies (from 'white' to full blown) to the forefront, which will fuel any fires already present.  Anxiety, deception, and confusion are all things you might feel.  Your mind could become a jumbled mess fostering a sense of hopelessness.  Prepare yourself for possible tears of anxiety and/or sorrow. When dealing with a difficult situation, it's best to have all facts clear on both sides before moving forward.  Neptune has the ability to create believable illusion(s).  It is important to understand the differences between fantasy, and reality.  Find a way to bring harmony in to bring some clarity to your mind. Healing can happen, empathy and compassion the necessary ingredients to move forward and start anew.  Accessing your spiritual self will assist things. Understand the spiritual before understanding the intellectual or logical in a situation.

During the eclipse in Gemini, Venus has been retrograde in Gemini.  It's very likely that old/past ideas and issues are going to surface.  Be prepared to deal with them.  You will be able to see some things in a different light, so be prepared for some realizations and even some negativity/sadness. This is the time to analyze your relationships, and do a house cleaning.  Keep those relationships that have value to you, and break off the ones that fall under the superficial.  The retrograde energy can be helpful in resolving things that really need to be resolved.

Venus in Gemini is trine Saturn in Libra retrograde.  This throws some positive energy into the mix, focusing on love relationships and the creative.  Things of a romantic nature can have some strength to pull from.  Existing friendships are in a position to mature and take things to the next level. Commitments or projects you have been working on will become a bit more tangible, but be sure to take things one small step at a time.  There is the potential for old connections to be renewed on both a personal and a business level.  You might also get some much needed assistance from someone with clout.  But over all don't push things.  Take it slow and easy.

Mercury conjoins Jupiter in Taurus, forms an awkward inconjunct with Saturn in Libra, and is semi-sextile Venus in Gemini retrograde.  Communication is not strong during this lunation.  No one is really acting supportive, or open to discussions.  Funds are a prominent subject with people these days.  Jupiter says we should take some risks, and put our money out there.  Agree only to what you feel comfortable with and can deliver on.  The presence of Saturn trine Venus says "proceed with caution".  Compromising might be the best thing, but Mercury and Jupiter don't want any part of it.  Brace yourself because you may have to have some unpleasant conversations.  Try not to be too stubborn.  Really listen to what is being said, and then make decisions.

As with the Full Moon in Scorpio on May 5th, this lunar cycle has a Grand Kite in the mix.  The players are Mars in Virgo, Pluto in Capricorn and opposing Mars, Vesta in Taurus, and Chiron in Pisces.  The resulting energies can offer up the ability to finally learn the pain source of old issues we have been harboring.  This presents the possibility of starting the much needed healing process to overcome and release the issue(s).

Uranus in Aries is squaring Pluto in Capricorn, is inconjunct Mars in Virgo, and is the apex of a mini-triangle between Vesta in Taurus and Chiron in Pisces.No matter how irritating you find things, putting issues on the back burner is out of the question.  Things must be dealt with no matter the level of difficulty.

As mentioned before, there are some negative energies around during the solar eclipses influence.  Hold onto any ideas or new projects you have, as this is not a healthy time to begin anything new.  The energies of an eclipse can show those things that lie under the surface of our lives.  This eclipse could amplify those exposed issues, so lay a positive foundation by making an effort to be extra kind to others, and most importantly be kind to yourself.  Energies are all over the place, and will remain so until about a week after the Full Moon when the eclipse energies wane.

May Musings...

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown

It has been awhile since I last wrote about life in general.  Shared personal current events, or thoughts on a particular subject. I decided to change that.

Life here on the marsh is pretty mellow these days.  Now that Spring has been around for several weeks, the temperatures are much warmer, and the humidity is much thicker.  I have been in need of a walk, but over the last couple of weeks my Rheumatoid Arthritis has been attacking my knees, especially my right one.  I visited the doctor this past Wednesday, and he upped my meds.  Today my knee feels considerably better, but still 'off' enough that I'm treating it gently.  Now it's primarily my hands and wrists. They bother me just enough to be annoying.  It has been months (and months) since I was able to do any kind of drawing. My children's book is collecting dust bunnies. Typing has been proving to be doable, so the novel I have been simmering on can now start to pour out onto the page.  If I didn't engage in some form of creative productivity, I would probably wither up and blow away.  I keep hoping that my RA will decide to go into remission.  Knocking wood.

(Photos:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Saturday morning I ventured out for a coffee, and on the way home I swung past the vegetable stand.  It was fully stocked as I knew it would be.  It's again the time of year when fruit and veggies are plentiful.  The fresh from the farm produce they have at 'Davis' is so preferable to the shipped produce the grocer has.  Tomatoes blasted with gas so they will turn a brilliant red giving the illusion of ripeness, etc.  Does 'Davis' have the selection that Kroger's has? No, but during certain times of the year, my produce buying is predicated on quality and not quantity.  When I left 'Davis', I had a couple of Granny Smith apples, two lemons, a bag of green beans, and a bag of tiny red potatoes.  I love to saute green beans in olive oil, chopped garlic, and pulpy fresh lemon juice.  The potatoes I'll probably roast with olive oil, onions, and garlic.  I'll add some paprika, and salt/pepper, per usual.  I'm making myself hungry...

(Sisyphus)

I have had so much on my mind these days.  Some of it serious, some of it simple.  I am about three months away from aging another year.  Feeling my age is not something I have had experience with.  Not on a mental/emotional level.  Physically is another story.  Some days I feel fine, but others? Those days I feel like an eighty year old woman.  It is so frustrating at times when I have something I want to do, but my body won't allow me to do it.  Creatively, I have had to put a lot on the back burner.  My hands, and the use thereof, are so important to me.  Drawing, painting, sewing...I am an artist that expresses herself in so many ways.  Thankfully, I have the outlet of photography.  It has kept me sane.  Over the past few days I have been lamenting the fact that too much time has passed where I wasn't able to create much of anything.  I have projects to start.  Ideas that show great promise. Writing my book.  Working on this blog has helped motivate me to do that.  So much of the story is already formed in my mind.

I have felt like Sisyphus, rolling the ball up the hill just to have it roll back down. Actually, I wouldn't get the ball all the way up every time before I had to jump out of the way.  I am just going to ignore the ball, and I think in time it will disappear.  Starting my book is the first step.

Knocking wood...

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Lights! Camera! FIRE!...Plus, A Mistress, A Soul, & A Potion...

(Buster Keaton, with camera)

Recently, I developed an interest in films from the silent era.  It began with a Louise Brooks movie I happened upon while looking through the streaming selections Netflix has to offer.  "Diary of a Lost Girl" was the catalyst film for my new fixation, followed closely by the most current restoration of "Metropolis".  Both are great, and I highly recommend them.  (If you want to see more on those, I have a couple of posts in the 'Silent Film' section under 'Labels' in the right hand side-bar.)

(Mary Pickford, with camera ~
c. 1916)

Surprisingly, the film quality of both is quite good.  Metropolis does have some obvious worn sections that were added after the only known original print was discovered in Argentina.  A few sections of the newly discovered original could not be restored due to extreme decomposition.  That made me wonder just how many of the old films from the late 1800's to early 1900's still exist in a viewable form?  I was shocked to find that the estimation is that less than 20% of films produced during that time have survived.

I was moved to learn more about the actual film stock used in those days. Over the years I have heard a word used when talking about film.  That word is "celluloid".  In a way, I think it is used as more of a slang term for film these days since actual celluloid hasn't been used in many years.  Also called "nitrate" film, it was cellulose nitrate based, and highly flammable.  Projection rooms were required to be flame proof, so asbestos was used in wall coverings.  Talk about a double-whammy for projectionists, and I doubt they were issued hazard pay, either.  Hot projector bulbs were a major threat.  The slower the film speed, the greater the risk of it catching on fire.

    

(Decomposing nitrate film reels)

In 1948, the introduction of a safer product (cellulose triacetate) by Eastman-Kodak, quickly replaced the more flammable film.  By 1950, the nitrate based stock was discontinued.

One site I visited said that a burning reel of nitrate film could be submerged in water, and not get extinguished. Over time cellulose nitrate decomposes, giving off nitric acid which adds to its rate of decomposition.  It eventually turns into a highly flammable powder or a gooey substance.  Needless to say, this makes it extremely difficult for restorers.  Having to 'handle the stock with kid gloves', is an understatement.  I wouldn't be surprised if some restorers need to wear Haz-mat suits.

(Keystone Cops)

Another cause of film degradation is film speed.  There was a loose standard of 16 fps (frames-per-second), and camera men insisted they stuck to that speed, but most films would end up being shot at a faster rate.  Truth be told, most films were shot from 12 to 26 fps.  That's quite a wide window.  Most theater owners didn't pay much attention to film speed, even though all films were accompanied by a cue sheet that might give speed change instruction for certain points in a film. Depending on how popular a movie was, theater owners would want a film to be shown in a shorter time frame, so they could get more butts in the seats. Most silent films weren't shown at the intended shooting speed, so the action would seem rather manic (something I think many people today associate with silent films).  However, there were times a faster pace was used on purpose, comedies mostly (ex: Keystone Cops).



(Slapstick scenes are prime examples of the faster film speeds, these being intentional.)
The cue sheets were also a guide for music cues.  Early theaters played film music live, and most had a piano.  Some of the bigger theaters had organs, and others had orchestras.  The cue sheets would indicate special moods or events in the film that required specific types of music.  Music was either purely improvisational, or repertory.  (The first score composed specifically for a film wasn't until, 1915's, "Birth of a Nation".)  Music selections used could also dictate film speed.
All contributing reasons as to why so many silent films are gone, never to be seen again.  How sad.  Even the best copies we have now aren't perfect.  At one time they were all much cleaner and clearer.  I'm just happy to be able to see the ones I can.  There is something very special about them.  Something that modern movies could never capture, and I hope no one ever tries.   

What follows are three more films I have added to my 'watched' list.  All classic, and all recommended.

I was really looking forward to seeing "Pandora's Box" (1929), a film that Louise Brooks is most known for.  Like "Diary of a Lost Girl", it was directed by Austrian, Georg Wilhelm Pabst, and filmed in Germany.  Apparently, the film wasn't really well received, taking some time to gain some speed.  It would eventually gain Brooks fame.

("Lulu" ~ Louise Brooks)

"Pandora's Box" is a heavy drama, and I think it really showed what acting chops Brookes' had.  In the film, Brooks plays 'Lulu', the mistress of Dr. Ludwig Schon (Fritz Kortner). Schon is a wealthy, and respected newspaper publisher.  The film opens with her being visited by a man she describes as her "first patron", Schigolch (Carl Goetz).  Schon arrives, and breaks the news that he is going to be marrying another young woman, Charlotte von Zarnikow (Daisy D'Ora). An argument ensues, Lulu trying to get him to change his mind.  Schon finding Schigolch hiding out on the terrace doesn't help.  Enraged, Schon leaves.

(Alwa confesses his love to Lulu)

As you can see, it's drama from the start.  We meet Lulu's best friend, Alwa (Francis Lederer), who also happens to be Schon's son, and who is secretly in love with Lulu.  In an attempt to focus her attention elsewhere, Schon gets Alwa to cast Lulu in the musical revue he is putting together.  All seems well until Schon shows up with his fiance on opening night.  Needless to say, Lulu has a fit, and refuses to go on.  Schon tries to talk some sense into her, and she throws a tantrum.  While the two of them are in a loving embrace, Charlotte walks in and the marriage is off.  Schon resigns himself to marrying Lulu.

(A struggle...)

In the remainder of the movie there is plenty of scandal, and nefarious goings on.  Black mail, gambling, prostitution, and a self loathing 'Jack-the-Ripper' type is lurking in the shadows.  A gun, a struggle, and a murder.  Believe me, you won't have time to get bored with this one.  There's plenty of tragedy to go around.  Brooks plays the "innocent" shady lady perfectly.  One moment she's charming and adorable, the next she's manipulating.  Brooks is stunning, and Lederer as Alwa is a nice bit of eye candy.  "Pandora's Box" is a must see for all lovers of film.    

"Pandora's Box" is not one of Netflix's streamers.  I had to wait patiently until it arrived in the mail.  However, the second film of my watched trio is currently streaming on Netflix.  It's based on a well known tale of good and evil, "Faust".

(The archangel & Mephisto)

This is not only a must see for film lovers, those of the artistic mind should definitely see this one.  Very stylized in many respects, Mephisto's garb being one of the most stylized elements. "Faust" (1926), was directed by F. W. Murnau, and filmed in Germany.

As I mentioned, many people know this tale. An Arch-angel and Mephisto (a demon) enter into a bet with one another.  If Mephisto can completely corrupt a devout/righteous man's soul, the Devil will have dominion over Earth.

(Faust (Gosta Ekman), and some villagers)

Faust is an alchemist.  The Devil rains a plague down on the village where he lives, and the villagers cry for help.  Faust prays for the sickness and death to stop, but to no avail.  Feeling hopeless, he strikes a 24-hour long bargain with the Devil during which he will have immense power and the services of Mephisto, but as soon as the sand runs from the hourglass the Devil's pact will end.  Faust uses his new power to help the suffering villagers, but they soon shun him because he can't look upon crosses.

("Mephisto" ~ Emil Jannings, young "Faust",
and "Gretchen" ~ Camilla Horn )

The Devil tempts Faust again, offering him his youth back, as well as earthly pleasures that include his own kingdom. The price?  Faust's soul. The new life loses it's charm, and young Faust returns to his home.  There he falls in love with the beautiful and innocent, Gretchen.

In the remainder of the story there is debauchery, love, and murder.  The ending is bittersweet, but the basic message is 'love trumps all'.  If you are not familiar with the tale of "Faust", I recommend you check this film version out.  If you do know the tale of "Faust", but haven't seen this movie...see it.

The third film is based on the extremely well know Robert Louis Stevenson story, 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. 

This particular story has seen many film versions, all with slight tweaks to the over all plot line.  In this version, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1920), Jekyll believes everyone has two sides or personalities.  A kind man by nature, he ends up creating a potion that splits his personalities into his good and evil halves.  

(John Barrymore...quite the transformation, huh?)

Jekyll  is portrayed by a member of the Barrymore family acting dynasty, John (Drew Barrymore's grandfather).  Not only is Barrymore extremely good looking, his ability to contort himself into the evil and hideous Jekyll is truly amazing.  In some of the background I read I learned that the beginning section of the first transformation of Hyde into Jekyll was done sans make-up.  Impressive, indeed.
If you have seen more than one of the productions of this story line over the years, and decide to gloss over this as just another Jekyll and Hyde movie, DON'T.  I can safely say that this is the main Jekyll and Hyde film that has really creeped me out.  Barrymore is brilliant.

I'm ending this post with a couple of clips I found on YouTube of a rare interview with Louise Brooks.  

"Midnight In The Garden Of Good & Evil"...Small World, Small Savannah...

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Savannah, Georgia.  Quaint, historical, and southern.  It can also be described as 'enchanting', but in a moody mystical sense.  At the end of November I will have lived here 4 years.  Doesn't feel like it has been that long.  At all.

I had visited Savannah a few times when I was a kid.  Family vacations.  I also visited the town's famous 'River Street', when I attended college in Statesboro. If you didn't want to party on the Georgia Southern campus, Savannah was the 'go-to' place.

I have a few Savannah based memories from those past visits.  However, after 1997, when/if Savannah came up in conversation, the immediate reference point most people threw out was a movie, "Midnight In The Garden of Good & Evil".  Based on the book of the same name (penned by John Berendt), the movie showed viewers a different side to the one usually seen by tourists.  Based around an actual murder trial from the early-1980's, it would show a quirky world inhabited by a cast of characters who were/are indeed "characters".

My boyfriend grew up here. In Savannah.  One night we were channel surfing, and we came across an airing of the film.  As I remember, Glenn hadn't seen it in it's entirety, so we tuned in.  The first thing I would learn was that "Midnight In The Garden of Good & Evil" the movie, is referred to as 'the movie' among Savannah's citizens.  Same goes for 'the book'.  I had seen the movie a few times since it's release, but with Glenn's familiarity with a number of the characters, it was like watching it for the first time.

A tidbit regarding the statue that has become a recognizable symbol for the film.  Owned by the Trosdale family, the "Bird Girl" could be found in the historic and beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery.  As a regular cemetery photographer, I have visited the Bonaventure many times.  Unfortunately, the "Bird Girl" (named "Little Wendy" by the family) was removed not long after release of the film.  Traffic to the statue's site increased (I have heard that there was fear of statue theft), so the family moved her out.  'She' can now be publicly viewed at the 'Academy of Arts & Sciences' here in Savannah.

("Jim Williams"~ Kevin Spacey; "Billy Hanson" ~ Jude Law)

The Clint Eastwood directed film is more than worth the watch.  Especially with the knowledge that the cast are based on actual people.  In some cases, the actual people are playing themselves.  As I already mentioned, the movie is based on the murder trial (actually there were 4 trials in total) of Jim Williams, a well to do antiques dealer and historical benefactor.  He restored a number of buildings in Savannah, including the Mercer House where he lived up until his death.  The murder at the core of the film was the shooting death of Billy Hanson (the name of the real victim was Danny Hansford).  Williams had pulled the trigger.

(Left:  Jim Williams; Right:  Kevin Spacey)

Kevin Spacey plays the charming and slightly sinister, Jim Williams.  Spacey plays Williams with an air of "I know something you don't know".  The type of person one believes, but there is always a tiny question mark attached.

(Left:  Jude Law; Right:  Danny Hansford)

Jude Law plays the victim, Billy Hanson (the name used in the film).  Law portrays a young man who is definitely from the wrong side of the tracks, and wields a nasty temper.  The key character who acts as the 'thread' of the film is John Kelso, a writer portrayed by John Cusack.  I have not read the book yet (it's on my list), but I am assuming that Kelso is the reflection of Berendt, the book's author.

(Emma Kelly)

Williams has a holiday party every year that is the talk of Savannah.  'Town & Country Magazine' had wanted to cover the affair for years.  Williams finally gives in, but with a catch.  He gets to pick the articles writer.  Enter virtually unknown author, John Kelso...his book hardly sold, but Williams had read it. The party is Kelso's introduction to the world of Savannah, but post party as he is getting ready to leave, the unplanned murder happens.  Deciding to stick around for awhile to work on a book about the case, Kelso embarks on a pseudo-odyssey that unfolds into a writer's dream.

(Chablis Deveau)

This is where the ensemble starts to present its many parts.  I would learn that the older woman playing the piano at Williams holiday soiree is Emma Kelly, 'Lady of 6,000 Songs'.  The Emma in the film is the real McCoy.  Playing Jim's holiday party is something she did every year.  Emma received her nickname from Savannah son, Johnny Mercer.  Mercer challenged her to play any song he named...and she did.  He estimated she probably knew 6,000 songs just from memory.  Ms. Kelly passed away in 2001.

Chablis Deveau, a.k.a. the Lady Chablis, is also the real deal.  By far my favorite character of the film, she steals every scene she is in.  Glenn (my boyfriend) had run sound/lights for her a number of times when he was a teenager.  Chablis still performs here in town.  I need to keep an eye out for her future shows.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a big fan of drag queens.  Chablis helped pave the way for the queens of today.  I look forward to one day checking out her show.

(Sonny Seiler & Uga)

Character actor, Jack Thompson, plays Savannah lawyer, Sonny Seiler. Sonny was actually Jim Williams' second attorney, working the case through trials 2, 3, and 4.  Interestingly enough, the real Sonny Seiler is in the movie as 'Judge White'. Wonder what that was like for Thompson, having the man he's portraying sitting on the other side of the room?  The Seiler of the film owns 'Uga' (pronounced 'Uh-guh'), the University of Georgia mascot.  In fact, Seiler owns the line of White English Bulldogs that have served as UGA's mascot since 1956.

Other characters...the Voo Doo woman, the "invisible dog" walker...all real people.  Watching 'the movie' again gave me a new appreciation for the eccentric town I live in.  Actually, there is a specific reason for my writing this post...a newspaper article Glenn pointed out to me.

(Dr. Metts)

As one of many American citizens that don't have the luxury of medical benefits, but who require check-ups and medications, I am thankful to have a medical clinic available to me.  I personally have a few conditions that I need medications for, but one of my conditions requires meds...if I don't take meds, I could die.  It almost claimed me once already.  Anyway, since moving to Savannah, I have been seeing my doctor for about 4 years now.  At 80 years old, I have best described Dr. Metts as being an "old country doctor".  Very laid back, but that works for me.  He listens to what I tell him in regards to how I have been since my last check-up.  That's huge.  I don't feel like I'm being glossed over.  I have no complaints about the care I have gotten from him, not even about the jokes he tells.  Here's an example:

A man answers his phone, and it's his doctor.  The doctor says, "Your test results are back.  I've got some bad news, and I've got some terrible news." The man says, "Okay, doc, give me the bad news first."  The doctor says, "You've only got 24 hours to live."  The man is stunned.  After a moment he asks, "And the terrible news?"  The doc says, "I forgot to call you yesterday."

Hot-cha!  "He'll be here all week, people!  Try the veal."  I dig old jokes, so it's okay...

Savannah is a well known town, but in the grand scheme it is rather small. There are days where something happens that reminds me of just how small. Enter the newspaper article.  I sit down next to Glenn on the sofa and he pokes his finger at the newspaper page in his hand.  Something about Dr. Metts.  It turns out that for the last 40 years, Dr. Metts has been the Chatham County coroner.  This year he is planning to run for re-election to the post.  Another 4 years.  He says he's in great health, and doesn't plan on going 'anywhere' any time soon.  (Actually, I was shocked when I found out he was 80.)  Now for his connection with the story in 'the book/movie'.  He was the coroner on the Williams trial.  According to the newspaper article, it was Dr. Metts who concluded that Williams shot Hansford out of anger, and then tried to make it look like self-defense.  (The online version of the article can be found here.) What are the odds?  I'm going to be paying him a visit in a couple of days. Maybe I'll ask him about it.  Interesting stuff...

As for the actual case, Jim Williams is the only person in Georgia history to be tried 4 times for the same crime.  As portrayed in the movie, in 1981 Williams shot Hansford in his home, Mercer House.  He was convicted a couple of times, but appeals were made; contradictory evidence got sentences over-turned, and new trial dates; a hung jury caused a mistrial in trial three; and in the fourth and final trial in Augusta, Georgia, 1989, the jury came back after one hour with 'not guilty'.  At the end of 'the movie', Williams has a heart attack and falls dead next to the spot where Hanson dies.  In reality?  It is true that Williams died six months after his 'not guilty' verdict.  He is said to have died from pneumonia and heart failure at the age of 59.  Some say he fell dead in his study in the exact spot he would have died if Hansford had shot him first.  The record says that he did die at home, but in the hallway outside of the study. Well, wherever Jim Williams died, it's a fascinating story.

"Midnight In The Garden of Good & Evil".  'The movie'.  Whatever you choose to call it, if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.  The flavor of Savannah is in there.  The people of Savannah are in there.  It's a fascinating case.

What's That In The Sky?! It's A Bird! It's A Plane! It's...May 2012's Super Moon...

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Tonight's Super/Perigee Moon was beautiful, as all full moons are.  Our local newspaper said that Moon Rise was going to be at 7:59 PM.  Prepped and ready, Glenn and I walked down to the end of the drive to the cul de sac.  The tide was very high, as you can see from the photo above.  The pilings on the dock remains were consumed by the marshy waters, more so than usual.

On the far horizon, more towards the southern end of Tybee, I could see a bright raspberry colored "burning" on the horizon line.  I guessed that was the moon starting to ascend, so I situated the tripod to catch the glowing orb as it came up.  After a couple of minutes the light fizzled out.  Huh...maybe that wasn't the moon, after all.  By then the mosquitos had discovered our presence, and the annoying swatting began.

Before going on a search for the Moon, I gave one final squint in the direction of the earlier "burning" light.  It was then that I caught a ghostly shape lurking behind some blue-grey cloud cover that was hanging low in the sky.  The Moon was there, but veiled.

(Photo elements:  Lisa Erin Brown)

The pictures above show a bit of the gradual unveiling that took place as the Moon continued to rise.  The picture below shows it in all its glory.  Pure magic.  To the naked eye, it appeared much larger.  It's distorted mirror image on the surface of the high water added to the magical vibe.

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Some people seem to think that 'Super' Moons are uncommon, but the opposite is true.  I've read some on the subject, and several articles/entries I read said that they happen multiple times a year, but not all of them coincide with Full Moons. I think if you can believe anybody on this subject, it would be NASA.  Here is a link to a NASA site.  There is a short video that covers things.

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

"Moonlight"

by:  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

As a pale phantom with a lamp

Ascends some ruin's haunted stair,

So glides the moon along the damp

Mysterious chambers of the air.

Now hidden in cloud, and now revealed,

As if this phantom, full of pain,

Were by the crumbling walls concealed,

And at the windows seen again.

Until at last, serene and proud

In all the splendor of her light

She walks the terraces of cloud,

Supreme as Empress of the night.

I look, but recognize no more

Objects familiar to my view;

The very pathway to my door

Is an enchanted avenue.

All things are changed.  One mass of shade,

the elm-trees drop their curtains down;

by palace, park, and colonnade

I walk as in a foreign town.

The very ground beneath my feet

Is clothed with a diviner air;

While marble paves the silent street

And glimmers in the empty square.

Illusion!  Underneath their lies

The common life of every day;

Only the spirit glorifies

With its own tints the sober gray.

In vain we look, in vain uplift

Our eyes to heaven, if we are blind;

We see but what we have the gift

Of seeing; what we bring we find.

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

"They dined on mince, and slices of quince,

Which they ate with a runcible spoon;

And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,

They danced by the light of the Moon,

The moon,

The moon,

They danced by the light of the moon."

~ Edward Lear  c. 1871, "The Owl & The Pussycat"

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Happy Beltane...2012...

Wishing everyone a happy May Day, and Blessed Beltane (I was a few hours late this year...my arthritis has slowed me down a bit).

There are some really great photos below.  I am a photographer, but none of these are mine.  I included the credits for each one in the captions, several with links.

I have never had the pleasure of attending a full blown Beltane celebration like the ones held in the UK.  One day I hope to change that, and take some photos of my own.  

A blessed May Day/Beltane to all.

Merry Meet!

("A Garland For May Day", c.1895;
Dedicated to the workers, by Walter Crane)

(Photo:  Debs
http://angiegoboom.com/2011/05/thoughts-on-beltanemay-day/)

(Photo:  Steven McKenna
Beltane Fire Festival)

(Photo:  ~fizz112
Beltane Fire Festival)

(Photo: Danny Williams)

(Photo:  Unknown
Green Man)

Full Moon in Scorpio...May 5, 2012...

May's Full Moon in Scorpio will peak at 11:36 PM/EST, on May 5th..  This Moon will play to emotional expression. Whether on high or low levels, the energies of the moon have great effect on emotional tides. When dealing with relationships of an intimate nature, there can be great difficulty in opening up. Draw on the abundance of energy to move past any trepidation you might feel because the time is ripe for expressing those intimate feelings.  Actually, intense emotions will be present on all relationship levels.  If you have deep feelings/issues that you have been harboring, get them out in the open so you can release any emotional 'garbage' that might be weighing you down.  Now is the time for release, so you can restart things on a fresh emotional level.  Also, any motivational issues you may have had over the last week or two will be dissipating, as the opposition between Neptune and Mars is gradually ending. Enjoy the abundance of energy around you.

Trust in the one person who matters most...yourself.  You might find that difficult, obsessive thoughts pulling you one way-then the other.  All that does is cause unnecessary confusion.  Try to look at the big picture, so you can approach things with a clear head.  This is a positive and fertile time to heal, so don't over-think things.

Mars in Virgo is in opposition to Neptune and Chiron in Pisces.  Tread carefully when offering emotional help to others as the person you are trying to help might get on the defensive.  Mercury in Aries is opposing Saturn in Libra exact. You might feel pushed into action in relation to partnerships.  Communication and honesty are issues you might see surfacing on all relationship levels. Differences of opinion and/or difficulties might arise.  They should be addressed and resolved before moving forward.  Why heap more baggage on other stuffed away issues that are in need of release?  Sensitivity is key.

Mars and Pluto are part of an earth sign Trine.  This reinforces the positive in tough situations, and gives one the ability to come out unscathed.  Pluto is in a Grand Trine with Ceres in Taurus, and Mars in Virgo. There is plenty of calming energy around to help navigate through this cycles' emotional high.  This lunation provides a grounding atmosphere that advises us to be compassionate with others.

Also, a Piscean Chiron is in opposition to Mars in Virgo, which is Sextile Pluto and Ceres making a Grand Kite.  (Think a Trine on steroids.)  A perfect time to look inwardly to take a good look at how we see ourselves.  Pluto motivates us to travel as deep as we can in revealing ignored issues that need to be tossed out.  Let Ceres help guide you past any frustrating bumps in the proverbial road.  Things need to heal...you need to heal.  Don't judge yourself, or be unforgiving.  Mars in Virgo is also inconjunct Uranus in Aries which can generate impatience.  Slow down, and take a deep breath.  Being judgemental will just be counter-productive.

The positive atmosphere that is prevalent during this Full Moon is ideal for dealing with any and all relationships issues.  Take advantage of it.

• Full Flower Moon ~ In most areas, flowers are abundant during this time.  Thus the name of this Moon.  Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon.