New Moon In Cancer...July 19, 2012...

( http://hellobaby.deviantart.com/)

July 19, 2012’s New Moon is in the sign of Cancer, and hits its peak at 12:25 AM/EST. During New Moons emotional veils are thinned, so there is a sense of clarity that surrounds the energies present.  Cancer is a water sign rife with feminine energy. Cancer signifies the Mother, the nurturer. This Moon is about our feminine energy, and delving into the ‘mother’ within each of us. Getting in tune with our empathic abilities, and being able to not only empathize with the emotions of others, but to empathize with ourselves, too. New Moons encourage us to look inwardly, to self-nurture, and to grow.

There is some interesting stuff going on with planetary positions this cycle. The New Moon will be making a waning aspect to Saturn in Libra. Try to maintain a balance between helping and nurturing others, while helping and nurturing yourself. The emotion card is going to be very prominent, so it’s important that you maintain a balanced maturity and fairness in all of your dealings. Intellectual Libra is all about fairness and justice. Cancer, on the other hand, is highly emotional, and is very skilled at spreading it around. Rather than dealing with issues from one position or the other, make an effort to utilize both the heart and mind in your approach. This is key as others may be coming from a place of insecurity.

Uranus and Mercury are both in retrograde motion, and in aspect to one another. If tensions get high (and they usually do, don’t they?), don’t hesitate to inject some playfulness into the mix. Also, don’t be afraid to fully express yourself. It might create some new avenues for you that you didn’t know were possible. A little spontaneity every now and again never hurt anything…well, not much. *grin*

Peaked Libran Mars will be forming an exact T-Square aspect to Uranus in Aries, Square Pluto in Capricorn. Be strong and courageous in your dealings. Make every effort to keep the peace. The Mars Square Pluto dynamic could generate some power struggles. There is a lot of good energy to help you get things done, but if advantage isn’t taken now, there is the possibility of some oppression. Uranus and Mars will be in opposition, so expect the unexpected. That’s for good or bad…it could go either way. Taking some initiative, and not allowing energy to go unused, will keep it from veering to the negative. Basically, now is a time to be proactive.

There is a Cradle Pattern with opposing Uranus and Mars acting as the base.  The top of the Cradle is comprised of Mercury in Leo Sextile Jupiter in Gemini, connected by Trines and Sextiles to Uranus and Mars. Excitement is definitely in the air. The times of New Moons are times for new beginnings, and these planetary players are about innovative projects and ideas. Turn up the volume and enjoy!

(Artist:  David Palladini)

BUT, it doesn’t end there. There is a Yod in the mix, too. The top of the Cradle (Jupiter sextile Mercury) is acting as the base, and Pluto in Capricorn is at the apex of the Yod. Things could start moving quicker than you would like, or can handle. When things seem stalled or feel like they are just turning in circles, some decide to push harder hoping to get things back on track and completed.  That is the last thing you want to do. There is potential for some new and exciting things, so this is another place where a balance of intellect and of emotions will help. Pay close attention, and listen to what is being said. Will the proposals and plans work for you? You are the only one who can be the judge. Focus on the idea, and how it pertains to you and your mental framework. If the individual who came up with the initial idea is someone you don’t necessarily jive with, does that truly matter? A good idea is a good idea.  

The cycles of the Moon have great effect on our moods, our emotional tides. During the Cancer New Moon, they will be a little closer to the surface. Getting in touch with your feminine side, and focusing on family, hearth, and home, are prominent. It’s important to delve into the core of your family, and the core of yourself. Cancer the crab has a tendency to side-step some of the more difficult issues, but this is a really good time to explore some of those older and deeper emotion based issues.  Show them some love.  Allow them to heal. As mentioned before, Cancer is a water sign. Let some healing energy flow.

There is plenty of energy to be tapped. Plant those new seeds (ideas), and maybe re-energize some that have already germinated. Remember to utilize the head along with the heart. To nurture yourself while nurturing others. Balance is key.

The Ruby...

Since my birthday falls at the end of this month, I figured I would start off some new additions to my postings on crystals and gemstones with July’s birthstone, the Ruby. I think a lot of people automatically associate it with the glittering kicks Dorothy wears in ‘The Wizard of Oz’.  Baum made a good choice when he penned the book, as the Ruby is a very rare gem much like the rare footwear.

A variety of the mineral corundum (a.k.a. aluminum oxide), rubies are one of the hardest minerals on the planet. On the Mohs scale (1 thru 10, 10 being the hardest), they fall at 9, second in hardness to the diamond. In its pure form, corundum is colorless. It’s the presence of various elements like iron, chrome, and titanium that give the stone its color. Chromium (chrome) is the main element that gives the deep red color to the ruby (all other corundum colors are sapphires). Also, like the diamond, rubies are graded under the “4-C’s”:  color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

The name ‘ruby’ comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’ which means red. The relationship between rubies and sapphires has only been known since the beginning of the 19^th century. Before then, deep red spinels and garnets were also thought to be rubies. Some famous pieces of the British Crown Jewels (the ‘Timur Ruby’, and the ‘Black Ruby’) are in fact spinels. Personally, I have always gravitated towards garnets. They are kind of the ‘poor man’s’ ruby.

(Left: Timur Ruby; Right: Black Ruby)

It is extremely rare to find a ruby that has fine color and good clarity. Interestingly enough, chrome is the culprit. Over the millions of years it took for the stones to develop, chrome was not only giving the developing gems their color,  it was creating multitudes of cracks and fissures. To find a ruby more than 3 carats is not only rare, its price would surpass the cost of a diamond of the same size.  The ‘silk of the ruby’ is a term used for the shiny quality of many rubies. The ‘silk’ effect is caused by very fine needles of rutile within the stone. If a trained eye doesn’t find rutiles within a stone, chances are good that it has been treated and/or is fake.

Some examples of the high price tag on quality rubies, are some jewelry pieces sold at Christie’s auction house around September, of 2011. A number of pieces from Liz Taylor's jewelry collection were auctioned. The ruby and diamond ring pictured above, broke the price-per-carat record for rubies, at $512,925 per carat (the grand total was $4.2 million). The necklace pictured sold for $3.7 million.

(Ruby mine, Mong Hsu)

As I was reading up on this stone, some sources said that India was long thought to be the country of origin for the ruby. Most of the mining background I found centered on Myanmar (Burma). Burmese rubies are thought to be the top of the heap when it comes to high quality. In the 1990’s, a mine in the small town of Mong Hsu, in NE Myanmar, became a primary mining source for the red stones. Historically, rubies and sapphires have also been mined in Cambodia, India, and Thailand, to name a few. After the second world war, some deposits were found in Madagascar, Vietnam, and Nepal. The most recent reported deposits I found were in Kenya and Greenland.

Now for the aspects of stones that I find most interesting. The symbolism. The ruby is represented in the elements of fire and blood. Red. The color of love and passion. The ruby brings and fosters love, as well as bringing one courage and loyalty. It is a stone of nobility, bringing its owner strength and vitality. It encourages one to follow their bliss.

The ruby aids in the reduction of negativity, preserving both the mental and physical health of the wearer. It is worn as a talisman of protection.  When set in gold it is said to carry the masculine energies of the sun, and when set in silver it is said to carry the feminine energies of the moon. The ruby fosters a positive state of mind. It promotes mental clarity and positive dreams. It also aids in obtaining wealth and passion.

There are a number of old beliefs about the stone. In the middle ages, the ruby was thought to be a stone of prophecy. If the stone darkened, it was said to signal that danger was near. It was used in powder form in the 13^th century, to cure liver ailments. In the 15^th and 16^th centuries, it was thought to counteract poison. Rubbing a ruby on the skin was believed to restore a person’s vitality and youth. Rubies were believed to detoxify the system; treat fevers; cure ailments to the circulatory system; stimulate the kidneys, reproductive organs, and spleen.

(Left: Root Chakra; Right: Heart Chakra)

One use/association of the ruby that I was already familiar with, is its resonance to the ‘Base’ (1^st) and ‘Heart’ (4^th) Chakras. The ‘Base’ Chakra is located at the base of the spine, and is associated with the color red. It relates to the physical body, and is the Chakra that controls our grounding to the Earth. The ‘Heart’ Chakra is located at the center of the chest, and is associated with the color green. The “bridge” between the upper and lower Chakras, it is the love center. It deals with acceptance, compassion, and transformation. (To learn more about all of the Chakras, you can find other posts in the 'Chakra' section under 'Labels'.) 

Grave Interpretations: Classic Paintings & Poetry...

After visiting my favorite cemetery yesterday, I was moved to look up old/classic paintings that depict graveyards. I found quite a few, and picked out a collection of works that I like for various reasons.  Mood, shape, use of color...an artists eye reflects so much, whether it be literal, or more cerebral. As I am wont to do from time to time, I am posting some of these beautiful old works with works of a different form.  Paintings and poetry.  Enjoy.

("The Jewish Cemetery"; Artist:  Jacob von Ruisdael, c. 1655)

("The Cemetery in Gastein";  Artist:  Rudolph von Alt, c. 1898)

CEMETERIES

by Alessio Tummolillo

I kill time in cemeteries.

Sticky, humid cemeteries in the summer.

Golden, dead cemeteries in the fall.

Barren, watchful cemeteries in the winter.

Greeting the new dead in the spring.

When I have time to kill, I do it in mausoleums, sepulchers, graveyards.

I use, abuse, and muse over the refused, when I have time to kill.

To remind myself I'm alive.

To remind myself I'll die.

To remind myself to remember I'll be forgotten.

To remind myself I'll be

Reduced to ashes

Behind marble plaque

Underground.

Thrown in the sea,

Where I'll rest for eternity.

Just to remind myself I'm not alone.

That we're all headed to the Sunset Limited.

("Cloister Cemetery in The Snow"; Artist:  Caspar David Friedrich, c. 1817-19)

("The Cemetery Entrance"; Artist:  Caspar David Friedrich, c. 1825)

NOTHING BUT DEATH

by Pablo Neruda

There are cemeteries that are lonely,

graves full of bones that do not make a sound,

the heart moving through a tunnel,

in it darkness, darkness, darkness,

like a shipwreck we die going into ourselves,

as though we were drowning inside our hearts,

as though we lived falling out of the skin into the soul.

And there are corpses,

feet made of cold and sticky clay,

death is inside the bones,

like a barking where there are no dogs,

coming out from bells somewhere, from graves somewhere,

growing in the damp air like tears of rain.

Sometimes I see alone

coffins under sail,

embarking with the pale dead, with women that have dead hair,

with bakers who are as white as angels,

and pensive young girls married to notary publics,

caskets sailing up the vertical river of the dead,

the river of dark purple,

moving upstream with sails filled out by the sound of death,

filled by the sound of death which is silence.

Death arrives among all that sound

like a shoe with no foot in it, like a suit with no man in it,

comes and knocks, using a ring with no stone in it, with no

finger in it,

comes and shouts with no mouth, with no tongue, with no

throat.

Nevertheless its steps can be heard

and its clothing makes a hushed sound, like a tree.

I'm not sure, I understand only a little, I can hardly see,

but it seems to me that its singing has the color of damp violets,

of violets that are at home in the earth,

because the face of death is green,

and the look death gives is green,

with the penetrating dampness of a violet leaf

and the somber color of embittered winter.

But death also goes through the world dressed as a broom,

lapping the floor, looking for dead bodies,

death is inside the broom,

the broom is the tongue of death looking for corpses,

it is the needle of death looking for thread.

Death is inside the folding cots:

it spends its life sleeping on the slow mattresses,

in the black blankets, and suddenly breathes out:

it blows out a mournful sound that swells the sheets,

and the beds go sailing toward a port

where death is waiting, dressed like an admiral.

("Graveyard in The Tyrol 2";  Artist:  John Singer Sargent, c. 1914)

("The Ancient Cross and Round Tower at Clonmacnois";
Artist: William Henry Bartlett, c. 1841) 

("Lithuanian Graveyard"; Artist:  Mikalojus Ciurlionis, c. 1909)

CEMETERY STONES
by Raymond A. Foss


Tactile memories
in the cemetery stones
visual reflections of the times
the ages in which the country knew
imagery of hell, of heaven,
of lives as they were lived,
or of how they want to be remembered
tactile granite, marble, slate,
yielding in their turn to the rain,
the ice, the lichen, the moss,
the wind, the ages
Hear the whispers in the wind
the feel of the cemetery stones
rough, cool, smooth
places of remembrance
to be felt

("Nor'wester in The Cemetery";  Artist:  William A. Sutton, c. 1950)

("Quesada Cemetery";  Artist:  Rafael Zabaleta, c. ?)

("Arabs I (Cemetery)";  Artist:  Wassily Kandinsky, c. 1909)

Headstones & Heat...

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

The hot temperatures of Summer have kept me indoors most days. With heat indexes hovering in the vicinity of the upper-90's, to just around 100 degrees, staying in an air conditioned environment is much more preferable to the suffocating humidity of the southern coast. For a time, anyway.

Then a slight case of 'cabin fever' came to call. Stress has been getting the better of me over the last couple of weeks, it's presence being felt through some really horrible dreams that were plaguing what little sleep I had been getting. My tortured sleep kept me clinging to the preferred state of being awake, and that coupled with the heat wasn't making me a happy camper.  

It was also effecting my regular photography outings. My influx of new photos was slowed, and my head was far from feeling 'straight'. Photography has become my chief form of personal therapy. Whether I'm discovering a new place, or revisiting an old one, the creative and therapeutic values of photographing those things that move me to photograph them, are endless.

(Photos:  Lisa Erin Brown)

A regular haunt of mine is one of the oldest cemeteries in Savannah, the Laurel Grove. (I have posted about my visits there before.) I have visited there a bunch of times, and always see something new. Sometimes it's a new headstone, or statue that catches my eye. Other times it's something I have seen and photographed before that I am seeing in a different way. The main constant of the time I spend there is the sense of peace and calm that pervades the place. Through a kind of spiritual osmosis, I draw on that energy. There in that historical 'gateway' of sorts, the quiet, calm, and beauty, make it my favorite place to escape into myself.

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

I realize that some may think it macabre that I choose to walk among graves and mausoleums. If those people would do some Googling, they would learn that I don't stand alone.  Far from it.  Cemetery Photography is a huge interest, and there are many photographers that do it. My involvement in that niche of photography just started about 5 or so years ago. A trip to the Bonaventure Cemetery not long after I moved to Savannah started my interest. (I have also posted about some of my trips there.) Then I would find my way to the Catholic Cemetery, which has a much smaller old section (it's still in use today), but incredibly beautiful, too. Then I discovered Laurel Grove, and it has become my most visited place in Savannah.

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Yesterday, I was beyond ready for a trip into the heat to snap some pictures. The only way I was going to satisfy my antsy mind, was to brace myself, step out into the furnace, and head for some place quiet.  The first place that came to mind was the Laurel Grove Cemetery, but that is what usually happens. It's peaceful, gorgeous, and no one bugs you. There are times when there are a couple of groundskeepers about mowing and the like, but for the most part it would just be me and my camera. The time was more than ripe, so I readied myself. After stopping along the way for a frappe, I headed over to the cemetery.

(Photos:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Almost from the moment I pulled my car onto the grounds, I felt a sense of calm drape itself over me. Slowly turning onto one of the dirt drives, the first thing I noticed was a large tree that had fallen. A little work had been done to start the clearing process, but it was all there. The bulk of the trunk had fallen over a plot of graves, and although it looked to have knocked over some small headstones, the main damage was to the corner of an adjoining plots fence (above).

(Small frieze type sculpture on a headstone;
Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

(A corner piece to one of the numerous old wrought iron fences that fill the cemetery...
I love the varying grades of patina on most of them;
Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photos:  Lisa Erin Brown)

I made my way through the lower section of the cemetery as it is the part less traveled by me. I would explore an area on foot, and move my car...repeat as necessary. (I passed a homeless dude who was napping shirtless under a tree...I was glad that I was in my car at the time.) When passing along one plot, I saw...well, I wasn't sure what I saw, so I checked it out.  It looked like something draped over a wrought iron fence. When I pulled close enough, I could see that it was a huge weathered tree trunk. As I approached it on foot, I could see what I would have not seen had I not walked over to the trunk. The tree that had been standing there obviously had done so for many, many years.  The tell was the corner of a fence it had grown around. I tried to get some good shots of it, but there was a concrete pole facing it which made my job difficult. I had to hang myself over the concrete pole and wall in front of it at chaotic angles to get the above shots.  

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

The grounds are filled with an array of different trees, so that helped with the intense rays from the sun. About halfway through my visit, some darker clouds started to move in and mingle with the white puffy ones. A slight breeze began to blow, which was very welcome. Distant thunder also grumbled in the distance. In a couple of areas of the cemetery there are sections of soldiers. As I was passing by one of those sections, the lines of small uniform headstones standing at attention, the thunder reminded me of distant canon fire. I almost expected to smell the hint of gunpowder in the breeze.  

(Another small frieze on a tall headstone;
Photos:  Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photos:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Many of the older trees on the grounds show signs of wear. Battle scars from their various wars with the elements. The photo at the top of the above trio is of a rather large Crepe Myrtle. It caught my eye because of the heavy shroud of Spanish Moss (which covers most trees in Savannah), and the fact that it was the only pop of color I saw. 

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

By the time I left, roughly an hour and a half later, I had a wealth of new photos and was the epitome of calm. The sky had started to sprinkle me as I left Laurel Grove, and by the time I had gotten on the road home, the bottom fell out. A perfect ending to my therapy session. 

I look forward to the next one...sooner rather than later. 

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

July's Moon On The Marsh...

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

There was a slight haze covering the horizon this evening. As the last remnants of the day's light started to wane just past sunset, I was starting to think that I might not get to see this month's Moon. I had already visited the marshes edge once to find nothing rising in the sky, so when I went back for a second time I wasn't hopeful that I would get to see anything from my vantage point.

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

As I walked down the grassy bank and rounded the corner of the first building, there it was. Big and orange. Hanging there in all it's glory. I had to rush back to grab the camera and tripod (I hadn't bothered to bring them with me), and in the process really wrenched my knee. (I'm sure I'll truly feel it in the morning.) I toughed out my knee pain and the mosquitoes (the buggers were relentless tonight) long enough to snap off several shots. The tide was somewhat 'in', and even though there was a considerable amount of wrack covering the water's surface, there was a big enough gap in the dry blanket of floating grass to catch a bit of a reflection. The Full Capricorn Moon was beautiful. To the naked eye it appeared much larger than it does in my photos. Really gorgeous.

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Later, after giving it some time to rise a bit higher in the sky, I snapped a few of my "mood" shots I like to shoot. The haze I had perceived earlier was extremely diaphanous, and as there weren't any cloud formations to speak of, the sky on it's own was kind of dull. From a picture taking perspective, anyway. I plan B'd my remaining photos to the natural framework of the surrounding trees. I really like the eerie quality of the tiny mesh work of small branches and Spanish Moss. I ended up with several I'm pleased with.

Next up, August's Aquairian Moon...

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo:  Lisa Erin Brown)

Full Moon in Capricorn...July 3, 2012...

July starts with a Full Moon in Capricorn, on July 3^rd, that peaks at 2:52 PM/EST. Full of potent energy of the kinder and gentler sort, this Moon represents clarity, and the softening of one’s grip on things. 

First, it is noteworthy that the Cardinal T-Square of the Sun, Pluto, and Uranus, ended on June 29^th. However, the erratic energies created will be around through this first week of July.  It’s best to keep your distance from those whose behavior seems driven by their own inner chaos. Stay away from the self-absorbed, and channel your attention to the positive energy being projected by the lovely Moon.

If you notice a lighter atmosphere, that’s due to the less tumultuous and oppressive energies that have been present over the last weeks. Things are beginning to flow again. If you feel the pull to finally open up about some things, do it. Not only will it help alleviate some stress or anxiety, things previously hidden may show themselves, speaking to the theme in this cycle of ‘clarity’.

The Capricorn Moon will be widely conjunct Pluto in Capricorn. This influence illuminates issues surrounding emotional ties/attachments. Do you have an intense attraction to someone? Is that person ‘right’ for you? Big picture clarity will focus things in a way that can empower change. Take advantage of this time to weigh relationships. Work to strengthen the ones that have value, and cut loose the ones that are damaging. Capricorn’s ruler, Saturn, is moving through air sign Libra’s final decant, and there isn’t really anything in close proximity. The energy here is pure Libra. This speaks to the needed end to some relationships, and the strengthening of others, as well. If an emotional connection needs to be severed, it is advised to act with respect. Act swiftly, but have the courtesy to do it face to face. Be sure that if any of these emotional issues are ones that have been ignored and avoided, Libra will keep them in the forefront until dealt with.

An approaching aspect to Uranus in Aries, and Pluto in Capricorn, focuses on our fear(s). During times of emotional turbulence, it is common (and understandable) for mental walls to be erected. This aspect says it is time for the destruction of those walls. Be prepared for possible surprises (those always seem to be lurking), but open up those parts of your inner self that you blocked off. Open up that inner power and own it. It’s okay to set-up your own personal boundaries, but those can be created without detriment to your openness.

Mercury in Leo is Trine Uranus in Aries (giving the Pluto/Uranus aspect a punch), and both are Sextile Venus in Gemini. You might experience the resurfacing of past relationships. The reunion(s) could very well shake up your long held views of the situation(s) leading up to the parting of ways. There is great potential for these reconnects to be positive ones, and some unanswered questions could be laid to rest. Creativity is also a theme here. You may experience a surge of creative energy. This is also a great time to get out and see a play, or enjoy some other activity of the arts.

("Capricorn", Artist:  Jody Bergsma)

A rare Yod will be in effect, with Pluto in Capricorn Sextile Chiron in Pisces as the base, and Mercury in Leo at the apex. This makes for an odd union. The resulting energy could have some interesting results. To say that the energies are all over the place would be an understatement. Mercury is all about sharing thoughts and feelings, where Chiron and Pluto are about internalizing things. Leos might feel a tad confused as they might think someone took offence at something they said, when it is just the opposite (I’m a Leo and can be quite sarcastic, so I feel like that pretty regularly with or without this YOD…lol). Most of the Moon cycles over the last several months seem to have their own little ‘chaos bubbles’ of varying sizes, and this looks like this one’s.  *grin*

After hanging around in Virgo for the last 7 months, Mars is more than ready for a change.  Moving into Libra, Mars will be inconjunct Neptune in Pisces. Things won’t all be ‘beer and skittles’ here, as Mars likes a clear game plan and smooth sailing, and Neptune isn’t so stable. Walk softly around any situations that might seem tricky until after July 8^th, when the aspect peaks.

Whether you start by dipping a toe, or plunging your whole foot into the pool of lovely full moonlight, feel free to stretch and enjoy some mental R&R. Yes, as always there are some things to look out for, but some much needed quality time with the ‘self’ is at hand. Walk your own path, treat others with respect (as well as yourself), and take advantage of the clear nourishing energy all around you.

(Note: If you are unfamiliar with some of the astrological terminology in my Moon post(s), here is a link to an online 'Astrology Dictionary' that you might find helpful. ~ Lisa)

The following excerpt is from 'The Farmer's Almanac':

• "The Full Buck Moon ~ July:  July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month's Moon was the Full Hay Moon."