The Shortest Day

Greetings, Gifted Reader.

Winter Solstice is just a month away.

http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/december-solstice.html

On December 21, we’ll experience the shortest amount of daylight in the entire year. In ancient times, that meant fear--fear of the unknown because of the darkness that could hide things that daylight wouldn’t. Of course, this was during a time before the electronic devices that today light up the dark skies. Imagine, sleeping under a beautiful full moon or a sky full of sparkling stars. A wondrous sight to be sure, but scary if you’re parked anywhere near wild animals and nocturnal creatures.

waiting for nightfall

Still, our ancestors must have had the time of their lives watching those vivid night skies. Just think about the stunning Milky Way and the incredible stories it’s inspired over centuries; like China's 'The Weaver Girl and the Cowherd'. This lovely folktale also appears in Japan and Korea.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Weaver_Girl_and_the_Cowherd

night sky over Wai'anae

For you Astrologers, can you imagine how much easier it was to view constellations and planetary movements without any hindrances from city skylines or the flashing taillights of aircraft?

Another event takes place tomorrow when the Sun moves into Sagittarius. Ruled by the jovial planet Jupiter, this sign loves the freedom of expansion, like making new friends out of strangers while traveling long distances.

A good way to enter this new Astro period is to plan your time. If you’re not careful, you’ll get caught up in Jupiter’s magnanimous spirit and accept way more holiday invites than you can possibly handle. That’s Sag for you.

If you have any comments about your experience with Sag or Jupiter, drop us a line. And, remember to ‘like’ The Urban Goddess on Facebook. That’s the page where we promote you and your metaphysical offerings, so check it out.

And, take a peek at our T_zing t-shirts at Café Press, too.

Enjoy!

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

http://www.gypsystars.com

Is This The End?!?

6 days and counting!

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

Don’t look now, but we’re just 6 measly days away from the end of the world. That is, if you believe that 12-21-2012 will signal the termination of life on Earth as we know it. Whether you think that human consciousness will ascend to the next level, or think it’s all just a bunch of ‘stuff’, one thing we can all agree on is that Winter Solstice takes place on 12-21.

What exactly does Winter Solstice mean anyway? Here’s a quick explanation.

http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/december-solstice.html

And, here's more about 12-21-2012 from an Astronomer.

http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/question.php?number=686

those clever Maya built this

While Gypsy Stars has many thoughts about what will happen on 12-21-2012, my understanding is that Earth aligns with a portal to the Milky Way every 26,000 years and that day will be December 21. For whatever reasons, those clever Maya knew that. Think about it. They would have had to live through at least two 26,000-year cycles to prove their theory.

However, if you’re reading this after December 21, we can surmise that a lot of folks have misinterpreted that Maya Long Calendar.

distinguished Seattle Astrologers: David, Jim and Dave

As for Astrology, the Sun moves into Capricorn on December 21 this year. A sign that concerns itself with status and reputation, Capricorn has rulership over government. It likes structure. Capricorn also rules the 10^th House of career along with the 10^th House parent, which is generally the father. With Saturn as its ruling planet, Capricorn is the quintessential stern dad teaching his child through rigorous discipline.

Pay close attention to Saturn right now since it entered Scorpio on October 6. Where is it transiting in your Natal or Progressed charts? Are you experiencing loss, or harsh lessons, in that area of your life?

Last Thursday, Uranus went stationary direct in Aries, and we experienced some shocking news especially involving violence (Mars rules Aries, the sign of the warrior). But on the positive side, this is a good time to begin a new enterprise that involves something unusual and downright freaky thanks to Uranus’ attraction to the weird.

Remember, Gypsy Stars is on Facebook. You can also 'like' The Urban Goddess where we promote all metaphysicians. And, don't forget our T_zing t-shirts At Cafe Press.

Until 2013, if we make it there, folks… 

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

http://www.gypsystars.com

Sacred Spots: At Home With The Maya

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past decade or so, you’ve probably heard about 2012 and the ending of a cycle of the Maya calendar.

According to some folks, the Winter Solstice this December 21 will bring into alignment Earth and the opening of a portal to the Milky Way—allowing for the raising of humanity’s collective consciousness. 

Others say it’s just the precession of the earth’s wobble, which happens once very 26,000 years. In any case, few seem to be in agreement. 

Will this event signal global enlightenment or, will it be the end of this world?  Or, is there a difference? After all, for something to new to begin, something old must first die.

Here’s a link to more info about the Maya calendar:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_calendar

Because of this upcoming occurrence, travel agencies are offering packages to visit ancient sacred sites of the Maya. Check it out:

http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/apocalypse-now--or-later-.html

Jill Barrett-Corley

Gypsy Stars went on a search for opinions about this great 12-21-2012 mystery, and ran into Jill Barrett-Corley, who is planning a trip to Guatemala. Jill is co-founder of One World, Many Stories, a non-profit group that works with governmental agencies and schools to teach writing to youth in the developing world.

http://oneworldstories.org/

Here’s what she had to say:

Q: What’s your opinion about Maya Cosmogenesis or the ending of the Maya calendar in 2012?

A: We really have not formed an opinion. Opinions are conclusions that are not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof. So, we cannot form an opinion. We will use our imaginations and listen to the ones who know.

Q: What are your plans for being in Guatemala during that time?

A: We are looking forward to experiencing the Maya indigenous culture, learning their traditions and true beliefs, and their long count calendar.

Q: What are your personal spiritual beliefs?

A: The state of grace, of acceptance, of forgiveness, love, of compassion, of service. We are all G-O-D.

Jill with husband and co-founder
of One World, Many Stories

Q: What’s the idea behind your non-profit?

A: We began One World, Many Stories because we believe that no matter who you are, where you are, how you are, race, creed, color, gender, financial standing or sexual orientation, everyone has their own story. And, if we listen to each other and hear each other’s stories, we would be better understood. "Stories that need to be heard, listen."

Q: How can Gypsy Stars’ readers help make your dream come true?

One World, Many Stories in Kenya

A: They can come along with us on our magic carpet, beginning April 28, 2012 (the beginning of our travel away from Portland Oregon). We will write a daily blog about each day and would like for this to be interactive and for everyone to join us in our travels. Use your imagination and your energy to come with us, not only by answering our posts, but by contributing through Kickstarter, Paypal and Indiegogo. Each of you that does, will have their own page in the book A Better Life, 2013, On a Higher Road (with a picture and your own thoughts, spirituality, the Maya). 

Or, maybe you could just come to Guatemala for yourself. There will be a very welcoming and spiritual place for anyone to stay.

Many thanks, Jill. Dear Gifted Reader, gasp! Gypsy Stars will hasn’t created any new t-shirt designs for our T_zing store on Café Press. Apologies to you, and one thousand lashes with a feather for us.

 

However, you can still show your support by liking our Urban Goddess fan page on Facebook where we post on behalf of metaphysicians and anyone on a spiritual quest. You can also friend Gypsy Stars on Facebook.

Until we meet again, Quin 'e na.

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

Celebrate The Season

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

Here’s to a happy holiday season to all you loyal followers of this blog. Whether you celebrate this time period in a traditional manner or not, we’d like to extend our best wishes to you and those who you care about most.

According to this article on Wikipedia, the day Westerners now know as Christmas was originally the winter solstice:

“In 46 BCE Julius Caesar in his Julian calendar established December 25 as the date of the winter solstice of Europe (Latin: Bruma).”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice

If you read further, you’ll note that there have been many cultures celebrating the sun’s reemergence following winter. Those festivals are entirely expected given that agrarian societies couldn’t harvest during dark, cold months and without stored food on hand, they might even starve. Back in those days without instant electrical power, it must have been terrifying to attempt surviving while the sun’s light was so limited. To see and feel the sun’s heat when the days became longer once again would have been major cause for celebration.

Today, of course, many cultures are influenced by the West and Christmas is acknowledged far and wide. Still, there are rituals that are indigenous to certain countries that will always be. For instance, in Japan, the pine tree is a symbol of longevity because cut pine branches can last for months. Thus, Japanese believe that associating one’s self with pine can attract a long life. 

Below are some photos of one Japanese lady’s holiday pine decorations. Note how she blends the traditional with modern by including hand-cut clothing hanging from a clothesline.

How do you celebrate this season? Whether it’s Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Christmas, we hope it’s a good time for you. Tell us how it goes at: gypsystars@me.com

You may have noticed that our publishing date of December 17 came and went last week without a posting. Beginning with this issue, this blog will move to the last Saturday of each month. Apologies for this late warning, and thanks for your patience.

Meanwhile, January 23 is the start of the Year of the Water Dragon, signaling a most auspicious time to come. And, with 2012 just around the corner, there should be some clear consciousness-raising going on. Stay tuned, and don’t forget you can “friend” Gypsy Stars on Facebook, “like” The Urban Goddess fan page that supports all metaphysicians everywhere, and purchase a T_zing t-shirt. 

Until the New Year...

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

http://www.gypsystars.com

Winter Solstice: A Fresh New Year in the Deadest of Seasons

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

A lot of you are probably celebrating Christmas today, but for those like me it’s just a part of the Winter Solstice season. This is a time when the earth tilts in rotation so that we are farthest from the Sun. Therefore, pretty things like flowers cease to grow and trees lose their beautiful leaves. This is a time of death.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice

http://www.crystalinks.com/wintersolstice.html

It’s been said that in the old days, humans grew fearful during Winter Solstice as each day became shorter and darkness enveloped them for longer periods of time. Plunged into colder, sunless days, they were terrified the world was coming to an end. Huddled together in hibernation, they would emerge once they realized the days were growing longer and the sun shone brightly again. That’s when they celebrated with feasts and festivities.

Besides observing religious beliefs at this time of year, many cultures around the world also acknowledge the Winter Solstice with social events. And, the tales of the Sun’s return are many. For one, the Japanese tell a story about Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who hid in a cave until she was tricked into emerging and bringing the warm light back with her.

Another interesting phenomenon this time of the year is the celebration of New Year’s during the bleakest, darkest period on earth. Because of powerful men in high places, we live by a calendar that doesn’t always sync with Nature. Obviously, the beginning of life starts in spring, and in Astrology the New Year begins with the sign Aries.

The Sun in Capricorn (December 21-January 20) is a weird time to be celebrating a New Year since its Saturn ruler is harsh and restrictive. Do you recall that Saturn ate his own children? Not exactly a bright and sunny disposition--that one. Again, death.

Among Chinese and other Asian ethnicities, the New Year is calculated by the position of the Moon. The upcoming Lunar New Year of the Rabbit (or Cat in Japan) will be celebrated on February 3. 

Gypsy Stars is at work now creating a new line of t-shirts for you.

 Regardless of your personal beliefs, it’s safe to say that Nature always gets her way. Please be respectful and don’t eat Her animals.

Due to an unbelievably hectic schedule, Gypsy Stars is now moving to a once mid-month posting. Look for our return on January 15.

Until next year, leaving you with good luck, light and love.

Gypsy Stars