Bunny Hop!

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

It’s almost Lunar New Year, so get ready for the Rabbit's arrival on February 3.

If you think that was a wild ride you took on the back of the Tiger last year, you’re right. Tigers are highly energetic. They’re also predators. If you encountered more than one individual in the past twelve months that seemed to zap your strength, well, that’s pretty indicative of a Tiger. Grrr!

Last year also represented the Metal element, so if you tackled intellectual pursuits you should see good results this year. Have you published your book or sold your screenplay yet?

But, back to the Rabbit. Although, you may feel calmer with the gentle Rabbit ruling the world, you could also find yourself intimidated by overwhelming circumstances. And, this year is a Metal Rabbit--so, once again, wear your thinking cap often.

Be forewarned the Rabbit is a prey animal. Unlike the ferocious Tiger, the Rabbit tends to be nervous as it checks out its environment for natural enemies. A good habit to develop this year is mediation to keep those stresses at bay. Rabbits need a lot of quiet time to reflect and regroup. Oh, and eating lots of carrots couldn't hurt.

In Japan and Vietnam, it’s the Year of the Cat. Although felines aren’t exactly as passive as rabbits, they can be a little tentative, too.

Below are a couple of links that go into more details about the Rabbit. For now, my advice is to take time to think before you hop back into your Rabbit hole.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_(zodiachttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_(zodiac)

http://www.stanssewingsupplies.com/catalogs/store.asp?pid=253080

http://www.theholidayspot.com/chinese_new_year/more_zodiacs/rabbit.htm

That's me, above, wearing leopard print to represent the Cat. And, below that, some good old times at Kakaoka Park in Honolulu where feral cats lived in bunches.

Leaving you with good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

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