The End?

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

So, is this it? Are we finis? Did the world end today? Did The Rapture begin?

It blows my mind!

According to followers of radio host Harold Camping, this is the last day we humans will exist on planet earth. If Camping’s prediction ends up coming true, do you think that would be a tragedy? Or, would it be something positive--more like a gateway to a better future?

Yes, Gypsy Stars asks a lot of questions. Blame it on my Sag Moon, which also makes me an eternal optimist. I totally agreed with Bob Marley when he sang, “When one door is closed, many others are opened”.

In the law of cause and effect, wouldn't it mean that if life no longer exists on this plane (for spirits inside human bodies), it's bound to exist on another, new and improved plane? What do you think?

Ah. A much better thought.

Like a lot of religious leaders, Camping preaches exclusivity. Accordingly, if you don’t follow his particular belief system, then you will be doomed to exist on earth while his believers will ascend to some heavenly place that you won’t have access to. Pray tell, what would be so heavenly about that? If you’re a Camping believer and you end up in heaven, but someone you love who is not a believer is condemned to stay on earth, how heavenly will that be for you to be separated from them? Eternally!

But let’s suppose that the world does end today. Have you ever thought about whom you would like most to meet on the Other Side—presuming they retain some semblance of their old human self, that is? 

I have a long list, but one of the more interesting spirits to arrive here in human form, I believe, was martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. Below is a photo of his grave next to his son’s, Brandon's, along with some of Gypsy Stars’ international friends.

Another friend initially took me to the Lee's graves several years ago. On that shimmering summer day, she and I stopped to eat lunch in Chinatown. And, when we arrived at the gravesite, we decided to leave an offering of some of our leftover rice. 

You’re not going to believe what happened next! As we placed some grains of rice on Brandon's grave, the sky suddenly filled up with hundreds of crows. As they caw-cawed their way across the horizon, my friend and I stared at each other in disbelief. In case you don’t know, Brandon was killed working on the set of the film The Crow. At 28, he was probably entering his first Saturn Return. Although my friend and I were unsure of what to make of so many crows appearing to us that day in that particular space, we did understand that it was some kind of message from the Beyond. 

Have you ever had an unusual experience like that? Drop us a line at gypsystars@me.com and tell us about it.

Well, the Sun has officially entered Gemini making this a good time for communications. With Mercury, Venus and Mars all in Taurus, our relationships feel steadier and we should be able to exert more patience towards others. Relationships don’t necessarily have to be romantic and can concern anyone we relate to. Whether it’s a significant other, a parent, a child, a friend, a boss or a co-worker, try a little tolerance. You’ll be surprised by how much of it you have in reserve during these days of predominate Taurus energies.

You probably already know that author George Patton is a frequent commenter on the Facebook profile for Gypsy Stars. Friend us here: http://www.facebook.com/people/Gypsy-Stars/100001436618700

George, whose novel Black Jack is about his great uncle Herman (a well-renowned magician during the Harlem renaissance), was recently featured on the radio show Coast to Coast. Check out George here:

http://www.coasttocoastam.com/guest/patton-jr-george/51799

Remember, we have T-zing t-shirts for you at Café Press. 

http://www.cafepress.com/t_zing

And, George’s book is on Amazon.

That is, if we’re all still here after 6 p.m. today.

Until the end…

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

A Hint Of Hoodoo, Voodoo And Automatic Handwriting

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

A couple of weekends ago, Gypsy Stars made an appearance at a fundraiser for a local theater. Donating several hours worth of Tarot card readings for the theatrical patrons was a rewarding experience, and some of the results were quite startling.

Although I won’t ever divulge a client’s personal information, I will admit that some extremely accurate information came through that night. Perhaps, I can explain it like this:

The theme for the fundraiser was Mardi Gras, New Orleans style--a city I have a great deal of affinity for. 

Gypsy Stars in the French Quarter.

In 1988, I happened upon Luisah Teish’s book, Jambalaya.

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

Quickly I read it, finished it, put it down, picked it back, and read it again. It spoke so strongly to me that for years I referred all my clients to it. In case you’re not familiar, Teish grew up in New Orleans with elements of Vodoun, or Voodoo, practiced in her daily life. Curious, she traced its beliefs to the religion of Ifa found among the Yoruba of West Afrika. 

Soon, I began reading any book I could I find on Vodoun, Santeria, Lucumi, Candomble, and Ifa. Eventually, I traveled to New Orleans and visited the Voodoo Museum and the tomb of Marie LaVeau.

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

Gypsy Stars and friend
  at Marie Laveau's tomb.

Although I don’t participate in a lot of Ifa rituals today, I still occasionally bring 9 eggplants to a cemetery or toss a watermelon into the sea. Fetifum, Mama Oya! Fetifum, Mama Yemaya!

By the way, have you ever tried automatic handwriting? Several blogs back, I talked about fire gazing and how you should have paper and a marker (as opposed to a pen) next to you while looking into a fire. The same principles are in operation here, but this time you sit at a table. 

Gypsy Stars in New Orleans.

Automatic handwriting doesn’t work well for me and sometimes I wonder if it’s because I’m an artist who tends to doodle a lot. But one of my best friends, Silvia, was a master without even trying to be--perhaps due to her Pisces Sun. 

When we were roommates, Silvia and I would sit at a kitchen table with sheets of paper. After quieting down, we would loosely hold a pen in our hand, placing the tip lightly on top of the paper. Soon, Silvia would be writing and writing and writing. Most of the time, she would appear to go into a trance. Once, I had to collect all the papers as they were flying off the table. After she calmed down, we were shocked to read the words of warning she had penned. They weren’t very positive and spoke of the coming destruction of the planet. That was many moons ago, and Silvia and I have since drifted apart. But I will never forget the “rivers of blood” she scribbled on one sheet of paper. 

Gypsy Stars at St. Louis Cemetery No. 2.

If you discover that what you’re writing is negative and horrifying, then stop and collect your thoughts. We do carry residue from so many sources, and something creepy you wrote could have stemmed from a bad movie you saw.

On to a more positive note. We are officially in Spring, although our long-awaited line of new t-shirts is still not completed. No worries; you can still get our old designs on Cafe Press. Just click the T*zing logo below.

Remember, to join us on Facebook. You can personally friend Gypsy Stars or “like” the Urban Goddess which supports all metaphysicians. If you have a special talent, let us know about it and we’ll interview you here.

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

Spring Has Sprung!

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

What could feel more like Spring than The Year of the Rabbit? Spring is the season of fertility, and we all know that there’s no animal more fertile than the rabbit. Right? Thus, the Easter Rabbit and those omnipresent, brightly colored eggs. But did you know that the original Easter holiday was a pagan celebration named for Eoster--the Goddess of Fertility?

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

Maybe it’s not all that spring-y where you are, but here on the West Coast the weather is currently mild. Some cherry blossoms are also beginning to bloom, and in Japan it would be hanami—flower-watching season. However, the recent earthquake and tsunami tragedy may prevent a lot of Japanese from celebrating--whether it’s due to a physical hardship or for emotional reasons.

When I meet with my Astrologers group the first week of April, I’m sure the hot topic of discussion will be Japan’s catastrophe. Interestingly, the planet Uranus left Pisces for Aries on March 11, the day of the horrific event. Uranus rules sudden, often cataclysmic and unexpected events. While the sign Aries is pioneering and always indicates something new on the horizon, it’s hard to see at this moment how something so awful will give way to something fresh and original. But it will.

Tonight, one week past the tragedy, we’re seeing the fullest Moon in 18 years, which compelled a friend to request a Full Moon spell from me. Maybe someone out there knows one, but the only Moon spell I do begins with a New Moon, which guarantees the spell comes to fruition at the Full Moon. The Moon rules the female principle, particularly older women, and the Ifa deity Yemaya or Yemoja. Yemaya has rulership over the seas as well as pregnant women and children. If you want to connect with her, bring watermelons to the ocean and chant, “Fetifum, Mama Yemaya!”

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/Full-Moon-Tonight-118292549.html

On the 28^th, we’ll be visited by another Mercury Retrograde. If you believe retrogrades are a time of communication disasters, try, instead, to think of it as a chance to reflect. Going backwards gives you the opportunity to re-do something that might not have been done right the first time.

With so many planets in fiery Aries—Sun (March 19), Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus--now is the time to do something brand new. One thing Gypsy Stars promises to do is create more T_zing t-shirts, so please stay tuned for our Spring Line. Meanwhile, check us out here:

http://www.cafepress.com/t_zing

Remember, to friend Gypsy Stars on Facebook, and join The Urban Goddess Facebook Group where we support all metaphysicians.

Until next time, I leave you with photos of Spring flowers and one of the Hindu Goddess Komon, above, who is recognized by Japanese. This statue of her appears on Kalaukaua Avenue in Honolulu.

http://tinyurl.com/4ooqwhd

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

Hawai'ian Hearts: Celebrating Valentine's Day

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

How was your Valentine’s Day?

Unfortunately, Gypsy Stars was busy repairing broken hearts as several of her clients experienced strained relationships with their special love interests.

Still, I found time to get into an animated conversation (with a friend and several strangers) about the meaning of the day.

In response to my friend’s inquiry about when Americans started acknowledging Valentine’s Day, I blurted out, “Since Hallmark figured out it could make some money selling greeting cards!”

All cynicism aside, I do find the pink and red color schemes for the day to be quite appealing. Anyway, a middle-aged gentleman sitting nearby informed us that the U.S. had been celebrating Valentine’s Day since 1914. I’m not sure if he’s entirely correct, but making it a holiday has meant selling a lot of candy, cards and flowers. But, there’s also a deeper meaning to the celebration. Just check this out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day

So, what do you believe, Gifted Reader? Does the origin of the holiday matter as long as you express your love to your special someone on this day?

One of the best places to express any kind of love is Waikiki Beach, where I was fortunate to live as a practicing psychic for several years. The powerful Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawai’ian) vibration is a result of how Hawai'ians treated their aina (land), which they considered to be their ancestors and themselves stewards of. Thus, the area is rich with spiritual emotion.

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

Further, the pure physical beauty of Oahu makes it conducive for Valentine's Day trysts. When I first arrived in the area, I grabbed Scott Cunningham’s book, Hawai’ian Magic and Spirituality, and began actively searching for the scared spots he reveals. One of the most intriguing was the arrangement of four stones right next to the Waikiki Police Station where I’d sit to watch the sky for hours each night. Sadly, when I returned a few years later, the stones had been enclosed by a fence.

But the heiaus continue to remain standing. What is a heiau, you ask? They are places of worship and where Kanaka Maoli worked their sacred rituals. Generally built of stone, they are short walls shaped like circles or rectangles that are almost entirely closed off except for one entrance/exit. Today, one can see the fruit and ti leaf sacrifices dotting the tops of these incredible structures. But be careful if you visit heiaus as some are considered disturbing, like the one near Waimea Falls (that posts a warning) in the photo below. Here, it’s said, many young Natives were sacrificed on behalf of war—mirroring, perhaps, the story of St. Valentine.

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

Until next time, I’m…

leaving you with good luck, light and love…oh, and nui aloha no.

Gypsy Stars

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

Animal Spirits: Do Dogs Dream?

Greetings, Gifted Reader!

How do you feel about animals? Do you believe they have to ability to think? And, if so, do you believe they dream like humans do? Have you ever watched your pet sleeping when s/he suddenly began twitching or whimpering? Did it make you wonder if s/he was having a nightmare about being chased, or upset about not getting his or her favorite treat?

I consider myself to be a true animal lover—I don’t eat them, or wear them, nor do I hold them prisoner in my home and call them pets.

At least, I don’t anymore.

But once upon a time, I was the owner of a gentle feline named RastaFari. That’s him in the photo above and, no, that is not a spike going through his cheek, but just him leaning against the porch railing and yawning. When Rasta was still a tiny kitten, he was run over by a van (that drove off without stopping) and was forever scarred—having lost one testicle, some intestines, and the use of his right front paw (see how he holds it in the pix?). Still, the boy had spirit. Not only did Rasta refuse to allow a paralyzed paw keep him from fighting raccoons in the backyard, but he wouldn’t back down from any other animal—cat or dog--either. The only thing Rasta couldn’t do was climb trees or my kitchen countertops, which I thought was a good thing. Being a tommish boy, Rasta loved nothing more than running around in the woods chasing something, but whenever he came home he was contemplative and sweet. I even taught him to sit and shake hands! And, Rasta never once scratched me. Sometimes, when I was feeling especially down, he’d sit in front of me and stare as if he could read my mind. During cold winters, he would lie in front of the portable heater for hours. Sometimes, when I touched his thick fur, it would feel like it was on fire. Yes, RastaFari was special and we had a deep connection that transcended animal/human relationships. I’d had other pets before, both dogs and cats, but none of them formed that exceptional bond with me that Rasta and I had. Unfortunately, I had to move away and was unable to bring Rasta into my new life, but I think of him often and wonder if he ever misses me.

In medieval European folklore, animals that were thought to assist Wiccans and magicians were called “familiars”. The image of a witch riding a broomstick with a cat is, pardon the pun, a familiar depiction from that period.

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

Of course, lots of other cultures also have stories of animals that assist humans, especially when that human is in peril. In Japan, a raccoon dog named Tanuki, with gigantic testicles that he sometimes throws over his shoulders, is often portrayed as a Shinto priest.

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

In other parts of the world, animals are always significant to shamans. Native Hawai’ians teach that their ancestors or ‘aumakua are sharks. Interestingly, it’s been reported that no Native Hawai’ian has ever been bitten by one.

http://tribes.tribe.net/hooponopono/thread/c7d805c2-acff-4e48-870c-1157e1b8ea54

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

And, of course, many American Indigenous carved animal totems.

So, who is your familiar? Drop a line to gypsystars@me.com and let us know.

Thank you, author George Patton, for another wonderful blog idea. That’s George’s familiar, Midnight, pictured sideways. She is after all magical and her master, George, knows all about magicians—having penned Black Jack, a novel about his great uncle Herman (see below).

Hey, readers. Don’t forget you can connect with Gypsy Stars on Facebook and join The Urban Goddess where we promote your metaphysical business.

And, we have T-zing t-shirts for you.

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

Gypsy Stars