its all come together…

All art done by Joanne Powell Colbert

As you may know, if youre an avid reader of Life’s Natural Bookcraft, I have posted much of Joanna Powell Colbert’s Gain Tarot. Well, it’s finsihsed! YIPPIE! She has now completed her 78-Card Deck. I cannot wait and pre-sales begin Tuesday!

The Gaian Tarot deck & book will be published by Llewellyn Worldwide in September 2011. A special collector’s edition will be published before then. Pre-sales for the deluxe, full 78-card Gaian Tarot Limited Edition will begin on October 6, 2009!! YAY!

Be sure to watch for a special announcement in my blog and newsletter next Tuesday October 6th — I’ll be opening the doors to pre-sales for the Gaian Tarot Limited Edition!  I’ve put together a truly fabulous package for you, with some extra added incentives for pre-ordering during the month of October.

You can bookmark this link now – or check it out today and read what Mary K. Greer and other Tarot authors, teachers and readers are all saying about the Gaian Tarot.

Also, I would also like to give birth to MY baby: Dreamers of Renaissance! I have finally gotten the old gang together and are presently drafting up a Charter. If you are interested in joining please feel free to contact us via our wordpress. (See link header below) If you are a person who likes to foster inquiry, and discuss any topic from global warming to why does my icecream melt so fast? Then we might just be what youre looking for. Presently the group in the Albany area hasnt come together because I am still waiting for enough people to have a proper “Fire-side Chat”. Please, let me know of any scheduling difficulties in advance. Thanks everyone for your support and good graces!

Cupid’s Sonata. . .

Some say that Time will tell. Some say that life is a battlefield. After the past few days, Ive been inspired to write the following poem. Please comment, and constructive criticism is always appreciated!

Great symphony of the mind! What shall thee sing?
Whistle, whistle. Tongue in cheek.
Furthering the discourse of love past
Brought to the present.
Simple melodies floating upon the wind of our connected dreams.
Through time and through chance- be brought together
In union upon the torturous slopes of mortal love.
But oh! Look, what a lark!
There shant become a trial of love,
For all loves never run smooth and thus
In all times and in all ages, since love past,
Hast loves be in turns of simplest hazard.
And woe!
Woe is the lover who allows the populous decide.
Decide what is true and untrue.
Of what is expressed and what is shown.
The difference between the seen and unseen. Only lovers know.
Time is but a ripple and lovers in a sinking raft,
But ore on they must
To reach the harbour- together,
humming a cupid’s song.

Gay Greek Myth. .

Prometheus 1 steals the fire from Zeus while the god rests with Ganymedes.

Zeus and Ganymede

Erichthonius, the first to ever harness four horses to a chariot, was the richest of mortal men. He had a son named Tros, lord of the Trojans, and to him in turn were born three unblemished boys: Ilus founder of Ilium, Assaracus, and god-like Ganymede – the handsomest ever born of the human race. Tros loved Ganymede from the bottom of his heart and set guardians and tutors to watch over him as he wrestled, or rode to the hounds, or swam through the crashing, dragging breakers of the warm Mediterranean.

One day, looking down from his throne on Mount Olympus, Zeus spied Ganymede up in the meadows of Mount Ida, chilling with his friends under the watchful gaze of his aged tutors. Instantly, the King of Heaven flamed with love for the young Trojan’s thighs. Zeus shook himself once and turned into a powerful eagle. Straightaway he swooped down upon the world of men. Casting shafts of lightning every which way, he whipped up a fierce tempest turning day into night. Under cover of the storm the majestic eagle pounced and tenderly seized the boy in his talons. The aged guardians reached out to stop him, the hounds barked madly. Paying them no heed, the god and the boy rose up higher and higher and vanished into the blue.

In the blink of an eye the two arrived in Olympus. The eagle folded his wings, shook himself once and turned back into a god. He took Ganymede to bed and then appointed him cup bearer. But to make room for him, Zeus had to chase away Hebe, Hera’s daughter and his, who served the drinks at the divine feasts. Clumsy, he called her, claiming she once stumbled. Hera saw it all and went insane with rage and jealousy.

All the other gods rejoiced to have Ganymede among them, for his beauty filled them with delight. And Ganymede thought pouring nectar to the immortals was mad cool, and when he filled his lover’s cup he made sure to press his lips to it first, giving it half a twist as he placed it in Zeus’ hand.

Back on Earth, Tros’ heart was filled with cruel sorrow, not knowing where the divine tempest had taken his son. He cried endless tears. Even Zeus was moved by his pain. He sent down Hermes as messenger, who let Tros know his boy was now among the gods, immortal and forever young. Zeus gave Tros in exchange for his son a pair of white prancing mares, deathless and able to walk on water, the very same that carry the immortals. Tros’ heart was filled with joy and he drove his new horses as fast as the wind.

Hera, besides herself, vented her rage by destroying the Trojans. But Zeus, grateful for Ganymede’s love, made a place for him among the stars as Aquarius- the Water Bearer. There he still stands, smiling, pouring nectar and shielded to this day by the wing of the Eagle constellation.

Editorial Board, World History of Male Love, “Greek Mythology”, Zeus and Ganymede, 1999 <http://www.gay-art-history.org/gay-history/gay-literature/gay-mythology-folktales/homosexual-greek-mythology/zeus-ganymede-gay/zeus-ganymede-gay.html>

Tic, Tac, Doe. . .

Tic, Tac, Doe.

How

many

Words

do I have to

Say?

Longing.

Lust.

Lick.

Talk.

Touch.

Tongue.

Massage.

Mastering the yearnings.

Mindful of feelings.

Connection.

Communicate.

Compatibility.

Life made difficult.

Insatiable appetites for one’s company.

Frowns from the populous, who cares?

Though the dance,

Through the lights,

I see you and–

–Smile.

Connect. . .

Connect the Dots

We are all made of dust,
Tiny particles of stars with great potential.

Look out into the vastness,
The eerie beauty of it all.
See all those stars?

Those are hopes and wishes, much like yours.
Each is distinct, every one with their own personality,

Is it any wonder they are so bright,
You must think?

Each shining ray becoming apart of
Something larger,
Something grander,
Something connected.

Connect the dots.
Connect the hearts.
Connect the lives.

Linked together in the dark,
In the cold,
In the emptiness.

Imaginary lines through space, created with a simple finger.
We are creators of our own imaginations,
We are imaginers of our own creations.

Within the grand collective,
We can feel it.
The Connection, the dust.
It is unseen, but with a simple gesture:
A finger, a handshake-
-A smile.

We are connected.

So, connect.
Connect with your fellow luminaries.

Connect the dots.
Connect the hearts.
Connect the lives.

© 9 September 2009

This has been another poem brought to you by the Dreamers of Renaissance foundation.

Sterling Renaissance Faire. . .

From Ashdad's Photothing

This past weekend I traveled across New York from Albany and went to the grand Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo Park. There is much to be said about it and I will come back soon to add more detail. But I just want to take the time now to say that I actually saw the Gypsy Spanish Spy being dunked and wished I had had my camera. Sadly it was destroyed in the fire/flood in November, so I am greatly greatful for coming upon this picture! As if by magick!

I found the entire environment luring and I wished to go back and join the festivious bunch! I loved the Falstaf Wenches and their songs. And aided a young lass come up with a new one: “Thiiiis is an adult show, if you have kids then go, I mean this yes I do, because you smell like poooo.” Oh yes it was quite the spectacle! Another song I enjoyed whilst there was the following:

Roll Your Leg Over

If all of the girls were bells in a tower
And I was a clapper, I’d bang one each hour
Go roll your leg over, roll your leg over
Roll your leg over the man in the moon.

If all of the girls were fish in the ocean
And I was a wave (or whale) I would teach them the motion.

I wish all of the girls were fish in a pool
And I was a whale with a waterproof tool.

If all of the girls were little white rabbits
And I was a hare, I would teach them bad habits.

If all them young ladies was up for improvement.
I’d give them some help with a ball-bearing movement.

If all them young ladies was little white kittens
And I was the tom cat, I’d give them new fittin’s

If all them young ladies was B-29’s,
And I was a fighter, I’d buzz their behinds.

If all them young ladies was bats in a steeple
And I were a bat—there’d be more bats than people.

If all them young ladies was diamonds and rubies
And I were a jeweler, I’d shine up their boobies.

If all them young ladies was wheels on a car,
Then I’d be the piston and go twice as far.

If all them young ladies was rushes a-growing,
I’d take out my scythe and set out a-mowing.

If all them young ladies was bricks on a pile,
Then I’d be the mason and I’d lay them in style.
If all the young ladies were singing this song
It would be twice as dirty and three times as long…

It all brought many a smiles upon my face. As well as the DaVinci Brothers, and by brothers I mean brother, brother Bob. I loved the dunking as you know, and I also fell at awe with the glassblowers and book makers. So much to learn and see in only a single day! I definately suggest you find their travel plans and FOLLOW! Blessed be!

Ophiuchus. . .

Kepler drawing of Serpentarius

Ophiuchus. Serpentarius. These two words are not so often heard of, nor are they properly given attention to. Today chance had it that I hear them. Up in my office I happened to turn on the tele (on break of course) and the history channel was doing an astronomy lecture so I decided to have a go and listen to it while doing paperwork. Within moments, they began to discuss an old zodiac sign, not in the traditional twelve. In fact they said there are (were) Thirteen. . .

This deeply resonated within me, and when they further stated that Ophiuchus lays in between Scorpio and Sagittarius, I was shocked even further and felt as if I were amongst this sign. I have always felt that I was more of a combination of the two signs, and being born on Dec 3rd, I always felt closer to Scorpio in a mystical sense, and felt like a Sagiattarian in the philosophical and artistic sense. Serpentarians are this type of people. As such, and according to Becky on her site Love Astrology, the Serpentarian is described as follows:

• Many people are envious of this subject as he progresses well throughout life.
• A seeker of wisdom and knowledge***
• Many p eople are jealous of this person
• Tends to go for the more flamboyant in dress sense, favouring bright colours.***
• Authority looks upon him well.
• Would make a great architect or builder.
• Number 12 is this persons lucky number.
• This person will have a big family but leave home at an early age.***

Now as I read these there were some that certainly jumped out on me (***). Of course I could go further and be a bit egocentric and say that authority looks upon me well (because it does) and that some people are very envious of me (which it has been stated), but I am not THAT big-headed. lol.

Now as You may be saying to yourself. If there are THIRTEEN sun signs, then my sign MUST be wrong. And you would be right, but I would consult a proper astrologer to do your chart to figure out where the sun lay at your precise time of birth. If you wish to skip that then here is a handy list of what some say should be alongst the lines by which the TRUE zodiac signs should be:

16th Century Zodiac Woodcut

ARIES = APRIL 19 – MAY 13
TAURUS = MAY 14 – JUNE 19
GEMINI = JUNE 20 – JULY 20
CANCER = JULY 21 – AUG 9
LEO = AUGUST 10 – SEPTEMBER 15
VIRGO = SEPTEMBER 16 – OCTOBER 30
LIBRA = OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 22
SCORPIO = NOVEMBER 23 – NOVEMBER 29
OPHIUCHUS = NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 17
SAGITTARIUS = DECEMBER 18 – JANUARY 18
CAPRICORN = JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 15
AQUARIUS = FEBRUARY 16 – MARCH 11
PISCES = MARCH 12 – APRIL 18

So, now another question comes to mind. How does one interpret this Ophiuchus zodiac sign? UHFTycoon brakes out the steps. Also, after heavy research there only seemed to be one site out there that brings it all together: The Red Thread, which I have listed below the traits thereof. I look forward to discovering more on this most interesting topic!

LIST OF KEY WORDS DESCRIBING THE SIGN OF OPHIUCHUS

• interpreter of dreams, vivid premonitions***,
• attracts good luck and fruitful blessings,
  
• serpent holder, lofty ideals***,
• a seeker of peace and harmony***,
• doctor of medicine or science, natural-pathic***,
  
• adds, increases, joins, or gathers together***
• poetical***, inventive nature, expanding qualities,
  
• seeks higher education and wisdom***,
  
• overseer***, supervisor of work***,
• fame – either grand, or completely misunderstood,
• longevity, aspirations of healing the ills of man***,
• architect, builder, reaches for the stars***, figuratively and literally,
  
• tax assessor, or levys taxes,
• astrological talents, intuitive***,
  
• large family indicated, but apt to be separated from them when young***,
• the number twelve holds great significance,
• foresight and good fortune to benefit from hard times***,
• has secret enemies in family or close associations,
• many jealous of this subject,
• notable father, apple of father’s eye when young,
• high position in life expected [depending on aspects] highest fame and legend comes after death
• feelings of granular, wise, genius mentality,
  
• likes to wear clothing of vibrant colors***, and plaids in particular,
  
• receives the favor of those in authority.

Sagittarius Serpentarius

the prophecy. . .

I have recently come across a work that i did about a year or so ago while perusing the internet. It is called “The Prophecy” by Aymeric Giraudel.

There is just something about this work that is simply in one word: powerful. Its combination of beauty, myth, and wrath all somehow encompasses a feeling of peace that is captured in the risen faces of the fresco. . .

What do you think dear viewer?

"The Prophecy" by Aymeric Giraudel

awakening. . .

Awakening by Joanna Powell Colbert

With this card, we awaken to a higher level of consciousness, both on a personal level and on a planetary one. We are called to open our hearts to Spirit, to live in a more meaningful way, and to participate in the life of our communities. We “think globally and act locally” and are aware of the dakinis, angels and bodhisattvas that aid us behind the scenes as we work to heal the planet.

In this image, we see a young man opening up to the life of the Spirit. He has emerged from the darkness of the tomb/womb of Newgrange and is now following the spiral path of the devotee. The compassionate gaze of Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, smiles down upon him. Cranes of peace fly overhead. We stand together in circle, between the earth and the heavens, holding sacred space where all things are possible. Magic happens, the earth is healed, and so are we.

Blessed be.

This is how Joanna has described her card of Awakening, and the symbology could not be more profound. This card jumped out at me today, and I as the Seeker can only smile at Kwan Yin’s suggestion. I devout myself everyday to awakening my self. My senses. And my mind. But it seems as if all that is around me is suffocating me. I have a feeling that this awakening will only be able to happen once I escape for a bit from the city and get to the moving waters. Perchance I will randevous this week to the beach at Grafton Park, or maybe Ill just pull a Thelma and Louise and just GO! Roadtrip anybody?

“Self-observation brings man to the realization of the necessity of self-change. And in observing himself a man notices that self-observation itself brings about certain changes in his inner processes. He begins to understand that self-observation is an instrument of self-change, a means of awakening.” ~George Gurdjieff

cleansing auras. . .

The Greater NYC Smudge Cleanse

The aura given out by a person or object is as much a part of them as their flesh. ~ Lucian Freud

After taking some advice I have decided to do a bit of research about the sort of thing dealing with auras, or rather cleansing them. You know, its a lot easier than taking your dry cleaning in, and takes less time (roughly 15 minutes or however long you wish) than it would to get a single garmet steam dried.

Here are some interesting ways to do so:

Using your fingers as a comb, comb through the space surrounding your body from head to toe. Clean your hands with running water before and after doing this.

Stand under a waterfall or shower.

Walking in the rainfall.

Run freely and playfully in the wind.

Using a single feather or feather whisk (owl feathers for example are quite good) make sweeping motions through the space surrounding your body.

Smudge the area surrounding your body with the smoke from sage, lavender, and/or sweet grass.

Immerse and soak your body in an Epsom salt bath.

Also, after finding the “7 Ways to Cleanse Your Aura“  there are a few similar ways which include taking a hot bath or shower, smudging, walking in the rain, and the so called “brushing” of the aura. Also regular meditation is suggested as well as “Positive Thinking” which is in my opinion the best one, and which I like to share with you here:

6. Positive Breathing

Deep breathing is another good way of cleansing the aura. Follow these steps for your session.

• Choose a nice quiet place where you wont be disturbed.
• Seat yourself comfortably.
• Take deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.
• After a couple of minutes of deep breathing, imagine that you have a ball of pure white light above your head. Imagine this light becomes brighter, and you may even start to see gold within the light.
• Imagine this light growing larger and brighter and then bring it down slowly towards your head, allowing it to penetrate the aura and feeling the brightness and lightness of this beautiful light as it works its way down your body. You may feel a little light headed as the light moves through your body. This is normal and it will pass.
• Envision the light as it continues to move down your body and out through the soles of your feet. Imagine then that you have roots beneath your feet and the negative energy is flowing down through these roots deep into the earth. The energy that has been drawn away will then be neutralised in mother earth.
• Now imagine the roots turn bright white, they may even sparkle with flecks of silver and gold. This is the pure clean energy you now imagine as it moves back up through the roots, up through the soles of your feet and into every part of your body, radiating outwards so that your whole aura is filled with this pure white light. When the light reaches the top of your head, allow it to move upwards into the aura above your head.
• Take a few more deep breaths and allow yourself to focus on the sounds all around you and the place you are sitting so that you are grounded once more back into the material world.

You should now feel totally revitalised. This exercise is like a vacuum cleaner sucking up all the dirt as it moves over the carpet. All the negativity in your energy field is sucked up as the light moves over your aura.

-By Jackie Dennison

I think I am going to go now and emplow these techniques and try to cleanse myself. Then my next step will be to open my Chakras and try to “learn what was not taught to me. The likes of which I did not grow up immersed in. The old ways of knowing.” Because I have the gift of intuition I am told and there are some things that cannot be gained without help and a tutour. . .