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Your December 2014 Newsletter From Dominique

This Month: Astrological Trends * Winner of Tower Tarot Contest * Daily Affirmations * Poached Eggs with Huevos Style Pintos and Yogurt

December 2014 Astrological Trends

The Gemini full moon of December 6 is a sacred time when we can use music or any other method of communication to express ourselves to one another and to the Divine. It is a time when we can trade our joys and sorrows and grief and in general the fullness of emotion with one another, especially if we are spiritually-based in our communication. On the lower side, we might observe people being scattered and frenetic, but with some knowledge we can instead gather ourselves and our energies in order to use intention to transmit love and caring to one another. We might even find ourselves receiving some very potent messages from the other side or divine messages around the days of this full moon. It is a nice time for sacred gatherings. The days leading up to December 6 can be used for preparation and meditation.

During the middle of December, we will reach the time of the 6^th of 7 Uranus (Aries)-Pluto (Capricorn) Squares that will happen in our lifetimes. This is a powerful and amazing aspect that has been impacting the entire decade. It is only exact at 7 points in time, and this is one of them. The final one will be March 17, 2015. This aspect is connected to changes that are revolutionary and institutional. In the United States, we have seen the unrooting of laws around marriage and marijuana so we can examine them. I am not the person to comment on other countries, I am afraid, but there should be subjects such as these to comment on there, as well. These impacts are long-term. Since we are in the middle of them, it may take us some time to see them. Venus is also in conjunction with Pluto and I would not be surprised if we were to see issues of gay marriage (romance), finance, or creativity take center stage for this aspect during the latter half of the month. Mercury will also meet up with Venus, to add voice and synthesis of thought to these issues. On the personal level, we can use these energies to express ourselves artistically in some of the most powerfully authentic ways. We can also see ourselves transform our lives as we either choose to release what we no longer need or are “helped” through no action on our part. We may find there is no turning back after this month. If there is one theme, it is release, let go, or clear. (Choose your mantra!)

On December 21, the winter solstice–when the Sun enters Capricorn–offers us even more Capricorn energy to allow us to put the spotlight on the structures of our lives. The holidays always bring light to the dark places, and Capricorn energy at its best can take a spark to its fulfillment—building the best creations out of the smallest light carried within a human heart. At its lowest, it is a petty tyrant willing to exploit anything in its path. We can see both at play in the world at present. Let us always keep our eyes out for the spark of light within those around us and nurture those sparks at each opportunity. That is my prayer on this winter new moon; to become more skilled at nurturing the light in others and within myself.

On December 23, Saturn also enters Sagittarius. At the end of a Saturn transit in one sign, as it moves into the next, Saturn imparts a great gift. Since Saturn is a teacher, it’s as if you get a graduation gift as it switches signs. Generally it is some sort of new energy or something we have synthesized within our human experience. We are ready for the next phase.

After a stay in Scorpio, we should see some gifts in our sense of wisdom about the depths of life and death. Saturn is a teacher and Scorpio tests us at each turn. For me, I have Scorpio in my house of relationships, so I have been tested in every relationship the past two years to see if I am properly humble, compassionate, and willing to be of service, I think! (I am laughing as I write this, because I hope I’ve passed the Saturn tests, which are actually fun because it’s fun to love people to the maximum of my ability. I will even re-take those tests and see if I can better my scores!) One of the things I need to do now is step more into direct action toward my destiny and expansion (a Sagittarius theme) and stop spending the majority of my energy being second to others, as if I am coming out of the depths (a Scorpio theme). I share this with you because I have STRONG Saturn in my chart and am very affected by Saturn’s movements, so I think it illustrates what happens to a person when the sign changes. This has all happened very organically. (I just realized the changes were occurring as I wrote this forecast—it is not something I did on purpose or planned—but astrology sure did line up, timing-wise!) You can see where Saturn is moving through your chart if you know astrology, or call on one of the Kajama astrologers to run your chart and let you know its influence for you. (You can reach me directly at Intuitive Moon’s readings page or I can personally recommend Susyn Blair-Hunt, as well!)

Learn Tarot

Winner of October Tarot Story Contest: Trish wins a Free Half Hour Reading!

In October, with all the Mars energy floating about, we had a Tarot story writing contest. You sent in your stories focused on The Tower card, which is the Tarot card associated with Mars. Here is the winning entry from Trish, whose story illustrated the tower card’s message for all of us. Trish, you can claim your free reading with me any time between now and March 31, 2015! Contact me by emailing domikajama@gmail.com to arrange our appointment.

Thank you, Trish. This is a really inspirational story that we can all learn from!

When karma comes into your life, it feels like something you can’t avoid. That’s what the tower was in my reading and my life. I thought I had a good relationship, but the reading I had showed that there were things I was not aware of, and ended with the tower card. The reader said there would be an unexpected transition in my relationship life. I thought it was probably not true at the time because we had been together for a while.

Granted, we had problems. I thought he’d been pretty involved in his job and I was probably not paying much attention to the fact that we’d grown distant. I guess I just had on rose-colored glasses. This was the guy who had all the “right” qualities on the outside, but if I looked in my heart, he didn’t really have the qualities on the inside that I would want. I just didn’t want to be alone. That’s probably the definition of settling.

Well, the reading was right. I found out he’d been having an affair and all his excuses about the working hard were actually excuses he made to cover up the fact that there was somebody else. Our tower indeed came crumbling down around our feet. The reading was spot-on and I had to let go of all those dreams that were just my imagination and my image of him. That’s not who he really was and I learned about myself, too.

It was a hard time to go through, but the tower experience opened up my eyes to so much. After a year or so, I met my current husband and I also learned I became a lot better at choosing people for partners. I also became a much better partner myself. I am more aware and more awake. This time, my heart is 100% invested in reality!

Meditation

This year, I have been writing a snippet each day to affirm it is a good day and to set an intention about how I might use positive energy throughout the day. Have you thought of a daily routine for meditation that you can do to make going inward something you enjoy, and make it truly your own? Here are a few of my favorites.

January 16: Today is a good day to quietly attend to something that completely makes me alone joyously, outrageously happy.

March 23: Today is a good day for recalling past apocalypses–2012 and the Myans, Y2K, 1984 and Nostradamus… And for knowing how fear is a balloon without substance. Let it land and be silent.

April 4: Today is a good day to plant more. I read a FB post that I thought said “toys have no garden.” It actually read “toys have no gender.” LOL! Mother Earth is writing me poems.

July 8: Why are the things I have so much more enjoyable than the things the advertising systems tell me to want? It’s been this way for a few years. Today is a good day to be utterly satisfied with what I have and with all I am.

August 14: Just now I had that experience I often have when I feel hopeful and eternal. No matter whose face I gazed into as I traveled through my morning appointments, people were stunningly beautiful. Their circumstances made no difference. My eyes made the difference and my ability to inhabit a higher consciousness made the difference. I felt graced by this energy. Today is a good day for humanity and for seeing its beauty.

September 15: Today is a good day to look around at the environment that has been created. Like a muscle relaxing, a chemical bond releasing, the steam of boiling water emancipated and inactive now. Sometimes in our ego imagination we think it’s constantly time to cook, but other times the meal is done, we’ve been fed, and all our activity is in the quiet, divine cleanup.

October 29: Today is a good day to bathe in starlight. I know any sense of inky blindness is just space between me and the nearest star or time between now and the next rotation of dawn. Besides, how many times have I said, “I just need a little space?”

November 24: Imagine at the end of our lifetime, we all step off the stage and discover we have been wearing our personalities and relationships like characters in a play. Today is a good day to consider if that would make us more flexible about how we view others and our interactions. If we could see behind the characters, the parts they play, the entire drama–would we feel more empowered, less frustrated, more neutral? Would we be more effective script writers and better at stepping outside situations that feel they have been scripted for us so we can live deliberately?

Nourishment for the Body and Soul

Poached Eggs with Huevos Style Pintos and Yogurt

Maybe like me, you have worked on poaching eggs by hand for years with little success. I have a secret for you. There are little silicone egg poachers you can set into hot water, put the lid on your pot, and let the steam produce pretty much perfectly poached eggs for you. All you need is a little olive oil or other cooking spray and a pot full of water that has been brought to the slightest of boils and then had the temperature lowered so it stays warm but does not actually boil. Watch the eggs so they do not harden, and you are golden!

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:

4 eggs
2 tsp butter
1 jalapeno
2 mild chiles or bell peppers
1 red onion
1.5 cups pinto beans, prepared (see below)
3 roma tomatoes (or any tomatoes you like)
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne
1 tsp thyme
1 clove garlic
2 tortillas of your choice (flour or corn are suggested)
about ½ cup plain yogurt

Optional: cilantro, oregano, and any other herbs you would like. Salt and pepper to taste.

Directions:

Dice the onion, jalapeno, and chiles. In a deep sauce pan, melt butter and then saute diced vegetables for about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add beans and tomatoes, and then add all spices and herbs. Cook for about 5 minutes, and then turn heat to low to keep warm.

Poach the eggs by using egg poachers in a large pot of nearly boiling water. While the eggs are poaching, plate the tortillas in a bowl. Put half the sauce on top of each tortilla. Drizzle yogurt on top center of Huevos mixture.

Carefully release 2 poached eggs onto center of each bowl.

Serve immediately.

To prepare pinto beans from scratch:

I like to prepare a big crock pot of pinto beans to last a week or more for a variety of recipes, even to give some to neighbors and friends. Here’s how I do it:

Dice the following: 1 onion, 3-5 stalks of celery and 3-5 peeled carrots (or carrots that are washed and scrubbed very well). Add them to the bottom of the crock pot. (I used to sauté these in butter before adding them to the crock pot, but I found when I was rushed one day it works just fine to add them raw.) Measure out 20 ounces, or about 2 and a half cups, of dry pinto beans. I like to get beans that are as fresh as I can find them. Some beans might have been sitting around for years, so I try to buy them from local growers at farmer’s markets. Add plenty of water to fill up the crock pot. It’s Ok if there is liquid after the beans cook—it can be added to bean soups as stock! You want to check back and make sure there’s plenty of liquid for the beans to absorb. I usually add about an iced tea pitcher full of water. That’s 2 quarts. Set the crock pot to cook for 11 hours on high. Wait. Stir occasionally. (I usually do this overnight.)

Tip: Never add anything acidic, such as tomatoes until beans are already cooked. Also, I would refrain from adding salt until after beans are cooked.

Nourishing Recommendations

You can learn so much about Tarot from Susyn Blair-Hunt, my wonderful mentor, in her book, Tarot Prediction & Divination, Unveiling 3 Layers of Meaning.

(Llewellyn also publishes the best selection of Tarot decks that I’ve discovered.)

Homeopathy and Core Synchronism have changed my life. First, I was immediately able to breathe after experiencing asthma-like symptoms for years. Many other improvements followed. Elizabeth Battarbee is available via Skype everywhere and in-person in Louisiana!
Elizabeth Battarbee of Flourish, Doctor of Homeopathy

Elise Hensley, LISW, an amazing healer, offers unique psychotherapy services in the Albuquerque and Los Lunas areas at an unparalleled level. EMDR helps with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and anxiety of all types. Neurofeedback is a therapy that helps reconnect and enhance your brainpower in all sort of ways to maximize your mental functioning in this complex world of ours. Elise is one of only a few people trained in Neurofeedback in our area. She is someone who is a skilled and amazing mentor. Better yet, your insurance may cover your sessions.

Thank you for enjoying this month’s newsletter! You can contact me anytime via email: domikajama@gmail.com for consultations. Visit at Intuitivemoon.com.

Be well!

Blessings,
Dominique

Your November 2014 Newsletter from Dominique

This Month: Astrological Trends * Creating a Custom Tarot Spread * Hearty Green Chile Beet Soup

November 2014 Astrological Trends

This month, the big news is a Mars-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, in effect from November 1^st through November 18^th, but most intense on November 10^th and 11^th. At the same time, we have lots of Scorpio (water) energy all month. For the majority of November, The Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Saturn will be located in Scorpio.

With Mars and Scorpio still prevalent, just as they were in October, we are dealing with the phoenix archetype. Mars-Pluto conjunction is like a volcano in an earth sign, its lava dissolving whatever is in its path, with possible eruptions to boot. We can empower ourselves by allowing what is bigger than we are to usher us into our next level of consciousness, like a phoenix will rise from the flames of a fire. As Mars (action) touches Pluto (deepest transformation) during the next few weeks, and the Sun illuminates Scorpio energy (deepest tests and questions), allow your unconscious to feed you messages through your environment, your body, and your visions—or however you receive information.

A conjunction aspect can make you feel like things are urgent and you have no room to breathe. Trust me, sometimes the best thing you can do when this urge hits is to breathe and do nothing! Wait until you feel a decision is sound before you act—that is one of the Scorpio “tests” before us all right now. Can we be patient in the face of urgent desire to make things happen in our time frame? Can we honor and respect divine timing? Saturn, after all, is making its last movements through Scorpio and if the heavens did not set up a time of testing, well, it just wouldn’t be a Saturn in Scorpio transit! By reaching into the depth of your wisdom and listening to the better angels in, well, every matter before you, you will emerge victorious and truly have something to be grateful for at Thanksgiving—which can be as simple as holding your tongue to avoid hurting someone you love or holding your pocketbook to avoid spending too much on something extravagant that you think you need in the moment.

Insights will keep arriving in a steady stream as Pluto will move into exact aspect with Uranus again during the next few months, fostering honesty and integrity in all our lives. The Taurus full moon on November 6, as the month opens, is a nice time to prepare for these changes. Any ritual or activity that engages our senses to help us take stock of where we are at is a good idea. Let yourself indulge and rest on this full moon, enjoying the senses and honoring your physicality. Interacting with nature is always a good idea for body and soul.

On November 8, Mercury enters Scorpio and we can feel our thoughts deepen accordingly. We might turn toward metaphysical practices and prayer and meditation even more ardently during the Mercury transit in Scorpio, and that would be a natural and healthy tendency at this time. It can be a solace and produce great abundance for our hearts and minds.

On November 16, Neptune turns direct in Pisces, adding to our ability to connect with the divine, allowing us to move forward in our spiritual paths once more. If we have felt our energy or connections blocked, we can expect to feel ourselves cleared and awakened again. If we have had any troubles with sleeping, dreaming, or over-indulgence, we can make great strides again now that Neptune has resumed forward motion.

This spiritual support is further enhanced when Chiron turns direct on November 23. Healing of all sorts is covered by Chiron. If we have been suffering or stagnated, or if we have been having trouble finding help or mentoring, or been cut off from help or mentoring, this should be resolved after Chiron turns direct. Conversely, this also opens up the possibility of life bringing to the forefront any situations that require healing, since healing requires a wound or situation to be healed, so Chiron also covers the cause portion of the cause and effect nature of wisdom acquisition—the original wound.

Right before Chiron turns direct, the Sun enters Sagittarius, and the mood shifts into one of exploration and expansion. Learning, teaching, traveling, and all things of the world come into focus, and we can open up a little more after the Scorpio season. We may see a shift from an internal month to a more social and external month ahead. The Sagittarius new moon is a time to meditate on where you would like to travel and expand your life. It’s a good time to focus on Jupiter—the great protector of our solar system—and to make a wish to this benefactor for something that will bring you joy. Of course, this energy can be used for simple thanksgiving and appreciation as well, as many of us do not have very much to wish for. This life is already a dream come true when we look around and see the many wonders and miracles and amazing people who surround us each and every moment.

Learn Tarot

Creating a Custom Tarot Spread

This month, we are making a 4-card spread. The first three cards are to guide us for 1) the first ten days, 2) the second ten days, and 3) the third ten days. The final card 4) will give us a theme for the entire month of November. We are using The Crystal Tarot deck, so you can meditate with the crystals indicated on the cards during the month, as well! One of the ways to meditate with a crystal is to carry it in your pocket and clasp it with your hand throughout the day, allowing it to absorb energy from you. Another way is to place it in your home or on your desk in an honored place, and allow your eyes and mind to drift toward it gently throughout the day. You can also sit with the crystal / stone in formal meditation for at least 15 minutes a day.

This is a demonstration of how you can create a Tarot card spread of your own, using the cards flexibly. You do not always have to follow others’ layouts. One of the nicest ways to learn Tarot is to make up your own card layouts—and simple is the best for learning. Enjoy!

Card 1: November 1 to November 9

The Empress and the crystal EMERALD: The best kind of mothering and creativity arrives in early November. What a great time to do any DIY holiday gifts and prepare and plan for the upcoming season of celebration! This is a time to relax and enjoy everything around us. This looks like the brightest and best time of the month!

Card 2: November 10 to November 20

Seven Of Swords and the crystal AMBER: Well, the folks who are interested in credit card theft will be doing their thing to prepare for the holiday shopping season during mid-November. You may want to use cash this year instead of charge your purchases, as this form of theft is indicated. We can carry amber in our pockets to help protect ourselves some, but things are pretty wild out there in the transaction world! This is a reminder to be smart as much as possible. It may be nice to relax a lot during the middle days of November, pulling back your energy.

Card 3: November 21 to November 30

Knight of Pentacles and the crystal BLUE TOPAZ: This looks like the busiest time of the month, so I hope there is a lot for you to celebrate as you begin holiday preparation and family gatherings in earnest as December approaches!

Card 4: Theme for November!

King of Pentacles and the crystal GOLDEN RAY CALCITE: This card verifies that meditating with stones and earth-elemental objects is a good idea during November. Chakra balancing can be very beneficial focus for us spiritually-minded folks. Anything from working in the garden—whether that be cleaning up or preparing a winter garden—to clearing space in the home is indicated. Creativity and grounded projects such as sewing and cooking, or any fun and enjoyable activities can be explored successfully. Nature can be very rejuvenating! Overall, all the cards tend toward creativity, relaxation, finance, and home/family/relationship/celebration focus.

Meditation

Taoists say: To the caterpillar, it’s the end of the world. To the master, it’s a butterfly.

When we observe that we are transforming, we often experience fear as part of the process. One of the most interesting experiences I had last year was a dream in which I drove over a cliff so tall I could not see the bottom even as I was experiencing the fall over its side in my Rav4. When I woke during the fall, the heart in the center of my life was pounding. For days, the sense of falling returned repeatedly, my stomach tumbling over itself at the oddest moments.

As I relaxed and asked myself and others about this physically and psychically intense dream, I learned these types of dreams happen at points when our unconscious minds send up messages that we will no longer be going back to identify with our old personalities. We will only be going forward.

In transformation, things change for good even if we cling to the belief that we can revert back to our old actions that helped us feel secure previously. In our new identities, we need new habits that build our better strengths.

Instead of the caterpillar crawling across the landscape of my former life, I needed to meditate each day to develop a butterfly’s wings to use to fly while falling!

Nourishment for the Body and Soul

Hearty Green Chile Beet Soup

This is a hearty soup that can be made vegetarian by swapping out the beef stock with vegetable stock. It gives a nice kick to a savory beet soup by including New Mexico Green Chiles. In my case, I used fresh and sautéed them, but you can just as easily use roasted, chopped green chiles or a jar of green chiles. It all depends on the season and what is available in your neighborhood. My neighborhood happened to be the kitchen garden outside the back door.

Yield: Serves 6 or more large portions.

Ingredients:

3 large Beets (I used golden beets, hence my soup is not the signature RED of many a beet soup)
1 large Onion
4 TBSP Butter
3 large New Mexico Green Chiles (or a chile variety of your choice) or ¾ to 1 cup chopped chiles or chiles from a jar
1 medium Potato
4 cups Beef Stock (or the stock of your choice)
2 cups Water
1 TSP Black Pepper
1 cup Plain Yogurt to swirl in each bowl upon serving.

Directions:

Prepare Beets: To prepare the beets, dispose of the greens/stems, and cover them with water in a non-reactive pot. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, boiling them softly for at least an hour and a half. Depending on how large they are, you may need to cook them even longer. I’ve cooked beets for 3 hours on the stove! You also may need to add water to them to keep them covered in liquid while they cook. (Non-reactive pots are generally stainless steel or glass.) When they are properly cooked, handle them with disposable kitchen gloves so you don’t stain your hands. The skin peels off and the beets are soft and easily sliced through the middle. In this recipe, we’ll be putting them through the blender, so you can peel them and then slice them into approximately 1 inch cubes. Set aside in a non-reactive bowl.

Prepare potato: To prepare the potato, you can peel it and chop it into 1 inch cubes. Then boil the potato in a small pot for about 30 minutes until it is soft. Alternatively, you can boil the entire potato alongside the beets for a longer period and then chop it.

Prepare soup: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over low heat. Slice the onion in thin cross-sections. Dice the green chile. Turn heat to medium and add the onion and green chile. Cook them while you blend the other ingredients.

In a blender, a little at a time, add some of the beets, potato, water, and stock. Liquefy and then pour over cooked onions and green chiles. Blend batches until you have added all the beets, potato, stock, and water. Add pepper to the soup.

Bring the soup to a low boil. Then turn heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Serve in large bowls with a swirl of yogurt on top.

Nourishing Recommendations

You can learn so much about Tarot from Susyn Blair-Hunt, my wonderful mentor, in her book, Tarot Prediction & Divination, Unveiling 3 Layers of Meaning.

(Llewellyn also publishes the best selection of Tarot decks that I’ve discovered.)

Thank you for enjoying this month’s newsletter! You can contact me anytime via email: domikajama@gmail.com for consultations. Visit at Intuitivemoon.com.

Be well!

Blessings,
Dominique

Your October 2014 Newsletter from Dominique

This Month: Astrological Trends * Retrogrades * Tower Tarot Card Contest * Gluten-Free / Sugar-Free Pear Almond Coconut Muffins

October 2014 Astrological Trends

The month of October opens with Pluto moving forward again, beginning to retrace the degrees of the zodiac it reversed through since April. This means you likely feel energetic cylinders engaging all around you. Pluto turned direct September 22. Until October 4, when Mercury turns retrograde, you’ll see lots of action, so fasten your proverbial seat-belt and just keep in mind that you can do some reflecting in a few days, after the first week of the month. Mercury will be retrograde October 4^th through 25^th,and it will be a good time to review how well our thoughts align with our feelings. Are they in harmony?

Speaking of action, the action planet appears on the scene prominently this month. While Mars travels through Sagittarius (through October 25), the action will be around teaching, adventure, religion/philosophy, and expansion. The lower vibration of Mars in Sagittarius expresses itself through single-mindedness and conflict, but Mars-in-Sagittarius higher vibration energy is the teacher, traveler, the mentor, and wisdom provider of the best kind. With Saturn, another of astrology’s teachers and mentors, in the depth-probing sign of Scorpio, more weight is added to the theme of wisdom givers and guides needing to step up the plate at this time. As spiritual practitioners know, in order to help the groups that are having trouble managing themselves, we can send our wise energy out into the world via meditation and prayer. Even if we do nothing directly to be involved in any problems or conflicts that arise like poisonous mushroom stems amongst the mycelium of humanity around us, our indirect attention has power. We are all connected under the surface of the form of things, and we can often affect outcomes with the energy work we do beneath the surface.

Additionally, Uranus in Aries touches (or aspects) Jupiter in Leo, making its voice heard now to remove restrictions and provide energy where it is necessary, helping people and groups break new ground—even in unconventional ways. The “teacher” you experience may be corporeal or may come from an intuitive insight, so keep your spidey senses activated and honed. You might experience this energy personally, and/or on a more universal level—since these are “outer” planets—and often affect groups instead of just individuals. Usually, we feel some of these energies in our own microcosms, as well. This Uranus-Jupiter trine was active in September, and October is the final month to take advantage of its benefit, as it closes around October 26^th.

There’s even more support for you to expect the unexpected during October, since we will experience two eclipses—a lunar eclipse in Aries on October 8 and a solar eclipse in Scorpio on October 23. What do these two eclipses have in common? Both Aries and Scorpio rule the planet Mars! (Read last month’s newsletter—“Learn Astrology” section—available at intuitivemoon.com—to understand a little bit about planetary rulership…)

Both begin 6-month cycles of activity in our lives to engage us in transformation. By next April, you can look back to see how the discussion that follows has manifested for you. You’ll look back and say: it had its origins in October.

Mars energy is a recurring theme in October, and it is a very active and engaging force to be reckoned with. Mars may be the “god of war,” mythologically, but Mars is also the warrior and protector of justice. Mars protects the peace as much as the thought of bringing any conflict. In Taoism, the greatest warriors are those most loathe to pick up a weapon, and I would concur with that philosophy from what I know of great warriors.

So the vision of Mars is the planet that brings movement where there has been stagnation and protection where there has been fear. It is an exciting time when many things will emerge cleared and cleaned. It is a time of breakthroughs and new beginnings as much as disruptions.

We can accept the gifts of Mars by accepting our own transformation and the transformation of the environment around us. We can practice loving kindness as well as do our part in the activities as they ramp up. We can show up and be kind and wise. We will be able to see how far we have come by whether or not we react to circumstances that trigger us. We can be proud when we see ourselves move beyond triggers and when we can see the souls of people around us instead of their personalities. We can forgive ourselves and others when we or they still have progress to make. Things will be moving so fast; it won’t be worth it to hold on to particular situational triggers.

The faster we can give up any slights and wounds, the faster we can get to where we need to be. This is a different process than denial of our feelings—I am not suggesting you deny what you feel—but that you transform from holding on to things from a personal ego perspective to a soul or spirit perspective. What if you were an angel having this conversation with your sister/lover/child/spouse/friend? What if you were already dead and buried and never had the chance to talk to them again? How would you have wanted to react to them? Would you have been kinder? Less attached to the outcome and more attached to making them feel welcome and loved? Less needful of attention, approbation, credit? This also implies spending more time with those people who and on those activities which provide you with some measure of joy in your heart!

If you are exhausted and weighed down or physically affected by the people you surround yourself with, it’s important to acknowledge and free yourself. Finding freedom and joy is serious business during October. If you do not seek it, it will seek you!

The solar eclipse in Scorpio on October 23 kicks off a 6-month cycle that will bring out anything that is hidden—hidden feelings, any responsibilities that have gone unheeded, and transformations under the surface that are just waiting to blossom. Whatever is under the surface will be exposed, so it’s a nice time to give up on secrets and give in to joy. Prepare now to be whole on all levels, and laugh when you discover there are still pockets of yourself to grow into. Some responsibilities will probably come out for all of us to realize and manifest. We can’t know it all—all at once.

Here’s a fun note: the Mars energy all month long can be routed into the bedroom for a month of hot and steamy action of a very personal sort if you’d like to use it in that fashion, and be more playful about the whole darned thing!

On October 23, the Sun and Venus enter Scorpio, and the Fall season enters its depth. Halloween is on the way, and you can feel the nights become substantially longer. It becomes time to dream and think deeply of our intentions and our ancestors. It is even more energy for transformation. Scorpio energy tests the waters of everything.

Then, the month will end on a high note as Mercury turns direct and Neptune and Venus make a nice aspect that provides some relaxing spiritual energy for meditation on October 27 and through month’s end—just in time to relax for Halloween!

Learn Astrology

Retrogradation: The Illusion of Going Backward

Having mentioned that Pluto and Mercury will be in forward motion for a few days at the beginning of October, I thought I might write a little bit about the retrograde motion of the planets in astrology. While we are on earth, our planetary neighbors appear to move backwards to us humans due to the relative motions of planets through their orbits. Just as cars on a freeway are never standing still or moving backward although they can be perceived this way by other cars traveling at sufficiently high speeds, celestial bodies can perceive the same sort of illusion. It can appear that a planet is moving backwards or standing still in its orbit for a period of time due to relative movements.

When an astrologer says a planet is in retrograde, it means this perception of planets moving backward, relative to earth, is occurring for the dates reported. There are 10 planets in our solar system, and from western, earth astrology’s perspective, only 8 of them experience retrograde periods. The sun and the moon do not have retrograde periods. They are called “planets” in astrology even though they are not really planets. There are other bodies in our solar system called “asteroids” that are pretty big, and they are not called “planets,” so I imagine at some point in the future, western astrology will have an update to its nomenclature to account for some of the conveniences that have been used that make very little sense, like lumping the sun and the moon with the planets. When it comes to retrogradation, it is actually confusing because they behave quite differently than the other 8 heavenly bodies.

In a person’s natal chart, or the chart for the time and place of their birth, retrograde planets indicate where that person experiences dissipated or diluted energy. If a retrograde planet is involved in an opposition aspect, it indicates a compromise in their life—that the area of life indicated by the retrograde planet and the house it rules will be compromised for the planet it opposes and its ruling house. If both sides of the opposition are retrograde—watch for an internal conflict that is hard to decipher. In that case, a person will go round and round inside their thoughts.

In transit charts, which are the charted movements of the planets as time goes by compared to the natal chart of an individual, retrograde planets and their relationship to the other transiting bodies along with the natal chart points of interest—indicate internal events, rearrangements, and sometimes delayed results. The nature of the planetary archetype and energy involved, along with the sign(s) it’s traveling through can clue you in to how it may express itself in people’s experiences.

When planets are moving in direct instead of retrograde motion, things are no longer delayed. Events are external, not internal. Things occur for the first time, and they are not recurrences. New combinations and situations are likely to emerge, instead of repeats occurring.

Retrogrades occur often, and usually one or more retrogrades are occurring at any given point. It’s a positive thing to take it slowly in life, i.e., not to have those “cars on the freeway” constantly moving at their maximum speed! Retrogrades give us time to breathe and reflect.

Learn Tarot

One of the best ways to internalize the meanings of Tarot cards is to write short stories about them. Since Mars is predominating the action astrologically, and Mars is all about action, let’s have a contest this month to learn Tarot! Mars rules the 16^th Tarot card in the Major Arcana: The Tower. Let’s write short stories about the “Tower” card and its themes. It can be true, fantasy, fiction. It can be about tarot readings or just about life themes. A paragraph, longer, whatever inspires you.

Here are the rules and prizes:

Tower Contest:

Eligibility: In order to enter, 1) please purchase Susan Blair-Hunt’s Book, “Tarot Prediction & Divination: Unveiling 3 Layers of Meaning.” If you already have the book, please take a picture of you holding your book instead. 2) Write a short story and paste it into an email message body. 3) Send a copy or picture of your receipt or book and your story to domikajama@gmail.com no later than October 31, 2014.

Prizes: Everyone who enters (according to the rules in the eligibility section) gets a free 10 minute Tarot reading from me, as long as you schedule it prior to December 31, 2014. The top story, as judged by Susan Blair-Hunt and myself, will win a 30 minute Tarot reading! The top winner will have their short story published in the December newsletter. Please include the name you wish to have published in the by-line—you can use any name you wish (other than Stephen King, author of “The Dark Tower” series…LOL!).

About the Tower Card:

The Tower card is about transformation and awakening. This can happen suddenly and traumatically or this can happen because you have outgrown your current mode of consciousness. The awakening is often spiritual, and it can be radical physical and material change as well. There can be a break-up, a change to your ego or self-image, an unexpected shock or change, a bolt of insight. Watch for erupting emotions, exhaustion and burn-out, damage, illness, and accident. Instead, embark upon housecleaning, a drastic self-improvement campaign, intensive therapy, fasting, and stay away from chaos. Use the affirmations, “I liberate myself from limitations and structures that I’ve outgrown,” and “I am free.”

Meditate on the restructuring of yourself and your environment. Assess your anger level and skills with nurturing anger when it visits you. If your complacency shatters, what is your skill level to handle it? When the rubber hits the road emotionally, how mature are your actions and responses? Do you care for yourself and others compassionately? What sudden realizations and insights have been offered to you from spirit?

There is more information about the Tower card (and much more about Tarot) in Susyn’s book. Check the charts in the back of the book to look up the meaning and themes of the Tower card, specifically and in relation to other cards.

Meditation

Prayer for Coherence

Spirit and all Beings who offer the best and highest support and guidance,

Let our community open our hearts to provide the channel
for love to stream into and saturate this world we are creating.

Let each person who reads or touches this prayer
receive a flash of peace and health that transforms them
into a being of light and a healer of their heart and others’ hearts.

Let each person now know they have come here to create heaven
and that they no longer need to wait or seek it outside them
but instead generate it like a fire or a light that starts in their heart
and spreads throughout their body, allowing them to rest openly in their joy.

Let us attend to our own internal fire of happiness so we can
then easily become a match for others when they need to be sparked.
Let us glow in this easy light as our gift to the world, even though it
feels like a gift to ourselves because it is so very refreshing. For it
is in this state that we automatically remain of our highest service.

Thank you.

Nourishment for the Body and Soul

Pear Almond and Coconut Muffins

This gluten-free, sugar-free pastry has everything—pears, oatmeal, almonds, coconut and a few super foods thrown in for a secret punch! When you need energy in October, use it as your secret weapon.

(Normally I would recommend using only raw, ground flax seed, since its nutrient value is exponentially better for you when uncooked, but I accidentally picked up a bag of toasted flax seeds so have been including them in some baking.)

Yield: 18-24 muffins

Ingredients:

2 TBSP Chia Seeds
2 TBSP Roasted Flax Seeds
1.25 Cups Coconut Milk
1.5 Cups Oatmeal or Oat Bran or a combination
1 Cup Coconut Flour
¾ Cup Almond Meal or Almond Flour
2 TSP Baking Powder
1 TSP Baking Soda
1 TSP Vanilla
1 Cup Buttermilk
2 Eggs
½ Cup Sunflower Oil or Olive Oil
3 TBSP Molasses
½ Cup Raw Almonds
½ Cup Shredded Coconut
2.5 Cups Diced Fresh Pear

Directions:

Prepare a muffin tin with paper liners or with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk the chia seeds, flax seeds and coconut milk in a bowl and let sit for 10-30 minutes to let the seeds plump. After the seeds have softened, add the other wet ingredients: the eggs, the oil, the buttermilk, the vanilla, and the molasses.

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the oats, the coconut flour, the almond meal, the baking powder, and the baking soda.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mix well, and then add the almonds, the coconut, and the pear.

Fill muffin cups with batter, filling almost to the top. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from tin.

Enjoy!

Nourishing Recommendations

You can learn so much about Tarot from Susyn Blair-Hunt, my wonderful mentor, in her book, Tarot Prediction & Divination, Unveiling 3 Layers of Meaning.

(Llewellyn also publishes the best selection of Tarot decks that I’ve discovered.)

Thank you for enjoying this month’s newsletter! You can contact me anytime via email: domikajama@gmail.com for consultations. Visit at Intuitivemoon.com.

Be well!

Blessings,
Dominique