Love seemed the perfect elevated emotion to discuss so close to Valentines Day.  What can love do for us?  When we fall in love dopamine is created, making couples feel elated and energized by one another.  Who wouldn't dig that pleasure fix?  Oxytocin, another pleasure chemical is released during breastfeeding.  This can cause mothers to fall in love with their babies.  Since falling in love and giving birth are temporary experiences, how can we keep these wonderful chemicals pumping through us?  Hugging, kissing, and cuddling are also associated with oxytocin release.

 Are you feeling grumpy?  Go out and hug someone.  Join a group that nurtures one another with physical affection and praise.  If you are single you might need to get creative about how and with whom you receive affection.  Since we can't force ourselves to fall in love, we have to find other healthy ways to increase pleasure chemicals. You can create an environment of openness to love and affection from animals and human beings.  Having a loving and open attitude will bring new experiences that can increase the chemicals your brain needs for well being.

​www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20568672,00.html#-o-is-for-oxytocin-0

This is the beginning of a series of discussions regarding emotion and energy.  To quote Dr. Joe Dispenza,  "combine a clear intention and an elevated emotion--- those are the two ingredients."  Here Dr. Joe is talking about the creation process.  This series of blogs will be focused on elevated emotion and how that shifts our personal energy.  We must learn to access elevated emotion in the midst of grief and disappointment if we are to thrive.  What are elevated emotions?  Joy, gratefulness, peace, happiness, and sensual enjoyment.  We are meant to be engaged and thrive in a physical and sensual environment.  This is fundamental to the human experience.

This month I am asking everyone to keep a journal of your daily emotions and the causes of them.  Do they shift when you have certain thoughts?  Do they shift because of circumstances?  Are there people in your life that trigger emotions?  After a week of tracking these daily feelings start thinking about what brings joy to you personally.  Journal about the last time you felt joyful, if ever.  If you have never felt joy, have you ever felt simple sensual enjoyment from an activity or a delicious meal?  This is about energy management.  We are not going for a goal.  

I hope this assignment gives you insights into yourself and your relationship to life.  When you have discovered something that gives you joy, think of ways you can add that energy into your life daily.  Do not get discouraged if the answer is not here right away.  Persist in your observations!  

As the days get shorter, we are closer to the heartbeat of winter.  This full moon is energized by a near opposition between Jupiter and Uranus.  These two planets insist on expansion and innovation.  This can be an immature risk taking combination without the harmonious aspect each has to Saturn.  Saturn grounds us in reality and practical solutions.  Saturn is Sextile Jupiter and Trine Uranus into the beginning of 2017.  This is a great time to negotiate for the future. The Winter Solstice is marked by the alignment of Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus In the sky.  This time period is one of stability with the added benefit of innovation and new solutions.  All may not be well in the world but this energy is about finding solutions.  Act on your positive beliefs and allow the energy to support you.

Venus will trine Jupiter on the 26th of December.  Coincidentally this is a big shopping day and Venus loves to spend.  Sadly Mercury will be in retrograde motion much of the above mentioned time period.  We will be acting on ideas and dreams without the help of the planet of communication.  Mercury will turn direct on the 8th of January.  What we did not communicate in December will then need to be made known.  Volatile aspects will follow this stable time period, so now is the time to get clear on what is truly important to you and your world.

Personally, I am defining my dream for a united world in love, compassion, and peace.  The photograph of my neice symbolizes an expression of trust.  May the world be a more peaceful place for her and all future generations.

As we move into the Winter time of the coming year, we can use the energy of this moon to empower us on our journey.  This is a time for setting intentions and creating a plan of action for the future.  We are in a relatively stable time based on various planetary aspects. The world as we know it, isn't going to end just yet.  I have written in previous blogs about the Jupiter and Saturn harmony and the opportunities that may present themselves over the next 6 weeks.  You will need to know your own chart to understand how this impacts you personally.  Basically this is a time of stability with opportunities for new solutions to old problems.  We all should look at any opportunities presented us at this time carefully.  

​It's a great time to get back to work and adventure with the future in mind!

​www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/aliciakeys/holywar.html

The title of this blog is stolen from an Antje Duvekot song.  It is so descriptive of a Pluto experience.  I have been reflecting on my experiences with Pluto transits and Pluto energies. I have lived on a Pluto line for the last 15 months. My experiences are subjective so I can only share the wisdom I have gathered from my experiences.  Pluto is transformative energy that is experienced differently by each individual.

Transits and the energy of your natal chart help to explain why we all experience time periods and places differently. Most people never have more than a brush with Pluto during a transit.  

Here a couple of blogs from other peoples experiences to help put Pluto and astrocartography into perspective:  
​​http://www.moonkissd.com/writing/astrology-daily-life/travel-by-the-stars/
https://wanderingcosmicmusing.wordpress.com

For those of you more interested in astrology and the energy of the planets, this link may be of interest:  www.gaiamind.org/AstroIntro.html

My daughter downloaded this song to my iTunes more than eight years ago.  Never did I imagine what the next eight years would be like and how fitting this song would be for me.  No one in my sheltered middle class world would have made the choices I did.  It has not been an easy journey but it was necessary for me to see myself and others clearly. I am the wise and weary cohort of Pluto.  I have found compassion for myself and others to be the only way to deal with Pluto energies.  I now see the fears that motivated myself and others.  Sadly, we are in a time period in human history when everyone is facing so much fear about the future.  

I hope you enjoy the video below.  

This is a fun video with a brief explaination of the planetary energies.  If you are interested in learning more about the history of astrocartography google Jim Lewis.  

Happy Hunters Moon!  Hope the skies are clear and bright for everyone.

I am howling about the recent slaughter of a wolf pack in Easter Washington.  When I read of this decision to kill the entire pack because of the loss of cattle in recent years after the pack was reintroduced to the area.  Wolves are carnivores.  Is this a surprise?  The thought of these deaths made me sick to my stomach.  It is truly painful for me to see the persistent disregard for wild life.  I can not speak for the ranchers who feel their property was violated.  My perspective as a consumer is to just stop eating beef if the cost is damage to wildlife.  Wolves, mountain lions and coyote are bound to take a few head of cattle or sheep from time to time.  This decision has left me sick.  I am simply broken hearted.  

wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/gray_wolf/packs/7/  This link gives you the statistics over the period of time the wolves occupied Ferry county.  If you are interested in helping wolves in the future.  The Wolf Defense Fund is an organization trying to stop this slaughter, also see my February 12th blog for a list of organizations helping to protect wolves.  

www.nmwild.org/our-work/wilderness-defense/mexican-gray-wolves
I have to add this link:  This may be the most eloquent response to the extermination of wolves.  Quote by Aldo Leopold.

Saturn and  Neptune are moving away from the tight square aspect they have formed several times this last year.  The last square was September 10th.  The symbology of this energy is about becoming realistic about your dreams.  Saturn rules reality and Neptune rules our illusions or dreams.  Saturn and Neptune have a variety of manifestations.  How these energies have manifested in your individual astrology chart can help you get clear on what is truly important to you.  I can only speak for myself.  I feel as though I have woken from a long period of deluding myself about many things.  I feel much more ready to tackle reality.  If you have any questions about this energy or how to use astrology for greater insight, feel free to contact me.  

This is an inspiring video about Veterans who work with wolves.  These animals see into us in a way that is simple and pure.  I wish everyone could experience this at least once in their lives.

I've decided to publish all of my blogs on the full moon of each month in order to establish consistency.  This month I would like to look ahead for harmonious aspects.  We will be skidding towards the final square between Neptune and Saturn in September.  Time to dream again.

Venus and Mars form a harmonious aspect September 19th.  This day, as well as a few days before hand is always good energy for cooperation and flirtation.  Following this minor aspect with a beautiful trine between Neptune and Venus on October 1st.  The few days leading up to this are great days for romance or romantic planning.

Neptune goes direct with a sextile to venus on November 20th.  Lots of harmony and romance.  Always follow your intuition.  The aspects may be favorable but your chart may have it's own challenges.

​Jupiter and Saturn form a harmonious aspect towards the end of the year on December 22nd.  The few days leading up to it should be good for business deals and financial planning.

The big news at the end of the year is Jupiter opposing Uranus for a week starting December 22nd.  We are in for big surprises.  Follow your intuition and have fun with this daredevil aspect.  After the long Saturn Neptune period, if you feel knocked down, well, it's time to get up again.  This ground shaking energy is stabilized by a harmonious aspect from Saturn to Uranus and Jupiter.  We can build on the past with revolutionary changes to our thinking and our way of relating to our world.

I was so young when I first heard this song that I thought the lyrics said "woods on seventh avenue" instead of "whores".   A tribute to Simon and Garfunkels enduring song writing!  Go out and dance under the moon tonight.

We are moving towards our last square between Saturn and Neptune this Year.  On September 10th these two planets will be square at ten degrees.  If you did not feel positively impacted by the trine between Pluto and Jupiter this past year; it may be that you are more hooked into this square aspect.  Starting last fall with the first square hitting at 7 degrees; this hard aspect between saturn and neptune will challenge both saturn and neptune types.  Square aspects always require integration of different energies.  I found this blog post to be most helpful.  www.insightastrology.net/current-transits/saturn-square-neptune/

​The good news is that there will be many stabilizing aspects in the year ahead.    Those who benefited from the Jupiter Pluto trine this last year may be hitting their first bump with the last square from saturn and neptune this September.  Important to remember that it will pass leaving us with clearer insight for our futures.

I'm painting again, Yay.  I do feel like I am anchored by my ability to touch the symbols of my subconcious.  This is my combined use of saturn and neptune energy.  Music is also a neptunian activity and I can't paint well without it.  Musicians may find this time period both discouraging yet productive.  Those who turn to spirituality for answers may  find themselves challenged to take in new information.  Seeing anything clearly will take effort and dreams may have to wait to manifest until after the final square.

This is the last of a series of trines that started last fall.  These two planets together are a power house of energy.  They assure success in any area of your chart that they are situated.  This is even more true if they contact a personal point in your natal chart.  Trines do not compel but they always offer us opportunities if we are willing to take them.  Here is an article that I enjoyed on this subject:  www.braveheartastrology.com/jupiter-trine-pluto-a-force-for-good/

I have been giving some thought to relationship astrology within a given context.  In my last blog I spoke of rewilding.  Re wilding is a concept that indicates getting in touch with ones innate instincts.  Global society in general is operating almost exclusively from the mind.  Our minds can be useful but they will destroy us if we do not have healthy instincts.  Most people on the planet today have injured instincts!  All societies have been living with outmoded religions, social structures, and accepted norms.  If we see the opportunity many of us have to live as free people we can truly change the way we relate.  Healthy relationship requires an awareness of your own bodily sensations.  By monitoring your bodily sensations and reactions without adding a story or a "why" for them; you can decide what is healthy for you and what is not.  No explanation required!

With this powerful Trine many of us have been dreaming the future into being.  People born in 1960 with Saturn in alignment with this last years Pluto positions.  Pluto will challenge their way of seeing the world, fortunately Jupiter will keep them open to change.  Those born in 1964 will have alignments with Uranus,and Jupiter will open their eyes to a new way of expressing freedom.  Many with this alignment will take early retirements.  Those born in the summer of 1964 will have alignments to Jupiter and Pluto forming a grand trine to their natal Jupiter.  This will bring opportunities for expansion and growth in their lives.  Pluto trine Pluto for those born in 1965 brings generational awareness of a need to restructure their lives as a result of a changing world.

The generation with the most powerful influence will be those born in 1970, towards the middle to end of the year.  The current trine from Pluto and Jupiter will aspect their natal Saturn bringing them personal power in the areas of their lives that this trine is positioned.  With this trine all business ventures started at this time will be successful and well planned.  All structures that need to be changed will change with ease.  Pluto may be ruthless in their lives with regard to needed change.  Although this is a soft aspect it will bring about opportunities through the areas of life that Pluto symbolizes such as: Death, Sex, Power Plays, and Secrets of all kinds.  Pluto is not gentle even with a trine but it can be magical energy when lined up to a persons Natal Sun, Moon, Venus, and Mars.

Everyone born in 1990 will participate in dreaming of a new and better world.  With Pluto and Jupiter in aspect to their natal Neptunes and with some in alignment with natal Saturn.  It's all about making it happen!  The opportunity is now and for some it passed last October.  This has been a powerful time and we have the opportunity to make it more so, this week.  If you have been dreaming, take action now!

Happy Solstice and Best Wishes for all of us as we adventure into a new era.

​Good tunes live on!  This great tune originally by Simon and Garfunkel

​A little over a week ago I was driving through the state of Iowa headed back west to Seattle.  The thought of missing all of the animal medicine I had experienced this winter came to mind.  I was missing animal medicine.  Animals are everywhere but I had not seen anything in a couple of weeks that truly spoke to me.  Just as I was thinking this thought I caught sight of two hawks out of the corner of my windshield.  Sighting those birds felt like a message.  About an hour later I made a wrong turn on my way to a grocery and I pulled into a driveway to turn around and there was sitting a little red fox!  I said a big thank you to that divine intelligence that interacts with me when I pay attention.  Ask and it shall be given?  Maybe.

This made me think about how important being present to animal medicine and nature is to our connection to our human existence.  How truly bereft we will be if we destroy all diversity of plant and wild life.  The direction the majority of humans are taking is heart breaking to me.  Why some of us feel this strong connection to our planets wild inhabitants and so many others do not, is a mystery to me.  I have to admit most of my family members and some of my friends do not share this passion of mine.  I have been called "fringe" and "an enviromental extremist", by loved ones.  

Giving some thought to politics during this election year, I concluded that Socialism puts human need first and Capitalism puts human greed first.  Wildlife and wild nature will suffer under both.   We must find another way before we destroy everything.  All life is sacred not only human life.  

You may be interested in the rewilding movement.  It is a discussion about less violent ways of existing on the planet.  We do not need to return to warring tribes in order to learn from these indigenous cultures.  Click on the link below and join the lively discussion.  Join me and become "fringe".

​http://www.rewild.com/

Let's talk about green buriel!  http://greencemetery.blogspot.com/  There are many green buriel cemetaries around the country.  This blog gives you information on the green buriel movement.

I will be adding a gallery of photos to this blogpost when I am able to use my computer again.  They will cover my travels during the months of January through April.

I had to add this video.  He is great, So Real!  If you are sick of pretentious, all too civilized communication you will find Daniel Vitalis refreshing.  This is also valuable information.
www.danielvitalis.com/