|
|
What's Goin' On? January-February 2009
Visionary Aquarius Guides Winter into Spring at Imbolc/Candlemas | |
|
|
|
|
|
Winter-Spring
2009
Schedules |
 |
Travel & Events
To schedule readings, regressions, or special events, please call
805-963-0842
*
March 1
Bridal Visions 2009
Fess Parker's
Doubletree Hotel
633 East Cabrillo Boulevard
11 am - 3 pm
Santa Barbara, CA
The brilliant and talented Bonnie Hope is the new producer of Bridal Visions - Santa
Barbara's most popular Bridal Faire - and once again I am honored to be
making a special guest appearance at the event. I will have an
informational booth and be doing free mini - readings, as well.
Lunar Cycles
6:38 am PST
New Moon in Pisces
5:35 pm PST
Lunar and Solar Eclipses
2009
January 25th
Solar Annular
February 9th
Lunar Penumbral
July 17th
Lunar Penumbral
July 21th
Solar Total
August 5th
Lunar Penumbral
December 31st Lunar Partial
|
Quick Links
for
Healing Resources:
Quick Links
for
more about
Beth McDonald Consulting:
| |
|
|
|
Imbolc/Candlemas 2009
Despite
the infamous post-holiday reality check, and the angst of tax season,
this, kids, is one of my favorite times of year. Seriously.
The weather in So-Cen Cal is often gorgeous, even in a wet year. And
then there is all the newness associated with the beginning of
another annual cycle: the opportunities, the blank slates, the starting
over. I just love it.
But then again, I am a bit of a freak. In the immortal words if Melissa Etheridge, Yes, I Am. I like strategies, and planning. Alot.
I got the strangest look from a client the other day as I was
talking about this - or trying to. Imbolc, as the sun begins to
grow stronger and the days begin to get longer, is a really critical
time. We are fine-tuning the hopes and dreams, goals and
aspirations we have for the coming year and its harvest. As well as the
actions necessary to make it all happen.
One
of the Cross-Quarter or Shabbat days, Imbolc falls exactly halfway
between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. In Celtic cultures
and their derivatives, Imbolc is usually celebrated around February 2nd, and is associated with the Goddess Brigid (also known as Brigit,
Bridget, Bridgit, Bríd or Bride). She is considered one of the three
patron saints of Ireland (along with Patrick and Columba) and is said to rule all things lofty and elevated, such as: fire, craftsmanship, song and poetry. Later, she became many things to many people. To the Catholics, she became Saint Brigid, and her festival is Candlemas.
Imbolc
is really where the cycle starts to feel like something is really
going on. But it can also be a time when our fears can get the better
of us. As we get clear on what needs to be done, we often need
some inspiration to believe we can do it all. That is where we have to look to the energy of the stars for guidance. |
|
In late January and early February, the Sun and some of the faster planets usually move
into Aquarius. Ruled by Uranus, Aquarius is the visionary, the
humanitarian. His realm is originality, the
unconventional and nontraditional. Oh, and the area outside of the
box. All of it. Aquarius rules hopeful idealism,
independence, and leadership. Aquarius is stubbornly, relentlessly
fixated on how we can create a Brave New World.
Given that, this is a time of visioning, of imagining
the possibilities. Because of that, this is usually when we get
the insight and motivation to begin the somewhat daunting task of
actually beginning to think about how we are going to manifest our
dreams. In particular, we are determining exactly how to reach
those goals in ways that bring us peace.
Because everyone's path and process is different, it is important
here to remember two things. One is to trust the divinity of your own
path, no matter how weird it may seem or feel. Especially when it is
different from those you love most. The other is to withhold judgement
of the path of anyone else, no matter how weird. We are
all trying to find our way, and everyone else is just as confused as
you. |
|
In closing, for those you who enjoy gardening, this time of year
is where you are planning what you want to grow and how you want to
grow it. Lots of choices, yes, I know. And as you make your decisions,
I just have to say how important it is - always, but especially
at this time of year - to stay positive and focused. It may
sound trite, but given what I am seeing from people in sessions, it
bears some repeating.
At Imbolc, when our dreams and visions
become integrated with right actions, I tend to see a lot more people
struggling with existential emotions - the normal human responses to
the often intense stresses and strains of being in a body on this
planet. We all have them. In the immortal words of Bob
Dylan, don't think twice, baby, it's alright. It's just about finding healthier ways of dealing.
Hold tight to the dreams and the promise of spring, especially if
it feel like it is all you have got. It's not, but you won't get to
them if you let go. Anticipate and tend to the needs of your dreams and
goals, as you would those of your beloved children. And if you get
stuck, call me. We'll figure it out.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Original Art & Photography
Saint Brigid, by Jamie O'Toole
Saint Joseph's Candle, by Eric Watts
The Water Bearer, by Jamie O'Toole
Dog, Deciding, by Eric Watts
Portrait, by Chris Schilling |
|
| |
|
Beth McDonald Consulting | 22 North Voluntario Street | Unit B | Santa Barbara | CA | 93103
|
|
|
