Tales from Echo Canyon: November 2006

Sunday, November 05, 2006

ASTROLOGY: URANUS goes Direct November 19, 2006

URANUS GOES DIRECT November 19, 2006 conjunct a New Moon
by Eileen Nauman

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
All Rights Reserved

Email: docbones224@earthlink.net
Website:
http://www.medicinegarden.com
Blog:
www.talesfromecocanyon.blogspot.com

Permissions:
1. To EMAIL to friends or family only

2. Anyone else--you must contact me first. You do NOT have permission to hang this article on ANY webpage or website without my authorization first

WHAT IS GOING ON UP THERE IN THE COSMOS?

Uranus went retrograde on June 19, 2006. It is now moving slowly out of that position, and we’re in the “shadow” of it right now (the shadow period is two week before it turns, so from November 5 through November 19th, we are in “it”), and it turns direct on November 19, 2006, at 10 Pisces 48 minutes. What makes this one so impactful is we had, two days earlier, Mercury go DIRECT on November 17, 2006! Phew! Further, Uranus is part of a greater Cosmic Play in the sky. This lightning bolt planet is going direct on a New Moon 28 Scorpio, on November 20th; so get your seat belts on, strap in--there a lot of NEW things going to take place and take off!

Talk about changes in NEW directions--that’s exactly what we will be in. And with URANUS trine the New Moon at 28 Scorpio, this is going to be a highly emotional, shocking, impactful time frame from for many, many people. Not only are Pisces/Virgo people at the Eye of this Hurricane, but so will Scorpio/Taurus people, as well. And this will be felt globally and affect everyone in large or small ways as a result of a crisis or series of crisis that is set into motion by these cosmic characters. And crisis does not mean anything ‘bad’ will happen. Rather, for example, if you have been working hard on a project you pitched early this year; perhaps summer time, then you’re going to hear about it for sure and it’s gonna be BIG! This is a huge moment where what you asked for and have planned and held the energy on is really going to come true--in spades. So, be prepared to suddenly be thrust into the limelight or a managerial or project manager sort of position--one that you’re probably not used to taking on--but you’ll be able to do it now. This is NOT the time to hesitate, either. If you get offered a job, a responsibility or something NEW--take it! You wouldn’t be offered the position unless the Cosmos thought you could do it.

WHOSE AFFECTED BY URANUS TURNING DIRECT?

If you’re a PISCES born between February 26 through the March 4th (with March 1st being the most affected) then you are going to feel the New effect of Uranus pulling direct. By opposite polarity, any VIRGO born between August 31st through September 6th, (with September 3rd the most affected), are going to see direct, definitive action from this direct motion, as well. So hang on! Those with birthdays on March 1st or September 3rd, your world is going for a shakedown cruise...so sit back and enjoy the ride!

And you have someone to blame for the unexpected, lightning-like chaos that is presently running your life for you: Uranus is being conjunct the New Moon when the emotional tides of our body at their lowest ebb, this is going to be a super tense time frame for you. But at least you’ll be in control of your feelings for the most part which is good news!

For those of you who have a planet or ascendant, Midheaven or midpoint at 10 Pisces or by opposition 10 Virgo are in for a lot of change of a sudden nature. But it doesn’t end there--it STARTS there because the real focus of Uranus is in Pisces and by opposition, Virgo. All of you will be on a wild roller coaster ride for the next several weeks.

COSMIC CHAOS IS SUPREME

We are going to experience two days of absolute chaos on November 17th when Mercury turns direct (See my article: Mercury goes Direct on November 17, 2006) and less than forty-eight hours later, Uranus snaps direct on November 19, 2006. It can happen around us or to us, or a combination of both, depending upon our sun sign or aspects. The key to riding these chaotic times is remaining flexible, adaptable and not getting stuck in an attitude. Bending with the flow of energy is very necessary here, but those who can do it, will be very well off. Only those who stubborn resist (and fixed signs of Taurus, Scorpio and Leo and Aquarius) may try this, but it won’t be a happy outcome.

Every once in awhile we get too comfortable in our own little fixed rut or niche in life. Uranus has a job to kick us out of it to remind us that Change is the only thing we can really count on.

AN EXAMPLE OF URANUS GOING DIRECT

Want to see Uranus going direct? During the shadow period of Uranus going direct in 2003, California, was literally burning up. Over 3,600 homes were destroyed. Over thirteen lives were lost. One fire, for sure, was set by arsonists and I’m sure the others were as well...plus a stupid hunter to set a fire in Southern California because he was lost....where was his compass???? He sets a fire to get attention and help. And then this fire blows out of control and one firefighter dies thanks to this idiot who can’t read a compass and get himself out of the woods like a good hunter would know how too. Talk about the insanity of it all. This is the craziness of Uranus. Completely unpredictable. Not thinking. Shorted-out thinking processes (A does not follow B....).

The New Moon is going to exacerbate Uranus turning direct. People are going to feel the power of both primarily as NEW things entering their life rather unexpectedly. Uranus is going to have a powerful impact because of the Scorpio New Moon surge of energy behind it. Look for Monday, November 20th, to set the standard for the next entire year. It’s a wowser. And what’s even nicer.....the hard, jagged edges of Uranus which are always present, will be somewhat ameliorated and declawed. Why? The New Moon is trine Uranus, for starters. And...because this New Moon on Monday ends the day with a conjunction with Jupiter--the god of luck, fortune and GOOD NEWS coming your way! Not to mention, money. Everyone should be looking forward to November 19th. And then, when transiting Sun conjuncts Jupiter on November 21st (Tuesday),there is going to be a ‘stream’ of good news coming for several days in a row--so stand by! Isn’t it nice to know there’s something good coming your way instead of something that requires so much effort and grit? Enjoy November 20 and 21st....it’s not gonna get any better than this for the year 2006!

So, all you Pisces/Virgos quaking in your boots, this isn’t going to be such a rough ride after all for you. Finally! Poor little soft, fragile Pisces has been getting shafted regularly and routinely by Uranus--those who are in the 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 degree range have been having their lives chewed up by the tank treads of Uranus for nearly two years. Enough is enough! This New Moon trining URanus is going to give all of us who have been in our foxholes dodging and ducking the bullets of the Cosmos on a too regular basis,a break and hey--even a GIFT if we’ve earned it! Christmas is coming early for a number of you....and I must say, you have EARNED the hard way--you’ve worked for every ounce of this gift you’ll be receiving.

SHADOW PERIOD OF URANUS

When a slow moving planet (they are considered, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) goes direct, lives can turn from a well known, fixed rut to utter chaos. Usually, it is about two weeks before the actual 'turn' that things begin to happen. With Uranus, it gets WILD! and we are going into that ‘shadow’ period with Uranus beginning November 6th through November 18th.

You don't need a planet exactly at 10 degrees of any mutable sign (Pisces/Virgo/Gemini/Sagittarius) to be 'hit' by this Mack truck that is careening out of control right now. Anyone with something three degrees either side of this, are also under the gun. That means the following degrees are involved: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, respectively. And those of us who have "hard aspects" (conjunction, square, inconjunct and opposition) may be finding that Life is a fist to the jaw instead of a nice, unexpected pat on the back.

For those fortunate enough to have 'soft aspects' (sextile or trine) to Uranus turning direct, you're having some pleasant surprises come into your life--or if they haven't changed yet, they sure will by November 19th! Good things will be coming your way shortly because of your hard work and application (the sextile's premise and promise) you've already put into a project or situation. It will yield out favorably and with a surprise, in your direction. A raise isn’t out of a question. A boost up the corporate ladder may happen.

NEW MOON ENERGY IS SANTA COMING EARLY THIS YEAR!

From a numerological standpoint, the number 19 is a ‘1’. So, when all done and said, it is a “1” is about Beginnings. Think of this as a ‘seed’ month where you have an idea--speak up because receptive ears are listening. Do not be afraid to pitch your idea or product--it will get a thumb’s up or a budget to move it ahead. A One is a powerful leap forward. Just think of it as a jet going Mach 3 and you get the idea. This is a time to confront, be assertive, stand up and fight for your idea because you will win. Other adjectives or examples of One Energy are: Becoming a leader. Pioneering. Seed being planted.
New ideas. Forging ahead. Impulsive. Decisive. Restless. Temper.Independence. Wants to work alone. Bossy. Arrogant. Aggressive. Warrior. Take-charge. Narrow minded. Focused. Intensity of focus or vision. Original. Self-reliance. Direct.

Of course, to get the most out of the gift of this New Moon riding the lightning bolt of Uranus going direct, be smart and don’t get aggressive, arrogant or pushy. Nor do you want to turn into a bully, either. This is a time to hold the energy of some new idea you’ve been wanting to take on or do--and dreams do come true under this one-two punch of Uranus and the jazzy, good luck New Moon! Just be ready for the deluge of goodies when it comes your way!

Karen David (http:// www.kdmystic.net), can set up a numerology chart for you to help you understand how this energy will impact you.

A New Moon makes people less sensitized and they get less irritable and out of sorts. Tempers won’t fray and flare, either. “Losing it” does not apply here.

At the same time, the New Moon energy, as does Uranus, allow a conduit between our conscious and unconscious to open up. We can have life-altering dreams, we can discover some deep facet of ourselves and will feel like a miner who has struck gold. It is a time of powerful and far reaching personal inner growth and transformation. We will find our Shadows during this period and be aware--finally--of how we project one of our wounds on others. This is a huge awareness to make and it is possible during this eclectic and electric time frame.

People are going to have more clarity than usual, too. One of the many good things about Uranus is opening our eyes to the truth or that ‘aha’ moment that changes us forever.

Emotional upheaval is a fact during this period. Just adjust to it, know its going to happen and try to deal with the blows or events in an adaptable, flexible way. Try not to allow your emotions to overwhelm and rule you.

Any attachment you have to anything (spouse, job, idea, ect.) is going to be tested during this period. Is is a healthy one? A good one? A positive one? Or not? You’ll find out.

Being an individual is going to stand out in bas relief as never before. You have the capacity to appreciate what you bring to the table of Life in all ways. Appreciating yourself for who you are is the focus. Some people may feel absolutely like aliens during this five week period; as if they were on a strange planet among strangers and wish to go ‘home’. Others will feel a deeper connection to Mother Earth as never before and become a peaceful warrior on her behalf. This sense of belonging or not is going to be clearly demarcated. Those who belong will shoulder the responsibility of making changes and being held accountable for them.

This sense of being different is either going to drive a wedge between you and yourself or others or both. If you feel alien, this period gives you the opportunity to look at how you can feel as if you belong to this people/place and time. It will help you define where you feel out of synch or alien to the culture or people. And it will help you see how you can change your attitude so that there is more comfort in being here or not.

Many people may feel as if they are being swept along by a force that is outside their control; as if riding a surf board on a Tsunami. This creates the impression of being destabilized and unbalanced--and yet--you ARE heading some where. You just don’t have the whole picture; yet you are being DRIVEN to continue on that path in that direction. This sense of being an actor/actress in a greater play is being felt by all. And indeed, we do stand at a fulcrum point in November. What people decide to do is how the reality will be shaped. When you stop and think about that--that’s pretty powerful concept. So, do your part and make positive, healthy changes for yourself during this time because it will turn around and be shared with the world.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WITH URANUS TURNING DIRECT?

First, let's look at what Uranus rules or symbolizes. It is about lightning bolts. "Out of the blue." The unexpected. Coming out of left field. Surprises. Jolts. Trauma. Accidents. Surgery. Airplane crashes. Electrical shocks. Bizarre/weird accidents (think of accidents sky diving, paragliders, bungee jumping, tanker truck New of hazardous material driven by terrorists into a USA target, etc.). Sprains and strains. Stress. Nervous tension. I can't take it any more. Explosions. Explosiveness felt inside one's self (and no place to 'blow it off'). Trembling. Shaking. Jerking. Spasms. Epilepsy. Seizures.

Revolution and fanaticism (look at the current global attacks by terrorists on democratic countries around the world). Fanatics. Zealots. Shattering (think of the sniper killings on the East coast of the USA that has played out under the shadow of this planet going direct several years ago.... Out with the old guard, in with the new. Sudden shifts in the making up of Congress due to the November 7th elections--out with the old, in with the new. Uranus always favors the underdog so I predict Democrats are going to make huge gains politically in this country. Sudden. Shock. Attack of some kind--asthma, a robbery, terrorists, etc. Computers crashes. ISP problems. Server hiccups. Spam deluge that will hose the Net. Net viruses are spread at this time--by terrorists is a good bet right now. Or worse, by spammers. Electrical connection foul ups. Hard disk crashes. Net upheaval or breakdown. Machinery failure of all kinds (including computers, servers, or other computer hardware). Blowing the lid off something--an conscious awareness made about some person or thing--and it comes as a huge shock and/or surprise. Roller coaster. Upheaval. Unsteady. Broken routines. Fixed patterns destroyed or changed suddenly.

WHAT IF I’M AFFECTED BY THIS DIRECTLY?

If you have a hard aspect presently, it may not be the most pleasant of times for you. My advice is: watch how you drive your car, fly your plane, use a piece of machinery--pay strict attention to what you are doing--do NOT allow your focus to be torn away--if you allow it to happen, you are ripe for an accident. If you don't have to fly in an airplane during this time--don't do it (unless you have soft aspects--then it's okay). My advice is: Do NOT be in the air on a plane between November 15-20, 2006. Be on the GROUND). If you aren't sure about this, contact your astrologer in your local area. We have Rosemarie Brown on core faculty at starrose@sedona.net. If you get a bad feeling about traveling somewhere, or flying--then don't do it. Wait. Reschedule after November 20th.

COMPUTER WARNINGS

Back up your computer from your hard drive--and don't say you weren't warned beforehand. Those dealing with servers--look out--take EVERY precaution to keep your machinery online and not take an unexpected "zap" from a power surge from your electric company.

Depending upon what house or houses are involved in your natal chart, this is where the action is going to take place. Again, a professional astrologer, numerologist or dowser can tell you much more about this focus of activity.

For those of us who have hard aspects you can envision the following: A lead glass crystal glass. A sixteen pound sledge hammer. The hammer shatters the glass. THAT is what it is like for us.

Those who have soft aspects don't get the shattering. They get the breakthrough without the sudden, unexpected destruction, tearing down, tearing away, explosiveness, of having it revealed to us in a more shocking manner.

BE FLEXIBLE IN A TIME OF CHAOS AND YOU’LL BE OKAY.....

The best thing you can do is “go with the flow” and be just as flexible and bendable as you can be--if you are--you won’t get nailed with this “put-up-or-shut-up” energy. Those who try to resist, fight or dig your heels in...well, I’ve got news for you. If you want to be blasted out of your rut, you will be--in no uncertain, in-your-face terms. It’s your choice: be a willow, not an oak in this situation or suffer or gain from the circumstances accordingly.

For instance, Uranus rules insurrection and revolution--look what is going on in the presidential election, for example. Expect more conflagration issues between nations. “Going postal” is a real possibility, too. And road-ragers are going to be out in force; so just use sound judgment around this hot heads who are going to lose it. A mass killing by a pissed off male ASU student in Phoenix, Arizona, took the lives of three women professors days before Uranus went direct in 2002. He went ballistic and shot them with a rifle. Stay safe. Stay alert. Stay smart in your choices.

All I can say is: this energy, which feels like a huge implosion of energy that we're having to walk around with on our shoulders, inside ourselves, etc., will end after Sunday, November 19, 2006, and then things will settle down--but the pattern of our lives, particularly those who have hard aspects to transiting Uranus going direct--it ain't gonna be the same. There will be CHANGES. Count on it.

TERRORISM TAKES NEW AND GREATER TWISTS AND TURNS

Uranus rules terrorism/revolution/anarchy/rebellion. This isn’t just a US “thing” at this point. Every democratic country in the world is involved with acts of terrorism any more. No one is safe anywhere when Uranus goes retrograde or direct; it is simply a time of high instability globally speaking. And of course, the USA had its own home grown terrorists too--the snipers on the East Coast wreaked havoc for weeks in 2002, as another example of this planet in action. Saddam’s verdic will create immense upheaval in Iraq; as if Iraq doesn’t have enough of it--it will get more unfortunately.

Those people who have planets at 10 degrees of Pisces and Virgo (7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12 and 13 Pisces and Virgo, too) need to be especially careful. So, stay alert and stay ‘smart’ about your activities between now and November 19th.

WHAT DOES URANUS RULE?

These are the areas where people may be getting either pleasant or unpleasant surprises from November 3rd to November 18th--understanding that as Uranus gets closer to turning direct, you will see these events unfolding more powerfully:

URANUS KEYNOTES

aliens (off world type)
aliens (from another country)
brotherly love
chaos
computers
derelict
eccentricity
electricity
flying
freedom
genius or madman
homeless person
ideas (brilliant/pioneering)
independence
insomnia
insubordination
inventions
left-brain thinking
liberation
nervous disorders (parasympathetic nervous system)
nervous person
the Net
new/futuristic
original thinkers
radical
rebellion
stressed out
sudden changes
surprises (pleasant/unpleasant)
technology (science)
tension
terrorists who unleash chemical (sarin, VX gas) or biological (Anthrax, plague, smallpox, botulism, tularemia, etc.) agents at us
UFO's
uprooted/turned upside down
upset
urge for free self-expression
vehicles in general

HOW TO MAKE URANUS WORK FOR YOU IN A POSITIVE MANNER DURING THIS TIME

This is a great time to try and stay centered. Meditation is a wonderful way to accomplish this. Take time out from all the stress around yourself and remain calm and quiet. Visualizing Mother Earth in pure, clean colors that are meant to heal her, are very needed right now. Praying for peace has never been more necessary than right now. Let’s hope that our prayers for peace outweigh the warmongers desire for more killing around the world.

Take a walk with your spouse or your dog in between rainstorms or snowflakes. Ride your horse. Go winterize your garden. Do things that ground you and bring your life back into a simple focus. While the world will change for some, for the rest of us, it won’t. We need to provide the stability that is very needed right now, by remaining in our fixed routines that give us a sense of that essence.

HELP TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF URANUS GOING DIRECT

I don’t believe we have to SUFFER (at all) through a retrograde or direct period. The people below are, in my opinion, the best in their particular business and are skillful catalysts to help people to help themselves. Utilize the eclipse in the BEST and most healthy of ways....check out this group and choose which tools resonate most strongly with you and contact them. You won’t be sorry you did! And, with this November 19, 2006 coming up, this is an OPPORTUNITY to off load our wounds, get in touch with what is strong or weak within us--and fix it. So, this is a fix-it-up time. Take advantage of this enlightening period of time!

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELORS:

You can engaged the services of the medicinegarden.com’s professional astrologer and find out. Our own Rosemarie Brown is a natal counselor. Just contact her at: starrose@sedona.net. Her website is: http://www.rosemariebrown.com

If you are wanting to move and aren’t sure where or you have a place in mind, but aren’t sure if it’s “right” for you, they have locale information available. If health is your consideration, both are trained medical astrologers. Or, Gail Carswell at rockdoc@mindspring.com. Or, Michael Foltz at solardoc@mindspring.com.

I'm sure one of these three professionals will be able to shed considerable light in what is going on in your life and the many choices you have available to you to institute and use. Better yet, visit their website: http://www.owlswebnest.com, for more information on all the services they provide.

DE-STRESS YOURSELF

NEED A “Coach”, some serious therapy that gets to the “heart” of your angst or what you’re wrestling with? We recommend Rosemarie Brown. Please contact her at: http://www.rosemariebrown.com or by email at: Rosemarie Brown

VOICE ANALYSIS--THE MISSING NOTE

I’ve had my voice analyzed by Ani Williams and I can tell you from personal experience that we all have a “missing note” in our life. So what? Well, consider this. Without this missing note back in our life, we aren’t working off of 8 cylinders. We’re working on 6--or less! Please go to Ani’s website for more information. This is a life-changing “tool” that you should include in your personal Pluto transformation kit. http:// www.aniwilliams.com or contact her via email at: songaia@earthlink.net

SPIRITUAL UPKEEP RENOVATION: NEED A SHAMAN?

Gail Carswell, Michael Foltz, Grace Verte (GraceVerte@Netsedona.com), Karen David (KDMystic@aol.com) and Rosemarie Brown are all trained shamanic facilitators who can help you through your spiritual transformation. For more information on Soul Recovery and Extraction, go to: http://www.medicinegarden.com/SRE/SREchapter.html and then contact one of them for further help!

FOR CARE OF BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT: HOMEOPATHY

Our favorite classically trained homeopath is Yolande Grill of Cave Creek, Arizona. She does long-distance case taking by phone and I consider her one of the best we’ve got in the USA. So, don’t delay! She is also a shamanic facilitator, as well. Get a hold of Yolande at: y.grill@att.net

In Spirit....

Saturday, November 04, 2006

ASTROLOGY: Mercury goes Direct November 17, 2006

MERCURY IS GOING DIRECT on November 17, 2006: A Surprising Turn of events Occurs in Mid-November

by Eileen Nauman

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
All Rights Reserved

http://www.medicinegarden.com
http://www.whatflowerareyou.com

BLOG: www.talesfromechocanyon.blogspot.com

Email: docbones224@earthlink.net

Permission to share with friends.

Permission must be gotten from me to post on any website.

HOW DOES THIS MERCURY GOING DIRECT AFFECT ME?

Mercury is the ruler of communication. I would strongly urge all of you to go the http://www.medicinegarden.com and find useful articles in our ASTROLOGY DEPARTMENT.

WHO IS AFFECTED DIRECTLY ON November 17, 2006?

Mercury goes direct on November 17, 2 006 at 9 degrees of Scorpio 05 (opposite sign is 9 Taurus ) at 4:25 p.m., PST. This means SCORPIO people with birthdays October 30th through November 5th are active with November 2nd the most affected day, are involved in this planetary movement.

By opposite sign, TAURUS, those most affected are born between April 26th through May 3rd are involved with April 29th, being the most affected.

WHO ELSE CAN BE AFFECTED IN THIS DIRECT MOTION?

Anyone with planets between 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 degrees of any sign, are affected by this. Or if you have your ascendant or midheaven is at one of these degrees, you will be affected. The most affected degree is 9, and that is the degree that Mercury goes direct on.

MERCURY DIRECT AT AN IMPORTANT TIME IN THE COSMOS

Usually, Mercury turning direct is pretty ho-hum. There’s little impact seen outside of those directly affected by it from a degree/sign standpoint. However, this November , 2006, is a horse of a different color and you may want to take advantage of this seemingly chaotic month. November is, no question, Pandora’s Box. But, the box is open and we might as well look at what’s in it!

There is a highly unusual Cosmic Event taking place on November 19, 2006. It is Uranus going direct at 10 Pisces less than forty-eight hours after Mercury goes direct; so we ought to see some incredible breakthroughs and sudden turn of events and surprises as a result. See my article: Uranus goes Direct November 19, 2006 and Thanksgiving is full of surprises. Suffice to say, Mercury going direct and then this Cosmic Gift on November 19th, is important. It means we all need to be focused, grounded, aware and prepared to be flexible and bend with unexpected circumstances that may sweep through our personal or collective lives no matter where we live at in the world. Uranus going direct on November 19th is going to RELEASE at lot of pent-up tension and its going to fly everywhere. Of course, if you’re a Pisces or Virgo, this means major changes in a heartbeat. Others will be less affected, but still can find major transitions in their lives by aspect to this erratic and shocking planet.

I see that Mercury going direct shortly before this event is preparing us. The elections will be over but you can bet that when it was done under a retrograde, the underdogs won the day. And there’s a lot of fall out from underdogs suddenly becoming top dawgs and the top dawgs falling far below. You will see a major change in politics and the House may well go Democrat, finally wresting control away from dictatorial President Bush. Further, there may well be computer voting glitches and this may DELAY the accounting and many races and their outcomes won’t be known until November 17th through 19th. And if this does occur, you can bet there’s going to be huge, unexpected surprises and people who weren’t thought to have a chance--win the election. So, stand by for a groundswell from the American public that will more than likely leave Bush and his super conservative chums gasping.

Mercury direct requires we be grounded. And if you don’t know how to ‘ground’ here’s a quick, easy way to do it on the day that this Eclipse occurs so you can take full part in it: Visualize beautiful silver tree roots gently entwining a couple of times around each of your ankles. Visualize or see the tip of the tree root going down through the center of each of your feet. See this tree root then moving 100 to 200 feet down into Mother Earth.

Now, that’s easy enough to do! So be sure to do it. Take time out on November 19th to be quiet, meditate, use your Vesica Pisces circles (see my Eclipse article or my article: PREPARING FOR THE GLOBAL SHIFT and moving to the LIGHT from the DARK: How to Do It by Eileen Nauman, DHM(UK).
http://medicinegarden.com/metaphysics/globalshift2006.html

We are having a lifetime event occur at the middle of November. There’s no accident Mercury is going direct days ahead of time for all of us to be ‘here’, in our body, awake, conscious and taking part in this cosmic fairy dust filled with the magic of the magical and unexpected Uranus initiation if we want it.

WHAT MERCURY DIRECT MEANS TO US

Here's a list of some of the things you can expect from a Mercury going DIRECT. Keep in mind that they won't all happen to you! Just one or two, usually. However, if you have a natal Mercury in conjunction with the transiting (daily motion of a planet) Mercury, then your life is going to be strongly affected by that retrograde!! The only way you can find this out is to contact an astrologer and have them look at your transits to determine this. Rosemarie Brown is our core faculty astrologer and you can "hire" her to do this for you. Just contact her at: starrose@sedona.net or http://www.rosemariebrown.com.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?

First of all, any LIES, DECEPTION, FRAUD and trying to hide pertinent and lifesaving information to the public, is going to be EXPOSED. Particularly watch the ‘shadow’ week before Mercury goes direct. This would be November 9, 2006 through November 17, 2006. Lots of information will bubble up to the surface between now and then. More ‘truth’ will show up.

Any type of transportation, which falls under Mercury, can be a target during the time it was retrograde; subways, busses, planes, trucks, and trains. We all need stay watchful during this time; especially the last seven days before it goes direct. We are in the ‘shadow’ time shortly, and that makes it more intense than usual.

WHAT OTHER THINGS CAN MERCURY DIRECT DO?

1. Expect to be decisive on your part--or on the part of others. People have been muddling around, hesitate, or won't be sure of themselves under a retrograde. Making a decision during a Mercury. direct transit--whatever they decided to do will remain as such. It will not change. Men and women will no longer be miscommunication. One is speaking Chinese and the other, French!! Well, now they at least will be speaking the SAME language. Partners have had to really work at saying what they really mean because assumptions will no longer abound during this time and what you say is how how you meant it. Big-time communications snafus will no longer complicate your life on a personal and professional level. No more foot-in-mouth disease as Mercury turns direct!!!

2. Signing a contract, agree to something, buy a car/boat/house/animal or start up a new project under a Mercury Direct is fine. I would advise you to wait at least a WEEK until after Mercury is direct to do this. The contract will be honored. The car you bought will turn out to be fine (no lemon)!! The boat will not have problems, structural or otherwise. The house you bought will not be a "money pit" and the owner did not reveal all the problems the house had--but you inherited them!! The animal you bought (dog/cat/horse or whatever) will not have some real 'hidden' problems that you could not see upon first perusal or inspection.

Projects begun after Mercury turns direct will turn out as expected. No hidden surprises or changes--but with Uranus going direct soon after, there MAY be some changes, so be expecting it!

3. You can buy mechanical things, appliances, computers, software or anything else like that during this period--they will work right!

I might add that this a time when mechanical failures finally stop happening. DISK CRASHES which were commonplace will stop. Thank goodness!

4. It's okay to travel long-distance during a Mercury direct because Mercury is the ruler of travel by any conveyance. There will not be delays, equipment (like a plane or car) will break down during this period. Travel won't try your patience during this period. Equipment failure is finally ebbing away. ANY type of equipment--not just computers.

5. Mercury rules our thinking processes. Believe me, folks, we are finally going to be able to think clearly or coherently. We become less forgetful. You won't get lost in traffic or lost in a shopping center, and you'll remember where you put something. Things that got LOST and MISPLACED big time, will suddenly and inexplicably--show up! Our orderly thinking returns. Our minds quiet down. Insomnia is no longer rampant.

6. Delays--on everything, are finally over! You're not late for an appointment. And no one is going to lose your appointment! The company promised it would be there on a certain day--and it will be there--on that day! Under a Mercury. D, it will be there, when promised. People will show up at the right time. The punctual schedule is back in vogue. You'll be on time--there won't be unexpected delay on the freeway/turnpike, or the other person arrives on time.

7. Your mind is returns from La La Land and else the nuts and bolts of everyday life/demands/things, returns. Your concentration returns and you don't have to struggle to focus, concentrate, retain or remember.

Gemini and Virgo sun sign people are ruled natally by Mercury, tend to get more upset over Mercury Retrograde periods because they're such picky perfectionists and they really do expect their lives to go like clockwork and God forbid they be late for an appointment--HORRORS!! For them, it's a major crisis if that occurs. For them, Mercury retrograde periods are discombobulating because they can't be perfect or strive for that near-perfection for three weeks, three or four times a year. If they can 'get over' this need to be perfect or always on-time, then it's not such a stressful period for them :-).

Now, Virgo’s and Gemini's can rest, take a deep breath and stop feeling like someone stole half their brain. Even though they are not affected directly by this particular Mercury going direct, they still get influenced by it “just because” it is their natal planetary ruler.

WITH MERCURY GOING DIRECT YOU WANT TO...

1. Finish up on something--Mercury Direct is a wonderful time to wrap up projects, attend to details, and yes, clean up your messy desk, reorganize things, it will all fall into magical place now, shortly after the retrograde motion is over. Your telephone starts ringing, email flow increases, faxes are more numerous , and generally, a period of quiet is over and the frantic activity replaces it.

2. If you have a project that has lain around a long time and you just never got around to it--now is the time to look at it more closely and decide if its worth your investment in time and energy--if it isn't, during this time, you'll more than likely drop it permanently--or get serious about resurrecting it or completing it--successfully!

3. Lies, deceit, cheating and sneaky actions by others or yourself, will come to light during a Mercury Retrograde period. It's the the long arm of Karma unveiling such negative things. If you think you duped someone--wait--during this period is when it will come to light and boy, will you be caught 'red handed'!!! Or, if someone said something behind your back--it will get back to you during this time frame. Or, if you were in some way cheated, duped or lied to, you will find out about it now. All these possibilities came to light; now with Mercury going direct you have a clean slate, so to speak. Anything hidden, has come to light and now it's time to get on with the forward motion of your life once more. It is interesting to me that Haggard, the head of the Evangelical movement, lied and now is being ‘outed’ by his male lover and being called a hypocrite by him. Such is the way Mercury turning direct works.

4. Your daily routine is back-so, "go with the flow". You'll be less day-dreamy, less spacy, more....of 'something'--so just go 'there.' This is a great time for outer/external experiences. It's wonderful for doing external work. You're a lot less inclined to want quiet, to be alone, or do meditational types of things (which are internal work and energy)..

5. This is a great time to start new projects of any kind--big or small. Wash the windows! Paint that cabinet! Start that brainchild project that has been there silently asking for completion. Dust that room! Take down the spider webs!

Best of all, life gets back on a more or less “normal” routine or “rut” that many of us cherish. When Mercury is retrograde, it all goes in the toilet and gets flushed. Now the Cosmic Toilet of Life is back on line and we can breath a deep sigh of relief at least in that quadrant of our lives! Routine is back. Constancy will return. So will our sanity for those of us who feel like our rut got ripped out from under us. Let’s hear it for the humdrum of life. We get it back on November 17th up to a point--we still have an incredible New Moon Eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, coming our way on November 29th!

OTHER HELP, OTHERS TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR YOU....

We do not go through life alone, although I know, many times, it sure feels that way. If you could realize that Great Spirit is always with you, and that you have an army of guides (guardian angels to some) that are there, too, you aren’t alone. There are many ‘tools’ out there to help increase your evolutionary rate and to take advantage of such a special release of energy that is coming our way shortly. If you are drawn to one of these ‘tools’ by these counselors, please take advantage of their services before the eclipse and initiation.

HELP TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MERCURY GOING DIRECT

I don’t believe we have to SUFFER (at all) through a retrograde or direct period. The people below are, in my opinion, the best in their particular business and are skillful catalysts to help people to help themselves. Utilize the eclipse in the BEST and most healthy of ways....check out this group and choose which tools resonate most strongly with you and contact them. You won’t be sorry you did! And, with this November 17, 2006 coming up, this is an OPPORTUNITY to off load our wounds, get in touch with what is strong or weak within us--and fix it. So, this is a fix-it-up time. Take advantage of this enlightening period of time!

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELORS:

You can engaged the services of the medicinegarden.com’s professional astrologer and find out. Our own Rosemarie Brown is a natal counselor. Just contact her at: starrose@sedona.net. Her website is: http://www.rosemariebrown.com

If you are wanting to move and aren’t sure where or you have a place in mind, but aren’t sure if it’s “right” for you, they have locale information available. If health is your consideration, both are trained medical astrologers. Or, Gail Carswell at rockdoc@mindspring.com. Or, Michael Foltz at solardoc@mindspring.com.

I'm sure one of these three professionals will be able to shed considerable light in what is going on in your life and the many choices you have available to you to institute and use. Better yet, visit their website: http://www.owlswebnest.com, for more information on all the services they provide.

UN-CONFUSE YOURSELF DURING THIS ECLIPSE

NEED A “Coach”, some serious therapy that gets to the “heart” of your angst or what you’re wrestling with? We recommend Rosemarie Brown. Please contact her at: http://www.rosemariebrown.com or by email at: Rosemarie Brown

VOICE ANALYSIS--THE MISSING NOTE

I’ve had my voice analyzed by Ani Williams and I can tell you from personal experience that we all have a “missing note” in our life. So what? Well, consider this. Without this missing note back in our life, we aren’t working off of 8 cylinders. We’re working on 6--or less! Please go to Ani’s website for more information. This is a life-changing “tool” that you should include in your personal Pluto transformation kit. http:// www.aniwilliams.com or contact her via email at: songaia@earthlink.net

SPIRITUAL UPKEEP RENOVATION: NEED A SHAMAN?

Gail Carswell, Michael Foltz, Grace Verte (GraceVerte@Netsedona.com), Karen David (KDMystic@aol.com) and Rosemarie Brown are all trained shamanic facilitators who can help you through your spiritual transformation. For more information on Soul Recovery and Extraction, go to: http://www.medicinegarden.com/SRE/SREchapter.html and then contact one of them for further help!

FOR CARE OF BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT: HOMEOPATHY

Our favorite classically trained homeopath is Yolande Grill of Cave Creek, Arizona. She does long-distance case taking by phone and I consider her one of the best we’ve got in the USA. So, don’t delay! She is also a shamanic facilitator, as well. Get a hold of Yolande at: y.grill@att.net

In Spirit....

Monday, October 30, 2006

RADIO SHOW IN PHOENIX 10.28.06

Hi Everyone

Sometimes I dislike going away for a vacation because the same amount of work is pouring into my office even if I’m not there. Which means when I get home I have a towering pile, quite literally, of things that need my attention. Add to that a book due date and you have stress all over again. Ah well....

On to happier things: my radio talk show with Valeria Wyckoff, ND on “radio doctors” on KXAM 1310 AM, Phoenix, Arizona. I met Valeria for lunch at the Quilted Bear Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. A surprise friend showed up: Joan Entz! I was truly glad to see her. We are sister Gemini’s and are always trying to hook up when she comes North, but we just haven’t been able to make it work. So, getting to see Joan during our lunch was fantastic!

Valeria and Damien are homeopaths as well as Naturopathic doctors in the Phoenix, Arizona area. If you need a good ND--look no further than these two! And, if you want to know more about Valeria, just go to:

Dr. Valeria Wyckoff
and if the link doesn't work (I'm having real problems with this....)

go to: http://www.drvaleria.net

And, if you want some info on "Radio Doctors", just amble over to their link:

Radio Doctors

and if the link doesn't work (I'm having real problems with this....)
http://www.radiodoctors.net

At the radio station, it is housed in a neat four story building. What I particularly liked about this was the entrance area to it had these colorful hanging mobiles in it. I took photos because it was quite beautiful and artistic.

The “Radio Doctors” is a creation of Valeria and Damien. He’s the other half who was not there on Saturday , October 28th, when I was on the air. He was in Ohio, so it fell to Valeria to handle everything--which she did with great ease and professionalism.

It was fun putting on the earphones and sitting close to a mike and chatting. Of course, Valeria and I are sister homeopaths and we have that, among other things, in common. The two hours just flew by! We were having so much fun that we needed more time. I covered topics regarding homeopathy, What Flower Are You? reports and medical astrology. And we only scratched the surface.

I’ll let the photos do the talking here:

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's a gorgeous stained glass at the Quilted Bear Restaurant--looking at it from inside the place. I thought it was incredibly beautiful. This restaurant is in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the food was excellent, as well as the service.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is the booth at the Quilted Bear I chose to sit and meet Valeria and my dear old friend and sister homeopath, Joan Entz--both who would show up in about fifteen minutes.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Joan Entz, friend of mine from Phoenix, Arizona, joined us for our impromptu lunch at the Quilted Bear. Joan is a homeopath.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's the "Bear" motife of the restaurant--pretty cool lamp. And, after a wonderful lunch with my friends and doing a lot of catching up, we were off to the radio show down the street!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
The building that housed the radio show was very pretty. Here's some of the art hanging in the main entrance--very pretty and imaginative!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Valeria Wyckoff, who is a Naturopathic Doctor. She and Damien, her ND cohort, have the Radio Doctors show. Damien was not there; he was in Ohio, but 'us girls' got along fine and we had lots of fun discussing a wide range of topics.

Here is Eileen Nauman dressed out in radio 'gear' for the coming two hour talk show--Radio Doctors--on KXAM 1310 AM in Phoenix, Arizona

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Valeria posing near those beautiful mobiles in the foyer of the building after our two hour radio show.

I hope you've enjoyed this little outing into the world of radio. Thanks to Valeria and Damien for inviting me on their show. It was a lot of fun! In the nicest sort of way! And getting to catch up with old friends was the added gift to this invite.

In Spirit....

Friday, October 27, 2006

RADIO TALK SHOW WITH EILEEN, PHOENIX, AZ 10.28.06

Hi Everyone

I'm here in Tucson, AZ tonight at the Hilton Hotel. No photos to show you today, but those who are in the Phoenix, AZ area I want you to know I'll be doing a 2-hour talk show on alternative medicine and metaphysics on Saturday, October, 28th.

You can go to: http://www.radiodoctors.net/

And the radio I'll be on is with Radio Doctors at KXAM 1310 AM

KXAM also has a website but there's not much on it about this 2-hour interview at www.KXAM.com

I hope you can listen in if you are in the Phoenix area! With Mercury going retrograde on Saturday, this oughta be an INTERESTING 2 hour talk!!! Stay tuned!

In Spirit.....

Thursday, October 26, 2006

POSTCARDS FROM MT. FISHER, Crystal, ARKANSAS

Hi Everyone!

This blog closes out my postcards for this trip. I stayed the night in El Paso, Texas doing this one. In the morning, I'm on to Tucson, Arizona! You will find some nice fall photos of the Lake. And, then, going to Mt. Fisher to find crystals literering the ground! You don’t even have to dig for them. Wow!

And finally, Mike and Gail rented a boat to find “Crystal Island” out in the lake. We had a full day on that Sunday and it was a lot of fun. So, sit back and enjoy!

MT. FISHER CRYSTAL HUNTING EXPEDITION

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here we are on Mt. Fisher! And crystals are gleaming and glittering by the hundreds all around us and the parking area! All you have to do is reach down and pick them up. Wow! We got up there about 10am and it was COLD. We are bundling up and the wind is blowing up on the top of this tree topped mountain. If you want to get to Mt. Fisher, just drive toward Mount Ida and when you see a sign that says: Judy's, turn in there. She's a very warm and wonderful woman. She is the one that you pay and she gives you a key and directions to the gate to drive up to the top of the mountain where you see this photo taken from.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's the ground on top of Mt. Fisher. It is, quite literally, littered with large and small quartz crystal. It is an amazing thing to see....you drive up, park and the sunlight is glittering and gleaming on all the hundreds of crystals in a small area where you're standing. You can see in this photo, a number of crystals of several types. The one I'm pointing at is a double terminated crystal. A little to the left of my finger is a single terminated (one point) crystal. It doesn't take much to just sit down and look around and you can gather five, ten or fifteen crystals. Many are small or very small. However, you can find larger ones the size of your little finger. Or, if lucky, even larger the size of your thumb. It just takes some patience and time.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
You can see the green hollow down below where we are parked. This is part of the mine. You can quite literally walk and find the crystal on the surface. Or, you can sit down and dig a little with a trowel and find them too--although they are harder to see because they're covered with dirt.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is another view of Mt. Fisher. The hollow where the mine is at, is below where the cars are parked. It's a beautiful view and so much fun just sitting in the sun, the wind blowing, the trees around and finding lots of crystal!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's Ingrid Kropf, from the Netherlands, sitting up on 'the wall' of the Fisher Crystal Mine. She's just sitting and finding all kinds of small crystals around her. You can see she has a bucket to put her treasures in.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Ingrid smiling--she found the largest crystal of the day in a ravine about five feet from where she was sitting. It is a huge, clear double terminated crystal about 2 inches long and as thick as a man's thumb. Way to go, Ingrid!!

BOATING ADVENTURE LOOKING FOR ‘CRYSTAL ISLAND’

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's the 'gang' at the Shangri La Resort dock. Anneke Wisman is in the red coat, Michael Foltz is our skipper for this outing on Lake Oauchita and Gail Carswell is sitting next to him. To your right is Ingrid Kropf in her canvas hat. We decided to try and find "crystal island" out on the lake. This is a big lake, and one can get lost easily....

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's a wider and broader view of the Shangri La boat dock and our 'steed',the boat that Mike and Gail rented for this adventurous outing. I should tell you it was in the mid-fifties degree-wise. And when you're zooming along on the lake (it was pretty choppy) you get wind chill and we were easily in low forties out there even with the sun shining....brrrrr...

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Mike is getting some 'directions' from the owner of the resort on as to 'where' crystal island is located. We thought this was gonna be easy to find!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Ingrid Kropf is feeling heady after finding the largest crystal on Mt. Fisher. As you can see, she's ready for this boating adventure too!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's Gail Carswell--she's like a little kid on this outing; which is one of the many things I love about her....she's always up for a new adventure!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Mike and Gail are at the rear of our boat. To your right is Ingrid. Are we ready? We got the instructions. We got the map. We have the boat. All right, Eileen, stop taking so many darned photos and get in the boat here so we can take off and find this crystal island!!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
The wind chill factor out on the lake made it around the mid-forties. Luckily we were dressed for it. Plus, the life guard vests were very warm and very welcome. We spent nearly an hour looking for crystal island....but never found it. This lake is a lot bigger than one thinks and when you're on the water, all the inlets look like solid land. We couldn't tell an island from land sometimes. Plus, there was one area where there were hundreds of tree stumps sticking up out of the water and dangerous for the propeller of the motor.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Where IS that island???!! Ingrid is asking. We were all asking that. On top of everything else, we got good and lost. But, we saw many Great Blue Herons, a whole bunch of ducks in one inlet and lots of colorful trees in their fall glory. Even getting lost and not finding the island that's supposed to have crystals on it. Well, heck, we'll have to come back another time and try again.

FALL PHOTOGRAPHS AROUND THE LAKE

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is a beautiful "burning bush" tree on the Point at Shangri La Resort, Arkansas

I hope you’ve enjoyed coming along with me on my trip across the Southwest. I want to thank Mike and Gail for having me at the Owl’s Clover in Ft. Worth, the wonderful book signing for UNFORGIVEN, and then going to Arkansas to hunt for crystal. It was a lot of fun and very de-stressing. Thank you, Gail and Mike!

In Spirit....

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

POSTCARDS FROM QUARTZ CRYSTAL COUNTRY--ARKANSAS

Hi Everyone!

I'm still playing 'catch up' and these are my adventures in Arkansas at the Shangri-La Resort. I hope you enjoy them and the art of mining quartz crystal!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
When I drove into the Shangri-La my thunderbeings greeted me with lightning, thunder and some rain! Those who know me have seen this phenomena occur no matter where I go around the world. When I arrive to where I'm going, there is always a thunderstorm. And this was no exception. It was a lovely "welcome" to Shangri-La Resort near Mount Ida, Arkansas.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's another view of what I call "The Point" which is almost directly opposite of my cabin at the Shangri-La Resort.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Just outside my cabin at the Shangri-La Resort is this dynamic autumn photograph. It just is so lovely....

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is the Thunderstorm from another angle. You can see the sheets of rain across Lake Ouachita. And all the fall foliage is strutting its stuff, too.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is a lovely little flower that grows in soggy, wet areas. It is called Knotweed. And it was all over the place in the sandstone banks of Lake Ouachita.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is the view out of my Shangri-La cabin and right ahead of you is Lake Ouchita. Isn't it a gorgeous picture? I woke up to it for 4 mornings in a row...with a hot coffee in hand--what else is there????

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
This is a photo of the foyer of Buckstaffs Baths. It is filled with gorgeous white marble with hand inlaid-floors. Truly, this is a glorious turn-of-the-century building and the baths for the men are on the first floor and baths for women are on the second floor. The staff was wonderful. And we loved every minute of our 'ceremonial' experience in their knowledgeable hands. You can sign up for one of many packages. Anneke and Ingrid bought me the spa package of the bath and massage....and it was the perfect gift!

Copyright 206 Eileen Nauman
Here is Anneke and Ingrid standing in front of Buckstaff's Baths after they got steamed, washed and massaged for an hour and a half. We all came out of this Nirvana-like experience out of body, grinning and feeling a hundred pounds lighter on every level. This building was built in 1912 and is one of the oldest. It is a gorgeous place. Hot Springs, the city, sits on hot volcanic springs, quite literally. And this wonderful, healing mineral water is pumped into the baths where we were able to enjoy it soooo much!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Ingrid Kropf, left and Anneke Wisman,right, in front of Buckstaff's. They are registered nurses in their country. And, Ingrid is also a shamanic facilitator and sweat lodge leader. Anneke is a fire keeper for sweats. Both came to the US to take Mike Foltz and Gail Carswell's Quartz Crystal class for five days.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is a beautiful spider's cobweb I found on the long dock at the Resort. They rent boats and houseboats. Lake Oachita is known for it's bass fishing.

QUARTZ CRYSTAL MINING!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is a photo of the Coleman Quartz Crystal Mine. On the left is the poddy box--an important building to have on a mining site! To the center is the road that leads down to the mine on the left--but you can't see much of it on this photo. And to the right is the 'tailings' hills. When the quartz is dug by machine and picked through in the mine by the expertss,then the rest is brought up here to the top. This is called 'tailings' or what is left. You can often find major crystals in this because even experts miss 'clay balls' that can hold wonderful finds. That's the excitement of finding a crystal...you never know what you might run into!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is a bush that is unidentified but it looked so pretty in its fall colors with the bluish colored berries that I had to photograph it! This was at Coleman's Mine.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Coleman's active mine site. It is a big gash in the ground. You can see the red clay above and then rock (gray and white stuff) and then below it is the clay where the crystals are at.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Anneke Wisman up on one of the tailings area of Coleman's Quartz Crystal Mine. Mining is mining after all! You get dirty but the rewards, when found, are more than worth it!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is another plant, Pokeweed, that is made into a homeopathic remedy. It is highly poisonous. The berries,when ripe,turn black. In the early days of our country, these berries were squeezed and expressed and the black liquid was used as ink!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is another view of Coleman's Mine. All of this is the tailings area where people pay ten dollars a day to dig and they hope to find a special quartz crystal.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Ingrid on a 'tailings' hill at the Coleman Mine. You come with boots, gloves and wear clothes that you don't care if they get stained with the damp red clay--because the color is not coming out. It stains everything. Ingrid used a trowel to dig through the clay to find her treasures.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Anneke's finds at the Coleman's Crystal Mine in the Mount Ida area. The crystal in this mine is found in clay balls that can be very small or huge. When you find a clay ball, you open it up--and the treasure is inside it! These crystals will need to be washed off with clean water first so Anneke can see what she has.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's a cleaned quartz crystal cluster. Coleman's mine has a lot of clear or mostly clear quartz and this is a fine specimen.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is one of the two beautiful crystals that were given to me by the crystal guardians that care take the Coleman mine site. After I had done a ceremony for them and their children, the crystals, they led me over to a specific area and told me to dig there--and I found two crystals this size--this one has 'rainbows' in it even though you can't see it in the photo. I was so grateful for their kindness and generosity.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here are some gorgeous Goldenrods, Hydrastis canadensis, another homeopathic remedy. And this too, is as Coleman's Mine. The tailings hill is in the background.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is a quartz crystal cluster at one of the mining tables that is for sale. The orange-gold coloring on the cystals is iron oxide. You can use Oxalic acid bath for about three days and it will take it off. Then, you have clear, "clean" quartz crystal. The black material on some of the other crystals in this photo is manganese coating the crystal. They call it "black ice" and Rick, who works at the mine, said that often when the manganese is removed, the crystal refraction or 'brightness' is much brighter than if a crystal is covered in iron oxide. And, most crystal is covered with iron oxide. The crystal you buy at a store, if from the USA, has probably had the oxalic acid bath so you can see through it.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Anneke down at the lake shore washing off all the clay from around her crystals to see what she got.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's Ingrid smiling because she found some beauties after the red clay was washed off her hard dug finds.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Anneke's crystals she dug for about four hours and they are washed off with water. Their next process is to sit in an oxalic acid bath for three days to clean off the iron oxide that you see on them.

There was more mining, at Fisher Mountain--where the crystals are just lying on top of the ground! If I can find the photos, I'll post them in my blog. At least this blog gives you an eye opener on crystal mining in Mount Ida, Arkansas!

In Spirit.....

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

POSTCARDS FROM SHANGRI-LA, Mount Ida, ARKANSAS

Hi Everyone
I'm playing 'catch up' as I drive 6 to 7 hours a day and then make my home at night at a Hilton Hotel, if possible. They usually have excellent wireless available, but last night at the Hilton Arlington, Texas hotel, it was a mess. After three hours it was finally fixed..but geeze. Anyway, this blog comes to you via Hilton Midland, Texas. Midland, in case you didn't see my earlier blogs of my drive across Texas, is in the middle of the Permean oil basin or the desert part of Texas. Surprisingly, Midland has skyscrapers! Hard to believe out here but then, when you think of the oil money being pumped out of the ground, you can see why they are here--and why Hilton is here. So, it's a nice surprise in the 'middle of nowhere' so to speak :-).

These photos are 'catch up' from my West Texas area--that of a dog in the back of a pickup truck....

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Remember when I was in West Texas and I kept seeing dead dogs along the freeway? Well, here's why. I think it is outrageous that anyone who truly loves their dog would allow it to run loose in the back of a pickup truck. If this owner slams on his brakes or makes a quick movement, the dog is going to fly out of the bed of the truck. What a shame. Texas is real tough on littering but what about the dogs that stupid owners put in the back of their pickup truck? Doesn't make sense.

And then, there were several cowboy boot signs and I've plopped one of them in here, as well!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
As I came out of El Paso, Texas, I saw this cowboy boot sign--I thought it epitomizes the raw desert West Texas country, don't you?

Now, the rest of these photos are from Lake Ouchita near Hot Springs, Arkansas where I stayed at the Shangri-La Resort. It was a lovely place; very peaceful and quiet, thank goodness. Mike and Gail would be giving their 5-day Quartz Crysal course starting on October 23rd, but they rolled in on the Saturday before, on October 21st, to set up and get ready. So, we had a lot of nice time in a squeezed in time frame with one another.

Plus, my good friends from the Netherlands, Ingrid Kropf and Anneke Wisman, were here for the crystal course, too. They came in early to the resort, so we went to a lot of different places together--and you'll get to see those shortly--our crystal hunting trips to Coleman's Mine and then Mt. Fisher. We had a lot of fun and I bet you don't know where quartz crystal comes from or what kind of stuff it is found in! Stay tuned!

The photos below show you how lovely Shangri-La was.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here is another Great Blue Heron sitting on a buoy in the entrance to the harbor next to our area. I couldn't get any closer or it would have flown off; they are quite 'human shy'. And this one did take off as two boats came out of the marina.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Lake Ouchita has so many Great Blue Herons! I just love this huge water bird on stilt like legs that has a seven foot wingspan. I can hardly wait to get my long range Nikkor lens for my camera because then shots like this won't look like blurs in the sky--they will be closer and have plenty of detail. What you're looking at here is a Great Blue Heron in the sky.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is a pretty autumn picture of colorful leaves with the white daisy-like asters on the point where I was sitting. Picture perfect!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is another interesting bug critter--a beautiful gold moth, I believe. She too, was dipping into each flower.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
As I sat on the point, along came this neat butterfly! I love the loops on its wings! If anyone knows the type of butterfly it is, please leave a comment--I want to know, too!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here are some teeny, tiny ducks that I almost missed out in the water off the point where I was sitting and simply enjoying the mid-afternoon autumn sunlight. I don't know if they are babies--I don't think so--because it's too late in the season for them. So, I figure they are some kind of runt species of duck but I don't know what kind. If you know, leave a comment so I know what they are!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
I was sitting on the 'tip' of the land near the Shangri-La Resort and there were some asters nearby. All the bugs in the world were going to get their last minute 'fix' of pollen from them. I thought this was interesting....an orange wasp.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's another shot of those intersting clouds, a little farther away and doesn't it look like a "white tornado" to you, too?

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's an interesting cloud structure--clear air turbulence has fashioned these 'rings' of mid-clouds--over Lake Ouchita near Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
They don't have pretty sunsets like they do in the Southwest, but I thought I'd leave you with this spectacular red leaves against the green to show the wonderful drama of Mother Nature in all her autumn glory.

Tomorrow....quartz crystal found in Coleman's Mine!

In Spirit...

Monday, October 23, 2006

POSTCARDS FROM FT WORTH, TEXAS

Hi Everyone

I know it has been awhile since I posted a blog, but a vacation is exactly that--away from the normal every day things I do. That said, I was in places where there was no internet availability. Hard to believe, huh? :-)

This blog is dedicated to Ft. Worth, Gail Carswell and Michael Foltz, my good friends who live there. So, let's get on with the photos!

I arrived in Ft. Worth on 10.15 and on 10.16, we were at Owl's Clover, Gail a
and Mike's metaphysical store. I had a book signing for UNFORGIVEN there and plenty of people showed up and we had a good time. And here’s a photo of their bookstore.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
The Owl’s Clover is a cool store. If you love crystals, colored stones, New Age books, and so much more (they even have a masseuse on duty), yoga class, ect., then toddle on over. They are at 3037 James Avenue, Ft. Worth, TX. And their phone number is 817-921-5809. They are open on weekends only, so call them for times when they are there and also, what great workshops they are putting on!

And,here’s another shot of the entire bookstore; which is actually a very large building.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here’s a photo of the Owl’s Clover in all its radiant glory. If you live in the neighborhood and love information on nutrition, yoga, want a massage, looking for a New Age book, or love rocks of any kind...this is the place to go. Actually, Owl’s Clover has so much more--flower essences, yoga related items that it would be impossible to list it all here. You just have to go over and check it out yourself--and have lots of fun doing it.

Here are some of the ladies who came to Owl's Clover. I wish I could remember all their names--and I should have written them down...so my apologies to all of them. Needless to say, we had a LOT of fun!! These were some of the ladies who dropped by. Even though she’s not in the photo, Karen Whiddon, another Silhouette Nocturne author, dropped by to say hello with her husband, Lonnie. It is always nice to put a face with a name! And Karen is on a private author’s list with me and so when she posts something, I’ll know what she looks like.

And then, the men came over for a photo with me. It was a lot of fun!

The next day, after a rain, Gail and I went to the Japanese garden which is part of the lovely Ft. Worth Botanical Garden complex. This gorgeous Japanese temple provided an entrance to an incredible garden inside.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is the Japanese Garden temple entrance. I felt like I was in Japan!

As we wound down through the immaculately kept garden, we came upon one of several ponds that were filled with colorful Koi.

And there were SOME flowers around...not many, but this was one of them.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
This is a Guzmania Bromeliad flower. I think it looks a bit like a Christmas ornament, don’t you?

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here are the Koi; actually carp in my opinion. But pretty ones just the same--or maybe--gigantic goldfish!! They were bold. But they are so beautiful, their bad manners were easily forgiven.

And here’s another shot of the Koi. They had no problem begging for food, so Gail gave in and went and purchased some pellets for them and oh boy! Did they love her!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here’s a couple of “Koi beggars” who know how to plead so prettily.

And then I decided I’d better get a photo of Gail feeding these beggards who were splish-splashing, crowding right up to the edge of the concrete pond and getting her boots and pants wet in the process.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here’s Gail Carswell just laughing like a kid as she fed those hungry but beautiful Koi.

The Japanese Garden is a photographer’s delight. I didn’t know where to shoot first or at what. But this particular fall scene grabbed me at the second Koi pond.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here’s a Fall view of the Japanese Garden at Ft. Worth, Texas. It is so peaceful and calm there. A place to certainly rejuvinate. And, it is one of Gail’s favorite places to go.

As I get internet connection, I'll try and catch you up to my trip. Had some interesting things happen!

In Spirit....

Sunday, October 15, 2006

ASTROLOGY: Neptune Direct 10.29.2006

NEPTUNE in AQUARIUS goes DIRECT October 30, 2006--Lies, Deceit and fraud will be revealed in the coming election....
by

Eileen Nauman
Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
All Rights Reserved

Email: docbones224@earthlink.net

Website: http://www.medicinegarden.com
Blog: http://talesfromechocanyon.blogspot.com

Permission to pass to friends--but Web sites must email me for permission FIRST.

When you place a water element planet in a fixed air sign, something has to give. Perhaps we can look at Aquarius like a stout cardboard box, and Neptune the water that silently runs toward it, encloses it, wets the material and finally, weakens the entire structure over time until the cardboard material dissolves without a whimper into the watery embrace of this nebulous, diffused planet's energy and purpose. These two remind me of a new pair of shoes, one size too small for your feet and yet, you have to wear 'em, stretch them, suffer some pain, certainly some adjustment, until the shoes accommodate you. And when Neptune goes direct (backward motion, seemingly, in the sky--it isn't really, it just looks that way from our perspective here on Earth...) the shoes that were tight widen out and we go “ahhhh” and relax a little because things have given away, stretched and our feet are smiling once again.

Each planet is an energy expression and vibration. Each zodiac sign also has its resonation, too. You can sort of look or evaluate them like different radio frequencies on your FM or AM radio. Each is a "station" that pulsates its endless signals toward us. HOW we respond to them is up to each of us; and the reactions and actions are going to be as diverse as raindrops sparkling in sunlight to create a colorful rainbow.

Neptune goes DIRECT on October 29, 2006 at 17 degrees Aquarius (17 Leo by opposition) at 12:56 a.m., PDT. Those born between January 31st through February 6th Aquarians, are going to be the MOST affected by this Direct motion, especially those born on February 3rd. By opposite sign, Leo's born between August 4th through the 9th, will be most affected by this transit, especially those born on August 6th. Those directly who have a planet at 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 degrees of ANY sign, may be affected by Neptune's direct motion, as well. You need to consult your professional astrologer for more, specific information on how it will affect you. You can always contact Rosemarie Brown at: starrose@sedona.net, and make an appointment with her.

Add to this mix, the fact that Mercury is going retrograde on October 28, 2006, less than one day before Neptune pulls direct. This is surely the parting of the Red Sea and the scandals rocking the Republican party with Foley showing he is a sexual predator, are going to play out embarrassingly on the voting stage come early November. We’ll see if the American Public can avoid the ‘sleight of hand’ by Hassert and his politicos and call the shots at the voting booth, instead. Time will tell.

WHAT NEPTUNE RULES--does it affect you?

Using the keywords of Neptune, which I've posted, let's look at what it rules and how it may affect you. With terrorism in high gear, and Neptune ruling gases, bacteria, spores and viruses, what comes to mind is biological and chemical warfare being loosed around the world, including on the USA, by terrorists. There is no question in my mind that between October 21st through the 28th, there may be several interesting turns of events in the Bush Administration, which is leaking like sieve with skull duggery right now. Neptune is the one who creates lies, fraud and deceit. But also illuminates the truth, as well. I would say that under this aspect it will show President Bush and his party for what they are. Hassert could well resign by the end of October, 2006.

Further, on the global stage with Iran and North Korea strutting their stuff like school-yard bullies with nuclear capability, the whole world is feeling unstable and unsure right now. That is Neptune’s energy; confusion, unsureness, no direction and hesitation. The political climate is all of that right now and will continue to be so until Neptune pulls direct on October 29th. And it takes about three weeks for the energy to settle down and go back into a Neptune direct path.

NEPTUNE’S SHADOW PERIOD

About three weeks before going direct, Neptune goes on ‘station’ where it is neither going forward or back; it’s simply sitting out there in space seemingly unmoving. During this time, Neptune’s shadow period is in progress and really, it acts more powerfully on station than it would if it were in retrograde or forward motion! From October 8 through the 28th, we are all going to experience Neptune far more powerfully than normal. Some of us will be far more intensely affected than others due to it being in Aquarius (and Leo’s will be too) or by degree.

What does it mean? It means that many muddied situations come to light and some clarity is going to be shed on them. Look at the Foley sexual predator scandal. The last time Neptune went direct, Tom Delay was being indicted. And we saw him take his fall and leave the house as the most powerful politico. “The Hammer” was silenced and will now pay legally for his fraud, deceit and lies. And at that time, Vice-President Cheney’s debacle with his Chief of Staff finally admitting he gave out Plame’s name (an undercover CIA operative) as well as finding a SPY in the vice-president’s office--all these things have ‘come to light’ as Neptune stationed and the eclipses are triggering them off. Stay tune for MORE revealing of lies, deceit and fraud as we come up to October 29th! Every time Neptune goes direct, scandals erupt and we have our fair share of them with the Republican party on center stage this time around.

NEPTUNE GOING DIRECT AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU!

actors and actresses--time for drama kings and queens to put their act away (finally)!! And behave with more modest demeanor which is a blessing to the rest of us.

alcohol--you may drink a little too much in celebration; so watch the amount. You will ease off the liquor, generally speaking.

artists--you’ll find your creativity coming back! yippee!

ambiguities--someone that tried to pull the wool over your eyes--is going to be caught in the manipulation they tried on you--and you will see it--clearly. No more confusion on who is your enemy and who are your supporters. The truth will begin to emerge on a personal front for each of us, as well as the kingpins of the world, as well.

anesthesia (bad reaction to--allergic reaction)--very bad for surgeries scheduled around this time. Especially any time during the next two weeks. Do not schedule a surgery for the day Neptune goes direct; try to wait. If you do, then you should not have any of the above affect you.

bacteria--Neptune is one of the key triggers for bacteria and virus. Think: the up and coming flu and cold season. Chicken Flu--yes--it may raise its ugly head. Take common sensed precautions such as: wash your hands with an antibacterial soap and wash your food off well before preparation, as well as cooking meat WELL done. You are more “bug-impervious” now and less likely to catch one of these nasty little critters! Your immune system is going to get stronger and be able to ward them off, now. This includes the disbursement of chemical and biological assaults by terrorists on any country in the world right now.

beaches--great place to be for destressing--run, don’t walk, to the nearest one shouting, “Thank you, God! or...Goddess!” for surviving this retrograde period.

beverages--drink lots of water during this period to flush out--don't be consuming a lot of alcoholic or sugar-content fluids. Wanting more water now that it is going direct will take over.

boats--a nice place to de-stress...at least now you won’t get lost in one or capsize in it with Neptune going direct. Enjoy a great day sailing...the weather and Mother Ocean will cooperate with you.

clairvoyant--you may become more so for a couple of weeks--pay strict attention to your intuition during this period--it can save your butt :-)--your intuition is finally coming back...you thought you’d lost it under this retrograde! Nope. Now, it’s back “on” and your “360 degree all-terrain radar” is up and running normally once again--whew! :-)

coma--you may feel like you're in one until after it turns direct. Now that it’s going direct, you’ll feel like someone has removed the cotton between your ears and life is looking far more sharper and in focus.

compassion--practice it--daily. It was tough to do this during this retrograde, but now, you are feeling far more generous now that you feel hooked back up to the the Cosmos yourself. Your tests are over for now. Remember: be KIND to yourself and others--daily.

confusion--You will see the scams and sidestep them. Always get a signed contract, anyway. And now, so many people won’t be lying to you as before. You’ll get more honest, truthful communication from those around you. The veil of “bs” is going to be lifted. More truth will emerge from the shadows of illusionary Neptune. It is “gloves off” now. All the players will be accounted for and seen for who and what they are--and are not. But the confusion about the presidency is about to be unveiled--so be watching! More truth is about to surface.

codependent--will probably kick in stronger than usual during this time frame, but with Neptune going direct, you’re going to feel stronger and more free about taking self-right action for you--as it should be.

creative--you will be “on” now, and the ideas will flow once again--hooray!

dancing--absolutely! What a great way to de-stress and give your body a wonderful work out--plus it will ground you, which is what you need on this direct motion.

deception--who is lying to us? How do we lie to ourselves? You found out or will shortly. With Neptune going direct, the liars are uncovered and found out. Those who have deceived you will be shown for who and what they are, too. Pay attention.

delusion (by ourselves toward ourselves or others)--what we're fooling ourselves about may rear its ugly head on this planet going direct--so pay attention to what you see. The truth is out there.... Chances are, you were deceived in some way....or you did it to yourself (you know how we all lie to ourselves....)...well, it’s over for now. We are no so easily disillusioned now. Our eyes are open, the fog has dissipated and we see people and their games for what they are....no matter how sneaky or manipulative they try to be, we will find them out!

dreams--more of them....keep a journal...see the pattern of how your subconscious is talking to you....hopefully you did keep a journal. Now go back and read it all and see the significance of the symbology of your life--you’ll be able to perceive it quite easily now--more black and white than the muddled gray of before during the retrograde. Dreams will also be more clear in their meaning to you, as well. Be particularly aware of pre-cog, precognitive dreams during this time between now and Neptune turning direct.

drug addiction--this is a great time to stop smoking! Or stop recreational drug use. Just do it! A homeopathic remedy known as Caladium is well known to stop the craving for cigarettes. A low potency, 6C, taken on an “as needed basis” when the craving hits, will do amazing things to help you stop.

drugs (hypersensitive to)--watch out for allergy reaction. You won’t be as prone to this under the direct motion.

drugs (allergy reaction to)--yes. You will be less likely to have a reaction now. However, if you already have a known allergy, this does not minimize it.

energy defrayed (feels tired, exhausted)--absolutely...everyone could use a little Curly Dock flower essence to bump up their energy and quit feeling like they're dragging around a ball and chain on their feet :-). Well, if you took Curly Dock, you got through this period in a lot better physical frame than those who didn’t. With Neptune moving forward, we’ll slowly take back our vitality and in about 3-4 weeks, feel like our old selves again and we won’t have to take any more of this wonderful essence.

epidemics--very possible...somewhere... Well, yes, we did....the West Nile Virus exploded in Arizona this year. West Nile Virus/chicken flu are on everyone’s radar screen. I hope you have your homeopathic kit and have read my article on SARS/Chicken Flu? Now that its going direct, you’ll see the epidemic winding up to take off (think planes here, folks). Other epidemics, such as bio-terrorism type, are going to be a very real possibility, so stay alert to “what is out of place” in your area where you live. City folks are at a lot bigger risk than country folks--by a country mile.... Now is the time to buy my book, Homeopathy for Epidemics: https://ssl.bizhostnet.com/us734827/store/mgstore_books.html and to get the homeopathic Kit #4 that goes with it ($119.95) from Hahnemann Labs in San Raphael, California. All you have to do is CALL them toll free to order it: 1-888-427-6422. Or, if overseas, contact them at: 417-451-6978.

forgery--buyer beware...you can be fooled big time right now. I hope you weren’t; but the chances are there that you might have. Now you will find out about the forgery! This is the time credit cars and social security numbers are stolen and you find out it was yours. Be careful.

fishing--another destressing idea. You’ll catch fish now that it’s going direct--before, you couldn’t.

idealism and what one idealizes--is now back in vogue. Your harsh pessimism or ‘dark cloud’ mentality will go ‘poof’ like fog does when the sunlight touches it.

illumination--you’ll feel far more connected with this force than before.

illusion--what you see is not necessarily what you'll get. If you meet someone during this time--they are NOT what they seem to be--watch, be patient and sooner or later, this person will reveal their true selves to you--and you probably will be very jilted and unhappy about what you see. Under a direct Neptune, you’ll find out who and what is an illusion. REALITY about these illusions sets in now. With Neptune going direct, people are going to be more sensible, more pragmatic and more realistic about it and stop being in so much denial about it. People will begin to take practical and common sensed steps about the war in Iraq which is VIETNAM all over again for us who have “been there and seen it.” Also, the Bush Administration is fracturing from the inside out with their machinations, manipulations, cronyism and deceit as we speak. The Foley Scandal shows the Republican cover up to protect a sexual predator in their ranks and to hell with the children/young teens, he was stalking.

imagination--is on the increase! Use it or lose it!

liars--will get their come uppance with this one, two punch of Neptune going direct and less than twenty-four hours earlier, Mercury went retrograde. Bush will have the spotlight thrown on him to reveal something else he's been hiding in the darkness of the American people. Cheney is in the spotlight, as well. The Cosmos' kid gloves come off now. There’s a lot of secrets in this dirty little kingdom that has set up office in Washington, D.C. right now....but Neptune is going to come along and rip their collective mask off and hopefully Americans will “get it” and run to the polls in 2006 and vote someone who has better intentions, higher morals and values, for the world at this time. Morals, values, taking the high road and being above suspicion, are all going to be looked at closely by Americans with this stained, infected Administration.

manipulated by others--most definitely. Put up healthy boundaries and learn to say "no" instead of being abused/used/manipulated. You probably were, but now with it going direct, you aren’t going to be so easily moved around like a pawn on the chessboard of Life. You will be able to say “no” and mean it and stand your ground.

music--yes! Listen to it. Play it. A de-stressor. Get those Ipods on!!

obligations and serving--absolutely. Do your karmic responsibility right now. We all did. Now, we get a breather, and maybe a few rewards and a little pat on the head for a ‘well done’.

Pantothenic Acid (B-5)--may need 100 mgs. a day between now and when it goes direct on October 29th--it feeds the adrenal glands--your flight or fight mechanism and you may be under a lot of stress right now--so it will help you through this. Now, you can stop taking it....you aren’t going to feel so stressed and beat up by Life.

poisons of all kinds-- Less chance of this happening since Neptune is going direct.

psychic--yes, you will tune in more clearly during this period. Listen and follow your gut hunches.

sacrifice--yes, you will be asked to help. So, do it. We all made sacrifices, now, we get a breather from this, too. Whew.

sensitivity--all your six senses are turned up to an excruciating degree--find silence. Find being alone or more quiet to escape this phenomena. Now, our six senses are going to turn down to ‘normal’ once again. And the need for quiet and being alone won’t be so urgent.

spirituality--wonderful time for it. Find time to be alone, quiet and meditate.

suffering--yes, some of us will during this time frame. Do it for the right reasons. Learn to practice the Art of Compassion. If you suffered during this period, then cheer up--your suffering is at an end. You past the test. Congratulations.

vagueness--everyone has been this way. You couldn't get a straight answer. Better to wait until after Neptune turns direct and try again...things will become far more clear. Things take on black and white tones instead of one shade of gray!

victim--you can become one. Your choice. Put up your boundaries--learn to say "no." You will now.

virus--yep, they're around. Now, they’re going to stir for awhile and either get active or wait until the next Neptune retrograde to awaken and do more damage.

weak (as in an organ or system of the body)--mostly ankles and calves for you Aquarians and heart/circulation for you Leo's. Your ankles and heart and circulation will improve remarkably now.

writers--if you’ve had ‘writer’s block’ it will unblock now. Get ready to write!

TOOLS FOR DESTRESSING DURING THE DIRECT ENERGIES

Tools for destressing such as meditation, Tai Chi, Chi Quong, acupuncture, massage, swimming, reflexology, polarity therapy, flower and gem essences, homeopathy, taking a quiet walk, working in a garden, shamanic journeying, communing with Nature, listening to classical music, taking trips into isolated and beautiful natural power spots around our globe, learning to commune and then open up to Mother Earth (and understanding she, too, is a LIVING being), and going to health and spiritual-oriented spas will become "in."

As a result of spiritual quests taking precedence as a matter of health in our lives as never before--and the traditional medicine people finally understanding that "parts are not parts", that we are a fully connected, viable organism that has a spirit that must also be taken into consideration in health matters, will evolve. Earth-based philosophies, mostly fueled by a powerful Native American resurgence in the last decade, will underwrite the understanding of connections and of connecting or learning how to reconnect. Speaking from personal experience as well as observing it too many times, I have seen Mother Earth heal others, animal as well as human. We will learn how to get into touch with her on this level for ourselves and for others more clearly and consciously with Neptune in Aquarius.

Neptune rules the immune system. Allergies may have kicked up. Problems with vaccinations in children will flare up--look at the sudden "loss" of half the vaccination order to the USA last year when Neptune went direct! Unfortunately, many millions of people will suffer with an impaired, over-sensitized immune system that sets them up, down the line, for many other forms of disease--unless they get help from homeopathy. All these things will turn down in volume with Neptune going direct.

Homeopathy is ruled by Neptune, so you are going to watch as it enters a "golden age" in the next thirteen years under Aquarius' leadership. It will take its place at the head of all the alternative medicine modalities as "the" medicine or form of medicine to use. It can engage the immune system, when practiced carefully and safely, on a gentle, noninvasive level. No drug can create cure, but homeopathy can CURE. This is a good time for you to find your local homeopathic practitioner and get your constitutional case taken.

THE DOWNSIDE....AND UPSIDE

Neptune has rulership over bacteria and viruses. Aquarius rules the air. We are going to see a number of deadly germs mutate into "airborne" status and cause major epidemics that will kill millions around the globe. We will see more bacterial and virus complaints starting--especially ones like SARS/Chicken Flu on the East coast, will start under this planet going direct. The Flu will be around with a vengeance, as well. And look what happen in spades last time Neptune went direct: Hawaii was hit with a Dengue epidemic brought to its shores from a ship carrying mosquitos who carry this disease. And they thought they were safe...

Neptune rules poisoning of any type and what we are at risk for is air pollution and water pollution. Bacterial assaults on our sewage, the chlorinating efforts of our water supply, etc., are going to backfire and city water is going to continue to become, literally, undrinkable. Poisons such as uranium and arsenic that leach or leak into the underground aquifers is going to happen more and more out in rural America and people who own wells should get their wells tested yearly for all the poisonous elements that are known to their area--especially those who live near chemical factories, landfills, mines or mining activity and the like.

Because Neptune is subtle, the poisoning can go on for years before a person's health begins to deteriorate--and it won't be waving a red flag to get your attention, either. For instance, a leaky refrigerator can leak out its fumes and cause headaches over time each time the freezer portion is opened up. If the tubing isn't carefully checked, no one would suspect the person is slowly being poisoned in such a way--and yet, this is a typical Neptune way....and with Aquarius being the air element, such poisoning especially by carbon monoxide, is going to be epidemic in and of itself. This is a good time to go to your doctor and find out--have your water tested, too.

Chemicals and all gasses are ruled by Neptune. Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, as well as chemical releases settle in the fat of our bodies. Or if any of these things are inhaled into your lungs if dispersed in a closed area (such as subways and skyscrapers...). Women, in particular, will find that the poisoning going on in them from what they eat, drink and breathe from farm water run-off carrying these deadly toxins, will eventually wind up in the fat and lymph of their breasts--and these will be found to be one of the main reasons why women have such a high incidence of breast cancer in this century. DDT was also a very Neptunian poison and until decades of careful tracking of it, did farmers and chemical makers finally understand how terrible an instrument it was on our environment and the creatures in it.

The immune system (Neptune) is going to take a battering during the retrograde, but strengthens as it goes direct. We are going to see arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and other central and peripheral nervous system dis-eases become less intense now. It is a good time to de-stress as Neptune goes direct. Look at the keywords above for some suggestions as to how--for instance, meditation or yoga, as examples.

Aquarius rules the calves of the legs, our ankles and the rods and cones of our eyes. With Neptune there, you are going to see more glaucoma, blindness, macular degeneration and retinal detachment highlighted with some kind of scientific progress report. Eyes stabilize under a direct Neptune. If you suspect eye problems, go see your ophthalmologist for the appropriate tests to check this out. Something will be done to help your eyes now.

There may be central nervous system complaints involving the calves and ankles of those people who have planets in Aquarius or Leo, particularly those with Saturn, Uranus or Neptune in them--and with three or more hard aspects to them. Viruses or bacteria will attack this part of their body leaving them wheel chair bound or having to use crutches or other types of conveyances instead of being able to walk normally. Under a direct Neptune, your systems will stabilize once more.

The opposite sign, Leo, rules the cardiovascular system and our heart. We’ve already seen Neptune as it is stationary direct, unveil the truth about Vioxx and the Merck Company who makes it. A lot of people with rheumatism are suddenly without this drug because they’ve found it kills people at a high rate with a stroke or a heart attack. Just this month, it has been taken off the shelves. We are going to see the possibility of a huge flare-up of rheumatic fever, scarlet fever and Strep throat (if not caught, can injure any of our major organs, including our heart). Weak hearts, congestive heart failure, angina are going to plague us for this next thirteen year period. This is a good time to see your doctor about your heart and your cholesterol levels. With Neptune going direct, there is a lot less chance of any of the above activating, or deterioration occurring.

Problems with circulation are going to become highlighted, also. The easy answer to this is: get some exercise. Unfortunately, there's a lot of Baby Boomers who have turned into couch potatoes and it is that segment of our society that is going to have cold hands and feet, numbness, tingling or Raynaud's Disease, stalking them in earnest. Just puttering outside for an hour, or going for a walk around the block would help stave off this particular symptom. Getting a massage once a week will also help stop this condition. Even though Neptune is going direct, keep getting the massages, take the healthy walks, garden and stay ACTIVE!

HELP TO MAKE THIS TRANSFORMATION PAINLESS--WELL, ALMOST PAINLESS....

I don’t believe we have to SUFFER endlessly through change. The people below are, in my opinion, the best in their particular business and are skillful catalysts to help people to help themselves. Utilize Pluto in the BEST and most healthy of ways....check out this group and choose which tools resonate most strongly with you and contact them. You won’t be sorry you did!

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELORS:

You can engaged the services of the medicinegarden.com’s professional astrologer and find out. Our own Rosemarie Brown is a natal counselor. Just contact her at: starrose@sedona.net. Her website is: http://www.rosemariebrown.com

If you are wanting to move and aren’t sure where or you have a place in mind, but aren’t sure if it’s “right” for you, they have locale information available. If health is your consideration, both are trained medical astrologers. Or, Gail Carswell at rockdoc@mindspring.com. Or, Michael Foltz at solardoc@mindspring.com.

I'm sure one of these three professionals will be able to shed considerable light in what is going on in your life and the many choices you have available to you to institute and use. Better yet, visit their website: http://www.owlswebnest.com, for more information on all the services they provide.

UN-CONFUSE YOURSELF DURING THIS RETROGRADE

NEED A “Coach”, some serious therapy that gets to the “heart” of your angst or what you’re wrestling with? We recommend Rosemarie Brown. Please contact her at: http://www.rosemariebrown.com or by email at: Rosemarie Brown

VOICE ANALYSIS--THE MISSING NOTE

I’ve had my voice analyzed by Ani Williams and I can tell you from personal experience that we all have a “missing note” in our life. So what? Well, consider this. Without this missing note back in our life, we aren’t working off of 8 cylinders. We’re working on 6--or less! Please go to Ani’s website for more information. This is a life-changing “tool” that you should include in your personal Pluto transformation kit. http:// www.aniwilliams.com or contact her via email at: songaia@earthlink.net

SPIRITUAL UPKEEP RENOVATION: NEED A SHAMAN?

Gail Carswell, Michael Foltz, Grace Verte (GraceVerte@Netsedona.com), Karen David (KDMystic@aol.com) and Rosemarie Brown are all trained shamanic facilitators who can help you through your spiritual transformation. For more information on Soul Recovery and Extraction, go to: http://www.medicinegarden.com/SRE/SREchapter.html and then contact one of them for further help!

FOR CARE OF BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT: HOMEOPATHY

Our favorite classically trained homeopath is Yolande Grill of Cave Creek, Arizona. She does long-distance case taking by phone and I consider her one of the best we’ve got in the USA. So, don’t delay! She is also a shamanic facilitator, as well. Get a hold of Yolande at: y.grill@att.net

IN SUMMATION....

Our life, our reality, is what we make of it. Neptune in Aquarius promises us if we want to create our reality (which we do anyway) but know on a more conscious level that we're doing, is at hand. One might look at this door opening as the sorcerer's apprentice (the Walt Disney version of Mickey Mouse and the Night on Bald Mountain classical music playing in the background) working with the magician's tools while he's stepped away from the castle.

Our health is in our hands. How we express our level of health is up to each of us and many of us will get more in touch with the why we are the way we are than ever before. The 'tools' of Aquarius are going to mind-blowing, mind-stretching, awe-inspiring, scary, unbelievable, frightening or miraculous--take your pick. Whatever your consciousness, whatever your attitude toward yourself and how you see yourself involved with Life's Spiral Dance, is up to each of us. As my mother sez, "If you get mud, Eileen, you damn well make mud pies and sell 'em!"

Find out what your 'tools' of reference, of belief in, of perspective and reality are.

NEPTUNE KEY WORDS

actors and actresses
alcohol
artists
ambiguities
anesthesia (bad reaction to--allergic reaction)
bacteria
beaches
beverages
boats
chemical agents released by terrorists (VX gas, Sarin, Mustard, etc.)
Chicken/Bird Flu
clairvoyant
coma
compassion
confusion
codependent
creative
dancing
deception
delusion (by ourselves toward ourselves or others)
dreams
drug addiction
drugs (hypersensitive to)
drugs (allergy reaction to)
energy defrayed (feels tired, exhausted)
epidemics of any kind, including terrorist acts
escape forgery
fishing
idealism and what one idealizes
illumination
illusion
imagination
Laetrile
manipulated by others
molds
music
obligations and serving
Pantothenic Acid (B-5)
poisons of all kinds
psychic
SARS
sacrifice
Sarin gas
sensitivity
spirituality
spores
suffering
vagueness
victim
virus
VX gas
weak (as in an organ or system of the body)

Saturday, October 14, 2006

POSTCARDS FROM EASTLAND, TEXAS

Hi Everyone!

Today is Friday the 13th. It has always been a lucky day for me. 1 + 3 = 4. And I’m a 22/4 numerologically; so any 4 day or 22/4 day is a good one for me!

I have my Nikon camera in the waste basket between the front seats, with the cap off so I can take quick shots, as I did today. I have a nice, soft cloth for the lens to rest on and I really don't use the waste basket for waste. It's a great camera holder!

I hated leaving my lovely nest at the Marriott El Paso....but at 8:30 am I took off for Abilene; some 8 hours away.

This is probably one of the most boring drives I can think of. But the clouds of the coming front were gorgeous; one reminded me of a fan with the altocumulus or mid-clouds. I took a photo of it because it reminded me of puffy lace crocheted together in the sky. And luckily, these gorgeous clouds stayed overhead and blocked out the sun’s rays which always made me hot even in an air conditioned van.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's those beautiful fan shapped altocumulus clouds that stayed with me half of my trip today.

During my nine hour drive today I went through three Inspection stations. We'd slow down and I never saw anyone....but it killed your time as you came down to one lane and then coasted through the Inspection station. I don't know if they were looking for illegal produce or illegal aliens.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's one of three Inspection Station signs. What WERE they looking for???!! I never saw a human being standing outside as we drove in through the building. Weird.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here we are crawling up to the Inspection Station where I never saw an inspector...

I finally saw one: Don’t Mess with Texas sign!! Just one. And by the time I saw it, I’d passed it and couldn’t take a photo of it. Darn. It was relegated to littering on the highway. The other sign you see in lieu of it is: Drive Friendly. Now....I always wonder when they put up such a sign, what is REALLY going on. Is it that Texans are nasty drivers? Cutting you off? Taking the rifles they carry in the back of their pickup truck window and point it at you? Road rage personified? Just WHAT did it mean? Well, I can tell you that from my demographics of one on some of the least crowded Interstate in the USA, there were no unfriendly Texas drivers! Mainly because I was lucky to see one car in a mile. I saw tons of truck--and they were very nice drivers--but most of them did not have Texas plates.

So what is this ‘drive friendly’ all about?????!! Maybe, as I pull into the big city of Ft. Worth/Dallas area, I’ll find out why they put the sign up--but for now, Texans and everyone else drive very friendly....stay tuned to the rest of t his story! I’ll have to ask my Texas friends, Gail Carswell and Michael Foltz why such a sign reminder is up so I can get the ‘rest of the story’ from real Texans who will be in the know!

I think Texas is known for oil, cattle and desert, not necessarily in that order. When I hit the Odessa/Midland area--what I call the oilbasket of Texas...all you saw was working oil pumps and drilling rigs. And the ODOR through these two cities was enough to gag you if you aren't used to smelling petroleum products in the air. I don't know how these folks live here. I couldn't stand the smell it is so obnoxious. Doesn't someone think this is air pollution???!!!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here's one of the many, many oil pump rigs I saw along the highway in the Texas breadbasket of oil country.

And, if you didn't see the oil pumping rigs, you saw a lot of 'sticks' in the air as you drove. As I got closer, you could see these were moveable oil derrick rigs and they are designed to puncture the Earth's skin and dive down thousands of feet to find the prehistoric oil from an age and stage where Texas was nothing but shallow inland sea.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's one of uncountable oil drilling rig platforms I saw along I-10 throughout the Odessa/Midland, Texas area. These rigs are moveable...they are on large trucks. Looks like they're in high demand.

One nice surprise after I drove past the city limits of El Paso was that the speed for cars went up to 80 mph! Wow. Not THAT is what we call desert driving speed! In Arizona, we’re allowed to go 75 mph in the wide open desert areas. Here, in Texas, they’ve really changed. I recall twenty years ago that when all the states were going to 65 mph on their freeways, good ole Texas was dragging their spurred boots and refused to change and kept it at 55 mph; such was their stubbornness. But my, how times have changed! I gawked at the 80 mph sign, my mouth dropping open. And then I thought: hey, Texas finally caught up and surpassed even Arizona, which is quite progressive about most things.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's that wonderful 80 mph sign! Texas is leading the way on desert driving...wheeee....of course, I only drove 75 mph because that's Arizona's desert driving speed limit. I feel safer at 75 than 80 mph...don't ask me why.

The other thing I saw a lot of was the green and white Border Patrol trucks--they were everywhere. I see them a lot in Arizona, but the El Paso area is right on the border with Mexico.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's a Border Patrol cruiser--lots of them around everywhere.

The four laned highway was interesting....mostly eighteen wheelers (trucks) and maybe a car every mile or two. Wouldn’t LA love to have this ratio? It was very easy driving, no stress....just long and with no partner to chill out after a couple hours of driving, it gets long and you get what I call ‘dead butt.’

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Now, here's a sight: nonstop, horizon-to-horizon oil drilling rig platforms along with oil drilling pumps. Whatta sight! Made me glad I don't live here...

I finally stopped at a MacDonald’s in Monahan. I had someone remark in an email to me that they were surprised I was eating at MacDonald’s when I preferred nonsmoking rooms. I like McD’s coffee for starters--it is consistent and I know what I’m getting. Plus, they have wonderful salads and I particularly like the apples/walnuts/yogurt salad. And since I have to watch my weight, I get the fish or a grilled chicken and that’s as good as it gets. So, not all food at McD’s is “junk food,” my friend.

On the road, one does not always have the choices one would like. I guess the reader didn’t give me any credit for buying organic, natural foods at Wild Oats in Tucson, haha. And guess what? There is no Wild Oats Grocery on I-10 in the middle of Godforsaken Texas. Oh! How I wish there was! So what is one to do? You punt; like you do with the rest of life. And besides, not wanting smokers around me is a must. You see, I do control what I choose to put in my mouth. As a nonsmoker, I can’t control a smoker’s smoke and it goes into my body when I don’t want it too. And, smoke gives me a splitting headache; and I also have an allergy to it and start nonstop sneezing when I get a whiff of it. Hope that answers that individual’s remark.

You have no idea how good it felt to see this sign for Ft. Worth! That meant it was a lot closer than farther away!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's the split off between Ft. Worth and San Antonio and boy, I was a happy camper to finally see this sign hove into view!

I do have a major gripe with Texas. What the hell's the matter with your thinking when you hundreds of miles of desert driving and NO rest stops that have a restroom you can use????!!! Do you think we hold it for four or five hours before you decide to put in a rest stop? This just grates me. And worse, there's only Chaparral plants outside and you sure can't hide behind them to go take a pee. I feel this is so inconsiderate. Especially older people their bladders can't handle the long haul like a young person's can. But no one should be subjected to this torture. So, Texas, get on the stick, dammit, and build REST stops, not "picnic" spots and put in the restrooms. This made me really irritable. Fortunately for me, I have my potty box on board....and I did use it. Because there were no rest stops for about 300 miles and that is just plain ridiculous. Texas government obviously doesn't drive these stretches--either that or they put a knot in it.

I saw one deer that had been killed and a number of dogs on the side of the road. I guess (?) they fell out of trucks because these were in non populated areas of pure desert and no dog would survive in such an environment on its own. Logic tells me they were in the truckbed. It’s ashamed pick-em up drivers don’t be responsible and keep their dog inside the cab like they do themselves and their kids. Animals can leap out or worse, when a driver slams on their brakes, the dog goes flying out and is instantly killed. To me, this is a crime because animals deserve our care and responsibility. Not tying them inside the truck bed, or in a cage or putting the dog in the cab, is an accident just waiting to happen. And I saw five dead dogs on the road today and it was truly sad when it could have been completely prevented by a caring, responsible driver.

This was another common sight on the desert drive: oil tank farms. Huge ones. Wow. And around each of these is a high soil berm so that if it ever spilled the contents, it would be contained within the breach area--smart thinking and planning. Still, as I drove by I saw that there was no fence or protection around them. What stops anyone from going over to them? No security that I could see. Maybe there was and I was just too far away to see it?

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's one of many, many oil tank farms. This one was between Midland and Big Springs, Texas

I saw a couple of buzzards in the sky, a flock of pigeons and that was about it. I really miss all the birds we have around our home, but this is Texas desert and migration is on, as well. Clear skies with no action from our bird friends. Oh, and as a writer, I'm always on the look out for colorful signage. This one got my attention. I wondered what was so 'stinky' about it and what the story was behind it. Did someone run up on a surprised skunk in this wash? hahaha. Or, is there something else that was 'stinky'? Like Stinkbugs? Had to be a whole lotta them to make them call this creek "Stinky." chuckle.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
This was the most interesting sign of the trip today. You can tell how bored I was if I was looking at signs to entertain me, haha.

With eight hours of driving with little entertainment, I did get some good things done. I got the rest of my HQN proposal regarding Kelly Trayhern’s book (Morgan’s Mercenaries, daughter #2). I was tripping around with the hero’s name and I finally got it together: Sky McCoy. His first name is very important and being Native American, of course, the name has a reason and meaning for the person as well. I was happy to get over that hurdle! And, I had most of the proposal figured out by the time I rolled not into Abilene, but Eastland, Texas!

The hotel in Abilene was ten miles off I-20 and that was simply too far for me to go. I decided to just follow my wolf nose and keep on driving. I found a Ramada Inn in Eastland and it was getting near sunset. I don’t like driving at night alone and make it a point to get to a motel/hotel before light is gone. I met a very nice Indian woman from India, who was the owner. She was a lovely person, with a quick smile. We got to talking and she gave me a room near the office. That was very kind of her and I unloaded my bags and it was an easy walk from the office. Her son, who was in his early twenties, also helped me.

I tried to find a place to eat..but the two restaurants open in town were crowded with Friday night cars. I ended up settling for Taco Bell....and getting a couple of tacos. Not great after Marriott food...but it filled my growling stomach. At least I can get really good salads once I drive into Ft. Worth tomorrow! And, it’s only 100 miles of driving tomorrow, thank goodness. I’m tired of sitting on my butt for so long but the Texas flatlands did give me some excellent quiet time to think through my HQN plot. Now, I got to noodle around with a title, and I’m terrible at titles!

In Spirit....

Friday, October 13, 2006

ASTROLOGY: Mercury Goes Retrograde 10.28.06

MERCURY RETROGRADE DANCES WITH NEPTUNE DIRECT October 28, 2006

by Eileen Nauman

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
All Rights Reserved

Email: docbones224@earthlink.net
Websites:
http://www.medicinegarden.com
http://www.whatflowerareyou.com

BLOG:
http://talesfromechocanyon.blogspot.com

Permission for individuals to send to friends
Websites: must email me for permission FIRST before they can hang on their website

Planning a vacation? Generally, I would wince if you said you were traveling anywhere in the month of October of this year. However, we have an interesting dance going on up in the sky and while Mercury, who rules travel, is going retrograde, stalwart protector and mystical, if not confusing, Neptune is going direct less than twenty-four hours later. So, your vacation may go awry...but follow your nose and see what kinds of interesting adventures you get into because it could turn out to be very positive in the long run. I would say: go on vacation knowing that some things are not going to work out--but what does not, you’ll get an upgrade and be quite satisfied, regardless. The best way to get around chaotic Mercury is to follow your gut instinct, which is ruled by Neptune. Do that, and things will have a rather miraculous way of turning out different but good! So, go have fun so long as you are flexible and adaptable.

WHO IS AFFECTED??

Mercury goes retrograde at 25 Scorpio 03 on October 28, 2006 at 12:16 p.m., PDT. It will remain retrograde until November 17, 2006, when it swings direct at 9 Scorpio. The retrograde will affect Scorpios and by opposite signs, Taurus people, the most. In your natal chart if you have ANY planets or your ascendant or Midheaven cusp between the following degrees: between 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 Scorpio/Taurus, you will feel the brunt of this retrograde, as well. The most affected people will be 25 Scorpio (and 25 Taurus) however.

BIRTHDAYS OF THOSE WHO ARE AFFECTED

Whose most affected when it goes retrograde on October 28, 2006? We have two signs involved. In the conjunction and opposition aspect, they will be Scorpio and Taurus people.

For Taurus sun sign people, those born between October 21st and 22nd and for Scorpio people, November 15th through the 19th. The most important date November 17th, will be the most directly affected by this retrograde.

By opposite sign, Taurus sun sign people, those born between May 13th through May 18th will feel this retrograde, with the most important date, May 16th are most directly affected by this retrograde.

MERCURY’S SHADOW PERIOD

Of course, we begin to operate under the seven-day “shadow” energy of Mercury before it turns retrograde. That means from October 21st through the 26th, we are in the shadow. Things are going to start falling apart on you about this time, so just set your attitude and be flexible. Remember: this too will pass.

And simultaneously, the Neptune going direct has a three shadow before it goes direct, is from October 8 through the 28th. So, there is confusion,illusion, lies and deceit being uncovered. And if you want good proof of Mercury/Neptune running together look at the sex scandal with Congressman Foley and Dennis Hassert. This is a communication (Mercury) and now people are popping up from the past saying that Hassert’s office was notified about this even up to six years ago (Neptune--now you see them,now you don’t....things come out of the ‘mists of Time’ to indict this sexual predator). And watch for Hassert to possibly resign around October 29th, Sunday, when Neptune goes direct. Because, as Neptune pulls direct the TRUTH gets revealed, finally. And Truth is often deluged and suppressed under a Neptune retrograde. And only when it goes direct, does Truth get uncovered and revealed. Add to this, Mercury retrograde and you are going to get confusion on the air waves and through the media.

WHAT DOES RETROGRADE MEAN?

What does 'retrograde' mean? It means "backwards movement". The Earth has an orbit around the Sun. So does Mercury (and Mercury's orbit, because it is closest to the Sun, is shorter or smaller in circumference than Earth's).

At certain times each year, usually three of them, Mercury, because it has a shorter orbit than Earth, goes whizzing by Earth. As it's moving 'away' from Earth, to an observer standing on Mars, it looks like Earth is moving 'backward' as this is happening. Mercury is surging ahead and Earth is left behind. This is 'retrograde motion'.

Another way to explore this is: most of you have probably ridden in a motor boat. When the engines are in 'forward' position, you zoom around. When you want to 'back up' the boat, you put the throttle in "reverse" position. Have you ever watched the surge and turbulence of water beneath the engine, at the rear of the boat when it's put into reverse to back up? That's 'retrograde' motion. All turbulence, frothing, bubbling and boiling as water, which is flowing nice and smooth one way, suddenly has this engine and motor come and stir it all up as it reverses motion!

Take Mercury and Earth in the same analogy: Mercury is the speedboat. Earth is the water in which it floats. As Mercury 'passes' Earth due to its shorter orbit around the Sun, this "turbulence" energetically is created between the two planets for a brief (3 weeks) amount of time. And I know Earth is not in 'reverse' motion--the concept I'm trying to visually give you is that as Mercury passes Earth as it zooms around on it's shorter circumference orbit, creates invisible 'waves' of energy. And this 'energy' is translated into 'retrograde motion'.

Another way to state this visually is: You're on a lake and in a boat. You zoom past another boat that is anchored and the gal is fishing in one spot. You watch the waves your boat makes impact that other boat. That other boat will bob and move around as the current of the lake water, set into motion by your speeding boat, strikes it. The waves pass, and the boat that is anchored, becomes still once more.

Even though we can't see the energy and turbulence as a faster moving planet in orbit affects a slower moving planet in its orbit, the 'turbulence' is still the same. Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there and isn't happening--because it is.

Astrologers, from 5,000 years ago, noted that when a planet passed us--or we passed another slower moving planet (like Mars, outward--all their orbits are longer around the Sun than the Earth's is), they noted that certain events seem to occur. Not to everyone, but a part of their population. Today, that is so, too.

Mercury, typically on a given year, passes Earth three times because of a smaller, orbit around the Sun because it is the closest to that star. And during these speedy passed past Earth, these times are called 'retrograde'. Usually, a retrograde Mercury influence lasts 3 weeks. As the turbulence subsides from this pass and the 'water' is smooth again, Mercury is then said to be 'direct'. Actually, it is taking Mercury three weeks to approach earth in a parallel orbit (side by side like a team of horses) and as it nudges past earth with its planet body, and moves ahead, that is when it is said to be "direct" once again. When direct, all the Mercury Retrograde 'things' stop happening to people around the globe. Many breathe a sigh of relief :-).

HOW DOES A RETROGRADE MERCURY AFFECT ME?

Mercury is the ruler of communication. I would strongly urge all of you to: http://medicinegarden.com/astrology/cw_mercury.html and read Carol B. Willis' article on MERCURY and she has given a wonderfully full meaning symbolically, to this planet. Download it and keep it--you'll be looking at it three times a year :-) to see what can 'back up' or go 'reverse' in your life during the Mercury Retrograde periods during our year! Carol can be reached at: cbwillis@lightlink.com.

MERCURY RETROGRADE WITH A MYSTICAL ‘TWIST’

As if Mercury going in reverse on October 28th, Neptune, our mystical outer planet, goes direct on October 29, 2006. These two together can create quite an interesting shock wave and therein lies the ‘mystical twist’ to this period. October is a month of opportunities and changes. We have Mercury going retrograde first, then Neptune direct. In many ways, this Mercury is going to be blunted, somewhat, by mystical, confusion, illusionary Neptune going direct and that’s going to cause some fluctuation, unsureness and lack of direction!

Neptune rules at its highest level, spiritual transcendence and at its worse, caught in the nightmare of distorted reality, illusion, lies,deceit, truthiness vs. truth, smoke and mirrors to name just a few items under its list of ruler ship items. You can see with the Sex Scandal in the Republican quarters that everyone involved is trying to point fingers in another direction or twist and turn their way out of being held responsible for what they knew years ago. Hassert is on the hot seat, there is no doubt. The only question is; will he be able to oil his way out of this situation with enough smoke, mirrors and lies to dupe the American Public? Or, will the American Public see through his lies and truthiness. Certainly, the whole election come early November is going to be under the guise of Mercury and Neptune; leading to murkiness at its finest. One can only hope Americans going to the polls will see through the politics and save young pages from power mongering politicians who think between their legs instead of with their heads. We’ll see, won’t we?
Also, with the elections occurring on the heels of this duo dancing in the sky, are going to have powerful repercussions. Remember, Neptune is about TRUTH. And with Mercury is retrograde, this means that the long, smoldering anger of the American people toward their elected officials is going to boil over. How much it does, no one can tell for sure, but I believe the Democrats are going to pick up seats in Congress and the Senate--perhaps enough to change the power base.

For sure, airline travel is going to be in a major snarl but with Neptune in the throes of going direct, these snarls may just unkink in rather miraculous ways...so go ahead and travel knowing you are going to have a guardian angel sitting next to you to help you figure out what Plan B is. Expect airline delays or unusual weather patterns for about ten days before Neptune goes direct on October 29, 2006. (Note: A separate article on Neptune going direct is available. You should know that the ‘shadow’ period of Neptune is three weeks before it turns direct. That means this guardian angel affect begins October 8, 2006 through October 28, 2006, and this is also very good news! Travel may end up being ‘interesting’ in October because of Mercury, but Big Brother Neptune is sitting in the seat next to squirrely Mercury, so I don’t see horrific delays or airline crashes that can occur under a Mercury retrograde transit. One thing I would strongly advise is: get FLIGHT INSURANCE. It may pay off well for you if you do.

Neptune, on it’s least positive expression, rules unexpected, weird, off-the-wall things occurring and can put people in a stressful state of fretting and anxiety; it amps up our already wired nervous system which is ruled by Mercury. With Neptune sitting there on a coming First Quarter Moon (that takes place October 29 at 8 Aquarians--so Aquarians and Leos are highlighted on this day more than most....) the emotional tides of our body running at hide tide and people may be more likely to be more irritable and stressed than usual.
The up side of Neptune’s wonderful expression is for people who appeared, dazed, spacy, confused or unsure. People may want to compromise more than usual because their frame of mind is very positive, thanks to this mystically inclined planet. Just be more alert than usual with disgruntled or belligerent people and remember, a SMILE or a KINDNESS can complete defuse and disarm them. Carry plenty of both and watch the blessings come back to you in many ways during this time frame. And your vacation may go awry but with Neptune in the mix here, it WILL have a happy ending. Your part in this deal is to remain open minded and flexible and adaptable. Then, you might even have FUN during this period!

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I LOOK FOR?

Here's a list of some of the things you can expect from a Mercury Retrograde. Keep in mind that they won't all happen to you! Just one or two, usually. However, if you have a natal Mercury in conjunction with the transiting (daily motion of a planet) Mercury, then your life is going to be strongly affected by that retrograde!! The only way you can find this out is to contact an astrologer and have them look at your transits to determine this. Rosemarie Brown, is our core faculty astrologer and you can "hire" her to do this for you. Just contact her at: starrose@sedona.net.

Most important to those of us on the Net:

VERY IMPORTANT: Back up your hard drives, folks! Computer crashes CAN and WILL occur!

TRAVEL DELAYS POSSIBLE

Under the present circumstances of travel delays aboard any transportation vehicle (especially airliners) then, expect delays, confusion and problems. Sometimes, under a retrograde, travel snafus miraculously sort themselves out and you might find yourself with an upgrade! Or, with Neptune hanging around at this time, your seat mate may be a very important person who walks into your life--so pay attention! Or, who knows? You may sit next to a mystical or spiritually inclined person. They might say something that has a wonderful effect on you.

CHANGES IN YOUR LIFE

1. Expect indecision on your part--or the part of others. People who usually are cut/dried, can make decisions quickly and cleanly, will muddle around, hesitate, won't be sure. And, if they do make a decision during a Mercury. R transit--whatever they decided to do will CHANGE. It will NOT remain as the person decided at all. You think men and women can't communicate with each other now, wait until the Mercury Retrograde period hits. One is speaking Chinese and the other, French!! Partners have to really work at saying what they really mean because assumptions abound during this time and worse, what you say is heard differently than how you meant it!!!! Watch for big-time communications snafus--they will complicate your life on a personal and professional level. Nothing is immune from our foot-in-mouth disease as in a Mercury. R period!!!

2. Don't EVER sign a contract, agree to something, buy a car/boat/house/animal or start up a new project under a Mercury. Writers should never sign a contract under this aspect. Publishers shouldn’t be giving out contracts during it. Either way, the contract and negotiations and agreement will not be conducive....writers may feel cheated. Publishers won’t see the book they expected or have it come in on time. It’s a prescription for disaster from both angles and who needs that? Better to wait to offer contracts and negotiate after Mercury is out of Retrograde!! Do do contracts during it: well, THAT’s is a prescription for disaster! The contract won't be honored by one party or the other. The car you bought will turn out to be a lemon!! The boat will have problems, structural or otherwise. The house you bought will be a "money pit" and the owner did not reveal all the problems the house had--but you inherited them!! The animal you bought (dog/cat/horse or whatever) will turn out to have some real 'hidden' problems that you could not see upon first perusal or inspection. They usually aren't happy things you find out--for example, I bought a St. Bernard puppy under a Mercury. R (and I knew better!) and I directly asked the breeder: Does this dog or his parents or anybody in his pedigree have hip dysplasia? The owner said no. Six months later, the puppy couldn't move because his hip dysplasia was so severe! The breeder lied to me.

Projects begun during this time (baaaaadddd choice) will inevitably develop differently than agreed-upon or expected. The only way you can avoid disappointment about it is to expect the project will change!! And if you aren't prepared for those little surprises,then don't start something new at this time frame--just wait.....be patient.....

3. Do NOT buy any mechanical things, appliances, computers, software or anything else like that during this period--they will not work right! You may have to get another to replace it (providing its under warranty--and IF you have to buy something like a refrigerator, stove, radio or whatever, make SURE that warranty is in force because 9 times out of 10, you're gonna be glad you have it because you'll be using it.....). Hold off until Mercury goes 'direct' to buy anything new.

I might add that this a time when mechanical failures happen. DISK CRASHES are common placed and I strongly recommend to Netters to back up the stuff on their hard disk BEFORE a Mercury R transit occurs--do it at least a week in advance. Believe me,you will thank me for this little piece of advice over and over again--because crashes are common. Another Net problem is that the Net will slow down, be sluggish, blocked or break down. There are more telephone lines cut and dug up during this transit than you have fingers and toes to count on! Telephones/telephone lines/cables/electrical cables are all affected badly by Mercury Retrograde. "SAVE" your stuff you're working on every five minutes during a Mercury Retrograde or you'll lose it--believe me :-). I wouldn’t be installing new software systems or trying to learn them under this transit, either--you’ll be tearing hair and end up bald in the long run!

4. Try not to travel long-distance during a Mercury Retrograde because Mercury is the ruler of travel by any conveyance. If you do, there will be delays, equipment (like a plane or car) will break down during this period. Travel will try your patience during this period--so be smart and don't travel to save yourself a lot of hectic, stressful times/moments. Equipment failure is at its peak during this transit. ANY type of equipment--not just computers. It can be that your trash compactor explodes on you. Your knife sharpener quits working. Your telephone goes on the fritz. Your fax dies on you and you gotta replace it. You name the communications device or travel device (cars/planes/boats) and it will fail.

5. Mercury rules our thinking processes. Believe me, folks, we aren't thinking clearly or as coherently as we'd like to think we are during a Mercury. R!!!!! We become forgetful. Yesterday, we knew that person's name, and today....well....pfffftttttt....out the window it goes and you can't recall that person's name for love nor money! Or you get lost in traffic, lost in a shopping center, you can't remember where you put something. Things get LOST and MISPLACED big time. You won't find it until after Mercury goes direct or you won't find it until the next Mercury retrograde period!!! Our orderly thinking dissolves. Our minds may race. Insomnia may affect a few. However, on the flip side of this--things that have been lost, hidden or stolen, may be revealed and see the light of day during this period--so that is GOOD news.

6. Delays--on everything! You're late for an appointment. Or, they lost your appointment! The company promised it would be there on a certain day--wrooonnnnggggg! Under a Mercury R, it can get lost (permanently or temporarily) and it will never arrive on time! No one shows up at the right time. So forget it, let the punctual schedule go and just sit back and relax. You'll never be on time--there can be an unexpected delay on the freeway/turnpike, or the other person is delayed. Detours pop up out of nowhere. Accidents delay you for hours on a freeway. The appointment will never occur on time during a Mercury R.

7. Your mind is somewhere else rather on the nuts and bolts of everyday life/demands/things you gotta do. Where it's gone is still a mystery. We just know you aren't functioning like you normally do :-). It requires a lot more energy and intense concentration to do your daily job right (and not lose or misplace things) than normal during this three week period. Pay attention! Don't be driving and have your mind go 'elsewhere' because you're an accident waiting to happen. About seven days before Mercury goes retrograde--be especially watchful and more alert about your own driving--and drive very defensively--because other drivers who aren't in touch with what is happening in the heaven are already spacy and somewhere else and they are NOT paying full attention to their driving. The day that Mercury goes retrograde is the most dangerous of all for driving a car. PLEASE, pay attention!!! I usually opt NOT to be driving anywhere on that day--I stay home and clean up a bunch of unfinished projects instead.

8. Do not try to send out a new PR news release or any kind of media-blitz to newspapers, internet, television or any other medium; it will not “takeoff” and produce the “buzz” you want from it; it will be circular filed in the nearest waste basket and forgotten about! Your money spent on a hard working PR consultant will have been in vain. It will be circular filed with a giant sucking sound and disappear! Better to wait AFTER Mercury goes direct to start any campaign....then, it WILL take off like everyone hopes that it will!

9. Don’t open up a new web site, either. It will not receive the notoriety, the ‘hits’ and it will die on the vine. Better to wait until Mercury goes direct if you want it to flourish, get notoriety, and have good word-of-mouth ‘buzz’ about your up and coming .com.

10. If you must TRAVEL during this period under the present circumstances, keep your eyes open and your guard up. Any vacations or unnecessary travel should be avoided IF your birth date is mentioned at the start of this article.

11. There is so much garbage, lies, FRAUD and deceit on the Internet, that it’s sad. People MUST look the gift horse in the mouth. Do not buy anything for your personal safety until you look at it and get confirmed, reliable sources, science trials or whatever it takes, to prove that this “thing” will work as the sales people are saying. Beware of fraud.....and this is more than just on the Internet. You can receive a phone call where marketing is fraudulent and they want to take your money,your social security number or bank account number--do NOT do it. When a stranger comes up to you during this period and wants something from you--DO look the gift horse in the mouth because he or she may not be telling you the whole truth. Manipulation, the ‘shell game’ being played on you during this period is very real. SIGN NOTHING.

12. Having any kind of an operation performed under a Mercury retrograde automatically means it will be done AGAIN, later. Misdiagnosis, bad surgery, abound, with this aspect. Invitro fertilization will also fail. This is the misdiagnosis and medical malpractice central when Mercury is retrograde. If you can avoid medical procedures/surgery under this, do it. Otherwise, you are doomed to repeat it later--and who needs pain and discomfort twice? Also, cosmetic surgery will not make you happy with the outcome, either. Avoid it at all costs or be stuck with a nose, lips or eye wrinkles that will have to be worked on AGAIN, to straighten out--IF it can be straightened out at all.

IS THERE ANY GOOD NEWS ABOUT MERCURY RETROGRADE?

Yes, indeedee! Let's look at this cosmic log jam in the sky another way. We lead very stress-filled, super busy lives, right? Which one of us, voluntarily, is gonna say: "Hey, I'm gonna have a 'time-out' for three weeks, kick back, relax, and just take it easy and let my poor mind and body rest up from the punishment I’ve been giving it."

I don't see any hands raised. :-)

That's right, Mercury retrograde is our 'time out' from stress and the humdrum orderly life we lead. The phones quiet down, the email demands diminish, the faxes stop making your floor look like white rolls of paper. Your mind goes 'elsewhere' and you just wanna daydream, or just stop thinking altogether. It feels good to 'unplug' and rest.

Yes, Mercury retrograde is our time out to rest. And if you won't voluntarily do it--it will do it for us to some degree or another. For Taurus/Scorpio and Capricorn/Aquarius folks who are most affected by this retrograde. So for them, they are usually strongly affected by these retrogrades--more so than any of the ten other zodiac signs. Life can turn to chaos (depending upon their attitude toward these 'time-outs' in their life) or it can mean exquisite relief from all the powerful mental/mind stuff they do constantly 24/7. Speaking only for myself, being a Gemini, I look FORWARD to Mercury retrograde because my phone stops ringing, demands of Email, faxes diminish to a huge extent and I get to 'rest'! It’s a mental vacation for me. Boy, do I look forward to these time-outs!! And I get to 'catch-up' on all the stuff that hasn't been attended to because of so many phone calls, faxes and Email demands! :-). I love Mercury R!!! I get a three-week 'breather' three times a year and with my mental schedule, if I didn't have these, I'm sure I'd have permanent brain burn out ! However, with this terrorist event, I’m not sure I’m gonna get that time out I was hoping for!

Virgo’s (the other sign ruled by Mercury) tend to get more upset over Mercury R periods because they're such picky perfectionists and they really do expect their lives to go like clockwork and God forbid they be late for an appointment--HORRORS!! For them, it's a major crisis if that occurs. For them, Mercury R periods are discombobulating because they can't strive for that near-perfection they seek for three weeks, three to four times a year. If they can 'get over' this need to be perfect or always on-time, then it's not such a stressful period for them :-).

1. If, however, you want to finish up on something--Mercury R is a wonderful time to wrap up projects, attend to details, and yes, clean up your messy desk, reorganize things, the telephone stops ringing, email flow reduces, faxes are fewer, and generally, a period of quiet so you can "catch up" on a bunch of projects you had started earlier, can be finished up very nicely during this period. This is a wonderful time to take something you wanted to do--but just didn't have the time to complete or finish up--and get it done.

2. If you have a project that has lain around a long time and you just never got around to it--now is the time to look at it more closely and decide if its worth your investment in time and energy--if it isn't, during this time, you'll more than likely drop it permanently--or get serious about resurrecting it or completing it--successfully!

3. Lies, deceit, cheating and sneaky actions by others or yourself, will be unearthed and come to light during a Mercury R period. It's the the long arm of Karma unveiling such negative things. If you think you duped someone--wait--during this period is when it will come to light and boy, will you be caught 'red handed'!!! Or, if someone said something behind your back--it will get back to you during this time frame. Or, if you were in some way cheated, duped or lied to, you will find out about it now. The ‘shell game’ people are out there--big time--so have a professional who can help you spot them if you are in litigation or in a business deal. If you’re buying a house, get a structural engineer, for example, to check out the house before you sign on the dotted line--do not rely on your inspection of the house or trust the seller. Go to the professionals during this period to protect your back side.

4. Your daily routine is no more--so, "go with the flow" and don't fight it. You'll be more day-dreamy, more spacy, more....of 'something'--so just go 'there.' This is a great time for "inny" not "outy" experiences. It's wonderful for doing internal work--either with a therapist, or digging more deeply into your psyche via meditation or other spiritual experiences--and it will produce a lot of 'aha's' during this time frame.

5. This is a great time to clean up anything you haven't already completed! Wash the windows! Paint that cabinet! Finish off that project that has been there silently asking for completion. Dust that room! Take down the spider webs! Write some new software. Rearrange your website or your home webpage. You'll have the time to do it now :-).

6. REmember Mercury REtrograde this way: REturns, REvise, REthink, REdo, REgroup....well, you get the idea...any “RE” is usually applicable to a retrograde. Do these things, and they will turn out just fine!

HELP TO MAKE THIS TRANSFORMATION PAINLESS--WELL, ALMOST PAINLESS....

I don’t believe we have to SUFFER endlessly through change. The people below are, in my opinion, the best in their particular business and are skillful catalysts to help people to help themselves. Utilize Pluto in the BEST and most healthy of ways....check out this group and choose which tools resonate most strongly with you and contact them. You won’t be sorry you did!

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELORS:

You can engaged the services of the medicinegarden.com’s professional astrologer and find out. Our own Rosemarie Brown is a natal counselor. Just contact her at: starrose@sedona.net. Her website is: http://www.rosemariebrown.com

If you are wanting to move and aren’t sure where or you have a place in mind, but aren’t sure if it’s “right” for you, they have locale information available. If health is your consideration, both are trained medical astrologers. Or, Gail Carswell at rockdoc@mindspring.com. Or, Michael Foltz at solardoc@mindspring.com.

I'm sure one of these three professionals will be able to shed considerable light in what is going on in your life and the many choices you have available to you to institute and use. Better yet, visit their website: http://www.owlswebnest.com, for more information on all the services they provide.

UN-CONFUSE YOURSELF DURING THIS RETROGRADE

NEED A “Coach”, some serious therapy that gets to the “heart” of your angst or what you’re wrestling with? We recommend Rosemarie Brown. Please contact her at: http://www.rosemariebrown.com or by email at: Rosemarie Brown

VOICE ANALYSIS--THE MISSING NOTE

I’ve had my voice analyzed by Ani Williams and I can tell you from personal experience that we all have a “missing note” in our life. So what? Well, consider this. Without this missing note back in our life, we aren’t working off of 8 cylinders. We’re working on 6--or less! Please go to Ani’s website for more information. This is a life-changing “tool” that you should include in your personal Pluto transformation kit. http:// www.aniwilliams.com or contact her via email at: songaia@earthlink.net

SPIRITUAL UPKEEP RENOVATION: NEED A SHAMAN?

Gail Carswell, Michael Foltz, Grace Verte (GraceVerte@Netsedona.com), Karen David (KDMystic@aol.com) and Rosemarie Brown are all trained shamanic facilitators who can help you through your spiritual transformation. For more information on Soul Recovery and Extraction, go to: http://www.medicinegarden.com/SRE/SREchapter.html and then contact one of them for further help!

FOR CARE OF BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT: HOMEOPATHY

Our favorite classically trained homeopath is Yolande Grill of Cave Creek, Arizona. She does long-distance case taking by phone and I consider her one of the best we’ve got in the USA. So, don’t delay! She is also a shamanic facilitator, as well. Get a hold of Yolande at: y.grill@att.net

MERCURY RETROGRADE by Linda Anderson

Mercury Retrograde
by Linda Anderson

Copyright 2000 Linda Anderson
All Rights Reserved

Email: el1936@webtv.net (everett anderson)

When the telephone rings, but nobody's there,
It's Mercury Retrograde in the air!
When you're stuck at the airport, your flight's been delayed,
You're waiting with Mercury Retrograde!
When you can't communicate, everyone's in a trance,
That's Mercury Retrograde doing its dance!
When you can't get on-line to talk or to trade,
You're dealing with Mercury Retrograde!
When the folks you work with can't get along,
That's Mercury Retrograde singing its song!
When the TV's on and the screen starts to fade,
Just remember it's Mercury Retrograde!

But, when you're late for a meeting, you don't need to fret,
With Mercury Retrograde, no one's there yet!
When the mail doesn't come, there's no bills to be paid,
Shout hooray for Mercury Retrograde!
When the car keys get lost, you can't go anywhere,
Just stay home and read in your plush easy chair.
Eat lots of cookies, and drink lemonade,
And toast your friend Mercury Retrograde!

There's no point in striving to keep up the pace
When Mercury Retrograde gets in the race.
Take time to relax, and your nerves won't be frayed
These three weeks when Mercury goes Retrograde!

Thursday, October 12, 2006

POSTCARDS FROM EL PASO, TEXAS

Hi Everyone

Well, I went through half of Arizona and all of the New Mexico and into “Don’t Mess With Texas!” in the span of about six hours.

Granted, this is desert driving at its finest. A lot of people fall asleep at the wheel because the scenery is ho hum and never changing and usually, flat.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
This is what you'll be driving in all throughout New Mexico and especially Texas--unending, flat, desert.

But I like living in the moment and I found lots of inconsistencies and things that kept me laughing hysterically at times.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here's the "Welcome to New Mexico" sign--a real FRIENDLY sign....

For example: there were a number of big yellow signs with black letters blaring: EXPECT DUST STORMS.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here's the infamous (or hysterical) dust storm sign....

Instead, as I enter this highly volatile, dangerous flat ground on I-10, I ge a lake, literally, of water, instead! From dust bowl to mud bowl in a flash of one thunderstorm!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's the "dust storm" area of New Mexico and it's a LAKE!! If I hadn't seen it with my own two eyes, I'd never have believed it. Hysterically funny!! Not "dust storm"...why...Martha...it's a MUD STORM!!! hahaha.

And then, as I am past Wilcox, arizona, I drive into “Texas Canyon”. I guess they named it “Texas” because it was so full of big, bad “don’t mess with Texas” boulders? Hysterical.

And I come to the rest stop in Texas Canyon and there’s a sign that says beware of rattlesnakes and scorpions. I busted out laughing. I mean....good grief! We ARE in Arizona aren’t we? And they both should be Arizona’s pets that everyone has. So why put a sign here???? Hysterical.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here's some of those Texas-sized rocks in Texas Canyon--Arizona!

And then, as I speed to Lordsburg, New Mexico I pulled into a MacDonalds and got a fish sandwich and a fruit salad and coffee to go. I then sped on through Demming and as I got to Las Cruces, I saw the strangest thing--a road runner--a HUGE one, up on a hill. It was a sculpture of the bird at the rest stop! But it stood on top of the hill looking down in the valley with saw-toothed mountains in the distance. I kept thinking: “Where’s Wily Coyote? I know he’s around here somewhere!” hahaha.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Is it a bird? A Plane? No, it's a Roadrunner sculpture! Overlooking the valley where Las Cruces, New Mexico sits. When I first saw it perched up on the hill at the rest stop, I couldn't figure out WHAT it was until I got closer. And then I just howled. I think someone ought to make a sculpture of Wily Coyote on the other side of the freeway to make it right. THAT would be funny!

There was some real interesting “speed corridors” in New Mexico. I guess it’s some guy’s brilliant plan to reap much in traffic tickets. These corridors are where you can double the fine if you’re caught speeding. And they are, of course, the long flat, endless stretches of New Mexico where speeding is normal. I died laughing over the ‘double fines.’ I, however, stay at the speed limit and I had no concerns. But everyone was passing me so....so much for double the money on a traffic ticket. I don’t think New Mexico “got it” any more than Texas did when they put up lovely, warm greetings at their border that said: “Don’t Mess With Texas.”

In fact, I was expecting to see those signs again. It was the only state that ever had anything that nasty and abusive. I always thought Texas was like a badly behaved teenage boy bully. “Don’t MESS with Texas.” Oh, gimme a break!

But, I was pleasantly surprised. Some one in the Texas government got it that their bullying signs were probably driving non Texans away--look at this sign: I laughed.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
I guess this is the "gentler, kinder" Texas Welcome sign now. I wonder if Bush got it changed from "Don't MESS with TEXAS" signage that was up there for decades??? Somehow, after having Texas' bad taste in my mouth with the mess sign, this one just leaves me leary and snickering. Can you REALLY believe they're SINCERE now? Or not???

About twenty years ago, I went through El Paso. It was a real small cow town on the border with New Mexico. About 47 miles separate Las Cruces from El Paso.

As I drove on through El Paso I was thinking: egawds, this is just like Phoenix at rush hour! I saw the University of Texas sign on their super busy freeway and I had half a city to go. El Paso is like a snake that wanders and it goes on, I thought, endlessly. By the time I found the Marriott Hotel, I thought there’s no way I’m going back to the UTEP for the botanical garden. It just wasn’t worth fighting my way through afternoon traffic. On top of that, I’d be leaving the bot garden around 5:00 pm, their rush hour and it had to be ugly. I didn’t have it in me to do that.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
I gotta say this for the Southwest States--they have gorgeous sunsets. The one tonight in front of the Marriott Hotel was very, very nice.

So, I willingly crashed at my luxurious three star hotel that really is a four star hotel or tries to be one. I was very impressed with the Marriott. First of all, I chose it because it is total SMOKE FREE. Do you know how many times I’ve spent money on a nonsmoking room to have it wreak of cigarette smoke? It’s horrible. Finally, someone ‘got it’ and us nonsmokers really appreciate Marriott’s new move to make all their hotel conglomerate smoke free.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here's the Marriott of El Pason--a three star hotel with a four star attitude and food that's certainly at that level. And the room is completely luxurious. Sigh....I love being pampered.....

It was lovely going into my room and it truly was ‘smoke free’ and its wonderful. Smokers don’t realize their cigarette smoke stays in pillows and when you lay on one, even with a clean pillowcase--you smell the stuff all night long. It’s horrible. Which is why I now travel with my own personal pillow that is smoke free forever.

I love luxury hotels! I like the room service since I’m an introvert and I’d prefer to stay in my room and not have to face a bunch of happy extroverts who clearly love chatting ‘til the cows come home. Introverts like silence. Or, at least, some quiet. Not nonstop chatty. That drives me batty. I should’ve been a poet....

I stayed in my luxurious room with a wonderful desk, high speed internet (a huge change over 50 year old telephone dial up lines, lemme tell you....), with an excellent chair to sit in and life is good!

The sunset tonight was really quite interesting. I was walking around in the parking lot waiting for the colors to arrive. Some guys probably thought I was a hooker ambling around, but I had my trusty D-70 Nikon in hand. And the wait was worth it. Take a look at this:

Tomorrow I’ll be driving to Abilene tomorrow; about a half way point to Dallas/Ft Worth area. It’s about a ten hour drive from El Paso and I don’t do ten hour drives. Six is enough for one day. I’m not sure what there is to do in Abilene, but I’ll wolf nose around and see what kind of trouble I can stir up.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And I'll leave you with this lovely El Paso, Texas sunset tonight. At least no one can slap the sticker, "Don't Mess with Texas" on it, chuckle.

In Spirit....

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

POSTCARDS FROM TUCSON

Hi Everyone!

Well, I’m “on the road again...” and staying in Tucson tonight. I started off about 8:45 am from our home. It was tough saying good-bye to Dave and Rocky. Iusually don’t do trips alone; especially like this, but Dave had to stay behind to take care of Mom, plus some other work that wasn’t something that we could both walk away from.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is a Desert Lily; one of the few flowers in bloom but she's a head turner.

I got all my favorite things in my box in the passenger seat. I got my Ipod set up with my Bose noise-cancelling earphones. I also brought along my CD player in case I grew tired of the tunes on my Ipod. I brought a 120 volt that you could plug into the ashtray and then I could put the CD player on it. I thought that was a pretty crafty move. I hate not having music if I’m traveling. So, I have back ups!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
This is the most common butterfly seen around the Tithonia or the beautiful Mexican Sunflowers today.

The I-17 going south to Phoenix was uneventful. That was good. There are days when there’s a lot of bad drivers on the road--and it wasn’t one of those days, thank goodness. I stopped at the Cracker Barrel in North Phoenix. I’d wanted to take 101 but by getting off, it was past that exit. Oh well. I don't like I-17 going through Phoenix. And, it too was uneventful. Thank goodness.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
This was a Costa Rica butterfly just born in the caccoon area of the butterfly area.

I stopped on the other side of Phoenix at our favorite restaurant, Marie Calendars. I ordered a quiche with spinach, a waldorf salad and had a cup of coffee. I was in and out in thirty minutes. The traffic to Tucson was full of trucks. I always go the speed limit of 75 mph, but boy, there were a LOT of people passing me. That was okay...I wouldn’t be the one to get the speeding ticket!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's the sunset tonight from my room at Day's Inn. Beautiful one.

It was easy to find Days Inn in Tucson--we usually stay here for the Gem Show that take place in January or February of each year. I quickly got my room and changed. In fifteen minutes, I’d donned my hat, my vest,my camera and I was off for the Tucson Botanical Garden on Alvernon Way!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is one of the butterflies

It was always nice coming bat to this botanical garden. I knew it was very late in the year for any blooming flowers so didn’t hold out much hope for much of anything. One new item this botanical garden had added was a butterfly garden. I love butterflies. They’re kinda like trying to photograph a lightning bolt--same thing. Plus, butterflies when they land on a flower will always fold up their wings whereas a moth will unfold them. So, to get the colors of a butterfly’s wings is pure luck. Plus, they are so gun-shy of any movement and my camera isn’t stop action--so, it’s all luck....pure luck....glad I have some Irish in my background.

I’d arrived at 2:00 pm and the butterfly house closed soon, so I decided to bypass it. And then, I had real luck. I went over to an area where they’d planted some Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia) and they have gorgeous red-orange petals and a bright yellow center. There was a whole group of them and guess what? There were lots of butterflies! Wow.

So, I just stood and waited and sure enough, the butterflies came back. There was a Gulf Fritillary, a bright orange with black stripes like lace on her wings and white spots. This was the species I saw the most of.

And I know the yellow and black one was probably of the Swallowtail family, but I don’t know which one. I’m not real good on identifying butterflies as you can tell.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's that beautiful yellow and black butterfly from the Swallowtail family, I believe. Lucky shot!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's another lucky shot of the Swallowtail as she hightailed it away from me.

There was also, I believe, is a Painted Lady; one that is quite common to Arizona.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is the Painted Lady butterfly on a blue flower

There was a white one, too, but I could not get it to open its wings for any type of identification. Plus, the white one was jumpy and would leave so swiftly that my camera couldn’t follow her.

I left the botanical garden at 3:30 pm. I was in the center of Tucson and decided to go back to Speedwell, a main drag, to find dinner and gas up the van for tomorrow morning.

I got really lucky and found a Wild Oats grocery store. They always have great deli’s so I screeched to a halt and turned in. I was high on the fact I was gonna get really great organic food. I had so many choices! The boy that waited on me, I discovered, was born in raised in Cottonwood, near where I live. He’s here studying fine art at the University. I decided on some curried turkey breast chunks with scallions and raisins. I love couscous and there it was, with vegetables in it--got some of that too! And the black beans and veggies looked too good to pass up. I got that, also. And for dessert...sigh...they had a favorite of mine--Tiramisu. Got that too! And to top it off, I got a mocha latte. Life was good!

I came back to my room and got comfy. Of course, I had to call Dave and my Mom and some other friends.....on my cell....and then get to work on getting the photos off the cards and burned on a CD. The only problem m was--I had forgot to pack my 50-pack of CD’s that I usually take. Lucky for me I have 4 CD’s and that will be enough to get me to El Paso where I’ll buy some!

Tomorrow’s journey will start when ever I wake up. And I’ll grab some coffee from Day’s Inn and take off for El Paso where I’ll be staying. It’s about a six hour drive and nothing too strenuous. I’m trying to stay away from stress. I just want to putz along and listen to my music, think about a proposal for my HQN and Kelly Trayhern, find a really good name for the hero (and I’m having problems find the right name for him...but I struggle on names all the time).

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's another photo of the Tucson sunset. To bad there's so many telephone wires in the way--that's what comes from living in a city. At least the sunsest photos I take from Sunset Point, have none of this...wonderful...

Hopefully, I’ll get a good night’s sleep and be rearin’ to go tomorrow. I found out that UNFORGIVEN was #71 on the Nielsen Top 100 Romances for this week. Week one it was #89. Second week, release week, it was #52 and now, the third week, it is at #71. I don’t think that’s too bad considering it is up against ALL romances. So, I’m a pretty happy person. Thank you, readers, for making it so!

El Paso....here I come. And we’ll see if the botanical garden at the University of Texas El Paso, has anything blooming. Doubtful, but we gotta give it a try.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

HERBS, MEDICAL--to help with flu season

Hi Everyone

Well, I’m all packed and ready to go! I'll do some light blogging while 'on the road' from 10.11 through 10.26, but it will be sporadic. My "postcards," if you will....

For those of you who might like to see me, I’ll be signing and autographing copies of UNFORGIVEN at:

Lindsay McKenna will be signing UNFORGIVEN at:

Owls Clover, 3037 James Avenue, Ft. Worth, Texas
817-921-5809
1 pm to 5 pm
http://www.owlswebnest.com

on Sunday, October 15, 2006

If any of you can make, would love to see you! Do drop by, it should be a lot of fun!!!

Okay, on to more fun! On 10.7, Saturday, Linda Metzler and I drove up to the Flagstaff Arboretum to take a 2 hour course on medicinal herbs from Phyllis Hogan. Phyllis owns the Winter Sun Trading Post in downtown Flagstaff. Her LINK is on the right of this blog, so check it out because you may end up ordering from her before you finish reading this blog!!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here are the single herbs in jars at the Winter Sun Trading Post, Flagstaff, Arizona

CAUTION: If you are pregnant or have any health conditions--ask your physician FIRST if you can use any of the below herbs. Do NOT do this on your own; consult a professional first. I’m sharing this information as educational only.

Phyllis works with many of the Native American people in Southwest. She was trained in herbs by Senora Valencia of Tucson, who was a curandero, a healer. And today, Phyllis works closely with the medicine people of the Navajo and Hopi nations as well. One of the many wonderful things about Phyllis is that she approaches plants to make into herbal remedies just as Indians do: with respect. She knows the protocols to approach a plant, gift it, introduce herself to the plant, ask the plant permission to take some leaves, some flowers or whatever and wait for an answer. As a result, her herbal tinctures, decoctions and infusions and dried herbs are of the highest quality energetically. I know, because Linda and I went over to the Winter Sun Trading Post after the workshop and checked it out ourselves. And I took some photos to help you see what it looks like.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here are the 'big' tincture jars that contain the individual plant ingredients. From them,the smaller one ounce eye-dropper bottles are sold to the public. Each of these jars has had someone with care, heart, and knowledgeable protocols to gather the individual plant with its permission. The energy that comes from such a process is ten fold compared to ripping a plant out of the ground without thought or care. There's a lot of LOVE in everything that Phyllis Hogan and her highly trained staff put into this process and we are lucky enough to get the rewards from it.

Anything I write about here is from her workshop. And of course, you can ORDER these online at her website.

She talked about herbs and said something very interesting: that if you have 10 herbs, you can pretty much have good health all your life. And toward that end, she wanted to share some of her favorites with us--and time was against us, so we didn’t get ten. But what we got is what we needed.

Phyllis made this a ‘hand’s on’ workshop--my favorite kind. She boiled water and made us several teas. The first was:

Hoi Hoy Si Tea (called Green Thread) also called “Indian Tea” and its Latin name is Thelesperma longpipes. She said you make a decoction of it. You take a bundle that is pre-wrapped (and that is how you buy them is in bundles--see my photo) and put it in about 32 ounces of pure water (no chlorine). Let the water come to a boil and put the bundle in. Then, let it boil for 20 minutes and turn to simmer. Let it simmer for about an hour and then it’s done.

She said Indian Tea is high in minerals and tastes very good without any sugar or honey. And indeed, it does. It is a clear yellow color and has a lovely taste to it and was easy to drink.

It is also a famous dye plant and turns a rust color when used to dye yarn to weave blankets.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here are many of the Winter Sun Trading Post Herbs--all gathered with the most important ingredient: Love.

She said it helps: urinary tract infections, the kidneys and the bladder. It is NOT a central nervous system stimulant. She said the tea is very GROUNDING, so I would think this is a good one for ‘space cadet or spacy’ people who are out of their body. Phyllis said as you drink Indian Tea, it makes you feel centered and brings you back to your core.

She said to drink it daily. You can put the extra in the fridge to keep, but after two days, if there is any left, throw it out and make a fresh pot. By the way, she advocates make your herbal decoctions or infusions in a glass pot/pan or anything other than boiling in aluminum. She does not use aluminum at all. Stainless steel is okay.

You can get seeds to try and grow and harvest your plants from he Native Seed Search.

2. Joint-Fir (Ephedra trifurca) is a common bush that lives around us. She said the Indians call is DESERT TEA. It is a relative to the Chinese Ephedra plant. She called this plant “big medicine” used by the Native Americans. It is a bronchial dilator, affects the Central Nervous System, is a mild vasodilator, antispasmodic for asthma, a stimulant, antiseptic for urethra/bladder/kidneys. It is a kidney purifier. it has the highest concentration of absorbable calcium and can be used for menopause and osteoporosis. It has also been used for whooping cough.

Desert Tea has been used by the Native American as a ‘transition’ herbal tea if a person was trying to break their addiction to coffee--they drink this instead because when you do, you get the same stimulation you would from a cup of coffee. Phyllis does not drink coffee because it leaches the calcium from your body.

She said if you have high blood pressure, do not take it.

She said this plant has been found in bundles by archeologists in sites that are a thousand years old; so this is a powerful herbal plant that was utilized by Native Americans.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here are the natural oils on display at the Winter Sun Trading Post.

3. Wellness Tea is one that she created and it is a “nutritive” tea. It is for debilitating illness and helps people also with rheumatoid arthritis. It’s also good for colds and flu. The herbs are Echinacea, Lemon Balm, Lemon Thyme, Yerba Santa leaf, Yarrow Flowers and Ginger Root. You can order this in packet for only $2.00--and is a real deal in my opinion. She said you take 1 tablespoon to a cup of boiling water. This is an excellent tea to drink daily during flu season. It strengthens your entire immune system. She also recommends some tinctures, which I’ll note later on in this blog.

4. Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri) is also called Bear Root and used extensively by the Native Americans. It is her main plant and she chews on the root. She said its an acquired taste and it is.

More importantly, Osha Root is one of the few ANTI-VIRAL plants--and this is important to know because flus--all types--whether the typical flu of the flu season or the Chicken Flu--are all viruses. And Osha root can combat this.

Phyllis said it is good for a sore throat--you can literally take a small piece of the root (don’t give this to babies or children, please....they can have the tincture instead) and it will soothe the throat. It is an anodyne herb which means it stops pain. It comes from the same family as parsley and celery. She said Navajo singers use Osha root because they must sing for hours or days at a time. It’s is good for coughs and you can suck on the root like a lozenge. It also strengthens a voice and helps with hoarseness.

Osha also is used to headaches, is a bronchial dilator, helps circulation an combats ANY virus that invades your body--and this is an important thing to know.

Phyllis had a helper, Jonah, who is Hopi and a kachina carver. He said that the medicine people use Osha root on dancers. They rub the root on the bottoms of their soles and on top of their head (crown chakra) to help give them grounding and more strength if they are tiring out--so maybe we should do the same when we’re feeling fatigued???

Jonah also said that they rub the Osha root on top of their head if they have to go out after dark (they don’t like too--they believe the ghosts walk the land at night and tend to stay indoors as a result of this) and the Osha root makes them INVISIBLE to the ghosts.

Jonah also said that you can gently rub the root around the heart and it will help you feel less sad.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here are the favorite herbs that we got: the Wellness Tea, The Ho Hoi Si Tea, and others....if you're going to get some....this is a good place to start your order!

5. Lomatium dissection or Biscuit Root (also called Wild Carrot/Umbrellifrae, is the ‘big brother’ to Osha root. It too is ANTI-VIRAL. Phyllis said she likes to add Echinacea to this to boost the immune system. This plant is excellent for flu, achy feelings with the flu, respiratory symptoms and infection and exhaustion. She said it is currently being used in chronic Epstein Barr virus, Herpes Simplex 1 and 2, Candida Albicans and AIDS. CAUTION: do not use if you are pregnant.

Phyllis strongly suggested that you take some drops of Osha Root tincture and Lomatium dissection tincture DAILY beginning at flu season time--around Sept/Oct. These two ANTI-viral plants will do more to keep your immune system strong, plus it will combat a virus. She said that it can cut days off your flu if you do get it--because these herbal properties are in there fighting the virus to get rid of it. I felt this was probably the most important thing she gave us. Especially with Chicken flu threat around. It won’t hurt anyone (unless you are pregnant and then you should not take this combination), and can help keep you strong throughout the winter time. I bought a bottle of both and take it daily!

6. Chaparral is a liver cleanser, anti-inflammatory and expels uric acid from joints. So, people with GOUT may take a look at this herb. She said you should NOT take this herb if you have KIDNEY DISEASE. Chaparral will also reduce or remove fibrous CYSTS. She said that a medicine man from one nation mixed: chaparral, red clover, peppermint and alfalfa together and cured many cases of CANCER with it.

She said some people drink a cup of the tea every day. And others, once a week--it just depends upon your own, specific need. She said Chaparral is not for everyone.

She told of how the Indians will strip off a small piece of the twig, dip it in water after stripping off the bark and then rubbing it over any area that is bruised or injured--so long as the skin is closed and not opened--and it will reduce, significantly, the swelling very quickly. (This sounds like it works as well as Arnica).

And, for those who have SKIN TAGS....ahem....listen to this. Phyllis said that you can use Chaparral (as above) and rub it over the areas that have these--and they will disappear in time. That’s good news because I know a lot of people who have skin tags and hate them.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Linda Metzler looking over the tinctures for the Osha Root tincture and the Lomatium dissectum,the two anti-viral herbs used for colds and flu when taken together. She found them! And do did I!

Another really important thing that Phyllis makes are:

1. A line of shampoos, hand lotions, and other skin care products that are without any cancer-causing ingredients. Her two daughters, both herbalists, have several lines. I bought some;

1. Super Salve--this stuff is amazing! It is used for skin problems and my mother had a pimple on the side of her mouth that was really red, sore and painful. I had her rub a little of the salve on it and the pain went away and within 12 hours, it was GONE. Amazing! I highly recommend their Super Salve.

2. Nourishing Jasmine Flower Hand and Body Lotion--love this stuff! She recommends once it is open, to keep it in the refrigerator because the ingredients are fresh and natural without preservatives. Sure makes my skin NICE!

3. I got their shampoo and hair conditioner--without the paraffin's which are known to be cancer causing in animals. I don’t have their names, but they are on her website. I packed them and they are coming with me!!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is but one shelf of the many large jars of herbal tinctures. That's a lotta love in those bottles!

A NEAT THING:
Phyllis sells this amazing device called an ICED IngenuiTEA teapot. It makes 32 ounces and what you do is put =your herbs for an infusion (you put 1 tsp of the medicinal herb in there and pour boiling water over it and let it steep 20 minutes) and it has a very cool design. At the bottom of this plastic contained (also can be used in microwave but Phyllis does not do this) is a round device. You place the bottom of this over your empty cup and set it down on it. The tea drains quite quickly out of the bottom of it and into your cup--and all the herbal stuff stays in the container and not in your tea. I bought one and I love it! In fact, it’s going on the road with me along with my teas!. This cost $24.95 and she has them on her website. Anyone dealing with “loose tea” of any kind will LOVE this product. I highly recommend it.

Here is this nifty little herb pitcher--you can see by the illustration how it works. I just love it! And if you're thinking of making herbal teas--this is the pitcher to buy from Winter Sun Trading Post.

Also, she had ORGANIC Earl Gray tea--wow!!! I bought some for Dave and he just loves it. Yum!

So, that’s the report on our medicinal herb class given by the wonderful and very open hearted Phyllis Hogan. Go visit her site and get some of her products--you won’t be sorry!

And, even more exciting, I finally found a Blue Star Kachina! Wow.

In Spirit.....

Monday, October 09, 2006

BIRDS: Luna, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl STARLET! Take 3

Hi Everyone

Okay, last photos of Luna, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl from High Country Raptors who put on a program on 10.7.06 at the Flagstaff Arboretum.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Luna loves the attention of the crowd!

Today, around 4:00 pm, we had a huge thunderstorm! It was nice to have the Storm Beings back after the monsoon left! And just about an hour later, the storm moved away and the sun came back to the canyon. I went out on the sundec, looking Northeast in the 'gap' where our 'guardian' sits (he is made of rock and looks like a Druid with a pointed hat type of cape over his head. And here's what I saw:

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
There's nothing like a rainbow to show that blessings are coming your way; one the greatest 'high signs' a person can receive.

And, here is a close up on our Guardian:

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
You can see our "Guardian" standing on the left of the U-shaped area of the canyon wall. We all this area "The Gap."

I hope you've enjoyed all the photos of beautiful Luna. We owe Susan Ruble and her handlers great thanks for allowing us to share her birds with all of you.

In Spirit....

Sunday, October 08, 2006

BIRDS: Luna, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl STARLET! Take 2!

Hi Everyone

As I said, I have lots of photos of Luna 'doing her thing' on 10.7.06 at the Flagstaff Arboretum. Susan Ruble is the owner of High Country Raptors and I urge you to look at my links to the right of this blog and click on her link.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's Luna in all her glory

Sunday, tody, was getting all my ducks in a row. Unfortunately, the Spiritual 3-day conference is not going to go down--it has been delayed, as I understand it, until April/2007. I'm going on my road trip to take an 'awaycation' because I need it. I've been pushing hard since Jan/2006 on writing and now, it's time to take a well deserved break for a few weeks to 'recharge.'

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's Luna doing her thing.

Packing is always a pain in the rear. I'm always afraid I'll forget something important!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here's Luna landing!

I'm going to be leaving on October 11th and heading toward Tucson where I'll shoot/photograph any flowers that happen to be around in the Tucson Botanical Garden after I arrive there in the afternoon.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's Luna learning to remount her handler's glove--and she really does NOT wanna do this!

From Tucson, I'm driving across New Mexico, passing by Lordsburg, Las Cruces and ending up in El Paso, Texas for the night. I hope, the next day, to go to a botanical garden that is nearby and try to find some late bloomers there, as well...so cross your fingers for me :-).

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Luna still really isn't enthusiastic about getting on her handler's glove! She wants to play!

Then, the next day, off to Ft. Worth and that's a dog of a trip across hot, dusty, flat Texas through Odessa, Midland and then Dallas. I'll be staying with Gail Carswell and Michael Foltz. I'm sure on that day, I'll be good and tired! I know Gail will have a bottle of champagne waiting for me and I betcha Michael will have one of his fabulous barbeques up and running--yum!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Luna thinks she is going to take off without her handler, haha

And, on Tuesday, the 17th, I'll be over at Gail and Mike's shop, Owls Clover, in Ft. Worth and that evening, conduct a sweat lodge with them--and I'm sure looking forward to that. I need to sweat!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's Luna in full flight and lovin' every second of it!

From there, on October 18th, we all take off for Mount Ida, Arkansas to go 'play' in the red clay and ask the crystal spirits to hopefully allow us to take some of their children, crystal points. I'm so looking forward to this. I was at Hot Springs, Arkansas in crystal country many years ago and it will be nice to go back and get down on my hands and knees and sink my hands into Mother Earth.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's Luna landing--again

Well, that's all the photos for today! I have more! I just love birds like Luna. They just uplift my spirit. Bless Susan Ruble of High Country Raptors and her wonderful team of volunteers that allows these beautiful birds to be seen by all of us.

In Spirit....

Saturday, October 07, 2006

BIRDS: Luna, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl STARLET!

Hi Everyone

Luna is a STAR! Really, she is! Hollywood has NOTHING on this "Queen of the Night," as we Eastern Cherokee call the owl. I can't tell you how many personal emails I've gotten from people who have not left their words in COMMENTS (I wish you would!). Everyone who sees the blogs on the raptors falls in love with this mighty Eagle-Owl! And with that in mind, I've got enough photos from today to devote two or three blogs to Luna. So, with that in mind, let's get on showing our STAR!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's Luna being the true show woman she is!

Wow, whatta Saturday! Linda Metzler and I drove up to Flagstaff this morning to the Flagstaff Arboretum to take a 2 hour medicinal herb class from the fabulous Phyllis Hogan who owns the Winter Sun Trading Post in the city. This deserves a blog of its own and I'll do that as soon as I can. I'm going to put the Winter Sun Trading Post website on the right side of my blog as a permanent link--so go over there and check out Phyllis Hogan's wonderful herbal website! She gave us two and a half hours of INCREDIBLE herbal information I will share with you--and with the coming flu season approaching, I feel you'll be very interested in some of her herbs--which I bought!

When we were done, the Raptor show was on!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Luna playing the 'eagle' part of her owlself as Susan Ruble carries her along on her glove. This is one of my favorite photos--you can see the joy exuding from Susan, the human, and the joy of Luna, the owl, combining in a magical moment of unison that just leaves onlookers gasping and knowing that something sacred and beautiful is occuring.

By the way, when you visit Susan's website, High Country Raptors, these tireless, big-hearted folks can use DONATIONS. If you had any idea of how much it costs to feed the birds that she cares for--the expense is enormous. They subsist on your donations. So, if you have an extra five or ten dollars--send it to Susan and know that you're doing a good thing to keep her helping those poor raptors. And also, your donation will enable her to keep going around to schools and teaching kids through a wonderful show-and-tell, that raptors are not 'varmits' to be shot at and killed--rather--to understand they are a part of Nature's magnificent balance. Once a child SEES one of her birds in person...they'll NEVER ever think of harming one in the future. You can help Susan get that message across.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Luna being the gorgeous show off she is--naturally. Doesn't she take your breath away? You should see her in PERSON! If you think a photo shows it all...it does not. Luna's aura and energy and heart are so big that she just sweeps you away in her exhileration of living in the moment!

You can tell Luna is enjoying every bit of the moment. She might be an owl but let me tell you, she's the biggest HAM in the show!!! hahaha.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Luna and Susan together--what a great team they are!

Linda had not seen it in person, and we hurried to catch the last fifteen minutes of it. There was Susan Ruble, the owner of High Country Raptors with her beautiful Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Luna, who is almost six months old. By the way, I'm going to put High Country Raptors website on the right side of my blog as a permanent link--so go over there and check out Susan's wonderful website!

Linda Metzler got to finally see Luna in person--and needless to say, she was absolutely in awe and mesmerized by the wise young owl. Everyone was. Getting to see Luna a second time,I could see that she truly enjoys being out in a crowd of people--she is SUCH a natural show off, haha. When they were free flying Luna she didn't do what anyone expected.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Susan smiling along with Luna. Did you know? Owls smile. Look at Luna grinning. It's a toss up of who is enjoying this moment more!

She took off from her handler and flew for a wooden bench--not the perch at the other end of the meadow where the meat was hanging. She has a mind of her own and Susan said that she's so young, inquisitive and curious about EVERYTHING that she's like an ADHD bird on the wing! Nothing misses Luna's sharp, alert attention. She loved sitting on the bench.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here's Luna on the fly coming around that pine tree at Mach 3 with her hair on fire! wheeeeeeee.....

Luna was being a coyote today. She really had things in her own mind she'd rather do than to follow Susan's whistles for her to come to the perch where the red rabbit meat was dangling.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
And here comes Parnellie Jones herself! Zooming in and around the pines like a quiet jet plane...but wow...was she awesome!

And when her male handler came over to the bench to get her to hop up on his leather glove...well...she didn't WANT to do that! Have you ever seen an owl SULK? Well, look at this photo!!! If you don't think Luna's face isn't expressive, guess again, haha. I howled over this photo. Truly, she is like a sulky little child not wanting to do what her handler wants....look at her body language...the "look" on her face is utterly priceless.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Ever see an owl SULK? Well, look at Luna! Her handler is coming over to remove her from her beloved bench where she just landed and she wants nothing to do with it. Look at her expression! Look at her body language! It was just a howl. If we don't realize that animals are just as capable as we two-leggeds of emotions, then you are blind! This photo demonstrates it in a way that is funny as it is wonderful. Luna the Sulking Owlet! If she could drop her lower beak and stick it out, I'm sure she would, haha.

Anyway, the handler persevered and he gently pried one of her feet off the bench and put it on the glove. And once he finally urged and coaxed her onto his glove, she decided she wanted to fly free!

Finally, Luna got over to the perch but in her mood, she didn't land on the perch. Rather, on the wooden steps below it! The children around the area were just enthralled with Luna's antics. And of course, Susan and the other handler took it all in stride. They know Luna is a very young owl and she's still learning. Everyone loved Luna's zany antics.

Susan came over and it was such a loving gesture that occurred and I was at the wrong camera angle to pick it up...but what happened was Susan gave Luna her meat and the owl gobbled it right up. Then, Susan leaned down and lovingly stroked Luna's feathered head and Luna reached up with her beak and brushed Susan's hand. She did not peck her; rather, it was like a little peck or kiss in return for Susan's grazing touch. I loved that moment. It showed the trust between these two.

I loved watching the children; they knew they were in magic. Their eyes were wide and huge and adoring of Luna, who was going around flapping her wings to show just how beautiful, big and bold she really was. And you could tell that owl was strutting her stuff and Susan, who had her, was grinning mischievously enjoying every second with the show off.

I have many more pictures, but I'll try to post them tomorrow or the next day. I won't be going to Houston as planned--the three-day seminar was cancelled. But, I am going to see Gail Carswell and Michael Foltz in Ft. Worth, Texas and then on to the crystal fields of Mt. Ida, Arkansas!

Stay tuned for more beautiful, heart wrenching photos of Luna in the next blog! They should start a television series around this bird--she is SUCH a HAM!! hahahaha

In Spirit.....

Friday, October 06, 2006

BIRDS: The Harris Hawk

Hi Everyone

Here's what the blog is all about today! As I said before I'm not able to post a new blog every day....just too much work as a writer and too many deadlines! But, check in and see what I got. I think it will be worth it....take a look at this:

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is a lovely headshot of a Harris Hawk. They live mostly in the Sonoran Desert area and are not up in our middle of Arizona where I live.

I’m running behind. I am NOT going to Houston, Texas. Just found out the original 3-day Spiritual Conference was cancelled. So, instead, I’ll still have my ‘away-cation’ from October 11 through the 26th with a different plan of action.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is a Black Chokecherry bush with dazzling red colors up at the Arboretum

I’ll be in Ft. Worth on 10.16. On 10.17, I’ll be conducting a sweat lodge for a few people, my friends. Then, off to Mt. Ida, Arkansas on 10.18-23rd for crystal hunting in the red clay. I’m truly looking forward to all of this. I need to have a ‘sweat’ and love conducting them when I get a chance.

Copyright 2006 Eileen nauman
Here is a handler with a female Harris Hawk

But, back to the High Country Raptor exhibition that took place on September 30th up at the Flagstaff Arboretum and botanical garden.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is Creeping Barberry from the Arboretum in Flagstaff....even it gets into the act with its cool maroon colors for an Autumn accent!

Today I want to touch upon another raptor that High Country Raptors of Flagstaff (owned by Susan) has; The gorgeous Harris Hawk:

First, though, we must look at some Fall foliage to get us in the mood for autumn!

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
The East Coast doesn't have a latch on fall colors! Here at the Flagstaff Arboretum in Arizona, is a gorgeous display of a tree strutting her stuff!

And not to be outdone, we grow a number of Dogwoods out here in Arizona (and again, the Midwest and Eastcoast/South think they have them only--NOT! We have them too!

Copyright 2006 Eileen nauman
Red Osier Dogwood looking beautiful in Fall, too!

There were some late blooming flowers around the Arboretum as well.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
I couldn't resist this "hens and chick" flowers who were blooming in September! Aren't they pretty?

Back to the Harris Hawk! Susan said these were one of two “social” raptors. A “social” raptor is one who lives with his/her partner all year long. They like one another’s company. She said that most other raptors only get together to breed and raise the chicks. As soon as the chicks fly, then the male and female split and live alone. They are not considered ‘social.’ I wish I could remember the other social raptor...but it has escaped me.

Anyway, this Harris Hawk that Susan is holding is a male and has quite a story behind him. He apparently fell out of a Saguaro cactus (one of the places they nest) during a storm. A nearby neighbor found him as a chick and took him home. They fed him a diet of hamburger and steak--neither of which is high in calcium.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Susan has two Harris hawks. This woman handler is holding the female Harris Hawk.

Calcium, Susan was saying, is vital to a young raptor in the first year. And the dit that the well-meaning rescuer fed the male Harris Hawk, wasn’t good. Eventually, someone turned the neighbor who had the Harris Hawk into Fish and Game/Az. In our state, you are not allowed to have a raptor. So, Susan got the Hawk. What she noticed is that one of his legs is twisted, due to lack of enough calcium while growing. They were afraid to let him go into the wild because if he landed on a prey wrong (like a fleeing rabbit), the leg might not take the stress, fracture, break, and the hawk would die eventually. So, they keep this hawk as a result. The lesson here is: if you find a raptor chick, call your state wildlife and tell them what happened and they will get the chick to the right people to feed and care for it properly.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Agrimony is always pretty and here she brags abouther fall color dress!

Also, the other thing is imprinting. Susan was saying that it takes about a week to imprint a hawk to a human. And as a chick, if that happens, they can never be released back to the wild. So, she has ways of keeping a raptor chick and not imprinting it so that it can be released back into the wild once it is grown.

Copyright 2006 Eileen Nauman
Here is another photo of the Harris Hawk.

I’ve seen pictures of our California Condor program that once a chick is hatched, the handler put his/her hand in a sock that looks like a mama Condor and feeds the chick that way--and the chick imprints to the sock Condor mama and not to humans. Then, once the Condor is fully grown, they can release them back to the wilds--which they are doing. There’s a huge group of Condors up at the Grand Canyon and I’ve seen them many times-and they are inspiring. So, a feeding/caring program that Susan has guarantees a raptor chick to be released back to the wild--which is a good thing.

Here is one of my favorite photos. This gives a NEW meaning to "A bad hair day"!!! This is Virgin Bower Clematis. And when I saw it hanging on the side of one of the Arboretum buildings, I just howled. I felt it gave an entirely new definition of a bad hair day, hahaha.

Tales from Echo Canyon