13th Constellation ?
Posted by hfsaker in Uncategorized on January 28, 2011
Ophiuchus: The Serpent Bearer
Last week npr/WHYY radio interviewed me about the recent zodiac scare. It’s due to run during Morning Edition on January 31st.
Oddly, I didn’t feel that I had much to add to the discussion at large. In my book, this didn’t exactly qualify as news.
Is it news that mainstream media/science is throwing cheap shots at astrology, mother of all sciences?
Not really !
During the interview, I was asked a few things that I hadn’t given much thought to before. Things like, what I can do as an astrologer to prevent blatant misinformation in my field. The truth is, we don’t have much of a voice & I was lost for words when asked what I could do to alter the situation. I spent a good part of the hour trying to phrase things in a personal way for the broadcast that hadn’t affected me or my practice much at all. My considerations as an astrologer remain completely unaltered by the recent claims that we might add constellations to the zodiac- or even more outrageous-that we are unaware of the phenomena entitled precession of the equinoxes.
We have known about the constellations as well as precession for nearly 2,000 years now, K ?
Science doesn’t believe in astrology and I get it completely, since I used to consider myself one of their group.
What I did take away from the past few weeks, is that people are scarily (panic! ) invested in their sun sign and have little/no comprehension of what they are clinging to, how the zodiac was derived, etc.
Professor Whomever can come onto the scene with outdated, incorrect statements and have folks questioning or even doubting their foundation.
I want to take this opportunity to tell everyone that you have much more going on in your chart than what ever is (or isn’t) happening with your sun sign. much, much more. Also- if you were a Virgo before last week, you are still a Virgo. If in doubt, find a good astrologer and pay them to go over your chart with you. (my services )
Below is a brief outline of my response to the recent media buzz.
Hopefully, it can answer some of the questions piling up in my inbox :
1. There are a few zodiacs in existence. Each is valid.
Tropical Zodiac- popularized in the West, it is not based on the constellations, rather on the seasons. Ptolemy devised this framework about 2, 000 yrs ago & it’s been working for us ever since. The zodiac begins with zero Aries on the Vernal Equinox/ first day of Spring. The apparent path of the sun around the earth (ecliptic) is divided into 12 segments of 30 degrees each yielding 12 signs.
Sidereal Zodiac- Practiced primarily by Vedic or Indian astrologers, this is also a 12 fold division of the ecliptic with 12 signs of 30 degrees each. They do attempt to locate zero Aries within the constellation itself, though each sign is still given 30 degrees despite the fact that the constellations vary greatly in size… and they also calculate for precession of the equinoxes ( in case you were still wondering if they know how to do that ).
Constellational- a system not widely in used based on the actual size and location of 12 constellations.
2. The 13th Constellation: There are more than 12 constellations floating around out there?
Yes-about 14 of them touch the ecliptic. We include the 12 that the planets appear to travel through. Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer, does kind of have a toe in, and you could include him but it still wouldn’t turn a Libra into a Virgo. It would be more like adding an hour to our day- you’d probably still eat lunch at about the same time-possibly calling it something different. Plus, we like the number 12 and base many things on it. It’s a deliberately chosen system & one that works. To speak to the idea of expanding our zodiacal pantheon–counseling astrologers add stuff to charts as they see fit, according to their knowledge base, preferences, and the needs of the client. Some add in a bunch of asteroids, varying mythologies, fixed stars, or if they’re really out there, count Pluto as a planet.
Please tune in Monday morning during Morning Edition for the rest !
Fall Is Here
Posted by hfsaker in Uncategorized on September 23, 2010
Fall is here & hopefully we all survived the full moon !
I was going to post a video today on Krishnamurti. I happened upon a great series featuring him on YouTube this week and have been listening to what he has to say about our quality of attention. I particularly respond to his mention of listening- how to listen, what is it to truly LISTEN ?
artist and community builder
Then, I started to work on a job I have editing some video interviews and had the opportunity to watch and re-watch footage of Lily Yeh. What an amazing human being. She is a pioneer in the art for social change movement, though this barely begins to describe what she has to offer. I hope to have the edited version of our project posted here and online soon. She touches on many of the issues addressed by Krishnamurti and speaks from a current standpoint—”We are all responsible for our way of life ” she says 20 mins into our interview…..Personal meets global- we all could use a bit of help in that dept these days, no?
On another note, I’m four days into my transition cleanse and continue with a very bumpy emotional trip through the week. Adding black coffee back in has proven to be helpful and at a small cost so far. I’ve also been using peanut butter to modulate things- though I have more concerns with that than I do the coffee. Other food items i’ve been enjoying include green smoothies with celery, apples, lemon, ginger, spinach, chard, Vitamineral Green, Reishi, Mucuna. And lots and lots of spring water from a source I found on “find a spring ” community database.
Fall Cleanse
Posted by hfsaker in Uncategorized on September 20, 2010
I’ve felt a cleanse or detox coming on for a few months now. I thought for sure that summer weather and time away would provide the opportunity, but this past summer was more hectic and confusing than I had anticipated. Weeks passed & my health and ability to care for myself diminished. Eventually I gave in, leaving plans of fresh juices and rejuvenation for another time.
Now it’s nearly Fall- my favorite season- and I’m starting my cleanse ! I began last week by simplifying what I was eating. No dairy, processed foods, meat or bread. I dropped the coffee out and made a lot of simple soups with garden squash and veggies. I enjoyed a few green smoothies and also added in 2 grapefruit per day. The results were a bit harsh, especially emotionally. Over the weekend I ended up adding about 6oz of black coffee back in so I can stand to be in my brain. It’s hardly a few sips, but makes a huge, HUGE difference in my mood. I’ll be implementing a lot of strategies for mental health as I get further into this process. 
I also picked up a few great books at an estate sale on Sunday afternoon. An old couple had died and I was completely impressed with their collection of Dr. Bernard Jensen, Arnold Ehret, and Lucis Trust books. What a find ! I purchased five titles, among them was Dr. Bernard Jensen’s ” A New Lifestyle For Health & Happiness” This book is just what I’ve been looking for to tailor my health goals between now and the new year. Jensen is also considered to be the father of Iridology. He didn’t invent the concept, but he did expand our understanding considerably as well as write the book on it– very worthwhile stuff.
ONLINE MEDITATION GROUP
Posted by hfsaker in Uncategorized on March 3, 2010
I invite you to join my new meditation group at VolkLibre!
VL is a fantastic organization that
” focuses on localism, creative arts & ecology by engaging artists, musicians, poets/writers, performers, community organizers, environmentalists, homemakers, students, teachers, parents, activists, local/independent businesses & self-employed individuals, artisans, farmers — really, pretty much anyone interested in sustainable living, social justice or improving one’s own quality of life.. “
There is a brief question page at sign up- just fill out what you feel comfortable with & we can go from there.After signing on, you’ll get your own page to do whatever you want-or not.
My plan with the meditation group is to get a community of people together with regular meditation practice as a common goal.
You don’t need any experience. Just show up, say hi, post your thoughts, ideas, questions, inspirations or enjoy a breath.
More to come on the topic of a regular practice space in South Jersey & Philadelphia.
BE WELL & HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON !
Heather
Snow & Tea
Posted by hfsaker in Uncategorized on February 25, 2010
click to see trees reflected
It’s snowing again today .
Things are getting canceled.
I just made a pot of tea for the week, mostly to use as a base for other drinks. Today’s pot of love includes a variety of things that happened to be in my cupboard:
Horsetail, Pau D’Arco, Cat’s Claw, Barberries, and some mystery herb that I’m pretty sure is Gravelroot.
These days, I order herbs on line mostly from Mountain Rose Herbs. Often I’ll include Goji Berries, though chose Barberries this time due to certain benefits related to a woman’s monthly cycle. Barberries have a number of other amazing qualities including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory effects & lowering of blood pressure. Frequently served in tartlets and sweet meats, they nicely sweeten and harmonize a bitter brew such as the one pictured here.
Connecting Creative Communities
Posted by hfsaker in Uncategorized on February 18, 2010
http://www.nefa.org/events/connecting_new_englands_creative_communities
A summit to ignite New England’s creative potential is taking place this March 9-11th in Providence, Rhode Island.
Goals are stated as, though not limited to :
- To share strategies cities, towns, regions, and self-defined communities are using to engage the creative sector
- To begin to develop a regional network of communities leveraging creative community development to enhance their prosperity and quality of life
- To discuss a regional approach for collectively promoting and supporting creative community development through policy, research, programming, and resource development
- To build the capacity of the creative sector to take a leadership role in making New England a better place through creative community building
Hassen and I plan to make the trip – details to come !
juice recipe
Posted by hfsaker in Uncategorized on February 17, 2010
This is the third morning of juice & I’m definitely feeling benefits off and on throughout the day. Moments of ease. Overall, slight headache and mild general discomfort…feels good to release some old baggage ! I’ve been thinking about rest this week especially because I’m accustomed to large amounts of coffee in the morning & getting my day going is not a question. Without the caffeine push I am more considered in my efforts which can feel a lot like indecision or tiredness. I’m curious to see if I’ll in fact feel more efficient in the long run or if my desire for speed and efficiency will change…or both ?
today’s juice:
Carrot, celery, apple, zucchini, lemon, ginger
Rejuvenation with Fresh Juices
Posted by hfsaker in Uncategorized on February 16, 2010
Today for breakfast & lunch I’ve had fresh juice. I plan to continue this for the rest of the week in an effort to improve my over all health and well being. There are certain things that I am unable to juice with my current juicer, but I’ll share my recipes as I go. Because I am unable to run kale and grasses through, I supplement at some point in my day with Healthforce Nutritional’s “Vitamineral Green” in water.
Some of the documented benefits of juicing include :
- increased nutrient intake- juice is nutrient dense
- less energy spent digesting heavy meals = more energy available for the day
- less energy spent digesting heavy meals = more energy available for cellular clean-up & detox
- clear, radiant skin
- healthier kidneys & liver
- sense of self care, nourishment & overall self value
Juicing is of great benefit to the liver- signs that your liver is happy and functioning well are emotional balance, ability to deal with anger, mental clarity, good digestion, clear skin, and healthy stress management. Our liver is regenerating itself all the time, though a few things that you can add to your juice to aid this process are beets, celery, apples, ginger, and lemon.
Monday I made two batches of juice- carrot, celery, apple, ginger, lemon in the morning. Later around 1Pm we had apple, celery, lime, ginger, spinach.
Today: apple, celery, lime, ginger, spinach juice.
Sublime
Posted by hfsaker in Uncategorized on January 29, 2010
The sublime and the ridiculous are often so nearly related, that it is difficult to class them separately. One step above the sublime, makes the ridiculous; and one step above the ridiculous, makes the sublime again.
[Thomas Paine The Age of Reason]
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