Monthly Messages from Connie:
December 21, 2011 Getting Ready for 2012
I tell people to stand in their power. Knowing what you want is so critical in having a vision. If you focus on how you can give and help others instead of falling into your own fear, step-by-step, day-by-day, you will accomplish what you want. You will get there! Joanne McCall
Hi Friends
Yesterday, I had coffee with a long time friend, Joanne McCall. We met at the new Barrows Rd New Seasons. We had not seen each other in more than a year so it was past time to do a catch-up visit. We talked for a couple of hours, told each other how the last year has been and talked about heading into next year. I told her about my end of the year ritual of looking back over the past year to see what I've been able to accomplish, and what I haven't, and to begin to focus on next year.
I love this time of the year. I find the personal ceremonies I do are so soothing and calming and centering and grounding and energizing. Even when I haven't accomplished what I wanted to, I find I'm looking forward to next year with excitement, and by the time the old year turns over to the next I have such energy of movement and anticipation, that I feel like a child waiting for Santa.
Today is Solstice, and in the past few years that time has been a big focus for me. It always seems like the perfect time, on the darkest night of the year, to work on letting go of what I don't wish to carry into the new year.
In past years I've asked for help to let go of generalized fears, feelings of insecurity, doubts about my personal power, feelings of lack, and so on. I love doing this process. It always feels so right and doing it, makes me happy.
When I was talking with Joanne she told me about something she does when she's going through this evaluation time. Joanne said she calls on her 98 year old self and "asks" this self for input about direction, potential course corrections and how things look from her end of life, and so on. Joanne said her spunky 98 year old self always gives her wonderful advice, and so much hope.
So, Joanne, I'm stealing your idea and will be "talking" to my gramma-self beginning tomorrow and asking her what my next steps are and how to go about looking at abundance, what is enough, and personal beliefs that keep me from abundance to let go of now before I move into 2012.
Today is my letting go day and tomorrow begins my time of visioning what I want to call in. And talking to my 98 year old self is going to be a part of visioning the new from now on.
How do you end one year and begin the next? Do you have a ritual or ceremony that you follow each year or do you just let the time flow as it wants to? Either way is fine. But I'll give you permission to steal my idea that I stole from Joanne, and talk to your 98 year old self and ask her or him for input about your life. Joanne said her 98 year old always tells her she is doing just fine, and to keep up the good work, as well as what things to change and tweak.
I'll report back to you next month what "grannie Connie" has to say. Please share your ceremony and if you talk to your 98 year old self let me know what she or he had to say.
I wish each of you happy, stress-free holidays as we each walk our paths.
Connie, Grandmother Knight
May 2, 2011 Doing Our Best!
Don't take anything personally. Agreement #2 of the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
We're all trying to do the best we can. from a conversation with my friend, Jillian Fraioli
Hi Friends
Recently, I had several people in my life who were being overly critical and their criticism hurt my feelings. I didn't understand why they were being so harsh. I began to feel whiny and to take it personally.
I've also talked to other people who've experienced the same thing with bosses, partners, relatives or even friends.
So, after an embarrassing amount of time feeling sorry for myself I did what any astrologer worth her salt would do: I began searching the astrological transits and I asked myself, "what's happening now?"
When I pulled up my astrology program and began looking, the first thing I saw was that six planets were in Aries. Aries represents courage and force, but also very young child energy and extreme impatience. So maybe instead of just being critical these people are actually just impatient and maybe having a tantrum?
The second factor I saw was the moon, which was one of the Aries planets. Later tonight it will move into Taurus and tomorrow, into the New Moon phase. But tonight it's in the dark phase, which symbolizes things dying away to provide perfect mulch for the new seeds about to begin their life.
As I looked at these aspects this morning I realized I'd turned a corner and no longer felt whiny. My feelings were still a little tender, but now I could see other sides. It was no longer personal. There are other planetary aspects that are equally strong but looking at these two brought me back to center and out of my self-focus. And that's what I needed.
Do you have an over abundance of critical people around you now? Are you stressed, fearful (and who isn't right now?!), feeling picked on, taking things personally? You might ask yourself what's really going on. Are you or they anxious and stressed? Are the criticisms real and truthful and things you need to look at or just nit-picky things you need to disregard? Or is it time to make a change?
Tonight, before you fall asleep use the intuitive power of the dark moon and ask your spiritual guardians for insight into what is actually going on with the bothersome people in your life. Then, listen to the first thoughts you have when you wake up. These first thoughts may surprise you. You just have to remember and listen.
I'm amazed at how much I've have been able to let go of, just since yesterday. And friend Jillian, (quoted above), helped me see that I'm just doing my best.
So, finally, remember that we are all doing our best and try not to take things personally! Hugs to all and thanks to Jillian for her wonderful insight.
And may your path be peaceful and grounded this month and my you see that you are doing the best you can. Connie
April 1, 2011 Aries Awareness
Often we find it easier to think our way around things rather than to feel our way through them: What can we do to pull ourselves out of a bad mood? What can we buy, remove, or repair that will reduce or solve a loved one's anger or sadness?
In retrospect, I realize I have spent many hours problem solving emotional facts I just needed to feel. I know now that my frequent labors to understand what went wrong, while somewhat useful, often were distractions from feeling the sadness and disappointment necessary to heal and move on. Book of Awareness by Mark Nepo
Hi Friends
I recently had a day when I was not feeling very well, and I was impatient and grouchy. Someone kept interrupting me and I could barely hold my tongue or be patient with them. I felt they were being rude to interrupt me and keep me from what I was doing. The more I tried to be patient, the less patient I got. I just couldn't seem to turn my feelings around.
Later, I made a comment to a friend that I didn't feel well and it was causing me to be much less patient than I'd normally be. She said she often found that when she was sick or had low energy, the feelings she had were the real ones--the ones she tried to cover up and not accept.
Her words made me stop and think about what was happening with me. I remember author Raphael Cushnir in his book, One Thing Holding You Back
talking about how not accepting our feelings keeps us from our potential.
I realized that I was feeling angry at my interruptor, but I was also angry at myself for not being able to tell her I was busy. Then I realized in the midst of everthing I didn't even know what I was feeling and this brought out guilt and shame.
Later, after going through this process and facing all of those feelings and having a good cry, I realized I felt much better both emotionally and physically. I had allowed myself to feel what was going on and then had released it. What a surprise!
This month we will experience seven planets in Aries, which has many positives, but can also bring out impatience and flashes of anger. We will all have a wonderful opportunity to work on new ways of dealing with this explosive energy.
I'm not advocating allowing anger to take over, but this is an opportunity for us to see how these feelings affect us at a physical level and move the energy on through rather than ignoring and hanging on to it.
Let's also send out prayers to the planet that we will be able to use this Aries energy toward courage and new beginnings instead of anger and rage against each other.
To help you through your own Aries struggles this month check out Raphael Cushnir's website (cushnir.com) or his book (One Thing Holding You Back) or email me for an astrology reading.
And may your path be peaceful this month. Connie
March 3, 2011 Food Memories From Childhood
Food is our common ground, a universal experience. James Beard
Hi Friends
I was out running errands today and found myself listening to Fresh Air. The guest, Grant Achatz, chef from Alinea Restaurant in Chicago, talked about how important taste and smell are. At his restaurant they serves items like pheasant tempura, fried with apple cider and impaled on flaming oak leaves. The flaming oak leaves bring back childhood memories to him and many of his customers of raking the leaves out to the curb and then burning them (which was legal back then!).
Listening to the show I began to think about my own food memories. What I remember most are the stories around three items: vegetable soup, hot cocoa with toast and foil stew.
First, my mothers vegetable beef soup is something I can still almost taste and smell. My mother always made hers with a beef soup bone that had way more meat on it than now. She used a large can of tomato juice, cut-up potatos and onions and canned mixed vegetables. My Mom used no other seasonings than salt, pepper and bay leaves. I now make this soup with chicken and any vegetables I find in my refrigerator. And though my soup is really good, it's not quite as good as the memory of my Mom's.
Second, hot cocoa and toast was my summer breakfast of choice. And the toast was always left overs from my Dad's breakfast. I loved dipping the toast in the made from scratch not a package hot cocoa. The thought of that cocoa and toast makes my mouth water and takes me back to those carefree summers in Missouri!
The third food memory is foil stew which I learned to make on a Camp Fire Girls overnighter. Everything is wrapped in foil (thus the name) and put on open coals. We made individual packets with hamburger, pieces of bacon, potato, onion and carrot, canned kidney beans and one canned tomato with a little juice. This is another meal that makes my mouth water as I type. I also remember us at the campfire telling funny stories the summer I first made foil stew.
I tell you about these three food memories not because they are anywhere close to gourmet meals, but because they immediately take me back to my childhood and to times that were carefree and fun. These memories are so nurturing to me and my spirit. Just thinking about them is calming.
The weather here in Oregon has been rainy and gray skies for days, and the rest of the country has had it's difficult weather as well. And the bad economy is all you hear about on the news. It's hard not to feel down at least some of the time.
While fantasizing about these foods I found myself smiling and feeling lighter.
What are your favorite food memories from childhood and how do they make you feel? If food is not your thing maybe a couple of childhood adventures will do the same thing for you. We can all use memories that will make us chuckle and take us away from present struggles for a minute or two.
I would love to hear your food or other memories and how they make you feel--and receive any great recipes you'd like to share of childhood food turn-ons!
And may our path be all it needs to be this month. Connie
December 31, 2010 Thinking Back Over The Last Two Years!
Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way. - Edward de Bono
Hi Friends
At the end of each year I have a personal ritual I perform for and by
myself. I spend time either on New Years Eve or New Years Day thinking
back over the past year. What was the theme of the past year? What did I
accomplish, and what did I want to accomplish that I didn't?
I was
planning to do the same thing this year. Then, I read an email from
Jennifer Louden, suggesting we look back two years instead of one.
What an interesting idea. Two years actually allows a person to see
different things than one might see looking back just one year.
At
first, I wasn't sure I could remember back that far. But when I started
thinking about it, I realized that I remembered much more than I had
thought I would. Maybe that's because it has been two years of enormous
change for me. But maybe it's because two years is not so difficult as
we might think.
For me, two years ago I started thinking about
retiring and ended up leaving a company I'd worked at for 15 years. I
began leading drumming circles and teaching astrology and have been
finding myself in ways I never imagined I would. And some things I was
positive I'd do after retiring, I've barely thought about.
So what have I learned about myself? I'll look at that tonight and tomorrow. Can't wait to see what I find out!
If you are interested in making a change in the way you end/ begin the
year maybe you will join me and look back over your past two years
instead of just one. Let me know what you discover.
Happy New Years. May 2011 be a great year for each of you, and may our understanding of ourselves grow as we walk our paths. Connie
November 3, 2010 Embracing the Darkness
At night make me one with the darkness In the morning make me one with the light. Wendell Berry, Earth Prayers
Hi Friends
I can't help but notice that the sun is going down earlier and when I
get up really early, it's still dark. Doesn't this make you want to
hibernate or at least stay in bed longer in the morning? At this time of
the year, I think and often hear from others, discomfort about the
onset of winter and how dark it gets and how little light we see.
On planet Earth we have day and night, and winter and summer. Both are
really important. We need the rest we get, preferably when the sun is
not visible. Our planet, as well as each of us, needs the rest and the
death/decay cycle we get during winter so we can experience the rebirth
of spring.
I remember when I was younger I thought it was a good
thing not to feel anger, sadness or unhappiness. But what really
happened was that I stopped feeling anything. I had to feel some of the
less than happy emotions to be able to feel the happy ones. Light and
dark are feel the same to me. Dark is not bad, it's just the other side
of light and is as necessary as light.
This coming Sunday we will
experience more darkness in the form of the end of Daylight Savings
Time. Every year I bemoan the loss of light at this time of year and it
takes several days to weeks to get comfortable with this change. This
year I plan to do something about it.
Sunday I'm planning a
personal ceremony to welcome back Standard Time. Maybe I'll light some
candles, do some writing or other creative work and cook a special
healthy, nurturing meal for myself. I want to do things that help me
feel comforted and help me embrace and honor this annual time change
that always feels difficult.
I invite each of you to join me in
your own ceremony on Sunday to embrace the darkness. It can be as simple
as a moment of silence to a full blown ceremony. May our understanding of the power in darkness increase as we walk on our paths. Connie
October 2, 2010 Appreciating Your Own Astrology
Openness doesn't come from resisting our fears but from getting to know them well. Pema Chodron, Comfortable with Uncertainty
Hi Friends
This week I spent time with my friend, Anakule. I love talking with her
because she always gives me something new to think about. She told me
that as she has gotten older she's grown to love and appreciate her
astrological chart. Earlier in her life there were parts that she was
uncomfortable with, but now, not only does she love her chart, she loves
herself! As we talked I realized that I feel the same way. When I
was younger I didn't like my Virgo ascendant. Astrology books seemed to
focus on Virgo being overly critical, nit-picky and conventional.
Now, I see that Virgo rising part of me with different eyes. It does
encourages me to worry a bit, but on the other hand it tones down my
often wanna-be outrageous Aquarius Sun, softens the wanderlust of my
Sagittarius Moon and makes me practical, thoughtful and organized.
As well, I like my oppositions that can pull me between two ideas or
directions and make decision difficult. But these oppositions also help
me see both sides of situations. And at this time in my life I seem to
come from the middle point of the oppositions rather than the opposing
ends.
Right now my chart is being activated by some major aspects
that are increasing my natural inclination to worry. But these aspects
are also helping me see more clearly some of the things I worry about
and to eliminate the pow Do you want to understand and appreciate yourself better?
Are you struggling right now? Or do you want change in your life? Maybe a
reading could help. See the strengths in your chart. And if issues or
worries are grabbing your attention a reading could help you see these
from a different, clearer perspective. Email me if I can help you or if
you have questions. And astrology readings make great gifts. May Spirit be with all of us on our paths. Connie
July 28, 2010 Eating and Praying and Watching Movies on the Path
Simply pushing harder within the old boundaries will not do. Karl Weick, Author
Hi Friends
How is your summer going? How has the astrology of the summer affected you?
I finally finished reading the book Eat, Pray, Love. Everyone,
including Oprah, had already read this book and had told me what I was
missing. Usually, I'm put off by too many people loving something and
raving about it. Several times since the book came out I've tried to
read it but have not been able to get beyond the first few chapters.
But I LOVE movies and the movie version will be out in the next few weeks. So, I decided it was time for me to read Eat, Pray, Love before the movie is out. So last week I got out my copy an did just that.
Now that I've read the book I see that the first chapters are just "too
close." I, also, get wimpy and whiny when life gets unpredictible and I
have to surrender (as if I'm ever in control!). And eating has helped
me through some big unpredictibilities. But, since I have a mild case of
gluten sensitivity pizza and pasta are rarely my pick, salad rolls and
Pad Thai, tacos or chocolate are.
My favorite part was the "pray
section." In this part Liz spends time at her guru's ashram. She goes in
wimpy and ends up finding herself while cleaning the temple floor and
hosting visitors. Funny how mundane work can often bring powerful
insights.
Since I'm on my own personal quest it felt comforting.
I'm not heading off to India, but I'm finding a meditative quality in
drumming and leading drumming circles. I'm also finding a new sense of
spirit, when I'm teaching, and loving it.
So what is happening for you? What have you done this summer that has changed your life or direction?
1. Are you more present? or opening to a new sense of spirituality? or are you perhaps wanting to add more fun?
2. Be sure to look at what is already around you. Sometimes, what we
want to manifest is already there but we're just not seeing it because
of our expectations.
3. What are the symbols that have "fallen"
off the shelf into your life? What books are you reading or movies are
you watching or what creativite projects are calling you?
I'd love to hear what you find and what is manifesting in your life.
May you easily manifest what you need to find the next step on your journey. May Spirit be with you on your path. Connie
PS. And if you'd like to see how current astrology is impacting you personally, email me and we can set-up a time for a reading. Refer
someone who gets a reading and receive $25 off a personal reading for
you. Refer five people and get your reading free! See coupon at the
bottom of this email.
June 30, 2010 Lunar Eclipse Energy
We
regard disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, jealousy, and fear as
moments that show us where we're holding back, how we're shutting down.
Such uncomfortable feelings are messages that tell us to perk up and
lean into a situation when we'd rather cave in and back away. Pema Chodron, from Comfortable With Uncertainty
Dear Friends
Well, we just had our first of the two summer eclipses. This one a
Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn. I'm seeing first hand what Capricorn energy
is about: diligence, focus, and work, work, work. I spent some time
today out in the yard doing yard work, using muscles that are way
underused. I forgot that one of the things Capricorn rules is
overworking!
Capricorn scares me a little. It's not happy or fun-loving. It tends towards hard work and being
tired from the hard work. But, it's also about manifesting by looking closely at what's always been there
and now can be useful. Though Capricorn tends toward age this aspect has a "newness" about it and it helps us "Vision" the future into being.
I've spent the last week working on my vision. When I used this
techniques a number of years ago I was getting ready to move to the
beach. I wrote about the house I would live in, the view from the front
window, how it all felt, and a day in my life.
Amazingly, when I found my first apartment, I opened the front curtains
and the view I had written about was there! The apartment had a cabin
like feeling which is what I had asked for in my writing.
What do you want in your life? Maybe it's time to use this Capricorn energy
to help you focus.
* Make a list of what you want.
* Be really
descriptive and colorful as you list each item.
* See yourself having that item in your hands. How does it smell or how it feels when you touch it.
*Write about how it feel to have this/these things.
My present list has 11 items on it. Now comes the time of writing them into being. Let me know how this process goes for you.
I know this is a great time for me to do this process because the
eclipse was less than a degree from my Saturn. It makes me work for what
I want, but also have to the focus and diligence I need. I wish that
both you and I get everything on our vision lists.
May this time of power bring the next step on your journey. And may Spirit be with you on your path. Connie
PS. And if you'd like to see how these eclipses are impacting you personally, email me and we can set-up a time for a reading. Refer
someone who gets a reading and receive $25 off a personal reading for
you. Refer five people and get your reading free! See the coupon at the
bottom of this email.
May 31, 2010 Lunar Eclipse/Full Moon on June 26...
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.
Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be
strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. Quote from Helen Keller
Dear Friends
On June 26th there will be a lunar eclipse. It's the first lunar
eclipse this year (the second will be on the winter solstice in
December).
For those of you who are wondering, a lunar eclipse is a
much more powerful full moon. My first astrology teacher always said an
eclipse magnifies the power of a full or new moon by 100. Full moons
tend to be intense times, so expect extremes, passion, force, hysteria
and intolerance (especially on TV news!).
Also, this can be a time to manifest powerful and positive changes in your life.
I always think of full moons/lunar eclipses as a time to let go. But
it's more than that. It's also about creating the space for something
new to come into our lives.
So, from the intense side, this
Capricorn eclipse might bring pessimism, fears about security, a
wish/need to contract in all areas.
But, from the power side, you
might also realize that you are responsible for your life and you might
begin to take steps toward ambitions you've had for a life time.
Capricorn and Saturn aspects are great for manifesting. Capricorn does
not bring a quick fix, but with diligence it's energy can be steady, and
like the tortoise, a winner.
I'm spending time with a friend a
couple of days before the eclipse. We will be doing some ceremony to
encourage and invite new energies into our lives.
If you are
interested in tapping the eclipse energy I'll be leading a drumming
circle at New Renaissance Bookshop on July 26th. Drumming is a fabulous
full moon and eclipse endeavor which can help lighten and clear out lots
of unnecessary stuff! Please join me at 7 pm; call 503-224-4929 to hold your space. Bring a drum or rattle if you have one.
May this time of power bring out the next step on your journey. And may Spirit be with you on your path. Connie
May 3, 2010 One More Week of Mercury Retrograde!
There's no sin in failing. The sin is never trying. Quote from Paula Dean on Oprah
Dear Friends
So how has this Mercury retrograde been for you? I've had many people
say they have been impacted by weirdness. Things not moving as they
should, the hurry up and waits,
loosing things, obstacles keeping them from doing what needed to get
done, leaving things home that were needed, saying the wrong thing,
sending emails to the wrong person...
I've had most of these
things happen to/for me in the past few weeks. But I have found that
I've accomplished many of the things that are easier during Mercury
retrograde: reviewing, revising, reconsidering, checking facts,
repairing, taking care of tasks I've been postponing and especially
revisiting the past.
We have one more week to breathe deeply and
do the"re" things best done when Mercury is retrograde. Next week we'll
be back and ready to begin new things, buy something big (I wish), sign
contracts and expect things to go smoothly. I hope you'll spend the next
week with me resting and getting ready for the push forward beginning
May 11.
May Spirit be with you and me on our path. Connie
March 28, 2010 Embracing What Makes Us Uncomfortable
When an old culture is dying, the new culture is created by those people who are not afraid to be insecure. Quote by Rudolph Bahro from Practicing Peace in Times of War by Pema Chodron
Dear Friends
Do you ever find yourself feeling insecure? I do. Lots. I always think I
should be able to be calm and not bothered by what is going on around
me, and sometimes it's not even apparent what is causing the insecurity.
It seems that at least a time or two each month I find myself flailing
around trying to not feel the feelings of discomfort that show
themselves to me with this "disorder!" (Right now I have lots on my
plate: classes, circles, work, getting ready for two trips, needing to
rest...)
At these times my shoulders and neck get tense. I want to
order all parts of my life (and of course nothing can be ordered at
these times!). I want to be able to know what's coming next. I want to
be able to predict the unpredictible. I crave calm. And at these times
things just don't fit nicely into peace, calm and predictability.
Last night I started listening to a set of CD's of a 6-week course
taught by Pema Chodron. First, I never knew she was so funny! Second,
she talks about compassion and love and how many of us don't know what
love is except the Hollywood kind that wants something and shuts others
out. She talks about how one way of thinking about love is that caring
feeling many have for their pets or babies.
Listening to Pema
talk helps me, for a few minutes, forget about the insecurity I'm
feeling. And for just a bit I am calm and peaceful. Isn't it amazing how
that works?
I know that allowing the insecurity to be there and
just being with it is important. To be a change maker one has to be
comfortable with insecurity. Sometimes I can be with it and sometimes I
just can't. And according to Pema the best place to be is accepting
whatever is happening. I'm working on it. Wish me luck.
And may Spirit be with you and me on our paths. Connie
February 24 2010 What We Do Best
We
are often blind to the things we ourselves are best at doing in life.
It is not that we're overly modest or that we have a self-esteem issue
or that we don't want to draw attention to ourselves by owning our
accomplishments or skills; it's more a matter of taking what we do for
granted. It's just something we do... From Write Starts by Hal Zina Bennett
Dear Friends
My long-time friend, Hal Zina Bennett, sent me a copy of his new book Write Starts and when I first flipped through, the chapter that opened to me was Chapter 4, You Do It So Well.
I used part of that chapter at a ceremony I had for my birthday (and a
friend's) last weekend. At the end of the ceremony one person who
attended asked me what I do best. I can't remember what I said, but I
have been asking myself that question all week. What is so easy for me
that I take it for granted?
Some of my first thoughts were mother, astrologer, writer, organizer. All
of those are things I do and some I do better than others. But what
finally came to me that is one of the things I do best is teacher. Not
teacher in a conventional way, but almost everything I do involves
teaching.
This process of looking at what I do best
was quite an eye-opener. And very rewarding. I also realized that
teaching is one thing I want to continue and encourage in my life.
What do you do best in your life? You might spend some time thinking
about how you'd answer this question. But know that it's not necessarily
the first things that comes to mind. You usually have to distill it
down, look at each point that comes up and see what's "underneath" that.
And if you're like me that exploration and realization will help you
move to your next step. May you enjoy the process and your discoveries.
And may Spirit be with you on your path. Connie
January 31 2010 Busy, Busy January
Waking
up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I
vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of
compassion. Thich Nhat Hanh
Hi Friends
Has your January been as busy as mine has? I'm used to the first month
of the year being quiet and full of time for being internal and
thinking of what the new year will be about. This January has been so utterly
busy, and tremendously good. I've taught several classes, have read
several people's astrology for them and have new work that I'm doing.
In past years I've liked spending lots of January time alone. But I'm
finding that lots of wonderful people have come into my life in the
last six months and I'm having so much fun doing my work.
Thanks
all of you who have been coming to my classes and coming to me for
readings. And I especially want to thank those who are coming to the
full moon drumming circles.
In these drumming circles we drum to
heal ourselves and to send out energy to people we know who want
healing. We also drum to help heal the planet.
If you know
anyone who needs healing energy sent their way, please feel free to
email me with your request and we will drum for them. And please join
us if you can. You'll find the drumming circles are really magical.
May spirit be with you on your path. Take care Connie
November 29, 2009 Willingness
If you are willing to be lived by it, you will see it everywhere, even in the most ordinary things. Lao-tsu
Hi Friends
As I was thinking about what I wanted this newsletter to focus on I flipped open Wayne Dyer's book Excuses Begone. It opened to the chapter about Willingness. I wanted to pick another chapter! What is it about that word that makes me want to run the other way? My Oxford American Dictionary defines the word willing as: doing readily what is required, having no objection. What's so difficult about that?
It stopped me until I realized that to me willingness means I have no
choice but to say yes. My early "good girl" training brings up guilt
feelings when I think I might want the option to say no. What if I'm
not really willing or if I want to move in another direction?
Just realizing this connection for the word and my past felt freeing, and the "ah ha" that came along with it felt big!
So what happens for you when you are not willing? Can you take
responsibility for saying no? Do you have to say yes or blame someone
else when you want to make another choice? Maybe it's time to look at
what you want to GROW in 2010.
If you want to join me in being willing to be authentic make a list of
what keeps you from being willing and burn or bury it on December 21,
the Winter Solstice. Ask Spirit to transform the energy for you.
Join me for a Full Moon Drumming Circle at New Renaissance Bookshop on
Wednesday, 12/2 to help keep your holidays less stressful and begin
your letting go process. I'd love to see you there!
Check out my other upcoming classes in the section below. I'd love to see you at one of these.
I wish you happiness, peace, and willingness through-out December. Take care on your path Connie
October 28, 2009 What I Don't Look Forward To
In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole and complete. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay.
Hi Friends
Do you have certain things that you don't look forward to? Mine is the changing from Day Light Savings time to Standard time each year. It is difficult for me, every year. First, we loose a whole hour of afternoon light, in one day! Second, the time change, to me, means higher heating bills, expenses of seasonal gift buying, rain and possibly snow and ice, to name a few. All things to worry about, right?
A friend of mine, Maridel Bowes, decided a few years ago to stop worrying about money. After working with the notion she has been successful and now rarely has money worries. I decided to use Maridel's idea on the thing I don't look forward to, since all are simply worries.
I decided to use my personal astrology to see if it could help me. Transiting Saturn and Pluto are causing some hard, and some might say "bad" aspects in my chart right now. But I have found these so called "bad" aspects are what usually turn my life around and help me make huge changes.
First, I examined the difficult side: how Saturn is stopping everything and Pluto is ripping away what is masking it. Now what’s the other side? I tell my astrology clients that Saturn helps us manifest by forcing us to look at things that have always been there with new eyes. Pluto wants to transform everything. It seems to me that these two heavenly bodies, working together, can bring make magic for me. And you know what, this simple inquiry changed my point of view. Now I want to look forward instead of staying the same. This process gave me many ideas for my "Next Steps!" I'll let you know over the next few months what happens.
In the mean time what are you not looking forward to? Make your list. Ask each what it's about and what are it’s lessons for you. You might be surprised what answers come when you listen.
Check out my upcoming classes in the section below. I'd love to see you at one of these. Take care on your path Connie
September 29, 2009 Void of Course Moon
The Moon in the Birthchart... Describes your ability to adjust emotionally to the changing situations of life. Spiritual Astrology by Jan Spiller & Karen McCoy.
Hi Friends
The
Moon is important to all of us. Other than the sun, the moon is the
most visible body in the heavens. We can see when it is full or new,
many of
us even "feel" these cycles.
The Void of Course (VOC) cycle is one you may feel and not know what it is. They happen
after the moon makes it's final aspect in a sign.
Since I started putting VOC dates in my
emails I've had several people ask for more information about what they
means. Void of Course actually means "without a course".
These cycles can last a few minutes to hours to a day or two. They can
be a time of chaos and confusion and a feeling of being out of touch,
or they can be a time of rest and introspection.
In the past when I regularly drove in rush hour traffic I'd find that
traffic problems were many times more pronounced when the moon was VOC. It's not a time to make large purchases or sign
contracts. I even read an article on the web that talked about problems
a person had with haircuts and hair coloring during a VOC moon.
Sounds like a troubling time but I believe that everything in astrology
has two sides. So, what should we be doing during these cycles? They
are best for rest, sleep,
meditation, cleaning, eating, studying, repairing things, using our
intuition, visiting
friends and doing tasks that don't have to be done at a scheduled time.
In
this world of speed and impatience we can't stop our lives every day or
two but we can look at
timing and do what is going to work best at a particular time. (See VOC
dates below or get out your 2009 Maynard calendar for the exact times
or
email me for a session).
Check out my upcoming classes in the section below. I'd love to see you at one of these.
Take care on your path Connie
September 1, 2009 I Love Fall!
"Saying
no is a potent force for good when you want to set a boundary or rise
above a bad habit that's dragging you down. Just don't get stuck in no.
Once you've said it, find your way back to yes" No Matter What by Lisa Nichols.
Hi Friends
Why do I like September and autumn so much? Well, I always feel a sense
of energy and urgency. I'm like a squirrel gathering nuts to store for
winter, focused on the task at hand. Fall is the best time for me to
make changes, to complete undone tasks and to organize my mind and my
life. How about you? What does fall usually bring your way?
If you need a little help, check out the new book from Lisa Nichols of
The Secret. Her book is No Matter What. It can help you begin to use
the power of the Law of No Matter What to harness the power of the Law
of Attraction.
Also,
check out Dawn Lianna's October 25th workshop at New Renaissance,
Cracking the Prosperity Code. She'll help you transform your limiting
beliefs into powerful core beliefs. Click here for more details. So, what's on my agenda this fall?
1. Start a blog. Done! Check it out at gmnite.wordpress.com.
It's about abundance/prosperity/ money and spirituality. Please visit
my blog and feel free to say hello and leave your comments. 2. Classes. I have several classes coming up this fall.
* Rattle Making at New Renaissance Bookshop on Saturday, 9/19, 12-4 pm. Click here to find out more about the workshop, we'll have lots of fun and you'll go home with a beautiful new rattle made by you * Monthly Astrology Evening.
In this monthly session we will look at that months major and not so
major transits and explore how they fit into each of our lives. Dates,
time and location are still to be determined. Please email
(gmnite@yahoo.com) for more information.
* Introduction to Astrology.
In these twice monthly sessions we will look at the basics of astrology
and of course how it works for each you. Dates, time and location are
still to be determined. Please email (gmnite@yahoo.com) for more
information.
* Full Moon Drumming Circle.
We will drum and send healing energy out to the planet. Dates, time and
location are still to be determined. Please email (gmnite@yahoo.com)
for more information.
3.
Astrology Readings. I love doing astrology readings for people! Email
me at gmnite@yahoo.com if you have questions or want to schedule a
reading. I hope to hear from you. Take care on your path...
Connie
August 4, 2009 Put Some Aquarius in Your Life
"There's
nothing I'm unwilling to do (as long as it is aligned with my Source)
in order to bring my dreams into reality." Excuses Begone! by Wayne
Dyer
Another eclipse is coming this
week. Wednesday, August 5th's lunar eclipse is in mid-Aquarius, the
ruler of the unexpected and unpredictable, of humanity, volunteering, the internet, wanting to be
unconventional, free and at times superficial. It also rules ankles so
watch where you put your feet!
I've been dealing with Aquarian influences for awhile now: I spent the
last couple weeks, becoming a library volunteer AND putting together a
website. Both came with a learning curve. Please check out my website which was so much fun to put together and is a work in progress! The address is www.gmnite.com.
And if you're ever at the Tigard library on Tuesday afternoon look for
me in the Local History room upstairs doing computer searches of books
on hold!
Another
Aquarian moment: Sunday, while I was reading the paper, I was drawn to
an article about Ashton Kutcher that ended with him saying he is often
the subject of ridicule because of the movies he does. When talking
about how he handles the criticism he said "I don't have anything
that's too sacred to make fun of." That not taking yourself seriously
is uniquely Aquarian. What a gift that could be for each of us! Maybe
this month's eclipse will help us become less attached to that serious
side.
In the meantime here are five suggestions to help you take yourself less seriously:
1. Don't be afraid to find something funny in your life, every day.
2. Don't be afraid to let people know what you want.
3. Don't be afraid to see things differently.
4. Don't be afraid to get plenty of rest.
5. Don't be afraid to act like a child and laugh at yourself.
If I can help you see how to best use the energy of this Aquarius
eclipse in your life, please email me to set up a reading.
Take care
on your path Connie
July 3, 2009 Big Changes for Connie
Last
week I left my job of 15 years, to partially retire. For most of my
life my calendar has been totally filled with work. When retirement
arrived, though I have been trying to slow down for months, I was still
used to filling my time and mind with stuff to do.
Over the weekend a friend (and teacher!) commented that I was just like
all the other retired people who were busier than they had been before
retirement. Her comment felt really uncomfortable to me. My vision was
that I would slow down and take time to center and be aware and
present. But, I realized that now I was just busy in different ways.
This constant busyness was not what I wanted with this transition.
Filling up my time and energy was keeping me from being grounded and
creative. I’m thankful for the reminder. It helped me quickly
reevaluate! What a gift.
A movie, many times, will help me center and slow down, so I
rescheduled a couple of appointments and off to the movie theater I
went. And those few hours away helped me get back on track.
This busyness pattern has been with me for many years so I’m sure it’s
not that easily dismissed, but I am dedicated to being the grounded,
creative woman who is committed to finding her own wisdom and sharing
it with others. And I love that my path is not straight but a series of
curves and switch backs. Each step has value, even when it returns me
to a pattern from the past. At these times I get to view that pattern
from a new direction.
Here are some suggestions that work for me in times of change (large and small):
1. Don’t go directly from one large endeavor to another.
Allow time between these to contemplate and center yourself. Allow
yourself time to marinate in the old before you move on to the new.
2. Remember: Stopping to center makes you more productive not less.
3. Listen to your intuition about when to begin again. Listening is not procrastination, but following your guidance.
4. Everyday affirm:
“I am a grown-up, and I arrived here from nonbeing equipped with
everything I need to fulfill my greatness.” (from Excuses Begone by
Wayne Dyer)
Take care on your path Connie
June 1 2009 Making Changes
Over
the past few months I have begun making some big changes. I’m quitting
my job of 15 years to partially retire and work at endeavors I have
wanted to accomplish forever: more astrology readings, monthly classes,
writing, helping people make changes in their lives.
During the last few months I’ve looked at all kinds of symbols to give
me direction. After watching Wayne Dyer on the Ellen Show recently I
started reading his new book Excuses Begone! It fits right in with my
process. Dyer (and I) have found that we are conditioned to believe
that our situations are unchangeable: I’m too old or too young to do
that; I can’t afford what I truly want; it would be difficult to do
something different; I’ve always been this way and can’t change.
Dyer says: Your
beliefs, all those formless energy patterns that you’ve adopted as your
self-image, have the ability to change dramatically and give you the
power to conquer unwanted traits, or what you unhappily presume to be
your fate. ...Excuses Begone!
Dyer uses a series of principles and questions uncovered in his
yearlong investigation of The Tao Te Ching to help us look, with
clarity, at our excuses. Using these we can begin to move the excuses
out of the way so true change occurs. Following these teachings can
teach us stay aligned with Source and explore an excuse free life. If
you are on the verge of changing your life and are finding it difficult
to move forward, begin by making a list of all of your excuses. This
awareness many times will be just the impetus to begin tackling the
obstacles.
I have also
found that astrology (or other intuitive consultations) is a huge help.
It can point out our what our most difficult and our most helpful
traits are. It can also help us see when the timing is right in our
lives to make changes. After looking at my own chart I see that many
planetary forces are now aligned to give me the help I need to move
easily and forcefully into new life experiences. Take care Connie
