The Black Madonna and The White Car

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Sep 21st, 2009 -- You may be held accountable for every word you say this weekend, which can put a crimp into your social game. Yet being more circumspect demonstrates your maturity and commitment to maintaining harmony. Since one careless comment can put a chill in the air, think twice before openly expressing what's on your mind.

Hmm, this may make our Pictionary Tournament a bit more challenging next weekend. Yes, it's game night and the sky's the limit. Due to a previous dance injury, Twister is out for active participation, but I will be happy to referee. Oh, but wait. I may put a chill in the air by expressing my opinion. Maybe I'll just hone my Pictionary skills by doodling on napkins while my compadres twist the night away. That will demonstrate some level of maturity I should think. This may put a crimp in my social game.

Sometimes I take myself too seriously. It happened again yesterday. We were going to visit the shrine of the Black Madonna of Poland, Our Lady of Czestochowa, in scenic Doylestown, Pennsylvania. It's about a two and a half hour drive from Queens. Helen was doing the driving, for as my friends and family know, driving is not my thing. Yes, I have a car. It's a 1988 Dodge Shadow with under 35,000 miles on it. 'Nuff said. Usually I'm ok rolling along the highway, but yesterday I had this feeling before we left that there would be an accident with a serious injury.

Not us, but somehow we might need to pull over and assist in some way. The thought passed through my mind and left. We had a quiet uneventful drive, in fact we made good time. The weather was custom made for strolling. The sun was warm, the air was cool with a sky that was pristine blue. The tiny red chapel looked like something from a fairy tale with a small ebony spire reaching for that cloudless sky. As we opened the door, darkness enveloped us until our eyes adjusted to the prismed light from the stained glass windows. Our Lady gazed at us from her portrait, surrounded by sweet roses, pink orchids and rainbow shades of chrysanthemums. No one else was visiting at that moment. There is a certain energy at sacred sites that attracts the human soul. The religion or denomination is irrelevant. This is an ancient universal source that channels itself through different venues be that magnetic fields, sacred wells and waters, stone formations or even timeless groves of trees. That's the energy we could feel in the womb like semidarkness of that chapel. It was nurturing and invigorating simultaneously. It is a blessing in the true sense of the word. As we left the soft light and opened the door to the radiant sunshine we gazed upon acres of tombstones, mementos of lives lived. It certainly put things in perspective.

On our way home we experienced the joy of maneuvering through the Lincoln Tunnel and downtown Manhattan by car on a Saturday night. Did I mention the San Genaro festival? Oh, for a cannoli. That took just about as long as the drive from Pennsylvania. While crawling through the tunnel I had that image of an accident float into my brain. In fact, it dallied there while we were having lunch, but I just ignored it. I never mentioned it. From past experience I have found if these events do transpire people tend to hold the seer accountable in some way. If it's just an anxiety thing, whatever. Now, Helen is not one who would hold me accountable. On the contrary, she might be slightly alarmed. My point is, what's the difference if I show or tell? Fuggetaboutit...

At last we were on the final leg of the return, even exceeding 30MPH on the parkway when, you guessed it, traffic slowed and we were merging left.

I heard Helen say 'This must have just happened, there's glass all over the road."

As we inched by I looked to my right. A young guy in a baseball cap was frantically running from the scene, his expression anguished. He ran toward a group of people who had stopped to help.

On the side of the road a white car was completely overturned, four whees in the air, it's top accordioned into the elevated chassis. I saw no one lying next to the vehicle. The ambulances had not arrived. We inched along a few more feet and traffic started to move. We picked up speed. I was home in no time at all. Helen drove into the night with one last wave.

When I got into my apartment I couldn't shake a sadness. Accidents happen all the time. I live at a very accident-prone intersection. Squealing breaks, screeching tires and the stomach wrenching crunching impacts are no strangers to me. I've called many a 911. For some reason that poor kid running for help and the soul or souls in that white car got to me. My brain understands this might have nothing to do with those annoying flashes of images but my heart mourns for all at that tragic site.

Yes, I had a glass of wine or two while I pondered my reaction. It was then I concluded I was taking myself too seriously. In the light of a new day I still concur. It feels good to agree with myself. I've had these dreams and impressions as long as I can remember. Some other members of my family do too. I'll bet you have similar experiences once in a blue moon. I think it's natural. I doubt I'll ever know what to do about it. I leave that to the Black Madonna, Isis, Kali and the pantheon of deities who make up our universe. It's in good hands

Pluto Direct

He's baaack! Pluto has been retrograde for the past five months. Today he's on the direct path.

This brings secrets to the light. Hidden motives or misdeeds will float to the surface of your cosmic pond. That little light that shines will expose those naughty things swept under the rug.

The candle in the window will illuminate that dark corner where unfinished business is piling up to the ceiling.

All this psychic detritus has been accumulating, just waiting for Pluto's return. This is a great time for new starts, getting the project off the ground or cleaning house, be that physical or emotional. This is the time to look in the mirror and get honest with yourself. Despite old Mercury's backward motion, Pluto will help you see that light at the end of the tunnel. After all, he lives in that tunnel and knows all the in's and out's. Now's the time he's feeling generous. He will share some of his knowledge and let you in on solutions for illusions.

All you need do is open your eyes and see. Pull the veil of excuses from your weary head. It's way to heavy to wear these days. Feeling overwhelmed? That's all right. Now take a deep breath and let it out. Ok, one more breath. Now, things don't look that bad, right. Pluto, smirking from the underworld, is on your side today. Dig in and start sorting or writing or whatever it is you've been 'waiting for later' to do. You will find, despite Mercury's best efforts, you will move forward. It's true, we may have to go to some dark dark places. Only a glimmer of flickering light guides us at first.

Then, as we plod along the path the light becomes brighter, more steady. There are less brambles and gnarly roots to trip us and make us stumble. Or are they just easier to avoid because our eyes are truly open this time around? It's still difficult to see the end of the path. There are quite a few twists and turns yet to come. Hey, that's what makes this journey interesting. Pluto may actually be smiling at this point. You've come a long way, baby! You know how it is on the road less traveled.

You may be a bit muddied. Perhaps a bruise and a few scratches here and there. It comes with the territory of exploring your options. There is a time for rest and a time to persevere and continue even when you ache. You will accomplish amazing things this time. I hear Pluto is feeling very generous to those who compete in his version of a reality show. You will find rewards beyond measure. They come from your heart and soul.

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Dark Tunnel produced by the Lord of the Underworld. It's sure to be spellbinding.

Mercury Retrograde

Stopped by the Silver Moon diner last night. Sat in my favorite booth so I could watch the Q46 disgorge her passengers and continue the roll down Union Turnpike to Kew Gardens. That's the beginning of the line. The Silver Moon is the end of the line. This is true in more than one way. When we were kids the urban legend of the neighborhood was that all the escapees from Creedmore, the state mental hospital in the area, would board the Q46 after climbing down the bedsheets and ride it to the last stop. If they headed west it was Kew Gardens and the NYC subway station, their subterranean escape route. If they mistakenly headed east they would ride to the last stop, the Silver Moon diner. We did have a few Creedmorians back in the day. One gentleman removed all his clothes because he was certain he could fly without their encumbrance. What he did accomplish was having Mrs. Licausi seventy-five year old mother take flight after encountering his naked self in her backyard while she was hanging laundry. She attended mass on a daily basis after that incident, convinced the devil incarnate had tried to drag her to the bowels of hell. Nature boy was so shocked by her screams he willingly returned to Creedmore telling the police she was a very scary woman. It's all relative.

I'm sure this took place while Mercury was traveling retrograde. Many misunderstandings occur during this astrological time frame. Usually Mercury is retrograde three times a year. This year it happens four times. I'm not surprised. It's been quite the upside down year.

I just bumped into one of the neighborhood bikers. Well, not literally. He's back in town early proclaiming summer to be done. The boys are thinking of wintering in Florida after the hurricane season. Maybe they're getting older. I didn't bring that subject up during the conversation. In fact, I try not to bring that subject up at any time these days. With Mercury retrograde no good would come of it.

Even my horoscope for next week contains a warning I intend to heed.

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Sep 7th, 2009 -- You love adventure and freedom, and you may get a bit of both on Friday. But then it's time to pack up the toys, put away your big dreams and settle down into a cozier and quieter scene for the rest of the weekend. Be careful about what you say to a sensitive person since a careless word or two can trigger a relationship explosion.

Fair warning about careless words. Mercury goes retrograde again tomorrow. That can lead to communication snafus. I don't even need Mercury's assistance to do that, although this can put salt in any wound I inadvertently inflict. My awareness is raised, my radar activated. Woe to the unsuspecting sensitive people I know.

Saturday I will be with family and friends celebrating my sister(in-law's) birthday. I will be very discreet. Really ;) It will be good to see everyone again. Here's hoping we all feel that way after the festivities. Oh Mercury, you old trickster!

Not A Ghost Of A Chance

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Aug 31st, 2009 -- You always strive to do your best to be sensitive when it comes to matters of the heart. But there are times like this weekend when it's hard not to trigger strong reactions in others. While it's wise to speak softly and act with self-restraint, it may be impossible to maintain the peace. Be nice and move on. It's not your fault if others can't take the heat.

So there! It's not my fault. Well, we all know where the blame game goes...nowhere good. Usually all parties have done their fair share of good and not so good. Besides, I need my energy for haunted houses. Today I did some exploring and some constructing. It's been a good day!

I'm working on a haunted house project. Altering things to make them spooky is right up my alley. I couldn't resist. As inspiration I took a walk to an old farmhouse that has a ghost or two in residence. I've been visiting that house for over twenty years and things are usually calm and quiet. One rainy day my daughter and I wandered to the farm for a classic car show. The raindrops and shiny cars were wonderful photo ops and I got some great pictures with my trusty Nikon SLR. Then we went into the farmhouse for a tour...and to get out of the rain. We may have been the only ones walking through at the time. When I went to take some pictures my camera's flash kept failing.

I adjusted the settings a bit and took a few more pictures. The lighting was low. It was getting late. We headed home. Next day I had the film developed. The cars and reflections were awesome. I was quite pleased. Then I came to the indoor shots. They were very subdued, having an almost old fashioned look. In each picture strange lights emanated from no visible source. I recognized that phenomena. There was some other energy in the farmhouse. This was particularly visible in the kitchen and the living room. Those are the two rooms my daughter and her friend told me they saw old fashioned ladies from time to time. Volunteers do don period dress on occasion, but these were not those occasions. Children are innocent. They see something, they tell you what they see.

I have always felt peaceful and at home at the farm and in the farmhouse. So have my daughter and her friends, who are all quite grown up now. It's no coincidence that my daughter brought her new daughter to the farm on Pow Wow night. Any spirits who may be at the farm seem most beneficent. They seem to be at peace. So on this late summer night as the crickets sing their song, I end my ghost story. Not scared? Well, that's the last thing our ladies would want!

Jingle dancers~no, they're not ghosts :)

Summer In The City

The Moon in your sign on Friday should lift your spirits. Yet stern Saturn's lurking nearby to hold you accountable for your actions. A serious re-evaluation of your assets can make the rest of the weekend worthwhile even if it's not a lot of fun. Do the hard work of dealing with tough issues now and better times are sure to follow.

That's good advice. Better times always follow, usually not soon enough for us. We can wax philosophical but let's face it, we want better times all the time. It's quite natural to desire this. As we all know, life is way too crazy for that.

There was a lot of rough water in the great ocean of life this past week. Here in New York we've been having a heat wave, thunderstorms and all. Then there's Hurricane Bill churning up eighteen foot waves. That's great for surfers, but it creates deadly riptides. Those riptides have been devastating for many people trying to navigate life's summer seas. Downright treacherous to some. Others are knocked into uncharted waters, barely able to recognize a familiar landmark, they flounder. This unfamiliar territory may be a blessing. It may be a place to shake off the toxic residue clinging to their spirit. Perhaps the people in this new place are nurturing and uplifting. Living with endless negativity destroys the soul. Constant threats and innuendos erode confidence and good humor. This new place, though uncharted, may be a safe port. It may be a place to heal that wounded spirit and to grow in a more joyful natural direction.

I have been whining about the heat and humidity, I confess. There is respite in any air conditioned room or building. It's quite a simple and direct solution to an unavoidable situation.

Sometimes things come out of the blue and we cannot see a simple solution. That's the time to stop. Do nothing. Wait. Listen to the universe. The answer is there. It's not easy to quiet your mind when you are reeling, but when you can a whole new world is at your disposal. Nature has a way of balancing itself. That goes for human nature, too. Karma is cool, very cool. I'm all for spending very little energy on those who have wronged me and mine. I like to channel some good energy in a positive direction and then let it rip! Now, it's out of my hands and into the universe. I can go about my business getting back on my feet again and taking some baby steps. After all, if I find myself in new territory it's time for some exploring. The natives seem friendly and most helpful. New York is an amazing place, steamy or not.

Then there is the healing change of scene therapy. I do believe we're heading south of the border soon. Oaxaca, isn't it? Dia de los Muertos is all about transformation and spiritual healing. Perfect timing.

Angel in Oaxaca

Fussin' About Elvis

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Next Week
For the Week of Aug 17th, 2009 -- Friday's fussy, but Saturday and Sunday can be your friends this weekend. Listen to the advice of a person you trust who is able to get you back in balance if you've lost your cool, fallen into despair or given up on a relationship. Healing may not happen over night, but having a more objective perspective will get you on the right track.

Heard on the news Elvis died thirty-two years ago today. The good news is the radio station I listen to is playing so much of his music. No, I'm not going there. The past usually repeats itself. Enough said. It was such a pleasure to listen to him. I've been a fan of his almost since I can remember. Part of the magic of music is it's ability to transport us back to a memory, kind of an aural time travel device. Right up my alley.

I've been writing about time lately. At some stages of life you have a sense of timelessness. As your personal time goes on you hear the clock ticking louder for one reason or another. This is a good thing. It reminds us to live. It's not necessary to do wild and crazy things. If you've been meaning to I would suggest getting a move on your next adventure. If you've been there, done that there is still the miracle of everyday living we all take for granted. What a foolish thing to do. What is more precious than everyday? Those are the things you will remember in more detail than some of the big occasions you think you will be celebrating. The mind is funny that way.

You may remember sitting having a cup of tea with someone dear. Maybe a spontaneous drive to the beach on a steamy summer morning. Everyone piling into a VW bus after making baloney sandwiches and Kool-Aid for the trip, laughing and horsing around all the way. How about watching a babe take his first steps? That expression of apprehension, then glee is amazing.

Catching fireflies on a summer evening and realizing how fragile and beautiful they are is a gift.

Snow forts and snowball fights were best at night. Chasing mosquitoes in the middle of the night (sorry Jane! I know I'm compulsive) until they were squashed was an obsession. Still is.

I haven't fallen into despair. Far from it, I feel invigorated and full of enthusiasm. Some great things are in the works. I'm also very blessed to have people I trust help me get back on my feet when I am off balance. It's good to hear the King and enjoy a few moments of nostalgia. Soon I'll be back to writing about vampires, parallel time and supernatural stuff. Maybe I can work Elvis into the storyline. If not I know his music will continue to inspire my memories and my imagination. Thank you. Thank you very much!

Hold On...I'm Buzzing

Sagittarius Horoscopes
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
For the Week of Aug 10th, 2009 -- The Moon in your 7th House of Partnerships should provide all the stimulation you can handle this weekend. The challenge is to find some emotional ground upon which you can stand in the midst of whirling winds of change. Attractions flicker like candles that will be extinguished if either of you holds on too tightly.

General Weekly Love Horoscope Influences
Passion gets pumped up on Thursday after a cold beginning to the week. Maybe it's the frustration started earlier that encourages an adventurous spirit this weekend. Still, don't allow moments of magic to cut off your connection with common sense. Over-estimating someone is a fast track to disappointment, so maintain a bit of emotional balance.

Finding balance is a common theme today. Many of us have busy lives that we coordinate with family and friends' busy lives. We buzz around our hive-homes working to create a harmonious life. Our fellow hive members do the same in their own way. Sometimes there is so much buzzing and hovering we forget to take a break and appreciate one another.

I am blessed to have family and friends close by and to the north, south and west. Although I may not see all of them as frequently as I would like I hold them dear to my heart. I've been tidying up which is a major project for I am not tidy in any sense of the word. In my quest for some semblance of organization I periodically come across an old photo, birthday or holiday card or similar now faded relic. This results in a pause in tidying and a smile or tear. Then on to the next target of tidy with similar results. I just feel like giving everyone a big group hug! Some are starting new families, others are empty nesters and some are close to the end of their life's journey. Still, they are all vital members of the hive. Young and old, they are all sweet as honey to me.

Killer Beez ~ Villainess Soaps

Elliot & Kumar on a sleepover