111: Operation Manifestation

"To keep going in baseball, you have to learn all the time.  I love to play.  When I can't get outs, I'll stop."

-Fernando Valenzuela

November 1st marks the 111 New Moon portal in intense Scorpio.  It is likely that we have already experienced that pull to take action, as this sign, like ambitious Aries, is also ruled by Mars.  This means we've taken on a "warrior's mentality", and are given that essential boost of morale to take on what we've been holding back on.  Whether it's a engaging in a new project or undertaking steps towards changing life circumstances for the better, such vibrant energy is just the encouragement we need.  The portal is due to stay open for another couple of days or so.  Even with it closing then, our inspiration will continue to burn on, so as long as we close the chapter of our past, and venue forth moving forward.  It's time for us to forgive ourselves and others, and take ownership of what we can control; which is our thoughts, feelings, and actions.  Never mind what the "other" guy is doing.  What are WE doing?

AMOR FATI

Thank you and good night.

P.S. Today is also Fernando Valenzuela's birthday (November 1, 1960).  He would have turned 64.  That World Series Championship Parade today in LA was for you, my friend.  There are no accidents in this Universe.  Rest in Power, "El Toro".

Photo credit: W+G Creative (top) Sanja Balkjas (middle).  Should they ask for their removal, I will replace them with other photos.

Hunting for Europa

"Avoidance of conflict becomes a habit, and you lose the taste for battle. Feeling guilty is pointless; it is not your fault you have enemies."

-Robert Greene

So, the Hunter's Full Moon portal is now open until the approximately the 20th, with the actual full moon happening on the 17th in ambitious Aries.  The motivation and courage to move forward will get sparked during this time, thanks to this sign.  Also, in characteristic Aries fashion, this one will be a Supermoon.  It's as if there is a sudden burst in energy that calls forth our very best!  

Also, Venus is entering optimistic Sagittarius.  This could increase positivity in all types of relationships, whether romantic or platonic.  Having difficult yet candid conversations is key, while maintaining that balance of diplomacy, drawing power from the Libra season.  If we are a fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), we must take extra care to navigate through this highly energetic period to optimize our results.

Now, I do want to mention the Robert Greene quote that I have at the start of this blog entry.  Yes, handle hard topics with others, but do so with as much grace as possible; especially if we are possibly in the wrong.  

In this case, we'll be the adult here, and admit fault with a sincere apology.  This is what I believe he is referring to.  I doubt he alludes to engaging in conflict just for the mere sake of not avoiding it.  Bottom line, it is required, regardless of the situation, to always "read the room".  Sometimes, it could be tactful to practice the art of silence, where speaking will only prove to escalate the situation.  Remaining silent at the appropriate time, can say much more than anything we could ever utter.

AMOR FATI

Thank you and good night.

I do not own these images.  If upon the owner's request for removal, I will do so and replace them.

New Month, New Moon

"If you fear making anyone mad, then you ultimately probe for the lowest common denominator of human achievement."

-Jimmy Carter

The new month of October has already been greeted by the first former US President to reach the coveted age of 100!  While he's been heavily criticized by his opponents, many will still agree that he has added value to the world as a humanitarian, particularly post-presidency.  

On October 2nd, we will experience the New Moon in diplomatic Libra; along with the couple days leading up to it, as well as a couple of days after.  This is known as a portal, and it is currently open.  It is crucial to invest in self-care during this time.  Spend time in nature, and rest when needed.  If we've been feeling a bit fatigue lately, it is perfectly normal.  Also, learning to say "no" to requests obligating ourselves is vital to protect our energies, when necessary.

AMOR FATI 

Thank you and good night.

Hail Autumn Equinox!

"As long as Autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see." 

-Vincent van Gogh

I would have to concur with Vincent van Gogh.  For me, autumn is my favorite time of the year.  The weather is just the best!  It's the perfect balance of warm and cool, with just the right amount of sun.  We can identify such harmony with the sign of diplomatic Libra.  I'll be shopping for attire to fit the fall fashion for sure!  

As the name suggests, the equinox is when the amount of daylight is equal to the amount of nighttime within a 24-hr period.   It's a period of moderation, where we allocate time for all areas of our lives: health, work, leisure, family, friends, introspection, etc.  I'll bet Goldilocks was a Libra lol!  When it comes to health, we must take care of it, without getting too obsessed with it.

Today, I cleaned Speedie's turtle tank, all the while allowing her to run around the place.  She's pretty fast!  Hey, that's her namesake!  I did some house cleaning, before heading downtown to get some good eats.  Went with the softshell crab dinner, since it's seasonal thing and about to get phased out.  I also had a good conversation with the guy sitting next to me.  T'was great!

I hope everyone had a great day on this transitional period of the Autumn Equinox!

Let's also finish up our goals that have their deadline at the end of this month.  We'll be SO glad we did!  Yes, have balance while continuing our ambition towards what we want. 

AMOR FATI

Thank you and good night.

"9-1-1, What's Your Emergency?"

"Stay with those who illuminate your being.  Run from those who diminish your light. Protect your energy by surrounding yourself with positivity." 

-Rumi

So, as we all know, on September 11th, 2001, the World Trade Center in New York City, USA was destroyed.  Of course, in new "American tradition", a controversy encompasses whether or not it was terrorists from afar or an "in house job".  However, we can ALL agreed that what happened DID happen.  

Look, the Twin Towers that were a proud landmark to many of New Yorkers were wiped out in an instant on that day.  Yes, that day was also tragic, as many of humans lost their lives.  Whether it was from a plane that would crash into the World Trade Center (WTC), or those in the building that didn't make it out alive.  The footage reported was truly disturbing [many choosing to jump out of the twin skyscrapers to their doom below, as their bodies crashed into whatever awaits them.  This sort of desperation is haunting] .  My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones during this time.  Anniversaries of this nature will always hurt and the wounds of loss may never heal... 

As the Full Moon [that occurred on the 17th] still has its effects for what could last until the end of the week, we are in an emotional period right now.  If there have been feelings of anger, frustration, depression, anxiety, disrespect, and despair during this time, knowing that these feelings are due to be heightened ahead allows us to be better equipped mentality for such an encounter.  

We may even be in a situation where it requires courage to press forward towards what we are looking to achieve.  It won't be easy, but come October [which is just around the corner] the fruits of our labor will present itself in its infancy.  We must remember to focus on what we CAN control and to ask for God's help for our frustrations of things we CANNOT control [like another person's behavior].  We are all at the last stretch.  In my own words, we can all say, "Relax, JUST DO IT!"  This means thinking about it appears to be the real hard part, whereas doing seems to reduce stress.  Plus, progress is good for us!  It makes us feel amazing!  After all, what's ultimately more important than the way we feel?  

AMOR FATI

Thank you and good night.

P.S. Please pardon any grammatical errors, as I wrote it as a first draft without editing or any possible revisions yet.  When this message has been deleted, it means that I have done some "clean up".

 I do not own this photo.  Should the owner request to remove the cool photo, I will do so and replace it with another one.  Thank you if your letting me display your art!  :-) 

Lion's Gate, Part III: The 888 Portal

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." 

-Galatians 6:9

The 888 Lion's Gate Portal is open!  We will feel its effects for the rest of the month.

When it comes to our goals, we need to remember to focus on the very next step ahead.  Once completed, go onto the next, and so on.  This keeps us from getting overwhelmed during this highly emotionally charged period; where on one hand, we may feel like we can accomplish a lot, and on the other, we may also feel like we are on the verge of collapse.  Also, while taking action, we must also be mindful to relax yet remain alert.  This is that "flow" state that many high performing professionals attribute to their success.  Stress and worry will only slow us down, while giving us a false sense of power.

AMOR FATI

Thank you and good night.

P.S. Let's continue to focus on what matters in our minds.  It's simply mind over matter; what we don't mind, doesn't matter!

Lion's Gate, Part II: You Cannot be Sirius!

"Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one."

-Bruce Lee

We are now experiencing growing pains leading up to the zenith of the Lion's Gate on the 8th (8/8/2024: 2+0+2+4 = 8 for 888); an event that only happens every nine years!  With the New Moon in courageous Leo that passed on the 4th, the dichotomy of positive creativity and seemingly negative interactions has surfaced.  This is with the understanding that there is always immense chaos before prominent order.  Keep in mind too that this period is the hottest part of the year.  We may feel drained physically and emotionally during this time.  We could also simultaneously undergo a surge in innovation and the drive to succeed.  The most important thing to do, is to focus on the step in front of us towards our goals.  After that, focus on the next step, and so on.  Everything else that is not aligned with enriching our lives is a mere distraction.  This is our key to manifestation.  How else do we plan to get to where we need to go?

AMOR FATI

Thank you and good night. 

P.S. I didn't misspell "serious" in the title.  :-)

Lion's Gate, Part I: A Quarter Century Mark

 “Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different." 

― Oprah Winfrey

Today is the birthday anniversary of Truffie, our family's beloved German Shepard.  He would have been a quarter century old or 25 years young.  While I do miss him from time to time, it's this day that my heart feels that void the most.  I couldn't have asked for a better friend in this lifetime.

Still, I made sure I did my best to make this day both productive and fun.  Going to the gym after long daily deep work sessions has been crucial, not just for my physical health but for my mental health as well.  So today, after the gym, I thought to go and visit my favorite local pub, as a regular on Thursdays.  

It was an enjoyable time, with great food and company.  I had a blast having a conversation about the rock group Rush with a German couple.  I didn't "connect the dots" to my GSD until just now!  In other words, what had happened was a cool and unusual synchronicity.

With the Lion's Gate portal open [about to reach its peak on the 8th (8/8/2024: 2+0+2+4 = 8 for 888); an event that only happens every nine years!], it truly is a good time to socialize.  Of course, we are to balance that with solid work.  I've noticed when I get into that deliberate extreme of only deep work, my mind isn't as effective as when I find a way to decompress and even have fun.  

In fact, I admittedly made that mistake of working too late last night, and my results suffered.  Not only that, it somewhat carried over to the next day, where I had find a way to regain my energies.  Luckily, that came in the form of those outlets described previously.  We also have a New Moon in courageous Leo on the 4th, that will boost our confidence to boldly move forward with what we want to achieve. 

AMOR FATI 

Thank you and good night.

P.S. Don't be too surprised if people from our past suddenly appear, and may even reach out to us.  Remember, it is our choice who we want and who we don't want in our lives!

P.P.S. Truffie is spelled T-R-U-F-F-I-E (The last two letters stand for "in essence").