Valentine's Day, New Moon in Aquarius, Year of the Earthy Dog

We are still making adjustments to life on the prairie; three months and counting as the season shifts from winter to spring. Activity increases here on the Tilth. Pete prepares for the shifts consolidating our chattel and we inventory our values and our footprint.

Gratitude collects like the rain that fell over the past weeks; the earth soaks up the water. We do, too. There is a piece of writing that is taking its own sweet time with its intention. The content changes, my editing sense goes from east to west (full on to waning), I forget to account for the shift in seasonal conditions; and the reality of allergies that slow me way down; and the effect of scented products that addle my brain and my immune system.

My mind forgets. My body doesn't. Wheww ... I edit my expectations and send the message: " Low key Chinese New Year." Rather than host a celebration and gather people we will be doing personal ceremony and offer this post as a way to gather with you.

Our love and mahalo spreads like these beautiful hearts (filled with chocolate) and more sent by Mr. Kat and his Peep. Thank you generous Peggy!

Thank you Teri and Martin and Maurine (sorry about the mis-spell ... the Leprechaun caught it ... told me of my error) , too. The gifts were unbidden, unexpected so delightful.

Visual Credit

From the (western) astrology point of view: "The new moon in Aquarius takes place in the middle of the day (in the US) on February 15th. This is a partial solar eclipse.Remember, Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the Awakener.  Something is going to break loose with this, in your personal life. But we’ll also see it play in the headlines. This is virtually guaranteed with Mercury and Jupiter involved.  News will spread! (It's also a partial lunar eclipse.)This eclipse is very powerful.

Something else. "Great ideas will come from this due to Mercury's involvement. If your thinking has gone beyond its due date, this is a great time to experiment with something new.  - Elsa

I can relate to Elsa's suggestion about my thinking gone beyond its due date. Milk sits in our cooler after I've used it for this or that, but sour milk doesn't go to waste. Instead as long as my body will tolerate buttermilk pancakes that sour milk is perfect liquid. Still, my thinking is sometimes in need of experimentation. Astrologically? I have a very active Uranus in my natal character that loves to incite riots. Just look at my track record! If there's so serious a version of reality going on, Uranus The Trickster does stir things up. And there's Pete who was born Leprechaun in tall bones and a nose for busy-ness.

How about you? Got Trickster.

Chinese New Year begins Friday February 16th. A few characteristics of the Earth Dog  

"The Earth Dog may seem to be quite reserved and quiet at times but they have a persuasive manner and usually reach their goals with the greatest of ease. 
They are loyal and trustworthy but find it hard to forgive and forget if they feel their trust has been abused. The Dog prefers to become an expert at a few chosen activities rather than trying their hand at everything.
Dogs tend to worry a bit too much and see everything from a pessimist’s point of view. They are not materialistic or bothered about money; as long as they can support their family then they are happy." - Feng Shui Store

The 'loyal dog who may find it hard to forgive and forget' is something I can relate to. Perhaps there is room for a bit of Uranus in this Year of the Earthy Dog. Maybe at 70, softening the ground of my being could take on new meaning.


Lastly, we sent off a gift of goodies to O'ahu including a red envelope of lucky money to support  Leo Kupa. Leo Kupa are podcasts that feature stories and mana'o of kupuna, elders, and practitioners of traditional healing and wellness. These oral recordings are a project of Hui Mauli Ola.  Roughly translated leo kupa means 'voice of the locals.' To stay connected with Hawaii -- remembering that 'voice' of the ancestors-- while we live here on Whidbey, we spread some of the water (the wealth given us to get Pete and me home to Hawaii). We are water-catchers, drinking our fill but not drinking it all, before sending the gift on its way.

Listen to the most recent podcast of Leo Kupa (co-produced by our son Chris Kawika Brown and Kamakanui'aha'ilona Jingao) with Kaipo'i Kelling who shares his man'o about his tutelage as haumana, student, of Uncle Gerry Konanui.  Mahalo nui loa you guys!!

The leo, the voice of Hawaii is different than the voices heard here, if it is difficult to understand take a deep breath ... let it out. Ask for the heart and ears to hear something different.

E Ho Mai.
E Ho Mai.
E Ho Mai. E
E Ho Mai
Ka 'Ike Mai
Luna mai e.
O Na mea
Huna No'eau
O Na Mea E
E Ho Mai.
E Ho Mai.
E Ho Mai.

Try again. Listen again.

Happy Valentine's Day. Happy New Moon in Aquarius. Happy New Year of the Earthy Dog.

xo Mokihana and Pete