August 24th, 2015

I had my first round of classes today, and on the whole, they went pretty well. I did spend a couple of hours doing homework this afternoon, but it luckily wasn't anything too stressful. I was able yesterday to read my new book from the thrift store, but by the time I finished it, I didn't get the chance to do a review. Hopefully I can bang one out in short order here.

Once again, the title of this was We'Moon '07: Gaia Rhythms for Womyn. The 2007 theme was "On Purpose".

This was a datebook and sort of almanac for the year 2007, but it also contained a lot of general astrological information, poetry, short stories, information on the sabbats, and lots of gorgeous illustrations. Interestingly, the calendar component also followed the lunar calendar, so there was that element of femininity to it.

Parts of this book were really great, and parts I was less interested in. The spelling of "women" as "womyn" threw me off a bit. I do have grapheme > color synesthesia, and any time the spelling of something is altered, it also changes the color of the word, so that was weird. They did it, they explained, to create a word etymologically separate from the word "men"; "women", "female", and etcetera are all obviously derived from words referring to the male gender, which the authors apparently found too patriarchal. I sympathize with the sentiment, but found their solution to read as rather contrived.

Besides that small linguistic criticism, I found it to be very readable, and actually more inclusive than I had been afraid it would be. Obviously the calendar was eight years out of date, but if this sounds like the sort of thing you'd want to look into, they are offering a 2016 datebook on their website here.

The message of this book, On Purpose, was really about intention, and using one's energies to focus on the future. A lot of the works asked, what can I, as a person, do to make the world a better place for future generations, and I think that's a message which still bears relevance eight years later. Much of the discussion was about the environment and climate change, but social justice was also a prevalent theme.

There was a poem about being gender-nonconforming, some art and a story by disabled women, works which crossed racial lines... In general, it struck me as being one of the more intersectional books I've come across.

I'd originally bought the book thinking maybe I'd cut out the artwork and do a collage or something, but now that I've read it... Yeah, I think that's just going to stay intact on my bookshelf.

A few other things from today...

That's my "back to school" picture outside the design building.

And then, I was able to pick some sage today!

I only got a couple of leaves, but remember that spiral garden I helped build last spring? Sage and kale were about the only things that grew, and there's a lot of them! I'll probably harvest more gradually, but I need to clean out another jar first.

April 25th, 2014

Yes, I have an excuse for not posting. No, that doesn't make it okay. But between my last senior musical, directing a one-act play, and preping for graduation, perhaps you can understand why I haven't done much blogging lately. (Fanfiction might also have something to do with this, but you didn't hear that from me.) We went to the zoo a month (or two) ago, and I bought me a piece of Dalmatian Jasper, so I thought it might make a good apology to blog about that today.

 

Dalmatian Jasper

Physical Characteristics: Jaspers appear in a multitude of colors according to the content of the sediment they form in, and are also affected by the presence of other minerals, volcanic ash, etc. Dalmatian Jasper, because of its coloration, is often dyed and may be sold as fake Turquoise or other spotted stones.

In Nature: Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony, and is likewise an impure silica (that makes it a Network Solid, for all you AP Chem students!). In this particular variety, my research on the internet suggests that the black spotted inclusions are actually pieces of Black Tourmaline, but I do not know that for a fact. If anyone has more information, please feel free to comment.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

 
Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 - 7 (middle)

Can be Found: America, India, and Mexico are the only sources I found cited on the internet, but I'm sure it's more common than that. Again, there seems to be rather a dearth of information.

Healing Properties*: In healing magick, this is a stone to boost the immune system and clear toxins from the body. It is said to aide disorders of the bowels, benefit the muscles, and prevent sprains. Because of its tendency to improve the mood, it may help those suffering depression or those trying to quit smoking.

Magickal Properties: A subspecies of Brown Jasper, this is a nurturing, protective stone. It is also a stone that assists in the manifestation of one's ideas and goals, and could feasibly be useful to an entrepreneur, a student, or even a first-time home buyer. The stone grounds, absorbs atmospheric negativity, and inspires tranquility while reducing geopathic and environmental stressors. The stone's spotted pattern associates it with the animal kingdom, especially the dogs for which it is named, and may be particularly useful when working with your pet or helping children overcome a fear of animals. In the home, Dalmatian Jasper strengthens family ties, encouraging fidelity and emotional harmony. Children may be additionally aided by it as a ward against nightmares. This crystal breaks illusions and is an all around "pick-me-up" stone. Interestingly, Ancient Europeans and Native Americans alike used it to summon rain.

Chakra Association: First (Root) Chakra

Element: Earth

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Earth, according to what I've read. I've never heard of an Earth planetary association before; usually, it's only elemental. Nevertheless, that's the impression I have at this time. Brown Jasper has a Saturn association, so that could also be appropriate.

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

June 24th, 2012

I lead a busy life, even during the summer, and of course I had to immediately begin preparing for a second trip after our Niagara experience. Nick and I agreed months ago to go with some other teens from my parent's church to Indiana's Shades State Park, a trip which fell on the 21st to the 23rd. Church stuff aside, the yearly trip is actually quite nice, and includes camping and canoeing on the lovely Sugar Creek. This year, Indiana has been very dry, so the Creek was much lower than usual. Therefore, we were all very glad when it rained a bit on the 21st (the rain conveniently held off until we had all our tents set up). Once the rain stopped, we went on a hike through the forest. The trails run near or through the park's many ravines, which can make walking difficult when it is wet. This year, the stream beds were largely dry, so things were less challenging, although given the previous rain, the wooden stairs up and down the ravines were very slick. I fell twice, and would have tobogganed down the stairs if I hadn't grabbed the handrails.
The following day, we went canoeing. Because the Creek was low, we had to drag the canoe in many places, but we still got in plenty of paddling; my shoulders will be sore for several days. The shallow water did have its advantages: we could see all the fish in the Creek. There were thousands of tiny minnows, as well as bigger carp, bass, and some kind of gar or pike. Nick spotted a turtle (not to mention all the frogs and toads), and we spent probably 80% of the trip following a trio of herons, who would fly 50 feet or so, wait for us to catch up, and then fly on again. Nick laughed when I suggested that maybe they were leading us back to camp, but I don't think it was that ridiculous an idea; twice, the Creek split, and we couldn't tell which way to go. Both times, the herons flew the direction we needed to head, and we discovered later that the other fork just led to a blocked area. Perhaps it would have been passable on both sides if the water was higher, but that day, the herons definitely knew what they were doing. And according to Native American tradition, the heron is regarded as having good judgement, as well as being a source of wisdom. I think I was not as far off base as Nick may have believed. Later, we canoed past an entire flock of turkey vultures, saw some kingfishers, and discovered some cool fossils.

When we returned to camp, we roasted hot dog dinners and took another hike. It was strange - I had literally just told Nick that I'd like to see one of the park's white tailed deer when I looked up, and one was picking its way up the side of the hill.
We got back on Saturday. I'd wanted to stay longer, as the park sported a few posters advertising a party that was to be held in honor of the park's 60-year anniversary, complete with Native American music and drum circle. Unfortunately, we had a schedule to keep, so sticking around wasn't possible. Since my return, I've largely been focusing on re-reading some old favorites and doing summer homework. I couldn't be more thankful for this opportunity to see some of the goddess' finest natural beauty. Have you gone on any exciting vacations this summer?

April 23rd, 2012

It is, in today's modern age, sometimes difficult to adhere to concept of nature worship. Of course we recycle, we tend a garden, we try to use nature-friendly cleaning products, and all that is wonderful. However, as a student, I am constantly besieged by commitments to homework, family, friends, and the omnipresent television shows, apps, and Facebook. Today, I realized that it has been ages since I was outside for more than a few minutes, walking to the car or back from the bus stop. Some of this is due to the weather; it is only just now spring, and after the recent rainstorms, it has been cold. However, it is nevertheless a personal duty and joy to be outdoors, something I'd rather forgotten. So, after an initial argument, Nick talked me into biking to a nearby business district, rather overrun with trash that had blown off the garbage truck. We took some bags, headed over, and picked up as much of the junk as we could shove into our bags. And here's the funny thing, the thing daily life has made me forget: being outside feels good. It's good for everything. The sun causes your skin to produce Vitamin D, your brain releases endorphins (a natural mood booster), and the natural world helps strip us of some of the toxins that comes from being inside all the time. The body feels refreshed, revitalized. When I got home from school today, my backpack had made my shoulders ache horribly. Now I hardly notice. I think if we all got outside a little more, people might find themselves to be happier more often. On that note, I'll leave a song for you to consider...

April 22nd, 2012

Happy Earth Day! Today is beautiful; open the windows and enjoy the sunshine. Here are a few things you can try to make your Earth day a little more special:

• Consider making an offering to Gaia, any local nature spirits, or simply to the earth itself.
• Plant a garden.
• Go out locally and pick up trash.
• Take a walk or a bike ride through a local forest preserve.
• Attend a spiral dance, or make up one of your own.
• Go to an environmental rally, or make a donation.