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So we’ve got some New Moon Leo energy going on in a last fiery burst of summer, that all signs are encouraged to enjoy (especially socially) to the fullest. I have to say from personal experience, this has indeed been an extremely busy and social summer (especially compared to the early warm seasons of the pandemic, respectively 2020 and 2021). For better or worse, people are weary of taking so many precautions and are picking and choosing their risk factors and events they want to attend anyway, indoors, or out. Is this a bad thing? I’m not sure. I still take precautions where they’re mandatory and/or encouraged, but I’m not nearly as vigilant or OCD as I used to be. I supposed it’s because one cannot stay in a heightened state of anxiety, and fear of huge, impending doom for a prolonged period of time. Because that’s not healthy either, right? The more folks I talk to, it’s a whole grab bag of potential impending doom scenarios: from Russia and the threat of Nuclear War (or other countries who’d like to take over the U.S.), the COVID pandemic that never ends and now has so many vaccine-resistant variants you can’t keep track of them all, the ever-present threat of domestic terrorism, Cheeto cultists, election conspiracy extremists, crazy lawmakers that want to take us back to medieval times, an onslaught of random and targeted gun violence, not to mention climate change, unnatural disasters that are accelerating at a daily rate with alarming speed, and oh yeah, Monkey Pox. In short, plague, disease, pestilence, fires, floods, the crumbling of an American empire and democracy and human civilization as we know it. Kinda feels like end times, doesn’t it?

I arrived a little late to the party—the party of the B-52's summer classic, "Cosmic Thing." In June of 1990, I had just graduated Madison Area Technical college with a commercial art degree. I was saving up dough to head out West and explore my possibilities in California. In the backroom of the small custom frame shop while measuring and precision-cutting mounting board, I rifled through the store owner's CD stash to inspire me while I worked. The bright, inviting colors of "Cosmic Thing" immediately caught my eye, and I already knew I dug the B-52's. From then on, I was hooked. It is the quintessential hot season record, where every single song on the album is a must-listen to.

My partner and I recently acquired a mint condition vinyl of it, and I have to say, these songs stand the test of time. From the title track encouraging you to "shake your honey buns," to the zen utopian ballad of "Topaz," you do indeed feel compelled to shake it and sing along. The dystopian panic of, "Channel Z," still feels incredibly pertinent today, compellingly shouted/sung by frontman Fred Schneider. The harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson have never sounded more lovely, and drummer Keith Strickland really stepped up to help write most of this amazing tuneage.

Beltane is always an exciting time of year and I cherish it every time it rolls around. The possibilities of new endeavors, fun and frolic, and better things ahead always seem to crystalize between Earth Day and May 1^st for me. There are many ways that you can choose to celebrate, whether it’s dancing around a local May Pole, just dancing with abandon with some good friends, having a sensual picnic with your loved one, or treating yourself with love to a flower-filled bubble bath and a good home-cooked meal. To me, this major Sabbat is about flooding all yours senses with all the good things you can handle. In short, do what truly makes you happy. Life is way too short to fritter away precious time doing things we think we’re supposed to do or ought to do. For once, set the obligations aside for just this one day and treat yourself. Think of it as a bonus birthday to yourself.

Now more than ever, the earth is crying out for our help. Natural disasters have become an unnatural common occurrence on every corner of the globe. To turn a blind eye on what we see going on around us every day, even if it doesn’t effect us directly, is akin to being the monkey who sees no evil until it is too late. Our neglect and willful ignorance on this matter is most definitely to our own peril. The common question is often, “Well, what can I do? What small difference can I make?” A lot my friends, a lot. Every little bit helps. According to recent expert reports, at this point we have roughly three years to act, otherwise we’re pretty much screwed. Of course, we already should have been taking steps back in the 70s when the first Earth Day was introduced by Environmentalist Senator Gaylord Nelson, from my home state of Wisconsin, no less, but we still have a small window to make an impact.

GET INVOLVED

Many communities have river cleanups and activities not just today, but throughout the year. Look up what’s going on close to home and start there.

Spring is about to bloom this Sunday and all the little critters outside are feeling quite frisky about it. Squirrels are chasing each other scurrying up trees, the first robin hopped into view the other day on my nature hike, and a bright, red cardinal flew across my path to alight on a tree branch directly diagonal from me. Staring at his brilliance a moment as we regarded each other, I decided to try and communicate with him. I attempted a few series of whistles that I remembered being close to a cardinal bird call. After a few tries, he trilled back loud and clear. I answered him, mimicking back the chirp as loudly and accurately as I could muster. We went back and forth like this for a full five minutes, much to my delight. I probably would have stayed on longer, but the park gate was set to close at 3 p.m. and I didn't want to get shut out to the quicker path back to my residence. He continued to trill happily after me, after I bade him goodbye. I gave a few extra return calls over my shoulder in appreciation. When I looked back, I noticed that he had hopped up to a higher branch to see me and stay parallel from me as I left. I know that they say that birds can be souls of departed loved ones come to visit, and I couldn't help but feel that special connection with our exchange. My grandmother's favorite bird was the cardinal, and my birthday is next week. She used to love St. Patrick's Day and celebrating her Irish heritage, so I definitely think something divine was at work, here. Even if it was a male bird, I don't think the spirits worry much about gender. It filled my heart with joy as I walked back home.

Ren Faires and the Spring Equinox

My Spring Equinox guest for "Women Who Howl at the Moon" this month is Melissa Starks. She sometimes goes by the moniker "Mistress Penny" and has even hosted a sauerkraut eating contest at one of the faires! She has had quite an interesting journey as a "road renny," stockbroker, substitute teacher, and chainmail jewelry maker. (Peruse her handmade designs at https://enchanted-chains-jewelry.square.site/) You can hear all about her adventures on my SoundCloud page. Think about the new things you'd like to coax into springing forth on your own journey. What can you make bloom?

We've been in deep hibernation mode for a spell, now. Like finding all balances though, there's always that light on the horizon after being immersed in darkness for so long. I myself have noticed more brilliant sunsets recently, and even on the iciest of cold days, the sun shining brilliantly for all to see. It's nature's little miracles like that that continue to give me hope. Hope is what we all need to keep pushing on, to keep going—even when we're beyond weary and hope seems like it is in short supply. Holding onto some optimism when much of the world seems engulfed in gloom and doom can be vital. Our planet and our country needs the optimists to keep plugging along and getting things accomplished in a proactive way. If we can carry and share that wherever and whenever possible, it can only help humanity. Small acts of kindness for a friend, neighbor, or stranger are great pay it forward practices. Rather than sit in despair, immobilized, and lament, "what can I possibly do to make a difference," get up and get out there and just start doing with a good heart. Every little bit counts and is indeed crucial right now. If enough of us are able to continue doing what needs to be done in spite of obstacles, then good and hope can always exist in the world. Don't get me wrong. I know we all get blue sometimes and feel like nothing matters. I'm not suggesting completely ignoring the harsh realities that are occurring all around us. I just happen to think everything is best faced with a positive attitude whenever possible, however much you can muster. It certainly can't hurt, and if it can help yourself and others in the long run, then blessed be! I myself need to follow that path to function at my fullest potential.

Full Moon Today

The Leo Quickening Full Moon will be in all its glory at 10:56 a.m. CST today, and it should shine nice and bright this evening. There are a few different rituals or spells you could perform, depending on your goals. You could enact a hearth and home protection spell, as suggested by Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook. To simplify, open a curtain or shade to let in the light of the full moon and smudge all the doorways and windows in your home with a sage stick. Alternately, you could meditate on the coming spring. Focus on what you'd most like to plan and plant in conjunction with the coming Spring Equinox next month. This is a month associated with fire, so if you have access to a fireplace, by all means, this is the night to light one. Combine both of the above rituals to celebrate the coziness of your homestead and meditate on what's to come.

January’s Full Moon is also known as the Cold Moon, and most likely a large majority of us are feeling a wintery chill about now.  Many of us are also slowing down and hibernating—becoming more reflective about the world we live in and our place in it. I find it appropriately intriguing that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on this date of the Cold Moon this year. To reflect what Dr. King accomplished in his lifetime, as well as mourn for all the more he could have done if his life had not been cut tragically short are definitely issues to be meditated on for Monday, January the 17^th, 2022.

It could additionally be a time to get out your journal and write your thoughts down. See what comes to the surface when you let yourself go for three pages straight without stopping. You may find patterns, an old habit to lose, or some new ideas to implement. If you were to record yourself in a confessional format, what sorts of things would you talk about? What would you choose to share with people? Would you keep your cards close to your chest? Or would you bare all—being honest and liberated in the process?