 Greetings! I know it's been a while. Still working on EtymologyRules; the book is being revised and edited, and my goal is to print before the end of summer. Summer! How fitting. One of my summer goals is to print and begin selling EtymologyRules: Back to the Basics. I also seek to write more etymology and astrology articles and get back to teaching etymology. Going forward, I will be doing individual readings on a limited basis; I prefer to do these readings in person, so if you are ever in DC, let me know! Tomorrow is the first day of the summer solstice. The word solstice literally means "place at which the sun stands" (see Latin solstititum, sol: Sun and sistere: to stand) as the sun appears to stand in the same place for three days. The sun is at the highest point in the sky for three days, before it begins its descent (which is when the days begin to get shorter). This is the day of the year in which we receive the Most SunLight! How awesome is that!? I hope your plan is to soak it up and bask in the glory of the Sun, or Sol, or Ra, the great life giver. The solstice ushers in Cancer! Cancer is known as the crab today, but in ancient times, it was the Scarab. The scarab beetle represents renewal and regeneration (similar attributes of Scorpio). In Ancient Egypt, Ra, the sun "god" was thought to roll the sun across the earth to the horizon, through the underworld during the time of setting, and back to the surface the next day, as a sign of renewal. The scarab or dung beetle rolls dung into balls to lay eggs and/or store food; when the eggs hatch, the beetles are surrounded by food. The Egyptian deity Khepri, represented the scarab beetle, and his name literally means "transform" or "regenerate". The scarab doesn't fold the the challenges in life; he recreates his physical exterior, and the Egyptians recognized that he can show us how to take hold of our own lives rather than let life "happen" to us. The summer solstice is the time to muster all of our strength to transform our lives. The universe blesses us with this time, for at its height, the Sun emanates the strongest rays; we would be wise to use them transform.  Cancer, being the Moon in Western astrology, shows us that great transformation begins from within. Cancer, the mother of the Zodiac, is the ultimate transformer- she goes from being a maiden, to a mother, and finally, a matron. Throughout all these stages, she transforms; her experiences bring her knowledge and power, which we call magic (from Proto-Indo-European root magh meaning power or ability). She makes a way out despite the odds because her ultimate goal is guiding and promoting life. She is not the life giver (Sun), but she is the life sustainer. And the solstice is the time to ramp ourselves up to make a way; we can do anything that comes to our mind. The universe speaks to our commandments. Mothers command that their children be nurtured, nourished, and safe, and open themselves up to anything that brings benefit and joy to their children's lives. Think of your ideas and thoughts as children. Take care of them, and tend to their needs. Dig deep within, and determine what commands you must dictate to the universe to transform your life. So it's the time to soak up the Sun's power to continue to be cultivate magical Moorish minds; here are some summer solstice rituals: - sitting in the Sun - spiritual bathing - candle burning and meditation - spending time with family - spending time at home - spending time in nature  Summer Solstice 2017
This year, the Moon will be in Taurus during the solstice. How favorable!! A Taurus Moon is exalted in Taurus (3 degrees, so the height of the energy has transpired). Emotions are calm and we are able to patiently look within at ourselves, which ultimately allows us to be patient with others. Venus also in Taurus brings us peace and tranquility in our unions as well. Taurus energy represents solid self-esteem, and when we know our self-worth and have personal stability, we can better build with mates. Mercury is moving into Cancer and will conjunct the Sun exactly earlier in the day. Mars is also in Cancer at 10 degrees, acting more like Scorpio. Wherever Mars and Mercury are in your chart, they will cause emotional thinking and potentially overemotional reactions. Meditations, water bathing, and journal writing are key. And afterwards, quality time with your mate or a partner would be most beneficial. From a business perspective, it'd be a good time to plan with a business partner or create some type of business partnership. Mars and Jupiter square, and so we can be overly passionate, too sensitive, indecisive, and ultimately, block our ability to expand and grow. Take time to weigh your options, but ultimately, your intuition is your best guide at this time, especially with the trine of Neptune and Mars. The message here is think and consult the spirit before acting. Otherwise, you will likely experience many mis-steps and mistakes. Overall, tomorrow, and the next three days are good days to charge up and store energy to transform and manifest our dreams. Happy Solstice Moors. Islam, SB
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The Moon just moved into Libra, so the Sun and Moon are currently sextile. A good time for you and your mate to raise your consciousness together. If you are single, it's a good time for you to visualize your potential mate. Jupiter (ruling Sag) + Venus (ruling Libra) are positive energies, so use this window of time to set intentions of love and harmony- they will grow and you will receive abundantly in return.  Another aspect of Sagittarius is that what you invest is what you receive. Benevolence is a keyword of Jupiter and Sagittarius, and when you do well by others, you will receive exponentially from the universe. Being that Saturn is in Sagittarius, this will be an area of significant challenge. The Moon in Libra will help you tremendously. You may oscillate between two ideas in your mind (Libras aren't the best decision makers), but with meditation and focus, you will chose the one that is rooted in love. Then, you will raise your vibrations, which will help you to stick with your decision. The Houses that contain Sagittarius and Libra will determine what area of your life the Sun and Moon has the most effect.   These are accurate when you do some adjusting and bringing some extra information.
When we are angry, our initial response would be based on our Rising Sign. Your Sun sign is how you deal with anger, particularly based on the situation. For example, I'm a Cancer, so I only "go to bed" and cry when I am angry toward someone like my mom, dad, or a person very close to me (Cancer::kinfolk) Your Moon sign is likely how you FEEL you'd like to release the anger- and if you are angry enough, you will eventually do it. For example, I'm a Scorpio Moon, and yes, I have punched a wall, a mirror, etc...actually, I have an ex-boyfriend that is a Sag but when he got angry enough, he'd punch wholes in my apartment walls. He was also a Scorpio Moon (Sag Sun) Know Your Self. Anger is a low frequency emotion. Relax and re-channel that Mars and Moon energy toward something beneficial. And work through your anger. Because just like stress, it kills. Love and light Moors, SB So a while ago, someone asked me to do a blog post about Leos. Yes, I know it is Taurus season, and actually, Leo is a square to Taurus. But Leo, just like the Sun, is a source of love and light, which are the keys to life. Thus, it's always Leo-time (especially in their minds). Besides, Everybody Loves the Sunshine.  Firstly, Leo is the Lion. The Lion is the Key of the Jungle, meaning he or she is the ultimate leader (nobility is one of Leo's keywords). Leonine energy is powerful and extremely influential. Just look at the current president of the United States of America, Barack Obama. He is a Leo, and his popularity is unrivaled by any other president of the 20th or 21st century. Marcus Garvey is another example. As a precursor to the Moorish Divine and National Movement, Garvey used his power and influence to enlighten Moors to the fact that nationality is order of the day. And women Leos? Halle Berry, Vivica Fox, and the late great Whitney Houston. These women know or knew how to command the attention of a room, whether via the beauty or talent. Overall, the Lion is at its best regal, brave, and dominating and at its worst, domineering, indolent.  Sol, the Sun, from a 1550 edition of Guido Bonatti's Liber astronomiae. Leo is affection and passion. It rules the 5th House, which is the house of creativity. Planets in the sign or house indicate the means by which we express the things we love; our pleasures and avocations; courtships; children we bear; and overall, what is beneath our hearts. Pleasures include what is entertaining to us. The Sun in Leo or the 5th House is an expression of God. Remember, God etymologically means to invoke. Therefore, Leo is the Invoker, which we do via our willpower. The Sun (remember, the planet that rules Leo) represents willpower. This is why Leo is considered to be so powerful. Leos are able to direct their energy to manifest that which they will. As an invoker, they are able to bring all the elements together and direct them to operate exactly how the Leo sees fit. This is what makes them the great leaders that they are. The below image is Unelanuhi, the Sun Goddess of the Ani-Yuwiya (Cherokee). She is one of the few Sun goddess in the world pantheon of Sun deities. The Sun is typically identified as a male energy.  Leo/5th House represents Creativity- I think of television and radio in particular, as opposed to music (Venus/Libra and Pisces). Mercury in Leo makes me think of dancers, as Mercury is expression and Leo is dramatic. But the most important thing we could possibly create is human life. And thus, Leo and the 5th House also represent children. Planets in the 5th House and in Leo indicate how we show love to our children. It also represents our courtships- those relationships and interactions we have that lead us to have committed relationships (Libra) and ultimately the consummation of marriage (Scorpio), solidifying the union/bond. It's like the old song along: "First comes love (Leo), then comes marriage (Libra), then comes the baby in the baby carriage (Scorpio, as well as Leo again)", and the cycle continues with the birth of another Sun/life. Another key word for Leo is vitality.  Leo is sharing, particularly knowledge. Thus, Leo energy represents teaching, speaking publicly, and publishing written works. If Jupiter is in Leo, then one would teach about philosophy, law, and humanitarian principles. If Saturn in Leo is afflicted, it inhibits our ability to share, thus making one unlikely to publish their work or garner the attention of a significant enough audience to truly effectuate change. Think of publications, books, newspapers, periodicals, and the media- these are all friends of Leo. In terms of body, Leo rules the back, spine, and heart. Emotional strain and physical overexertion cause back and spine ailments in Leo people. Any afflictions of the Sun or planets in Leo are would indicate problems with ones' back and spine (think scoliosis), as well as the heart (think of heart disease). Overall, Leo is love and joy; however, be cautious of being bombastic and dogmatic. Leo's are actually one of the most insecure signs because the weight of the world is on their shoulders. They need a great deal of admiration and a person to cater to them; to support them in their highs and lows. Honors to the Leo energy- you are the Sun that brings us the light of vitality. Leo Correspondences
Gemstones: Ruby, Diamond, and Tiger's eye Herb: Rosemary Tarot: Sun; Strength Angel: Verkiel Color: Orange Candle Color: Metal: Gold There are three key components one must comprehend to read a chart 1) Planets: the planets are energy- each planet puts forth a particular energy. The Sun is will The Moon is emotional response and fecundation Mercury is communication and mental activity Venus is coalition (love and money) Mars is force Jupiter is expansion and growth Saturn is obstruction or discipline (which leads to success) Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are generational planets to addressed in a later post 2) Signs: there are twelve signs, addressed in a previous blog; signs describe how the energy plays out. Please see the blog "Astrological Descriptions" for information about each sign. 3) Houses: the houses are the Earth divided into 12 segments; each segment is ruled by a sign and represents an area of one's life. See below for a description of each house:  The key to interpreting a chart is to synthesize the information provided to generate a summarized description of a person, place, thing. This is the tricky part- ironically, it correlates to being a critical thinker and reader, as you must be able to take independent components and put them together to generate a new idea. For example, suppose a person has a Gemini Sun in the 5th House. That would indicate that the person uses the life force energy for entertainment and recreation/entertainment. They would be highly creative, and express themselves through the written word. This is a good placement for a writer of any sorts. If the Sun is trine or sextile Jupiter or Mercury, this would be even more auspicious for a writer- for Jupiter expands and brings benevolence to that which it touches, while Mercury brings great mental activity (making one a great teacher of children). If Mercury is in Leo, it would promise a successful career in publications.
Now, take the same planets, but add negative aspects. The Gemini Sun in the 5th House squaring Jupiter would likely cause one to struggle to become a published writer, although they may have excellent and expressive writing skills. Likewise, with Mercury squaring or opposing the Gemini Sun, a person might have great ideas but struggle to put pen to paper- a perpetual writers' block. As you practice reading your own and others' charts, start with the "Holy Trinity"- that is the position of the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant (AC). Identify the House that the planets are in (Sun and Moon) as well as their zodiac sign. Identify the sign on the cusp of the Ascendant. Analyze how other planets affect the Sun, Moon, and AC. Also, look for areas with a great deal of energies or planets. This is a stellium, and most times, you must actively work to balance that energy. This is why you would want to master the Law of Opposites- if you have a stellium, only focusing on that opposite energy can balance you out. Do this by a) identifying the sign and b) chanting/focusing on angels, stones, colors, etc... that are associated with the opposite sign, or c) think about what that opposite sign represents, find it in your chart (what house does it occupy? any planets in that sign?) and actively work to incorporate more of that energy in your chart. If you have a stellium in Cancer or in the 4th House (home, domestic, roots, family), you need to place more emphasis on Capricorn or the 10th House, which represents work, career, and public acclaim for the success you experience. If you have too much energy in Taurus or the 2nd House, you likely focus too much on material gains for your own personal usage, as opposed to gaining with another person (making you less self-centered/oriented)- this could be a mate, a business partner, or someone in your family with whom you have a deep bond. Astrology is a science of geometry, psychology, mythology, cosmography, and symbology. It is not "spooky" or a "pseudoscience"; it is actually a practice that is prevalent throughout the world in some form or fashion. Holidays are all days honoring astrological, and subsequently agricultural phenomenon. Christmas is literally the "birth of the Sun"- look at the zodiac wheel, and you will note that the Sun sits at the bottom of the wheel on the night of December 21st, the winter solstice where it dies or hides, immobile for three days and three nights. Yet he is reborn the morning of December 25. Easter is a holiday honoring Eostre, or Astarte, or Ashteroth...all correlating to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, and the planet of love. Easter came out of an Anglo-Saxon celebration of the spring equinox. And it coincides with Passover (Judaism). Now Easter occurs after the first full moon in Spring, which is naturally Libra, who home in Venus. Honestly, astrology is everywhere; I say it is the only religion, as all religious holidays and festivals and even narratives include astrology in some capacity. And as Baba Oduno says, "there is no culture without agriculture." I encourage everyone to study their chart; then look at your loved ones- it can help you better your relationships and place you in the natural rhythm of the universe. There is not such thing as a fatal star placement- there are unfortunate signs that manifest via our past life experiences (see Max Heindel)...yet, we can always use what the universe gives us to better ourselves. This is what the power of astrology is...so delve in with patience and a keen eye. Peace and love, SB Islam and Greetings, I know it has been a while since my last post; I have been putting a great deal of energy and focus towards my latest etymology projects: a) EtymologyRules, my etymology website with lessons, activities, and blog postings, and b) my etymology book. However, my love and passion of astrology has not diminished. If anything, etymology helps me to write better chart readings, as I am able to choose the most appropriate words to give a concise and clear interpretation that will truly benefit the reader. Today's blog posting will be brief, but I want to get back in the swing of posting more consistently. Firstly, it's TAURUS! I love this time of the year; probably because of all my Scorpio energy. It gives me the chance to balance out the depths of the waters of Scorpio and its ephemeral nature and stand on solid ground. Firm and consistent, Taurus is the wing beneath my wings; or rather, the soil beneath my feet. We plant seeds of life in Aries; they take root during Taurus. No denying the persistent, tenacious nature of this Earth sign, at its best; at its worst, Taurus is obstinate, rigid, unyielding, and unrelenting. This is mostly motivated by a fear of lack, as the 2nd House represents our possessions. Taurus needs his material needs met- he demands food, clothing, and shelter, and without it, he can turn to be a cold and distant brute. But have no fear; Taurus is ruled by the planet of Love. So revel in this time period and remember that the love of money is the root of all evil, and that we must love and value our Selves first. And it is Day 13 of the Bull- Venus + 13 is the Moon and the Star- the symbol of Islam (see picture below: Chicago Daily Tribute, 12/19/1925). Remember, 13 is the Moon, as there 13 moon cycles in a year. And there will be a Friday the 13th during Taurus season. An auspicious day for ritualizing indeed.  Taurus rules the throat and the voice- express yourself! It is how you value yourself. The planets on in the 2nd House and the sign on the 2nd House cusp indicates your possessions, how you value them, and how you feel about yourself. In the developmental path of human's life, it represents learning what is "mine" and using what one owns. It represents one's sense of taste and values. The 2nd House is the House of Possessions- what you own (except house and home- but it does include cars, furniture, clothing, moveable property, investments, and securities), Throughout the house, it indicates how you gain and you spend as well, and your general attitude towards wealth and material possessions. Your potential for accumulating wealth and material is also indicated by the aspects, signs, and planets in the house. Saturn, for example squaring the Moon would indicate one who is not wise with their finances- in fact, they likely spend by how they feel. It would obstruct gaining and spending finances. However, Jupiter and Venus are great signs, especially trine or sextile the Sun. This brings finance and also allows one to spend wisely and benevolently.
Keywords possessions, values, self-worth, self-esteem Gemstone emerald and rose quartz (Venus) Color Green (Venus) Angel Asmodel  It's truly Sagittarius season- time to be jovial, friendly, and generous. Holiday gatherings are coming up, time to get gifts to give and share with others. It is currently 0 degrees Sagittarius- the New Moon will be in the final decant of the sign. The last decant of Sagittarius is Leo-like, bringing expansive love and willpower to our higher thoughts. A great time to manifest that which you will. This is a time of gratitude and sharing. It's a time to grow and expand in our thinking and our knowledge. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, who is the King of the Deities. Jupiter is also the largest planet in our Solar System and yield considerable influence over us in the area of spiritual gifts. As the myth goes, Jupiter was the son of Saturn and Op. Saturn, being the tyrant that he was/is (think: Saturn is discipline and structure, leaving much room of tyranny) ate his children for fear of being usurped by them (as he did his father). However, Op, Jupiter's mom, hid him away upon his birth, and gave Saturn a swaddled stone to symbolize Jupiter. Saturn ate the stone and regurgitated all his children. Jupiter returned from hiding to overthrow his Father, thus taking his place as the magnanimous sky-God that he is known as today. His birth itself was a gift to his siblings and the world at large, as he brings more benevolence that Saturn (watch out Capricorn!)  Jupiter and Sagittarius correlate to Thursday, its auspicious color is Purple. Today is a great day to begin preparing for your Moon rituals
Let us not pontificate and be armchair philosophers- rather, let us internalize the concepts that bring gladness, joy, and peace to our souls. That is the Sagittarian way. Let us do so without becoming too comfortable or complacent. Let us follow the direction of the Archer's bow: notice that it is raised to the heavens, representing our reach to our higher selves. I leave you with the first five versus of the Chapter 39 of the The Holy Koran (Circle 7): "The Pinnacle of Wisdom" 1. As the eye of the morning to the lark, as the shade of the evening to the owl, as honey to the bee, or as the carcass to the vulture even such is life unto the heart of man. 2. Though bright, it dazzleth not; though obscure, it displeaseth not; though sweet, it cloyeth not; though corrupt, it forbiddeth not, yet who is he that knoweth its true value? 3. Learn to esteem as thou ought; then art thou near the pinnacle of wisdom. 4. Think not, with the fool, that nothing is more valuable; nor believe, with the pretended wise, that thou oughtest to condemn it. Love it not thyself, but for the good it may be of to others. 5. Gold cannot buy it for thee neither mines of diamonds purchase back the moment thou hast now lost it. Employ the succeeding ones in virtue. Islam, and Happy New Moon Did you know...  Friday the 13th is not a day of disaster (aster=star).
If the Sun is a Great Ball of Fire, let's say the size of a basketball, then Mars is the power of the Sun compacted to the size of a golfball. Super intense and strong, Mars packs a punch. This is most evident during Spring (Aries), when the world is "teeming with life", and beginnings are thrusted upon us as life forces itself through the cold, barren, grounds of winter. This is the will in motion, and it is Mars that ensures we do what we are called to do in life (an afflicted Mars stops our will from exacting its force).  Yet the Inner Will is the seat of this forceful power, and here is where Scorpio enters. She starts at the base on the spine, and rises as a fiery serpent, up each vertebrae, through the Crown (top of the head), to eventually illuminate the Pineal Gland (this is the story of the Illuminati- this is how they become 'masterminds'- through mastering the Kundalini serpent, which is Scorpio). Once the Pineal is enlightened, our mind takes hold of this light and transmits it throughout the entire body via nerves, chemical compounds, etc... This brings purity to our visions and insights. Thus, Scorpio is the ultimate science of regeneration, healing, and transforming you life.  Scorpio is Transformation: our fears are mixed with our visions, so it creates confusion (literally, a cloud of fog that takes over your mind). However, she takes us on each twist and turn in life until we have overcome and mastered our fears. She works well with Saturn, the father of limitation and challenge (remember, Saturn was there for the past 2-3 years). Scorpio is also joint finances and sex- both of these require vulnerability and openness with another. This is apart of transforming, in that we come here alone, but we must learn to be interdependent- not co-dependent, and not independent. Thus, Scorpio also requires us to master the fear of showing and being our Selves with other people.  Today is 11/11 and a new Moon in Scorpio, as well as the Sun being in Scorpio still. Scorpio is a fall position for the Moon, so it can bring a lot of emotional turmoil. But think of it as the Kundalini moving through the spine/tunnel/secret school of Self- it has to hit every bump and bruise on the way so that it can bring healing. It's a process. Those that have the day off, use it wisely, as you do your New Moon rituals. And don't forget your spiritual bath. If confusion is a cloud, the Sun in Scorpio is a light at the end of the tunnel, while the Moon in Scorpio is a flashlight. But the tunnel is our own mind/our spine, and they way out is the mastering of Scorpio in our own chart.
Astro Highlights: 11/8-11/14 Today (11/8): Sun at 15 degrees Scorpio; Moon at 11 degrees Libra, opposite Uranus You may feel the tug between being fiercely independent and the security that a union can offer. Work to find balance and harmony Monday (11/9): Venus enters Libra, conjunct to North Node Love, emotions, and Life's Lessons all come to a head on this day Tuesday (11/10): Sun trines Chiron and sextiles Jupiter at 17 degrees (Air) The ethers are open for honest and meaningful communication- this is the time and space to heal through our words Wednesday (11/11): Portal Degree! New Moon in Scorpio A good day for rituals- particularly for self-healing and inner transformation. Scorpio is transformation; on this day, our journey will be revealed to us more easily, as long as we are open, quiet, and still enough to perceive it. Thursday (11/12): Saturn at 5 degrees and 20 minutes (5 + 2= Circle 7) Pay attention to the mental attitude you bring to your challenges- remember that they exist to help you grow and expand, and to ultimately help you to be success. Review what success means to you- making progress on your journey itself should be honored as success. Friday (11/13): Mars enters Libra Mars is calmed, a bit relaxed right now, so do not sign up for any major battles or competitions. Now is the time to fight inner demons. Be patient with yourSelf. |
AuthorMy name is Selah Li-Bey, and I am an educator, astrologer, and lover of nature and life. Archives
January 2017
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Oya & Yemoya Astro
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This is my astro blog- I choose this name because Yemoya is the orisha-energy that is influenced by the element of Water and the Moon. I am a Cancer Sun with a Scorpio Moon. After years of studying my chart, I have learned how to embrace and work with all my energy. To learn moor about me, select the button below.
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