#I just become a lot more intense when reading anything that inspired a Project Moon character/story

[throughpatchesofviolet]

Now I just have to finish Dream of the Red Chamber ... but before that, I'm going to take a little intermission to read some of the sources that inspired my mutuals' OCs.

[radramblog]

Album Discussion- Floral Shoppe

Haha why do y’all let me do this.

It’s been almost a decade since Macintosh Plus (aka Vektroid, aka Ramona Xavier) popularised and codified vapourwave as a genre with its first actually popular release in Floral Shoppe. Since then this sub-sub-genre has developed its own subgenres and become its own flourishing marvel of internet music culture. But Floral Shoppe itself is worth examining- not to see where it all began (I haven’t even listened to Chuck Person’s Eccojams or Far Side Virtual yet), but where most people got into the genre. The lifting off point, as it were.

So grab your Arizona ice tea (don’t, it’s fucking awful) and lets dive in.

The first track, ブート(Boot), opens with a buttery smooth cymbal and saxophone line, obviously slowed down, but evoking a level of chill few songs manage to get to for their whole duration, in a total of approximately a minute. It’s a genuinely masterful piece of music. As the vocals come in, you hear them get twisted and chopped, distorted and looped, almost jolting you out of that trance, until it’s clear that the lyrics aren’t lyrics but another instrument, you get used to the nonsense, and you’re back in the zone. The looping with some of the instrumentation makes parts of it feel almost clockwork-like, in a very satisfying manner- especially as the majority of it gets muffled and you realise that opening bass/sax line has been running through the entire time. While the next track on this album tends to get most of the attention, I genuinely think Boot deserves just as much praise.

リサフランク420 / 現代のコンピュー (Lisa Frank 420/Modern Computing) is another one of those tracks where it’s just like, what could I possibly say about this that hasn’t been said. If you’re reading this, there’s basically no way you haven’t heard this song, so you know what I’m on about. It’s the quintessential vapourwave track, even if it’s showing its age a bit. It’s just so perfect. When I decided to write about Floral Shoppe, I didn’t really want to spend too much time here- me saying “hey I like this song everyone knows” isn’t the most interesting thing on the planet, I guess. I will say, it’s one of the few vapourwave songs you can actually sing along to, and that’s fun as heck.

Also, the lyric is “it’s all in your hands”, not “it’s all in your head”. To be fair, though, the distortion doesn’t help.

The album’s next track is 花の専門店 (Floral Shoppe, hey I didn’t know this album had a title song), a track that heavily relies on this really panned synth (you can’t even hear that on the left ear) and a lot of looping the same bit over and over again. Honestly, the first minute of this song gets a little grating, but it really picks up after that. It’s really fun and jazzy for a solid minute there, a lovely instrumental you can just groove to in your head. The fade out on this piece lasts wayyy too long for my liking, though- a full half minute of outro feels a little indulgent for this one.

Track four, ライブラリ (Library) is lowkey one of my favourites on the album- The slowed vocals work really well, and the instrumentation feels extremely deliberate and methodical. I think my biggest complaint with this song is just that it’s too short, considering Lisa Frank 420 is literally triple it’s length. But I suppose part of this project is how variable the track lengths are- it seems Vektroid was keen to work with these until she was out of ideas, and no longer, and I can’t help but respect that.

地理 (Geography) sounds substantially darker than the previous tracks, with incredibly low drones and a main line that… I mean I dunno how low it is but that shit is definitely in a minor key, you know. It’s also the sparsest track so far, with much more restraint in layering than anything else I can think of on the album. The atmosphere of this is heavy- I don’t know why, but it reminds me of that really creepy loading screen on the fuckin Magic School Bus goes inside the body Edutainment game. That’s probably a bit of a weird connection, but if you played that shit, you know how fucking eerie it’s soundtrack was, and that’s a bit of the vibe I’m getting from this track.

Our next track is a direct nod to Floral Shoppe’s predecessors in ECCOと悪寒ダイビング (Chill diving with ECCO), a reference to the aforementioned Chuck Person’s Eccojams Vol. 1 (itself a reference to the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive game Ecco the Dolphin), and Chill is absolutely right. While many vapour/synthwave pieces are more about entering an aesthetic or a vibe than actually listening to the music, as far as Floral Shoppe goes, that’s most true with this track. It’s also the third longest track here (behind Lisa Frank 420 and the next song), and while it doesn’t develop as much as one would hope based on that (or much at all), spending so long vibing out in a track like this is completely appropriate.

I’m going to be honest, I don’t care too much for the next track, 数学 (Mathematics). It might just be because it comes on the heels of ECCO, but the meandering in this doesn’t hit the same chord as that does. While I enjoy the saxophone on this song, all the shit going on in the background just kinda gets my anxiety going eventually. And by eventually, I mean about halfway through this near 7-minute monster. You’ve got these very chill elements that slowly get drowned out by the steadily rising and accelerating chaotic parts of the instrumentation that just take over eventually, and while it does chill back down again, that’s still a long time focussed on the worst parts of the song. This also really didn’t need to be as long as it is, considering the second half of the track is just, like, the same thing again…

We’re at track 8, and at this point I started looking at the Wikipedia page for the name translation and realising that I have no idea which song this is supposed to be. Like, the track lengths on the bandcamp suggest that this is the 2011 release and therefore this is 待機 (Standby), but it has the name of track 8 from the 2017 release, 外ギン Aviation (Foreign Banks Aviation)? This is confusing as fuck, but since this is the only track here with that issue, I’m assuming it’s actually Standby and someone fucked up somewhere. Oh right, the song itself. Well it’s fucking short, barely past a minute long, and doesn’t have too much going on. I’d call it short but sweet, it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Jazzy, loungy, kinda chill. I dunno.

て(Te) feels almost out of place on this album. I mean, the vibe is similar, but the birdsongs really come out of left field. This sounds like the track you’d hear in a video game after you’re finally out of a cave you spent hours in. If the build in this weren’t so intense, I think it’d fit right in on the Minecraft OST. That’s a compliment, for what it’s worth. It’s also worth noting this light at the end of the tunnel bit was absolutely intentional, because this used to be the final track of the album. However, there’s two more here, added in a 2012 reissue (originally they were unnamed bonus tracks), so we might as well check them out.

…under no circumstances should you check out track 10, 月 (Moon). I don’t know what vocal sample that is, but it is loud, and grating, and obnoxious, and the instrumentation is not doing enough to carry the repetition through. Holy shit, this is 6 minutes long. I’m going to be honest, I skimmed through this one, and it never changes what it’s doing. This is… a bold play, I’ll give her that, but it absolutely does not pay off. This has gotta be one of the worst songs I’ve heard in a very long time. What the fuck, Ramona?

Finally, 海底 (Seabed). This… is just like Moon, in that it’s a fucked up vocal sample that is looped over and over with little changing instrumental. The key difference is this one is less bad- the vocals aren’t as jilting, the instrumentation is chiller, and it is mercifully only 2 and a bit minutes. It’s far from good, but it’s not as immediately awful. Okay, it is pretty bad. These should probably have stayed as extras- and seeing as they apparently weren’t on the physical versions of the album (in fact a bunch of these songs changed for that), Vektroid appears to agree.

So that’s Floral Shoppe, and it’s really one of those albums that kinda drags on at the end. Frontloaded with the good shit, I suppose. Moon and Seabed aside, it’s not like anything is completely awful, but after 25 or so minutes you’ve kinda gotten the point. With that said, the album is as influential as it is for good reason- the first couple tracks are phenomenal, and once you’re drawn in by those, you’re probably going to appreciate the rest of it at least a little.

Modern vapourwave basically sounds nothing like Lisa Frank 420/Modern Computing, or Floral Shoppe at all- the genre has moved past plunderphonics almost entirely at this point, and the aesthetic has shifted to a more consistent, less memeable tone. Even Macintosh Plus is going new directions- the single released in December 2019 as a teaser for Vektroid’s next project under the name sounds nothing like this album, though it is completely fucking awesome (and completely fucking batshit). While it seems like the genre itself has moved past Floral Shoppe, though, it’s still the touchstone the majority of people, especially those unfamiliar with the genre, recognize as the herald of Vapourwave. I’m pretty sure this was the first album to do the whole pink aesthetic, marble bust, computer graphics style, and clearly that’s the style everyone thinks of when they make bad vapourwave art. That’s the aesthetic this album inspired. Long may it reign.

(Ok seriously though guys go listen to VAPERROR or George Clanton or something)

[hermeticimp]

Witchy Then Vs. Now #WakingWitchblr

Hey guys! So, I’ve seen a bunch of posts on witchy things we’ve done as children. I really love the idea and have been meaning to do a post on it for the longest, but I wanted to add a bit of a twist. Instead of just making a list, I want to compare and contrast my childhood witchy things to my practice now. This is definitely something I want to see other people’s takes on as well, so feel free to tag this under the #WakingWitchblr or #WitchyThenVsNow. Without further ado, I’m going to do mine! 

Elemental Work

Then: I was super into shows like Shaolin Showdown and Pokemon, which had plenty of abilities that were linked to particular elements. Back then, I found myself very attracted to fire, wishing that I could have the ability to manipulate it. Kimiko was my favorite because of that (besides the fact that she was the only female member of the group). I was also into water pokemon like Squirtle and Staryu. I found it funny when I found out I was a Fire Rat under the Chinese zodiac. Despite knowing that Libra was an air sign, I identified more with the passion and intensity of fire. 

Now: I work with all the elements! XD Nah, but seriously, now I see the strengths and weaknesses of each element, then use whichever one or ones work best for the situation. I do a lot of work with fire through candle and sun magic. I work with water via cleansing, water magic, and lunar magic. I use earth when grounding, relaxing, and using crystals and my wooden wand. I use air when I work with the wind, humidifiers/diffusers, and incense. I still love fire, but not so much for the cool factor. I find myself much more aligned to air now, actually. Of course, I now know I’m an air sun, fire moon, and water rising, so that’s entertaining. 

Astrology

Then: Speaking of signs, when I first picked up an astrology book in the 3rd grade, I was only aware of sun signs, as most people do when first stepping into the subject. I was fascinated by the different signs and figuring out who was which based on birthday. I would read off sections from books or apps I had and found it hilarious when people freaked out about how accurate things were. In middle school, I started learning about moon and risings signs. It was an interesting experience, but I still focused more on sun signs. 

Now: Goodness gracious, I’ve come so far. XD Not to say I’m an expert at all - far from it - but I now understand more about astrology as a whole. I can read a birthchart, I have an astrology mentor, I understand that there are placements for each of the 10 planets. Astrology has become a major aspect of of my craft. I (try to) follow the moon cycles and other transits. I utilize astrology in my divination readings. I’m fascinated by seeing the different ways people express each of their placements and their charts as a whole. I’m a student of astrology (primarily modern and evolutionary) who is always eager to learn more. Soon, I’ll share some of my notes, but not quite yet. 

Astronomy

Then: I was super into reading books on space as a child. I often found myself nose deep, learning about galaxies, stars, black holes, meteors, comets, and so on. It wasn’t odd to find me staring up at the stars and Moon whenever I had the chance. I was fascinated by astronomical events, like meteor showers or lunar eclipses. I adored planetariums. I wanted the glow-in-the-dark star stickers on my ceiling like my cousins had. I wanted a constellation projector. I was ecstatic to work on a project regaring Haley’s Comet. Space excited and thrilled me in a way nothing else did. 

Now: It’s a shame, but I don’t really focus on space much outside of celestial magic and astrology. Don’t get me wrong, I still find space exciting and I will always have eyes for the Moon and the stars, but I’m not keeping up with the science like I used to. There’s still a sense of affection when I happen to read articles on new discoveries or technology or when I see pictures of the solar system and galaxies. However, my focus is mainly on the movements of the heavenly bodies and how that impacts us. I work with the energy of different planets through associations and timing spells for planetary hours, but that’s about it. 

Crystals

Then: Oooh, boy. So I was a major nerd as a kid (if you haven’t caught onto that by now. Honestly still AM. XD), so I adored going on science trips. At museums, it was common to find all kinds of rough crystals for cheap. I thought they were cool. I loved the colors and the feel of them against my fingers. I was drawn to rough rose quartz, amethyst, granite, and quartz back then. With tumbled stones, it was amethyst, ruby, sapphire, topaz, and tiger’s eye. I collected them as a child and was always excited to add to it. This interest kind of faded out as I went on less and less school trips to science museums. 

Now: You will pry crystals out of my cold, dead hands. XD Seriously though, I have a whole bunch of crystals. I keep them on my altars, in a metal box by my bed, and all over my room, honestly. I favor tumbled stones more than rough ones, but there’s still an affection for rough rose quartz and quartz. I adore tiger’s eye, amethyst, carnelian, moss agate, and amazonite.Crystals are a major part of my work. I use them in just about all of my spells, from the ritualistic ones to minor aches and pains-based ones. I occasionally meditate with them. I will most likely be found wearing some kind of crystal jewelry. My spells may be infrequent, but they’re a regular ingredient (which I’ll get into in another post). 

Animism

Then: As a child, I believed everything had some kind of spirit, from the stars, to the Moon, to the wind, to my stuffed animals. I remember talking in my head to the moon anytime I could. I imagined hearing her speak back to me (and a lunar deity very well could have been, who knows?). I remember when I would play games reminescent of Noah’s ark, wanting to bring everything I loved with me in the event of a disaster. I’d place all my toys under my blankets and feel at ease, knowing that everything was safe and had its place. I very well could have been influenced by media like Toy Story or Cars. Either way, I vividly remember all of that. 

Now: I now know that this is the concept of animism. It’s an ideology that I still believe in whole-heartedly. I still talk to my stuffed animals (room’s full of them), I’ve dedicated some to my deities, I’ve spoken to the spirits of plants and trees, I greet the Sun and talk to the Moon as I used to, I have a spirit in my pendulum. It’s a part of my practice and philosophy. I’m not as all over the place with it as I was a child, but it still matters deeply to me. 

Mythology

Then: I was first introduced to mythology by a friend in 5th grade, as I’ve mentioned before on this blog. Or rather, I was introduced to Greek mythology at that time. I had grown up reading Native American and African stories, such as those of Anansi. I found Greek mythology to be fascinating. Haven grown up in a Christian family (though my parents were rather lax about it and encouraged us to explore our personal beliefs), I’d read the Bible plenty of times. I didn’t really believe in those stories, particularly because God was either portrayed as an omniscient and violent being or omniscient, omnipotent being of perfection and love. Neither sat right with me. It also didn’t make sense to me for there to only be one god. So when I read myths as a child and learned what polytheism was, I jumped on that ship in a heartbeat. I didn’t worship anyone, but I loved the idea that there were gods of different things. With Greek mythology, I especially loved it because the gods were portrayed as having flaws, of being human in a sense. They were powerful, but not all-powerful. It was mindblowing to me at the time. I fell in love with the stories of heroes and tricksters, I expanded into Egyptian, Norse, and Japanese mythology. I took these stories as stories but also as accurate depictions of gods. 

Now: Mythology... doesn’t really play a part in my practice. Contray to some polytheists, I don’t take the myths seriously. To me, all they are are human made stories about higher entities. I used to get so angry when I imagined the horrific things that deities did. I balked when I saw people question why worship or work with these deities that were notorious for doing horrific things to each other and humans? I made jokes about Zeus and his supposed indescretions, which I largely regret now. The turning point, I believe, was hearing @underworldariel​ discuss how you didn’t need to follow the myths or worship if that didn’t feel right. And for me, it didn’t. Suddenly, it made sense. When I started considering the cultural aspect of mythology and began working directly with deities rather than attempting to worship them, things were easier. They slotted into my practice effortlessly. I do take some inspiration from myths, namely associations, relationships, and domains, but not much else. To me, they’re just stories - which is what myths means. There’s a part of me that cringes away from the people who use mythology in a literal manner to call Zeus or Poseidon or Hades a rapist despite that... not being the truth? And that “rape” had a waaaaaay different meaning back then. I’m not saying the gods are perfect and infalliable - I think they make mistakes and have regrets too - but I don’t think they have anything to do with the stories. Deity work is a core aspect of my craft. I adore the gods with my whole heart. The stories are still fun, but I’ve learned to dissociate them from the gods I know. I’m not saying that this is the right way to approach it - that depends on you. That’s just my take on it. 

And that concludes this post! At least for now. I may find some things to add later. I’m curious to see the comparisons you guys all come up with. Feel free to tag me if you do! 

[allmyarcanalove]

Meet The Apprentice!  (Bio from Little Vesuvia Discord, I do not claim creation only my OC)

Basics Full name: Kavae Saab-Alamin Nicknames/aliases: Depends on outside sources, she mainly goes by her name Age and/or birthday: Mid - Late 20's Height: 5'6"

                                                           ~*~

Appearance:

Large doe-like brown/black eyes; usually wide in either nerves/surprise or some form of wonder

Thick dark brown curls/waves with a mauve brown highlight/sheen. Worn usually in a long fat braid that she sticks flowers/hairpins into

Light brown skin with golden undertones, body type comparable to Portia's; she's a soft hip set girl

Outfit: Wears a lot of soft blues, cremes, and gold/yellows (dawn thematic for clothing), usually with an apron on; you never know what you’ll need it for, and a shawl for weather control

                                                          ~*~

Favorite food: This is very hard because she enjoys cooking/food in general but stuffed bread treats around tea time are the best

Favorite drink: Adores teas & fruit drinks (cider, lemonades, juices)

Favorite flower: It feels traitorous to pick a favorite child but she's very partial to tree blossoms

                                                          ~*~

History Place of birth: [Hidden city under construction; placeholder Hesperia] Culture is a mix of Middle Eastern / Mediterranean / Asian themes, but Moroccan is firm pin and inspiration

                                                          ~*~

Family: Father: Tayyib(60's), a Oneiromanctic (Dream Divination) from a family of magicians. Loving and the caretaker of the home. Made of all heart and feelings

Mother: Nazli(60's), no nonsense heir to a textile business that's been in her family for generations, very forthright and meticulous (think Tevye & Golde from Fiddler on the Roof)

Older Sister: Rabia(40's), an absolute unit who's proudly part of her city’s guard and adores her baby sister with the intensity of a thousand suns

The amount of extended family is ridiculous but her Mother's sibling are more involved directly into the story so;

Jaleh: (F)(60's)Herbalist/Botanist who moved to Vesuvia to pursue her own dreams and ambitions; invites Kavae to move in when her[Kavae’s] health begins declining to help find any answers & aids

Zareen: (F)(50's)Scholar and Bookkeeper/Accountant who was mainly in charge of educating the family’s youngsters as they grew up, used to send Jaleh and Kavae books from time to time; until the plauge broke out and they lost contact

Bahar/Sahar: (NB)(50's) Twin Agents of trouble and chaos, left home from a young age and used to send back trinkets and gifts from their travels and adventures. They are the ones responsible for Eviathan being given to Kavae and the ones who took her to Vesuvia. Refuse to answer what they do officially but the general agreement is that it’s more than likely illegal

                                                          ~*~

Occupation: Pharmacist/Herbalist(?) mainly, but you can also buy / mix your own teas and spices for cooking. The tarot reading/clairvoyance was more a smaller side income after Kavae moved in, and became larger still when Asra did.

                                                          ~*~

Familiar: Eviathan, the stove salamander, who’s really not a familiar; more an oddity her Zizis’ [Bahar&Sahar] brought back as an egg, that hatched into a small, very unusual salamander. 

It eats most anything really, spits flame and happily napping in the furnace of her stove. Who, when necessary, can grow to be her long range method of transportation to ease the strain on herself. Also loves cuddles. 

Eviathan at it’s smallest is comparable to a bearded dragon mixed with a Salamander, and turns a bit more of a large raptor in shape when full sized.

                                                          ~*~

Backstory: Kavae grew up the youngest to a happy chaotic mass of family. She had a minor weak constitution and would soak in the town hot springs often, but by the time she was 14 it was beginning to cause her serious issues. 

Wanting to learn about her condition and find ways to improve her quality of life, she moved to Vesuvia to live with her Aunt. Who began teaching her the healing arts, magic and herbology. Which after over a decade of research and study, turned into a love of said crafts and wanting to help others.

She meets Asra and Muriel, others who become very dear friends, to her at least. Overall she's a very gentle, if not somewhat reckless, with giving heart but unafraid to speak her mind. 

...Then the plague happens, and those traits becomes a major rift point between her and Asra. If she'd given up on herself--she can't just leave them--FINE! Go then! 

For a time she tried to assist plague doctors as best she could, but for her, her Aunt, Muriel, her neighbors--well, the rest is history I suppose. 

After the resurrection, she's far more soft-spoken, skittish, polite to a fault, and nearly finds it impossible to deny someone / say no. (E.g. She was unable to deny Nadia's requests/but wouldn't accept spoiling even when Nadia coaxed her due to the power dynamic)

As the arcs go on, she does start to become more of herself again, as she was and forever will be; made entirely out of gut instincts and a bleeding heart.

                                                          ~*~

Personality Likes: A N I M A L S, Gardening/Flora, Cooking/Food, Reading, Little wonders(watching the sun come up, etc), little simple trinkets&jewelry, sweet things 

Dislikes: Wearing herself out, Being lonely, feeling out of control/under someone else power, bullies, Being scared/made to cry, etc. 

Fears: Being helpless/unable to help others or failure, True loneliness/being isolated, Pain, Unknown/Vague threats in her surroundings

Ambitions/ideals: High quality of life; pain/ache/fatigue free, Happy friends, A well-stocked kitchen able to feed them all, A garden like Portia’s & to keep a small farm of animals (hens, goats etc,) for fresh produce of both kinds, Access to Nadia’s library or any library to learn and read, Simplistic Domesticity really, a happy simple life with her loved ones. 

Hobbies: She dabbles in textile crafts (Loom weaving, sewing, spinning, etc,) when she’s unable to be as mobile as she’d like. But on good day’s you can find her outside happily gardening in the dirt or gathering in the woods, or in the kitchen putting it all to use. Tho she’ll never turn down a good book or shy away from keeping the books.  

Main Love interest: Muriel (Prior to which was Asra) 

Friends: She likes almost everyone she meets, or at least tries to, but here’s the main plethora; 

F A U S T,

Asra,

Portia,

Muriel,

Selasi,

Nadia (after extreme warming up to and post working for her),

Julian (after the spooking/theatrics wane and she sees he needs help) 

Enemies: Doesn't really do enemies, but if your being cruel she's gonna do something about it...well she's certainly gonna try

                                                          ~*~

Random HC’s & Trivia 

Wears half moon glasses when she does book work/textile projects because she's farsighted

Still deals with her health condition as Asra wasn't aware of it and now the research has to be redone

The necklace Asra wears used to be Kavae's and she still wears the matching earrings

[aikoiya]

Akuma Adrien Concept - Gemini Soleil et Lunaire 1

Dude, I just came up with this just now. Adrien become conflicted about the 2 sides of himself (like yin-yang) & agonizes over who he really is. What his father made him into & who he is when he's Chat. He cant tell because the sides bleed into each other. He has yet to recognize the full significance of this connecting to yin-yang & sun-moon.

I haven't quite hashed out how it happens, but upon the Akuma trying to possess him & the bubbling, black oil covers him, there's some sort of pause. A light, like a star, shines out from the center of his chest. The silvery-golden white light growing until it pushes back the black like snuffing out a dark flame with brilliant luminance.

The light separates into 2, 1 golden & 1 silver, leaving behind the comatose body of Adrien. The lights create a pair of almost identical Adriens.

The golden haired 1 was adorned in loosefitting clothes of vibrant color. His green top, matching his eyes & tanned skin, as if he spent a lot of time outside inn the sun. Upon his head was a circlet of gold with a sylized symbol of the sun & a sunstone in the center. On his wrist was a golden bracelet with a decal of a golden lily on a bright purple background, decorated with citrines & more sunstones. His hair is short & messy, like Chat's, with a single, shoulder-length braid on the left side of his face held together with beads at the end. Plus, he's totally barefoot. Like, all the time.

The other boy had surprisingly platinum blond, nearly white hair with blue streaks here & there, as well as cold, crystal-blue eyes. His hair is long & pulled back into a loose braid that drapes over his shoulder. His skin was pale & covered in blue tribal tattoos; the most prominent one being the large crescent-shaped tattoo with the pointed ends directed upwards & the middle covering his eyelids. His clothes were professional & studious while also giving a mysterious, yet guarded air. His fabric clothing were shades of light blue, with silver & light grey lining, & deep green-blue accents. Covering his shoulders, hands, & feet, while the rest is hidden beneath his clothing, were black armor with dark to steel grey lining & moon opal accents here & there.

Upon his back was a charcoal grey-black cloak with a hood, held together by a crescent moon clasp with moonstone inlay & 3 consecutive, parallel lines erupting from the void of the crescent where a glowing moon opal could be seen. Meanwhile, around his neck sat a necklace featuring a glowing crystal pendant.

As far as personality, Sun Adrien is the very definition of Sunshine Child. Everything we miss about him bundled up into a single package.

On the other hand, Moon Adrien is like... if you put the salty/cool/smart sides of Rebel Adrien & Adridini with Felix in a blender, then hit 'mix.'

Now, just because Sun Adrien has all these seemingly good features doesn't mean that he's flawless. In reality, Sun Adrien can be childish, naive, entitled, overenthusiastic, too nice, too exuberant, & his overly friendly attitude can sometimes be annoying, or make him come across as easily manipulated.

Sundrien also harbors deep fears of being locked away & never being able to get out, imprisoned, being forgotten, being alone, & losing all his friends. More than anything, he prefers to remain outside.

In astrology, the sun symbol is how you can describe the reasoning behind your actions. To align yourself with the sun is to slowly become your best self & seek out your highest potential. The sun is also representative of one's true persona.

In the best case scenarios, those ruled by the sun are given a sense of purpose, a foundation for their identiy, & are known to place great importance in their self image. The sun inspires us to produce our greatest work & to have a sense of pride the things we do & accomplish. They are also bestowed a certain intensity, passon & drive.

In worst case scenarios, those of the sun can be lead into a false sense of confidence or arrogance.

Needless to say, Adrien, especially Sundrien, by nature, is sun-ruled. He's cheerful, passionate, curious, friendly, & just seems to love life & wants to try as many hobbies as is possible, in order to find which ones he likes best. Sundrien is sort of where most of the negative & some of the possitive aspects of Gabriel's teachings went. He's an example of someone with high compassion, but low empathy, sometimes projecting his inner struggle onto others. He also has a tendency to say hurtful things without realizing it. He never means to hurt anyone (has too much experience with being hurt himself). If he ever realizes that he hurt someone's feelings, he becomes distraught & does whatever he can to make it up to the hurt individual.

Meanwhile, Moon Adrien is much the same. He's highly intelligent, studious, protective, serious, perceptive, observant, & quiet. He usually seems outwardly cold, seemingly made of ice, but actually has a fluffy, snowdrift center. Kind, but calm & serene, always willing to lend an ear, always has an ear perked. Can be both gentle & rigid. He's where most of the positives of Gabriel's teachings went. Has an almost elfin look to him. Like, Legolas. When he speaks, he has a reason. Has a standoffish air about him without meaning to. The reponsible 1 of the 2. Studies as much as possible, & as many different things as possible; both things that Adrien needs to & what he wants to. When he meets someone he really doesn't like or becomes very upset, he starts creating frost around his feet. He gets particularly frosty with Gabriel, Lila, & Chloe.

Moondrien is the type of person with low-medium compassion & high empathy. He's the far more objective & proactive 1 in regards to the world around him. However, he can also be cold & spiteful, even something of a salty a-hole if Sundrien or Marinette isn't around to hold him back or at least remind him that he's going overboard on the emo thing. Will literally cause someone's drink to freeze solid if they annoy him enough. But if someone messes with his circle of friends? Well, that's when he gets into the psychological warfare. Can pick the sturdiest person apart with nothing but words of venomous truth. He's the fencer & linguist of the 2. Is also the most feline. Very modelled, has a loping cat sort of walk, a regal aura, & more angular features.

Astrologically, the moon represents passing feelings & emotions. It gives you the power to hope & dream, while bestowing the feelings that dictate your life.

The moon-ruled are known to be intuitive & perceptive. They are focused & self-aware, striving to seek balance in both their relationships & meraki (Greek work for "passion for what you do"). They are also known for being capable of reading a person's character & uncovering their motivations.

To put it simply; the sun represents your zodiac personality or your true persona, while the moon represents your emotional personality, inner mood, & certain traits.

Both sun & moon highly influence your emotional mode of operation. They are especially so together.

[singingcookie]

Mamihlapinatapei-- IzuOcha please?

Wahhhhhh these two were the first thing I thought of when I read that word so here it goes!

Let it be known, I’ve never written anything with so little dialogue in my life

Mamihlapinatapei - The lookbetween two people in which each loves the other but is too afraid to make thefirst move.

It was no secret thatMidoriya Izuku was not used to interacting with girls—at least not beyond thescope of being paired with one for class projects in grade school and juniorhigh. Before going to UA if he were pressed on the subject, he would tell youthat he didn’t really hang out with anyone, least of all girls! Hero researchtook up a lot of time, after all.

It wasn’t that henever found girls interesting. It was more like he wasn’t interesting. Why bother a girl—or anyone for that matter—withhis quirkless, fanboy self? So he never went out of his way to speak with anyoneunless absolutely necessary. That courtesy was extended back to him by nearlyeveryone in school, with Kacchan being a weird (and often unpleasant)exception.

Which was why,when a complete stranger had extended a kindness unto him in the form ofstopping him before he could trip over his own two feet, he had found himselfincapable of words. Sure, the feeling of being weightless had freaked him outat first. It was definitely a factor in it. The person in question also being apretty girl—well, that didn’t exactly do him any favors either.

As if to make theinteraction even more unreal, she had spared some words in his direction.First, asking if he was alright. He didn’t answer that, too busy freaking abouthovering in midair. Then she helped to straighten him out, apologizing forusing her quirk without asking. “But it’d be bad luck if you fell, right?” Hecould only stare with wide eyes, hands clutching tightly to the straps of hisbackpack. Someone was talking to him…?

She looked awaywith a close-eyed smile, saying almost to herself, “Aren’t you nervous?” Hewas! Definitely!! Especially now with the pressure of having to hold aconversation. Izuku stuttered like an idiot, trying to form some kind of words. This could be afuture classmate! And she had reachedout to him.

He had no idea inthese moments, how this girl would change his life. But looking back, it was nomistake, even if she had stopped him from tripping—he still fell hard in somekind of way that day.

“Let’s do ourbest,” she said, paying no mind to his stammer. She waved, tossing a quick byeover her shoulder as she hastened to the building ahead. And he was left dumbfounded.He had just talked to a girl! She had initiated the conversation! As expected,UA really was something else…!

And that provedtruer after being accepted, Izuku had grown up trying to remain as unnoticed aspossible. But as time went on, his classmates continually sought him out. Whetherit be for advice, to give praise, or—and this was the hardest one to adjust to—justbeing around him. And he did his best to return the actions back to those aroundhim. Yeah, he was still awkward; but he thought he was getting the hang of itthe longer things went on.

Even talking tothe girls in the class wasn’t as hard as he thought it might be. They were allnice to talk to. Not to mention, that all of their quirks were so interesting! Yeah,he was getting the hang of being around girls too!

A thought thatwould waver whenever a certain light would shine into view. He consideredUraraka a friend, first and foremost; and he tried his best to treat her assuch. But he could not deny that there was a stirring of something more whenshe would get too close to him, encourage him with everything she had, or whenhe caught her with a smile like someone had given her the moon and stars.

He didn’t knowwhat to make of these feelings. This was his first real friend since childhood. She had done so much for him, andregardless of anything else, he wasn’t about to ruin that. Yeah. It didn’tmatter what these feelings were. If she didn’t want them, then he would keepthem hidden under lock and key. They couldn’t ruin anything if they didn’t makean appearance.

Izuku did hisbest to contain himself. Just managing to stifle these feelings to the pointthat the only hint anyone could have were the blushes that would stain his cheekswhen they were together.

Uraraka Ochako couldn’t tell when exactly her own feelings for a certain green-hairedclassmate had manifested. Not really. She hadn’t helped him out at their firstmeeting because she thought he was cute or anything like that. It was just theright thing to do.

Okay, maybe therewas some kind of spark during theentrance exam. But it certainly wasn’t attraction! They hadn’t interacted sinceshe had caught him outside; but she could only watch in awe as that unassumingboy leapt into the air to take on that zero pointer that had come close tocrushing her—blowing it away with just a single punch!

At first, she hadsat there, slack-jawed, when the robot let off a series of explosions as itburst apart. Then she heard Present Mic’s voice call out the two minute timelimit, knocking her out of the stupor. She gave a light shake of the head andsearched the skyline for the one who saved her. She spotted him descending veryfast—no, he was approaching the ground face first. He was falling again…and thistime, if she couldn’t reach him…!

She had beenunable to react in time to free herself from the debris in the minute before. Shehad already felt so sick after using her quirk as much as she had. Thatfamiliar sensation of nausea had started to creep in. Ochako strained herselfto reach back, touching the pads of her fingertips to the rubble crushing herright leg. Her stomach churned angrily, but she swallowed hard—she would put itaway! She had to catch him!

The next minutewent by in a blur. Looking back, Ochako couldn’t properly recall the finerdetails of what happened. She remembered stumbling as she had gotten to herfeet. And she knew she found a remnant of another robot not too far away. Shehad climbed atop it, activating her quirk and just managing to slap that brave stranger in the face—which doesn’tsound as nice as it really was, considering she saved him from certain deathwith that action.

She hadn’t gottento properly thank him after that. She had gotten so sick. And not two secondsafter he declared he needed to earn just one point, Present Mic announced theend of their exam. He had collapsed after that, only to be healed up byRecovery Girl and taken to the medical wing to make sure he was safe to headhome. But she couldn’t get him out of her head.

Not only had hebeen so brave to jump headlong into danger, but he had clearly done it with nothought to his own safety or the results of the exam. She couldn’t believe hispassion, and if anyone deserved to get into this school, it was him!

She had been sohappy to find out he had, and that they were in the same class, even! No, shehadn’t liked him back then. Wanted to be his friend, absolutely. Admired him,surely. Felt inspired by his drive? Definitely. But who couldn’t be? Dekuworked so hard. And no matter what obstacle you put in his path, he could finda way around it. He was amazing.

But she hadn’tbeen thinking of him in that way. Orat least…she didn’t think she hadfelt that way.  Not until sparklingAoyama had forced her into considering it. Did this go beyond normaladmiration? Did she want something more? She did like how things stood now. Sheliked being able to speak with him about things, having a friend that thoughtshe was special too. Yes, this was good enough, wasn’t it?

But then herthoughts on the matter started to take a turn when she was attacked by thatcreepy girl, Toga at the training camp. It had gotten into her head. No, shecouldn’t deny that. What Toga had said…it was close to her feelings. And that—itterrified her. Would her admiration turn into that? That twisted ideal ofwanting to completely become someone else…?

And then so soon after,Ochako was forced to deal with other negative results of this—this whatever itwas that she felt!—for Deku. The pangs of jealousy that rang through her in hisinteractions with Hatsume when he went in search of a costume upgrade. And thenwith that girl from Shiketsu in the Provisional License Exam…

That was when shemade her decision. Like when she used her quirk to save him on that day theymet—and now, to save herself. Yes. She would put it away. Maybe someday, theidea could be revisited. But she couldn’t do anything that hindered her journeyto become a hero.

She couldn’tcompletely quash the butterflies that arose whenever he did somethingparticularly spectacular. No, it didn’t even need to be that remarkable.Sometimes, when it was just the two of them, enjoying one another’s company shecould still feel it. But it was different than before.

These weren’tmoments where she was wanting to emulate him. They were little moments whereshe wanted to do her best to make him smile or laugh. Or the urge to reach outand touch him in a show of comfort. Or sometimes she wanted that for no reasonat all.

It wasn’t hard tothink of one another as friends. Because that’s what they were. What they always would be. But in those moments alone withone another. Sometimes, they would have a brief thought of relapse. Was itreally for the best?

Izuku, lookinginto that shining face, and wondering if just maybe he should take the plunge.Wouldn’t it be something? It would be so easy to do. He was so flighty with contactordinarily that he could probably do something as simple as taking her hand inhis own. And she would know that something had changed. He knew she could bevery insightful about people. His mangled fingers twitched forward at thethought.

Ochako wouldcatch herself glancing into those intense, green eyes; and it was as thoughthere was an electricity buzzing through her. Something crackling within herand insisting that it was different now. That this was okay. And it wouldn’t behard to reach out, to put her hand to his cheek. To lean in and finally closethat respectful distance that he had always kept between them. Maybe he wouldwant it too. Her hand rose ever so slightly.

But what if I’m wrong? The light would leave their eyes in thatmoment, each of their movements jerking to a sudden stop at the thought. Howcould they go on? Each would look over the other and think, I couldn’t have made it here without you…

And how couldeither stand to ruin that?

[patricksilvrrozartistry]

Current Music Obsessions: June 1 - 15, 2017

This whole month is gonna be a bit of a doozy for these posts. I’m purging through my watch later playlist again, so there’s quite a few entries. Let’s start with the many honorable mentions.

Ravenscry - Overload Elyose - plus qu'humain feat Florent Jannier (Arkan) Divitius - Sky Endless Main - Age of Darkness Amesoeurs - Amesoeurs Dopamine - II Mouth of the Architect - Lullabye Evig Natt - A Final Lament Blind Saviour - Reign of the Robot Clans The Longing - 40 Days Flora Cash - Nothing Lasts Forever (And It's Fine) DragonForce - The Game feat. Matt Heafy (Trivium) Tesseract - Retrospect Clouds - How Can I be There OverAlive - Lucid Reverie Draconian - The Death of Hours Chronicode - Break Out Of Devilment - Father Dali Ten - Paragon Band-Maid - Daydreaming Despite Exile - Absent Foundation Moonlight Asylum - Can't Save You Anymore Mastercastle - Drink of Me Midnight - After Death Scarlet Haven - Titan, I Am Psyborg Corp. - World Genocide Blast Port Noir - Tide Across the Divide - Worthless Lamb - Wise Enough

Now for the many actual obsessions.

1) The Anix - Again

This is the second song I've heard from them and I am really enjoying their sound. It's so lovely and so great to chill to. I love the strings in this track too. They add an extra dimension to the song's sound that really takes it to another level even though it's only something so simple. I am definitely gonna give their new album a listen.

2) Kimberly Freeman - Rust

I'm already quite familiar with Kimberly's band One-eyed Doll, so when I saw that she released a track using her actual name, I was quite intrigued. It's so very different from One-eyed Doll. The only resemblance is her voice. It's so doomy and atmospheric and so beautiful. If you've ever wondered if Kimberly could do something gorgeous, this is the song.

3) Cellar Darling - Black Moon

This song is so good! I am so hyped for the new album, you have no idea. I've always been a big fan of Anna and her voice and hurdy gurdy, and to be able to have a full album featuring her voice singing the way she does with Cellar Darling is so amazing. The unique, soft vocal lines in the chorus and bridge are so pretty, and same goes for the hurdy gurdy solo. Can't wait to hear their debut album.

4) Bonnie Tyler - Holding Out for a Hero

A friend on Facebook shared this song and I got obsessed immediately. I feel beyond late to the party for just then hearing the original version of this iconic song. Bonnie's voice is just so epic and the song itself is epic. I low key wish a symphonic metal band would do a cover of this and make it over-dramatic. I would love that.

5) Tiamat - Carry Your Cross and I'll Carry Mine

I discovered this song on Pandora one day and decided to look it up at a later date, and when I did, I kept listening to it. It's such a simple song, but the execution of it and the blend of the two singers' voices is what makes it and it's absolutely gorgeous. A great gothic metal track.

6) Nemesea - Dance in the Fire

This is Nemesea's first single featuring their new front woman, Sanna Mieloo. Bruh. This song is so good! I was very worried about the new singer not being able to compare to Manda, which she doesn't, but she's still an amazing fit for the band and will more than likely be able to give Manda's songs great justice. Well, I don't know about the stuff from their debut album, Mana, but I don't think they've performed any songs from that album in years, so everything should be good. ANYWAYS, definitely give this track a listen.

7) Scenario II - Awake

This song is so good. I just wish the choir bits were turned up a bit higher. Other than that, this track is epic. Of the few tracks I've heard from them, I feel that this track really shows this band's potential and versatility. I was especially thrown off when their female singer unleashed them screams in the bridge leading up to the song's exit.

8) Lighthouse in Darkness - Oceanbliss

I discovered this band while searching on the metal archives to see if Helen Vogt had been featured on anything or was in any new projects since the split of the epic gothic metal band Flowing Tears. When I read their description, the fact they describe their sound as melancholic, cinematic trip-hop, I was immediately intrigued. I then found this track and fell in love. This song is fucking gorgeous. It's so nice to hear Helen's voice, ESPECIALLY her singing as low as she is on this track. I can't wait to hear more from this band, because I'm already hooked!

9) The Great Discord - The Red Rabbit

Guys. This song is so good! I've been so hyped for the new album, and this song is further fueling the hype. It's so interesting, weird and catchy. I'm constantly finding myself singing "hop, hop, hop into the rabbit hole" randomly throughout the day. Also the video is insane and the imagery is slightly creepy, yet so creative and out of the box.

10) Heretoir - The White

I discovered this band through a friend when wanting to find blackgaze bands to listen to. This song is more post metal, but I still absolutely love it. The aggression and beauty of this track are both intense and it's so great to just chill out to.

11) Weeping Silence - Ivy Thorns Upon the Barrow

I decided to listen to this track because I couldn't remember it. So glad I checked it out again. It's so lovely and epic. I love beautiful gothic doom metal tracks like this. And their current front woman has such a strong and beautiful voice.

12) Symphonian - Path of a Soul

I randomly discovered this gothic doom metal band one day while listening to either Weeping Silence or Draconian. So glad I decided to give this song a listen. It's so gorgeous and wonderful. The violins are to die for. Definitely am gonna check out more from these guys.

13) Amederia - Who We Are

This is a gothic doom metal band that I need to hurry up and listen to entirely already. I have loved every track I've heard from them, and this song is no exception. It's so beautiful, haunting and melancholy. The slowness of this song, like the others that I've heard from them, capture so much raw emotion that it can be overwhelming. So good.

14) Lethian Dreams - White Gold

This is an ambient doom metal band that I discovered last year, but haven't gotten around to listening to much of their work yet. This track is so lovely and pretty. Perfect song to chill to. It reminds me a bit of Trees of Eternity, just not as aggressive (which Trees of Eternity aren't even that aggressive).

15) Omnimar - Reason

I discovered this band a few months back and decided to check out another song by them and this is what I decided to listen to. This is such a great EBM/synth pop track. It's so pretty and pleasant. I really want to listen to their new album they've released this year, as well as other bands similar to them.

16) Vuur - Days Go By-London

Bruh. I was excited when Vuur was first announced, and after hearing this track, I can't wait to hear more! It's such a great and aggressive prog track. I must admit, the thing I looked most forward to with this project was that Anneke Van Giersbergen and Marcela Bovio were going to be singing together, so needless to say I was bummed that Marcela left the project. But no matter, I'm still gonna keep up with and jam out to this band.

17) Eivør - Surrender

If you want a haunting ambient/experimental track to chill to, look no further. This track is absolutely gorgeous. The exit is everything. Those notes that she lets out are just so beautiful and haunting. So lovely.

18) Trisha Paytas - Silence

I wasn't expecting much when I decided to listen to this track. Trisha is a good singer, but I thought I would become obsessed with a song of hers like I did with this track. It's so gorgeous. This is the prettiest that I've ever heard her sing and I love it.

19) October Ends - Faith in Me

I discovered this band a while back through Instagram after the lead singer either followed me or liked one of my posts. They're a metalcore band that's rather impressive to me. There's something about them that stands out compared to a lot of metalcore bands, but I can't quite place what it is. Either way, this track is epic.

20) Sirenia - Darkling

I decided to listen to Perils of the Deep Blue after so many years and I immediately got obsessed with this song. It just exudes the vibe that Norwegian gothic/gothic doom metal bands had back in the 90's and early 2000's and the vibe the band had back in those days. Dark and slightly doomy. So good.

21) Lisa Gerrard - Sanvean (live)

I was listening to a song Lisa was featured on by Havasi one day and came across this song and immediately fell in love. Lisa has one of those voices that is completely original and can never be replicated by anyone. She's such a huge vocal inspiration of mine, and this song is just one of the many examples why that is. It shows so much of her range and is so gorgeous. Oh, how I'd love to see and hear her live one day.

That’s it for the fist half of this month. The next half is probably going to be as long or possibly longer than this half. Sorry, not sorry. Hope you guys enjoy these amazing songs!

[cinnam0ngentleman]

The Sun represents vitality, a sense of individuality and outward-shining creative energy. Sun in Scorpio Scorpios are known for their intensity. They are determined folk that absolutely throw themselves into whatever they do -- but getting them to commit to something is rarely an easy task. In fact, it's better not to even try to "get them" to do anything. Solar Scorpios absolutely have their own mind. And, their primary motivation is unlikely to be prestige (like their Capricorn friends), or even authority (Leos can have that, too)--it's real power. Their power can absolutely be of the "behind the scenes" variety, just as long as they have it. To others, Scorpios seem to have plenty of willpower. They probably do. Scorpios do know what they want, and they won't go out and grab it at the wrong moment. They simply sit back, watch (quite expertly), and then get it only when the moment is just right. This apparent patience is simply their powerful skills at strategy at work. Scorpio isn't afraid of getting their hands (their bodies, their minds) dirty. The darker side of life intrigues them, and they're always ready to investigate. Scorpios simply never give up. They have tremendous staying power. They're not in the slightest intimidated by anybody or anything. Confrontations are not a problem. In fact, talk to any Scorpio about their lives, and you'll probably be in awe at all they've gone through. Trauma seems to follow them wherever they go. When Scorpio learns optimism, instead of expecting the worst, they'll find that they possess amazing regenerative powers -- the power to heal, create, and transform. Short description: Physical energy and courage. Strong passions. Regeneration and improvement. Strong sexual powers. Weaknesses: He is suspicious, defiant, extremist: he is sometimes vindictive. Sun in VII You take pride in your ability to negotiate, and to establish harmony in your relationships. It is important to you to have a partner, as you feel incomplete without one. You are motivated to become well-liked, and you are especially sensitive to rejection. One of the lessons in your life may be to avoid putting harmony and others' opinions of you above your own needs. Use your social skills and seek out peaceful relations with others, but try not to over-identify with your partnerships and the way you are received by others. You may marry someone with a strong personality. 455 Conjunction Sun - Mars You are enterprising and have powerful stores of energy that you can draw upon when needed. You respond to problems or challenges with a spirited and enthusiastic confidence that is admirable. You are naturally competitive, and this trait is generally well-received by others simply because it is unforced, unaffected, and sincere. You truly believe in fair play, and you seem to be in love with life. When you are expressing competitiveness and courage, it's easy for others to smile and accept these traits as positive ones rather than being rubbed the wrong way. You have good physical vitality. Although competitive, you are not naturally combative. You may enjoy sports or games that are competitive, but not violent. Breaking the rules of a competitive game is particularly upsetting to you. You are more able than most to control your desires, aggressions, and instincts. You know how to be fair, and you expect others to be fair. As such, sneaky behaviors, uncontrolled impulses, violence, and rage are offensive to you. 300 Conjunction Sun - Pluto You have much sexual vitality and passion. It is easy and natural for you to find a passion and pursue it, and to focus on a goal. You are not much scared of anything. You enjoy and embrace growth, especially of the psychological kind. You love a good mystery, and you are adept at solving it.You readily assign meaning to what others might consider "ordinary" events. You look for symbols, and read between the lines in most any situation. The physical vitality is generally strong, and the body is usually able to heal quickly. You are not afraid to get your hands dirty, and you are usually quick to help others--not only with mundane tasks, but also on a spiritual or psychological level. Your insight is sharp and sometimes awe-inspiring. You are perceptive and not easily rattled or surprised in life. You are not a do-gooder nor are you a law-breaker. However, you are not afraid of the "dark side" of human nature, and you will bend the rules from time to time if you feel the need to do so. You take particular pleasure in growth and life's lessons. You are not fond of superficiality, and are generally the first to spot pretense of any kind. You are passionate and can be intense. You have a hunger to experience more than just an "ordinary" life, and you can be quite ambitious. Some people with this aspect are perfectionists, demanding much from themselves and reasonable amounts of effort and honesty from others. The Moon represents the emotional responses, unconscious pre-destination, and the self-image. Moon in Aries Nothing quite happens soon enough with this position of the Moon. There is an inherent impatience with getting what they want. Life is a series of emergencies for Lunar Ariens. They live in the moment and have a hard time waiting for things to happen. Whims of the moment take absolute precedence in their lives. This is a fiery position of the moon. Even if the Sun or rising sign is more low-key, Moon in Aries people possess inner passion and fire. Emotional issues take precedence--there is simply no pussy-footing around when it comes to dealing with the feelings. And, dealing with new sentiments and needs stirs up a huge desire for activity. Moon in Aries has a need for acting out their needs, with no time to waste. It is hard for them to see the long-term, or to wait for things to happen. Instant gratification rules! Oddly enough, this is a very defensive position of the Moon. These natives take things very personally, and they deal with problems by facing them right away so that they can then get on with other things. Their flare-ups generally end almost as quickly as they started. Lunar Ariens have an unmistakable independent streak. They put themselves right out there in the world, and make an impression in whatever they do. Their self-confidence is actually variable. Although a strong personality is projected, Moon in Aries people go through plenty of ups and downs. Their moodiness is not like Cancer or Pisces moodiness--they don't withdraw into themselves or escape the world when they're down. Instead, they are temperamental. Some might say that people with Moon in Aries actually enjoy trouble and confrontations. Indeed, this position is easily bored with environments that are too peaceful. Their homes--especially their childhood homes--are often battlegrounds. They rule the roost, or at least want to, and are not the most peaceful of folk to live with! Moon in Aries men and women are prone to have plenty of crushes and other short-lived yet intense desires. "Needs" and "wants" are indistinguishable to Lunar Ariens at any given time. In their minds, what they want is so powerful that it becomes an absolute need. In young adulthood, they can be dangerous with a credit card. Whoever offered the advice to freeze your credit card in a container of water, and then let the block of ice thaw before using the card, unwittingly had people with Moon in Aries in mind. The whole idea was to see if the shopping whim of the moment would pass by the time the card was ready to use. Still, with this scenario, I wouldn't be surprised to see Moon in Aries hacking away at the ice. That is, if Aries actually takes the advice in the first place! Others will appreciate that people with Moon in Aries rarely sulk or play any drawn-out games of manipulation. You can pretty much know what they want at any given time. They are generally ruled by their own emotional needs, and they're not always as concerned about others' needs during these "emergencies". Somehow, they have people around them scrambling to help them solve their problems. There's an aura of childlike innocence around Lunar Ariens, even when they're getting their way again, that can be charming indeed! Moon in XII Curious and inquisitive nature, although more of an observer than a person who asks many questions. He likes peace and quiet, being alone. This position of the Moon indicates an emotional attachment and sensitivity to all that is ethereal, groundless, and eternal. As sensitive as you are, you often have delayed reactions to your own emotional experiences. You need frequent moments of solitude in order to recharge yourself emotionally, and this need, while strong, can also lead to feelings of isolation and of being misunderstood. While you are a perceptive person, you are often either flooded with emotions that are hard to define, or completely out of touch with what you are feeling. Either extreme keeps you from truly discovering your emotional needs. Negative expressions of this position are avoidance of responsibility, using hypersensitivity as an excuse to oneself (and perhaps to others) for not participating, or emotional immaturity. You are sympathetic to others' suffering, but not always emotionally available to help. 80 Trine Moon - Mercury You can be quite expressive and animated in your speech. You have an outstanding memory and tend to pick up a lot of information from your environment. You love to chat and to exchange ideas. Even if you are shy, once you're friends, you love to talk about pretty much anything under the sun, and you enjoy sharing stories from your past! For the most part, you are focused on day-to-day activities in your communications rather than on grander philosophies. You are naturally curious and interested, and others find you very easy to talk to. You are accommodating and curious, but you are not as well equipped to handle heavy emotional demands. You thrive on change and variety. You might be a little addicted to gossip! More probably, however, you are simply very curious about others. There is a twinkle in your eyes, and you are never short on humor. You are playful and versatile--you make a fun companion and an interesting friend. You listen! Yes, you do talk and occasionally interrupt in your excitement, but you are a curious person who does want to hear what others have to say, and that is a real pleasure. In fact, you are more able than most people to get others talking, simply because you are very receptive and sympathetic. You pick up others' feelings and body language readily. -197 Opposition Moon - Venus Because you value harmony, you may find yourself giving in to others too easily, especially in the first half of life. Resentment is possible, as you can feel that you are the one who seems to do all the acquiescing. There can be a distinct tendency to become friends (and lovers) with people too readily, simply because there is a strong need for approval and a hunger for receiving affection. As such, you may get involved with people who seem to really like you, and you fail to consider whether you actually like them back! It's somewhat of a weakness, as you are very charmed by the idea that someone seems to really like and appreciate you. Generally, one of your life's lessons is to learn to discriminate more and to get in touch with what you truly want and need. The functions of the Moon (which rules the emotions and feelings, amongst other things) and the functions of Venus (which rules social relationships, harmony, and partnership, amongst other things) are at cross-purposes. When you attempt to feed the needs of one function, it is often at the expense of the other, until you find some sort of balance. This can play out in a variety of ways. For example, there can be conflicts in partnerships about parenting or whether or not to have a family. You may find yourself compromising your own emotional needs in order to find and keep love. Peace and harmony are important to you--perhaps too much so, as you can easily be taken advantage of. Insecurity is something that you need to deal with at some point in your life. Very sensual, you sometimes replace love with food or shopping! You can also be quite sexually active and sometimes quite lustful. You possess a distinct lazy streak. You are capable of working hard, but you truly appreciate luxuriating and enjoying as many pleasures as possible, and self-discipline simply isn't always at your disposal! -34 Square Moon - Uranus He has a feverish, non-constructive restlessness. He is too susceptible. His life is full of change. He is irritable and stubborn at times due to an inner restlessness that is hard to satisfy. He has difficulty concentrating on a job. Nervous strain. His friendships are like his professional and love life - sometimes unstable. There is a strong need for closeness, but when people get too close, he gets cagey, as he values personal freedom just as much. -95 Square Moon - Neptune He lacks firmness, and can be a sucker for a sob story! He likes to live in a dream, in the world of imagination, and can hope so much that reality checks can be brutal. Mercury represents communication, Cartesian and logical spirit. Mercury in Sagittarius Enthusiastic, humorous, and sometimes moralistic. He has strong opinions, and often shares them! Democrat, philosopher, tolerant, respectful of laws. Interested in foreign places and learning more languages. Believes that everything teaches you something. Mercury in VIII He can be tormented at night. He likes research, investigations, inquiries. Studies well. He is fascinated with all that is unexplored, mysterious, taboo, secret, and psychological. Loves research and has a great mind. He wants to know the motivation behind what people do. May have a good mind for financial strategies. You speak with authority and others listen, having strong persuasive powers which should be used carefully. You tend to feel that everything we do and experience has a purpose. You have a great, investigative, and penetrating mind and you are excellent at developing strategies, as well as communicating them with others. Venus represents an interest for emotions and values, exchange and sharing with others. Venus in Libra Venus in Libra people will try to impress you with their kindness, evenhandedness, and willingness to make your relationship work. They have a polished manner in love, which sometimes makes them appear insincere or superficial. They are gentle lovers who hate to be offended. They are threatened by bad manners and direct or abrasive expression of feelings. They not only prefer to choose the middle road, they seek the middle ground in their relationships. You can expect to be treated fairly, and you may be turned on by Venus in Libra's willingness to concede and adjust their lives to fully accommodate you. Venus in Libra men and women have idealized images of their relationships, even to the point where the relationship becomes bigger than life, taking on a life of its own. They can become quietly resentful if they feel they are being taken advantage of -- and they make it easy for more aggressive types to bully them around. Pleasing Venus in Libra involves treating them kindly and fairly. They love to share everything with you, so let them. Foreplay for them can be mental -- they love to communicate with you about the relationship. Sharing turns them on, and tactless or uncouth behavior is a turn-off. Although they seem to put up with a lot, be fair with them. Over time, imbalance in their relationship is sure to make them unhappy, and when it comes to this, they may try to even the score in subtle, roundabout ways. Don't let it come to that, and you will be rewarded with a lover who puts themselves in your shoes and treats you exactly how they would like to be treated. Venus in VI He may be devoted to sick or poor people. Might work in a medical or social setting, where he meets their partner, who is a great help professionally. Your expressions of love and affection are practical and helpful. Being of service to a partner is especially important to you. In fact, you might go to great lengths to be available at all costs to a loved one. While you may not be flowery or showy when it comes to expressing love, you show your love by your availability, rendering services, doing practical things for a loved one, and other thoughtful "little" things. Many of you are talented at design work, as you appreciate and pay much attention to all of the little parts that make up a whole, with the goal of finding order and harmony in these systems. If you are not careful, you might pass up on true love opportunities in favor of relationships that serve a practical purpose in your life, or out of fear that you might not find better. Selling yourself short may be something that keeps you from going after what and who you want. -124 Square Venus - Uranus He looks for new sensations in love and is often unsatisfied by affairs which quickly turn into purely conventional relationships. He likes novelty, adventure, the eccentric: he is frivolous, unstable, unfaithful. Marriage is not for him and, if he does throw himself into this adventure, it will end in divorce, written off as a youthful mistake. As a result of his numerous love affairs, he makes sure his line is continued. -34 Square Venus - Neptune He might lack self-confidence and his ideals are not easy to achieve. In love, he is unstable and deceitful or meets people who are like this. He is easy-going and follows others' wishes in love, and he lets the partner take the initiative. This aspect indicates a suggestible romantic nature. Being "in love with love" is a strong possibility. You are naturally compassionate and are generally willing to go over the top for a loved one. It's hard to say whether your expectations in personal relationships are too high or too low. On the one hand, you tend to easily accept behaviors in your partners that others wouldn't accept, as you are compassionate and even drawn to people who others might consider trouble. On the other hand, your romantic dreams may be so powerful that you are easily disappointed with the reality of relationships. Deception in love is possible, but self-deception is even more likely. In love, you see what you want to see, rather than what is. Feelings of being used or deceived may come up. However, if a distinct pattern exists in your love life that involves you being let down, deceived or used, it will be especially worthwhile to examine whether self-deception was at work. The possibility of clinging to romantic delusions is very high with this position. For example, some with these aspects cling to a romantic notion that someone loves them when in reality that person doesn't return the affection. Or, they may cling to a romance that has lost all hope. Another possibility is devoting their love to someone who is unattainable or who is unable to commit. Yet another Venus-Neptune scenario is loving someone who treats them badly, all the while clinging to an idealized image of the partner. No matter what the scenario, romantic yearning and longing, as well as delusion, tends to be the theme. The expectation here is that loving someone requires self-sacrifice. The result is an attraction to relationships that are co-dependent and even abusive. Venus-Neptune people are drawn to victim/savior relationships, and they can play either the role of victim or savior! Dependency or neediness in a partner can be confused for love. In an attempt to love unconditionally, you may too readily sacrifice your own needs and eventually feel used. \r\nMars represents the desire for action and physical energy. Mars in Scorpio Mars in Scorpio natives love to challenge themselves to do the impossible. They throw themselves into what they decide to do with concentrated energy and awesome willpower. These people make formidable opponents, although often quietly so. They keep their cool and their equilibrium on the surface. Below the surface may be another story, and they are unlikely to easily let you in. Mars in Scorpio has the potential to exploit others--these people see through others, and rely heavily on their gut feelings. The sexual stamina of this position is thought to be the strongest of all the positions of Mars. Sometimes, Mars in Scorpio people are attracted to taboos, and their fantasies may involve blowing the taboos to smithereens! They enjoy scenarios in which the "other" is giving in to them, wants them completely, and will do absolutely anything for them. And, their sexual appeal is strong enough that they generally do get what they want. They find it difficult to share their partners, though they will likely never admit this. In stark contrast to Mars in Libra, who is most comfortable with the middle ground, Mars in Scorpio has a black-or-white philosophy of life. These are the people who say, "Just choose!" They really are not comfortable with compromise--what kind of satisfaction could you possibly get from compromise? Real living, to Mars in Scorpio, is all about accepting challenges and making changes. These people constantly test themselves, and, often, others. They make all kinds of rules and goals, just for the personal satisfaction that comes from achieving or mastering them. Their survival instincts are strong, and they embrace their own animal nature when they are all alone with themselves, without guilt. These people have a provocative quality to them. This quality is usually most evident in youth, though it is often carried over into adulthood in more subtle, controlled ways. Mars in Scorpio natives who have low self-esteem can become mighty twisted. Instead of beating themselves up, they turn self-loathing outward, and end up manipulating others and feeling resentful. While Mars in Libra is constantly striving to bring fairness to the world, Mars in Scorpio knows that life simply isn't fair. Mars in VII He dominates his associates, colleagues. He is the same in love life, dominating the spouse and this makes for a stormy relationship in prospect. 490 Conjunction Mars - Pluto He is ambitious, has a great capacity for work, has self-confidence and goes to the end of his plans. Jupiter represents expansion and grace. Jupiter in Virgo He attracts the most good fortune when he is helpful, honest, orderly, and pays attention to details. The service industries, nutrition, and health are prosperous avenues. Practical and technical knowledge and skills are most valued. A real problem solver and others appreciate his help. Doesn't always feel lucky or especially ambitious. Rather, hard work is valued. Jupiter in V He likes games and distractions. He has passion which lights up his days. He is lucky in love, but also professionally, with pleasant working conditions and duties. He loves his children and gets much enjoyment from them. 52 Trine Jupiter - Uranus He knows what's going on at a glance. He thirsts after knowledge, and is a good organizer. He is very independent, likes his freedom of action, is a non-conformist. He is very agreeable company and is always in demand. 32 Trine Jupiter - Neptune He is very generous and altruistic, helping people in difficulty or sick people. He knows how to listen or, at least, how to give that impression. He is a dreamer, with lots of imagination: he likes the Arts. 8 Trine Jupiter - Ascendant He likes meeting friends, around a good meal and in a cordial atmosphere. He is pleasant, jovial and engaging. Saturn represents contraction and effort. Saturn in Aquarius Long-term studies and, if family circumstances do not allow this, he will teach himself. He is serious and methodical in work. Likes to visit the elderly and intellectuals, who both enrich his mind. Weaknesses: bad luck, adversity, problems and disappointed hopes. Saturn in X His up-bringing is rigorous, severe. His professional life is all-important. He is serious, methodical, persevering. He wants to have power, to succeed and has all the necessary qualities to achieve this objective, by taking one step at a time. -20 Square Saturn - Ascendant His life is difficult and cramped. He is a worker, but success takes time in coming. He has problems in being open. He accepts solitude, rather than looks for it. Family problems. Uranus represents individual liberty, egoistic liberty. Uranus in Capricorn A great battler. He has so much power, that one thinks nothing can defeat him. His mission in society, in the world means everything to him. Uranus in IX Interested in humanity. He is highly intellectual. He travels a lot. His mind is always alert, even when sleeping, during which time he often resolves the problems of the previous day. 131 Conjunction Uranus - Neptune 9 Trine Uranus - Ascendant He is always changing, is unstable. He is ready to innovate, to change everything. He is inventive. Neptune represents transcendental liberty, non-egoistic liberty. Neptune in Capricorn He is discerning, wise and sensible. Neptune in IX Interest in art, has high ideals and a great attraction to exotic ideas and to the sea. Big dreams. Pluto represents transformations, mutations and elimination. Pluto in Scorpio Great sexual activity. House I is the area of self identity. The ascendant is a symbol of how one acts in life. It is the image of the personality as seen by others, and the attitude that one has towards life. Ascendant In Taurus Slow, steady, and capable are adjectives that we can safely attach to individuals born with a Taurus Ascendant. These natives have tremendous stamina and staying power. They're often quite loyal to those they care about. Although they generally don't come on strong, they have personal presence; and they fairly radiate stability. The sign on the Ascendant generally reveals how people start anything new. Taurus, by nature, is resistant to change. It can be difficult to sway Taurus rising natives--they're often rather stubborn and fixed in their ways. Their first responses are to feel things out, not in the way a Pisces might attune to their environment, but in the realm of the five senses. They have well-developed sense of smell and touch, and respond to the material world. Theirs is a practical approach to life. Security is one of their foremost considerations before undertaking anything new. Taurus rising natives are often quite cautious and careful. With a fixed sign on the Ascendant, they are not known for their flexibility. Rather, they possess determined single-mindedness. More than most, Taurus rising prefers the "good things" in life. Self-indulgence can be a weakness for many with this Ascendant. Often collectors in some way, Taurus rising natives place a lot of value on their material possessions. Taurus rising individuals prefer to dress in quality clothes with a comfortable feel to them. They are rarely ostentatious in their presentation. Many have strong and sturdy physiques. Often rather possessive in partnership, these natives won't easily break up their relationships. Although they are not particularly jealous, they view their partners as their personal property. Intensity and loyalty are especially important to Taurus rising natives. These are highly sensual people who prefer the comforts that a one-to-one, stable partnership offers. Although Taurus rising individuals value harmony and calm, their partnerships may be on the passionate side. Taurus rising natives are often very comforting to be around. They have a stability about them that is soothing, and an inner harmony that is attractive. House II is the area of material security and values. It rules money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions. House II in Gemini Financial success will be acquired thanks to various activities, frequent changes, be it of the activity or the workplace. He is required to use his wits to amass money, which is not always easy. The house and sign placement of Mercury can show areas where he makes money. House III is the area of social and intellectual learning. House III in Gemini He adapts well to any kind of change, and enthusiastically. He doesn't like monotony. Early family life was busy, and usually this position suggests a number of siblings. Work in communications or the media is possible. Writing talent is also probable. Reads and thinks a lot, but is not very focused. Has a lot of projects going at once. House IV is the area of home, family, roots, and deep emotions/sense of self-worth. House IV in Cancer Reveres family life, children have a large place in his heart. Heis by nature calm, affectionate, delicate and tender. Values peace and calm in the home. Is nostalgic and collects things of sentimental value. House V is the area of creative self-expression, romance, entertainment, children, and gambling. House V in Leo Can only love an honest, upright and intelligent person. Likes to admire his spouse. A sincere, stable and faithful love. Refined education. House VI is the area of learning by material transaction. House VI in Virgo Jobs in the medical or paramedic fields suit him the best. Weak point: the nerves and intestines. House VII is the area of one-to-one relationships such as marriage and partnership, and of social and intellectual action. House VII in Scorpio Passion, passion. Feverish and drunk with love. Hiccups, discussions, disputes in love. House VIII is the area of emotional security and of security of the soul. House VIII in Sagittarius Death will certainly be in a foreign land or on a journey abroad. Nevertheless this will happen after a long life, when the body is too exhausted to continue. Easy death. House IX is the area of learning that shapes the identity. House IX in Sagittarius Long voyages abroad. Might settle permanently in a foreign country. Intellectual work, mathematical mind. House X is the area of material action. The Mid-heaven represents the work one will do in his life, the place one will take in the world of society. It becomes more important as one grows older House X in Capricorn Someone who is completely trusted at work. Respectable, irreproachable in his work and moral qualities, scrupulous and praiseworthy. House XI is the area of search for social and intellectual security. House XI in Aquarius Likes to re-make the world with his friends. These discussions can last the whole night and, with the ideal world created, he can retire to bed. House XII is the area of education and of emotion. House XII in Pisces Contradictions, and inner torments or harassments are possible. However, this is a good position for psychic awareness, helping others less fortunate.

[limejuicer1862]

Wombwell Rainbow Interviews

I am honoured and privileged that the following writers local, national and international have agreed to be interviewed by me. I gave the writers two options: an emailed list of questions or a more fluid interview via messenger.

The usual ground is covered about motivation, daily routines and work ethic, but some surprises too. Some of these poets you may know, others may be new to you. I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I do.

Julene Tripp Weaver

is a psychotherapist and writer in Seattle. She has three poetry books: truth be bold—Serenading Life & Death in the Age of AIDS, No Father Can Save Her, and a chapbook, Case Walking: An AIDS Case Manager Wails Her Blues.

She is widely published in journals and anthologies. A few online sites where her work can be found include: Riverbabble, River & South Review, The Seattle Review of Books, HIV Here & Now, Mad Swirl, Anti-Heroin Chic, Writing in a Woman’s Voice and in the Stonewall Legacy Anthology.

Find her online at http://www.julenetrippweaver.com/

or Twitter @trippweavepoet.

The Interview

1. What inspired you  to write poetry?

After my father’s death, before I turned twelve, I started to record my dreams and write in a journal. Writing helped during this difficult time, I was bereft. In my fantasy life poets were cool and I longed to be around people who were different. After my mother moved us to the city, I signed up for an evening poetry class at a local college in Queens. I was barely a teenager, and had to depend on my uncle to drive me. He had a bias against poets, the whole way there he yelled about beatniks sitting on floors, saying he worked hard to provide chairs for his family to sit on. I had a poem in my pocket and was terrified. The adult poets talked about poets I didn’t know. I felt like an outsider and realized I needed to understand more. Because of the lack of support, I didn’t go back to that group. Getting back to poetry took a long time, I had to move away from my family and become financially independent.

2. Who introduced you to poetry?

When I was finally living on my own, I started investigating the writing world. Living in Manhattan I found classes at the Y and signed up. I read Peter Elbow’s books on writing. Finding other writers was helpful, I joined a group of women poets for feedback. Then I joined a local chapter of the Feminist Writers’ Guild; we brought in May Sarton to read, and they sponsored me to travel to a conference in Chicago where I gave my first public reading. Judy Grahn’s poetry inspired me, I wanted to write feminist poetry to change the world. Audre Lorde was well known and I learned she taught at Hunter College. I applied to CUNY so I could study with her and got a Bachelor degree with a double major of Creative Writing and Women’s Studies. I’d say Judy Grahn’s book, The Work of a Common Woman, had the most influence, she was such a strong lesbian feminist and I was in that community.

3. How aware were you of the dominating presence of older poets?

When I started my journey as a poet I was unaware of the cannon. Audre started us out with an e.e. cummings poem, but she didn’t teach the older poets. She had us writing and workshopping our poems, reading and going to readings and journaling our impressions. I’ve done much catch-up. A few of the older male poets I admire include William Carlos Williams, William Stafford, Charles Simic, James Tate, Russell Edison, Richard Hugo. A generation in between when poetry was already moving away from rhyme to free verse. And with some of these it is their books about writing poetry that I love. I’ve read Gerard Manley Hopkins, Shakespeare sonnets, and some of the older poets, but I’m not drawn to their work.

4. What is your daily writing routine?

I do not have a routine. Writing means a lot of things; writing new work, editing work, sending out work, composing collections, writing about the work (as in this interview), taking time to do nothing, applying to programs, residencies, grants. There is so much it’s overwhelming. And I easily get overwhelmed. So I’ve learned to be not too hard on myself for what I could be doing at any given moment. I spend far too much time on social media. But I keep a journal that I then cull work from. Plus, I write other genres: memoir and essays, for a few years I wrote articles for a health corner column in a newsletter.

5. What motivates you to write?

It’s a drive to the page, there were periods I did not have that drive and I just existed, lived life, worked and had fun with friends or a partner. Then there are periods where my writing ramps up: I take a class, begin to focus on a particular project, get excited about a call or networking. The newest thing I’ve done with a friend is to start a reading series at a local café once a month. It’s been more stressful than I anticipated. When my last poetry book was published I dedicated over three years to promote it.

6. What is your work ethic?

My first career as a laboratory technician lasted fourteen years; I worked at one lab for over eight years. Then I went back to school and had odd jobs that included my own business cleaning apartments in New York City. After that I did secretarial work, moved to Seattle and went back to school for a Masters in counselling. With that degree I worked for twenty-one years in AIDS services, eighteen of those years for the same agency in different capacities. I work hard and steady. I write hard, too, when I write. Semi-retired now, I have a small private therapy practice and my goal is to devote more time to writing, but I’m also the president of my condo Board. Responsibility and service are a big part of my work ethic, as is doing work from love, which I did working in AIDS services for twenty-one years. When I worked where they had a union I was a rep, and I’ve been part of two union negotiations.

7. How did the writers you read when you were young influence you today?

This is impossible to answer because I’m not sure how the books I loved as a child influenced my writing today. I read Heidi eight times, and all the Nancy Drew mystery novels.

8. Who of today’s writers do you admire the most and why?

There are so many excellent authors! I have to say two I’ve worked with: Louise DeSalvo, I found her when I started Hunter College. She taught a different literature class each semester and I took every class of hers I could. She was a brilliant Virginia Wolf scholar with a PhD in the Deconstruction of Literature. Generous and supportive of her students she bestowed confidence. She constantly had new books coming out in different genres,. Two of her books I keep ready at my fingertips: Writing as a Way of Healing : How Telling Our Stories Transforms our Lives, and The Art of Slow Writing: Reflections on Time, Craft, and Creativity. She also has several memoirs, academic books, fiction and an anthology she edited of Italian American women. She died in October 2018. The other writer is Tom Spanbauer, he trademarked Dangerous Writing. I love his book The Man Who Fell in Love with the Moon, so when I heard he was in Portland teaching Dangerous Writing workshops I wanted to study with him. For a year I went back and forth to Portland for several workshops and love his way of teaching. He is open and vulnerable, providing a safe space to write dangerous things that are hard to get onto the page. I’ve read each of his novels, and from him learned even though I am not a fiction writer, what I write has value. There are many other excellent poets and writers I admire.

9. Why do you write, as opposed to doing anything else?

Well I consider myself an artist, and have called myself a health artist. Of all the arts, writing is what I’ve spent the most time to develop. I’ve taken art classes and I practice movement work. I discovered Continuum in 1988 and it has changed my life several times. For ten years, from 1997 to 2007, I ran workshops that combined Continuum movement and writing after taking Emilie Conrad and Rebecca Mark’s Poetry in Motion Intensive. Emilie was the founder of Continuum Movement, she died in 2014. In my workshop we experimented with breath, audible breath and movement that perturbed our interior world, then listened and allowed hand-to-page exploration. From my first Poetry in Motion I started what became a large body of writing about my work in HIV/AIDS.

10. What would you say to someone who asked you “How do you become a writer?”

The best advice is to read a lot of poetry. There is so much good poetry available and you learn by the process of reading a wide range. Also, take classes and find a group where you get together and read your work out loud, then exchange feedback. Or find a group where  you use a prompt, write for a timed period then go around and read what was written, either with no feedback or only positive. You’ll begin to get more fluid putting pen to page. It’s best to read it right away without worrying or thinking about it too much. If you have good mentors along the way and the right support I don’t think an MFA is so important.

11. Tell me about the writing projects you have on at the moment.

I’m working on a hybrid memoir and searching for publishers that will answer directly to an author as a first step. As a hybrid form it includes journal excerpts and dreams. I hope to have a my early health essays included in an addendum.

On my to-do list is to develop my next poetry manuscript and start sending it out. But first I need to form an arc from my many poems written in the past several years. Each book birth takes a lot of energy and my last book promotion has been slowly winding down; although I will be on a panel at AWP2020 in San Antonio related to that book reading my poetry.

Wombwell Rainbow Interviews: Julene Tripp Weaver Wombwell Rainbow Interviews I am honoured and privileged that the following writers local, national and international have agreed to be interviewed by me.

[devinclaire]

Some Things Are Once In A Lifetime, Like This Full Moon: Scorpio Full Moon Horoscopes

Let me repeat: this is going to be an intense Full Moon in Scorpio. On Saturday, May 18th at 2:11 pm Pacific Daylight Time there is going to be an energetic triangle between the North Node in Cancer, Neptune in Pisces, and the Moon in Scorpio. This combination is never going to happen again in our lifetimes. With this trio it gives us a chance to witness our dreams align with our purpose for being on the planet this lifetime, and how this alignment emotionally feeds our souls.

Now is the time to set an intention for your dreams. Keep it simple, to one sentence. Let’s look for inspiration in some good ones, Oprah’s is- “To help people live their best lives”, John F. Kennedy’s was “To put a man on the Moon”, and Bob Belcher (from Bob’s Burgers) is to make delicious burgers with puny names in his self owned burger joint. What would living your dream look like right this very second? This would definitely be a great time to break out some oracle or Tarot cards if you’re not quite sure where to start and are looking for guidance toward your greatness.

Venus and Uranus are also right next to each other during the Full Moon. Uranus is electrifying Venus with energy to power away from anything that doesn’t feel abundant. I expect to hear yourself and others say, “I can’t do that anymore,” with this frequency in the air. It’s like being jolted away from a bad dream.

Phew, a lot of energy, use it to your benefit with releasing shit you want to get rid of, this is a good one for a ritual!!! The next day, Sunday, May 19th is much calmer, you can rest from the energy then.

On to the horoscopes! Don’t forget to read you Sun sign and Rising sign!

Aries- You’ve been working hard making your own money, yet don’t be surprised if you receive money from others during this Full Moon. Also keep your ears open, you may be coming into some information that had once only been privy to a few individuals. It will help you determine where to go next on your warrior path. This is a time to get clear about where you stand, and what you stand on. Where do you feel rooted, where do you find comfort? Once you get clear on these things you’ll realize the things that once scared you are figments of your imagination.

Taurus- It’s all about relationships for you under this Full Moon. This Moon is all about soul connection. Who is willing to go deep with you? It will all be revealed under this Moon. This soul connection will most defintely be about love in your life, especially with Venus moving into Taurus earlier in the week. However, don’t discount the importance of friendship and true friends during this time. Is a friend becoming something more? Does someone from your group want to introduce you to someone? Seriously consider this opportunity. Are you already with your soul partner? Take this Moon to go deeper than you ever thought possible.

Gemini- This Full Moon is shedding light on your day job and your feelings around it. If you’re in love with it, and enjoy the thought of going to work every day, congratulate yourself and then get ready for some major abundance to come your way. If your job is not the best fit for you, if you’re the only one who can see the different points of view of your coworkers rather than demonizing those who think different than you, it’s time to move into a new space. The Full Moon will shed light on your path toward making money in another job. One that’s more closely aligned with your destiny and dream career.

Cancer- You, in the physical form, have been on a journey this year, and you, in your dream life, has been on a journey this year. Under the Full Moon these two parts of you intuitively meet to continue the path as one. It may feel like a big task making an intention having to do with your destiny, but remember the key is to have fun with it! Get very clear about where you want your dreams to take you- a new house, a new job, a new country? Get very clear about this place and why you want it to be your new home. You’re in a great time of rebuilding, and this Full Moon will further shine light on what is no longer sturdy, along with what’s going to withstand the test of time.

Leo- It’s a nice Full Moon to clean house before you go out to howl at the Moon with friends. This Full Moon asks how steady does the ground feel beneath you? There may be some ground that feels worn and smooth and familiar and you always want to keep it in your life. There may be ground that always cracks beneath you, and you’re growing tired of being so careful about where you tread. There’s also that new ground you’re breaking in- it’s a new situation, new person, new place, and under the Full Moon you come to realize just how important it is to you. Need guidance? Go to the legends and the myths, these stories will guide you on where you’re going next. It pushes you to leave that sense of home that no longer resonates with your soul.

Virgo- Now is the time to say it! That thing that’s been bottled up inside you for some time now, speak it to who needs to hear it. If you’ve recently put out some writing, this is the time when you’ll be recognized for it. On the night of the Full Moon go out with friends. During the waning Moon, the two weeks after the Full Moon still hang out with friends, but only if the situation is chill and easy. Love may be growing out of the cracks in the sidewalks.

Libra- You might want to do a money dance under this Scorpio Full Moon. Definitely get your hips into it. You’re shaking all the blocks to your abundance loose. Remember that health is wealth as well, and that you can use your body and how it’s feeling as a gauge leading you toward your dreams and destiny in life. You’re choosing to depend less on other people’s money and more on your own. This will lead to true abundance.

Scorpio- Something from October 2017 is coming to fruition in your life right now. This is a moment to celebrate yourself. If you can’t pinpoint what this thing is, sit down and make a list of what was going on then, and what is going on now. At least one thing has changed, and it’s a bigger difference than it may seem. If nothing has changed, this Full Moon will reveal to you what needs to change and exit your life. It’s time to put your creativity out there for the world to see. If you didn’t host that art opening under the light of the Full Moon, start planning for an opening, release, or launch between Monday, June 3rd and Monday, June 17th.

Sagittarius- Currently you’re really contemplating what brings you joy. To get a better understanding of what makes you happy, you must take a hard look at what makes you afraid, at what makes you worry. The Scorpio Full Moon invites you to go deep to better understand the basis on which your fears exist. Knowledge is power, and the better you know your fears, the faster they will lift, and the closer you will come to the all encompassing joy you desire. This Full Moon is about searching to the depths of your soul, getting to the bottom to better understand what your roots feel like, to know what truly stabilizes you.

Capricorn- You may find that you’re leaving a group in order to move on to the next phase of your life. It doesn’t mean that these friends aren’t close to your heart, you just know you have to follow your soul call, and this means coming to a close with a certain set of people you’ve grown accustom to over the years. Where are you going? You’re on a quest to go and marry your dreams. Whether you’re literally getting married and moving from the collective toward exclusive partnership, or you just can’t go to the Game of Thrones watch party every Sunday night because you’re working on your own project (you’ll catch them every other week), it’s time to focus on what makes your soul sing.

Aquarius- Your career and destiny are lighting up the sky. You’ve come to the end of a long path, and you’re finally at the waterfall where you’re able to fall to your knees and drink. Revel in it a little bit too! Celebrate! Dance, drink, and be merry! You’re finally going in the direction you desire. This energy is wonderful for setting an intention around making money from your dreams. It’s time for your day to day work to be aligned with the reason why you incarnated on this planet this lifetime. Over the next two weeks of the waning Moon, let go of old habits that have formed you till now, but at this time no longer bring you to the next level you seek.

Pisces- The way you see everything is about to change. Often you may be hindered by feelings of self doubt. You may be discouraged by the fact that what you know to be true in your soul isn’t reflected in the way the world works. Well, this Full Moon is lifting your spirits in a way that you’ve been waiting for a long time. Remember that you are here on this Earth to have a good time, and this is a theme for you for 2019. When you’re having fun, and you’ve set intention for your dreams, and you continue to let go of the not fun things in your life (that don’t serve your well-being). You’ll be amazed what takes place in the next two weeks, and in the upcoming months leading to October of this year and next.

Looking for a longer horoscope about your sign? Head over to the Shop to purchase your horoscope for the entire 28 day Moon cycle.

[pauldeckerus]

7 Ideas Motivating Me in My Photography Right Now

A huge part of my photo practice is not taking photos. Photography is an inner game. What comes out in our photography is the total expression of who we are, how we think, and what we see.

I realized a few years ago that to create good images I need to feed myself with ideas that really inspire me and help me grow.

Henry Miller describes being a writer in this way:

Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music – the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.

I think the same is true for photographers. We need to look outside into the world and find ideas that ignite our imagination and our energy.

Sometimes I find listening to music or seeing the work of an artist makes me want to pick up my camera and go out to shoot. Sometimes it’s something else entirely — things I read about, such as developments in science or nature, philosophy or personal development.

I don’t care where inspiration comes from, as long as I am always using it to develop my photography and enjoying this creative journey.

One of the great joys of life is creativity. Information goes in, gets shuffled about, and comes out in new and interesting ways. —Peter McWilliams

Here are some ideas that really made a difference to me this year, helping me as I traveled the world with my family creating new photo projects, and in my teaching of photography.

#1. New experiences slow down time

There is this idea that time speeds up when we get older. I mean it feels that way, right? When you were a kid, a boring wet Sunday afternoon felt like it lasted for days on end. Whereas now, time vanishes in a “who knows where?” kind of fashion.

But science tells us that this actually has more to do with familiarity than age. The more familiar we become with things – our environments, routines, habits etc – the less information our brain has to process, and this makes it work quicker. Hence time goes faster.

Interestingly, when we are in new surroundings the brain has more information to process, and this makes time seem to go slower.

I have found that it doesn’t have to be brand new places or brand new experiences that create this sensation of time going slower.

There are hundreds of changes you can make to your life right now that can bring in the new. Take a new route to work, visit a new area of town – or one of my favorites, go out very early in the morning or very late at night.

I spend a lot of time photographing dawn – not just because it’s pretty, but because there is rarely anyone about. It’s amazing to be up when people aren’t around – you get a totally different experience of the world at first light – the birth of a new day.

Similarly, I spent several nights this year going out at midnight to photograph the full moon over the sea. A beautiful and a totally new experience for me — one that is marked in my memory forever.

How many experiences of your experiences this week can you say that about?

It doesn’t matter how habituated you are to your environment, there are always new ways to experience the world and life around you.

#2. Bring the unexpected into your life with silence

We all know how important it is to not have a life so full of work and distractions that you don’t get time for yourself for being creative.

I recently came across a quote that puts a new dimension on why silence and having undistracted, unscheduled time can bring unexpected things into your creative work and life:

Silence is not only the space in which there’s no sound, but there’s no program. Nothing is there so that whatever is essentially unprogrammable can happen. How does anything new happen? In a world where everything is scheduled, everything is listed, everything is programmed, the first thing one needs is space… You have to be open.

It doesn’t mean something enormous will happen, but nothing can happen until you clear that space… Nobody has time to even receive anything that is actually new, including their own thoughts. —Ursula Franklin

Perhaps you want to create a new photo project, or are looking for ideas on what to shoot next – becoming quiet, and doing nothing, is always my first step. Stopping all the rush and busyness of life, and instead allowing your mind to wander instead.

Being quiet isn’t an absence of activity, but a whole other activity entirely. One where new ideas can unleash, without the distraction of your daily thoughts and habits that make your mind an often too-crowded place.

#3. Do it now. Often later becomes never

Last year my wife and I left London with our kids for a long-term travel/work adventure to teach photography online and create new photo projects.

When we started to tell people about it, so many people said things like, “Oh, I almost did that with my kids, but we never managed it.”

Hearing that breaks my heart a little. Because I know at the time the barriers to doing what you really, really want often seem insurmountable. I know. It’s easy to say — later, later, later. Usually when you have a better camera/ more time / more knowledge etc.

Here’s a thought, though — what if that magical time never comes and you get to an age when it becomes impossible. What will you feel when you think back about the obstacles that were in your path at that time? Will they seem that impossible from afar?

It’s rare that obstacles for doing something you love are totally insurmountable.

People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them. —George Bernard Shaw

Which leads me nicely onto:

#4. “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” –Jack Canfield

The subtle presence of fear is everywhere in our lives, including our creative pursuits – photography.

Think about when you are out and about and see a very cool looking stranger. I’d love to shoot him, you might think. But then something stops you.

Instead of plunging ahead and taking that shot, you might just freeze and walk away. Or you might get the courage together and shoot them, but you are so fearful that you don’t get close enough and are too self-conscious to keep going until you get the best shot.

Fear can inhibit our creativity in so many ways. It can stop us from going to full manual because we think we fear we’re not technically adept enough. Or we don’t wander down that road in a strange town because we aren’t sure what we’ll find (but we want to because it looks intriguing.)

Or perhaps our innate self-consciousness stops us from lying down on the floor in the street — it’s the best possible angle for the shot we want, but we feel weird with people all around us and we are worried about looking stupid. I see this type of thing so much in my workshops.

I believe that obstacles, for the most part, are actually just fear. Fear of the unknown, of making a mistake, of messing things up, of losing something.

Yet if we think that fear is just an emotion, I like to think of it almost like a mist, that if I can accept it, and allow it – all I need to do is allow it to pass through me and then on the other side is that awesome thing I wanted!

What we often think about when we are considering taking a risk is what we have to lose, but really shouldn’t we be thinking about what we have to gain?

For me in photography – it’s the shot no one else got!

#5. The magic of wonder

Awe for me is the beginning of everything with photography. I need to be in awe, in some way, of my subject otherwise it’s unlikely I’ll get anything that looks great.

It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering awe – it can be the small awe we feel when we notice a bee doing its busy work, and wondering how it has that innate knowledge to know what to do.

Or it can be some incredible evening light after a rainstorm, lighting up a beautiful valley. It doesn’t matter what fills you with awe because we are all attracted by different things. But getting yourself into a state of wonder of your subject will help to create more compelling and exciting images.

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper. —W.B. Yeats

Look around with intense curiosity and you will always find subjects that will bring forth wonder and awe in you.

#6. “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working” –Pablo Picasso

I love this quote because to me it doesn’t matter how many techniques you have up your sleeve, how awesome your camera is and how well you know how to use it – you need to get out there regularly if you want to improve.

Don’t wait for perfect circumstances or amazing light – which is one of my weaknesses. I’ll tell you, though, that I have got so many awesome shots on days I didn’t expect to and had literally to shove myself out the door.

#7. “If you want something you’ve never had you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” –Thomas Jefferson

I really like this quote – because quite frankly most people I know, myself included, can get a little stagnant and habituated in our lives. As we get older we stop seeking out what is exciting and thrilling to us, we stop trying new things.

But if we love photography and making photos, then we are people who are excited by the visual world around us. We are mesmerized by beautiful light, interesting people, color, shadow, and shapes.

We love to find ways to translate this infinite world into the tiny moments of photographs.

We are people who see the world and not just want to pass through it. We want to explore and discover.

That’s what I have to remember when I am going about my daily life. To keep trying things I can’t do, to keep reaching beyond capabilities so I can evolve as a photographer.

About the author: Anthony Epes is a photographer whose work has been featured internationally; including on BBC, French Photo Magazine, Atlas Obscura and CNN. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. Epes is also a teacher – writing in-depth free articles on his website. Receive his free ebook on the two essential skills that will instantly improve your photos, and sign up to his weekly newsletter providing inspiration, ideas and pro-photo techniques. This article was also published on Cities at Dawn.

from Photography News http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PetaPixel/~3/0boLfr02BX4/

[cloudarrangement-blog]

.004 (b)

I have a million different nom de plume. I am a god and a ghost. But mostly a ghost. Natal Chart Report Birth Chart This birth chart report shows the positions of the planets for Colm . The Sun represents vitality, a sense of individuality and outward-shining creative energy. Sun in Virgo It is rare to find the stereotypical nitpicky, exacting, "clean freak" in modern-day Virgos. Although the sign of Virgo has evolved with the times, there are some unmistakable traits that remain. Virgo people are generally respectable, hard-working individuals who have a love of knowledge and know-how. Virgo's symbol, the Virgin, shows itself in the lives of Virgos through a love of all that is "natural" and a certain purity of spirit that keeps Virgos self-sufficient and self-contained, at least on the surface. Virgos are sensitive to their surroundings, and they tend to embarrass easily. They are generally reticent when faced with anything or anyone new. However, once they feel comfortable, they can talk up a storm. Many Virgo Suns are not too comfortable in the limelight. These types are just fine living in the background, as long as they feel useful and appreciated. Solar Virgos have a strong sense of responsibility. Even when they've convinced themselves to be irresponsible about something or the other, they worry about it. Not all Virgos are workaholics. However, when Solar Virgos are not involved in some kind of project, there is generally a vague feeling of discontent. Even when their lives are filled up with work, they are restless and somewhat nervous creatures. The fear of under-performing is often strong. Virgos want to do things well. Some are exacting and thorough, and those Virgos who have convinced themselves to do a less-than-perfect job will generally feel incomplete. There's an odd combination of the intellectual and the practical in Virgo that is sometimes mistaken for coolness. In fact, Virgos are often self-effacing and shy. They'll brush off your compliments quickly and, sometimes, critically; but don't let that fool you. They need your respect and appreciation. In fact, the happiest Virgos are the ones who feel appreciated and useful. Add plenty of worthwhile projects to keep them busy, and Virgos can be some of the sweetest, kindest people around. Keywords: analytical, intelligent, reserved, critical, helpful, conscientious. Sun in XII You have a tendency to be introspective and need some space and seclusion in order to pull up your strength. You may avoid the spotlight, and if you do find yourself in a public role, you tend to hide your true self behind that role! Because your will is directed inwards, you need to find a path for yourself that allows you to "get away from it all" at least some of the time. Honor your need to be alone with yourself, but avoid over-identifying with your inner world to the point that you truly feel alone in a crowd. You shine when you serve others in some way. Your compassion sets you apart from others, but try to work with it rather than let your compassion work against you by reinforcing your own sense of loneliness. 341 Conjunction Sun - Mercury Because your ego and your mind are aligned, you possess much mental energy. You are always in a position to think about what you want, and in many ways, this is an interruption of the will. You are highly intelligent with a great drive to communicate with other. You invest a lot of pride in your intellectual capacities. You may not always listen as well as you speak, however! You might be too busy thinking about what to say next. But you are very curious and although you enjoy expressing yourself, you usually don't dominate conversations completely. As far as studying or learning goes, you are better off reading the material than listening to a teacher. These traits come from a strong need to take an active role in communications. It is very hard for you to passively listen and absorb information. Your opinions are usually strong and you are an independent thinker. You tend to be proud of your opinions and thoughts, and might easily get a bruised ego if you are not "heard", if your opinions are pushed aside or ignored, or if your opinions are criticized. You are expressive and possibly a very animated speaker. You are also very witty and others enjoy your playful and sometimes mischievous sense of humor. -46 Square Sun - Jupiter Although your intentions are generally good, you are given to overdoing things. You can easily gloss over realistic details and get yourself into debt, overindulge in pleasures such as food and drink, and promise more than you can deliver. For the most part, you find help for your excesses. Somebody's there to bail you out, as plenty of people believe that your heart is in the right place. Generally, this is the case, but if excessive behavior becomes a pattern, and you continually face light consequences, there is the danger that you will not learn from your mistakes and abuse the "system", relying on your friends and family to help you out a little too often. Your reputation for being "good people", thus, can eventually be used to further your purposes--something that should, of course, be avoided. However, many people with this aspect don't fall into the trap of losing their sincerity. You are generous, helpful, and charitable. Still, the tendency to live beyond your means is a real threat that you might struggle with much of your life. Another thing to watch for is depression. You tend to go through periods of intense highs when you are excessively optimistic. These periods are so marked that they seem to be unnatural and a fall seems to be inevitable. You can make promises you intend to keep, but have a problem with follow-through. Self-control can be a real problem. Try to avoid gambling altogether. Usually quite knowledgeable and generous with your time, you have many talents that you might take for granted. 2 Conjunction Sun - Pluto You have much sexual vitality and passion. It is easy and natural for you to find a passion and pursue it, and to focus on a goal. You are not much scared of anything. You enjoy and embrace growth, especially of the psychological kind. You love a good mystery, and you are adept at solving it.You readily assign meaning to what others might consider "ordinary" events. You look for symbols, and read between the lines in most any situation. The physical vitality is generally strong, and the body is usually able to heal quickly. You are not afraid to get your hands dirty, and you are usually quick to help others--not only with mundane tasks, but also on a spiritual or psychological level. Your insight is sharp and sometimes awe-inspiring. You are perceptive and not easily rattled or surprised in life. You are not a do-gooder nor are you a law-breaker. However, you are not afraid of the "dark side" of human nature, and you will bend the rules from time to time if you feel the need to do so. You take particular pleasure in growth and life's lessons. You are not fond of superficiality, and are generally the first to spot pretense of any kind. You are passionate and can be intense. You have a hunger to experience more than just an "ordinary" life, and you can be quite ambitious. Some people with this aspect are perfectionists, demanding much from themselves and reasonable amounts of effort and honesty from others. The Moon represents the emotional responses, unconscious pre-destination, and the self-image. Moon in Cancer This is the most subjective position of the Moon. The Moon is "at home" in the sign of Cancer, as the Moon is the natural ruler of the sign. Moon in Cancer natives have a large potential to be able to get in touch with the feelings and moods of others. Often, they are quite wrapped up in themselves. Their memories of the past are outstanding, especially for all things emotional. Moon in Cancer people are never detached--they cling to things, their home, and people they care for. They seek out security and familiarity in all they do. They look for peace and quiet. Their attachment to all that is safe means they are a little leery of change. These peace-loving souls dislike superficiality in all of its forms. They are devoted and accommodating. The insecure ones accumulate things in an attempt to feel secure. Because of their strong attachment to, and memory of, the past, others may complain that Moon in Cancer natives tend to whip a dead horse. They may dwell on hurts long after everyone else has moved on. When they feel they have been taken for granted (which may be often!), they don't always confront others directly. This is when they can use roundabout ways to get your attention. In fact, these natives, when they are insecure, can become quite manipulative. They can also be victims of habit. These people can have a hard time compartmentalizing their lives, simply because their watery Moon tends to know no boundaries. Sometimes, as a result, they may act irrationally. One of the most delightful characteristics of Moon in Cancer people is their loony sense of humor. These people can be extraordinarily funny. Their moodiness can baffle others, but their unique outlook on life is something most people can appreciate. When treated with tenderness and understanding, Moon in Cancer natives return the favor with warmth and protection. Give them security, and you'll take the crabbiness out of the Crab, at least for awhile. These people are wonderfully dependable overall, despite their occasional mood swings. Make a friend of Moon in Cancer, and you will be taken care of for life. Short description: He is likeable and sociable. Very sensitive to environmental conditions and surroundings. He likes home, habits, comfort and his little world. Very caring and protective of loved ones. Weaknesses: subject to indolence, inertia. He is impressionable and too sensitive. Family problems. Moon in IX Highly imaginative. Prolonged studies, is intuitive. Professionally successful abroad, or in import-export or as a diplomat. Contact with foreigners. Long journeys. Ability to learn foreign languages. This is a position that can indicate a deep longing for stimulation above and beyond the everyday, mundane routine. You are a philosophical sort, interested and curious about the world, other people, and perhaps different cultures. You can be extremely restless and discontented if you don't have a definite goal in mind. You might find yourself longing to be somewhere else when you are unhappy, imagining that if you were to move or travel, you would be much happier. However, this attitude can only keep you from enjoying and improving upon the situation you are now in, only serving to make you feel more unhappy in the present and with your current circumstances. Trying to avoid the attitude that "the grass is greener on the other side" will be important, while attending to your needs to get away from time to time will help scratch the seemingly incurable itch for something more. 78 Trine Moon - Venus You are generally amiable and project a soft and yielding manner. You possess natural charm and you are highly imaginative and sympathetic. You can make an excellent mediator and go-between. You are keenly aware of your need for relationships and for intimacy. You have a well-developed respect for qualities typically associated with the feminine. People appreciate you for your tender heart and friendly, diplomatic disposition. You should enjoy a good measure of personal popularity and success in your life. Although generally considered "lucky" with relationships and with money, this is less about luck than it is about a certain level of inner peace and positive energy that attracts pleasant situations. At times you can be complacent, downright lazy, and over-indulgent in the "pleasures" of life. However, you are a peace-maker at heart and have an unusual ability to help and heal others. You are gracious and warm. 153 Trine Moon - Saturn He controls his feelings. He has a sense of duty, of self-esteem and is prudent. He can concentrate on a long-term task, manual or intellectual. He perseveres and is serious in everything he does. 11 Sextile Moon - Uranus He is imaginative and has the Moon's intuition complemented by Uranus' independence and originality. His life is out-of-the-ordinary, with lots of changes and a great knowledge of the world not through reading but through personal experience. He likes the sensational, new things. He acts instinctively, but fortunately has a good sixth sense. He likes to be surrounded by original people, artists. 24 Trine Moon - Neptune Positive aspect: He is kind and sympathetic, with a strongly compassionate nature. When in love, he is usually very devoted. In fact, he is devoted by nature, not only in matters of the heart. There is an unmistakably compassionate and understanding side to his nature. He has a natural affinity to music. While everyone enjoys music, people with Moon in harmonious aspect to Neptune respond to music as a vehicle to heal, relax, and to uplift the soul. Naturally perceptive, without even trying he tunes into the feelings of others, and the mood of his surroundings. There is a distinct emotional need to escape into the world of imagination, and to withdraw from others at times when he needs to re-center himself, largely because he tends to "take in" a lot of mixed energies from his surroundings. Strong and sudden "feelings" and hunches can overcome him. More often than not, his intuition is correct, although his imagination is also powerful and he can read too much into a situation as a result. Some laziness is associated with this position. This stems from a natural timidity and sensitivity that is apparent from youth. He may have been labeled "shy" in youth, and family members or friends may have jumped in to "save" him from situations that required boldness or aggressiveness. Thus, passivity was accepted and, as adults, he may be less experienced than most when it comes to reaching out or going after what he wants. -95 Square Moon - Ascendant He is unhappily influenced by the family. He is probably loved insufficiently by his parents, but looks for more love especially from his mother. He is susceptible, has superficial sensitivity and is sometimes irascible. Mercury represents communication, Cartesian and logical spirit. Mercury in Virgo He discusses, deduces and judges. He reasons logically and accurately. He spends a lot of time on practical matters and keeping things in order. Sometimes nitpicky and nervous, secretly feeling he handles matters better than others. Mercury in XII He has difficulty expressing himself, especially when young. Does not talk much, he does not speak for the sake of it. He works in remote and quiet places. He is discrete and philosophical. You are not very quick to speak or communicate, especially in childhood, as you need to develop trust in your own abilities to express yourself. You make an excellent confidante--you are very discreet and secrets go into the vault. You might make matters too complex by overanalyzing motives or hunches, and then have problems acting on your intuition as a result. You are very attracted to symbols, sentiment, imagery, and paradoxes. You prefer not to focus on facts and learn best when ideas are presented visually, emotionally, or imaginatively. Learning to communicate clearly is a challenge for you, but one that might put an end to feelings of guilt, of being misunderstood, and to attracting unpleasant situations or duplicitous people into your experience. 603 Sextile Mercury - Mars He likes to discuss, likes polemic. He has good judgment and is determined. He is a worker and has lots of energy. He has a lively intelligence and goes to the heart of things. He is enthusiastic, incisive, and energetic in thought and speech. -89 Opposition Mercury - Saturn He is reserved, conservative, ambitious and stubborn. He might have problems expressing himself, particularly verbally, due to shyness or fear of criticism. Social success may be slow and laborious, but he does not give up easily and is patient. Whatever you say and write is self-censored to some degree. It's hard for you to pour out your emotions, no matter how emotional or needy you feel on the inside. This is because you are always aware of what others might think of you with what you say. You are careful with what you reveal to others. You make plenty of disclaimers, and often come across as negative or sarcastic without intending to. You often review conversations you have had with others, and you often kick yourself for saying something you didn't intend to, or for not saying something witty. There can be some feelings of insecurity about how you speak and communicate in general. Self-consciousness and hypersensitivity is experienced with regards to your intelligence and/or ability to get ideas across to others, especially in youth. You need plenty of positive feedback from others in order to feel more confident and less "blocked". Recognize that you are most likely harder on yourself about how you communicate than others are. Ask people close to you for an objective point of view. Chances are, they find you to be astute, intelligent, and an effective speaker or writer. We often tell our kids "don't worry about what others think", but telling this to a person with a hard Saturn aspects is not enough, nor is it realistic. They will worry. You rarely accept compliments whole-heartedly, yet you crave them and need them. Others around you tend to stop complimenting you, feeling that you either don't need compliments or don't want to hear them. Nothing can be further than the truth! 419 Conjunction Mercury - Uranus He is perspicacious, ingenious: he binds intelligence and originality together with genius. He likes literature, especially fiction. He is spontaneous in his friendships and knows how to take advantage of the situations that arise. 199 Sextile Mercury - Neptune He can put down in writing everything that his imagination and intuition dictates. 372 Conjunction Mercury - Pluto He has a great sense of observation and quickly grasps the situation. He is crafty, subtle and critical. Venus represents an interest for emotions and values, exchange and sharing with others. Venus in Scorpio Venus in Scorpio people attract others with their intensity and willingness to commit. They have a strong and concentrated manner which suggests their feelings run deep. Their actions in love tend to promise deep commitment and sexual pleasure, even if they are not telling you this directly. Their appeal lies in their focus on you, and their dedication. Venus in Scorpio seems fearless when it comes to intimacy. Potential lovers get the feeling that Venus in Scorpio will never stray, that they are intensely loyal to the one they love. They possess you, and somehow make it seem attractive to be possessed. Venus in Scorpio men and women give you their complete attention. These people are very focused on their partners. Depending on your personality, you may find this unnerving or entirely flattering. They have a strong need to control their partner, although this won't be immediately apparent, and they may not ever admit to this. Their body-and-soul love and commitment can be so intense that it eclipses fun and makes loving them a very heavy experience. Their emotion and intensity may seem overdone to those looking for a more lighthearted relationship. These people take things to extremes, and can be very provocative. Although they want to explore all of your nooks and crannies, they won't always be forthcoming with their own. When you've upset these lovers, you'll know it. Depending on the moment, Venus in Scorpio will shoot you one of the most piercing glares around, or totally blow up. Whichever style they choose, a slighted Scorpio lover is not a pretty sight. These people can be jealous of all of your attachments, but few will admit it. They're not afraid of being underhanded in matters of the heart, and they are experts at cutting through all the fluff and seeing you for what you are. Still, you may find their conclusions about you seem skewed and mistrustful. Pleasing Venus in Scorpio involves demonstrating your complete commitment and loyalty to them. Appreciate their guts when it comes to love and intimacy -- they're proud of their courage in these matters. If you can, and they're deserving, relinquish some of the control in the relationship. Let them feel they own you, without taking it to extremes. Remember, though, that some Venus in Scorpio lovers can and will take advantage of you on a subtle level, if only to keep you all to themselves. Let them have their secrets and their silences. Short description: Sensual and passionate. Passions run hot and cold. Full of ardor and desire where the partner needs to be able to match his level. Can be jealous and possessive. If disappointed or deceived in love, he can become bitter. Usually very loyal. Venus in I Big-hearted. He is generous, altruistic, devoted, warm-hearted, lovable and sweet-tempered. He is drawn towards the Arts, music, song. He likes gatherings, parties. He has big emotional highs. Craves and often gets peaceful life in love. You are a likable, magnetic, attractive, and charming person whose heart is often on your sleeve. Unless Venus is very challenged, you are easy to befriend, diplomatic, and warm in self-expression. You tend to attract others to you quite readily, and rarely come on too strong or aggressively. Negative expressions of this position include a superficial charm, a tendency to "play dumb" when challenged or in doubt, and two-faced, passive-aggressive behavior. The need to be liked by others, and/or to keep the peace, might lead to feelings of resentment or general unrest if you feel that you give up your own power to others. You might find it difficult to make solid decisions. Your personal sense of style and manner are things that others find fascinating, and you generally pay great attention to how these things benefit you in life. 8 Trine Venus - Jupiter He is good-hearted, generous and has a good character. He likes well-being, comfort, a life without problems. He has good relations with his circle. He is easy to approach. All the same, he falls in love easily. He has a successful married and professional life. 19 Trine Venus - Saturn He has a good grasp of reality and of duty. He is thrifty, reserved and does not show off. He likes truth and justice. In love, his sentiments are sincere and deep, he never plays false. He is, of course, faithful in love and friendship. He can love a much older person and appreciates his intelligence and good sense. Mars represents the desire for action and physical energy. Mars in Scorpio Mars in Scorpio natives love to challenge themselves to do the impossible. They throw themselves into what they decide to do with concentrated energy and awesome willpower. These people make formidable opponents, although often quietly so. They keep their cool and their equilibrium on the surface. Below the surface may be another story, and they are unlikely to easily let you in. Mars in Scorpio has the potential to exploit others--these people see through others, and rely heavily on their gut feelings. The sexual stamina of this position is thought to be the strongest of all the positions of Mars. Sometimes, Mars in Scorpio people are attracted to taboos, and their fantasies may involve blowing the taboos to smithereens! They enjoy scenarios in which the "other" is giving in to them, wants them completely, and will do absolutely anything for them. And, their sexual appeal is strong enough that they generally do get what they want. They find it difficult to share their partners, though they will likely never admit this. In stark contrast to Mars in Libra, who is most comfortable with the middle ground, Mars in Scorpio has a black-or-white philosophy of life. These are the people who say, "Just choose!" They really are not comfortable with compromise--what kind of satisfaction could you possibly get from compromise? Real living, to Mars in Scorpio, is all about accepting challenges and making changes. These people constantly test themselves, and, often, others. They make all kinds of rules and goals, just for the personal satisfaction that comes from achieving or mastering them. Their survival instincts are strong, and they embrace their own animal nature when they are all alone with themselves, without guilt. These people have a provocative quality to them. This quality is usually most evident in youth, though it is often carried over into adulthood in more subtle, controlled ways. Mars in Scorpio natives who have low self-esteem can become mighty twisted. Instead of beating themselves up, they turn self-loathing outward, and end up manipulating others and feeling resentful. While Mars in Libra is constantly striving to bring fairness to the world, Mars in Scorpio knows that life simply isn't fair. Mars in II He undertakes daring and dangerous enterprises. He has lots of initiative. He works hard for his money, of which he earns a lot. He is a spendthrift, money comes and goes. He is always ready to start from scratch in the event of a setback. Great willingness and enthusiasm. You are likely to be a hard worker, although you appreciate the process and might be slower than some as you focus on the method and tend to each step deliberately and carefully. You love to produce things of practical value. You are ambitious when it comes to making money and acquiring possessions, but you might be impatient or impulsive when it comes to spending. You can be quite possessive, both of material things and of people. You like a physical challenge, and your physical abilities and energy make up a strong part of your sense of self-worth. You like to work independently, or you value things most when you have achieved something on your own. The world of the five senses is most important to you on sensual and sexual levels. You have a hearty appetite with strong stamina. You defend your values fervently. 19 Trine Mars - Saturn He is energetic and determined. He has strength and resistance, ability and patience: he is tough, and sometimes insensitive, and puts all his energy and talents into overcoming all the obstacles to his success. He is obstinate, calculating, does not take on anything without having thought of all the possible consequences, he can take all the time in the world and never loses patience to achieve his objectives. He is not particularly popular in his circle, but is feared and respected. 61 Sextile Mars - Uranus He possesses exceptional energy. He is impulsive but bold. He takes on risky enterprises for the good of the community, with all the energy he possesses. He has a great need of his independence, likes his freedom of action. 389 Conjunction Mars - Neptune His feelings are dominated by wisdom and geared towards the ideal. He likes water, sea voyages. He likes odd people. 70 Sextile Mars - Pluto He is ambitious, has a great capacity for work, has self-confidence and goes to the end of his plans. Jupiter represents expansion and grace. Jupiter in Gemini He attracts the most good fortune when he uses his wit and ingeniousness, is versatile, sociable, curious, and puts others at ease with friendliness and sincere curiosity. Values the intellect and sees opportunities to grow and succeed through intellectual, verbal, and written channels. Believes that intelligence and knowledge is the key to solving problems. Jupiter in IX Deeply intelligent, he is tolerant and sincere. Professional success can happen abroad or in connection with foreign countries. Faraway voyages are profitable. Saturn represents contraction and effort. Saturn in Pisces Misanthropic, with a sullen humor. He likes to live in solitude, in contemplation. Likes to work alone. Saturn in V He likes method, calculation, concentration. He is not drawn towards amusements, or pleasure in general. He has few friends, but has deep and sincere feelings. He is serious in everything. -91 Opposition Saturn - Uranus He does not like routine, whether at work or in his emotional life. He fights to keep his independence, his freedom of action. He would gladly re-make the world. 22 Trine Saturn - Neptune His plans are realized in a methodical fashion, he works hard to achieve success. -59 Opposition Saturn - Pluto He is not open to others' ideas, especially if they are free-thinking. He is an egoist and has a narrow mind. Uranus represents individual liberty, egoistic liberty. Uranus in Virgo Interested in nutrition, new ways of doing a job. Uranus in XI His freedom is important to him, even with regard to friends. These are extravagant, original, intellectual. They are not from the same background and have a different up-bringing. 60 Sextile Uranus - Neptune 151 Conjunction Uranus - Pluto He fights to improve his daily life, he is persevering. Neptune represents transcendental liberty, non-egoistic liberty. Neptune in Scorpio Willing to look beyond the superficial. Neptune in II He may prefer not to attach too much value to money, but if this is overdone, there can be quite a few problems in life concerning money and ownership. He might make money through artistic pursuits, but must avoid the potential pitfalls of putting too much faith in ideas that don't have enough grounding in reality. Financial advice is important to obtain. 43 Sextile Neptune - Pluto Pluto represents transformations, mutations and elimination. Pluto in Virgo Research and investigation come naturally. House I is the area of self identity. The ascendant is a symbol of how one acts in life. It is the image of the personality as seen by others, and the attitude that one has towards life. Ascendant in Libra Everybody seems to like Libra Ascendant natives. They just come across as nice, pleasant, and fair. Look a little closer at their lives, and these nice people may have had quite a few problems in their relationships. Some of them have had a string of relationships, and it can be hard to imagine why! These natives attract others to them effortlessly. Besides, they simply don't know what to do with themselves without a significant other. Libra rising generally appear to be smoothing everything over. They have charming smiles, a gentle approach with others, and an easygoing image. Even if they were not endowed with good looks, they are attractive. Most pay a lot of attention to their personal appearance -- the colors they wear, their hair, the way they walk. Libra rising people can be enormously persuasive, although they will almost always use a "soft sell" approach when they want to win others over, which is all of the time! A tendency to pass the buck and keep up that "nice guy/gal" image are their worst qualities. However, they can make excellent mediators and will generally be the first to accommodate you. Libra rising natives are usually attracted to competent, active partners. Their relationships are often characterized by bickering or competitiveness until they learn to drop their sweet image once in a while and to stop blaming their partners for everything that goes wrong. House II is the area of material security and values. It rules money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions. House II in Scorpio Financial success may come through handling other people's money and resources or thanks to an inheritance. Financial ups and downs are very possible, but in later life, finances can be substantial. Private about revealing his worth. House III is the area of social and intellectual learning. House III in Sagittarius He will study for a long time, will be erudite. Very intelligent, an open and independent spirit, will have a connection with foreign countries. Fertile intelligence. House IV is the area of home, family, roots, and deep emotions/sense of self-worth. House IV in Capricorn After working all his life to obtain his objectives and finally having reached that goal, he wants to retire in peace and quiet and to have a retirement full of contemplation, with few tasks, close to nature. As he was very careful with money all his life, he will administer the properties he has acquired. House V is the area of creative self-expression, romance, entertainment, children, and gambling. House V in Aquarius Doesn't like routine and the banal. He is romantic, full of fantasy and imagination. He is also a friend one can count on. House VI is the area of learning by material transaction. House VI in Pisces Job in commerce. Weak point: the kidneys. House VII is the area of one-to-one relationships such as marriage and partnership, and of social and intellectual action. House VII in Aries Love-at-first-sight, marries without thinking. Doesn't want to change his habits, so domestic quarrels to be foreseen. House VIII is the area of emotional security and of security of the soul. House VIII in Taurus Happy old age, natural death. Inheritance. House IX is the area of learning that shapes the identity. House IX in Gemini Likes studying, is open to anything new, accepts and recognizes his errors, always develops in a positive sense. Likes travel, discovery, meeting new people and knows how to appreciate them. House X is the area of material action. The Mid-heaven represents the work one will do in his life, the place one will take in the world of society. It becomes more important as one grows older House X in Cancer Likes contact with the public, the crowd. Profession that involves meeting a lot of people. Professional success thanks to sense of duty and application to his work. House XI is the area of search for social and intellectual security. House XI in Leo Friends are not always chosen by chance. Even if the feelings of friendship are sincere, these friends must automatically bring something - professional help for example. House XII is the area of education and of emotion. House XII in Virgo Work in a research lab.

[limejuicer1862]

Wombwell Rainbow Interviews

I am honoured and privileged that the following writers local, national and international have agreed to be interviewed by me. I gave the writers two options: an emailed list of questions or a more fluid interview via messenger.

The usual ground is covered about motivation, daily routines and work ethic, but some surprises too. Some of these poets you may know, others may be new to you. I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I do.

  Rachael Ikins

Rachael Ikins has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize & CNY Book Award multiple times and won the 2018 Independent Book Award for Just Two Girls. She featured at the Tyler Gallery 2016, Rivers End Bookstore 2017, ArtRage gallery 2018, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, Aaduna fundraiser 2017 Auburn, NY, Syracuse Poster Project 2015, and Palace Poetry, Syracuse. Her work is included in the 2019 anthologies Gone Dogs and We Will Not Be Silenced the latter Book Authority’s #2 pick for the top 100 Best New Poetry Books for 2019. She has 7 chapbooks, a full length poetry collection and a novel. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and Associate Editor of Clare Songbirds Publishing House. She lives in a small house with her animal family surrounded by nature and is never without a book in hand.

Associate Editor Clare Songbirds Publishing House, Auburn NY

https://www.claresongbirdspub.com/shop/featured-authors/rachael-ikins/

2018 Independent Book Award winner (poetry)

2013, 2018, 2019 CNY Book Award nominee

2016, 2018 Pushcart nominee

Www.writerraebeth.wordpress.com

https://m.facebook.com/RachaelIkinsPoetryandBooks/

@poetreeinmoshun on Instagram

@writerraebeth on Tumblr

@nestl493 on Twitter

Above all, practice kindness

The Interview

1. What inspired you to write poetry?

I started writing poetry in second grade when I was 7. I still know that silly poem by heart that I’d written for Halloween. And it was about cats. Some things never change, although I write about more than cats now. As far as inspiration I suppose it was hearing it—I speak several languages— poetry is its own language. My first grade teacher had us copy poems to learn penmanship from the chalk board. My father used to have me read psalms from the Bible at bed time as I learned to read more. I think I was just born a poet. Only one period of my life was I unable to write and that was caused by serious adverse reaction to medications. It was a bleak time.

2. Who introduced you to poetry?

I have already mentioned my dad and my first grade teacher. The most significant person was my 8th grade English teacher. A poet and author herself, she presented the unit on poetry ( met with groans esp. from the boys) by having us go out into the community to find poems in magazines and periodicals and cut them out. To create a notebook of poems. She had us each get a copy of two seminal poetry books, Poetry USA and Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle and we were assigned poems and practiced. We performed for a small crowd one afternoon in the school library. It made a huge difference to be taught by someone who was passionate about poetry. No English teacher for the rest of my school years ever came close. We are still friends. She is in her 80s now and still writing in multiple genres, attending workshops and publishing.

3. How aware were you of the dominating presence of older poets?

I’m not sure what this question refers to. Older in history poets or older people I knew who liked or wrote  poetry. My father was given, as were all soldiers, The Pocket Book of Poetry.  Soldiers would carry it under their helmets. My dad still had his copy, and we used to read from that little book. So I was aware of the masters as a kid, but had not known an actual adult poet until I was 14.

4. What is your daily writing routine?

I tend to work in the mornings. I browse markets using social media a lot, too. If I find something interesting I will match up the pieces I want to submit and then revise and polish. As far as new work, again, it tends to be written mornings. I was riding my bike yesterday morning, and a poem started up in my head. This has always been a way I write. Other days something will happen, something that has been subconsciously simmering will say “It’s time!” Whatever else I had planned that day will take back seat to the need to write, and I may write for 5 hours straight.

Walking or riding and letting my mind roam. Once the body is craving relief, all extraneous clutter- thought goes away and clears space for something new to appear. I just listen for it.

5. What motivates you to write?

A feeling of not having achieved some mysterious rubicon yet. I have won a lot of prizes and as well published quite a lot of books with three publishers in multiple genres, and yet I  am just driven. I also have to say, I think I can’t help it. Writing is like breathing to me. “Write or die.” I would also like to make a significant amount of money at my craft/passion to make a dent in my monthly budget. Would I like to support myself at it? For sure, but I don’t know if that will ever happen. I have intense focus and ability to pursue something no matter who detracts from it. That has done well for me, too. Because in spite of teacher support, my family never took my writing seriously until the past decade.

6. What is your work ethic?

My work ethic has always been work hard and  help one another. We are all in this together. Contests aside, we are not competitors though some act that way. Help someone else. Don’t trample someone with your ambition. Pay it forward. Honesty. Write honestly.

7. How do the writers you read when you were young influence you today?

Oh, that is an easy one. I first tried to read Tolkien to myself as an 8 year old. Was a tad daunting. Instead I read all of Milne’s Winnie the Pooh books. The classics. Read Tolkien again in my 20s and was hooked. Both these authors made a mark on me somehow, scarred my heart and brain because decades later after writing nothing but poetry since age 14, in my 40s I wrote a series of children’s stories and the initial chapters of what became the first book in the Tales from the Edge of the Woods series, Totems. My understanding of fantasy and my choice of magical characters and so on was sparked by those great authors. My children’s stories stayed in a box until about a year ago, through 7 moves. I showed them to a publisher last year and we worked on edits. A Piglet for David will be coming from Clare Songbirds Publishing House later this year, the first in a series of young reader chapter books.

8. Who of today’s writers do you admire and why?

I admire J. K. Rowling though I am not a Harry Potter fan. Like her, I have known horrible poverty. You just do the work, period. And if you become successful, you do good with it. I also have always admired poet Marge Piercy. Since her book The Moon is Always Female in the ‘80s with its erotic poems connected to the natural world and also cat poetry Marge has seemed to appear along the journey just when I  needed an example to follow. I have also been at work on straight fiction, a lesbian adventure/ romance for awhile. I have never been fond of reading explicit sexual descriptions. It bores me. Do it, don’t discuss it lol.

I had to write a love scene and had no idea how to do so. One thing about love scenes is it is easy for them to be unimaginative.

I was in a bookstore and found an anthology Best Lesbian Erotica, not sure of the year. Looking through the table of contents I saw Marge Piercy had a short story in it. So I bought it, read her story and the rest of them, then faced off one night, sweating, in front of my computer and wrote the scene. A few years later my story “The Horse Rescuer” was accepted for publication, and I was paid probably the most for one piece I’ve been so far.

In 2014 I noticed Marge on FaceBook so I private-messaged her, one of those “You don’t know me but…” expressions of gratitude for her presence in my literary life. She responded and suggested I submit to her June Poetry Intensive. She chooses 12 students for a week long workshop every year. I finally got to meet my hero.

I like Mary Oliver’s poetry, too, but Marge is the one who has always been there in some sort of magical way. There are really too many authors for me to list.

9. Why do you write as opposed to doing anything else?

I can’t not write. And when a poem in particular or a scene if we’re talking prose, starts coming together in my mind, I have to stop whatever else I’m doing. It’s like going into labor I guess. You can’t tell the baby you’ve changed your mind, stay in there.

10. What would you say to someone who asks “How do you become a writer.”

You write. The best way to become a writer is to read everything you can get your hands on. Then you write. Maybe you start out emulating a style of someone you like to read. Keep writing and eventually your own voice will be heard. Writing is the most labor-intensive, long-term gamble of a profession going. You can theoretically spend, for example, 5 years writing a novel, another several seeking an agent and publisher if you want to go the path of the big 5 publishers, and yet you can spend a whole decade of your life on that one project and it may never be accepted. Or sell. Know that up front. Study. Go to workshops. Find a writing group. Read at open mics. And if/ when you reach a point where you have something to submit, read the specs the publisher lists as to how to submit to their publication. It shows respect. Many a writer has been summarily rejected for not submitting the way the publisher requested. Be tough. Opinions are completely subjective. Being rejected by a publication is meaningless. Editors are human beings. We all have different tastes. Don’t take it to heart. If you are lucky enough to get a note of feedback along with the rejection, learn from that. Read books about writing.

It’s hard. Be aware. Being a writer is not for the faint of heart. If you are serious about it you will pursue it no matter what. We only pass this way one time. So if you really want to do this, do it.

11. Tell me about the writing projects you have on at the moment.

Right now I am in the midst of launching my mixed-genre memoir, Eating the Sun. It is the love story of my husband and me. Organized by seasons of the year, the garden is the vehicle that takes the reader on the journey. Each section starts with narrative and then has poetry related to it, and finally recipes created by us from garden ingredients we grew. I use my artwork often in my books when publishers allow it.

This book has pen and inks, photography and cover art by me. I have a second manuscript submitted to a publisher. It is all poetry titled Confessions of a Poetry Whore. Another poetry  manuscript  to be sent this fall is titled Riding in Cars with Dogs.  It will be the companion book to my previously published For Kate: a Love Story in Four Parts written after the death of my beloved cat, Katie.  Since grief is a universal experience and so is love, no matter what shape the beloveds, this book is accessible to anyone who has lost someone. The second fantasy book of the Tales of the Woodland series,  Beach Wrack has been written and edited professionally and is in the queue with a mid-level publisher. Book 3, Through the Hedgerow  is half written.

All four or five of the young reader chapter books are written as well. A Piglet for David will be Book 1. These also have my artwork as illustrations.  My work is contained in 5 upcoming anthologies, and I am eagerly awaiting copies. All releasing this summer and fall. Both writing and artwork.

Last but not least, I am at work on a thriller/horror genre novel. Haven.

Wombwell Rainbow Interviews: Rachael Ikins Wombwell Rainbow Interviews I am honoured and privileged that the following writers local, national and international have agreed to be interviewed by me.