Cosmic Update: Love and War in the time of Aries

Aries/The Rebel, Osho Zen Tarot

This week, we have experienced two potent astro-whammies: the Sun entered fiery Aries on the Vernal Equinox, and we had a 0 degree Full Moon in Libra, the cardinal air sign of justice, contracts, partnerships. Both of these events continue to reverberate through our systems and will continue to permeate the next weeks.

The Sun in Aries, ruled by Mars (war) and Moon in Libra, ruled by Venus (love), have had a face-off. All is fair in Love and War, so the saying goes. Sometimes it gets bloody before it gets better. Meaning, a final nail must go in the coffin. A culmination, ending something outdated. A personal or professional contract that has become harmful to our souls.

Burning Old Contracts

The stronger the bond, the harder it can be to break it. But what happens when our relationship with a depleting career path, a narcissistic parent, unconscious ex, or abusive boss/coworker has been clearly exposed as toxic and dangerous to our well-being? We must come out of denial. The scales must begin to fall from our eyes, one-by-one. It can be a long, slow, painful process that takes years. Or, it can happen in one radical swoop of revelation and vivid knowing.

 Venus-ruled Libra tends to focus on the Other: what does he want/need? How may I serve her? Will they be okay, happy, pleased? No. The poles are shifting. Keep the focus on yourself, it is Aries' time. Are you afraid of being selfish? If you are asking yourself that question, more than likely you’re not in danger of being a narcissist.

What is more likely is that you are a creative, sensitive, empathic human being who tends to over-give, over-love, and over-extend. (Yes, there are some exceptions. Hard-wired narcissism can hijack any situation to make it suit his or her self-interest! You can survey your trusted long-term friends to check yourself. Ask if you’re being unreasonable or are actually taking good care of self. Make sure they’re honest and not scared of you or pleasing you!)

  

No More: Cutting Cords

 

A simple exercise: Get a new candle. Surround with symbols and allies: stones, deities, power objects, feathers, pictures, oils, potions, natural items – you will know. Burn sage, incense, palo santo, or ring a bell, to cleanse the space and your own energy field. Write down what you need to remove from your energy field, whether that is a person, situation, contract, or fear.

Take a symbolic cord – piece of string, yarn, thread – whatever you have. Hold it taut by tying it or weighing it down with something strong enough, and holding the other end in your hand. Visualize that “Other” at the other end. Use a lighter, match, or scissors to sever the cord. Lay the remnants at your altar. Let the candle burn down over a period of hours or days. Let the Divine take it, handle it, transform it. So that You May Be Free.

In order to plunge into the fierce, positive potential of this beautiful spring Aries rebirth, filled with creativity and abundance, we must do the final cut. Will there be tears? Likely. Will it be painful? Possibly.

What’s the anesthetic? Courage. And prayer. And support from those who love YOU and support YOU and believe in YOU. In order to flourish, to establish new bonds with healthy partners and creative allies and nourishing dreams, we must be willing to kill, destroy, let whimper and die the draining, parasitic demon that has been feeding off of your soul for too long.

At this time of the Spring Equinox, as the Sun bursts fresh and awake over the Aries line, we are asked to face some difficult truths about our relationships with persons, places, situations. Burn up the outdated contracts. This is because Life wants us to step into the Truth of our Existence, which is not suffering, not indebtedness, and not being controlled by others who are harmful to us, mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Aries is the Warrior/Warrioress. The Amazon Goddess, like Wonder Woman. When necessary: Ares, god of war comes forth and She channels the battle energy with the power of Love. And in this case, we must LOVE OURSELVES enough to cut the cords.

 

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.

Pop Postscript: The Two-Letter Magic Word

Remember the B word. Boundaries.

Followed by the two-letter magic word: NO.

Think of Meghan Trainor, in all her pop-wisdom glory, belting her song, "NO." Listen here.

“NO”

 My name is no

 My sign is no

 My number is no

 You need to let it go You need to let it go

 Need to let it go

 Nah to the ah to the, no, no, no

FREE Artist's Way Introductory Call - March 29th - RSVP!

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVE SPIRIT

Hello friends!

Are you ready to unleash your creative spirit? The Artist’s Way 12-week online group will commence next week with a free introductory call!

RSVP here for the free call and to receive the link to join.

FREE introductory call

Friday March 29, 2019

10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern

Meet my new dragon! Chinese Garden, Portland

DETAILS, DETAILS:

Q: How do I sign up?

A: Simply reply to this email and let me know! I will send you the link to participate in the free call. Payment to participate in the 12-week course is due by first weekly group call, April 5th.

Cost: $395 $295 (course launch special!)

Q: Do I need to prepare anything before the Introductory Call?

A: Yes. Please acquire a copy of The Artist’s Way, and read the first three short sections: Introduction, Spiritual Electricity: The Basic Principles, and The Basic Tools. Please also acquire a journal/notebook, and test your Zoom link (once you get the code) for video attendance.

Q: What if I can't make the group call? Can I still participate in the course?

A: Yes! Audio recordings will be made available to you within 24 hours. You can participate in the course even if you can’t make the group call time.

Q: What technology do I need to participate online?

A: Easy! You just need a smart phone, or a laptop if you want to join the group call by video (recommended). If you are out of wifi range, you may call in via phone (audio only). Download the free zoom app available here  https://zoom.us/download

Q: How much time will I need to spend on this each week?

A: It’s a 12-week commitment, and you can plan to spend about seven hours a week, including your Morning Pages writing, Artist Dates, and writing exercises. Think, relinquishing your Netflix or Instagram habit for a while. Plus, you’ll gain time by being more connected, in the flow, and excited about your creativity! 

Q: What will happen on the weekly call?

I will facilitate a safe space for the participants to share their weekly journey, with check-ins about Artist Dates, creativity exercises/reports, and discoveries. The call will last 60 minutes and will take place live on Fridays at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern. The course will run from April 5^th and culminate on June 21^st. While it is strongly recommended, you do not need to attend each call live to participate.

Q: What do I need to participate?

• A copy of The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron (any edition – many used copies available in bookstores and online (consider recycling!); also available on Kindle)
• A journal (preferably larger size, like a standard 8.5x11 notebook) and pen. (Morning Pages must be done longhand, not on the computer)
• A commitment to discover and recover your creative self!

Any other questions? Email me and I’ll answer just as soon as I can!

I look forward to having you in the course.

Please RSVP to reserve your spot!

With love, art, and SPARK,

Erin

MORE DETAILS BELOW!

 

“The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.” ~ C.G. Jung

Happy almost-springtime dear clients, friends, readers!

I would like to hear from you if you are interested in participating in an upcoming online group for The Artist's Way, utilizing Julia Cameron’s bestselling book on creativity and transformation.

My world has been magically transformed by completing The Artist's Way and consecutive books by Julia Cameron at least five times. The entire trajectory of my life over the last 20 years has been influenced by my Artist's Way work - running a marathon, writing and publishing a memoir, a stint in New York City, solo performance in San Francisco, living and studying in India, creating a successful career as a working artist and intuitive... the list goes on and on and on.

I would like to now share this with you, my readers and clients, in a small group format, over a series of 13 weeks (one introductory week followed by twelve chapter modules). We will meet one hour weekly online, in a Zoom room, and I will facilitate a sacred space for the committed participants to share their reports, discoveries, and miracles of the process.

I will strive to make this experience life-changing, fun, and safe for budding creatives and artists to come out, come out, wherever you are!

Whether you see yourself as an artist or not, YOU ARE A CREATIVE SPIRIT.

The Artist’s Way combines three basic tools: 1) morning pages (three pages longhand of stream of consciousness writing), artist's dates (solo outings with yourself), and completing creativity exercises at the end of each chapter.

I will hold space for the participants to travel through the 12 chapters with an emphasis on sharing experiences on the accompanying chapter exercises, artist’s dates, and epiphanies. This material will work for anyone. You do not need to think of yourself as artistic! You only need to want the blocks to your creative spirit removed!

There are NO prerequisites (beyond acquiring a copy of the book). Maximum 12 participants.

INTERESTED? HERE ARE SOME DETAILS

Introductory call: Last week of March (all calls recorded and made available to registered participants)

Week One: First week of April

Final Week: End of June

Cost: $395 $295 (course launch special offer!)

Please reply to this email directly and let me know if you are interested, or FORWARD if you know someone who needs this process and would be interested in joining. Also, if you have any questions, let me know that too.

Blessings, art, love, spark, freedom, and magic ~

Erin

P.S. If you are interested in participating yet can’t start this round, please let me know as I'll hold a group in the fall!

Erin Reese, M.S.
Skype, phone, and email consultations worldwide

www.erinreese.com * erin_reese@yahoo.com

A Sunday at SF Museum of Modern Art

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, teacher, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.

Lucky Spring Readings *** Client Appreciation Special!

Click to enlarge.

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.

New Moon in Pisces: The Space Between

Today, March 6, we welcome the New Moon in the mutable water sign of Pisces, the non-dual Fishes. It’s a powerful lunation, and many of us have been feeling the oceanic overwhelm tendencies. Neptune-Poseidon, ruler of Pisces, is conjunct this New Moon, enhancing the depths. In addition, Uranus is changing signs today, entering Taurus for a seven-year sojourn. And, last but not least, Mercury is doing his retrograde dance beginning today and lasting until March 28^th, 2019.

If you’re feeling a bit like you’re floating down a stream with the sounds of a rushing waterfall the size of Niagara Falls up ahead, without a raft, let alone an oar, you’re not alone.

There is not much we can control right now. Of course, that’s always the case from the point of view of the Infinite. But this level of surrender in this time of Pisces is felt deeply on an embodied level. Your Soul is in charge. Not your separate volition.

Perhaps we catch sight of a branch jutting into the stream from the riverbank. We grab hold of it and stay afloat to catch our breath, hauling ourselves out of the turbulence in order to reach a new shore. One we’ve never experienced before. It’s all undiscovered terrain. And we are going to acquire new tools and techniques to navigate. It’s all fresh, unknown territory.

The Space Between is that time on the downstream float, where we have no idea what the outcome will be, or where Life’s River is leading us. How we make use of that time makes all the difference in the world. Will we endure it? Will we panic, fret, bemoan our fate? Or will we trust, breathe, even enjoy? This is the gap between actions, thoughts, projects, outcomes, directions.

“I cultivate empty space as a way of life in the creative process.” ~ Josh Waitzkin, U.S. chess champion portrayed in Searching for Bobby Fisher 

  

We’re so conditioned in our modern culture to do, do, do, that when we are in the Space Between, we fear – am I wasting time? If I float, will I be sideswiped by the unexpected? Must I continue to brace, to always be prepared? We forget that cultivating empty space is essential in the art of living. How else are we to attract that original thought to emerge from the Ground of Being? We need time – and space – to hear, and listen, to the muse!

Art Imitates Life: Stop, Look, and Sea

Untitled, Vija Celmins 1970

Last weekend, my partner and I visited the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in order to check out a Paul Klee exhibit. Just before I left the museum, we reviewed the museum map to see what else was on display. We saw a listing, “Vija Celmins: To Fix the Image in Memory,” ending March 31, 2019. The tag line, “Stop, Look, and See,” caught my eye. We wandered over to check it out, and were both pleasantly surprised. It was the best contemporary art collection I’d seen in a long time.

Vija Celmins (b. 1938) is a Latvian-American artist whose family escaped the Soviet occupation during WWII, first taking refuge in Germany and ultimately the United States. She settled in Southern California and ultimately in NYC. Having very little possessions during her art schooling at UCLA, she learned to paint only that which was in the space right in front of her: a hot plate, a table fan, a lamp, a space heater.

Eventually, she became transfixed with black and white seascape drawings, minutely recreating open ocean waves from intricate photos of waves, over and over again. Using only a graphite pencil on paper, Vija insisted on going into finer and finer depths, to perfect what she saw in her mind’s eye “to fix the image in memory.” The level of detail of her waves is stupendous.

Untitled (Regular Desert), Vija Celmins 1973

Eventually, Vija discovered the landscape of the deserts, and repeated the effort to draw the rocky desert floor, again and again, finer and finer down to the tiniest grains of sand. Each individual rock was recreated, never stopping until the scene neared perfection. Then, she turned to the black night sky, the stars, and with her pencil and paper, revealed the cosmos over and over and over again.

Untitled (Cassiopeia), Vija Celmins 1973

The artist's work is stunning, inspiring, and instructive. Can you imagine the hours upon hours upon hours it would take to depict the tiniest rock in the desert, the placement of a star in the night sky, the protrusion of a single lapping wave on the ocean?

To an artist self, what is time? And even more important, is this a waste of time? Vija has dedicated her entire life to exploring what is in the space, in the finest detail. When we remove the judgement of time, the illusion of needing to prepare for a future, to to produce, be productive, we are left with the Now. Pure Presence.

And it is art that plants us firmly in that Now. Writing, music, drawing; poetry, dance, cooking; lovemaking, gardening, Nature-walking – it is art created in the Space Between. This is where the magic lives.

The Space where Nothing and Everything Occurs

I’m reminded of the Christopher Nolan movie Inception (2010), with Leo DeCaprio and Co., in which the dream architects construct a dream within a dream with a dream-scape. The film’s crescendo extends a few seconds into a several minutes. 

A van containing the sleeping heroes lurches backwards off a bridge into a river. Layers upon layers of happenings are occurring simultaneously, down to the micro-minutia, in the deepest seas of the unconscious. Time is slowed down almost to a halt, while the other members of the team figure out a way to wake up the dreamer to save the heroes’ lives. Invoking The Space Between.

When things feel they are dangerously speeding ahead, we can find time by taking a breath. We can not only slow time, we can stop it, by instantaneously and spontaneously dropping into the Now. The Now is centered in the belly, the heart, the seat of the soul, the Ground of Being. This is the space and the place where Nothing and Everything occurs all at once.

When there is the pause between jobs, projects, duties, tasks, busy-ness, with our action-addicted, extrovert-biased society, we get antsy. The Unknown, the Void – what to do? I’m nervous! Let me reach for a drink, a smoke, a TV show to binge watch, a chocolate bar. Let me make another plan, fill up the space! The Space must be contained lest I lose my identity, sense of Self! Right?

It is at these times we can experiment with living sans identification. Floating, flowing. Allowing, seeing, witnessing. What. Arises. Next.

Never fear. Something will happen. And you’ll notice, it is exactly perfect.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, perhaps that is exactly what is also meant to arise. Perhaps it’s okay to have an “off day” or three, while something New is being borne.

It is in the discomfort of the Space Between that genius flashes of insight, life-changing, often emerge.

Recently, I was deeply disturbed about a project I needed to quit that involved a great deal of responsibility and other people. I went to the seaside to contemplate in Nature, no distractions. Boy, did I have a couple of restless nights as my psyche wrestled with the issue. No fun! But after three days in my hellish “vision quest,” I woke up calmly on the final morning, and drafted a resignation letter to leave the project.

Instantly, I began feeling better. Heart rate dropping, irritability diminishing. I knew what I needed to do. It’s been a lifelong practice of learning to disappoint other people to be true to myself. I have the tools and the courage to do it, when necessary. But it required that discomfort in the liminal space, the Unknown, to have my psyche work out the issue.

Remember, discomfort does not automatically imply you are doing something wrong. Sometimes, sitting, waiting, experiencing without knowledge of goal or intended outcome, is exactly what is needed.

At this time of the New Moon in Pisces, in which the known and the unknown ebb back and forth like waves on the open ocean, give yourself time to float. Step into the Space Between, the Now, and allow the miracle to emerge.

A Sunday at SF MOMA

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.