I’ve been musing…. and it’s led me to Mistletoe’s door. Are we entering the Age of Mistletoe or The Return of the Druids? Mistletoe, the little freeloading plant that has remarkably synchronicities and on point themes that weaves a symbolic narrative of the prevailing astro weather. Even main stream media covering the cosmic skies with chatter of the Great Conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn; exact back on the December Solstice in 2020. My mistletoe musings unearthed some fascinating lore, far more interesting than stolen kisses, dare I say. And if we were living in bygone times the Xmas staple would be the Ancient’s secret weapon to this current health situation.
Read moreCHRISTMAS FENG SHUI STYLE
A few years ago, I received this message. “Aiming to get rid of all the Red Christmas decorations this year; any wise advice?” Well, as it so happened I did, hence the genesis of this post. In 2020 we had covid cancel culture overshadow Xmas, while Yuletide 2021 just about slipped through with Insta worthy bedecked trees the benchmark for success. Chrimbo 2022 danced with a credit crunch, as a global energy crisis forces light shows aficionados who overload the grid, to thankfully reconsider the visual assault on everyone’s senses, and owner’s hip pockets. Xmas 2023 — tested inflation. Xmas 2024, same same! Shopping malls may well be dripping with ubiquitous tinsel tinged displays . . . but has the “magic” that surrounds true Yuletide faded?
Read moreCHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS
Seasonal Greetings to one and all.
This year give a gift with meaning. If you’re drawing a blank when it comes to choosing the perfect seasonal gift, then we've got an awesome suggestion. Give the gift that keeps on giving Good Sheng Qi - positive, prosperous abundant vibes.
Read more20th Solar Term Minor Snow (xiao xue)
The ancient Chinese believed that we should live in harmony with the natural cycles of our environment. As folks in the N. Hemisphere inches ever closer to the darkest (yin) point of the year in less than a month, retreating indoors and staying warm in Winter is paramount. Nov. 22nd will kick start the next solar term of ‘Minor Snow’ (xiao xue).
Luna is now in her last quarter phase, in the 10th Lunar month. This Seasonal Node, also known as Lesser Snow heralds the Sun’s entrance into the western zodiacal sign of Sagittarius. The closing week of Pig month is primed to hand over the baton to the Rat on December 7th.
Read moreNovember Full Moon + Xia Yuan Festival
The night-time luminary holds great significance in the Chinese calendar system. Nowadays, Luna’s passage through the sky is pretty much used to determine China’s cultural and religious festivals. Tonight’s Frost Moon on 16 November in Taurus (2024) is especially significant to Taoist devotees, as this Full Moon marks the Xia Yuan Festival. There are five Full Moon centric festivals of note in the Chinese calendar, two more familiar than the others. The Lunar Lantern festival which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month of the year which signals the end of Chinese New Year festivities (Spring Festival). And the second is the on the 15th day of the eight lunar month, known also as ‘Zhong Yuan’ but more commonly called Mid Autumn or Mooncake Festival. All five Moon festivals occur on the 15th day of a Chinese lunar month.
Read moreROSEMARY, REMEMBRANCE & MARTINMAS DAY
Remembrance Day is a Memorial day that falls on 11 November to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. Originally evolving out of Armistice Day. On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, in the 11th month, folk stop for a minute silence to remember those no longer with us. In Australia, Anzac Day is reserved for veneration of fallen service men and women during World War One - it falls on April 25th annually - Lest we forget. Rosemary and Remembrance, features heavy on both days. With a swag of benefits, Rosemary’s uses got way beyond it’s culinary uses.
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