Omamori

 We took a drive up the island yesterday and found these clouds lined up across the sky while we

 parked along the Western shore. The three above, were trailing along the three at the top.

Just a few minutes ago I received an email from our friend Eko who has newly moved from Whidbey to live in Portland. When she left, I sent along a safety pin attached to a simple and elegant silver button. "Common magic," I told her.

The message she left me today confirmed that the safety pin was doing what it was intended to do. She said the Japanese word for that was 'Omamori.' Omamori refers to Japanese amulets, talismans and charms commonly sold at shrines for good luck or protection.

This bit of communication was just the talisman of good luck and protection I needed today. My friend's message reminded me of a very special woman who was my source of good luck and protection when I was a little girl. Aunty Lily lived next door and among the many omamori she shared with me were these things: looking to notice and watch clouds (I have never stopped), and listening to her voice when she wrote me saying, "You are a good writer (I have never stopped).

The giant safety pin that dangles a paper Heron is our daily omamori. Common magic. Amulets, talismans and charms to keep life's challenges and struggles in balance. Sometimes we forget the simple and common role of such things.

Arigato Eko-san, you have brought balance to my day,
Mokihana

Full moon in Gemini, December 16, 2014

The full moon (at midnight tonight in USA) is in Gemini (in the 6th house for me.) I regularly attend to what intentions I need to consider as the moon is new and potential, but pay less attention to the full moon. Something told me to check out the mood of the collective moon on this full moon to help me through the depth of feelings I'm experiencing.

"The full moon trines Juno as the Sun sextiles. It’s not easy but it is simple: telling yourself the truth. There’s no lasting satisfaction or genuine pleasure right now without candor or integrity. Commitments and fidelity figure prominently in a clean and healthy way. It’s a great time to commit or re-commit to the truth of your relationship, whatever that is."- Satori (link here for the full read)

Another angle on this full moon comes from a site called Aquarius Papers. It's an interesting perspective. Part of the article (a long one) includes this overview:

 "... An overview of this period ruled by this Full Moon shows it will illuminate how we need to move into a broader point of view about what we’re here to do, and reorient however we need to. Reorientation to provide for everyday and future need is a huge theme of this Full Moon. This will put the focus on individual, mental, and spiritual energy in receiving gifts and unique insights as things begin to fragment. We are still getting front end looks at what Saturn will solidify in November 2014... 

Pulling out my copy of Elizabeth Rose Campbell's Intuitive Astrology for insight I found these thoughts about the moon's placement in my 6th house.Campbell suggests "The sixth house supports community. ..The beauty of the sixth house ideal is that it can set a standard for what is possible and inspire teamwork and mutual respect. [the] key purpose of the sixth house is to link personal well-being with the health of the community." Campbell ends her thoughts about the 6th house, as she does with each of the perspectives on the houses with this question relating to moon in the 6th house: "How do I combine my capacity to care (moon) with the service I offer community? Through a corporation? A restaurant? Health care?"

Those are great questions for me on this full moon, balancing my need to care for myself and the community is not an easy trick for me. You?