Happy Year of the Metal Rat 2020/4720

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As an amateur astrologer (or astrology enthusiast), I’ve heard a number of tidbits about this new year which seem to suggest big changes, abundance of opportunities and shifts in power…without knowing if all of that is good for all or, as I suspect is naturally the case, survival of the fittest as usual.   There are whispers of staying active, not taking shortcuts/cutting corners and staying positive (not expecting disaster/the worst).  There is also talk of something called a Stellio Contos…er, Capricorn Stellium.  [That’s a little American Dad joke, for those who know the show that well…that is, if I spelled the name right.]

In terms of Chinese astrology, it helps to know how your sign’s element(s) work with the element of the year, metal.  I still have yet to fully understand all of this.  So, if you’re new to astrology, we’re both learning.  And, I’d like to find a friend who can help me make more sense of all of it, this year or in the future (before I’m too old to process this).  I know I thought being of the year’s element would benefit me, somehow.  But, a few years back, my element worked against me.  It doesn’t help to wonder if having a “rising sign” or “hour sign” in the element opposite my birth one is causing some kind of rift in me, causing any blessings to be slighted by my opposite “face.”  Or, am I strangely blessed to have such a combination?  I have yet to understand it.

In any case, I hope…or, rather, anticipate (and desire) some good shift in the powers that be.  Perhaps, this all boils down to replacing the US president with someone more competent and able.  Perhaps, other countries will shift in a positive way, as well, and organizations like NATO will become more beneficial to us all.  Or, we may just see some famous businesses get new bosses, new product lines and/or new staff.  In terms of Chinese astrology, it would seem this is a rather industrious year for new businesses and business overhaul.

So, with that, I present this years little cartoon contributions.

I’ve heard this is a four year, in numerology, so it’s fitting I present four variations.  But, rather than explain them, I’ll let you work that out.  In short, the years differ due to the differences in sun and moon year cycles.  And, the dates similarly differ due to the days of those cycles.

 

 

XIN NIAN HAO (Happy New Year)
or
GUO NIAN HAO (Have a happy new year)
GONG XI FA CAI (Wish you happiness and prosperity)
SHEN TI JIAN KANG (‘Good health)

Here are some semi-fascinating tips I picked up from another website…you’ll forgive me if I don’t cite it, properly.  I should note that the New Year FESTIVAL, in its native land, lasts a few weeks and may be observed with time off work/school, depending upon where you live.  These tips are suggested for both native observers and those who travel to the lands that are observing the holiday/festival.

THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT DO DURING THE FESTIVAL TIME AND WHY

BREAKING THINGS = SEPARATES YOU FROM FAMILY FOR MORE TIME, LESS COMMUNICATION/SHARED TIME (IF YOU BREAK SOMETHING, YOU ARE TOLD TO COLLECT ALL THE PIECES AND TOSS ONLY ON THE FIFTH OR LAST DAY OF THE FESTIVAL…AND SAY “SUI SUI PING AN” TO DISMISS BAD LUCK)

CRYING = MISFORTUNE (DON’T UPSET KIDS DURING THIS TIME; NO PUNISHMENT OR HARSH ACTIONS)

TAKING MEDICINE OR GOING TO THE HOSPITAL = INCREASED ODDS OF SICKNESS DURING THE YEAR

LENDING MONEY OR BORROWING THINGS/MONEY = SUFFER A FINANCIAL LOSS (ON THE FIRST FEW DAYS, AT LEAST…AND NO COLLECTING REPAYMENT OF DEBTS, EITHER)

WASHING HAIR = LOSS OF WEALTH  [I don’t know about you, but going without washing my hair for a few days could be dreadful.  I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure this warning is only for 1-3 days at the start of the festival.  I’d recommend not washing hair on the last day, too, just to be safe.]

USING SCISSORS = LEADS TO SQUABBLES (NEEDLEWORK/SEWING IS ALSO FORBIDDEN)
[THIS ALSO INCLUDES NO HAIRCUTS WHICH = A POSSIBLE DEATH IN THE FAMILY, USUALLY AN AUNT/UNCLE]

SWEEPING = LOSS OF GOOD LUCK (IF YOU MUST SWEEP, WAIT TIL THE THIRD DAY AND SWEEP INTO THE HOUSE, NOT OUT…AND DON’T DUMP WATER OUT OF THE HOUSE–AS I’VE DONE FOR AMERICAN NEW YEAR–BECAUSE MONEY AND DUST/DIRT REPRESENT MONEY LEAVING THE HOUSE?)

PORRIDGE (EATING PORRIDGE) = POVERTY? (IT’S THE FOOD OF THE POOR AND SHOULD NOT BE “TAKEN FROM THEM” BY WEALTHIER FOLKS ON THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF THE FESTIVAL)

LEAVING A RICE JAR EVEN PARTIALLY EMPTY = CHANCE OF GOING HUNGRY (KEEP THE RICE JAR/STORAGE TO THE MAXIMUM BEFORE/WHEN THE FESTIVAL STARTS TO ENSURE FINANCIAL GOOD HEALTH)

ALSO, DON’T USE NEGATIVE WORDS AND PHRASES LIKE “RUNNING OUT” “DEATH” “KILLING” “LOSING” ETC.

DON’T WAKE OTHERS UP THE FIRST FEW DAYS…THIS COULD CAUSE UNNEEDED NERVOUSNESS AND EDGINESS DURING THE YEAR.

LIKEWISE, DON’T NAP DURING THE FIRST FEW DAYS…THIS COULD LEAD TO FUTURE LAZINESS DURING THE YEAR.

WASHING CLOTHES (DURING THE FIRST TWO DAYS, ONLY) = OFFENSE TO WATER GOD (AND PLUMBING TROUBLES?)…WHICH IS WHY NEW CLOTHES ARE RECOMMENDED FOR SHOWING OFF (DON’T WEAR YOUR “RAGS”)
[ALSO, DO NOT WEAR BLACK AND/OR WHITE DURING THE WHOLE FESTIVAL; IT’S A SYMBOL OF POVERTY/MISFORTUNE/FUNERALS.]

RECENTLY MARRIED CHILDREN RETURNING HOME (TO VISIT) = MISFORTUNE/PARENTS LOSING MONEY (AT LEAST, HOLD OFF VISITING FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS)

Fascinating and slightly amusing; no?

Lucky colors are said to be (my least favorite combo, lately) BLUE, GOLD and WHITE, representative of both wealth/metal money and water.  Water keeps the rigid metal rat from being TOO rigid and closer to its nature as a water animal, if that makes sense (maybe because rats are often seen around water and associated with sewers).  I included green in my artworks because American money is still green in some “dated” forms and a symbol of what seems to be tied to industrialism/industrial growth.  I, personally, don’t handle as much gold or silver.  But, I see both the importance and hazards of water and its association with metal and softening what is otherwise rigid.

Rat years, in general, are new beginning years, good years for new projects, career paths, educational pursuits, etc.  It’s the start of a new astro’ cycle.  New is sure to be a word thrown around, often.  But, no matter what you see or hear, you are advised to trust your instincts yet be open to advice and suggestions…if that makes any sense.  Do NOT spend impulsively.  But, be confident in whatever you choose.  Do not shudder as you step forward, if you can manage the courage.  But, don’t leap to conclusions too often/quickly, either.  Don’t be too generous…but don’t be entirely selfish, either.  Like I said…a bit confusing.

You might look into “feng shui,” too.  There is something about the directions certain objects face in your home that can have an impact.   And, this year’s “direction deity” has a semi-amusing name which sounds like a relatively new product for reducing body odors.  You’ll have to look this up, yourselves, as the name slips my p-mind.

 

Writer’s Block 1-15-2020, NAME THAT GHOST!

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HELP!

I am in dire need of name suggestions for ghost characters, male and female.

Have at it.  Give me your best shots.  Any ideas?  I am bone dry.

If you were thinking Boo, Spooki, Haunter, Kooki, Specter, Mysteria or Lorelei, they’re taken…er, not an option.

Life Is Not Short, 1-3-2020

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A rather common expression these days says life is short or even too short. I strongly disagree and get upset with anyone who says this. [So, if you happen to interact with me in person or online, please refrain from using this line.]

Life is–as I prefer to say–as long as it is granted to you, as long as the Fates allow.

You get what you get and really do not have any sensible, genuine idea how to prolong it, though certain lifestyle choices DO enhance the quality of life and may offer some minor extension…but there’s no proof. Surprises never cease, and those who think they are perfectly healthy can suffer some sudden shock to the system which blows the whole outlook.

So, don’t count…anything. Don’t count the days. Don’t count the calories. Don’t count the steps or miles you run every day; what are you? A hamster? Just live and do your best to let others live; be cooperative but not a doormat. And, if you find yourself in a position to dominate, don’t revel in it; don’t stomp on the competition. You could just as quickly be under the other foot when you foolishly overstep your bounds. And, you project a terrible example to others who could easily replace you.

I’ve recently been discussing the sensitive subject of drugs with my very little nephews. Their parents have “no time” to talk about such things. But, from my childhood experience, I know how little adults (in my family, anyway) make an effort to discuss serious topics and prepare kids for what’s ahead, rather than let some PSA or school program drill a single phrase and some silly video into their heads. I can still see the cartoon donkey telling me to avoid strangers, the YUCK face warning me about hazardous drug bottles and the owl advising me not to pollute. Ya know…those were all cute and fun in their prime. But, real kids either wise up fast or go a long time before something shocks the crap out of them. Guess which one I was? The kid who got the crap shocked out of him when “reality” presented itself. B-But, the school was exceptional with its education system!…or so reputation says. Whatever. Parents and other adults need to be the education system…and not scare the kids.

Just the other day, I tuned into a TV show about social animal species which gave considerable focus to dolphins, elephants and a few types of monkeys. I became irked every time the narrator said an insect’s brain was far too small to compete with that of a dolphin. Does anyone other than me grasp the concept of size being relative, the idea that the physical size of the creature does not determine its intellect? We already should know an ant can lift an incredible amount of weight; can it not be just as possible for an ant to have more intelligence than we currently possess?

What if even the creatures with a “hive mentality” simply devote their massive brain power to that collective instead of dividing their “gifts” on all sorts of meaningless economical concerns and mindless entertainment, as humans do? Maybe our measily ten percent of brain power would grow or achieve more if we were not so…distracted and divided. It would not surprise me if, years from now, we discover plants having brains and a language we simply did not notice…and countless vegans suddenly turn ill with guilt for consuming yet another intelligent life.

[We humans, as far as I know, are the only species to become conflicted with what seems to be primal nature. We are so withdrawn from nature that we are foolishly, blindly destroying it. The “perfume” is so thick, we can’t think clearly.]

As much as it agitated me to hear the repetitive talk about the sizes of brains, I was finding myself emotionally drawn to the elephants and dolphins. In a strange way, I envied their social structures. I wanted to embrace them and say, “Let’s go have fun, together. Let’s go have a picnic at the beach.” I felt the urge to book a trip to some far off place where I could ride an elephant or swim with a dolphin, become the creature’s friend and make sure they were treated properly. [I get very unfriendly when I see an animal mistreated by “the system.” I’m not the best zoo visitor and go crazy when I see so many scientists trying to use technology on other animals, hoping to make them more like humans or give up all their secrets to the insatiable probing of humankind.]

And then…I thought about going home, leaving those animals I just befriended…and how sad it would be, not knowing what became of them or having any say in it, really. I’d be lucky to get a letter from someone who knows the creature. [It’s not like my elephant pal Boris can keep in touch, himself. And, so far, even when people nod and tell me they will keep in touch, it rarely comes true, sort of like parents who promise to take you on some trip to give you a summer worth talking about with your peers or just to shut you up so you don’t drive them bonkers all year, trying to pass off a hamburger and fries as a substitute for Disneyland and summer camp.]

You know what is short (in my life)? Time with those for whom I care and who I grow to like. Time with people who, at least, seem to truly understand and sympathize with me. It’s so rare; it’s like finding a unicorn in the forest. And, just when I think I’ve found some gem of a person, something seems to snatch them away.

It’s no wonder I have such a delusional outlook on life, in general. I’m obsessing with fantasies instead of taking what is given to me in a content manner. And, even my fantasies can’t sustain me because I still desire some tangible piece to ground my thoughts and feelings. I still want a body to hold and love, not a cartoon or mannequin.

And, though it is a common driving force to pursue a single warm body for primal needs, I know, deep down, it takes a bit more than that to achieve the grander sense of happiness; it takes a circle of friends and good relations with family. Well, I can pretty much wrap up that last one as a failure; even if I kissed the ground my family walked upon and did everything they wanted me to do, I would not be happy with them…and I am sure a few would continue to be unhappy with me, which is probably where my perfectionist vices originated. As a student, I couldn’t cope with less than a perfect grade but didn’t understand why; I just assumed others would look down upon me somehow. Less than perfect became almost sinful, forcing me to seek the means to atone.

I don’t see great or even good options for paths to take. I don’t see the multitude of good people with whom I am to surround myself nor the means to cast out the negative few. The negative outweigh the positive and, in turn, cause me to emit negativity, apparently. My anger, frustration and despair from what I see and hear is giving me a stink as it stews in my pores. If my social anxieties don’t spoil things for me, I make a fool of myself when I think I am in the right and cross a line with someone I just met. All my lessons in manners and respecting other cultures goes out the window once I open my mouth.

As a child, I was raised to dress properly and sit quietly while adults were in the room. I was a trophy child, someone the adults talked about but rarely with, other than the occasional comment about how I was performing in school or my interests, particularly art which few adults indulged in, thus they had little to say. I was complimented and encouraged to perform better and better than better. It was only when I reached my teens that my mind advanced beyond what my body was doing and became highly self-conscious. At my lowest point, I found my voice and used it to save myself from premature death. I thought speaking out was a valian effort. But, what did it get me? What has it gotten me all these years? A few more compliments about my sense of humor, a few more bits of praise for my wit…and a ton of complaints from the majority of negative spectators who find my words foolish, unpleasant and/or excessively self-righteous.

So, I say it, again. What is truly short? The time I have with those who satisfy my spirit (and body). Not life. This life of mine goes on and on, prolonged by a higher power who has some greater…or worse…plan for me. It began abnormally and continues to survive abnormally. Thus, I can never call myself “normal.” I have come close to ending it myself, but some tiny flame resides in me which continues to believe all is not lost, even if time takes its toll on the mind, body and worldly resources that seem to be so important to having this life (when they have so little to do with nature and life itself).

If you outlive someone who literally loses their mind, the ability to speak sensibly with you and recognize your face, you may be discouraged and join the chorus who sing about life being short. But, realize you are still living; your life continues with the knowledge of someone else losing their full potential for life. You still have time. Do you use it to compare lengths of lives? Or, do you simply live it and understand loss of ability and death are part of it?

Cherish what you have. Don’t quest or chase for what may be too much. Take care of good friendships and other relationships. These should not be labors but natural constructs that you merely maintain and thank the heavens for having in your life.

And, breathe.

Greek Mythology Biology; Concepts 1-3-2020

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Somehow, seeing the “last” Skywalker/Star Wars film has triggered a steaming train of thought about Greek mythology in me. [I could translate all of this into other mythologies, but Greek is what I tend to favor and what I’ve spent the most time researching.]

On a mildly chilly Monday morning, I find myself thinking about how the Greek gods fit into my being and how they could represent different parts of the mind and body. Not all of the gods, maybe. Just certain vital ones. But, we may yet work out places for all of them, though size/importance may vary.

Think about this. Let’s say…

Athena is the goddess of the logic center of the brain, one half of the brain in which we calculate the outcomes of our decisions, etc. That tends to be associated with a blue light; so we’ll say this is the blue half of the brain.

Ares is the god of the volatile emotional center of the brain, one half of the brain driven by impulse and outbursts, etc. That tends to be associated with a red light; so that’s the red half of the brain.

Ideally, when the two halves of the brain can find common ground and/or work together for a harmonious goal, there’s a rare purple…or…ultra-violet light. Hmm? [Ya see where this rainbow potential is going?]

Hermes is associated with quick, sharp wit, deceiving eyes, etc. Traits of a conman or thief as well as a shrewd businessman. He is also associated with speed and athleticism. So, let’s say he is given the face and a thin spinal cord trailing down to the legs, one half of the physical range of motion. And, we’ll give his parts a green light, though I’d rather associate green with creativity and growth.

Then you have Aphrodite, who represents the focus or attention to the vain and sexual parts of the body, the chest/front and sexual machinery. Since red and blue are taken, maybe we give her parts a purple or orange light.

Hephaestus commands the back and arms, sources of strength and physical labors, what he uses most in his creative endeavors. Let’s give those parts a yellow light, like the glowing molten metals he might use.

So, there you have, roughly, every part of the human body. But, who commands the internal organs? Who drives the stomach? Appetites? Ailments?

Well, Apollo is said to have some sway over both good and bad health (though some say Hermes carries a healing staff and abilities). And, Apollo’s sister, Artemis, is said to be the goddess of the hunt. What if Apollo was associated with the fate of the body and mind, the periods in which we feel fit or ill? But, where would you fit that into the body makeup, and what color would that get? And, Artemis could be the universal urge to pursue…anything that happens to be our personal desire. Maybe she represents desire, not hunting strictly as pursuit of wild prey you hunt with weapons. Maybe she represents hunger for food, companionship and/or children…even though she is noted as a virgin goddess who inspired the Amazons to resist–if not repel–men. What color would that be?

Then I got to thinking…what of the other well-known and, some, more…major “Olympian” gods? What of Zeus, Hera, Demeter (and Kore/Persephone), Poseidon and Hades?

Well, there’s a distinct relationship conflict between Hera and Zeus; he is often regarded as a free spirit who chases love interests and, thus, stirs Hera’s wrath. And, Hera is often regarded as a probing, overseeing disciplinarian type who tries to keep a tight leash on her husband/brother.

What if Zeus represented the impulsive, youthful side of the mind while Hera represented the responsible, adult side, the conscience? What colors would each of those receive?

Poseidon and Demeter, god of the seas and earthquakes and goddess of agriculture, don’t seem to fit any of this body analogy…

But, what if they did somehow hold influence over parts of the mind/body?

What if a god of the seas, which can be serene and beautiful one minute and terrifying and violent the next…would represent the driving force of emotions? I guess that puts him with or over Ares’ part of the brain. Maybe, there is an inexplicable complexity to the mind that provides portions to all of these deities.

And, Demeter? Well, what if she represents the growth/death cycles of the body, how the body shifts and responds differently with the changes of seasons? If you know her story, could she be “to blame” for those who experience weight gain in the summer and/or depression in winter? Could she affect shifts in appetite, how we might eat more during one season over another, sort of like how certain other animals feast before hibernation and endure starving a bit during warmer periods?

How does Demeter’s infamous daughter, the supposed goddess of spring (yet with a name that means “bringer of destruction?”…according to one author/artist I found), fit into all of this. Wait, do we need to go into everyone’s children, too? Maybe I could leave Apollo and Artemis out of this, considering they weren’t offspring of the “head Olympian” gods; they’re sort of step-siblings to Athena, Ares, Hephaestus and Hermes. And, even Aphrodite’s origins are debated. But, before I muddle all of this and vex myself…

I suppose we could say Demeter and Kore/Persephone might be two sides of the same coin, since they both hold sway over the seasons. Maybe, particularly in women, they represent the shifts between youth and adulthood.

What of Hades, then? A god of death…er, technically, the god that supervises the dead and makes some final decisions. Perhaps, in a sort of black light, he represents the fate of the human body, the ultimate end result, how you meet your demise. Just as every leaf from a tree decays its own way–even if certain types of leaves seem to decay identically–we may have a preset path to follow through the decay of our bodies. [Well, isn’t that a pleasant thought.]

Another possibility…maybe men fit certain gods into their makeup while women have a different set, a set of the goddesses. But, then, who would take Aphrodite’s place in the man’s body? Eros/Cupid? But…he’s more like a messenger–a Hermes or Apollo–of love/passion/beauty. And, what of the strength of women? Who takes Hephaestus’ place in the woman’s body?

Much to ponder. Not sure why this came to mind or where it is going, yet. In any case, ‘food for thought. Now, talk amongst yourselves. Discuss. [And, do not be hesitant to share your ideas for who fits where.]

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And, finally, I give you my personal Greek combination name, which would be Athermitestus, or Athermoditestus, or Athermodieaestus, combining Athena’s diplomatic intellect and reflex to design strategy, Hermes’ wit, potential for compulsion/deception and agile mind/spirit, Aphrodite’s interest in love- and passion-related matters (but not everything conventionally associated with passion) and Hephaestus’ craftsmanship, his passion for creating and strength of endurance, despite what he lacks physically from the Fates’–possibly–cruel choices. So, a blend of thinker/peacemaker, messenger/gamer, lover/romantic and semi-handicapped/”physically challenged” craftsman.

I’d throw in small hints of Apollo and/or Artemis, for various reasons, into the mix…and, if you coaxed me, I’d even try to work the other gods in, somehow…but that seems a tad complicated, even for my complex self. The other four just seem to be the dominant forces in me, aspects or “shades” I see in different lights as my thoughts shift. I am not entirely one or another, though I might favor Athena for certain aspects and be smitten with certain ideas of Aphrodite; it’s my whims and desires that plunge into the depths of the goddesses while my conscience points out the semi-good and bad aspects of me that are associated with the male deities.

The Birthday Tay Parade -late holiday bonuses-

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How quickly the holidays blow by, along with the seasons.  I feel like the dad in A Christmas Story.  I think there’s one gift left by the window or under the tree.  It’s not a pellet gun.  Its……..

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One more “hurrah” before New Year’s Eve/Day.  One final burst of obsessive inspiration brought upon me by the lovely Tay Swift.  I DID say the parade would continue through Christmas (roughly when her latest movie debuted).

I’ve heard from one source that the Cats movie didn’t get rave reviews?  [I haven’t studied any online reviews, yet.  I’ve been in my rabbit hole the past few weeks.]  Regardless, I whipped these up……

And, a lil taste of what’s to come…

Thanks to the beautiful one who inspired so many creative efforts…

Hey, Cosmina, Personal Summons

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My latest “follower,”

Yes, you, half of the irevou “team.”  I don’t see another Cosmina around here.

I see no way to reach out to you other than social media platforms I don’t presently use.  I was captivated by your picture and wanted to speak with you.  So, if you see this, since you’re now following my blog, drop a line my way.  Okay?  A comment or email, some way I can connect with you.

The Birthday Tay Parade -movie ticket-

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Just in time for the next special day in the lovely Tay’s life, I bring you the next installment of my digital art parade.  We pick up where we left off last week with the question…

And, the answer…

BAM!

BAM!

BAM!

BAM!  BAM!

BOOM!

Isn’t she something?

So, with that, I say…

And, we will see YOU at the movie. 😀