Longmu, the original Mother of Dragons, is a revered figure in Chinese mythology. Born as Wen Shi in 290 BC, she nurtured five snakes from a stone egg, which later transformed into powerful dragons. These dragons protected her village, earning her the titles of "Mother of Dragons" and "Divine Human." Her story, celebrated for its themes of maternal love and devotion, continues to inspire reverence today, symbolizing the enduring virtues of strength, protection, and nurturing motherhood. Temples and festivals honor her legacy, reflecting her significance in both ancient and modern Chinese culture.

The New Moon in Aquarius on February 9th offers a powerful moment for introspection and transformation. Aligned with Saturn, it urges us to deeply commit to our soul’s essence, challenging us to honor our authentic truths beyond societal expectations. As we navigate the tension between old patterns and new paradigms, this New Moon encourages us to envision life beyond limitations and to align with our true selves, fostering both personal and collective growth. The key is to embrace change, prioritize authenticity, and remain true to our deepest desires, allowing this lunar event to guide us toward a more authentic and fulfilling path.

As we welcome the first full moon of 2024, the Wolf Moon on January 25 serves as a celestial canvas for setting intentions and clarifying goals for the year ahead. Peaking at 12:54 p.m. EST in the heart-centered sign of Leo, this full moon encourages us to harness Leo's playful, outgoing energy while balancing it with responsibility and compassion. Spiritually, it prompts us to embrace self-love, authenticity, and the courage to step outside our comfort zones as we embark on a new journey.

In today’s increasingly sensitive world, where humor is often scrutinized and boundaries are questioned, comedians serve as modern-day Heyoka – sacred clowns who challenge societal norms through satire and humor. Just as the Lakota Heyoka used reverse rituals and humor to provoke fresh perspectives, these comedians reveal the absurdities in our beliefs and behaviors, offering us the freedom to laugh at our collective experiences. Their unique role isn’t merely to entertain but to foster wisdom and self-reflection, helping us navigate the complexities of our human experience with a lighter heart and a more open mind.

The New Moon in Capricorn on January 11, 2024, invites us to set intentions with a pragmatic approach, focusing on long-term goals and structure. The square with the north node in Aries may highlight areas of stagnation, urging us to initiate necessary changes. Aligning with Uranus retrograde in Taurus, this lunation encourages breaking free from outdated patterns and embracing new approaches. Use this time to lay a solid foundation for the year, prioritizing your soul’s path and embracing the growth that comes with transformation.

The final Full Moon of 2023, the Cold Moon in Cancer on December 26th, illuminates the winter sky with a silvery glow, emphasizing themes of home, family, and inner emotions. In the midst of Capricorn Season and Mercury’s retrograde, this lunar event encourages a balance between emotional depth and practical considerations. The Full Moon invites introspection, urging us to harmonize our emotional realm with the grounding influence of Capricorn and reassess our communications and connections. Embrace the Cold Moon's stillness to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the new one, finding equilibrium between heart and responsibility.

Yule, rooted in ancient Germanic and Norse traditions, marks the winter solstice around December 21st, celebrating the longest night and the return of light. The festival involves symbolic customs such as the Yule log, which represents continuity and rebirth, and is honored through feasting, wassailing, and gift-giving. Evergreen trees, a Yule tradition, evolved into the modern Christmas tree, and the Yule log’s symbolism continues in the Yule log cake and festive decorations. Today, Yule remains a period of spiritual reflection and celebration, emphasizing the triumph of light over darkness.

Guess who’s back? It’s Mercury in Retrograde, that cosmic trickster making its appearance every few months and stirring up our lives. Occurring three to four times a year for about three weeks each time, this phenomenon happens when Mercury appears to move backward from our perspective due to differences in planetary orbits. Astrologically, it’s linked to communication, technology, and travel disruptions, prompting us to slow down and reassess. While some view it as a time of cosmic challenge, others see it as an opportunity for reflection and gaining deeper insights into our lives.

Tuesday, December 12th, unveils the New Moon in Sagittarius, offering a wave of optimism and change for 2024. With Mars and Neptune in dynamic alignment, this lunar event inspires bold action and grounded exploration. However, Mercury's retrograde in Capricorn, beginning the following day, suggests a need for careful reflection in practical matters. As we set intentions under the influence of Jupiter, let’s embrace this New Moon’s call to dream bigger, release limiting beliefs, and align with our true potential for the year ahead.

Embark on a mythical journey through the Norse Pantheon with Skadi, the goddess whose essence embodies the harsh beauty of winter and the untamed wilderness of Nordic landscapes. Known for seeking justice for her father Thjazi’s death at the hands of Loki, Skadi’s quest for retribution brings her to Asgard, where she faces a peculiar challenge to select a husband by the sight of their feet, ultimately choosing the sea god Njord. Residing in Thrymheim, a celestial realm of snow-covered peaks, Skadi commands the icy winds and is revered by hunters and those seeking warmth and prosperity in winter’s harshness. Beyond her role as a winter deity, Skadi symbolizes justice, wisdom, and resilience, offering strength and inspiration to those facing adversity.

The Beaver Full Moon in Gemini, occurring during Sagittarius Season, blends introspection with growth, encouraging a balance between self-awareness and exploration. Known as the Frost Moon, it signifies beavers preparing for winter and the seasonal shift to colder temperatures, reflecting nature's cycles. This Full Moon invites us to integrate the dual aspects of Gemini's spontaneity and Sagittarius' optimism, promoting thoughtful change while enjoying life's lighter moments. Embrace the communicative and social energy, using it to connect with others and share your feelings, as this lunar phase offers a chance for joyful, harmonious growth amidst a year of intensity.

Selu, the revered goddess of corn in Native American mythology, is a central figure in the beliefs of several southeastern tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek. Created by the Great Spirit to provide sustenance, Selu is celebrated for her power to ensure a bountiful harvest and her nurturing nature. According to Cherokee mythology, Selu, the first woman and corn goddess, was killed by her sons who feared her magical abilities, but she instructed them to bury her body, transforming her essence into corn seeds to feed future generations. Today, Selu remains a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and the cyclical nature of life, continuing to inspire spiritual practices and reverence in indigenous communities.

The Scorpio New Moon on November 13, 2023, ushers in a potent period of transformation. As the Moon and Sun align in Scorpio, this dark lunar phase invites deep introspection and personal renewal. Scorpio's mysterious and intuitive nature harmonizes with the New Moon's fertile void, encouraging us to explore hidden truths and confront our shadows. This phase is an opportunity to meditate on our inner depths, shedding old patterns and embracing the transformative power of self-discovery.

Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess, shines as a central figure in Japanese mythology and Shinto religion. Her name, translating to "shining in heaven," reflects her role as the supreme deity and ruler of Takamagahara, the heavenly realm. Born from the left eye of the primordial deity Izanagi, Amaterasu embodies the sun's brilliance, symbolizing life, growth, and fertility. Revered as the guardian of rice cultivation and purity, her shrine at Ise Grand Shrine stands as one of Japan's most sacred sites. Amaterasu’s legends, including her retreat into a cave due to her brother Susanoo’s misdeeds and her subsequent return to bring light back to the world, underscore her vital role in maintaining harmony and prosperity.

Deep within the heart of Eastern European forests lies Baba Yaga, a figure whose eerie mystique has captivated generations. As a prominent example of the Crone archetype in Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga embodies the untamed beauty and inherent danger of the wilderness. Described as an elderly woman with iron teeth and wild, iron-gray hair, she commands fear and respect with her penetrating gaze and metal-clinking voice. Her attire, consisting of tattered rags, and her gnarled staff reflect her deep connection to the forest, while her hut on giant chicken legs adds a surreal, terrifying aspect to her domain, showcasing her role as guardian of the liminal space between life and death.

October 2023 has been defined by striking celestial events, starting with the eerie Friday the 13th, followed by the captivating Ring of Fire solar eclipse on the 14th. This eclipse invited us to embrace change and new beginnings, illuminating hidden truths. The month concludes with the Full Blood Hunter’s Moon on October 28th, a powerful lunar event in Taurus that urges deep emotional reflection and balance. Accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse, it calls for releasing old baggage and aligning with our higher selves.