Tag: Ann Whittaker

Courage In Maitri

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last padding=”5% 0 0 0″]In all of her eloquence, Ann Whittaker brings us some inspiring words and thoughts around developing a kind and friendly relationship with ourselves as we approach the end of Aries Season; a season all about recognizing ourselves.

Developing loving kindness + friendship with ourselves

MAITRI: unconditional friendliness, loving kindness, love

What if the bravest, most meaningful, most powerful thing we could do was to befriend ourselves? To show ourselves a deep and honest love? What if we began to cultivate a curiosity about every aspect of ourselves? What if we took time to get to know our whole selves–to know who we are when we’re sad, when we’re content, when we’re angry, when we crash and burn, when we forget to call a friend, when we welcome a stranger into our midst, when we take time to listen to a broken heart? What does it take to really show ourselves unconditional loving kindness? What does it mean to befriend ourselves?

[/two_third_last]

[two_third padding=”8% 0 0 0″]Stay. We must stay with ourselves––our whole self. Pema Chödrön says that

Maitri strengthens us. One of the qualities of maitri is steadfastness, and that’s developed through meditation. So through boredom, through aches, through indigestion, through all kinds of disturbing memories, to edgy energy, to peaceful meditation, to sleepiness, it’s steadfastness. You sit with yourself, you move closer to yourself, no matter what’s going on. You don’t try to get rid of anything—you can still be sad or frustrated or angry. You recognize your humanity and the wide gamut of emotions you might be feeling.

I think it is difficult to stay with ourselves–especially when we are feeling intense emotions–especially when so many planets are in retrograde and everything is undefineably off. Parts of ourselves might show up that we’re not fond of, and, yet, if we stay with these pieces, if we befriend the bits that make us human, we will find strength where we thought there was weakness; we will move closer to ourselves and accept our complex humanity. If we allow ourselves to experience the full spectrum of emotion, and allow ourselves to travel along the spectrum of sadness, anger, joy, and gratitude, we will open ourselves up to loving kindness. [/two_third][one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][two_third]When we accept our own humanity it’s easier to accept others’ humanity–we are curious about them as well as ourselves. Instead of practicing self-criticism and self-doubt, we can begin to nurture self-curiosity––become intensely interested in observing yourself and simply let your emotions and thoughts run their course. Nothing is permanent. Thankfully. We do not have to cling to or identify with any emotion we’re feeling. When we’re feeling sadness, that does not mean we are a sad person––it simply means we are human. If we can love ourselves even when we are angry, jealous, or sad then we can love others when they too experience the ebb of happiness.[/two_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last padding=”7% 0 0 0″]So how can we show ourselves loving kindness? Pema Chödrön explains:

For example, you might say that taking a bubble bath or getting a workout at the gym is maitri. But on the other hand, maybe it isn’t, because maybe it’s some kind of avoidance; maybe you are working out to punish yourself. On the other hand, maybe going to the gym is just what you need to relax enough to go on with your life with some kind of lightheartedness. Or it might be one of your 65 daily tactics to avoid reality. You’re the only one who knows.

I think it’s difficult to admit that you are on a journey to love yourself unconditionally. So take courage. Practice maitri for yourself so that you will have the strength to share maitri with others. Be real and honest with yourself––you are a human being running the full gamut of experiences and emotions. No one is exempt, no matter how hard you try to mask it. Own it and take care.

[/two_third_last]

Mapping the Earth, Bodies, & Stars | Aries Ecologies

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last padding=”0% 0 0 0″]Writer and creative, Anne Marie Vivienne, joins us with a beautiful exploration through the woven ecological thread that the solar season of Aries and the spring time of year breathe life into.

Spring starts with a seed that has been planted deep inside the earth, in a dark womb of soil where the seed must have courage to break open. The seed cracks, opening to the nourishment around it: the rain that has fallen and that light that is dawning. Roots begin to reach out into the dark, down deep to establish a network of sustenance, while a sprout takes heart and reaches above. It can feel the light before it can see it.

One seed. One plant. Growing in, above, and through the earth.

And so we have courage to crack wide open when in the depths of a dark and unknown place. We’ve been growing roots for months now. We know what we want most. We know who and what we are. And now, now is the time to break through the ground and become visible–to photosynthesize and feed ourselves so that we may feed others when called upon later in the year. We find our place in a natural ecology where our self-care transforms into the oxygen for others to breathe. [/two_third_last]

[one_sixth padding=”0% 0 0 0″][/one_sixth][one_third padding=”0% 0 0 0″][/one_third][one_third padding=”4% 0 0 0″]We walk between the earth and the stars; we are bodies that dance between the tangible and intangible; we are hungry (tangible) and we feel courage (intangible). Somehow, magically, we are living our lives between the cosmos and nature herself.

Often we only think of spring as form coming from the earth–green plants breaking through the surface. But what if it works another way as well? What if spring is a time to give form to ideas that have been taking root in your mind, in the cosmos? What if all the dreaming you’ve been doing for the past few months are the imaginative roots you’ve been establishing, and now your dreams are breaking through the intangible world and sprouting into this tangible world of form and existence. [/one_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[one_third][/one_third][one_third][/one_third][one_third_last padding=”19% 0 0 0″]What if the cosmos are the fertile soil of our dreams? What if we tend to our imagination just as we would the seeds we plant in the ground? What if we had seeds in both the ground and the cosmos that were growing toward each other to create the life we’ve always wanted? It’s exhilarating, isn’t it? This Aries season your seeds are clearly above ground and thriving.

So here’s to growing in all directions as we walk between the tangible and intangible, creating a cosmic ecology where the earth meets our bodies that meet the stars.
[/one_third_last]

Cultivating Networks of Generosity: Aquarius Rituals

Posted on by TheMuse

[two_third] (Photo by Ann Whittaker of our Seasons of Greatness Workshop, January 28, 2017)[/two_third][one_third_last]Ann Whittaker, our muse of eloquence, guides us on a journey through beautiful mid-winter rituals to help us take advantage of Aquarius Season’s connection to humanity.

“Conquer the angry one by not getting angry; conquer the wicked by goodness; conquer the stingy by generosity, and the liar by speaking the truth.”
– Gautama Buddha, The Dhammapada

My desire for tenderness, compassion, and generosity are potent these days. It’s midwinter, and all I want to do is make sure that hearts are warm, and that we are gathering to propel each other’s dreams forward–working together to unearth any dormant resources or to uncover the pathways that will move humanity into inspiring systems that can create beauty.[/one_third_last]

[full_width]None of us can do anything meaningful alone. We need each other. We need collective courage when we are afraid; we need collective trust when we are uncertain; we need collective imagination when we forget that darkness is where creation begins; we need collective tenderness when criticism lashes out.

DAILY, WE REACH OUT
Aquarian Rituals

Most days I run into fear, anxiety, anger, self-doubt, stinginess, or regret in some form or another. I’m hoping to be more present and aware when the ego creeps up by tending to these daily rituals that will keep me focused on contributing to this good world and the humans who inhabit it. [/full_width]

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][one_third padding=”3% 0 0 0″]MORNING: Light up your room, light up the world
Light a candle in the dark of the morning. Take notice of your breath. Notice if you have any fears, any self-doubt, any feelings of scarcity or possessiveness. Notice. Then present yourself with other options. If you are worried a new project isn’t gaining traction, reach out to friends or colleagues that you admire. Or, better yet, take a break from your own work, and be a light for someone else–who can you give your time, your heart for an hour or two? [/one_third][one_third][/one_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][one_third][/one_third][one_third padding=”3% 0 0 0″]MIDDAY: Turn on the music, identify the patterns
Find some inspiration in music or any art that you particularly enjoy. We love art because we love patterns. How can you tap into an art world of ideas, patterns, composition, and imagination to move forward on a project? Let the work of others inspire you–continue and expand upon conversations that have been going on for centuries.

(Try our Aquarius Season Spotify playlist: a mix of all our Muses Aquarian inspired faves)[/one_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][one_third]EVENING: What have you gained, and how will you share it?
Each day we acquire new knowledge, new hopes, new wounds, new insight, new resources. The truth is, none of it is really ours. How does a person actually “own” knowledge? Do we even really “own” our wounds, or can we let them pass through us, and let them exit us with tenderness? Can you be vulnerable without being dramatic? How can your new insight help someone who is struggling? What knowledge did you gain that can help a friend? Perhaps you are sitting on an abundance of resources that need to start flowing into the community. Write down the things you gained during the day, and identify a person or group who you would like to share it with. [/one_third][one_third] (Another image by Ann Whittaker of our recent Seasons of Greatness workshop, gathering and sharing with our loved community)[/one_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[full_width]“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.”
– Jean Vanier[/full_width]

Capricorn Archetypes: Jord & Simone de Beauvior

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last]Creative force, Ann Whittaker, joins us with more archetype musings as she shares her inspiration around the Capricorn vibed role models that we can all tap into (male of female). Get ready to tour some Norse Mythology and historical feminist role models as we dive deeper into our yearly purpose of Feminine Rising.


CAPRICORN ARCHETYPES:

The Norse Earth Mother & Simone de Beauvoir

JORD

The Norse Earth Mother, Jord, is a mother of many children–too many to count. She is not a monogamous goddess–she is solely focused on her own fertility and health. Jord is the embodiment of primitive earth, inhabits the wilderness, worshipped on mountaintops, and everything she touches immediately sprouts or bears fruit. She is the Earth Mother archetype–connected to fertile soil.

Jord is highly focused and disciplined in order to give life continuously to the entire earth. She feels a responsibility first and foremost to her role as mother. She will not be distracted by anything else. She is the earth, and nothing else. Wild and free and fertile–responsible only to herself.[/two_third_last]

[one_half]SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR

“I am too intelligent, too demanding, and too resourceful for anyone to be able to take charge of me entirely. No one knows me or loves me completely. I have only myself”

If you’ve been feeling the feminine rising, and signing up for women’s marches all over the country, you can thank Simone as she is a powerful feminist mama in our history. Imagine living in France in the early 20th century and attending universities to study mathematics and philosophy, and graduating where most women weren’t even allowed to attend. Truly, Simone climbed impossible mountains as she wrote book after book after book analyzing women’s oppression in a patriarchal culture. She spoke out not only about gender issues, but she addressed sexual orientation as well. Simone was determined to tear down stereotypes of all kinds. Her contribution to feminist movements is monumental. Follow her to the mountaintop.

[/one_half][one_half_last][/one_half_last]

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][two_third]“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.”

“…but all day long I would be training myself to think, to understand, to criticize, to know myself; I was seeking for the absolute truth: this preoccupation did not exactly encourage polite conversation.” [/two_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

Capricorn Rituals: Daily Steps for your Summits

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_half][/one_half][one_half_last]Tune into the seasonal Capricorn energy as we start recognizing the peaks of success we wish to summit as the sun slowly grows in strength. Ann Whittaker’s rituals for our personal summits can help us build a solid ste-by-step foundation as we trek along on our steep climb to acclaim as we’re about to make our yearly resolutions. Photography by Ann

Capricorn Rituals

DAILY STEPS TO GET TO YOUR SUMMITS

“Our imagination is struck only by what is great; but the lover of natural philosophy should reflect equally on little things.” -alexander von humboldt

Almost every day, I find myself on a mountainside; almost every week, I find myself on a mountaintop. It’s easy for me to take the first steps on a trail; it’s not so easy for me to take those mid-steps or final steps when I’m tired and hungry and cold. However, my endurance has everything to do with daily training, and the way I pace myself in the beginning. If I get too excited and try to run to the summit, I burn out and end up hating that stupid ol’ mountain anyway.
[/one_half_last]

[two_fifth padding=”5% 0 0 0″]And, so, I find myself reading about the life of the Prussian 17th-18th century explorer, Alexander Humboldt. I’ve been reading his biography all year–slowly, bit by bit, because I, for once, am savoring the words that describe this prolific naturalist’s expeditions and his accounts of what he discovered. How did he do it? One observation at a time; one step at a time; one sentence at a time; one conversation at a time; one day at a time.

The little things matter.

Because the little things create the muscles we’ll need to get to where we’re going. If you’re like me, it’s much more pleasing to look at the majesty of a summit, rather than my feet that I’ve seen every day of my life. So, here’s to looking right in front of you, and cultivating rituals that will gently get you to the place you’ve been longing for.[/two_fifth][three_fifth_last][/three_fifth_last]

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last padding=”7% 0 0 0″]CAPRICORN RITUALS – TO THE MOUNTAINTOP WE GO

Morning Rituals

Identify the goal, the summit, the destination. If it’s a new job, write it down. If it’s a crazy idea, you should really write it down and take it seriously–so very seriously. If it’s climbing Denali, write it down. If it’s starting your own business, write it down.

Then, identify the first step. Take the first step every day until it becomes natural. If you want to be a writer, write one page every day until one page feels easy. Then step it up to a page and a half. If you want to climb a mountain, start by walking on a trail or around your neighborhood. Every day, go a little bit longer–one minute at a time. You don’t have to do an ultra marathon tomorrow.

Make the first step a part of your morning ritual. Begin with the first steps every day.[/two_third_last]

[two_third padding=”4% 0 0 0″]Evening Rituals

Acknowledge the work you did–especially the tiniest of steps. Give the little things more weight, more value than you have in the past. You’re that much closer to your summit. Even if one day takes you around a corner you didn’t expect, you’re still that much closer. Declutter every evening. Did you get distracted or take on too much? Overwhelm sneaks up on you. Bite-size is the name of the game. If you find you’re feeling really good, try not to overdo it and exhaust yourself by the time you get further along your path.

Once you feel ready to take on the next step, stop and enjoy the view. Acknowledge where you’ve been. Wasn’t that pretty?

Ya. It was pretty.

And so is the summit. Take it nice and easy. And take along a friend or two.[/two_third][one_third_last][/one_third_last]

Yoga Poses to Build A Flexible & Stable Foundation

Posted on by TheMuse

[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last]CosmoMuse yogini, Brooke Musat, brings us some important foundation building poses as we enter into the new year. Let’s build on our flexibility and stability as we improve our yoga practice in 2017. Photography by Ann Whittaker

It’s Capricorn season, and it begins with a nod to longer days and shorter nights. It may be hard to remember what a full 15 hours of daylight felt like, or how peaks now covered in snow and ice once basked bare in the direct light of a summer’s sun, but with Capricorn season, we are reminded it’s time to dust off our inspirations and aspirations, and seize the longer days. We aren’t saying you should trade in your thermal for a t-shirt just yet, or make the leap to transition your subie’s ski rack to a bike rack, but rather, are encouraging you to begin to prepare for what you hope to pull off in 2017. [/one_third_last]

[full_width]If parts of 2016 were disappointing, maybe it’s because you had great ideas, but you rushed into them too quickly. The early bird may catch the worm, but only if the bird has trained in the art of worm catching. Every goal is worth striving toward, but it’s easier to realize your goals when you prepare for them properly.
Whether you are preparing to hike Mt Everest or you’re trying to tackle Handstand, you need to first build a proper foundation. For the climber, a proper foundation may look like several dozen hikes over long distances, or an intimate relationship with weather prediction. For the yogi, a need to strengthen the core in boat pose, or becoming comfortable with being upside down in dolphin, could be the necessary requisites for an appropriate Handstand foundation. Both the climber and the yogi have to start small, but remain focused on their goal. Any one of these steps when looked at separately may not seem all that grand, but when you layer them overtime they create a reliable structure for success.
In the spirit of building a proper foundation, try practicing Extended Side Angle and Triangle Pose back to back. In Extended Side Angle Pose you’ll increase flexibility in the inner thighs while strengthening the side body. Then as you transition to Triangle, you’ll be able to deepen the stretch in the inner thighs and focus on finding stability from the engagement of the entire core, not just the side body. Extended Side Angle and Triangle Pose build on one another nicely, but also help lay the framework for more advanced standing balancing postures.
2017 is right around the corner, and the time is perfect for preparing how you’ll make this your best year yet! [/full_width]

[one_third]Extended Side Angle :: (Utthita Parsvakonasana) Variation

BENEFITS

o Strengthens quads, upper back, side body, and the tiny muscles in the feet

o Stretches the inner thighs and hamstrings

o Opens chest and shoulders

o Lengthens spine

Prop Suggestion: Try holding the tall side of a block between both hands firmly to build strength in the arms. Still squeezing the block between both hands, you could try reaching both arms toward the front of your mat and holding for 5-7 breathes.
[/one_third][two_third_last][/two_third_last]

[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last]Triangle :: (Trikonasana) Variation

BENEFITS

o Strengthens the entire core and legs

o Stretches inner thighs, hamstrings, and hips

o Lengthens spine

o Extreme opener for the shoulders, heart and chest when practiced as variation shown

Prop Suggestion: In traditional Triangle Pose if your bottom arm does not reach the ground, try placing a block directly below your hand and in line with your shoulder. The block can be any height you need. Push your bottom hand firmly into the block, and elongate your top hand (and arm) toward the sky.
[/one_third_last]

Great Summits: The Capricorn New Moon

Posted on by TheMuse

[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last]CosmoMuse Seasonal Astrologist, Allie Couch, brings us some guidance around tonight’s aspiring Capricorn new moon, breaks it down by sign, as well as shares a practice to help us connect on a deeper level with our pinnacle goals of the year. Set your sights on tall peaks on this winter night, Muses; ones that will bring you glory and acclaim for the authority and responsibility that you are capable of carrying—and remeber to write your new moon goals in your CosmoMuse 2017 Seasonal Astrology Guide (or get one here if you don’t have one yet). Photography by Dan Peck

A quick refresher: New moons signify a point in time when the energies are ripe to initiate new goals. Each solar season gets a new moon of the same sign when the sun and moon share the same degree of the Tropical Zodiac. [/one_third_last]

[two_third]This season, Capricorn is up, marking our highest point in the zodiac and connected to the things we aspire to be recognized for, whether that’s through career, achievements, titles, awards or things we hold authority and responsibility in. Just as Capricorn Season starts at the winter solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere), when the days are at their shortest but start slowly growing in length, our Capricorn new moon goals will reflect this new found desire to slowly, step-by-step, climb the peaks we start seeing outlines of as we seek more light and glory. The goals we initiate now are ones that we will summit at the summer solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere), when the days are at their longest. They may feel like heavy burdens to bear and will require singular focus and a limiting of what we allow into our sphere of duties. Just as one who climbs a tough mountain needs to be prepared, plan and train for their journey, your Capricorn goals should take on the same seriousness and austerity.

Only look to goals that you know are within your attainment but push these and yourself bit beyond your norm this year as the planetary ruler of this event, Saturn, is in Sagittarius, the sign of expansion, vision and optimism.

This lunar event will happen at the tail end of the 28th for some of us and in the wee hours of the 29th for others. Either way, the optimal time to set your goals and intentions for your Capricorn themed yearly goals should be within six hours of the exact new moon. Starting no earlier than 5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET is your best timing and into the night, with a 12 hour window. Don’t fear if you miss this, you can set and work on these goals for the whole week ahead, this window is just the ideal.

[/two_third][one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last]CAPRICORN GOALS BY SIGN

Capricorn rules a different part of each sign’s chart. Read below for a little extra context around how to direct your goals based on your sun sign AND rising sign:

Aries: Your career and public aspirations are doubly in focus. Own your authority in the professional world and watch your responsibilities and acclaim grow.
Taurus: Your ability to give structure and prestige to global and enterprising pursuits could win you some public favor. Let go of any limiting notions of belief and allow yourself to climb foreign mountains.
Gemini: Authority follows you into taboo areas. You are responsible and structured in the things you share and transform with others. Own your ability to make responsible choices in entanglement and find your acclaim this summer as you see what you’ve helped rebuild, step-by-step, through joining forces for exponential growth in shared possessions.
Cancer: Relating and relationships are what bring you glory and acclaim. You may sometimes feel limited or too responsible when it comes to your relationships, but own your ability to bring structure and focus to the give and take that makes great partnering and climb big peaks in front of you with a graceful flow of taking the lead and following that takes your ability to equalize to new heights. [/two_third_last]

[full_width]Leo: Lifestyle and your daily processes (or work duties) are what get your most structured capabilities. You may take a lot on your shoulders but your step-by-step approach to getting through your days is enviable and you are capable of tackling more projects than the other signs and having a rigorously purified life. A new project may come your way that will push your limits but open the door to a new stream of work that rises your prestige.
Virgo: Structure and responsibility are where you shine. Don’t squash your authority for fear of the limelight. Embrace your leadership and creative expression and watch as the world praises your ability to structure and achieve.
Libra: Growing roots and self-nurturing are important things in life and you take this very seriously—or you should. By taking care of your family and home or things related to nurturing, sustaining and protecting, your structured abilities here help you grow prestigious roots in life.
Scorpio: Words and connecting with others may at times seem a burden to you but this is where you build and take on authority in your life. By realizing that your linear thought process is enviable and respectable, you can let go of any feelings of communicative inferiority. Use your authoritative style to stay connected to those in power, bringing you more respect.
Sagittarius: What comes around goes around. Share your authority in something to increase your self-worth and give of your possessions to keep the flow of value streaming into your life. Or, use your resources to increase your authority and skills in something that you feel is important to your self-worth. This will help you let go of feelings of lack or inferiority.
Capricorn: This is your new moon of the year; the time when your agenda is in motion and getting green lights. You are a responsible breed and no doubt your new moon goals will be tinted with practical, step-by-step goals that will give you more respect and authority in your life. Whatever you most desire should be sought now.
Aquarius: Arts, spirituality, composition and healing may feel like serious areas to you and they are. This is your time to initiate new goals that fill you with inspiration. You are capable of becoming an authority in your artistic and spiritual pursuits but you have to put in solid, structured building to get there.
Pisces: Groups, causes, and friends may sometimes make you feel inferior but they need you. You bring structure and responsibility to humanity and causes bigger than the individual. So on our behalf, not yours, please shed your feelings of limitation around what you can contribute and dive in to help the rest of us bring structure and acclaim to the things we all need as a collective for the progress of our world.

*Only incorporate the above contexts into your Capricorn themed goals if you can hold or understand the complexity – do not stress about these if it feels too overwhelming confusing. [/full_width]

[one_third]CAPRICORN NEW MOON INTENTION SETTING & SUMMIT-ING: A GUIDE

Normally I suggest making 3 or 4 goals for both your sun and rising sign (6-8 total) as not all of them will grow the needed roots but this time I’m suggesting a limit to this. Make one or two goals for each and treat them like a expedition plan that then may incorporate other smaller stepping stones, base camps (or goals) to help you reach your main peak to summit. So here’s the question to help you set your gaze on the right challenging peak for glory this year: What do you most aspire to be recognized for and stand on top as an authority of?

o Make a 4-5 step plan that will help you attain your main goal— this can include some sub-goals.

o With each of your sub-goals, write out a few sentences of how you will start those goals.[/one_third][two_third_last][/two_third_last]

[full_width]

o Make a list of ‘gear’ need for your big trek ahead.

o As soon as you are ready to take a step into your first sub-goal, light a candle and repeat the following (this should be within a week of making your goals): I accept the responsibility that I am asking for and know that this will lead me to more authority and acclaim in my life, which in turn I can use to give others more authority in their lives.

o Enjoy the trek you set out on but stay focused and take time to look back every now and then, leading up to July (or the scheduled summit), to see how far you’ve climbed toward this goal.

With Mercury retrograde connected to your yearly Capricorn goal/s, be sure you are clear and double check any communication around your journey/s with these goal/s. Take things slow as certain paths may not lead where you think they will—planning and research will help you to choose the correct routes so there is little back tracking needed. Mars and Neptune send supporting guidance on your mission so inspired, artistic, and cosmically entangled action and healing will be with you every step of the way—but you do need to ask for this when you need it. These guides are available to you but they can’t read you mind. Happy trails muses. May you find all that you aspire to accomplish on this new trek and summit with grand fulfillment come July.[/full_width]

[full_width]FOR OUR FRIENDS IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

With this being your summer solstice time of year, we flip the seasons around and so in some astrologers theories (including mine), this is your Cancer time of year.

With your Cancer new moon falling today, it’s the perfect time for you to make goals around how to nurture and grow your roots. Pay attention to your inner stirrings of what you need to feel safe, nurtured and protected in this world. The sun has reached the tropic of Capricorn and will start backing away as the nights slowly grow in length, making it your ideal time to start thinking about and planning for the future darker times coming, when your autumn months will ask you to tap into your inner resources.

I know this is just a bread crumb but more for your side of the world is in the works! [/full_width]

Sagittarian Archetypes: A Huntress & A Physician

Posted on by TheMuse

[full_width]CosmoMuse creative writer, Ann Whittaker, brings us inspiration around some bad-ass female archetypes as a lens to create our own mythologies and epic journeys through our Sagittarian sides.

Sagittarian Archetypes: A Virgin Huntress & A Byzantine Physician
HOW TO EMBARK ON LIMITLESS JOURNEYS

Gather round, CosmoMuses, as we continue deep into Sagittarius Season to explore two female archetypes that will rekindle your enthusiasm for expansive journeys, limitless adventures, and constant change.[/full_width]

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last padding=”7% 0 0 0″]The First Archetype: Atlanta | Virgin Huntress | Unwilling to Marry

Atlanta is Greek mythology’s badass-in-chief. Born an “undesirable” female, her father left her in the woods alone to die, but she was taken in by a sleuth of bears who raised her. Of course, Atlanta became a fierce huntress with bow and arrow who refused to marry–unless her suitor could outrun her, which was impossible. Many suitors attempted to outrun her, but their attempts ended in death. How’s that for badass?

Eventually, Hippomenes asked the goddess Aphrodite for help to outrun Atlanta so he could marry her. Aphrodite gave him two apples that would slow down Atlanta. The virgin huntress could not resist the apples, and Hippomenes beat her in the footrace and they married. However, Hippomenes failed to give sacrifice to Aphrodite, and the vengeful goddess turned them both into lions. [/two_third_last]

[one_half padding=”5% 0 0 0″]The Second Archetype: Anna Komnene | Byzantine Princess, Scholar, Physician, Historian

Anna Komnene was betrothed at birth, and married at age 14 in the 11th century. Sounds like the end to marry so young, yes? Despite the tragedy of being married off for only political reasons, Anna embarked on many paths that any of us could only hope to accomplish one within our busy lifetimes.

Anna, the Scholar
She was a devoted student of astronomy, geography, and mathematics. Her tutors were constantly impressed with her intellect and dedication. She secretly read the Odyssey for herself despite her parents’ wishes that she avoid such literature.

Anna, the Physician
She studied and practiced medicine throughout her life.

Anna, the Historian
Anna felt cheated when her brother, John, was enthroned, and she was accused of plotting his murder. She spent the last years of her life at a convent studying and writing philosophical and historical papers.
[/one_half][one_half_last][/one_half_last]

[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last padding=”12% 0 0 0″]And so, during this Sagittarius Season, what are the grand possibilities you want to manifest in your life? What are you doing now to set the stage for your own epic? How will you find ways to incorporate these archetypes into your daily imagination and to-do lists? Consider all the ways you can travel and achieve the greatest heights of success with these words from Dr. Clairssa Pinkola Estés:

The psyches and souls of women also have their own cycles and seasons of doing and solitude, running and staying, being involved and being removed, questing and resting, creating and incubating, being of the world and returning to the soul-place.

Image to the left by Mystic Mamma[/one_third_last]

Seeking All Possibilities for Expansive Perspective

Posted on by TheMuse

[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last]Pack your bags muses! We’re about to travel the world right from a local coffee shop or cafe. CosmoMuse contributor, Ann Whittaker, takes us through her expansive Sagittarius Season rituals. Photography by Ann Whittaker | Location: La Barba Coffee

I’m sitting in a cafe in Salt Lake City, but I might as well be sitting in a teahouse in Hagi, Japan. Because the universal lives in the particular. Would I rather be sitting in Hagi? Absolutely. But am I happy to be working in Salt Lake City? Yes. No question. Because it’s all a piece in the puzzle. Sometimes my mind contracts around what I’m not doing, where I’m not traveling, and wondering if I’ll ever get to where I’m headed. Because right now I’m sitting in a coffee shop in Salt Lake City–far, far away from a teahouse in a place I want to be.

[/one_third_last]

[one_third padding=”10% 0 0 0″]Enter Sagittarius. Enter perspective. Enter truth and expansion.

This small moment in Salt Lake City is Hagi, Japan because it’s one of the steps that will lead me there sooner or later. So, I repeat to myself, “This is Salt Lake City. This is Hagi.” I’m already there. I’m exploring this moment to its depths, so that I can explore Hagi to its depths when I get there. Practice expansion. Practice seeing the universe in this very moment.

Here’s some rituals for Sagittarius season you can implement into your daily routine to bring visionary wisdom and experiences.[/one_third][two_third_last][/two_third_last]

[one_half][/one_half][one_half_last padding=”5% 0 0 0″]SEEK
Seeking is about asking questions–the kind of questions that ask you to see something in a new light. Seeking is seeing. We get caught up in our daily routines, and they become a burden to us because we don’t open our eyes to the subtleties and nuances that make the mundane remarkable. The small details truly are threads in a universal tapestry that you’re weaving into the wholeness of your life.

Think about one of your daily tasks. Ask yourself these questions to bring new light, new vision to something you see/do every day:

1. Why do I do this?
2. Whom do I do it for? (The answer can be you do it for you.)
3. Who else probably does this same task day after day?
4. How does this thread, this task, tie in to your entire life tapestry?
5. Why does it matter?[/one_half_last]

[full_width]QUEST
A quest is about bringing movement to your questions. The ultimate adventure is to ask a question, and then walk the path that presents itself to you. Do something different; open a new door; sing a new song.

A quest takes courage–it requires all the faith you can muster. All you know is the question. You don’t know the answer. Stay open, and listen to new ideas that present themselves to you–the more absurd, the better.

Try any of these things to bring a Sagittarian quest into this season:

1. Find the world in your community. Look for a new international restaurant run by immigrants in your area, and make it one of your go-to eateries. Befriend other patrons and the people who work there. Open up your world through food, new friends, and new experiences.
2. Read a book you wouldn’t normally read. Think of a friend who would love to know you’re reading it, and will “guide” you as you approach a new subject or genre. See where it leads your imagination.
3. Identify something you’ve been avoiding–something you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t because you didn’t know where to begin or just haven’t made the time. Do it. Put it on the calendar this week. [/full_width]

[one_third padding=”6% 0 0 0″]SHOOT FOR THE STARS

Sometimes we diminish our own dreams, our own desires, our own passions. Because something is “easy” for us, we feel we don’t have the luxury to spend time on them. Truthfully, we all know that the “easy” things are our callings–it’s what we can really contribute to the world. And it matters. It matters like the stars matter in a dark sky. You are the guiding light for someone else. Even if your talent seems small, it’s huge to someone else.

Initiate one of your dreams into your daily routines. After all, you’ll never become a writer later in life if you’re not writing today, right?[/one_third][two_third_last][/two_third_last]

Organize the Harvest for a Season of Simplicity

Posted on by TheMuse

[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last padding=”7% 0 0 0″]

PURIFYING VIRGO: ORGANIZE THE HARVEST FOR A SEASON OF SIMPLICITY

“Living simply makes loving simple.”
-Bell Hooks

Summer has been good to you—really good. There were outings, road trips, mountaintops, moonlight lake swims, farmers’ markets, ocean breezes, and probably a picnic or two. You took advantage of the extra sunlight, and said yes to it all. And now you’re feeling it—a bit overwhelmed and craving simplicity, yes? Hello, Virgo—a season of purification, organization, service and harvest.
[/one_third_last]

[two_third padding=”7% 0 0 0″]

PURIFICATION

You inhaled summer. Happily. Now it’s time to sift through what will continue to nourish you (keep those essential nutrients) and what has become excess (share it and give it away). Digestion is Virgo’s principle characteristic reminding us that there are consequences to the experiences, places and relationships we consume. Turns out not everything or everyone sits well within our hearts and souls—what seemed like a good idea then might start to result in heartburn if we can’t digest it properly. Pay attention. What isn’t sitting right with you any more?

Make a list. Trust your gut. Make two columns, one labeled “nourishing” and the other labeled “to give away.” Keep the experiences and people that you know deep down inside will continue to bring you strength, well-being, and won’t keep you up at night. The things that feel like you’re forcing them down your throat, say a brief “thank you” and give them up—someone else will find use of use for those things. It can be hard to let go of a good thing, but it might be better for someone else and it creates space for you.
[/two_third][one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last padding=”6% 0 0 0″]

ORGANIZATION

Of course the first word that comes to mind when organization comes up is clutter—it’s opposite. Organization can be painful because we know how tedious digging through the clutter can be. It’s possible that we fear organizing because there’s a perfection subtly connected to the thought of cleaning something out. We tell ourselves, “I can’t clean out my closet until I have an entire weekend to work on it and the money to buy those shelves I’ll need,” or “I’ll deep clean the garage when…”.

Avoid perfectionism. Once you’ve identified the nourishing elements of your life that you want to keep, don’t mull over them and wait for the perfect circumstances to continue to nurture them. Make your list, prioritize it quickly and succinctly, and simply move forward into all that space you’ve just created. As you spend less time on indulging in everything you thought you needed in your life, you’ll have clarity of heart and mind to offer your gifts to yourself and to others.
[/two_third_last]

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][two_third][/two_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[two_third]

HARVEST

The first rule of the harvest: never harvest alone. The excess you are freeing yourself from should not simply be thrown into the trash—there’s a very good chance that the excess and abundance can be shared and provide opportunities for service. Virgo’s harvest season is about both partaking in and sharing the feast with those you love and cherish.

Give and Gather. Is there something you’re giving up that can find life with another? Who can benefit from all that you’ve planted? What can you give away to create space to plant new seeds? A meal shared is better digested—so, too, a life shared is more complete.

Organize a gathering where all the guests can give, receive and let go into a season of simplicity—a direct result of Virgo’s purifying characteristics.

“’Tis the gift to be simple; ‘tis the gift to be free.”
-Shaker Folk Song

CREDITS
Words and Images: Ann Whittaker @annwhittaker9
Model: Bri Cook @brianajeanphoto

[/two_third][one_third_last][/one_third_last]