The Circle of Life

Happy 2024 litebeings!

I have so much to report, but today’s post is dedicated to honoring life. Life coming in, going out, weddings, breakups, inhale, exhale. All of these movements are part of our cosmic stew. I do feel hopeful, mostly because I have been making some changes and am receiving the blessings of guidance and magick. Tears begin to well up as I realize ( with today’s Mars/ Jupiter trine Pluto transit to my natal chart) that I have access to so much power.  We all do, potentially.

Within the past few days, I lost two  elders/mentors/friends. I learned of these losses  rather abruptly via social media, such a sucky ( but sometimes practical ) way to be informed. The first loss was a couple days before New Year’s Eve. Tom was a musician and brilliant astrologer. He was a bit older and I saw him as a leader. He would sometimes give lectures at his home, nearish to Pendle Hill. I recall visiting there one summer around the time I met James. It is likely that he spoke on reincarnation and astrology. He was an elder of our community, a community I have been a part of since my first Saturn return in 1989. A dear fellow board member and constant presence in this community is also close to passing.  I am not ready to let go, but I must. She is such a dear, generous, soul.  This news came as a shock, but I have had a few months to prepare myself. I recognize that all I can do is send love and accept that time in 3D world presses on.

News of Phil’s death arrived on January 2nd, literally a minute or so between therapy sessions. I knew he was recently in hospice but his transition was swift. It took me tremendous strength to lean into the work without breaking down. My shock and sadness was feverish in intensity. Yet, I was able to complete the last two sessions of the day somehow.

What to say about Phil? He was both extraordinary and so simple. He was incredibly devout in his Quaker faith, yet known to be irreverant. He was quiet, but boy did he have stories. A walking paradox who welcomed me to Quakerism and stayed in my orbit for many years. He carried me through a very intense time of upheaval and growth, in the early to mid 2000s. He served as my  Spiritual Director and role model. He was wise, funny, determined, and at times, challenging. I sometimes felt that I disappointed him. I hope this wasn’t the case.

Phil and Tom were loved by many. Their reach was vast.  I was closer to Phil but knew Tom much longer. These are very different people who both have me in common. Both loved music, both held strong convictions, and both were teachers. Just like with Robert, I had no chance to say goodbye. This sucks.

Starting the new year fresh with death is not my ideal, but I also have witnessed a wedding and a major breakup within this timeline. I also had the pleasure of a phone call from a dear friend who now lives in Israel. I so cherish the people who are still on this plane with me. May I suggest you do the same?

The header image and the last one ( fall scene) are photos that Phil took that I “borrowed” from Facebook. Did I mention that both these men were quite creative?

We are all part of a force stronger and more mysterious than can be imagined. And yet sometimes one can ride those waves of mystery through perceived endings, beginnings, and changes of form. May we all embrace this natural, divine circle of life.