KAJAMA.COM NEWSLETTER

December 28, 2020 through January 3, 2021

It's time to tie up those loose ends and prepare for new beginning as we move into 2021 this week! Information gathering will be a theme under Monday's Gemini Moon, as we ground ourselves with the facts and figures we need. The Cancer full Moon on Tuesday (also known as the Cold Moon) will remind us that putting our family, friends and security first is the way to go as we prepare to exit 2020 and embrace a new cycle. Full Moons are all about releasing, so let's put closure to the past, make amends where necessary and create a fresh slate before moving into the future. The new year arrives under a Leo Moon, reminding us to take better care of ourselves in 2021 through more physical activity, eating right and watching our budgets. We can relax until Saturday, but when the Moon moves into Virgo on Sunday, it will be time to pull out those new calendars, update our day-planners, purge our phones of outdated info and phone numbers, and prepare to great the new year with open arms and a fresh outlook! Happy New Year Everyone! Here's wishing you all a safe, prosperous and joyful year, full of hope and love!

Finding Your Inner Divinity, by Angelica Danton

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

Myths and legends have always fascinated me, and my favorite legends were always those involving the ancient Gods and Goddesses. As a child, I would rush to the library to get the latest books on the gods. It didn't matter to me if I read about Norse, Roman, Greek, or Chinese myth—all were fascinating. The energy of the divine was always slightly larger than life, and the morals contained in these fabulous stories from every country on earth instinctively felt like truth to me.

Even then, I realized that on one level these stories were fantasy. On a deeper level, however, I understood that they were moral stories and that I had much to learn from and see in them. Nothing pleased me more than their diversity, how one myth reflected the divine in one culture and the other reflected it in another, perhaps on the other side of the world. Surely, I felt, we are all interconnected no matter what race or culture we come from. We are linked in the divine spirit somehow.

Later, as my interest in the spiritual realm grew due to the influence of my family members, I also became fascinated with astrology. My grandmother, Eileen, always bought almanacs for the astrological year and I quickly became familiar with the interpretations of the signs. I noted from my readings that celestial bodies such as Venus and Mars were mentioned in myth and in astrology. I loved finding the meaning and connections in astrology and myth.

I also loved literature and poetry (which I was to study at some depth at university), and noted how poets such as Shelley and Byron used concepts of the gods to deepen their poetry. No matter what I read, I seemed to come back to the gods.

At the age of 12, I declared to the family that I was going to be a Pagan. When asked why, I answered that as a Pagan I could experience freedom of thought and philosophy whereas a religion with a single god might limit me.

Finding the Goddess as a adult woman was a little different. I became aware that identifying with the ancient goddesses freed us in many ways from the stereotyped images we seem to have acquired in our respective cultures. I had always looked to the gods and to the stars for answers, and over time I became convinced that the Goddess could free me to experience myself in an amazing and ultimately liberating way. I could express anger in a healthy way and allow myself to feel it, if justified. Or I could be brave and remember the power of the warrior Goddesses. I could have my own unique style and not necessarily look or copy other women because each Goddess was unique and had different powers and aspects. I need not look outside myself for approval because the divine soul was within me, too. Finding the Goddess within myself was a major part of my spiritual growth and development and helped me face life's challenges in a new way.

I started doing readings at a local new age shop. This allowed me to connect with many other women who felt the same way about the Goddess in their lives. It seemed strange to me that more people in my country (Australia) were not interested in writing about Her, although the word Goddess was being used to promote everything from pop stars to perfume. A lot of women related to Her and talked about Her energy in their lives, but few knew of published books that discussed the Goddess energy level in Australia. Some Pagan women authors mentioned Her in books on Wicca, but these were mainly for overseas audiences, or specifically for Wiccan groups.

As the Internet became more popular in the late 1990s, this changed. More women seemed to be interested in Goddess concepts, but I felt that the real meaning and energy of the Goddess was not coming through in everyday writing for women. I understood (and of course respected) the fact that She is important in the study of Wicca. But she also plays a role in so many other cultures and religions that I felt her appeal should be emphasized no matter what country, culture, or indeed belief system you come from. The Pagan and Wiccan movements began the new interest in her, and that was great—indeed, I personally relate to Her in this way. Still I felt it was my mission to present her in yet another aspect—in the light of a new astrological system.

To my understanding, the Age of Aquarius is a time of new thoughts and systems of thinking that will ultimately lead to a new wave of consciousness on our planet. Religion as it has been will change, and a different free spirituality will emerge. This new spirituality will truly unite all peoples as they realize that they are all potentially divine beings, and that they are all more alike than they are different from one another. In the song "Age of Aquarius" from the '60s musical Hair they sang, "and the mind to liberation." To me, this means that in order to be original and different we need to break free of outdated concepts and ideas in order to realize our true potential.

As my understanding of Goddess power and my loves of Pagan ritual and astrology grew, I began to long for a view of the Goddess that was both personalized and also showed her incredible diversity. Which type am I? I felt I could sometimes identify with all of her aspects in different ways. Which ones would be the best for me to work with in ritual, or invoke during times of need?

The ancients felt a deep personal connection with the Goddess. But recently she has become such an intellectual concept that we find it hard to make her as much a part of our daily lives as she may have been in ancient Greece or Rome.

Over time, as I began to do more and more astrology readings for friends, I learned about eastern astrology and its amazing animal zodiac. Over time, I began to see a connection between the animals and the Goddesses. How amazing, I thought, that all these animals have been venerated alongside the Goddesses by people all over the world. Maybe I could create a new system of astrology linking these ideas and helping women tune into a more personalized energy of the goddess by understanding their animal nature. This is how my book, Goddess Signs, came to be written.

I divided the Goddesses into 5 major aspects: the Earth Goddess, the Moon Goddess, the Sun Goddess, the Dark Goddess, and the Warrior Goddess. Each of these Goddess energies expresses itself in a unique and powerful way in each woman. To find out which one you are, simply check your animal sign and find out! Along the way, you'll learn how you relate to others, learn about your animal sign energy, and discover special rituals to use your Goddess energy for true empowerment. I also include a look at men and their divine energy according to their animal sign, including some celebrity examples.

I have used this system in my readings and workshops and have been assured it has aided many women. Any system of astrology that is understood and used in the correct spirit is a powerful tool. I truly believe that we are the stuff of stars, and that in a soul aspect we are all divine. When we lose our ability to dream and see the beauty of myth and legend, we lose the most important part of ourselves—our spiritual selves and the world of inner truth. The beauty of astrology is its truth and its universality, surely something we need to dwell on in this troubled and divided time. The beauty of the Goddess myth is also her truth and her universality. So, in Goddess Signs, I have tried to emphasize these connections.

I hope women enjoy my book and find their own truths in it. I also would like them to explore further. Don't take my word for it! Test out my system and see how it works for you. As a practicing astrologer I can tell you that it can definitely be of a practical help. Of course it is not exhaustive, and many other systems can personalize the Goddess, too. But what I love about the Chinese Animal Signs is how we instinctively feel so close to the animal spirit. I have always loved animals and bringing my two favorite worlds together is a delight. I hope you enjoy it too!

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2004. All rights reserved.

I have fallen in love with a friend. We met a few years ago when we both had other partners. (I was married and he had a live-in girlfriend.) A few months ago, my husband and I separated, and we now are in the process of getting a divorce. H. has been without a girlfriend for almost three years now. We got together as friends, and have acknowledged that there is a very strong attraction between us. We have seen each other a few times, and each time we're together, everything makes sense and feels so right. I have been using the Law of Attraction to attract him into my life by wishing to have a lasting romantic relationship with him. However, lately he's pulling back and is saying he's not sure what he wants. When we're together, he acts like he wants me, but when we're apart, he wavers. How can I manifest this relationship with him? I am full of longing to be with him and I believe that we're destined to be together.

Astrea:

I firmly believe that thought becomes reality, and that we can influence that reality by lining up opportunities and making wise choices. However, there is something that bothers me about using the Law of Attraction in relationships: it's one-sided, while relationships by nature involve more than one person. Unless he is also using the Law of Attraction for the same purpose, you can't go very far with this.

If he's everything you want and you are indeed destined to be together, he will want you too. Does he know about and work with natural spiritual law? Is he spiritual enough to discuss this with you and apply it to your relationship?

I think it would be much more beneficial if you made him aware of what you're doing to try to be closer to him. There isn't anything mean or sinister about wanting someone to love you.

If you two can agree on what it is you want, then you will both be focused on the same outcome. If you want something more or different from what he wants, then you're trying to force someone to meet your terms, which isn't what the L of A is about.

It's important to respect the whole picture here. Both Yin and Yang are present. The man you describe is very sensitive to balance, which is one reason he pulls away.

If you really want a permanent relationship with him, you're going to have to develop more sensitivity to other people's needs and desires. This energy has to extend to others - not just to him.

Start by listening more and being quiet in conversations. When we listen well, other people are encouraged to talk, which leads us to greater understanding of how to best please them.

I recommend you change your request to the Universe. Instead of trying to manifest only what you want, include wanting what is best for others and will make them happiest too. In your visualization work, include this man as the person you wish love and happiness for most of all.

While using the Law of Attraction to wish for a lasting romantic relationship with a certain friend can't hurt, you can't manifest this all by yourself: Your friend has to want the same thing. So far, it seems you two are heading in the same direction.

His pulling away lately suggests that he is sensing that you are trying to make things happen on your own schedule. You both want a relationship, but you want it to be set and settled sooner than he does. That's a Virgo/Scorpio challenge, but if you work with it, you can both end up with what you want.

*****

Susyn:

Though you seem to be sure of your feelings for this friend and he has shown you many signs of being interested in you, it sounds like things have shifted and thrown you both into confusion. Many times when two people who are bound to others come together and feel a powerful attraction for each other, they interpret it to mean that they are meant for each other.

Unfortunately, it often happens that when one person leaves a marriage or relationship out of a desire to be free so they can pursue this new connection, the other party will begin to pull back. This can happen for a number of reasons and be very disheartening.

If you are specifically leaving your marriage for the purpose of being with your friend, the knowledge of this could be throwing him into a panic. If you are pushing for more than he is ready for or comfortable with, the possibility exists that he could pull back permanently or become hot and cold to the relationship.

Knowing that you will soon be free to pursue a committed relationship can frighten off anyone who doesn't feel as clear about what he wants as he once claimed to be.

You must be sure that your reasons for leaving your marriage are based on what you want for yourself and not dependent on having someone waiting in the wings. If a relationship with this friend wasn't an option, would you still be leaving your marriage?

If the relationship with your friend is as strong as you state, his reaction may only be temporary. Since he won't give you a commitment, I recommend you act independently and make your own plans. It would be wise to distance yourself from your friend while you finish the divorce process.

You mention that initially he had a live-in girl friend, but has been alone for the last three years. You might assume that this is because he was waiting for you, but it could also indicate that he has commitment issues in general.

It's possible that the attraction you both felt at first was enhanced by the fact that you were unavailable. Even when you are divorced, you must limit the time you are available to him to recreate that initial attraction and give him the time and space to get past his fears of commitment.

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.