Passover

Wisdom Gained in Chile, and Celebrating Spring Holidays

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Welcome to April! We are now officially in Aries, the first sign in the Zodiac, corresponding with the March 20 Vernal Equinox.

This would be a good time to check things out with your local, trusted astrologer. Let them get you up to speed on all that’s happening from their astrological perspective, and see what resonates and works out.

This April has many religious holy days — Passover and Easter being the most well known here in the U.S. Many of these days reflect Spring celebrations and beginnings. Eggs are set at the table for Easter and Seder, and lamb and greens are served at both celebrations. Yes, whatever your religious persuasion, a table with lots of food to eat makes for a grand time.

I know that for many families during this holiday season, what is very important is enjoying the children who are smiling and having fun. Coloring Easter eggs, going on Easter hunts, etc. At Seders, the little ones get to sit next to grandma and ask four questions.

One theory holds that the symbol of the bunny rabbit on Easter stems from a pagan tradition, specifically the festival of “Eostre” — named after a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny. Rabbits, known for their energetic breeding, have traditionally symbolized fertility.

I recently traveled to Chile. OK, you’ve heard me rave about Africa, still my favorite trip. But I now have to say that Chile comes close to tying Africa as my favorite destination. If Chile is not on your travel list, I would highly recommend that you add it, and don’t hesitate to go!

I know many of you have heard about Patagonia, a famous place in Chile (seen in the picture above). However, there are many other beautiful places there, including deserts, lakes, and mountains where the third largest glacier is.

Mother Earth (Mama Pacha, as the Chileans refer to her) is revered by the indigenous people who live in harmony with the Earth, and do all they can to preserve their traditions, land, and country. Chileans are very proud of their country, and are very willing to express their love of Mother Earth with others.

A shout-out to Almendia, who enlightened me regarding the Chilean land, history and culture. Lots I didn’t know. For instance, there is a huge German population that emigrated to Chile.

People travel from all over the world to get to Chile, and it’s very cool to interact with those fellow travelers. Mostly I met Brazilians and Argentinians, but there were also lots of Brits, Germans, Canadians and Asians, as well as many Americans.

Interestingly enough, although Chile is a Catholic country, while there I heard that many parents have left the Church, because they are disappointed with much of what’s going on within the Church itself. The holidays remain important in relationship to the family, but not the Church. I’m sure many of you can relate.

I’ve always been a big believer that sometimes we need to stretch out of our comfort zone, to better ourselves. Traveling to Chile, or to another country, or even another area in your own state, is one way of stretching out.

There are many ways to travel, and many wonderful companies that can arrange your adventure at a very reasonable rate. One thing I’ve noticed is that many retired teachers love to travel! They deserve it for all the services performed to help educate children.

Speaking of children, I’m doing a fundraiser on April 4th, for TEEG (Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group) — a small grassroots non-profit social service agency in North Grosvenordale, CT. They began in 1985 as a group of volunteers that joined together to meet the needs of “Three Rows”, the largest mill village in the North Grosvenordale section of Thompson. The community volunteers determined their focus was to create a safe place for children to play and to foster “self-help.” In 1988, TEEG was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. At TEEG, they have always believed that the quality of their service rests on two things: Compassion for those who seek their service, and accountability to those who fund their programs.

Ah yes, Spring is here! Enjoy this wonderful time of the year. And kids, it’s time for those seeds to be planted! Quite literally, and of course symbolically on other levels as well.

I look forward to seeing many of you at my upcoming events. Yes, it’s all about those we love.

Welcome Spring!

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Welcome Spring! Birds singing, rivers running from snow melts, greens surfacing, animals and humans shedding their heavy coats. Yes, it’s Spring – home to the Easter and Passover holidays!

I know that for many Christian families, Easter is a very important holiday, if for no other reason than enjoying the sight of children smiling. Children always have fun at Easter time, with all the Easter eggs, and Easter hunts, fancy dinners, and competition over who gets to sit next to grandma. And of course, there’s all that candy ostensibly brought by the Easter Bunny.

According to Time, the origins of the Easter bunny are clouded in mystery. One theory is that the symbol of the rabbit stems from pagan tradition, specifically the festival of Eostre – a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny. Rabbits, known for their energetic breeding, have traditionally symbolized fertility.

However, according to another version broadcast by the History Channel, the Easter bunny first arrived in America in the 1700s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and transported their tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” The children made nests in which this creature could lay its colored eggs. Eventually, the custom spread across the U.S. and the fabled rabbit’s Easter morning deliveries expanded to include chocolate and other types of candy and gifts, while decorated baskets replaced nests. Additionally, children often left out carrots for the bunny in case he got hungry from all his hopping.

Most importantly, Easter and Passover are times to connect or reconnect, enjoy, be still, and bask in the experience of being with loved ones. On these (and other) holidays, folks that don’t have any family or places to go are often invited to a friend’s or neighbor’s Seder (the Jewish ritual service and ceremonial dinner for the first night or first two nights of Passover) or Easter Dinner.

Like so many of us do during the emerging Spring, I stare in awe of Nature’s changes and all the emerging beauty that occurs during this time. It’s not always perfect, given some of those noisy birds, especially the woodpeckers. But it’s still fun to see squirrels and chipmunks scurrying around, the trees waiting to bud, and the grass starting to grow.

Recently, while doing a bit of Spring cleaning, I came across Rachel Carson’s Book, Silent Spring. Rachel Louise Carson was an American marine biologist, author, and conservationist whose writings are credited with advancing the global environmental movement. Clearly she was a woman who was way ahead of her time.

One matter of concern is that we need to do whatever is necessary to make sure our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, etc. get to share in the beauties of Nature. It’s an understatement, but one that needs to be observed: it’s crucial to protect the environment. There is a Native American philosophy that we need to save the Earth for seven generations. (Now an environmental company has adopted this philosophy, see https://www.7genergy.com/stakeholders/environment.) This is not something any of us can leave for others, including the government, to do. It is something we need to do in any way we can-become an activist, donate to true and effective environmental causes, recycle, etc. – because we want the next generations to inherit clean air and water, and all of the beauty that Mother Earth provides which sustains us. Just as we protect those we love, we need to protect Mother Earth.

In my travels, I often have conversations with people who are not only concerned about the environment, but who just love to talk about the Spring which of course includes discussing Nature, gardening, taking hikes and enjoying the sun. Honestly, those conversations warm my heart.

On another note, let me offer a great BIG thanks to all of those great people who attended my recent events in Louisiana and Canada. Met some wonderful mediums as well.

Of course, I look forward to seeing so many of you during my upcoming Spring events. Some new and of course repeats: Connecticut, St. Louis, Michigan, Minneapolis, and Chicago to name a few.

So, yes, it is now Spring. Open your hearts and savor the moments.

And as always wishing you the best of holidays!

Coming in Like a Lion!

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As the old saying goes: “March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.” No truer words were ever spoken for the beginning of this March in the Northeast. We got slammed with a doozy of a storm as the month began, and as I key we are awaiting a snowstorm! Mother Nature doing her thing just when we began to hope for signs of Spring.

I’ve learned long ago, don’t get your hopes up looking for that green to emerge. Right now, in upstate New York, there is still lots of snow on the ground.

Do I dare say that the Spring Equinox is March 20th, just a couple of weeks away? There are two equinoxes each year, one in March and the other in September. It’s when the sun shines on the equator and there are equal periods of day and night.

There are many ancient sites that mark the Equinoxes. At Chichen Itza in Mexico, Mayans built a huge pyramid around the year A.D. 1000. The play of the Sun’s light on the pyramid signals the beginning of the seasons. On the Spring Equinox, the light pattern looks like a snake. Mayans called this day, “The Return of the Sun Serpent.”

I remember in 2012 when I visited the pyramids in Mexico. There were so many sites reflecting the Mayan history and calendar. I remember leaving the hotel at two in the morning to be at the pyramids at sunrise. So many spiritually-minded folks from various countries were welcoming that important calendar year.

I remember also that that was two years before Masaru Emoto, whom I met there at the Mexican pyramids, passed away. (As per Wikipedia, Masaru Emoto was a Japanese author, researcher, photographer and entrepreneur, who claimed that human consciousness has an effect on the molecular structure of water. “Emoto’s conjecture evolved over the years, and his early work explored his belief that water could react to positive thoughts and words, and that polluted water could be cleaned through prayer and positive visualization.” (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaru_Emoto) He was an amazing and dedicated man, to be sure. It was wonderful to meet him and his son. He was ailing at the time of the 2012 event but managed to donate his book, The Hidden Messages in Water, to all of Mexico – honoring the 2012 Mayan calendar event.

I am not surprised about all the attention that the Spring Equinox is given because, after all, who does not love Spring (aside from some of those with Spring allergies)? Personally, I think that it is actually Spring rather than the “New Year” that is the time for putting into action, things you want to change in your life. One goal for sure is getting into shape and shedding a few pounds. With the warmer weather, it is easier to go outside and enjoy yourself. Also, we don’t feel that we need to eat as much when the weather gets warmer.

With the coming of Spring, it’s also a pleasure to experience the awe-inspiring changes that surround you. The Winter is much more of a solitude state, unless you live in a warm climate of course – but then the other side of that coin is that you have to get inspired in another way when Springtime rolls around.

Part of the oncoming of Spring is the fun we allow ourselves to have on St. Paddy’s Day, on March 17th. The tradition of food, dancing, and singing, along with the bagpipes (and of course drinking – don’t overdo it!), helps make St. Paddy’s Day one remarkable event. Indeed, March 17th is the time for one of the largest parades in NYC and Boston. Like we should do on all holidays, take what makes you laugh and enjoy, and leave the rest behind.

And let us not forget that later, at the end of March, begins Passover.

Ah yes, March! I’m truly looking forward this month to returning to Lafayette, Louisiana and Toronto! Gotta love that Cajun and Creole food and culture!

Happy Spring Equinox to all! And let us not forget:

One swallow does not make a Spring.
Bluebirds are a sign of Spring; warm weather and gentle south breezes they bring.
In Spring, no one thinks of the snow that fell last year.
Don’t say that Spring has come until you can put your foot on nine daisies.
Spring-time sweet!
The whole Earth smiles, thy coming to greet.

Spring Holidays and Traditions

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Welcome to April! Having just passed the Vernal Equinox, which arrived officially on March 22nd, we are now in Aries. The rites of Spring and new beginnings are upon us! Let’s enjoy!

Aries is the beginning of the Zodiac. Indeed, most of you Aries folks are aware of this, but for those not in the know, it’s a good time to check with your favorite astrologer and ask them to bring you up to speed on what the stars say is about to happen in your life.

This year, April features the holy days of Passover and Easter, which are so very popular here in the US. These religious holidays are reflections of Spring – and symbolize joy, re-birth and new beginnings.

Interestingly, Passover is celebrated at home whereas Easter is primarily honored at church (although, of course, Easter dinners are quite popular). While Easter begins at sunrise and Passover starts at sundown, both events feature family gatherings and traditions. For children, there can be the fun of an Easter egg hunt, or getting to see and maybe sit next to Grandma and Grandpa at the Passover Seder.

Interesting too that Jesus’ Last Supper is often thought of as a Passover Seder meal (although there is some disagreement about this among religious scholars). In any event, Leonardo Di Vinci’s great artwork, “The Last Supper,” continues to remind us that Jesus was a Jew who observed Passover.

Speaking of great art, if you have never experienced listening to the magnificent “Saint John Passion” or the “Saint Matthew Passion,” both composed by Bach, give it a try. Both are moving, inspiring, and beautiful works of music that can elevate your spirit.

Speaking of which, the story of Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter Sunday not only elevates the spirits of Christians, but symbolizes for all of us that there is life after death. This interpretation reflects the reality of my work, which is to help you maintain your continued connections to your loved ones who have crossed over to the Other Side.

Easter is also a reminder that by listening, praying, meditating, and keeping our minds and hearts open, we can communicate with our loved ones who have crossed over. For we are all spirits having a human experience on Planet Earth. While our bodies may eventually turn to dust, the true essence of what we are, like Love, does not die.

But getting back to Earth for a moment, I would suggest that you take advantage of this wonderful time in April. If you have any little ones, you know that they love painting eggs, and participating in egg hunts. Even at the White House, people are participating in “Easter Egg Rolls.” For my Jewish friends, make sure you attend that traditional Seder. If Grandma or Grandpa or any other loved one has crossed over, think of them while your are at the table, and perhaps say their names out loud if you feel that would be appropriate. At the very least, honor their memory in your heart. They will hear you. Chances are, they will be very close by. Our DPs love to come around on holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Given the state of world affairs, there are many countries where the population is unable to celebrate their religious holidays the way most of us are able to do here. I would suggest that you send those folks some Love, for we are all connected no matter what our religious beliefs may be.

And finally, let us all be grateful for what we do have – which is something we should do everyday, but especially at this time of the year, as we begin a new cycle.

Looking forward to all my visit to your town, some new but many once again. To name a few: Chicago, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Rochester and New Jersey.

Happy Spring!