The Stones of Light Pt. 9: The Philosopher's Stone

 

Philosopher's Stone from Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone (2001)

The Philosopher's Stone comes to use from the Alchemical Tradition. Alchemy is the art and science of transformation and is the precursor to modern chemistry. The creation of the Philosopher's Stone has been the aim of alchemist since antiquity. 

It has two basic functions. They are:

• To turn base metals, such as lead, into gold. 
• To create the Elixir of Life which confers immortality upon the person who drinks it. 

However, according to legend, the Philosopher's Stone also has the ability to heal dead or dying plants, to turn rocks into precious jewels, and the ability to create clones of other beings. 

The creation of the Phislopher's Stone is said to occur through a process called the Magnum Opus (Great Work). In more specific terms, the stone is said to be manufactured through a series of chemical processes. Each stage in this series of processes is associated with a color which results in first a white stone, and then a red one. The White stone is to be a less mature version of the red stone. The White stone is said to turn base metals into silver, which the red one will transmute them into gold. 

According to some, Nicholas Flamel is the only person who has ever successfully manufactured the Philosopher's Stone and although it is said that he died in 1418, others believe him to have achieved immortality. However, there is a general consensus among historians that while Nicholas Flamel was a real person his reputation as an alchemist was completely made up after his death.... or is that what they WANT you to believe???

- Carolina Dean 

New Moon in 07° Cancer

 

New Moon in 07° Cancer 

6/28/22 7:52 PM 

Natural Chart / Whole Houses 

When the Moon is in Pisces people are more sensitive to the prevailing psychic undercurrents of their environment and people around them.  They may also be more apt to associate with shady individuals or those who are handicapped. This usually manifests as a more altruistic, humanitarian, or emphatic outlook towards others.  The bad side of this a tendency to be too self-sacrificing. People generally have lofty dreams and goals.   

How to Work with New Moon in Pisces Energy 

Even if you don't know your astrological sign, you can still work with New Moon in Pisces with the following activities: 

• take a digital detox by avoiding social media, email, or spending time on your cell phone
• start a dream journal, study your dreams for messages 
• try writing some poetry or just put your thoughts to paper 
• make a collage or mandala of your dreams 
• study your natal chart; transits, lunar return, or solar return chart
• engage in spiritual bathing; go for a swim, relax in a hot tub. 
• get a psychic reading (tarot, astrology, bone reading, etc... ) 
• start a meditation practice; visualize your goals; write an affirmation 
• engage in spiritual pursuits (journaling, yoga, affirmation, spiritual bathing etc...) 
• schedule a therapy session with a qualified therapist;
• practice self care 
• learn to set boundaries 

The House is Where it Happens

The Astrological House in which the New Moon occurs in your Natal Chart gives an indication of the area of life activated by the New Moon and where you can expect to see the energy of the New Moon in Pisces to play out. Since the March New Moon occurs in 15 degrees Pisces, you would look at your Natal, or Birth Chart to ascertain in what House 15 degrees Pisces occurs.  

The Twelve Houses of Life 

1. The self, ego, appearance, initiative, leadership, fresh starts and new beginnings. 
2. Money and material matters.  Your physical environment, income, money, and your sense of self-esteem. 
3. Communication in all its forms (thinking, writing, speaking, etc... ) as well as siblings, local travel, teachers and community events. 
4. Home, privacy, your basic sense of security, your mother, children, and your own ability to nurture others.
5. Creative expression, drama, attention, love, and romance. 
6. Health and service to others. Your routine, diet, exercise and helpfulness to others. 
7. Marriage, partnerships, and relationships of all kinds.  Contracts, business deals, etc... 
8. Birth, death, sex, other people's money and property. 
9. Expansion, the higher mind, foreign matters (languages, cultures, travel) luck, adventure, risk, philosophy, ethics and morals. 
10. The public, fame, honors, reputation, awards, boundaries, rules, discipline, authority, the father. 
11. Groups of people such as friends and associations, networking, social justice.  Originality, sudden unexpected events, invention, surprises, and all things futuristic.
12. Endings. Completion, tying up loose ends, old age, karma, making amends, and the afterlife. Imagination, creativity, poetry, and the subconscious mind.

A Practical Example 

New Moon in Pisces and the 5th House 

With the New Moon in the fifth house you are more sensitive and it is harder for you to hide your feelings from those around you.  If you are in a relationship, you may experience deeper and more intense feelings for your lover or partner.  You may experience a certain obsession and possessiveness for your lover. Alternately, it is also possible that focus on your own feelings at the expense of the feelings of those around you. 

The moon brings the instinct to mother, or nurture, others and the 5th house rules over children. With the moon transiting the 5th house you may experience the desire to take care of others in a parental or mothering manner -- in fact you can be quite overprotective. It is important that your efforts to protect another person does not keep them from assuming responsibility for their own thoughts, words, and deeds. 

MIPC: Carlton Gebbia's Love Spell

Note: MIPC stands for Magic in Popular Culture and it is a series of posts in which I take a spell, ritual, or belief from a work of fiction such as comic books, tv shows, books, or movies and analyze it against real work magical theory and practices. 

The Spell or Belief 

Write down what you want in a lover. Be specific! When the moon is full, bury the list with a crystal. 

Carlton Gebbia
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Season 4 Episode 4

The Analysis

This is one of those entries in which I am drawing upon an aspect of popular culture that is not from a work of fiction. Carlton Gebbia was a housewife who only lasted the one season of RHOBH. She was a self-described witch who identified as a Wiccan. 

Now as for her spell, this is a very simple spell and many simple spells are often the most powerful. I think that it is a very good spell in and of itself, however, I would make a few changes. 

First, I would write out my list by the light of a fixed candle while the moon is new (new moon, new lover) and then five-spot it with a love-drawing oil such as Come to Me for a heterosexual relationship or Lavender Love Drops for a homosexual relationship. Then I would smoke the list in incense and make my prayer or petition for a lover. 

Next, I would  wrap the list around a crystal point (to attract a man) or a tumbled stone (to attract a woman). I would also use a crystal traditionally known for attracting love such as one of the following 

• Amber 
• Garnet 
• Moonstone
• Rose Quartz
• Rose Tourmaline 
• Opal 
• Lapis Lazuli 
• Rhodochrosite 

I might then carry the list / crystal in a mojo bag every day  for two weeks until the full moon after which I would bury the list/crystal near my front door. Burying the crystal is an act of sacrifice (i.e. I am giving up this to get that) and adds more power to the spell. 

- Carolina Dean 

Neptune Retrograde in 25° Pisces

 

Neptune Retrograde in 25° Pisces 

6/28/221 12:54 AM 

Natural Chart / Whole Houses 

Neptune Retrograde in Pisces  (General) 

Neptune is the modern ruler of Pisces, so it is at home in this sign. Neptune stations retrograde about once a year and it lasts for about 5-6 month each time. Neptune will station retrograde on 6/28/21 in 25°26' Pisces and will not station direct again until 12/3/21 in 22°24' Pisces 

Neptune is the planet of illusions and refinement. When it is moving direct, Neptune can make it seem like we are looking at everything through a fog or as if underwater. However, when Neptune stations retrograde those illusions are shattered and we begin to see things as they really are not as we wish them to be nor as others would have us believe. 

When retrograde Neptune transits Pisces, the illusions we have about our spirituality and beliefs are shattered and we see clearer than we have before. This is a time when we can see how our beliefs about spirituality, art, dreams, intuition, psychic ability, healing, etc... have limited us or prevented us from moving forward. An example of this could be along the lines of breaking up with a romantic partner and calling is self-care or healing rather than confronting relationship issues and trying to address, repair, or heal them. 

The house where Pisces falls in your natal-chart represents the area of life where Neptune in Pisces will be felt. 

• If your rising sign is Aries, Pisces is your 12th House. 

• If your rising sign is Taurus, Pisces is your 11th House. 

• If your rising sign is Gemini, Pisces is your 10th House. 

• If your rising sign is Cancer, Pisces is your 9th House. 

• If your rising sign is Leo, Pisces is your 8th House. 

• If your rising sign is Virgo, Pisces is your 7th House. 

• If your rising sign is Libra, Pisces is your 6th House. 

• If your rising sign is Scorpio, Pisces is your 5th House. 

• If your rising sign is Sagittarius, Pisces is your 4th House. 

• If your rising sign is Capricorn, Pisces is your 3rd House. 

• If your rising sign is Aquarius, Pisces is your 2nd House. 

• If your rising sign is Pisces, Pisces is your 1st House. 

Example 

Neptune in Pisces and the 5th House 

Neptune RX in the 5th house brings clarity and vision which is expressed through one's sense of creativity. Now is a good time to take up a new creative hobby or revisit an old one. You can channel this energy and creative vision into anything that is considered an "art" such as drawing, painting, sculpting, cooking, decorating, etc... The fifth house also rules over love and romance so if you've been idealizing your romantic partner (or even romantic relationships in general) then this could be a time when those rose-colored glasses come off and you see your partner for who or what they really are. 

Aspects 

Neptune is classified as a generational planet meaning that it moves so slowly that changes are generally so subtle as to be unnoticeable -- unless Neptune makes any major aspects to your natal planets. Again, because Neptune moves so slowly any aspects it makes to your natal planets can last for many years, which gives them great importance.

For example, in my own chart, Neptune is applying an opposition to my Natal Sun. Normally, this is a not a good time to change your life in any significant way. This could be a time when you feel confused, lethargic, and indecisive. However, since Neptune is retrograde, he brings clarity, energy and confidence to your personality. There is the possibility that you could meet someone, perhaps a mystic or teacher, who guides you in some profound way. 

 

- Carolina Dean 

WLGBT in Cincinnati

Note: This free article is a part of my ongoing series of content in celebration of Pride Month. Pride Month is celebrated each year during the month of June in honor of those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights beginning with the Stonewall Riots in 1969.

Synopsis - WKRP in Cincinnati 

This American sitcom features employees at a perpetually struggling radio station in Cincinnati Ohio. 

Commentary 

There were no gay characters, that I am aware of, on WKRP in Cincinnati. However, that does not mean that the subject was not touched upon during the course of the show. In fact, Season 1 Episode 3 Les on the Ledge finds news reporter Les Nessman banned from the locker room of the Cincinnati Reds when another reporter refers to him as a "queer duck" which a player misunderstands and then believes that Les is gay.

Fearing for his career and reputation, Les climbs out on a ledge intending to kill himself. His co-workers offer mixed reactions. His station manager, Andy Travis, becomes visibly upset at the mention of the word gay. However, it is the modern, open-minded secretary Jennifer Marlowe who expresses the opinion that "it's nobody's business if he's gay". Les' best friend Herb Tarlek goes back and forth on the issue but finally assures Les that  "it's okay if you're gay". By the end of the episode the misunderstanding is righted and it's back to business as usual for all concerned. 

Re-watching the episode for this brief article, I see how it would be problematic today. Many of the things that were said and implied would not be allowed to be aired now - such as Johnny Fever convincing Herb that Jennifer is a transsexual  in order to get Herb to stop making unwanted sexual advances at her. Although it wasn't handled in the best light, I think that this was a groundbreaking episode for addressing the stigma of homosexuality in the 1970's. 

I actually got to meet Richard Sanders, the actor who played Les Nessman, about 5 years ago at my day job as a Move Coordinator and coordinated his move from Anacortes, WA to Woodinville, WA. I was honored to be able to talk about this episode with him and how it had an effect on me when I was a young man struggling with my own sexuality. I think Herb Tarlek put is best when he said "it's okay if you're gay". 

- Carolina Dean 

Astrological Weather 6/26/22 to 7/2/22

 All Times Pacific 

Sunday 

6/26/22 6:27 AM Moon Sextile Jupiter-  Opportunities to do more and be more are presented to you. This could be the beginning of BIG things in your life and you can expand your horizons now. You're more persuasive now and can really rally other people to get behind you and help you with your dreams and goals

Monday 

6/27/22 6:23 PM Moon Trine Saturn-   Your feelings and emotion are in positive alignment with your sense of responsibility. There is a genuine balance between your personal life and your professional one. You get more pleasure out of doing your work and see the importance of what it is that you do. You're not so easily distracted now and anything  that you do during this aspect is likely to benefit you in the future.

Tuesday

6/28/22 7:44 PM Moon Conjunct Jupiter-  You experience an emotional high and are more optimistic about everything. This is a good time to consider the 'big questions" in life without having to get too deep.

Wednesday

6/29/22 4:48 PM Moon Sextile Uranus-  You're more easily bored today. However, this aspect provides you with opportunities to break from your usual routine and enjoy some adventure and excitement. If you do, you may find that you have an unexpected, yet pleasant, encounter. Anything new you try today is more likely to be successful

Thursday

6/30/22 6:28 AM Moon Trine Neptune-   Although your personal energy levels may not be at maximum strength, the urge to do good things is strong under this aspect. You are attracted to things of the spirit and spirituality. You may have a mystical experience. 

Friday 

7/1/22 8:49 AM Moon Trine Jupiter -  You experience a profound sense of all's right with the world now and are moved to do good things for other people. You can accomplish more during this transit without a lot of obstacles blocking your progress. In fact, things just seem to fall in place or otherwise work themselves out without a lot of pomp and circumstance. Good things happen for you now.

Saturday 

7/2/22 5:22 AM Moon Square Uranus-   Unexpected events upset your routine and sense of well being. You feel more restless and rebellious and aren't receptive to taking any advice or direction from anyone right now. You just want to get away from everything and everyone but your plans just don't come together.

Samantha Has Two Dicks ...

Note: This free article is a part of my ongoing series of content in celebration of Pride Month. Pride Month is celebrated each year during the month of June in honor of those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights beginning with the Stonewall Riots in 1969.

Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens

We often hear about how brave straight actors are who take on gay roles such as Sean Penn in Milk or Tom Hanks in Philadelphia.  Today I would like to turn that around and share my Top 10 Gay Actors in the Straight Roles that made them famous. 

Here they are in no particular order... 

• Dick Sargent - The Second Darren on Bewitched 
• Damon Evans - The Second Lionel on The Jeffersons 
• Neil Patrick Harris - Doogie Howser 
• John Mahoney - Martin Crane on Frasier
• David Hyde Pierce - Niles Crane on Frasier 
• Anthony Perkins -  Norman Bates in Psycho 
• Robert Reed - Mike Brady on the Brady Bunch 
• Sir Ian McKellen - Magneto in the X- Men Franchise 
• George Takei - Sulu on Star Trek the Original Series 
• Danny Pintauro - Jonathan on Who's the Boss. 

That's it, that's the list. Thanks for coming by everybody. Have a safe drive home!

- Carolina Dean 

The Stones of Light Part 8: The Hag Stone

 

Hag Stone ©2021

The Hag Stone 

Hag Stones are stones that have a natural hole thought them. They are also known by man other names including, but not limited to the following:

• Adder Stone
• Witch Stone 
• Serpents Egg
• Glaine Neidr (Wales)
• Milpreve (Cornwall) 
• Adderstanes (Scoptland)
• Gloin nan Druidh (Druid's glass) 
• Holed Stones or Holey Stones (Americas)

Various beliefs exists concerning the origin of these stones. The three most common, however, is that 1) they are the solidified saliva of snakes (the hole is accounted for by the snakes tongue), 2) they are found in the head of a snake, or 3) they are naturally occurring formations made by water flowing over the stone over time - for this reason they are often found on rivers and beaches. 

Magical Uses of Hag Stones 

The various cultures and traditions concerning the magical powers and uses of Hag Stone widely vary. Some sources say that it enables one to win lawsuits. Other sources indicate that it has healing properties and that to use such a stone for healing your place the stone in water and then drink the water. 

Owing to its association with water and female genitalia, Hag Stones are believed to enable women to conceive children. Since they are associated with the fertility of people and animals they are also believed to make one prosperous. 

They are also credited with being powerful amulets of protection, especially against evil spirits, witches, and any kind of bad luck. For this purpose they are often worn on a leather thong around the neck of affixed to one's front door, animal collars, or even boats to protect them from evil and danger. 

Finally, my friend Duncan the Seer told me that if you look through a hole in a hag stone you will see the future. Have a look for yourself....

Carolina Dean 

Venus in 00° Gemini

 

Venus in 00° Gemini 

6/22/22 5:35 PM

Natural Chart / Whole Houses 

Venus in Gemini (General) 

When Venus (I Love) is in Gemini (I Communicate) people are active, restless, friendly, sociable, and flirtatious. They are eager to talk and socialize but can be somewhat lazy in following through on any commitments.  However fun and outgoing people may be, there may also be somewhat distanced on a certain level.  In terms of romance and love, which is ruled by Gemini, we are more attracted to people on a mental level, someone who has a way with words and can carry on a conversation. 

The house where Gemini is in your Natal Chart is the area of life or subject that you will enjoy talking and communicating about.  

• If your rising sign is Aries, Gemini is your 3rd House. 
• If your rising sign is Taurus, Gemini is your 2nd House. 
• If your rising sign is Gemini, Gemini is your 1st House. 
• If your rising sign is Cancer, Gemini is your 12th House. 
• If your rising sign is Leo, Gemini is your 11th House. 
• If your rising sign is Virgo, Gemini is your 10th House. 
• If your rising sign is Libra, Gemini is your 9th House. 
• If your rising sign is Scorpio, Gemini is your 8th House. 
• If your rising sign is Sagittarius, Gemini is your 7th House. 
• If your rising sign is Capricorn, Gemini is your 6th House. 
• If your rising sign is Aquarius, Gemini is your 5th House. 
• If your rising sign is Pisces, Gemini is your 4th House. 

Example 

Venus in Gemini and the 8th House 

I Love + I Communicate + Sex, Death, Transformation

Venus (I love) in Gemini (I think) in the house of sex, transformation, and shared resources would translate to I love to think about / curious about sex and transformation. With Venus in Gemini and the 8th house you might be feeling restless and indecisive about love. You may be attracted to someone who is deep and mysterious but only on an intellectual level and it is not likely that you would commit to anything serious. Gemini represent the twins and so you can find yourself attracted to more than one person or even involved in something of a love triangle. Again, this is all on the mental level, something that you find yourself thinking about or are curious about but which you do not commit to in the area of action. 

Aspects 

Aspects, or relationships between planets is another dimensions of astrological interpretation that should be considered. For example, let us suppose that you have Jupiter at 2° Aquarius. This would mean that Transit Venus is applying an trine to Natal Jupiter.  Let us break down this aspect to understand it better. 

Transit Venus + Trine + Natal Jupiter

I love bring ease to I expand 

When Transit Venus is trine to Natal Jupiter, your circle of friends can grow and you may find yourself beginning a new relationship that can broaden your horizons. You enjoy a greater sense of optimism and are more generous and people want to be around you. This is aspect can also bring increase luck in money and finances, but you should be wary of making too many extravagant purchases.  

- Carolina Dean 

Are You Being Served (Shade)?

Note: This free article is a part of my ongoing series of content in celebration of Pride Month. Pride Month is celebrated each year during the month of June in honor of those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights beginning with the Stonewall Riots in 1969.

Synopsis - Are You Being Served? 

In this British sitcom that aired from 1972 to 1985, employees of Grace Brother's Department Store work along side one another each day. 

Commentary 

While Are You Being Served?  featured an ensemble cast, this article will focus on the character of Mr. Humpries, as played by late actor John Inman (1935-2007). I first discovered Are You Being Serviced in the early 90's when it aired late Saturday nights on PBS. I think I fell in love with the show from the first episode I saw. Of course, everyone loves Mrs. Slocombe, but Mr. Humphries really stood out to me as a gay man. 

Mr. Humphries was the senior sales associate in the men's department at Grace Brothers. While he exhibited stereotypically gay behavior and mannerism, including a limp-wristed walk and a high pitched voice,  it was never explicitly stated that Mr. Humphries was gay. Due to sexual and social mores at the time, it could not have been stated that he was gay so Mr. Humphries was often portrayed as a Mama's Boy. In fact, he still lived with his mother even at the age of roughly 37 years old. It should be noted that John Inman, the actor who played Mr. Humphries, was actually gay in real life. 

Mr. Humphries was the absolute queen of one liners, double entendres, and clever comebacks. He was also known for showing up to work wearing outrageous outfits such as a sailor's outfit or scuba gear which necessitates him having to explain his previous nights activities with the usual excuse that he showed up for work dressed inappropriately because he didn't want to be late. While consciously or subconsciously this may have been his way of trying to  come out to his co-workers. 

What I like about Mr. Humphries is that he really was a part of the Grace Brother's family and that he wasn't treated any differently because of his suspected sexuality. Also, I liked that although he didn't live his life completely openly, he lived freely and with good cheer- and that's something that I wanted in my own life. 

- Carolina Dean

MIPC: Br'er Rabbit's Money Mojo

 Note: MIPC stands for Magic in Popular Culture and this is a series of posts in which I take a spell, ritual, tradition, or  belief from a work of fiction such as a movie, book, tv show, or comic book and analyze it against real world magical theory and practices. 

The Spell or Ritual

Brer Wolf look at de money-pus, en see w’at in it. Hit ‘uz one er deze yer kinder money-pus wid tossle on de een’ en shiny rings in de middle. Brer Wolf look in afar fer ter see w’at he kin see. In one een’ dey wuz a piece er calamus-root en some collard-seeds, en in de tier een’ dey wuz a great big rabbit foot. 

Source:
Brother Rabbit and his Famous Foot
Joel Chandler Harris 

The Analysis

On the whole, I think that this is a very solid money drawing mojo bag. Collard greens are associated with drawing prosperity and are often eaten as part of the Rites of the New Year for this very purpose. Calamus root is famous for controlling people and situations as well as breaking jinxes. It is mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 3 as being used to make an anointing oil. In this instance, I would say that it is included in this mojo bag to control his personal financial situation. Finally, the rabbit's foot has been carried for centuries to bring luck and grant wishes (although I have to wonder about a sentient rabbit carrying a rabbit's foot for luck.) 

- Carolina Dean 

Sun in 00° Cancer

 

Sun in Cancer 
6/21/22 2:14 Am 
Natural Chart / Whole Houses 

Sun in Cancer (General) 

When the Sun is in Cancer, people can be more emotional and those emotions are often closer to the surface. They can be moody, empathic, and sensitive. People are more caring and nurturing. They seek out a place of  safety and security and that place is often the home.  The house where the Sun falls in your chart natally represents the area of life where the Sun in Gemini will be felt. 

• If your rising sign is Aries, Cancer is your 4th House. 
• If your rising sign is Taurus, Cancer is your 3rd House. 
• If your rising sign is Gemini, Cancer is your 2nd House. 
• If your rising sign is Cancer, Cancer is your 1st House. 
• If your rising sign is Leo, Cancer is your 12th House. 
• If your rising sign is Virgo, Cancer is your 11th House. 
• If your rising sign is Libra, Cancer is your 10th House. 
• If your rising sign is Scorpio, Cancer is your 9th House. 
• If your rising sign is Sagittarius, Cancer is your 8th House. 
• If your rising sign is Capricorn, Cancer is your 7th House. 
• If your rising sign is Aquarius, Cancer is your 6th House. 
• If your rising sign is Pisces, Cancer is your 5th House. 

Example 

Sun in Cancer and the 9th House 

The Sun in Cancer in the 9th house of spiritual growth, dream, education, higher ethics and long journeys can manifest as moody feelings about personal growth.  You're more honest with your feelings and you're more likely to share them with others.  You may get a little overwhelmed by daily life and seek to retreat to your home where you find more peace and harmony.  You're open to learning new things and meeting new people but prolonged expose to the unfamiliar may make you irritable so you keep such episodes short and more sporadic. 

Aspects

Aspects, or relationships between planets, are another dimension of astrological interpretation that should be considered. For example, let us suppose that you have Saturn at 3° Cancer, that would mean that the Transit Sun at 0° Cancer is forming a conjunction to your Natal Saturn at 3° Cancer. A conjunction is a type of aspect in which the energy or urge of one planet blends with the energy or urge of another planet and you can no longer tell them apart. 

While the Sun represents your outer identity, Saturn represents the urge for discipline and structure. When these planets are in conjunction you are more disciplined, use your time more wisely, and are more in control of yourself.  You can be more of a hard worker now but should caution yourself against working too hard or you could suffer burn out. 

- Carolina Dean 

Torch Song Trilogy

Note: This free article is a part of my ongoing series of content in celebration of Pride Month. Pride Month is celebrated each year during the month of June in honor of those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights beginning with the Stonewall Riots in 1969.

Synopsis - Torch Song Trilogy 

The story of the life and loves, ups and down, wrongs and rights of a homosexual, drag queen, Virginia Hamm (Nee Arnold Beckoff),  living in New York City  in the 1970's and 80's - told in three acts. 

Commentary

This is another one of those movies that I didn't get to see until it aired late at night on, I think, Turner Classic Movies.  Again, at that time in my life I didn't really know any other gay people, I had no mentors, no role-models, there was no course in How to be Gay 101. Torch Song Trilogy offered me a peak into  the kind of life that I could only dream of having at the time, because I didn't know how to make it so for myself. 

No. I didn't want to be a drag queen. I wanted what Arnold had. I wanted to be free and independent. I wanted a home and friends who loved, respected, and accepted me. I wanted boys to like me, to want me, to pursue me. I wanted options at a time and place in my life when I felt that I didn't have any. 

I have to honest, it is my opinion that Harvey Feirstein wasn't the most attractive man (or woman) but he was able to pull some attractive men! I had a boy crush on Brian Kerwin as Deputy Birdie on BJ and the Bear back in the day. 

There were some very powerful moments in this film that really touched me. Two that really stand out in my mind are when Alan, the love of Arnold's life, is killed in a homophobic attack as well as the confrontation between Arnold and his Ma. 

Arnold: Try and imagine the world the other way around. Imagine every book, every magazine, every TV show, every movie was telling you you should be homosexual. You know you're not, but...

Ma: Stop already, you're talking crazy.

Arnold: You wanna know what's crazy? After all these years I'm still sitting here trying to justify my life. THIS is crazy!

Torch Song Trlology taught me that coming out is a beginning not an ending at that there is a whole life on the other side of it that you have to make for yourself. 

- Carolina Dean 

Astrological Weather 6/19/22 to 6/25/22

 All Times Pacific 

Sunday 

6/19/22 9:50 PM Moon Sextile Uranus-  You're more easily bored today. However, this aspect provides you with opportunities to break from your usual routine and enjoy some adventure and excitement. If you do, you may find that you have an unexpected, yet pleasant, encounter. Anything new you try today is more likely to be successful

Monday 

6/20/22 3:21 PM Moon Conjunct Neptune-   You may feel misunderstood now and the truth is, you may not even understand yourself. You may be too optimistic and be deceived by someone or too pessimistic and be the deceiver yourself. This is not a good time to interact with other people if you can help it. You tend to engage in a lot of escapist behavior.

Tuesday

6/21/22 8:37 AM Moon Conjunct Jupiter-  You experience an emotional high and are more optimistic about everything. This is a good time to consider the 'big questions" in life without having to get too deep.

Wednesday

6/22/22 11:58 Am Moon Conjunct Mars-  Your need for adventure is heightened. You can be prone to accidents now when you act on emotions and instincts without stopping to think first. Your routine brings frustration instead of satisfaction and you want to do something different and exciting. . You can be more aggressive towards other people. Relationships can suffer disruptions.

Thursday

6/23/22 9:12 Am Moon Sextile Sun -   You are in an emotionally good place now and can both recognize and take advantage of opportunities around you. This is a good day to improve your relationship or to further your career. Alternately, you can use this day to practice a little self-care  

Friday 

6/24/22 3:15 PM Moon Conjunct Uranus-  You are more spontaneous now and find it easier to break from your usual day-to-day routine. Any kind of restriction imposed upon you now is completely unacceptable to you.  Your mood changes quickly and you want to do things that are new and different. Under this transit, your are more likely to be rebellious, however, you may find yourself having done something that you later regret.

Saturday 

6/25/22 6:02 AM Moon Square Saturn-   You're feeling more emotional than usual which distracts you from your responsibilities. You find it difficult to clearly express your feelings and your work fails to bring you satisfaction. You may be feeling mired in an uncomfortable or undesirable situation from which you can't see an escape. The best advice I can offer is to avoid other people and ride this aspect out until it passes.