Halloween 2010

As always, this panda and her peeps had a Halloween party/ reunion. This town stresses out enough to make us want to dress up and go out... To the Katsura.

The Katsura is a japanese restaurant in Juarez. We deiced to meet there for dinner... in full getup. I dressed up as a Guardan Devil. Yeah, that's me on the red cape and horns. Mr God is the one dressed as a monk (or a mexican jedi, whatever gets you through the day) Siky is the witch, Adi is Misses Mia Wallace and Ish is the ostrich man. We met at the Katsura with Miss Liliana (who was dressed as a UTEP student jajajajjaja) and ate yummy sushi. After that, it was back at the Octopuss' Garden to watch a spooky movie.

The movie in cuestion was ALONE, a Corean movie about this girl who has a twin joined at the tummy who kills her because she falls in love... it was sort of sweet. After that, it was decided to go to Adi's place to play Rock Band... 3!!! :D I was very happy!!! I love Rock Band, I LOVE Rock Band 3 --- mainly because it has more songs I know and can sing to. So far, I have made "Just Like Heaven" another Rainy classic!!

I am vesy psyched about the game. Loooove the graphics!!!

Also, NaNoWriMo started a couple of minutes ago. I already submitted some of the words I have written -- yeah, before you start on "that's cheating!", let me just say that everybody does it and it's not like the thing is even half way through! i have to work very hard on it still... and I can't just start rambling word after word! I have to make it sound good! I have a reputation to keep here peeps!!!

So, Halloween 2010 was happy, --- oh! I almost forgot to tell the story about the candles!

Turns out that I went to Rio Grande mall to buy some quartz on the little store that was left open. where they sell candles and incense. Turns out that they sell candles, incense, quartzes... well, let's just say they sell a lot of the stuff I use for my stuff... when the lady at the counter says "You know, we have candles for the santisima...." and in my lingo, this means "The Santisima Muerte". So I just nodd politely and say "thank you, but no...." and then she starts going on about how we should all pray for the violence in juarez to stop. "Well, I have an altar for my saint, you should pray to whomever you pray to... and I think that amongst us all we can pray for the peace in our town! We should join forces... pagans, christians, catholics, and all --- we should join forces and we can move mountains". I was looking at this lady with a look of "poor crazy lady" but then i realized she was talking serious,. It did not sound bad coming from her --- let's join forces so we can pray to our saints, devils, angels, gods, and goddesses.... I am sure that one of them will listen, take a peek and help us out.

April Moon Lore

Alder Moon

The Celtic month of Alder runs from mid-March to mid-April. Significantly, this is a period that includes the Spring Equinox, the day on which the return of spring is celebrated and nigh and day are equal length. Falling at the start of spring, this period symbolizes the reawakening of the Earth Mother’s fertility.

The Alder month heralds a time of accelerated growth, and the spells you cast during this period can aid any business or creative ventures you undertake, bringing your ambitions closer to fruition. Your emphasis during
the month of the Alder Moon should be on harnessing your hidden potential.Focusing on the Moon’s influence during this month will also help you to bring a sense of balance to your work. The power of the Alder Moon will be able to unite your intuitive side with a pragmatic approach to planning.


Fertility And Courage

The alder tree is also known as the King of the Waters (with the willow tree as its Queen), because its natural habitat is near lakes, rivers and streams. It actually grows with its roots in the water and its branches in the air and for this reason is associated with the balancing of female and male energies.

Symbols of Fertility

When the wood of the alder tree is cut, it turns from white to red, both of which are colors long associated with the Goddess’s fertility. The buds of the alder tree also grow in spirals that are a symbol of regeneration and a reminder of the cycle to come.

Wood for Weapons

The Celts traditionally used charcoal made from the alder tree in the making of their weapons. This work was carried out in the spring – in preparation for the hunting season ahead.

Yin-Yang Meditation

The Yin-Yang is a symbol of male and female energies in perfect balance, and is an ideal symbol to use in meditation. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and relax your body.
1) Look at the Yin-Yang and let your gaze become blurred. Close your eyes while holding the image in your mind.
2) Concentrate on letting your in-breath become equal in length to your out-breath.
3) Focus on the Yin-Yang symbol and let other thoughts drift away.

Achieving Balance In Your Life

During the month of the Alder Moon, try to bring more balance into your life with the following tips:

Balance Your Books – Check your bank balance. Always in the red? Find four ways you can economize this month. Small symbolic steps let the powers of the universe know that you are ready for some big changes.
Balanced Diet – Are you eating a balanced diet? Remember that your body is a temple. Valuing yourself is the first step to getting what you want.
Balance Your Emotions – Take up Yoga or Tai Chi during the Alder Moon. The balance of spirituality and physical exercise stimulates feelings of well-being. Your improved posture will radiate poise and confidence to the outside world.
Drink Plenty Of Water – Take your lead from the alder tree: drink plenty of water and breathe deeply. If you follow these simple rules, you will find you have more energy to make your dreams come true this spring.