Month: November 2021

Full Circle – Day 1111

Posted on by Lisa Weikel 3 Comments
My Wild Son – Photo: unknown

Full Circle

I’ve been looking forward to reaching this moment and yet dreading it at the same time. We all know it’s been on my mind – it’s not as if I haven’t kept a running “T minus” count at the bottom of each post. So here it is. My Act of Power is complete. And the weirdest thing of all is how truly ‘full circle’ I’ve come. It’s more than you might think.

When I wrote my first post in the Act of Power I ended up dubbing my ‘1111 Devotion,’ all I knew was that the goal was set. I didn’t project into the future. In fact, I remember dividing 1111 by 365 just to see roughly how long my commitment would play out. And I distinctly remember wondering what day the project would end but making the conscious decision not to figure it out ‘with specificity.’ I didn’t want to consciously know the end date. In some way, I think I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. Who knew what might happen between then and now? In spite of my very best intentions, circumstances might have interrupted my efforts – so why put a date on it.

Over the past few months I began to get a sense of what the end date would be. (Yeah, I know. I’m weird.) And the fact that this effort on behalf of honoring Karl would end tonight seemed, oh, I don’t know. Too perfect.

Last Night

And so it was only last night that I finally permitted myself to pull out my journal from the time when Karl died and check some of the dates that were dancing around in my head. What I discovered may have contributed to my difficulty writing last night’s post. No. They absolutely did. My mind was going both a million miles a minute and simultaneously whirring, sort of stuck in neutral, in another time and place.

I was both rejoicing and thanking myself for keeping such detailed notes of thoughts, feelings, experiences, and messages – and also feeling a profound regret for not having kept even better records. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying that I was berating myself. It was more a feeling like when you’re watching a great movie or reading a book that’s totally engrossing and yet…you want more.

On some level, I knew I’d feel this way even as I was walking through our shock and grief. That’s why I did make an effort a couple of times to write out in copious detail some of the more amazing experiences we had. But there were many, many more mundane connections and contacts made between Karl and us in the days and weeks following his drowning. One thing that apparently happened frequently – so frequently that I clearly started taking it for granted – was a classic sign of the presence of spirit: a sudden and often fleeting feeling of a cold draft or pocket of air.

Funny. I totally forgot that that happened a lot in the two weeks or so immediately following his death. And yet even other people experienced it. Even people who called me to say they felt his presence in that moment and had a word or a message to convey.

Karl holding Spartacus (approx 4 weeks old) – Photo: L. Weikel

Tip of the Iceberg

And all of this is just a taste of what I re-discovered when I went back and started reading my entries from that time. As I said above, it sent me into a reverie that, honestly, I feel I’m still in.

Indeed, a part of me wanted to try to write this final post in my 1111 Devotion ahead of time. What?!? And break with tradition? I’m pretty sure you all know I’ve written each and every post spontaneously, every night, often jettisoning an idea that had been lurking at the edge of my mind in favor of a thought, inspiration, or outrage that was simply too compelling to quell.

So no. I couldn’t write this ahead of time. And now we’re sort of stuck with this polyglot of thoughts.

YCMTSU

But of course, I must conclude with the final YCMTSU (You Can’t Make This Stuff* Up) of this 1111 Devotion. Today is November 26th 2021. Our Gathering in honor of Karl was held – you guessed it – on the Saturday following Thanksgiving in 2011: November 26th. This post, because of the way I stay up late writing and have it set up so that the email version gets batch posted at 1:00 a.m., will actually be posted on Saturday.

So yeah. Through absolutely ZERO planning or intention on my part, this 3+ year endeavor, based solely on writing 1111 consecutive posts (in tribute to his death on 11/11/11 – at or about 11:11 p.m. Pacific Time) is ENDING on 11/26 (my Friday night), but technically Saturday – the literal day on which his Gathering took place ten years ago.**

There’s More

Reading my journal entries has reminded me of some experiences that I’m still digesting, in that I honestly believe they mean more to me now than they did when they occurred. It’s almost as if they’re messages that I wrote down then but were meant for me to read and recall now.

This is something that happens a lot with dreams and shamanic journeys. That’s because time is an illusion, and sometimes we receive messages or have dreams that we know or feel are profound, but don’t really make sense in the ‘now.’ It’s only when we go back and read them weeks, months, and sometimes even years (or decades) later do they click into place.

Ah yes. Good stuff.

But in the meantime? I thank you all for sharing this epic journey with me. Knowing at least one other person (besides Karl – he has to live with me, so he was kind of obligated to at least fake it) was reading my words meant the world to me. Instead? I was blessed with so many of you.

Thank you.

Karl and I opening Sacred Space at Karl’s Gathering 10 years ago today – Photo: Ellen Naughton

*you know what I really say
**As usual whenever I mention 1111 Devotion, I added the link to the very first entry I wrote (the ‘Devotion’ post), above. For the first time in a very long time (ever?), I re-read it just now in its entirety and I see that – apparently – I DID calculate that this would end on November 26th. What I realize is that it obviously didn’t even CLICK that this would be the exact 10 year anniversary of his Gathering; and as a corollary to that, I don’t think I was counting eggs, much less any chickens, at that point. I can confidently say I never assumed I’d reach this goal without missing a day. I still can’t believe it.

(T-0)

Thanksgiving – Day 1110

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Pacha’s Cone of Protection – Photo: L. Weikel

Thanksgiving

I’ve started and deleted this Thanksgiving post so many times, I’ve lost count. Having snagged only four hours of sleep last night and then wedged in a five hour round trip holiday visit, I’ve also dozed off between attempts write something meaningful. Alas, even these simple introductory sentences deserve to meet the same fate as their predecessors: to be deleted and rewritten. Nothing I write feels right tonight.

There’s so much I want to say, and at the same time, it just all feels heavy. Or said already. And you know how sometimes you can say something too many times and the magic just goes up in a puff of smoke? I guess I’m facing one of those moments.

Thanksgiving Bluebird – Photo: L. Weikel

In Spite of Everything

Yes, I started this day on only four hours of sleep. That’s a big contributor to my current state of fogginess. It’s catching up to me. But in spite of everything, Karl and I still managed to embrace the day’s sunshine and balmy temperatures to fit in a walk-about – our four mile sojourn through local hill and dale. This was a special treat because Karl hasn’t been able to walk with me as much over the past several months.

But today he did. And for that, I’m grateful.

Watchers – Photo: L. Weikel

So Many Witnesses

It almost felt as though we were in a Thanksgiving Day parade. Our walk was lined with local fauna stepping up and waving to us as we passed by. So many of the creatures about whom I’ve written in these past 1109 posts seemed to show up – or in some cases, simply let their voices ring out in greeting.

First was a bluebird, so strikingly beautiful in the late afternoon sunshine.

The pups had their first encounter with the Hounds of the Baskervilles – which left them a bit trembly, even though Pacha had a cone of protection.

A pileated woodpecker called out to us incessantly and flew alongside us from tree to tree as we climbed a steep hill. On the other side of the road, a herd of deer monitored our progress navigating the hill and conversing with the massive woodpecker.

About a mile later, coyotes howled in the bowels of High Rocks while a Great Horned owl’s hooting added another layer to the message.

Gratitude

The very fact that I can write about all these creatures sharing in and contributing to our walk  on this gorgeous November day (and having Karl to share it as well) gives me more to be grateful for than I can ever express.

Another exquisite sunset – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-1)

TE4P – Day 1109

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Pacha’s Glamour Shot – Photo: L. Weikel

TE4P

What kind of a joint do we run around here, anyway? One based in equality? Fairness? We always thought so. Until recently, that is. But then rumblings of discontent began. Rumors started circulating. Banksy-like political messages started appearing in the cat litter and puppy kibble: TE4P. A slogan was born.

Everywhere we looked, this cryptic “TE4P” started showing up. Karl and I were perplexed. Concerned. What was the message? Who was behind it?

Cletus engaging in outreach – Photo: L. Weikel

Grievance Aired

Finally, Cletus engaged in some ‘outreach.’ On behalf of the newest additions to the household, he felt it incumbent upon him to report a grievance. Evidence, as well as word on the street, indicated that Pacha was not receiving the same level of benefits as her brother Brutus.

Tigger coughed up the fact that matters grew exponentially more egregious when it was discovered that I’d even written a post about the violation. Word of Brutus’s wildly inappropriate receipt of an exotic treat in a little red cup was going viral. There was talk of a walkout.

“Please,” I begged Cletus. “Tell me what TE4P stands for! How can I remedy a situation I don’t understand?”

If looks could kill – Photo: L. Weikel

Unbelievably Dense

Cletus scowled at me with disdain. “Seriously. How could you fail to understand that Pacha deserves the right to treats as much as Brutus. We had to stand behind her – and all pups similarly situated. TE4P! Treat Equity for Pacha!”

Then I heard it. Pacha barked it. Brutus growled his fearsome puppy growl in support. “TE4P! TE4P!” Even Tigger, Precious, and – of course – Cletus saw the inherent inequity and began plotting their efforts to win Pacha a puppaccino experience.

Management Caves

Of course! As soon as we realized the unequal treatment we’d rendered to our beloved pups, we knew the situation had to be remedied. The following photos tell the rest of the story.

Did I hear Mommy say, “Puppaccino for Pacha?” – Photo: L. Weikel

 

“OMG. Yum. Mmmph. Snarf.” – Photo: L. Weikel

A stalker is sensed – Photo: L. Weikel (Cue theme from Jaws)

Interloper does a sneak runaround – Photo: L. Weikel

HEY! Wait! How the heck….? – Photo: L. Weikel

Thanks, Cletus! You rock! – TE4P Forever! – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-2)

Procrastination – Day 1108

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Puppies luxuriating fireside – Photo: L. Weikel

Procrastination

Oh yeah, baby. You have to know that’s my middle name. You may think it’s Joy (or maybe you didn’t know that), but either way, I’m here to tell you, procrastination takes on some peculiar characteristics in my life.

Maybe it’s just me, but I’m realizing I don’t always have the same fundamental emotion motivating me to be…demotivated. You would think it’s primarily founded on avoidance of pain or unpleasantness. And I guess that’s true for some things I procrastinate on, such as inputting data into my Quicken or mowing the lawn when the grass is tall and the weather hot and sticky.

But even as I sit here and try to come up with stuff I really don’t like to do – and routinely procrastinate on – I find myself thinking, “Yeah, but when I finally end up doing those things, it feels so good.” I am often flooded with a sense of relief that I can cross them off my list.

And yet, that’s actually the least influential ‘good feeling’ I have after completing something I dragged my feet to do. I love the feeling of being organized or the satisfaction of seeing and smelling fresh cut grass. I love how the wildflowers growing in the middle of the lawn seem to duck the blade and spring up triumphantly about half an hour after I’ve put the mower away.

I’m serious about that, too! I used to feel annoyed by those wily wildflowers. Now I celebrate their resilience (as well as their color and diversity).

The Flip Side

The other side, or perhaps fundamental cause, of my procrastination is something I think I wrote about seemingly a million years ago – or at least early on in my 1111 Devotion. I guess I didn’t call it procrastination then. I think I called it hoarding. (Note! In finding the link to the hoarding post, I realize it was written way back in 2013 – well before embarking on my 1111 Devotion.)

And deep down, I think most of my procrastination is actually rooted in a desire to hold onto the feeling of potential, promise, and opportunity that comes when poised at the beginning of a new activity. I love the feeling that anything is possible. As a result, sometimes I linger a little too long in the imaginal realm. (Ha ha – spell check refuses to acknowledge that imaginal is a word.)

But this desire to linger also applies to tasks or projects I engage in often (or ‘should’ allow myself more often) – not just to new activities. And that’s actually the feeling and type of endeavor I’ve allowed to get a slow burn on lately.

I love to really dig into things, especially thoughts and feelings. Motivations. The real and honest stuff that informs our choices and helps define our reality. Writing in my journal is the way I make sense of the world, because writing in my journal is where I allow myself to dig deeply into my feelings and motivations.

And Then…

And then this happens: I forget where I was going with the thought that started this whole post. Now I see I’m going to barely have enough time to get it posted without it being bumped into the next day’s email.

Ugh.

OK, so I will end here for now. Maybe you’ll forgive me if I include some puppy photos.

I swear to you, this bottom one was taken only moments ago. No matter how many times I shift, they keep piling onto my left hand!

Writing Partners – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-3)

Contemplating – Day 1107

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On My Walk Today – Photo: L. Weikel

Contemplating

I’ll admit it: I’m contemplating shamelessly exploiting more of my pets to avoid sitting with and exploring the unsettled feelings that are coming up for me. And that’s kind of a weird thing. Not shamelessly exploiting my pets, of course. If you’ve been reading my posts for any length of time, you know I do that with abandon. Indeed, whenever I’m at a loss for something to write about, I look to my four legged friends to bail me out.

No, what’s weird is the fact that I seem to be avoiding altogether the task of excavating and reflecting upon my feelings as I approach the completion of my 1111 Devotion. So I’m left with this creeping sense of dread that if I don’t look for the meaning, it will have meant nothing at all.

But even that feels disingenuous. I committed to this Act of Power to find some small way to honor the life and creativity of my son. I did it as an act of devotion to the relationship I lost when he died. I did it because I wanted to acknowledge the hole he left in my heart – in my life – and those of his father and brothers as well. And I know there are others out there who loved him – and miss him – as well.

Taken today, too – Photo: L. Weikel

Regret

There are days when I regret my failure to create something truly meaningful and enduring to remember Karl by. He was passionate about feeding people and caring for the un-housed. He had that uncommon generosity of sharing what little he had with those who had less. I’m keenly aware that I barely even wrote about these societal challenges, much less did anything to alleviate them.

Many families that lose a child seem to turn their tragedy into an instrument of good. Their efforts range from establishing foundations to counter the gun lobby, or raising money to research SIDS, or creating better systems to feed the food insecure or to bring tiny homes to communities.

I stand in awe of mothers who create legacies of this kind.

So, no. I don’t put a lot of stock in the fact that I stayed up late 1111 nights in a row to write about stuff. From what I saw on my walks in nature that day to my reactions to the slow-moving coup we call our daily lives (in the U.S. and world-wide, sadly), my missives covered some pretty mundane, albeit occasionally fanciful subjects. And what I’m realizing in this moment is that they were, for the most part, a pretty far cry from creative. So much for honoring Karl’s prodigious creativity and irreverence.

Don’t Get Me Wrong

Lest I leave you with the sense that I regret this effort, please, let me assure you, that’s not the case. I think I can safely say my skills at iPhone photography alone have benefited significantly. So right there is an artistic and creative aspect to this project that I didn’t foresee.

And beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most amazing aspect to this 1111 Devotion was the dedication displayed by so many of you. By making a point to read my posts each day (and sometimes having to go to Facebook to find the daily missive or search directly on my website), each of you engaged in an Act of Power yourselves.

I can’t thank you enough for being such steadfast companions on this journey.

(Hmmm. Well, this was a surprise. I guess I’ll exploit my pets tomorrow night instead. I still have three more posts to write!)

The sky was quite expressive – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-4)

Cultivating Separation – Day 1106

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Puppaccino Pup (aka a ‘shill’ for Starbucks?!) – Photo: L. Weikel

Cultivating Separation

Brutus and I took a ride yesterday. By cultivating separation, we’re trying to get the pups to experience a little bit more of life without their sibling being constantly intertwined in their movements. We probably should’ve started this sooner, as the separation really seemed to freak Pacha out. I only say that because of Karl’s description of her reaction when Brutus and I left in the car. She kept looking out the kitchen door to see if we’d returned, and when we didn’t after about 15 minutes, she retired to our bedroom and buried herself under the covers. She even managed to win Tigger’s sympathy. He willingly shared our bed with her.

The separation didn’t seem to be quite as traumatizing to Brutus. At least, he didn’t whine or cry when we left. (Did I fail to mention Pacha cried at the door?) He did, however, express reluctance to stay in the small but comfy dog bed I placed in the passenger seat. He demanded to sit in my lap. This surprised me, as he’s willingly snuggled in that before, on other forays into the outside world.

Brutus – Photo: L. Weikel (I didn’t let him stay there very long)

Pit Stop

As part of our little excursion, I stopped at a local Starbucks and went through its drive-thru, ordering a beverage for myself. I’ve done this before with Spartacus or Sheila in the car and recall randomly being offered a dog treat on occasion. Never, however, have I ever heard the person filling my order ask, “Would you like a puppaccino?”

In fact, I thought I misheard her. “S’cuse me?” I asked. “No, I didn’t order a mochaccino.”

OMG, YUM. – Photo: L. Weikel

With this short snout, thank goodness I have a long tongue. – Photo: L. Weikel

She laughed. “Nooo! Your puppy! What a cutie!” I beamed involuntarily and reached over to pet Brutus, who’d finally decided to return to his shotgun status. “I asked if you’d like a puppaccino for your little guy.”

A puppaccino? I’d  never heard of such a thing (but it made me laugh). She explained that it was a splurge of whipped cream in a tiny sample cup.

Needless to say, I couldn’t say no.

What? Do I have something on my face? – Photo: L. Weikel

Positive Reinforcement

As you can see from the accompanying photos, Brutus enthusiastically endorses the Starbucks custom of providing puppies with whipped cream chasers. And I’m thinking this deliciously unexpected bonus will only serve to reinforce the notion in his mind that when he goes on adventures in the car with Mommy, there’s no need to be sad. Heck, a puppaccino could be in his future!

I just wonder if he told Pacha?!

Thank you, Mommy! – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-5)

Broadway – Day 1105

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Photo: deadline.com

Broadway

I’m not a huge musical theater or even Broadway (in general) enthusiast. That’s not to say I haven’t loved going to Broadway to see the handful of shows I’ve seen over the years. It’s just never been a priority. Given where we live and our proximity to New York City, this neglect feels like an opportunity wasted.

Of course, full disclosure demands that I admit I had a secret hope that Karl would provide us with the perfect excuse to attend productions in the city more frequently. I never actually imagined Karl performing on Broadway – or even in plays in general – for a living. When he was accepted into NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts for acting, I think I imagined him becoming more of a film guy, or a comedian. And with his brazen imagination, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d ended up writing rather than acting. But I did think that, in the short term, he’d give us some cool excuses to go to New York to see him perform.

Alas, that potential destiny never played out.

Tangential Awareness

Even though Broadway and the NYC theater scene never became a bigger part of our lives, I did manage to occasionally peek out from under our rock enough to remain tangentially aware of the most popular shows. And I happen to remember when Rent was just breaking onto the scene. (And no, I still haven’t seen it.)

Fast forward to the past few weeks. I’ve been noticing the title of a movie being advertised, Tick, Tick…Boom, all over the place. And for whatever reason, the title catches my attention. Not long enough for me to explore what the movie’s about, mind you. But I notice.

Then just a few days ago, I was listening to the astrological forecast for the week with Anne Ortelee on Astrology Hub. Here it was again. She mentioned that she was going to the premier of Tick, Tick…Boom later that day (this past Monday), and highly recommended we see it. I believe she said she’d known Jonathan Larson (who was the creator of Rent), “back in the day.”

Timing, Destiny, Humanity

I don’t know why some things catch our attention and others don’t. Is there a reason the title of this movie kept snagging my attention? How odd was it that it crossed my radar again while listening to an astrological podcast? Whatever the reason, the movie, which also happens to be the directorial debut for Lin Manuel Miranda, (yes, I’m aware of Hamilton, but no, I haven’t seen that, either) premiered on Netflix last night – and Karl and I watched it tonight.

Wow.

What a wonderful production. The cast was outstanding. The songs were great; the story inspiring and hopeful. And honestly? I needed the escape.

The affirmation of how important it is for us to follow our deepest creative drives and inclinations – especially as he captured in the song “Why?” – resonated in my heart. Sometimes that means sticking with a vision relentlessly and sometimes it means exploring other opportunities that permit us to express our unique gifts, ‘art,’ or talents.

This movie was infused with tremendous heart. And kindness. Nothing blatant; indeed, there were many sweetly subtle themes of essential humanity.

I’m glad it kept coming up on my radar. I needed the reminder that those things still exist in our world.

(T-6)

Yet Again – Day 1104

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Partial Lunar Eclipse and the Pleiades – Photo: L. Weikel

Yet Again

Yet again we’re set back on our heels, reeling at what many believe to be a gross miscarriage of justice. It’s exhausting. And let’s face it: most of us, if we’re not people of color, are only just now starting to get even the tiniest hint of an idea how crushing it must feel like to be them – every day – in this country. In their own country.

I vowed I wouldn’t write about the Rittenhouse verdict tonight. What more can be said? The people who feel the verdict was a vindication of all that is right in our country are exultant. Those of us who feel otherwise? I don’t know…perhaps we’re seeing that the system has slowly been corrupted and is now a caricature of its former self. Or perhaps it’s always been more corrupt than any of us wanted to admit. For many, I fear this to be true.

Jury and Judge

I don’t necessarily disagree with President Biden’s statement that the jury did its job. Given what little I know of the details, I have a feeling the jury did its best to follow the law and apply the law – as written – to the facts of the case as they understood them. I do believe, however, that the judge went out of his way to make it clear to the jury the result he believed must be reached. And that pressure, while we wish it held no sway, is profoundly difficult to ignore – and harder to buck.

At the same time, I do not believe our justice system can survive without the citizenry’s inherent respect for its conclusions. And quite honestly, Judge Schroeder’s blatant bias and defiant refusal to provide and maintain a neutral forum blighted the entire system. The list of outrageous interim orders issued by this man began early and continued throughout. There was no way the truth could be discerned without fear of incurring the judge’s wrath. The fix was in.

And therein lies the most unforgivable facet of this tragedy: the judge himself was instrumental in corrupting our faith in the system he was sworn to uphold and protect.

Sound familiar?

Photo: L. Weikel

Turn to the Eclipse

I catnapped after posting my missive last night, managing to rouse myself every half hour or so to check on the moon’s progress as it entered the Earth’s shadow. The night sky was beyond vast and captivating. Every star seemed to shine its brightest, while the moon knew it held center stage, even as it grew dark and rusty-red.

A pang of utter delight shot through my heart as I witnessed a long-tailed meteor streak across the sky. A persistent rustling of leaves in the woods beside me caught my attention. Opossum, mouse, I’m not sure who was holding space with me. But I knew I wasn’t alone.

I suppose the eclipse, in revealing to us that which we may not want to see, did its work via the verdict today. The bigger question, I guess, is what we’ll do in response to what’s been revealed.

I recall the cards I chose at the beginning of this week. New Beginnings – built on a foundation of Truth. The truth right now is ugly for a vast number of our fellow Americans. What’s it going to take for us to see what’s right before our eyes, dismantle the institutions that no longer serve the greater good, and create systems that actually deliver the ideals we say our country represents?

So vast; so clear; and so revealing – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-7)

Update – Day 1103

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Wall of Cold Front Approaching – Photo: L. Weikel

Update

Last night I wrote about tonight’s ‘special’ partial lunar eclipse and how it’s the longest lasting eclipse in 580 years. Well, I have an update with respect to just how unique this eclipse actually is. Not to put too fine a point on it, but the Earth won’t see another lunar eclipse that lasts as long as tonight’s until the year 2650. Seriously. That’s another 629 years. That means this is the longest lasting lunar eclipse for 1,209 years.

A mere blip on the geological and cosmic scales, but rather significant vis-à-vis humanity.

I’m planning on trying to stay awake at least until the eclipse process starts. I’d like to say I’ll stay up for the whole thing. And honestly, I’m a sucker for the prospect of witnessing a Full Blood Beaver Moon Eclipse, but I will almost assuredly fall asleep. The culmination of the eclipse will take place at 4:02 a.m. and it sounds like it will look amazing.

I wonder, though, if my iPhone would even be able to capture a fraction of its eerily stunning nature. Probably not.

OK.

Just as I wrote that sentence, my front door, usually dead-bolted shut, just blew open.

That happens rarely, but almost always on an evening of cosmic consequence.

Full Beaver Moon rising – Photo: L. Weikel

Current Status

Naturally, this caused me to rise from the couch to close the door. I walked outside and noticed that the entire hamlet is illuminated by a diffuse light emanating from behind the overcast that still obscures the moon and stars. This cold front barged into our area this evening after probably the last most exquisitely warm and nourishing days of 2021. I do believe it reached 70 degrees this afternoon.

Weather.com swears the clouds presently blanketing the sky will clear out by the time the eclipse begins. Technically, then, it appears the full passage of the moon into and through the shadow (umbra) caused by the Earth coming between it and the sun should be visible.

Nearly full Beaver Moon (last night) – Photo: L. Weikel

Last Night

I managed to snag a few photos of the moon blazing in nearly full reflected glory last night after I wrote my post for the evening. The rainbows in the halo surrounding the moon were visible to my naked eye, and I was pleased to see the iPhone’s camera captured them.

It’s interesting that some of my final posts in my 1111 Devotion are ‘devoted’ to looking upward. I don’t think we do that often enough.

(T-8)

Special Partial Lunar Eclipse – Day 1102

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Tonight’s Moon – Photo: L.Weikel

Special Partial Lunar Eclipse

I’d probably be remiss if I didn’t at least mention the upcoming, actually very special, partial lunar eclipse that will occur during the wee hours of Friday morning, November 19th (2021). I’ve seen so many posts and articles about it, I sort of feel as though I’m just being redundant by writing about it here. But just in case this scintillating blog is your lone connection to the outside world, let me alert you now: 2021’s second set of eclipses is upon us, and the first in the series will occur a few hours after midnight Thursday night – also known as a few hours before dawn Friday morning. (The second, a solar eclipse, will take place on December 4th.)

Whether you decide to stay up late (ok, very late) or get up early to watch it (should you make that bold choice at all) depends upon whether you’re a night owl or a morning rooster.

What to Expect

While I’m still a bit unclear as to the astrological significance of eclipses, I understand how they occur astronomically. And when we watch them take place (obviously the lunar eclipses are the ones we can directly observe without burning our retinas), it’s hard not to feel overcome with a sense of existential awe. Every single time I’ve witnessed an eclipse I’ve imagined a visceral connection to my ancient, ancient ancestors who must have been blown away by the mystery unfolding before their eyes.

I think eclipses are thought to be revelatory in some way. I don’t know why, but as we approach this particular partial lunar eclipse I’m focusing more on how it is expected to be the longest lasting eclipse (three hours and 28 minutes) this century – but also the longest in the past 580 years. It seems like we’ve been experiencing a number of celestial events in the past couple years that have been significant in that way. Is it a coincidence that humanity seems to be going through some pretty significant shifts in these times?

Beam me up? – Photo: L. Weikel

Whoa

Every once in a while, especially when witnessing celestial events, I’m left with such a profound shift in perspective that it’s hard to even form words to describe the visceral effect. I mostly feel it in my chest. Is it my heart attempting to expand into the space above? Is it simply the enormity of All That Is that takes my breath away? Or is it the flip side of it all? Am I overcome by just how teeny tiny and insignificant everything is here – not the least being my solitary self but also all the struggles and worries of our entire planet?

Which leads me to ask: have you ever tried to imagine what existed before the Big Bang? Or what exists beyond…what? IS there a boundary to universes? Where does anything begin? Or end? Try to imagine it.

Yeah. Did you feel that weird sensation in your chest?

Whoa.

Cloud Winged Ones – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-9)