Updated on June 9, 2020
LETTER TO GEORGE FLOYD IN HEAVEN
Dear George,
I hope as you read this letter in Heaven, you are lying peacefully in your beloved Momma’s arms, happy in the knowledge your death was not in vain. No, brother, it wasn’t. You died a gentleman, at the foot of a psychopath disguised as a policeman. In horror, we watched it all on our t.v. screens, (actually, I couldn’t bear to watch it and didn’t), bystanders heard you begging for mercy, and tried to help you, but couldn’t. People all around the world have been outraged. Demonstrations everywhere. Little did you know, George, the impact your death would have on this world. Your beautiful daughter will grow up knowing her Dad died a hero. And yes, we will all make sure your death was not in vain. That sadistic policeman who murdered you is now in prison for life, and will never hurt another human being ever again. All thanks to you!
You were born a Libra, the sign of the peacemaker, just like Mahatma Gandhi and John Lennon. Your symbol is the scales of justice. Libras love beauty, harmony, and fairness. Sadly, you did not experience much of that in the way your life was so brutally quenched. I know as a little boy, you dreamed of becoming a High Court Judge one day. This is how you wanted to make your contribution to the world. Your junior school teacher, Mrs. Sexton, shared with us a beautifully illustrated essay you wrote about this at the age of 8. As she read the words, I found it hard to contain the tears. How bloody sad and unfair life can be!! You would have been a truly incredible Judge, with your ability to see both sides of every argument. Law and Order is a natural fit for the Libra born. Even as a child, your instincts were spot on!
But let’s end this letter on a positive note. Your death has acted as a powerful catalyst for change in our society. Thanks to you, people will no longer tolerate Racism. No longer stand by and watch their black brothers and sisters suffer unfairly because of the colour of their skin. 2020 is the year of pandemic. It is also the year of great change! We realize life is short — so let’s make it good and fair for everybody. When you see it written down George, doesn’t it seem so stupid that the colour of one’s skin should have ever mattered? I mean really? What were they thinking? An alien looking down at us from Space must think we are totally insane! And decide to stay in his spaceship! Thanks to you George, you have lit a fire under the scourge of Racism. You died a Hero and a Martyr, so yes, you did end up becoming a Justice of the Peace after all! Your childhood wish came true, even if it wasn’t the way you had envisaged.
Thank you,
Love,
Patricia xxx
Posted on June 8, 2020
PEACE & LOVE AND HOW TO STAY HUMAN! SOME DO’S FOR THE 12 SIGNS.
Hi Guys,
While the heavens are currently ablaze with celestial activity, it’s true to say some of us here on planet earth are exhausted from it all. So much going on — or not going on as the case may be! Practically all the planets are currently in retrograde mode. Sleepy-town. We are also in eclipse season for the next few weeks, with the lunar eclipse in Sagittarius on June 5th, followed by a Solar Eclipse in Cancer on the 21st June, and then another lunar eclipse in Capricorn on July 5th. The torches of change will be illuminated in our individual lives, depending on which house is activated. Worth checking out! Ask Dr. Google. We have more eclipses in 2020 than normal. Eclipses being known as Drama Queens in astrological jargon. No, I agree, we don’t need any more drama!! Just positive action.
For many of us, our days are see-saws of surging emotion. One day up, high as a kite, Yee haw, and raring to go. Next day, down in the doldrums, and wondering when the hell our lives will be normal again. People are sad, hurting, fearful, lockdown-bored. That’s the thing with retrograding planets and the clashing of the Titans up above. Just think see-saws and everything on the playground of life shut down. You’re not alone my friend. Hang in there! It’s peanuts compared to what Viktor Frankl had to endure. He was a holocaust survivor and lost everybody he loved in the horror camps. Yet, he went on to live a full and very successful life. He wrote Man’s Search for Meaning and founded Logotherapy, which is healing through meaning. We all need to search for meaning in our lives at this unprecedented time in our history.
I told you 2020 would be insane, from a planetary perspective, and I did warn you to fasten your sanity belts! Because the outer planets are involved, it means we are in this together. Together, we are ONE! Interestingly, despite all the challenges people are facing individually, the knowledge we are not alone is providing a sense of comfort and camaraderie for many. It’s all about attitude and gratitude. And helping your brother out man!
Mercury, the trickster, is joining the Retrograde Resistance Army on the 18th of this month for 3 weeks. So yes, time to chill and go with the good flow. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to create a whole new world for ourselves. Many of us are becoming master alchemists. Hopefully, you will emerge from this Covid-19 episode a brand new person, both spiritually and emotionally. I know people are experimenting with different mediums, such as yoga, spirituality, exercise, and getting out into nature more, which is always a good thing. More people are baking (flour replaced toilet tissue in the must-have item!) How cozy is that? Many people are developing skills and hobbies they never had an opportunity to do in the 9-5 drudge of their lives. So yes, try to see the positive side in all of this insanity.
With this weird social isolation animal in danger of de-humanizing us, I’ve fought for the right to stay human! I have experimented more with exotic foreign recipes. In the last 3 weeks, I have cooked Moroccan, Greek, Chinese, and Thai food. So yum!! To keep my spirits high and thighs slim, I am trying to walk my 10,000 steps each day. With all that cooking, I need to!! I’m dressing up in my most colourful summer clothes, spritzing with my favourite Chanel perfume, thinking happy thoughts, praying, wearing my favourite jewellery, and dreaming of better times to come…There are so many ways to survive the current planetary challenges. You’ve lasted this long — what’s another few months? Remember, we’re in this together! There is strength in numbers!
Yes, I totally understand why many of us are feeling confused, stymied in our goals, frustrated at not being able to fully enjoy the gorgeous summer weather, sad to see friends and loved ones lose their jobs. I know since the pandemic began, some people have also had personal tragedies to deal with in their lives. My cousin’s 27 year old son died recently of a cardiac arrest while in Australia — a parent’s worst nightmare! A neighbour down the street lost her beloved partner of 40 years, who also died suddenly. Dealing with grief in social isolation must be horrendous! I cannot even begin to imagine their pain. But I do know one thing — God is Good! Rely on him to get you through!
The recent deeply disturbing murder of George Floyd in the U.S. brought up immense anger in me, followed by deep sadness and a sense of hopelessness. I’m not a violent person by nature, but hell! I wanted to do the worst possible things to that policeman, and his fellow policemen who stood by as poor George breathed his last painful breaths. Evil surely exists and it was on the face of that policeman. The only thing that brings me relief is the thought George’s troubles are behind him now, and that he is with his beloved Mother in Heaven. He is at Peace… Hopefully, his death will not be in vain and that it will be a catalyst for change in the scourge of racism. Good will always overcome evil. Love is greater than hate.
What can we do?
STOP! LOOK! and LISTEN TO YOUR HEART!
ARIES: Cling to your fighting spirit and keep moving!! Exercise your body hard!!
TAURUS: Keep your hands busy! Get gardening and baking. Immerse yourself in nature.
GEMINI: Stay connected! Vital for you! Dance at home, laugh with your friends, Play!
CANCER: De-clutter your home, stay connected with family, be the love connector!
LEO: Dress up, wear your finest clothes, eat like royalty, and keep goal-oriented.
VIRGO: Be kinder to yourself, stay close to nature, and nurture your body and soul.
LIBRA: Think beautiful thoughts, pamper yourself, read, listen to music, stay connected.
SCORPIO: Soul-connect at a deep level, meditate, read, listen to music, take beautiful walks.
SAGITTARIUS: Get outside in nature. Walk your dog, go biking, rock climbing, keep busy!
CAPRICORN: Get out of your head. Yoga, music, nature and pets will soothe and calm.
AQUARIUS: Stay connected with friends. Read, pamper yourself, cook and garden.
PISCES: Dream, pray, meditate, create, listen to music and immerse yourself in nature.
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD!
Hugs galore!
Patricia xxx
Posted on May 29, 2020
FOODIE FRIDAY: MOROCCAN SALMON TAGINE – YUM!
Hi Guys,
Hope you are getting a chance to go out and enjoy the sunshine this weekend. Talking about sunshine brings me back to Morocco and the wonderful time I spent there many years ago, travelling around the country in 4th class trains, with hens and randy Moroccan Mountain Men! — that’s another story lol! While in Morocco, I fell in love with their cuisine, the veritable couscous and tagine-cooked food. Ever since, I have had it on my wish list to get a tagine. I never did until yesterday! Even last year when I was in Spain, I was looking at them in shops with wistful eyes, but hell the weight of these and besides, they could break easily in-transit. So I never got one.
Then, yesterday, by divine generosity from the Universe, I saw a gleaming, smiling, ornate red tagine in a consignment shop window. It was love at first sight! Definitely meant to be! Following social distancing rules, I made an appointment to view it, wore my mask which concealed my salivating behind it, and the rest is history. I brought Delilah home with me. Even if I never cooked in her, she was a sight for sore eyes. I’m so thrilled with my lovely new tagine. I paid only $45 and it was a bargain if ever. I don’t eat meat, so decided to try this salmon tagine recipe. I am sure chicken or meat would be equally delicious too. The final product was finger-licking yummy!! The recipe said it was enough for four people. What? They must be fairies! I could have eaten the whole pot, in fact I almost did! Serve it with couscous and a healthy appetite!
Charmoula (Marinade)
It’s best to marinade the fish or meat several hours before you cook it, or even overnight.
Ingredients:
2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 tsps. dried parsley
2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. salt
For Salmon Tagine:
2/3 lb. fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1″ cubes
1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter
1 onion diced
1 green pepper, chopped
2 carrots cut into rounds
1 lbs. tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup of water
Served on Couscous
1 1/2 cups couscous, dry to 1 1/2 cups boiling water with knob of water.
METHOD:
Blend all the charmoula (marinade) ingredients in a blender until it comes out in paste formation. Place the chunks of salmon in a bowl and coat with marinade. Let them cozy up together in the fridge for a few hours.
Heat oil in a large skillet, casserole dish, or tagine. If using a tagine, you do need to use a diffuser and place it on stove top below your tagine. This is to stop the tagine from cracking over time. I noticed it took a little while for the tagine to heat up using the diffuser. Maybe only 3 mins. Next, fry your onions for about 2 mins. until softened, next add green peppers and mix for another 2 mins. Follow with carrots for about 4 mins. Finally, add in your salmon, tomatoes, and water. I mixed it around a bit with my wooden spoon to let the marinade spread its flavourful goodness. Next, put the lid on and let it do its thing. Soon you’ll see the steam coming out from the little chimney at the top of your tagine. The recipe said to cook for 15 mins. I left it on longer as I like my veggies very soft. Check it yourself to suit your individual taste. PLEASE – This is a WARNING!! I was so excited to see how it was doing, I went to lift the lid with my hand and OUCH! I burnt my finger! How stupid of me. I should have worn my oven glove! You live and learn!
Yes, it was worth the burn, yes, it was delicious. No, the recipe does not serve 4 unless you are a fairy. I ate at least half of it! Serve on a bed of couscous. If using a package of couscous, follow the instructions which are simple. Boil up 2 cups of water, add knob of butter, let couscous sit in boiling water and put a lid on saucepan. After 5 minutes, remove lid and fluff couscous with a fork. I don’t like my couscous too wet, so I add a tad less water than they suggest. Hope you enjoy as much as we did!
Later:
You can work it off with some belly dancing to get in the Moroccan mood!
Bon Appetit!
Patricia xxx
Updated on June 4, 2020
MONDAY MUSINGS: DOs AND DON’Ts DURING SATURN RETRO – MAY 11th – SEPT. 29th.
Hi Guys,
Today’s blog is a little longer than my usual ones. Grab a cup of tea! Saturn doesn’t like to be rushed! Especially now in his Retrograde Season.
The inner planets Mercury, Venus and Mars retrograde more frequently than the outer planets. Their retrograde period is also shorter. For example, Mercury goes retrograde around 3 times annually and usually for 3 weeks duration. Because these planets are nearest the Sun, they tend to affect us more on a personal basis, which is why they are known as the ‘Personal Planets’. Mercury affects our communications and thought process, Venus our relationships and resources, Mars our energy and sexuality.
On the other hand, the outer or slower moving planets such as Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto do not retrograde as frequently, and when they do, their retrograde period also lasts longer. They affect us globally. Saturn goes retrograde approx. every 1.5 years and it’s usually for around 4 months at a time. Currently, its retrograde period is from May 11th to September 29th. So it’s longer. I told you this bad boy doesn’t like to rush the job at hand. He’s a hard taskmaster. A tough Cop!
Saturn is all about responsibility, tenacity, hard work, discipline, caution, limitations, delays, obstructions in our path, obligations to others, building a strong foundation, goals, roots, pain, fear, authority, control, denial and all that grown-up stuff which we would sometimes prefer to stuff under the bed! The saying No pain No gain was surely coined with Saturn in mind. So when Saturn, the Disciplinarian of the Zodiac, is retrograde, you get out from under your bed and face the music! He’s not going to make it sweet and dandy for you. It’s a time for taking stock of your life. Fixing the cracks in your foundation, your relationships and your commitments.
During Saturn Retro we can lose our focus and be rather aimless. The energy of Saturn which drives us to succeed has been lessened. There is less fuel in our career tanks. It’s harder to get work done when Saturn is Retro. We have to force ourselves to plough through — like it or not! Sometimes these work challenges are thrust upon us as COVID-19 can attest to!
You don’t need me to tell you about this newfound wisdom many of you are experiencing currently. Right? I’ll bet many of you have been questioning your life, your values, your purpose — your everything that comes under the title of ‘Life Philosophy’. That’s Mr. Saturn, a.k.a. ‘The Grim Reaper’ doing his retrograde dance in the sky and permeating your sub-conscious. A Pandora’s box of old memories, feelings, worries, concerns, has been opened during his current retrograde season. (And while he’s at it, he’s kicking in a bit of planetary karma too! Mother Nature is thanking him for that part!) Saturn is also known as the Planet of Karma.
Questions you’re currently asking yourselves, prompted by Saturn Retro: Will I get the virus? Will it ever go away? What if I never get my job back? What if our World never returns to normal again? What if I can never hug my friends again? Yups! That’s Mr. NEVER-one-to-sugar-candy-coat-reality Saturn! Saturn, the ringed planet, happens to be my Ruling Planet, so I have come to respect, and listen, to his wisdom over the years. I know if I don’t, I’ll regret it! Saturn is the purveyor of blisteringly hard-earned wisdom!
I compare Saturn to a wise old Grandfather who sits you on his lap, his hands calloused from a lifetime of hard work. He tells you how tough life can be, and that you need to work hard to succeed, because what you reap is what you sow. Sobering stuff. And when you’re going through a really rough time in your life, you can be damn sure Saturn is involved! Yes, he can be a party pooper on occasion, but at the end of the day, he does have your best interests at heart. Jupiter, on the other hand, is the Party Boy, but with COVID-19, there will be no parties for a while! Jupiter, the fun planet, is also retrograde at the moment. It’s a sure sign of the times!
DON’Ts DURING SATURN RETROGRADE:
Don’t pick a fight with your boss or co-workers. Zip the lip!
Don’t try to start a whole new project. Let Saturn Retro blow over first. It’s better to re-assess things right now.
Don’t take your relationships for granted. Respect people’s boundaries. Respect is the word to remember. Both for yourself and others.
Don’t waste your money or overspend. There is a tendency to do this when we don’t have Saturn’s full attention to rein us in! Be sensible, even if you don’t have Saturn watching over you. Pretend he is!!
Don’t take unnecessary risks! Again, Saturn, the Policeman of the Zodiac is too busy being retro to give you his full attention. So, you may be feeling like a naughty teenager, wanting to go Crazy! With drink, with food, with everything. DON’T. I think you know what I mean. Most people in lockdown are going ape. Literally. Don’t.
DOs DURING SATURN RETROGRADE:
Do take it easy and reflect on life and matters of importance.
Do listen carefully to the lessons you are being asked to learn at this time.
Do play safe.
Do take care to do things right at this time. A stitch in time saves nine!
Do try and keep things as stable as you can in your life. No big moves!
Do take time for yourself through yoga, meditation, prayer, exercise, nature.
Do remember this mantra: I AM THE MASTER OF MY FATE, THE CAPTAIN OF MY SOUL.
Take heart! It’s not all bad. If you look closely at your current life situation, listen to the wisdom being presented to you now, work diligently towards your true purpose, are patient with the process, trust in God, there is always a silver lining. Sadly, some of you reading this now may not currently see that silver lining as everything on your horizon looks bleak. Some of you may lose your jobs, only to realize later it was the best thing that ever happened to you! Hang on in there, especially if you are finding the going tough at the moment. You are not alone. Though our ships are all different, we’re battling the same storm. Same up and down days. Same Saturn Retrograde holding us back currently from making speedy progress in our lives.
Imagine a great big puppeteer in the sky. We are the puppets. Every time we try to move ahead, the puppeteer pulls us back. He controls our every move. The Puppeteers are the Planets and right now they are nearly all retrograde.
There is a process, and each of us has a different lesson to learn from a Saturn Retrograde period. I respect Saturn because he is the guy who helps you grow up, achieve your potential and develop structure and order in your life. Later, you will thank him! He will help you to earn gold and wear it. He will put a comfortable roof over your head, and best of all, give you a sense of achievement in your life! Not bad, eh?
Trust the process…
Peace & Love!
Patricia xxx
Updated on May 18, 2020
MONDAY MUSINGS: DOs and DONT’S DURING VENUS RETROGRADE – 13 MAY-25 JUNE.
Hi Guys,
By now you are all up to speed (pardon the planetary pun!) on Mercury Retrograde — the dos and don’ts. But how well do you know your Venus Retrograde? It’s a very important one, especially if you value Love and Money. And who doesn’t? One of the most common questions Astrologers are asked is “Tell me about my love life and my finances!” I’m telling you now ‘Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread’. True that. Especially during Venus Retro. The following is important information for everyone, especially those with Sun, Moon, Rising, or other planets in the sign of Libra or Taurus who both share the rulership of Venus.
Venus is the planet that governs our love life, and our assets. Many people know of its connection to love and beauty, but not to money and investments. So take heed! This is not a time to get too energetic about either! Remember — and it is important to remember this — Retrogrades are a time of reflection rather than action! The power of a particular planet, and in this case, Venus, is not up to par. It’s frazzled, lazy, tired, confused so why would you make important decisions when Venus is not her shining self? I certainly would not. Retrograde does not mean the planet is going backwards in the sky, it just means its pathway is temporarily disrupted. I reflect and listen to my inner wisdom at this time. I hope you will do the same. It’s only a few weeks, so I think it’s wise to defer gratification in matters of new love, beauty, and finances.
DOs and DON’Ts DURING VENUS RETROGRADE:
Don’t:
Make snappy decisions on Love or Finances!
Buy expensive beauty products (you may regret later). Cheap or familiar ones are ok.
Don’t change anything about your appearance — hair, plastic surgery, teeth — NADA! Wait!
Don’t begin new love relationships! (Love can be deceiving, weak, and fickle at this time.)
Don’t get married or engaged during Venus Retrograde. Unless you REALLY ARE 100% SURE! Wait, hold your horses on the carriage!
Don’t do any major home improvements at this time. Again, wait! Rather, plan and think it out carefully.
Don’t start a new company or sign any agreements at this time. Especially in the self-improvement industry.
Don’t go hog wild on investments. Employ caution and seek wisdom from a knowledgeable source.
Don’t invest in any expensive clothing or footwear. You may have buyer’s regret.
Don’t buy expensive jewellery, art, and certainly not a home! Wait! It’s only a few weeks to wait. Be patient!
Do:
Nurture yourself. Lather yourself with love, patience, and gentleness.
Tend to your Venus within!
This is a great time for Couples Counselling and working on existing relationships.
It’s a time to try and mend what’s hurting in yourself and others.
Wear Rose Quartz or keep a stone in your purse to remind yourself of the importance of self-love.
Wear pink if you can get away with it!
Take regular warm bubble baths and light scented rose candles. Rose petals in the bath would be nice!
Do a good clean out of your home. It’s a great time to get your House Beautiful in ship shape!
Same with your wardrobe!
Same with your body beautiful!
It’s a great time to build up your immune system with Tons of TLC! Good food, music, and exercise!
Just like our Mamma Earth is currently getting a terrific respite from toxicity, YOU too have the opportunity now in Venus Retrograde season to do the same for yourself. Please DO!! You really are worth it. The Powers that Be ‘Up Above’ are giving you this gift of time on a plate. Accept it! Accept yourself! Accept there is a time for everything! A right time and a wrong time…
Peace & Love!
Patricia xxx
