Celestial Signs

I am the least knowledgeable person you would hope to meet with regard to having a sense of what astrology is or its significance in our daily lives. In fact, you might call me a skeptic when it comes to the idea that the configuration of stars and planets on the day of one's birth would have even a smidgeon of relevance to who we are as people and what our tendencies are. People in the yoga world vary on their adherence to astrological rhythms - but I would wager I might be in the minority of yoga teachers that don't give a fig about it at all.

It happens to be true, but expect a major eye roll if you start in on me how the fact that I'm a Pisces and my husband is Virgo means we are very connected emotionally. Google "Pisces Virgo compatibility" and you'll get this answer every time. True for our situation, but to me, not anything more than a happy coincidence.

Disclaimer over.

Given all of my skepticism about the topic of astrology, it might surprise you that I could not ignore the headline of that Prevention.com article pictured at the top of this post. It also might surprise you that I did some research about the claim being made in that headline and it turns out some astrology experts say no, there will be no blue moon this year. A blue moon refers to the occurrence of a full moon twice within a month. The rejection of this potentially happening this year has to do with a rejection of the Gregorian calendar which sets the monthly parameters - instead of the idea that astrological timing in conjunction with the zodiac "seasons" should be adhered to. Whew! Who knew this was even a thing about which to have a difference of opinion? Not me.

Since I don't fully subscribe to any of this, I will avoid the controversy and continue with why I had to make a note of the fact that, according to that Prevention.com article, there will be 13 full moons in the year 2020 and one of them will be blue. This year is a big one for me, I turn 50 (having completed 50 rotations of my own around the sun) on Friday, March 13th, 2020. For obvious reasons, my favorite number is 13. So 13 full moons this year? Message sent, Universe!

I have always had a fascination with the moon itself. Just looking at it fills me with a sense of wonder. Knowing that we sent humans there and those footprints remain continues to boggle my mind. It mystifies me how such a stark, dark, and cold landscape can shine so brilliantly at times - the power of reflected light. The presence of the moon (not unlike the expansive ocean does) reminds me of how small we are in the grand scheme of things. I love thinking about the moon. Forgive my pathetic attempt at photographing the moon - there are some other really beautiful images (and tips on how to take photos of the moon) located here.

Finally, my favorite color is blue. I know, I know - it isn't actually the color blue, but it is my favorite color, so as they say 'nuff said.

So what is my point in all of this? I fully understand why people are attracted to astrology. Celestial bodies have long been revered, monitored, worshiped and used to navigate through life, both literally and figuratively. The things astronomers know about what goes on in our Milky Way and other universes also fills me with a sense of awe. It is kind of cool that I can draw a connection with such lofty things - and so I am allowing myself to do it.

Recently I learned that the red supergiant star Betelgeuse may have exploded. (yes there is a star with that name) Betelgeuse was at one point, one of the brightest in the nighttime sky. You can see it in what would be the left armpit of the constellation Orion. Right now, star gazers report that it is mysteriously dimming, having lost 60% of its brightness (since summer 2019).

This is pretty huge in celestial news. Mostly because the star Betelgeuse is so large. If you swapped it with the Sun, it would engulf Earth and the orbit of Mars and extend all the way through the asteroid belt. When it explodes, it will die in a Supernova - but shed no tear, because stellar death means cosmic rebirth. When this explosion sends the contents of the star outward, it will enrich nearby clouds with the elements of life itself — carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. In so doing, the universe is securing a chance that the next generation of star systems borne of these clouds will spawn planets that can sustain life as Earth does.

So keep on looking up. Keep on looking for connection to non-earthly things, seek guidance in whatever way suits you. We are stardust after all, so it makes sense that we revere them and keep them ever in our sights.