You carry Mother Earth within you. She is not outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment. In that insight of inter-being, it is possible to have real communication with the Earth, which is the highest form of prayer.
– Thich Nhat Hanh –
Hello, fellow friends on the path,
We’re heading into week two of the 30-Day Challenge, which means we’re shifting our focus from the cosmos to the earth. With that, we invite you to examine all the ways we nourish and nurture Mama Earth.
Some cool facts to consider:
- The Earth and the human body share many similarities, so in this way, you could say that how we treat the Earth is a reflection of how we treat ourselves.
- Earth and the human body are made primarily of water, and the body’s circulatory system mirrors the process of the rivers and streams that carry water all over the world to sustain life. The other way Earth and the body are similar is in how they present various ecosystems; the Earth is home to over 8.7 million species, and our bodies host roughly 10,000 species.
- The human body and planet Earth are also made from the same elements. In fact, we share 97 percent of our atoms in common with the rest of the galaxy. Oxygen accounts for more weight than any other element in both Earth and the human body.
To geek out even more on these fun facts, click here.
If you’re participating in the month of Seva, in the 50 Simple Acts booklet, you’ll see some of the ways we’re encouraging participants to give back to Mama Earth. Reducing our carbon footprint and examining how our actions impact the environment and all living beings on the planet is one way we send and receive compassion.
Questions for you to consider:
- When was the last time you convened with nature? Please take a moment to be grateful for its beauty.
- Make a list of all the ways the Earth supports and nourishes you, then make a list of all the ways you reciprocate.
- In what ways do you give back to the planet?
- What action will you take today to support sustainability for our planet?
This Saturday’s class was inspired by a creation myth I read in Braiding Sweet Grass.
A big thank you to all who recommended books a few months back in the FB group – I’m plowing through the list and enjoying the broad range!!
Sending love and a virtual hug,
Clara & the team.
April 14th at 12pm PST
Earth Mandala
Join Clara for a 30-minute Hatha practice focused on opening all sides of the pelvis while moving through a sequence inspired by Shiva Rea’s mandala namaskars.
Great for after a run, bike ride, or a day of sitting.
Props required: 2 Blocks.
For your Seva this week, we invite you to examine the products you use daily and consider how they impact the planet we share.
Two of our partners for the challenge, Tru Earth and Supported Soul, feature eco-friendly, biodegradable products to reduce our ecological footprint.
Cosmic Influence of the Planets
(According to Astronomers & Astrologers)
The Greeks derived the word ‘planet’ from ‘planetes,’ which translates as ‘wanderer.’ Before 1543, when Nicolaus Copernicus produced the theory that the Earth and all planets revolve around the sun, the Earth was believed to be the center of the universe.
We’ve more data and details with advancements in technology to enhance our understanding of outer space and how the Earth relates to the neighbouring planets, stars, moons, and atmospheres.
In 1992, the discovery of a new world named Eris caused astronomers to question the qualities of a planet and redefine the context of what makes a planet, a moon, and a star. Eris caused astronomers to strip Pluto of its label as a planet; Pluto is now a dwarf planet.
In astronomy, there are eight planets. This consideration is based on mass and atmospheric gases. In astrology, there are ten planets. Astrology uses the planets as symbols of the different qualities and driving characteristics that govern various aspects of our lives. Each planet rules with unique energies, directives, interests, shadows, and values.
Astrology studies the movement of planets and how they affect our lives, and because we live on Earth, it cannot be considered. The ten planets used in astrology include the seven planets considered by astronomers plus Pluto. The sun and the moon are known as the luminary planets. Earth is not considered one of astrology’s governing planets as humans live on Earth.
The ten planets of astrology make up the 12 Houses of the Zodiac. To know how the planets affect us and events on Earth depends on where they’re located in the zodiac at any given point in time.
Understanding the planetary influence over the zodiac is one lens to examine how you interact with the world and express energy. Here’s how it works: as the planets move, they orbit through the different zodiac constellations. A natal chart expresses where each of the planets was located when you were born.
☄︎ The Symbols and Characteristics
of the Ten Planets of Astrology ☄︎
☉ Sun ☉
Represents: ego-self
Rules over: Leo
The sun represents our ego. As the center of the universe, it represents the core of who we are and our conscious mind. The sun is the driving force and light behind our personalities and reflects what gives life to the world around us. Sun signs are the most commonly known of the zodiac as it captures our passions, inner motives, and ultimate desires. The sun represents a more solar, active, masculine energy and is expressed in our public personas. Leo’s, ruled by the sun, love being in the spotlight and sharing their gifts with all those around them.
☽ Moon ☽
Represents: emotional-self
Rules over: Cancer
The moon is our inner world. How we process emotions and intuit events is linked to the moon’s energy. The moon represents the private side, the inner and hidden realms we explore alone. Moon energy is feminine, receptive, soft, and empathetic. The moon may also present the shadow side of ourselves that we do not want or allow others to see. Cancer’s ruled by the moon are often very in touch with their emotions and easily attune to others’ feelings.
☿ Mercury ☿
Represents: communication
Rules over: Gemini and Virgo
Named for the Roman messenger god, Mercury affects how we communicate, express ideas, and reason. Mercury affects how we transmit, process, and assimilate information, which is why Mercury in Retrograde disrupts the flow of information and throws everything off-kilter. Gemini and Virgo, as ruled by Mercury, are intellectually sharp, witty, and capable of carrying on in diverse social groups and relationships.
♀ Venus ♀
Represents: romance
Rules over: Taurus and Libra
Named for the Roman goddess of beauty and love, Venus reminds us to exalt in the world’s aesthetic pleasures through sound, touch, taste, sight, and smell. Luxuriating in romantic relationships and sensual pleasures is the typical style of Taureans and Libras. This planet also manages our finances and material possessions and how they relate to our values.
♂︎ Mars ♂︎
Represents: action and assertion
Rules over: Aries
Mars represents raw, passionate, determined energy; those with mars in their chart are natural-born leaders. Named for the god of war, Mars shows us how to pursue our wildest dreams and aspire to goals others wouldn’t dare leap for. Mars is our inner, primal instinct; it screams loud and clear from the depths of our bellies to tell us when, where, and how to act. Aries ruled by mars have the potential to become great and fearless leaders.
♃ Jupiter ♃
Represents: opportunity
Rules over: Sagittarius
The largest of all the planets, Jupiter, symbolizes abundance and growth. With Jupiter in their chart, Sagittarians are naturally lucky, prone to take risks others wouldn’t, and typically herald good fortune for their efforts! Jupiter also represents healing and expresses the contraction and expansion that occur when we push past our comfort zone and test new boundaries.
♄ Saturn ♄
Represents: discipline
Rules over: Capricorn
Saturn is most widely known for the Saturn Return that occurs for individuals in their late twenties. Saturn Return refers to the moment when Saturn completes its cycles around the sun and arrives in the exact place in the sky that it was when you were born. Saturn is the disciplinarian. Setting boundaries, maturation, responsibility, and questioning one’s motives are the general themes for Saturn’s energy. Capricorns ruled by Saturn might use this hard-edge energy to pursue challenging aspirations and develop their higher self.
♅ Uranus ♅
Represents: awakening
Rules over: Aquarius
Uranus is known as the Awakener for its ability to shake things up and invent new modes of power. This planet presents us with the unusual, the absurd, and the chaotic; riots and revolution occur through Uranus. Aquarians ruled by Uranus energy are quick-witted, inventive, direct, and utterly unique; you might call them the mad scientist.
♆ Neptune ♆
Represents: intuition
Rules over: Pisces
Neptune was the god of the sea, so it’s only natural that this planet governs Pisces. Neptune guides the world’s more subtle forces that diminish the ego and other superficial boundaries associated with dreams, intuition, and mystery. Neptune seeks and leads the individual toward fantasy; it’s the planet of escapism and exploring spiritual depths. Pisces are known for being dreamy and super sensitive to things others do not experience, which is Neptune’s influence.
♇ Pluto ♇
Represents: the subconscious
Rules over: Scorpio
Pluto represents the depths of the subconscious and hidden desires. Named for the god of the underworld, Pluto also symbolizes the power of transformation and regeneration and helps individuals shift their perspective to see events or themselves in a new light. Scorpios ruled by Pluto likely experience things in extremes, balancing light with dark, birth with death, and being an individual with joining the collective.
