Yup, that photo above represents a big chunk of mine, taken after our annual post-Thanksgiving football game this year! Several important people were missing, but we’ll all be together for Christmas — my gang, my mom + my three brothers and their crews.
Thinking about those brothers always triggers a big rush of gratitude that we all really like each other, and our spouses and kids, too. Believe me, after listening to clients’ stories and sitting in women’s circles over the years, I don’t ever take that for granted.
But, as much as I’ve heard sad stories of fractured families and estranged siblings or parents, I’ve also witnessed the creation of wonderful “chosen” families — groups of people who you feel deeply connected to outside of your family of origin.
Whether it’s gathering for a “Friends-giving” meal, inviting close work friends over to light Hanukah candles, or your soul-sisters to decorate a Christmas tree, these are all ways that we can manifest that sense of belonging we all yearn for.
Understanding the energy of the Taurus Moon in Scorpio season
And celebrating with like-minded spirits is exactly what’s called for in this Sagittarius season we’re moving through right now from November 22nd to December 21st. As always, regardless of your Sun sign, we can all feel this positive, uplifting, social energy during this time — how perfect that it always happens around the holidays!
Sag also compels us to expand our horizons, spiritually and intellectually. You can read more about that in my Sagittarius New Moon blog. (And definitely check out the recording of my virtual New Moon SisterCircle I facilitated through the Wellness Universe on November 22nd if you want to do some deep reflection around your spiriutal journey.
With the air-y, mental energy of the Gemini Full Moon coming up on December 7th, we’ve got a solid counter-balance to the sometimes over-the-top Sagittarius Sun energy shining down on us. (Remember, while the Sun and Moon dancing cheek-to-cheek on the New Moon, they’re tango-ing in opposite signs on the Full Moon).
Gemini is ruled by the Mercury, the planet of communication, so on this Full Moon you may be drawn to examine how you think, then communicate what you’ve discovered. It also rules our relationship with our siblings, so it might be a good time to express appreciation, or attempt to re-connect with them. (Another reason I wanted to highlight my brothers right now!)
My Deb’s Picks this month reflect all of those themes in one way or another.
…with a few holiday treats thrown in. Check them out below and let me know what resonates with you.
Then, be sure to join us for my upcoming Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon TeleMeditation next Wednesday, December 7th at Noon — click HERE for details on how to join us. Hope to “hear” you then! (And if you can’t make it live, let me know and I can send you the link to the recording afterwards.)
SO-HARMONIUMS WINTER CONCERT
Sat., Dec. 17th, 8pm LIVE in NYC & Live-streamed
Once again, my wonderful women’s chorus has another “enchanting” program for you! This year, we’ll be singing a wintry mix of tunes and some holiday movie classics. We’ll be LIVE at Merkin Concert Hall in NYC AND live-streaming so there’s no reason to miss it. Join us as we celebrate both the stillness of winter and the joy of the holiday season! Just click on the link above OR you can go to our website first to learn more about us and get you tix there.
THE QUEER BIG APPLE CORP WINTER CONCERT
Sat., Dec. 10; 8pm; Symphony Space, NYC
This is one of my holiday favorites but sadly I have to miss it this year at I’ll be at a production of the Nutcracker in Danbury CT that friends of ours produce. (Reach out if you’re near there and I’ll give you deets!). They’re going a different direction with this concert to celebrate the beloved film scores of John Williams, in honor of his 90th birthday. You’ll hear his most beloved scores, including Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Home Alone, Catch Me if You Can, and more. And you’ll see them fresh off their debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — pretty cool!
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF AMERICA
OK, now that you’ve got some holiday cheer to bolster your spirits, let’s look at one of the other Gemini Full Moon themes! BBBS been around since 1904, making meaningful monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 5 through young adulthood. My miiddle brother Chris was a Big Brother when he was younger and stayed in touch with his little brother for many years, well into adulthood. I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t heard of this powerful organization, but check out their national website here to see the full scope of their work, then look to see if there’s a local chapter near you. Definitely a great idea for some end-of-year giving during this Gemini season, wouldn’t you say?
RICHARD ROHR’S DAILY MEDITATIONS
I had certainly heard of Father RIchard Rohr before (PBS called him “one of the most popular spirituality authors and speakers in the world”) but my mom recently turned me on to his Daily Meditations and they really are beautiful. He’s the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) which offers a wide array of programs on topics like non-dual consciousness, mystical traditions, and human and cosmic incarnation. Clearly an out-of-the-box thinker, and relatable whether you identify as Christian or not. This particular recent meditation is entitled “Interfaith Friendships” and reflects the idea that our “chosen families” can be as diverse as we want. Click on the link to check out him and CAC!
ESSENE BOOK OF DAYS
I’ve mentioned my favorite daily journal many times here, and in one of my blogs this year. It’s described as a “seasonal journal, calendar, and guide for those on the path of personal and spiritual growth” and it’s been my companion on my journey for over 20 years. Each day includes a morning and evening meditation to read as well as space to write your reflections, all surrounded by images to bring you in synch with the lunar and seasonal cycles. AND it’s wonderfully in tune with our idea of chosen families as it’s based on the teachings of the Essenes, a spiritual community who lived in the Holy Land around the time of Christ. Looking at my tattered 2022 copy, I see I need to order my Essene Book for 2023 — I hope you do, too!
I hope you’ll check out some of these offerings and of course, I’d love to hear about ones you’ve found, too!