Chinese New Year - Monkey Magic is Back

Monkey Magic

Hi Everyone,

Welcome New Year of the Fire Monkey!

February 8th, the second New Moon after the solstice 2016 marked Chinese New Year of the Fire Monkey and oh boy, what a chang-a-roony.  

This is the year of the Cheeky Monkey. A blockbuster shift, moving from two years of Wood element (Green Horse and Green Sheep) to Red Fire Monkey.

Contemplative becomes assertive.

Reflective become proactive.

Stuck becomes rocket launching, fire works and who cares about the slippery slope!

Monkey years have an abundance of energy, enthusiasm and spark. In FIRE, all the MORE dynamic.

This sign shares some of the intellectual and quick-silver qualities of western astrology's sign of Virgo including a love of friends, witty dialog and analytical capabilities. It's mutable, and again, with added fire, think Sagittarius enthusiasm.

Monkeys years are about lofty challenges and high sighted goals--we actually thrive when they have something way out there to reach for. With a hefty dose of curiosity, Monkey years bring a deal of information so we can turn what we learn into wonderful stories we can share with others. 

Our monkey year is all about communicate--be it through phone, internet or face to face. The main thing is we all feel connected. Social, sensitive and full of life, Monkey years can turn trouble into fun, gloom into a sunny day, low returns and results into high octane YES.

Happy New Moon and Chinese New Year of the Monkey! Set sky high intentions! Let us know how it's all going in the comments!

ARIES: Chinese New Year of the Monkey is a social time with plenty of goals and fuel for the fire. Friends mean the world to you and come through with great support and insight. Seek success with confidence, but note the difference between a goal and an agenda. You don't make it happen. You let it . . .

TAURUS: 2016 is all about your career, mission and connection to others. You'll want to be productive on a practical level as well as show the world a whole new, playful, carefree side. Think of it as a time to get yourself 'correct.' That means recognize your worthiness, see your perfection, love yourself unconditionally.
 GEMINI: Monkey year is an adventure for those born under the sign of the twins. Think expansion, excitement, travel via mind, body, spirit, and a whole lot of dreams come true. Your best approach? Use the power of the 'pre-thanks.' The strength of your words, written and spoken, blossoms before your eyes! 
  CANCER: The year of the Monkey invites you to be an energy connoisseur, to pay attention to the play of power between you and others, friends, associates and love interests alike. That means you tune into what you are flowing, without judgement, so you can line up with what you want. Think awareness and fun!
 LEO: Single, mated, looking, hiding, complicated or no strings, 2016 is about getting your love life really happening. This opportunity is pure gold, so put some energy into activating the dream come true relationship you always wished for but never quite manifested. Clean house, inner and outer. Company's coming!
 VIRGO: Whether you want to drop a few extra pounds, gain muscle-lose fat, get into your best shape ever, heal an ongoing issues or boost your magical manifesting skills, the year of the Monkey supports it big time! This is how it works. Get your vibration, AKA your thoughts, there first. Drop judgment!
 LIBRA: Year of the Monkey holds a special place in the heart of Libra, one that will bring forth a pot of gold you had no idea was waiting. Probably didn't see this rainbow coming! But here it is, abundance city! All you have to do is activate 'Life is Good,' and you're following the creative magic. Holy wow!
 SCORPIO: You have a lighthearted connection with the year of the Monkey and to honor it, think about the one thing you really want but are too (afraid, busy, denying, ignoring, projecting on to others) to create. This is you chance to awaken true desires and make them so, by putting your focus there. You go for what you want. Period!
 SAGITTARIUS: All forms of communication lighten up in the year of the Monkey, amplifying everything from dissertation skills to writing, speaking and publishing. It's 'spread the word time', and all you have to do is feel worthy. Boost self-esteem and positive self-talk for major 2016 joy, happiness and success!
 CAPRICORN: Monkey years can amp up your goals and hone your focus, making 2016 a fast track to abundance. How to fuel the engine? Re-think your relationship to FUN. Seriously! The motto is, as long as you're having a good time, there's no such thing as wasting time! Play. Delight. Take up a hobby. Muse. Cruise.
 AQUARIUS: The New Moon in Aquarius heralds the year of the Monkey with personal significance for Water-bearers. This is a powerhouse year, one in which you get to decide how things go. It's all about your perspective so start fresh, drop judgements and open you mind. Motto: There is no spoon. Now go after what you want.
 PISCES: The year of the Monkey can be just the fun and fulfillment you've been hanging out for. Are you ready? With the New Moon in your solar 12th house, it's all about 'the dream'. Feel free to muse your way through the year because the power of transformation lies in you ability to relax and chill out! Allow, allow, allow!  

Happy Chinese New Year xxxKim! 


Kim Falconer is a Supernatural Underground author writing paranormal romance, urban fantasy, YA and epic science fantasy novels.

You can find out more about Kim at the 11th House Blog, and on FaceBook and Twitter.

She posts here at the Supernatural Underground on the 16th of every month and runs Save the Day Writer's Community on Facebook.

Saving the Day

Super Girl Returns by Jungwon Park

Hi Everyone,


Happy New Moon!

If you want to check your scopes for this month, jump on Facy and find your sign. (I've been a bit under the weather this week so popping them there was my easy option.)

For my writerly friends, from published authors to emerging newbies, I 'm posting a couple of quick tuts.

The theme is saving the day, in two very distinct ways.

Number one is literally about saving your work in a way that not only insures against lost files, it give you the freedom to edit at will.

I learned this technique from a film animator and I swear by it now!

Save the Day - Part 1 

 

Number two delves into plot and character, what it takes to write narrative with stakes.

Whether your hero saves the day or fails, there is one thing your writing must have - stakes! This short tutorial talks about what stakes are, where they come from and how they fit into the storytelling.

Quick references to great resources including Donald Maass, Joseph Campbell and Blake Snyder. Clear and concise, what it takes to raise your stakes.

Save the Day - Part 2 

 

I'd love to know how many of you 1) save your work in this way and 2) have favorite books or films where the stake drag you to the edge of your seat.

Feel free to share in the comments.

Happy New Moon, everyone!

xxxKim

Kim Falconer is a Supernatural Underground author writing paranormal romance, urban fantasy, YA and epic science fantasy novels.

You can find out more about Kim at the 11th House Blog, and on FaceBook and Twitter.

She posts here at the Supernatural Underground on the 16th of every month.

Her latest release is "Blood and Water" in Supernatural Underground: Vampires Gone Wild. 

Dark Moon Stars

Christian Schloe - Surrealist Visions

From Kim's 11th House Blog.

Hello Supernatural Underground readers! How fast did 2014 go?

It's the Dark Moon now until December 21st/22nd, the perfect time to reflect on the power and energy about to shift with the final New Moon of 2014. Dark moons are for rest, recuperation, meditation and quietude. Find a place, inner and outer, that represents peace to you and go there.  

New Moon 0 Capricorn 06'
LA - Sunday - 5:35 pm
NY - Sunday - 8:35 pm  
Lon - Monday - 1:35 am  
Syd - Monday - 12:35 pm

New Moons are perfect for setting intentions, pre-paving desires and focusing our energy on what we want, but often we're too busy to get in touch with how we really feel. As the dark moon deepens this week, we can look back over 2014, asking what came to be. What could use some tweaking? Is there any dead wood that wants pruning?

Aligning with the current Astro can help you find the answers now, before the New Moon, and turn that knowledge into powerful transformations.   

These tips are also excellent for setting intentions for a most fabulous and fulfilling 2015.

Key elements in upcoming New Moon are:

1) Uranus direct - think back to March/April 2013. What was set into motion then? You have a chance to make major adjustment there now, and move forward in new ways.

 2) The Uranus/Pluto square - It's been in orb since 2010 but coming to its final exact alignment. What challenges have you faced? What strengths resulted?

 3) Saturn leaving Scorpio to enter Sagittarius - What have you been working hard towards since late 2012? The fruits are about to ripen!

4) New Moon on the 0 degree Aries Point. What is it you want to be 'known for'? Make sure that is part of the intentions you set on this auspicious New Moon.

Remember you get to decide how your respond to everything that comes your way. Be it old family dynamics, new romantic interest, brilliant creative dream or a job/living situ that has to change, you set the stage by how you think of it.

Click to Enlarge - New Moon Chart December 2014

Sign by Sign Horoscopes for the New Moon and the New Year 2015!

ARIES: This New Moon is a laser focus on your career, mission, profession. It's not enough to just get by. You want to express your capabilities out into the world. Ask what it is you represent and be that every time you step outside your door. Career Action time! Make a move.

TAURUS: Think new horizons as the possibilities for expansion present themselves in the new year. The focus for you is on new experiences - going places you have never been before. Travel, meditate, learn, teach, wander beyond the beaten path. Expand your awareness now!

 GEMINI: The New Moon activates your house of shared resources, collaboration and the desire to transformation. It helps if you let go of old ways of thinking about yourself and embracing the new. Include the art of receiving in this renaissance self. Abundance through joint endeavors. 

  CANCER: The New Moon rises in your 7th house of relationships and the intentions you set now will pave the way for your all of 2015. Hint: Begin with yourself. That's the partnership that counts! Be there for yourself, and shower your life with LOVE, appreciation and reverence. 

  LEO: Time to address any health or healing areas. Everything you do in your day to day routine counts - exercise, nutrition and the thoughts you think! The key to manifesting the life of your dreams begins with the basics, with soap and water and the kitchen sink. Appreciate every little thing.


VIRGO: The focus for you is creative self-expression, your art, craft and recreation. What is it you love doing? More of that is in order! Your homework is to have the time of your life through play, creative practice, music, dance, theater, film . . . whatever lights you up. Romance doesn't go astray either!


LIBRA: This New Moon is in your house of secret feelings and it's going to awaken all kinds of magic in your life. Eyes open. Be ready! Any and everything you do to improve the home right now improves you too! De-clutter, and spruce up the Feng Shui. Dreams and synchronicities light the way!

 SCORPIO: For you, the New Moon rises in your 3rd house of 'mind' and it's your thoughts and how you direct them that are most empowered. This is where your communication skills come in to play. Use them! Focus on what you want most, speak it aloud, and watch dreams come into being.

  SAGITTARIUS: The New Moon in Capricorn can make it easy to get distracted with pragmatic concerns. This isn't 'bad' though if you look deeper at your 'resources' you'll see your true wealth is your core values. Use them. Meanwhile, sort your finances, make a new plan, and expect abundance in 2015.

 CAPRICORN: This is your personal New Moon so take a moment to reflect on how your life is progressing. What have you accomplished in 2014? What goals do you want to set in 2015? Care to raise your sights? The sky truly is the limit, so start blasting through those set-points now!

 AQUARIUS: The New Moon rises out of the land of dreams and the chaos of the unconscious mind. It's about letting go and allowing for what you want as opposed to trying to force things to 'make it happen'. The more you relax, let go of control and allow your intuition to guide you, the better. No resistance!

 PISCES: The Capricorn Moon lights up your house of friends and like-minded others. You are opening to new connections and also, perhaps, some friends are starting to drift away. Just go with the ebb and flow, releasing the urge to grasp and cling. 2015 brings leadership roles! Be ready!

 Comments always welcome.

Have a wonderful NEW MOON and a safe and warm holiday season!

 Namaste all!
 xxxKim
Kim Falconer is a Supernatural Underground author writing paranormal romance, urban fantasy, YA and epic science fantasy novels.

You can find out more about Kim at GoodVibeAstrology.com,  KimFalconer.com or on the 11th House Blog, and on FaceBook and Twitter. She posts here at the Supernatural Underground on the 16th of every month. Her latest release is"Blood and Water" in Supernatural Underground: Vampires Gone Wild.

Experience Everything; Exclude Nothing

'Boundlessness in Bloom' by Duh Huynh

The full moon @25 Libra yesterday was a total eclipse -  meaning the next week is the perfect time to let go of 'tolerations' and get a move on with your life.

Symbolically, it's a time of culmination and release. Expect some emotional cleansing, the 'good for the soul' kind. You might also find something you've been waiting for arrives - the news, the green light, the big opportunity, and if not, you understand where, how, when and why it's time to regroup. Either way, it feel like progress is possible, and it is!

The focus might well be on relationship. You could see the light in terms of how to live your connections in a more fulfilling-to-you way Hint: if you want to improve your relationships 'out there' in the world, improve your relationship to yourself. It all begins with you.  

How can you best align with the energy of the eclipse?

First, release those 'tolerations'. Here's how Jeannette Maw describes them:

To tolerate something means to “allow the existence of, to permit or endure or put up with something.” This implies that the something (or someone) is less than ideal and tends to drain a person’s energy. Thus, a toleration is often a hindering influence to the vibration. More . . .

To recognize those toerlations, we need to feel everything; exclude nothing. Roll up your sleeves, and do the inner work. Whatever has kept you from your own growth and happiness is released, with conscious awareness and intention. If ever there was a Rainer Maria Rilke Eclipse, this is it:

It is not inertia alone that is responsible for human relationships repeating themselves from case to case, indescribably monotonous and unrenewed: it is shyness before any sort of new, unforeseeable experience with which one does not think oneself able to cope. But only someone who is ready for everything, who excludes nothing, not even the most enigmatic, will live the relation to another as something alive.

Use this opportunity to tune in and see where you can open this door to a shared experiences, and also clean any closets or clutter found blocking the way.

NOTE: The energy of the eclipse can be felt 30 days before, the time of, or 30 days after (give or take 3 days in each case). That means circle your calendar for (March 15), April 15 and May 15 +- 3 days. Also, for those of us mature enough to recall, note what was happening April 15th 1995, the last time we had a Lunar Eclipse at 25 Libra. What was the energy like then? How did you align to it? Ideas?

ARIES: The eclipse highlights a contrast between career/creative goals and your love life giving you a chance to see things from a different perspective. Take time to consider all sides then make a choice that feels like the most challenging. After all, you are meant to have adventures!

TAURUS: There is an indulgent feeling in the air, a sweet song that lures you away from practical goals like sensible eating and a good night's sleep. The eclipse in Libra will enchant you and then suddenly snap you back to 'reality.' Fortunately, a path once traveled is easily found again. Learn to walk both.
GEMINI: The Muse is awakened, called by the full moon eclipse in your house of creative self-expression. This is where you follow your heart's desire be it a lover, work of art, manuscript or film. You're officially clocked off! If it doesn't start with 'free spirited', it's not on the docket. Reconnect with your rapture.
CANCER: The Lunar Eclipse in your home sector brings the urge to retreat, but not alone. You want those close to you gathered around. Easy done. Host a family dinner, have friends over for a film night, dance or ritual, organize a working bee. Take the initiative and bring loved ones together for a purpose.
LEO: After weeks of crazy communications, this full moon is a time to clear up any lingering misunderstandings. Start first with yourself. What wires are crossed? What inner messages have you missed? Once sorted you go on to straighten out any kinks with friends and family. A simple, let's start again will do.
VIRGO: Mars is still retrograde in your house of $$$ and talents, and after ruling Mercury Rx for weeks before that, you might feel like your spinning your wheels. Not so! To get your life on track, think of three things you want to do this year, set clear intentions to do them and roll up your sleeves. By mid May, the plan unfolds.
LIBRA: This is your yearly full moon (eclipse), one that has you feeling intense, focused and a little overworked. Set the tempo for the rest of the year now by creating perfect balance between home/family, career/creativity, lovers and others and your own 'me' time. Think equal portions, clear intentions, easy done.
SCORPIO: This eclipse is tagging 12th house of the unseen real, bringing up content from the unconscious like a dog digs up an old bone. It might help to remember that for the dog, that buried thing is a treasure! The key to sailing through this lunation is to relax, let go and allow. Notice your dreams. Glean the message and move on.
SAGITTARIUS: The key words for the centaur are socialize, tantalize, realize. This is not a go it alone time. As you mix with like-minded others, the eclipse shines on your goals and wishes for the future. Are they current? On track? Still relevant? Take time to sort through, eliminating anything past its use-by-date.
CAPRICORN: The eclipse lights up your house of public relationship, reputation and career. There could be some limelight, or at least an interview or two. The key is to 'create no response', that is, pay no attention to any gossip or whispers. Your authenticity stands. Just acknowledge credit where credit is due.
AQUARIUS: This is an explorer's eclipse for all Water-bearers, one that has you looking to distant horizons, speaking of sweeping events and notions and finding new paths to enlightenment. Under the cool rays of the moon you will see things from a fresh perspective. Think awareness, contemplations, assimilation.
PISCES: The eclipse in your regeneration sector has you thinking intense thoughts and prepping to make life changing decisions. There is no rush. Actually, it serves you better to pace yourself this month, launching new plans after Mars goes direct on the 19th of May. Now is for composure and intimate connections. And inner peace.

Post in the comments where this eclipse is lighting up your chart. We'll compare notes! Happy fill Moon Everyone.



 Kim Falconer is a Supernatural Underground author writing paranormal romance, urban fantasy, YA and epic science fantasy novels.

You can find out more about Kim at kimfalconer.com or on the 11th House Blog, and on FaceBook and Twitter. She posts here at the Supernatural Underground on the 16th of every month. Her latest release is"Blood and Water" in Supernatural Underground: Vampires Gone Wild.

Tips for Mercury Rx - Keep Calm

Ian Somherhalder

Mercury the trickster, planet of communication, messenger of the gods, is retrograde until the end of the month. During this time we might stumble, stutter and lose track of our works - always an exciting time for writers, or anyone trying to remember where they put their car keys. But there's a reason for the mania, an it's a good one.

We are asked to rethink, reconsider, review and reevaluate ideas, feelings, plans and promises. Basically, slow it down, and rewind a little. Reflect.

Because Mercury is Rx in Pisces/Aquarius, the energy is about trust - faith in the unknown future. In the house where Mercury is transiting, we let go of ‘shoulds’ and embrace authentic core values. Ask, what constitutes love and nurturing to me? What is my best path to the future that has 'me' all over it? The most primary way you can improve your life at this time is to relax, reflect and do your thing!  

Below are sign by sign tips based on the 'solar houses' sign (your sun sign), or the actual house Mercury is transiting, if you know it. Read both, if they are different. Love to hear of your experiences in the comments!

ARIES: Mercury in the 11th house - Mercury Rx in your 11th house of friends and groups can turn the usual gatherings into a mix of emoticons, all rolling about in different directions. The question is how do you feel? Allow for a new view when it comes to social connections, and find ways to relax amid the tension. Gems emerge when you aren't looking.

TAURUS: Mercury in the 10th house - Career, mission or profession can feel like a dream time journey, with the auto focus weaving in and out! This is good news! For the next three weeks you let go of trying to micromanage your future and 'make things happen.' Let your neurons relax so the universe can open new doors to infinite possibilities! 

GEMINI: Mercury in the 9th house -Travel or study plans turn into the trickster's playground for the next three weeks. Deep breaths. Remember, it's not about forging ahead right now, but finding peace and serenity in the midst of contrast. Take time out to reconsider your world view. Is it what you think, or what you are expected to think?

CANCER: Mercury in the 8th house - Mercury Rx in your house of shared resources has you reconsidering any joint financial arrangements, both income and debt. As you sift through possibilities, you’ll discover creative ways to organize and restructure the boundaries to your liking. You decide, but not yet. Let it marinate for a while. Go have fun.

 LEO: Mercury in the 7th house - Communication with partners, practical or intimate, goes a bit zany– muddled and/or blurred! It's not the best time to come to any conclusions as wires get crossed. Use your gut feelings to make choices that can't be delayed, and ask what you believe about partnerships. Rethink your relationships, without judgement.

 VIRGO: Mercury in the 6th house - Mercury Rx through your 6th house of well-being says reconsider your lifestyle. Is this really what you want, or are you there because of circumstances ‘beyond your control?’ (ha!) Take stock of your nutrition, exercise, healthy care, comfort zone and routine. Start with what you believe about your body! More Self-Love!

LIBRA: Mercury in the 5th house - This is a time to go into cruise control on the creative realm and practice the art of allowing. Think play, recreate and relax. Consider where you can expand your beliefs and live more in the 'now'. The goal is to drop judgment and experience life in the red hot moment. And it will be red hot! 

SCORPIO: Mercury in the 4th house - Thoughts turn to home life, family and symbiotic connections. Give yourself enough ‘me’ time to appreciate recent inner growth and development. Ask what family means to you. Home? Is there anything you believe that could be limiting your experience of others? Listen. Love. Reflect!

SAGITTARIUS: Mercury in the 3rd house - The Mercury Rx puts the Trickster in control of your tongue. You say one thing and they hear another. Emails, sans body language, get misconstrued. Don’t even think about sending text msg without punctuation. But it's excellent for revising manuscripts or creative projects put on the back burner. Go there!

CAPRICORN: Mercury in the 2nd house - Use this Mercury Rx to get in touch with what really gives you a sense of peace and happiness, then let go of the outmoded core values and actions. Awareness is the first step. It will lead to skill and talent development that is more authentic than you ever though possible. Expect a clean fresh $$ Vibe 

AQUARIUS: Mercury in the first house - Mercury Rx meanders through your home, work, Self and relationship life. Everything! Best reflect on what you believe about what you do, where you do it, whom you do it with. How? Just set an intention to notice the things you like about your life and smile. Exhale and limitations are going, going, gone.

PISCES: Mercury in the 12th house - With Mercury Rx in your solar 12th house, it's time to go 'in' and listen to your dreams. Not daydream fantasies of achievement, goals, challenges and actions, but really sink deep into the depths of your soul. What messages are welling up from there? Watch for synchronicity, tune into feelings, receive.


Kim Falconer is a Supernatural Underground author writing paranormal romance, urban fantasy, YA and epic science fantasy novels.

You can find out more about Kim at kimfalconer.com or on the 11th House Blog. She posts here at the Supernatural Underground on the 16th of every month. Her latest release is"Blood and Water" in Supernatural Underground: Vampires Gone Wild.