In sync with Mercury in Cancer’s square to Jupiter in Aries hailing the Capricorn Lunar Eclipse did we hit the road early on Saturday morning to visit the family matriarch on her birthday. It’s a long and boring drive we are all too familiar with, which feels exhausting after a while and even more so after the busy hustle and bustle to get us ready, packed and going. The road seems to stretch endlessly and the scenery is pretty much the same until we are close to our destination, where the road winds its way through the lush green hills, valleys and meadows of the beautiful Niagara escarpment. At the beginning of this journey however, in the immediate aftermath of the Eclipse, the things that caught my eye were stark and sad reminders of the Gulf disaster as I saw two dead raccoons in short succession laying to the side of the road, while a bird crashed on our windshield in full flight. What a tragic, cruel ending for those innocent beings, victims of our expansion into and conquering of the wilderness, which is their habitat and therefore, they are forced to cross the street, where they were ‘wrecked by the train’ that’s our way of life, our careless relationship with nature and all that surrounds us. Haunting images of defenseless creatures in the path of human evolution, which has turned destructive as it is based on the principle of exclusivity. Right there, the universe provided me with a tangible example of the energy.
Anyway, J decided to take a different road, a bit of a detour, but very picturesque, which led us through Mennonite territory, where time seems to stand still, though only for a few miles. Further down the road, there was enough evidence that those people are adjusting to modern living. The scene of old-fashioned clothed and hair-styled Mennonites behind computers in their hardware store was almost laughable. Nonetheless, they still set up small tables on the side of the road with fresh water for the passerby who might be thirsty and with flowers for sale, counting on the ethics of the purchaser. We reached the Grand Valley and took in the beauty of its hills and lake and then the rain started, mercilessly in one cloudburst after another, blocking our view and enjoyment of the scenery. This was especially annoying as I had the opportunity to see the panoramic Hockley Valley again, which is an absolute delight for the eye.
Hockley Valley is part of the Niagara escarpment which was created by a long process of erosion. The escarpment cuts dramatically across the southern heartland of the province. Between Lake Erie and Ontario, the escarpment gives rise to Niagara Falls, then curves around Lake Ontario and reaches northward to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and beyond, ending at Manitoulin Island. The Nottawasaga River cuts a picturesque gorge across the escarpment. Forested moraines and open meadows lie upstream, and swamp and bottomland forest spread across the valley floor, stretching for several kilometres.
Nottawasaga River tributary
So, the terrain is already rocky there with wild water rushing down in rapids through the forest that’s flanking the narrow road and occasionally offering the sight of private idyllic spots dotting this gorgeous landscape in form of lovely homes and nature businesses, among them an ecological retreat center. Upon approaching the top of the steep hill, we got right into a busy place, the location of the restaurants and souvenir and craft stores. At one time, I will have to check that out!
In another half hour we reached Alliston, our destination, where we first had to head for the gas station and then for the flower store before we arrived at Mom’s house. As usual, she was busy with meal preparations and as usual she made way too much. My daughter, who had been there since Friday already, gave her a helping hand. Anne opened the door for us and Ruby, her cute, wild dog, welcomed us, which usually happens in the most untamed way, but I tricked him with a toy we had bought for him and he of course fell for it, giving us a few minutes to unload. But then he wanted to be petted and play with me. After the plentiful lunch (I stuck with my raw almonds and mineral water) did we women gather to exchange advice on handcrafting. It felt like a tradition being handed down from generation to generation – not surprisingly with Mom’s birthday on the Lunar Eclipse (btw., she had her hair cut off in a very stylish way with the square to Uranus, which made her look years younger in age). In particular so, since this was something she wanted always to do, but never had the opportunity – teach other women the many different crafting skills she has acquired. While she gave me some of her needles in addition to a few things she had crocheted, my daughter picked out a few books for her library. Then the phone rang and that would keep up all afternoon. In between we looked at each others’ pictures and then more guests showed up from J’s side of the family. Mom got a full house and two dogs all over each other, chasing around, swirling the dust from the ground and a little boy trying to catch up to them. J’s nephew announced that his wife is in the family way again – this time it’ll be a daughter. He let Mom view all his pictures on his iPad. She had lots of fun with it and reminded us that she wants to learn (once again! Mercury in Cancer and natally too) to use her computer.
Only later in the afternoon was the weather friendly enough that we could go into the backyard, where the atmosphere was a lot more peaceful. I was busy shooting pictures and hope a few of them will at least turn out well, which would make Mom happy. We had to head home soon, considering the long drive, and left together with my daughter, who stopped at a Tim Horton’s to meet with her pregnant girlfriend. She asked me to knit a set of baby clothes for the baby shower in two weeks. We arrived at home with our energy level pretty much depleted, but now it was the rabbit’s time to get out. The little bugger was already impatiently awaiting us.
Astro-wise, the family-gathering was a great example for the Lunar Eclipse, supported by Mercury square Jupiter – the guests traveled there from all directions, so to speak, and plenty of information was exchanged in a connecting and bonding way. Besides, it went a lot better than I had expected. 🙂
SHIFTING REALITIES 