The lunar new year of the Water Tiger has begun. Geomancers and astrologers have mixed predictions. The Tiger is strong and ferocious. There are rituals to follow and lucky charms to acquire for protection. It is the beginning of a new cycle, a time of great transition. It is necessary to reconnect with our inner compass, to navigate uncertainties and radical changes. One should get out of the safe zone, and travel on a different path. One needs to deal with new challenges, prove self-confidence and seek personal growth.
In the spirit of fun, let us look at V Day, the most popular day of the year.
A well-known astrologer said that the theme is exciting, erratic and unpredictable. She cautioned that it would not have permanence. “A relationship would have sudden meetings, sudden departures that are not convenient.”
The shifting energies are happening because of the start of a new zodiac cycle. There will be instability because of the imbalance of the elements.
“For ongoing, old relationships or those trying to revive relationships, it would be good because there would be electrifying emotions, rejuvenation.”
The key words are “fantasy” and “glamor” in the old-fashioned sense of the word.
Glamor is the antithesis of reality. It would be dreamlike for a few days because of the position of the ruling planets vis-a-vis the moon. “Enjoy the day.”
Then, it’s back to reality.
The most romantic day of the year has always been Valentine’s Day. Not anymore. Over the past few decades, it has deteriorated into an OTT (over-the-top) commercial event. The excesses of materialism and consumerism were evident in marketing gimmicks and advertisements. Before the crisis, one felt pressured to spend on gifts, romantic dinners, weekend treats for the special someone (or the “significant others,” plus, plus… meaning the others — No. 1 and No. 2). The macho men with the wherewithal to spend and impress could celebrate on three consecutive dates. This practice has toned down considerably during the past two years of lockdowns. Downsizing is the buzz word.
Where is true love if it is not exclusive? If affection is spread out thinly among several “beloveds,” it would be washed out and wrung dry. One can forget about fairy tales and seeing the world through rose colored lenses.
The full moon will coincide with V Day. As it revolves around the earth, the moon affects the tides, the moods and behavior of people. Its magnetic pull is phenomenal and mystical. For astronomers, astrology buffs, and moon lovers, it is magical to gaze at a rare blue (or red) moon, or a lunar eclipse.
The weather has been weird and unpredictable for the past years.
Solar storms occur in the sun but they do not affect us directly.
However, devastating, vicious typhoons happen on and off season — uprooting homes, wreaking havoc and destroying farms, communities, and cities. There have been long inconvenient power outages in the ravaged islands.
Global warming adversely affects the environment — the coastal and marine populations. In the Arctic and Antarctic regions, the glaciers are melting. Despite warnings of catastrophes, fuel emissions and plastic garbage disposal continue unabated. Every year, the temperature of the earth and the water level rise.
Above us, the planetary alignments and celestial patterns are slightly askew. The variance may appear tiny but the effects are far reaching. Lunar and solar eclipses have eerie effects on our planet.
On the lighter side, we are lucky to have constellations, falling stars, shooting comets, and meteor showers. These are the spectacular treats of the night sky.
Nothing is as wondrous as making a wish on the silver moon.
Maria Victoria Rufino is an artist, writer and businesswoman. She is president and executive producer of Maverick Productions.
