eclipse of the century

Lasting three hours, 28 minutes and 23 seconds, the November 19 lunar eclipse breaks monumental records. There hasn’t been a longer partial lunar eclipse since 1440. According to NASA, it will remain the longest eclipse for the next 648 years - until the next one in 2669. 

Plus this lunar spectacle has the Moon passing so deep through the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow that it almost qualifies as a total lunar eclipse and barely a penumbral one.

full beaver blood moon over NYC

According to astrologer Cathy Pagano, Eclipses represent portals of transformation and awakening, opening us to unknown parts of ourselves. Perhaps it’s time to cleanse and heal past life patterns that tested us to grow.

Lunar eclipses often finish up old business. Eclipses sometimes bring fated events into our lives that help with the evolution and growth of our soul, especially if they contact any of our natal planets.

Eclipses come around to ask, Are you living from the heart? Taurus asks, What is of value to you and your life? Scorpio asks, How long are we going to hold onto childhood’s traumas when the world needs us to grow up?

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At times things look sunny on the surface - yet there may be some limiting [beliefs, doubts, or blocks] in the unconscious that need to be cleared out - to get closer to our truth. ⁠

How exciting to be at the forefront of shaping a new vision of life for a new society. What do we each have to do to make this a reality today?

freedom & equality for all

This year marks the 245th Independence Day of the United States of America. The story of America’s independence has more historical twists and turns than most of us realize or believe to be true.

Independence Day USA - July 4th

In the 1700s, America wasn’t really a nation of ‘united states.’ Instead, there were 13 colonies with distinct personalities. To this day Americans are so invested in their independence, it's the one major obstacle that gets in the way of a united nation with "liberty and justice for all." 

Independence Day Timeline

The threat of COVID-19 may have done more to bring us together and drop our differences than any thing has been able to achieve is way too long. American glory of the Red, White and Blue has brought as much divisive dissent as it brings unifying pride. 

The holiday is quieter and more somber for most - there's been too much loss and change for way too many. In addition to the pall cast over the country by the pandemic and other catastrophes, the west coast faces a heightened risk of wildfires after a scorching heat wave and extremely dry conditions.

Enjoyable as barbecues, parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and fireworks are - surely we can spend Independence Day more meaningfully. Our nation of consumers must now seriously deal with turning into a country of restorers and nurturers if it hopes to survive and thrive.

memorial weekend shenanigans

True to its weather history, this Memorial Day weekend is wet and wild. It started to rain late afternoon on Thursday, May 27 and it hasn't let up at all. Temperatures dropped from highs at mid 90*F to lows of mid 50*F, with constant rain, chilling winds, possible hail even, coastal flood alerts, and small craft advisories. 

Geroge Washington Bridge off in the milky murky distance

Not to be deterred, wonder | wander | world celebrations this year are with family who just arrived from far away Philippines. We are all finally gathered together in our home away from home in Edgewater, New Jersey. 

Hugs and kisses all around now that we've all been vaccinated. Our true cause for celebration - especially since we have not been together under one roof since COVID-19 shut us away in our isolated bubbles. 

home altar with fresh cut blush peonies

In time for Memorial Day tomorrow. We offer prayers in deep gratitude for those who have made freedom in our lives avaible through their honorable sacrifice for our country and families. 

Happy glorious Sunday folks! 

Spring Equinox 2021

In the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox (aka spring equinox or vernal equinox) occurs when the Sun crosses the equator line, heading north. This event marks the start of spring in the northern half of the globe. 

Credit: Getty

The Spring Equinox holds great importance for many reasons. It’s on the equinox that the sun transits exactly over the earth’s equator, making the hours of daylight and darkness equal almost everywhere on Earth, creating balance.

Year of the White Metal Ox 2021

wonder | wonder | world greets all - Kung Hei Fat Choi! Happy Year of the White Metal Ox 2021! 

2021 is an Ox Year

Ox is the second of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor pronounced the order would be decided by how they would arrive at his party. Ox appeared to be the first to arrive, but Rat, who had tricked Ox into giving him a ride, jumped down and landed ahead to take the first position. 

ang pau - lucky red envelope

In Asian culture, the Ox is a valued hardworking and methodical animal because of its role in agriculture. Positive characteristics attributed to the ox are its persistence, earnestness and honesty. 

Bellagio Gardens lunar display

This is a lucky year - perfect for focusing on relationships - in friendship or love. The year of the Metal Ox brings career advancement, success in business, prosperity, and wellness for all zodiac signs. It is a favorable year for economic recovery and consolidation, a year of long-term investments. 

art where you are at

Still on our art bingeing roll. . . .wonder | wander | world invites all to "Art Where You're At" - a special series of NPR. 

An informal series showcasing offerings at museums closed because of COVID-19 or at museums you may not be able to visit.

recent featured exhibits

As recently featured artist, Kyunmi Shin so aptly put it, "Art is a way for me to investigate issues of my own identity." 

What better way to get to know yourself? Surrounded by the beauty of art produced all over the world throughout the ages. 

May 2021 be better and brighter for us all!