I had a crazy health scare last week, and am recovering from a relapse of my Anklyosising Spondylitis on top of everything else going on in my life. On February 13th, I called an ambulance for myself (never done that before), and asked for help because I thought I was having a heart attack *grimace* Certainly makes you slow down... (hope that everyone really understands my need at this time) I've been diagnosed with the genetic inflammatory condition A.S. which has many possible secondary conditions of inflammation, of which I have all but one (nice huh?) In 2002, I went to my GP for possible angina issues, and with 16 x-rays, he determined I have costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage of the rib cage) which is different in patients of A.S. because we have an issue with cartilage hardening to grow over joints, deforming the body & preventing flexion, function & posture. I was given a self-test to compare heart versus rib issues when I'm concerned in distinguishing them, and it turns out that if you press on the chest but the pain lessens, then release and hurts badly, that is your heart. If you press and it hurts equally or a bit more, but it's essentially the same on release, it's your costochondritis. Unfortunately, I spent four hours with worsening symptoms last Wednesday until I needed help determining if my heart was actually in trouble *sigh* Evidently, my costochrondritis is progressing, and the symptoms are becoming much worse, in part due to Fibromyalgia in the muscles around my cage. This is not great news... And am in the process of screening my heart & other tests, so will have more definitive news soon. I've become so accustomed to the issues with A.S. that on the whole, I appear both healthy & capable when going about my day, and plan strenuous activities every other day, unless am in relapse. Now I have fear for my future that cannot be ignored, and am desperately hopeful that with work, I can manage what is coming. I'm not really up to covering the other 'issues' that are going on, LOL! Instead... How about that Total Lunar Eclipse two nights ago!! *grins* I took the time to honour the Goddess, and observe this celestial event which I consider a reboot for the Moon—when she has reprieve for a few moments from the Sun's rays, separating God from Goddess for her renewal. I wanted the same for myself, and meditated on my opportunity for a new beginning. I divine on eclipses as well, with readings on myself & my relationships (very ironic to be doing Shadow work when the Moon is in Mother Earth's shadow!) I really love my practice. Here is an image of the TLE from downtown Ottawa, Canada: 
Rebooting with the Moon
Crazy in Love
This has been some of the busiest days I’ve had in months, and my load is heavy. I know I've missed things here, and it's the same with things at my end. My time with my nephew has been unfortunately limited. First visit (after the new family had settled in) was planned for the night of our move home, and of course, we had a huge storm here *grimace*
He went in for his two-week (unbelievable huh?!) checkup, and has surpassed his birthweight (a goal they set as newborns lose weight before they gain) and is 1.5 inches longer! He also won the baby of the month contest with the image I posted earlier—a fab gift package worth about $200 from the hospital. In fact, he is so spoiled that the monetary gifts have already established his first year of tuition for university, LOL!
When the proud parents received some images from us, they sent a few of their own from the night of his birth, and my sis-in-law took one of me holding Owen, with my Hon holding me, and sure enough, there on my Hon’s chest is an orb. I absolutely believe that my familiar Kitty was with us; I miss him so much.
So yesterday, I visited with Owen again. Was unbelieveably powerful, and I’m in complete awe of him. I have fallen so completely in love, and wish I could be with him all the time. The major difference I saw was his skin tone. I felt the night of his birth that he had his mother’s Moroccan colouring, an olive tone that is so gorgeous, and tans beautifully (and ironically is kind on stretch marks too!) It was so much more obvious yesterday. His temperament was confirmed as well; he’s so calm & peaceful, but very much present in his surroundings. *happy sigh*
I think about his natal chart interpretations, and will be investing the time in casting & compiling it soon. My Mom received a fabulous gift for Owen—a star. She may register one of the celestial bodies after her grandson. Amazing. I will be helping her choose the constellation area, and intend to explain to her the Heaven’s alignments when he was born. In one of my posts on GPO, I explain that many of us are unawares there are thirteen not twelve Sun signs in our zodiac now, and as a result, he will be called an Aquarius but is actually a Capricorn!
One of my gifts for him was a moulding kit for his footprints, and then I picked up another for his hands, hehe. Here are his tiny little feet, so precious. Trust me, this is to scale too!
And now some images of this handsome fella, before & after…
Morning in the City
The day I've had...
Did I mention the freezing rain?!!?
He's Here!
I want to introduce you to my precious nephew, Owen Christopher. This handsome fellow was born on Thursday, January 24th, 2008 @ 18:43 EST in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada to a loving family. We are so very blessed! I welcomed him for this incarnation, and have been sending energies for the three of them since...
Sun in Aquarius
Ascendant is Leo
Moon in Virgo
Mercury in Aquarius
Venus in Capricorn
Mars in Retrograde in Gemini
Jupiter in Capricorn
Saturn in Retrograde in Virgo
Uranus in Pisces
Neptune in Aquarius
Pluto in Sagittarius
Chiron in Aquarius
Awed by Divine Creation
A blessing is on the way... really, he is here right now, but I cherish the opportunity to welcome him. My brother's first child, a boy, is due for arrival end of January, or first week of February. He's a precious gift for both families, and the most exciting thing in my life right now by far. I think on his current thoughts & experiences of this new world. I'm awed by his spirit. He has such love & support already that I wonder if he ever feels lonely, because it seems so contrary. I want to feel his warmth, and share mine. I imagine him upside-down, muffled & swaddled, preparing to journey to us.
I'm waiting as patiently as I can, because all good things come with time... especially when touched by the divine.