Father's Day, First Day of Spring, and the Season of Cancer All In One

 

"Father's Day, Summer, and the Stars" by Christine Graves via NightCafe Studio

Happy Father's Day, First Day of Summer, and Season of Cancer. I think it's kind of cool that all three of these events are happening on the same day. 

First of all, Happy Father's Day to all the dads, stepdads, granddads, moms who had to play dads, uncles, and brothers who stepped up and did all the "dad" things. I miss my daddy every day. He was a huge force in my life and allowed me to be the person I wanted to be. He wasn't afraid to show some tough love, but he was never afraid to show us girls (there were three of us) just how much he loved us.

The man I referred to as my daddy wasn't even biologically mine. He was my stepdad, but he never treated me like a stepkid. I was his daughter, plain and simple. If I screwed up, he'd chew my ass and dish out the punishment. But for the most part, he was my biggest fan. He would boast about my accomplishments, taught me how to fish, and always supported my creative endeavors. He was my hero and I'll always miss him.

Today, we also usher in the season of Cancer, the crab. (June 21-July 22). Those born under the sign of Cancer are thought to be highly protective and fiercely loyal to those they love. They are the ones who hold families together and work to keep the peace. However, Cancers tend to get their feelings hurt rather quickly and will "hide inside their shell" and withdraw from the rest of the world. 

Cancer is a water sign and ruled by the Moon. In Greek mythology, the zodiac of Cancer came about because the 12 Labors of Heracles. It is said that while Heracles was fighting the Hydra, the goddess Hera sent a crab to attack the hero. Instead, Heracles stepped on the crab, killing it instantly. However, Hera took the crab and set him the night sky as the constellation Cancer.

Though we usually think of Cancer as a crab, it can also be depicted as a lobster. The ancient Egyptians believed the constellation was a scarab beetle, while the Mesopotamians believed it to be a turtle. 

Famous Cancers include:

Sylvester Stallone (July 6)
Pamela Anderson (July 1)

Meryl Streep (June22)
Princess Diana (July 1)

And finally, happy first day of summer. I don't know what that means where you're from, but in my neck of the woods, that means it's gonna be bloody-well hot for the next few months. When I say hot, I'm mean anywhere from 85* to 110*F. Every single day. And, unfortunately, we're in the middle of a nasty drought, so it will feel even hotter. 

I have to admit, I like summer way more than I like winter. I'd rather be overly hot than cold. I hate the cold. I'm old and the cold hurts all the way to my bones. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to complain no matter what the weather is, but I prefer summer. 

I love that all three of these events land on the same day. A day to honor the father figures in our lives, a day to rejoice in the changing of the seasons, and a day to celebrate those born under the sign of Cancer. What better way to spend the day than to go fishing, enjoy time with loved ones, and throw an epic celebration. Sounds like a party to  me. 

Until next time,
Mom Graves!!!

The Season of Gemini

 

"Gemini" by Christine Graves via Nightcafe Studio

Hello, my darlings. Welcome to the season of the twins. Yes, we are smack dab in the middle of the zodiacal season of Gemini. Beginning May 21st and going through June 20, the twins dominate the sky and those born under their watch.

I'm planning on doing this as a whole series throughout the rest of this year and into next. I know, I should have started this in January, but I just came up with it. So, today's as good a time as any. I won't claim to be someone who knows all there is about zodiac signs and horoscopes and all that. I just love the stories behind the signs.

The mainstream theory behind the basis of Gemini is the Greek story of brothers Castor and Pollux. These brothers were half-brothers as they had different fathers. Pollux was the son of Zeus and, as such, was immortal. Castor, on the other hand, was the son of a mortal king and could therefore be killed.

During a battle, Castor is killed, and Pollux is inconsolable. He begs his father, Zeus, to take his immortality away from him so he may follow his brother into Hades. Zeus comes to a compromise and allows the brothers to spend half the year in Hades and the other half in the Heavens as the constellation Gemini.

Although this story is the most well-known, the Babylonians believed the constellation to be the great twins Meshlamtaea (The One who has arisen from the Underworld) and Lugalirra (The Mighty King). Furthermore, the Egyptians knew the constellation as the cosmic twins Shu and Tefnut. Twin children of the creator god, Aten. It is thought that they are represented on the Dendera Zodiac as the constellation of Gemini.

People born under the sign of Gemini are known to be "the life of the party". They're usually up for anything, will always keep the mood light and fun, and are always on the lookout for the next good time. Not because they're frivolous, but because they get bored easily and need something to keep them busy. 

Geminis are highly intelligent and make great storytellers. Some think Geminis are scatterbrained, but the truth is that because of their dual personality, they find it hard to make decisions. They can see both sides of any issue and find the truth in both sides of any argument.

Geminis are ruled by the planet Mercury, and as such, they enjoy great conversations, traveling, and learning new things. 

Some of the biggest names in Hollywood are Geminis, including Chris Evans (June 13th), Angelina Jolie (June 4th), and my favorite...Johnny Depp (June 9). Other Geminis include Marilyn Monroe (June 1st), Bob Dylan (May 24th), and Prince (June 7th). 

If you're a Gemini, embrace your creativity. Find that place inside of you where your dual personality brings all your dreams to a point. Celebrate the unique moments in your life that only you can feel. However, remember to keep yourself grounded and focus on the task at hand. 

Until next time,
Mom Graves!!!