Latest news with #Persephone
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Transform trauma and shed the dead during 2025's Pluto retrograde in Aquarius
Pluto, our petite power planet of primordial urges, transformation through trauma, ID energy and the subconscious mind, is going retrograde in Aquarius from May 4th to October 13th. Over the past few years, Pluto has been dipping between the final degrees of stalwart, capitalist dad jeans Capricorn and the early degrees of charismatic cult leader Aquarius. But now, the so-called dwarf planet has set up shop in the realm of the water bearer — where it will remain until March 8, 2043. A reminder, planets do not truly move backward, but do decelerate during retrograde cycles — appearing to reverse from our vantage here on Earth. This happens when Earth, in its orbit around the sun, essentially laps a planet. While Mercury retrograde is the best-known and most maligned of retrogrades, all planets, including the diminutive Pluto, get down with a slowdown at some point. During a retrograde period, the prefix 're-' is a real deal power player inviting us to remember, reflect, reimagine, renegotiate, rework, revisit, and reframe themes associated with the planet in question. During retrograde cycles, people, patterns and unresolved issues from the past tend to return to us, so that we can reckon with and/or release them. Pluto is a slow moving outer planet that spends roughly 5 months of the year in retrograde. In the Northern Hemisphere the planet's yearly retrograde typically bridges the gap between spring and fall. According to myth, this is the span of time time that Persephone, the queen of the underworld would leave her husband/captor Hades/Pluto and return to the land of the living, signaling to her mother Demeter that the time was nigh to bring all things on earth back to life. Pluto meanwhile was in serious sad boy territory, presumably clutching at his hair, staring at the wall and wondering what he'd done to deserve this desertion. Apropos of this dubious association, the planet is linked to endings and downfall, the ashes before the ascent. As master of ceremonies for death, Pluto teaches us that destruction is the wheel grease of creation and that holding power is the ultimate test of our humanity. During Pluto retrograde, we can behave as an empowered Pluto, recognizing that relationships, beliefs and less adaptive versions of ourselves must end, die or be irrevocably altered in order for anything to be reborn or reformed. The retrograde motion of Pluto, like the dark lord's despair remind us that withdrawl and self-inquiry are requisite for real growth. Psychic astrologer Rose Smith imparts, 'This is a time to trust the process, even when we can't see the path ahead clearly. By surrendering to these deep currents of transformation, we allow ourselves to be reshaped into something more authentic and powerful than before.' Pluto 'tests' the mettle of his children and casts out and cuts loose what holds them back. Rarely gentle but always necessary is the name of the game here, and we can't see what will be until we burn what has been. Pluto is associated with subconscious drives rather than logical thinking — when the planet enters retrograde things get murky, judgment is shaky and repressed feelings subsume rational thought. In his book 'Courting The Wild Twin', author and scholar Martin Shaw argues that what we exile comes back to haunt us. In relationship to Pluto, the planets retrograde can be viewed as those banished parts, patterns, thoughts and desires come knocking heavy and irrefutable on our proverbial chamber door. As Pluto rules sex, death and finances, this retrograde highlights the way we fear, abuse, obsess over and attempt to control these elements. In Aquarius, the planet of death and transformation meets the community focused, weird as I want to be water bearer, the zodiac's resident revolutionary. With death and revolution dancing backward cheek to cheek, here's some questions to consider/pose to your shadowy underbelly; how, where and why do you accumulate power and is your relationship to that power supporting or subverting the status quo? Aquarius is associated with the collective and Pluto with endings, in kind and in the name of change, this retrograde marks a period where we may become increasingly aware that collabortaion and the championing of the common caue of humanity (Aquarius) is our best defense against literal and metaphorical annhialiaton (Pluto). Get free, get weird, face fear, be generous — and dare to believe a better way is being born. Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
Geek Girl Authority
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
In the Garden of Monsters Archives
Categories Select Category Games GGA Columns Movies Stuff We Like The Daily Bugle TV & Streaming In the Garden of Monsters is a gothic retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth with a dash of Salvador Dali. Read on for our review.
Geek Girl Authority
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Crystal King Archives
Categories Select Category Games GGA Columns Movies Stuff We Like The Daily Bugle TV & Streaming In the Garden of Monsters is a gothic retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth with a dash of Salvador Dali. Read on for our review.
Geek Girl Authority
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Book Review: IN THE GARDEN OF MONSTERS
Thank you to MBC for sending a copy of In the Garden of Monsters in exchange for an honest review. In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King is an exciting gothic fantasy retelling of the epic Hades and Persephone myth with a dash of Dali. This surreal and atmospheric adventure includes mystery, romance, art, history–a little bit of everything. In the Garden of Monsters Julia Lombardi remembers nothing of her past but is certain of one thing: she wants to be an artist. However, it is 1948 in Italy, and there are limited opportunities for female artists. When Julia receives an invitation to model for the infamous surrealist painter Salvador Dali, she seizes this opportunity of a lifetime. RELATED: New Release Radar: New Books Coming Out on May 13 Dali and his crew, including Julia, spend a week exploring the Sacro Bosco ('Sacred Wood') in Bomarzo, Italy. The unruly 16th-century garden is also known as The Garden of Monsters because of its looming stone statues of mythological gods and monsters. Dali has chosen Julia to model for Proserpina, the goddess of the underworld, and the eccentric artist spirals into an obsessive delusional fantasy. However, it soon becomes apparent that Dali isn't the strangest thing in this garden, which speaks volumes. Soon after arriving, Julia begins to hear ghostly whispered warnings and sees impossible things that no one else sees. Haunting sensations of déjà vu plague Julia, especially when she is near their enigmatic host, Ignacio. Something about this handsome stranger seems impossibly familiar. And then there is that eerie green glow she sees in the garden from her window each night. RELATED: Book Review: Shield of Sparrows Eventually, the young artist realizes her life is in danger as she unravels a mystery that spans ages. Unfortunately, time is running out because the longer Julia stays in the garden, the harder it is to distinguish fantasy from reality and the past from the present. Culture, Spice, and Everything Nice Of course, there are plenty of references to Dali's artwork throughout the novel, which is just one piece of this surreal puzzle. For example, King mentions Dali painting his wife, Gala, in Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening (1944). There are numerous references to various Dali pieces. Many scenes from In the Garden of Monsters feel like you are in a surreal painting, as if there is a dreamlike haze around you. Moreover, King's words often mirror the eerie tone of Dali's paintings. RELATED: Book Review: The Incandescent Salv ador Dali aside, this is a Proserpina and Pluto retelling, remember? In a mazelike garden filled with statues of ancient legends, there are bound to be mythology references. The author brings to life everything from a Pegasus to the Cerberus. However, I will not spill too many more beans because King adds some interesting and unexpected twists to some well-known myths. In the Garden of Monsters gets a little spicy, and I don't mean the Diablo Chicken. The romantic elements are racy but enough to make things sexy and exciting, but not raunchy. They are also used sparingly to not take away from other important themes like love and, most importantly, food. Dining With Dali For the food fanatics, there is also plenty of actual spice. Crystal King is known for her culinary writing, so it's no surprise that this novel emphasizes the cuisine. Typically, I find reading about food tedious, but King serves up some serious writing talent when it comes to dining. We are talking tantalizing details about a spread that most of us could only dream of. RELATED: Book Review: A Sharp Endless Need Every meal is a spectacle, from table dressings made of silk to different gemstone plates for each course. As expected, the wild Dali-inspired food was also color-coordinated and out of this world. After reading King's descriptions of the strange and lavish meals, I have never wanted to eat a fictional meal so badly. Photo courtesy of Cassie Holguin. Throughout the entire novel, Dali tosses around the idea of writing a cookbook featuring his culinary creations. This resonated with me because I was lucky enough to see a special exhibit at my local museum featuring Dali's actual cookbook Les Dîners de Gala (1973), and the artwork surrounding it. Shout out to my mom for the best birthday present ever! RELATED: Book Review: Love at Second Sight We even got to eat meals prepared by local chefs that were inspired by Dali's bizarre recipes. As for the menu that night, let's just say it was easily my most adventurous and favorite culinary experience. Photo courtesy of Cassie Holguin. King grabs you by the senses with vivid descriptions that bring the Sacro Bosco to life and mouth-watering descriptions of meals fit for the gods. Visit Crystal King's website for more about the Sacro Bosco and how it relates to In the Garden of Monsters , including pictures, videos, and a complete map of the real-life wonder. Here, you can also see the video of Salvador Dali visiting the mysterious garden. Photo courtesy of Cassie Holguin. Thoughtful and Much Appreciated Extras Lastly, I was pleasantly surprised by the extras King includes at the end of In the Garden of Monsters , including discussion questions, an interview with the author, and historical facts about the Sacro Bosco. Saving the best for last, King treats the reader to three recipes she created with inspiration from the novel. If you make it out of The Garden of Monsters, treat yourself to Date, Pomegranate, and Pistachio Bites, Gilded Chicken, or Torta Alla Ricotta. RELATED: Saturday Morning Webtoons: Love Bites and Angel of Death I appreciate it when authors include details like this, and I make sure to read every page. Crystal King's website is full of fascinating information about Salvador Dali and the Sacro Bosco, even how to visit The Garden of Monsters if you find yourself in Italy. To Read or Not to Read In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King is going on a special shelf reserved for my absolute favorite reads. Yes, I said it, In the Garden of Monsters is in favorite book territory. Just as a chef finds balance with ingredients, King has found just the right amount of romance, intrigue, surrealism, history, and spice. Truly a beautiful blend of everything you could want in a novel. It has been a long time since I have been so utterly immersed in a fictional world. This author expertly combines more than a few of my favorite things, including art, literature, and food. My only complaint is that I immediately need one thousand more books exactly like this. Since I finished In the Garden of Monsters , I have had that sad feeling you get when you finish a really good book and need something to fill that void. Put this one at the top of your reading list because In the Garden of Monsters is an eerily enthralling mystery from beginning to end. RELATED: Book Review: Where Shadows Bloom In the Garden of Monsters is now available at your favorite local bookstore, or get your copy here from Goodreads. Book Review: THE ENCHANTED FEAST COOKBOOK
New York Post
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Get ready for the ultimate reckoning when Ceres enters Aries this weekend
Gather round and look skyward, folks. Ceres, our asteroid of loss and deliverance, is moving into the infernal heart of Aries this weekend. On Friday, May 16th, Ceres enters Aries at 2:16 PM EST, where she will reign and remain until March 2026. What is Ceres in astrology? 4 Ceres helps us alchemize lessons of loss and sacrifice. Umer – Named for the Roman goddess of the maternal, fertile, and agricultural, Ceres is technically a dwarf planet but is regarded by astrologers as an asteroid. Demeter is the Greek equivalent of Ceres, and as the myth goes, the goddess of the grain endured the abduction of her daughter Persephone by death daddy Hades — who took his new bride to the underworld. In her devastation at the loss of her daughter, Ceres ceased the growth of everything on earth — leaving the world all but barren. Brokered by Zeus, a deal was struck to satisfy both deities. Persephone would eventually come to spend 1/2 of the year above ground with her mother and 1/2 below — giving rise to seasons. This myth and this asteroid illustrate themes of maternal devotion and surrender. In addition to indicating what and who we create and protect, Ceres helps us alchemize lessons of loss and sacrifice. Ceres in the birth chart helps us unlock our unmet needs — and serve as better stewards of our own self-care and inner children. Ceres shows us what we need to be nourished. This transit feeds us (Ceres) the fire (Aries) we need in order to begin again — and build ourselves stronger, fuller, and freer than ever before. Ceres asteroid astrology 4 The Demeter/Ceres archetype is tied to the myth of the abduction of her daughter Persephone by death daddy Hades. Jan – The brilliant astrologer and tarot reader Elise Wells of Planet Poetica tells The Post, 'Ceres represents the protective mother and the ways we guard anything near, dear, precious, and fleeting to us. Ceres indicates how we allow the thing we hold to grow and flourish while under our care.' However, while the Ceres archetype can coddle to the point of stunting, a smother mother if you will, Aries energy understands that to empower, we must initiate separation. 'Inevitably, every child, seedling, or burgeoning project has to come out from under the nurturance of the mother and fend for itself.' Beyond protection and letting go, Wells explains that Ceres invokes the power of negotiation, even and especially when all hope appears to be lost. Ceres asteroid 4 As the first sign in the zodiac, the unrivaled beauty of Aries is that it has no past. Ahmed – 'Ceres becomes an agent of fate when she realizes she has the power of negotiation. She did not 'play nice' or give up when her daughter was taken; she was 'at a loss,' and the grief of her inner landscape was mirrored in the barrenness of the earth.' However, in her moment of deepest sorrow, Ceres found another layer of herself, a capability born of catastrophe, someone 'so in touch and aligned with seasons and cycles that she was sought out to restore order.' As cardinal fire, Aries equals reckoning. In the spirit of this transit, Wells argues, 'Maybe it's time we forget asking for forgiveness or permission from the systems of oppression, and instead claim ultimate sovereignty and exalted survival.' Wells explains that while Ceres may not have been satisfied with the terms of the agreement, she knew how to work with them, how to alchemize both action and acceptance. 'We do not like having to live with grief, but we make room for it and in turn are delivered closer to our essential, eternal selves, which live in the dark and the deep where grief becomes power and loss, form.' Ceres in Aries meaning 4 Ceres in Aries teaches us that nothing is ever lost, only transformed Axel Bueckert – Ceres in Aries teaches us that nothing is ever lost, only transformed — blood into bone, ashes to earth, grief into power — and asks us to honor the process of beginning again and again. As the first sign in the zodiac, the unrivaled beauty of Aries is that it has no past. In this sense, Wells believes the transit of Ceres through Aries is about the experience of being born. 'The process of birth marries the blood of the mother (Ceres) to the blood of the newborn (Aries), wherein the nutrients and energy of the mother are transferred, strengthened, renewed, and individuated in the new person.' Ceres in Aries is the fire of creation, the need to break free, and the responsibility to forge on, the energy of taking on new forms fortified by what came before but not defined by it. 'This is the will to finally let go, not in a terrified and forceful way, but in a bold and powerful way, with a blank slate, without looking back.' Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
