Ellis Nelson's Blog, page 5

CANCER SEASON!

(June 21- July 22)

Happy birthday, Cancer! It’s your turn to shine this month.

You are a cardinal, water sign—an initiator, intuitive, and nurturing.

Home and family are important to you. Cancer people are emotional and sensitive beings who become deeply attached to people. Your intuitive and sentimental nature allows you to empathize with others and their pain. Cancers can be difficult to get to know since they often like to keep parts of themselves hidden, especially aspects of their personal lives.

Cancers are subject to the changing emotional patterns created by moon cycles. The world may seem like a harsh place until significant learning and coping strategies have been learned to deal with the realities of life. Cancers are very sensitive as children and may need extra care and protection.

You tend to avoid conflict when you can. However, known for your loyalty—especially going to great lengths to fight for those you love, your real mission is to learn to stand up for yourself. You find personal happiness surrounded by a loving family in a comfortable home. Your sign teaches that the unseen world of emotions matters.    

Symbol:

Your symbol is the Crab. The crab appears in a Greek legend as Karkinos, who is rewarded by Hera and placed in the heavens to shine forever. A crab has a hard shell that protects it. The association with the symbol of the crab allows for a protective shield for Cancer’s vulnerable emotional self.       

Ruler:

Your ruler is the moon.

The moon is associated with emotion. Cancers are animated with powerful and constantly changing emotions.   

Have you ever wondered what astrology has to say about your past lives?

REINCARNATION ASTROLOGY:

2 Creepy Reads:

Mexican Gothic- Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This was a blockbuster haunted house-type story with a twist. Set in the 1950s in Mexico, Noemi is a glamorous debutante who answers her cousin’s call for help. Noemi can’t figure out what is going on with her newly married cousin with whom she used to be so close. Are there problems in the marriage? Is the cousin going insane? Is the house the problem? The residents of High Place are strange to say the least. The surrounding community is isolated and stuck in a prior age. Noemi doggedly pursues the truth that may end up being stranger than anything she ever imagined.

I chose to read this book because I thought it would dive into cultural perspectives and topics I was unfamiliar with. This book is not that. Think English mansion horror story. Much more on the horror side than I usually read. There is an interesting perspective on the house as a living, breathing entity.

The Warm Hands of Ghosts- Katherine Arden

World War I must have produced many ghosts. Laura Iven served as a nurse on those battlefields where she was wounded and eventually sent home. After her mother and father are killed in an explosion, Laura doesn’t think things can get much worse. But then she receives word that her only brother is presumed dead after a battle. Something is wrong though because the government returns both her brother’s dog tags. As a nurse, she knows that one should have stayed with Freddie’s body. Was it possible? Could Freddie still be alive?

In an effort to confirm her brother’s death, Laura volunteers to return to the battlefield using her spare time looking into what happened to Freddie. Accompanied by two other women, Laura returns to Belgium, lives through an attack on the way to the army hospital and takes shelter at a tavern overnight. There the women encounter a surreal experience shaking them all. Later, Laura hears whispers and rumors about a strange man who runs a bar and hotel whose wine induces altered states. Most think the idea fantasy but after what the women experienced; Laura can’t let it go. As the war intensifies and the frontline draws closer, ghosts and the living move in the same spaces.

This is a well-written story with meticulous historical detail. The writing is sufficiently atmospheric, and the characters are believable. Of the two books, I definitely liked this one better.      

My own creepy offering, just released!

Now Available:

(Paperback & E-book versions)

Travel to Amsterdam. Inadvertently attract a dark spirit who attaches herself to you. What could possibly go wrong?

Shocking twists and turns when worlds collide… Haunting. Disturbing. Unsettling. The face of the Dutch girl glared back at her with dark eyes and a mouth twisted in a cruel grimace. From the hall came a sinister laugh. Fear twisted in Lydia’s gut. After a family trip to Amsterdam, 14-year-old Lydia finds herself closer to the past than she could have imagined.

During her stay, a bizarre series of events that seem to defy all logic is set in motion. Either something really weird is going on, or she is going crazy. Both ideas scare her. When Lydia’s life is threatened, she is forced to solve a centuries’ old mystery to uncover the truth about Annika, the angry ghost of a little Dutch girl, her story, and how their past and present connect them.

Whether Annika is really a ghost or Lydia is in a time warp really doesn’t matter. Lydia finds herself closer to the past than she has ever been. But what can Lydia possibly do to help someone who died over 400 years ago? Will Annika kill Lydia if she can’t solve the mystery of the timeless tulips and dark diamonds? Will Lydia succeed in saving herself from the hands of a… ghost?

Signed Books Available:

Email contact: himalayaspencerellis@yahoo.com

My Book on the Shelf at Local Library:

Finally! It took forever, from hearing the library ordered Down the Treacle Well until it was placed on the shelves.

Description:

While visiting a museum in England, Ben and Kyle experience the extraordinary. Gazing at the Alfred Jewel, an ancient Anglo-Saxon artifact, they watch as it spins, contorts, and evaporates from its case, taking them with it.

Whisked back to Victorian England, the brothers are shocked to find themselves sprawled on the floor before Mr. Charles Dodgson, also known as Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland.

They soon learn that the famous author’s muse, Alice, is missing. Alice has used the Alfred Jewel to enter Wonderland and, by so doing, has upset the time continuum. The only way for the boys to return home is to locate Alice and return her safely.

But Wonderland is a strange and dangerous place…

ORDER HERE: bit.ly/3roGX9f

SIGNED COPIES AVAILABLE: Contact himalayaspencerellis@yahoo.com for more info!

GEMINI SEASON:

(May 21- Jun 20)

Happy birthday, Gemini! It’s your turn to shine this month.

You are a mutable, air sign—dynamic, enthusiastic, and smart. Communication is your forte and while you often talk about surface topics, Gemini is known for its emotional intelligence. Constantly looking for your missing twin, you seek connection. With your quick wit and optimism, your active mind is restless pulling you into the future you have often already imagined.

Gemini can understand both sides of an issue and that sometimes leads to being called two-faced. The surface level of conversation can also be called shallow (or gossipy) but this often masks the true intention of the conversation. You are loyal and tend to voice your opinion when you deem it necessary. But as an air sign, you are very interested in other opinions and gathering ever more information.    

Gemini is social and can be the life of the party using their positivity to lift others. You also have a deep emotional side that needs attention. Time to engage the mind in creative activities can recharge Gemini’s spirit. Your worldly gifts are inspiring and motivating others in a way no other sign can.      

Symbol:

Your symbol is the Twins.

From Greek mythology, Gemini is connected to the story of Castor and Pollux. This set of twins was conceived by different fathers. When Castor died, Pollux asked Zeus to grant Castor immortality. This was accomplished when Zeus united them in the skies above.

Ruler:

Your ruler is Mercury.

Mercury is the planet associated with thought, communication, and decision-making. Mercury bestows you with skills in articulation and thought.  

Have you ever wondered what astrology has to say about your past lives?

REINCARNATION ASTROLOGY:

Giveaway: Happy Birthday, Alice!

Update: May 10th: The winner was drawn today. KDKH was the winner and has been notified. Thanks to all who entered!

ENTER TO WIN A FREE E-BOOK

Today (May 4th) is Alice’s (of Wonderland fame) birthday! This is a photo of Alice Liddell.

In 1862, the Rev. Dodgson (Lewis Carroll), who was a mathematics don at Oxford, took three little neighbor girls out for a ride on a boat. On a hot, sunny July day, and in the company of his friend, Robinson Duckworth, the professor began to spin yet another fantastic story for the amusement of the girls. Alice, who was ten at the time, begged Mr. Dodgson to write down the tale for her. She was presented with a handwritten copy of Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, illustrated by the author during Christmas 1864. That copy resides in the British Museum and is probably the most famous book in all children’s literature. The next year the rest of the world welcomed Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland into history.

To celebrate Alice’s birthday, I’ll be giving away one E-book of Down the Treacle Well. To enter the drawing, leave a comment below. Contest closes Friday, May 10th at 12:00 (MST).

Happy Birthday, Alice!

ENTER TO WIN A FREE E-BOOK

Today (May 4th) is Alice’s (of Wonderland fame) birthday! This is a photo of Alice Liddell.

In 1862, the Rev. Dodgson (Lewis Carroll), who was a mathematics don at Oxford, took three little neighbor girls out for a ride on a boat. On a hot, sunny July day, and in the company of his friend, Robinson Duckworth, the professor began to spin yet another fantastic story for the amusement of the girls. Alice, who was ten at the time, begged Mr. Dodgson to write down the tale for her. She was presented with a handwritten copy of Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, illustrated by the author during Christmas 1864. That copy resides in the British Museum and is probably the most famous book in all children’s literature. The next year the rest of the world welcomed Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland into history.

To celebrate Alice’s birthday, I’ll be giving away one E-book of Down the Treacle Well. To enter the drawing, leave a comment below. Contest closes Friday, May 10th at 12:00 (MST).

TAURUS SEASON:

(Apr. 20-May 20)

Happy birthday Taurus! It’s your turn to shine this month.

You are a fixed, earth sign—tenacious, reliable, and sensual. Being practical and well-grounded, Taurus enjoys seeing the fruits of its labors. While slow to anger, you will defend what you have worked hard to obtain. You are at home in the material world surrounded by beauty and pleasure. Taste and touch are important senses to you. Because you tend to be conservative and unwavering in your approach, Taurus is considered to be one of the most dependable signs of the zodiac.

Having an innately strong sense of responsibility, your determination and commitment may make you appear stubborn. However, Taurus generally brings a realistic, well-grounded perspective to its endeavors that can ultimately prove highly successful. You can commit to long-term projects and have a knack for making money. Beware that the desire for money doesn’t rule your life.

You can act as a stabilizing force in times of conflict by bringing a rational perspective. As a fixed sign, Taurus does not like change. Criticism is difficult for you. You are very loyal in relationships and sensitive to the feelings of others. The negative side of Taurus can be an overattachment to the material world (money-making, status, titles). This can lead to actions that overprotect people or things that have been acquired. 

Symbol:

Your symbol is the Bull.

Taurus is represented by the bull who is known for its strength, tenacity, and power. The bull is happy to graze in the field by itself but once it’s disturbed, it won’t hesitate to charge. This symbol shows how Taurus is slow to action but will take it forcefully when necessary.

Ruler:

Your ruler is Venus. Venus governs love, beauty, and money. Venus bestows Taureans with a romantic, sensitive, and sensual nature. Material benefits also gratify you.

Have you ever wondered what astrology has to say about your past lives?

REINCARNATION ASTROLOGY:

UTOPIA – Two Tries

New Harmony, IN

I suspect most of you have heard of the Shakers. But what about the Rappites (also called Harmonists)? The Owenites?

Tucked in southern Indiana is a small town called New Harmony that came to my attention a few months prior to the recent eclipse. A weird and out of the way place where two very different groups of people attempted to create their version of a Utopian society. It sounded like a perfect place to experience the solar eclipse in Aries.  

In 1803, German born, George Rapp led a group of followers who had split from their traditional Lutheran roots to establish a town where they would follow an exemplary Christian life and await Christ’s imminent return. Rapp was inspired by the philosophies of Emanuel Swedenborg, Jakob Bohme, and other forms of Esoteric Christianity. His group may also have dabbled in alchemy. In a short ten-year period, the hard-working group which functioned as a commune, built a town and successfully traded goods along the east coast and down the Mississippi. Although some historians question exactly why George Rapp chose to uproot the entire town in 1814, the book I read indicates that the Rappites became too successful and Rapp feared that idle hands, well- you know how THAT goes. Rapp sold the whole town to a successful Welsh visionary looking to start his own Utopian social experiment.

(Above: The Rappites built log cabins originally before construction began on the permanent town. Middle photo shows a natural, laurel bush labyrinth with center brick structure. Third is a communal residence building later used as a theatre by the Owenites. Last photo shows a massive communal granary built by the Rappites. The Owenites bought an entire functioning town from the Rappites and built virtually nothing.)

Robert Owen was a transformative voice for change. With his charisma, he enchanted many. Coming to the US after becoming hugely successful in the UK in the textile industry, he addressed join sessions of Congress twice. New Harmony was envisioned to be his idea of a Utopian society for the worker. Unfortunately, his experiment attracted high-minded thinker types and none of the workers necessary to run the town the Harmonists had built. Owens visionary style marked him as a man of ideas, but he lacked the ability to actually get anything up and running in the community. The New Harmony experiment lasted about two years. However, Owen’s ideas were influential and with the diligent work of his sons and the intellectuals of the town, notable lasting achievements did come. The dream of social change came through reforms in women’s (Robert Dale Owen) and worker’s rights (UK, especially), the establishment of free public libraries and museums (Smithsonian) and led to major innovations in public co-educational schools (New Harmony intellectuals).

(Above: A building believed to have been built by Owenites. Second photo shows the specimen collections gathered by the Owenite intellectuals. They were known for their interest in science (especially geology) and educational reforms. Two photos of objects from the Owenite period. Last is a painting from a collection donated in the early 20th century to the Owenite community. The Owenites were also known for their active theatre productions.)

One of the major distinctions between the Harmonists and the Owenites was the way they treated religion. In the first community, religion was at the core of the founding of the society. The later Owenites were free to choose to practice any religion, or none. Robert Owen himself professed a belief in no religion. Until—late in life, Robert Owen met a trance medium and sat for several seances. A disbeliever in everything up until that point, he went on to communicate with (allegedly) Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and others. In the final years of his life, he became a firm believer in Spiritualism and its promise of an afterlife. Owen’s eldest son, Robert Dale Owen also found his way into the folds of Spiritualism. Robert Dale Owen had a significant career as an Indiana legislator, US Congressman, and diplomat. He implemented many lasting social changes for women’s property rights and advocated to give women the vote, urged Lincoln to abolish slavery on moral grounds, and had a role in the construction of the Smithsonian. Robert Dale Owen went on to pen two books about the phenomenon of Spiritualism. His books, Footfalls on the Boundary of Another World (1859) and The Debatable Land Between this World and the Next (1872) are still available today.  

I found New Harmony to be disappointing today. It’s a sleepy, quaint little town. Very little remains of the once thriving Harmonist community. Some of the Owenite period exists, closed and cut off behind fences. There are many pretty, well-kept Victorian homes. The local university has a few buildings it maintains and is vested in telling a certain slant of history. In the 1950s a benefactor came in to restore parts of the village and create a new artists’ colony. It was a shame she didn’t do this in the 1960s when it might have taken hold. Like so many little towns, it struggles for its place in a new world.    

(Below are images from the modern period, post 1950. First photo is the Roofless Church, dedicated in 1960 as an interdenominational church designed by Philip Johnson. Cloisters and sculpture follow in the next two photos, also near the Roofless Church. Final photo shows the replica of the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth built in New Harmony.)

THE FULL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN ARIES :

My Alice in Wonderland retelling is called Down the Treacle Well. The book trailer is below.

ORDER HERE: bit.ly/3roGX9f

SIGNED COPIES AVAILABLE: Contact himalayaspencerellis@yahoo.com for more info!