The Sun enters Gemini Sunday (Ascension) morning. Late afternoon (evening on the east coast) Sunday, the new moon occurs at 0.21 degrees Gemini (degree of Alcyone, Star of the Individual, in the Pleiades). The new moon is also a solar eclipse; something essential in our lives (individual, group, humanity, the world) has come to an end. Eclipses signify endings and beginnings.

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There are some weeks, just by their very design, that simply force an entire community to take pause. A big one. Last week was one of those weeks. By now, most of us have learned about the tragic death of Camouflage owner Shannon Collins. The ripple effect of this loss is being felt throughout the entire community.

Plus letters to the editor

Glorious weather does wonders for the mood, so chances are most of us have been been enjoying what Mother Nature has sent our way recently. And if not, maybe it’s time to get out and have some fun. I did that last weekend when I attended the Third Annual Day of Wine And Wet Noses soiree at Skov Winery in Scotts Valley. Kudos to winery owners Annette and David Hunt for hosting what turned out to be a festive (and sunny) day, one that also raised more than $3,000 for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and Unconditional Love Animal Rescue of San Jose. On that note, I’d like to thank the owners of the three Great Pyrenees dogs I romped with—and the parent of the Bernese Mountain Dog I wanted to take home with me. Live music was on hand, too—thanks to you, Ginger, for the dance during the set featuring Red Beans and Rice.

The best compliment that I've ever received was that I look a lot younger than what I am.
Ginny Costanzo
Santa Cruz | Retired

We have an interesting and eventful week. Saturday’s sky has a Grand Trine in earth, signs of the three planets that rule (distribute) Scorpio (sign of Discipleship). Forming a triangle in the sky are Mercury (in Taurus), Mars (in Virgo) and Pluto (in Capricorn) at eight and nine degrees—eight is reorientation (Scorpio) and nine is Initiation (Capricorn). Earth and her kingdoms, especially humanity, are in a state of reorientation and initiation.

I think water pollution is the main issue. And I think we need to address it because in the near future we’re going to be out of clean water, especially since it's radiated now. Drinking water is going to be a major issue.
Lori Unsworth
Watsonville | Retired Teacher

The April full moon, Taurus Wesak festival is this Saturday, May 5. This festival, the annual return of the Buddha to bless the Earth and the four kingdoms (mineral, plant, animal and human), is of momentous importance. On the day and night of Wesak (May 5, 8:35 p.m. West Coast, 10:35 p.m. Midwest, 11:35 p.m. East), esotericists around the world place crystal bowls filled with water in the open air. As the Buddha blesses the world, all waters are also blessed.