Taurus Full Moon Partial Eclipse, Scorpio Solar Festival Thanksgiving 2021 Cosmic Weather Forecast

Welcome to the November 2021 Thanksgiving edition of the Cosmic Weather Forecast by Curtis Lang with Jane Sherry. We thank you for being part of our virtual community, now beginning its eighteenth year online!

Cosmic Weather Forecast

On Friday, November 19, 2021 we celebrate a Full Moon Partial Lunar Eclipse at 27°14’ Taurus, and the Scorpio Solar Festival. This partial lunar eclipse creates a turbo-charged Full Moon, and initiates a full cycle of eclipses on the Taurus/Scorpio axis extending through 2022. 

There is a feeling abroad that destiny is intervening in human affairs this Full Moon Eclipse week. 

This Taurus Full Moon is a moment of transition and transformation. Fresh insights, new creative visions and spiritual guidance we experience this week could prompt us to terminate outworn patterns of behavior and open up new pathways that will take us on new adventures in the year to come. 

Events in the outer world could create situations that impel us to transform our daily routines, rethink our spiritual and material goals, and take us in new directions we would never have imagined for ourselves.

Scorpio and surrounding constellations from Uranographia by Johannes Hevelius.

The next day, a Grand Water Trine between the Moon in Cancer, Mars in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces restores a feeling that we are once again in the flow. This aspect will dominate Cosmic Weather patterns for a few days, bringing a welcome feeling of relief and the potential for a harmonious and happy Thanksgiving!

America's traditional Thanksgiving feast follows on November 25, and we gather to express our gratitude for life, for love, for our friends and family and for the abundance in our lives.

Holiday Float at 2016 New York City Thanksgiving Day Parade

Midtownguy2012, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Much as I love Thanksgiving, I always experience a strong feeling of cognitive dissonance as I contemplate the huge gap between the spiritual message of gratitude for life's abundance and the cultural celebrations that overwhelm the spiritual component of the holiday with a completely different subtext.

According to the conventional story, strong, righteous English Puritans arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620 in a ship called the Mayflower, arriving at a wilderness they called the New World.

Landing of the Pilgrims by Michele Felice Cornè 

They brought what they considered to be a superior civilization and most important, their Christian values, to what they considered to be a thankless, scattered group of itinerant savages, and received turkeys, pumpkins, squash, corn and cranberry sauce in return.

But that's just a pleasant myth that has become part of our consensus reality. The truth is quite a bit more complicated and bloody. 

The Puritans were outnumbered by the Native Americans at the first Thanksgiving in 1621, and a treaty was signed, but the autumnal feast did not become a yearly festival. In fact relations between the white settlers and the Wampanoag tribes deteriorated.

     Lion Gardiner in the Pequot War Charles Stanley Reinhart (1844–1896), 
                     Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons   

 Fifteen years after the first Thanksgiving, English and Dutch fur traders seeking to control the region that produced their lucrative product triggered a war with numerous Native American tribes. By 1638, the white settlers had won the Pequot war. The majority of the allied Native American tribes had been either killed or taken and sold as slaves.

Following the 1637 massacre of 500 Wampanoag men, women and children in a Native American village, William Bradford, the Governor of the Puritan colony of Plymouth wrote that for “the next 100 years, every Thanksgiving Day ordained by a Governor was in honor of the bloody victory, thanking God that the battle had been won.”

Somehow the 21st century version of Thanksgiving has deleted the massacre, the wars, and the genocide from our collective consciousness. But somehow the spirit of gratitude and goodwill survives in our Thanksgiving observances. We connect with those around us and celebrate generosity, abundance and social harmony. 

Thanksgiving Parade Silver Spring, Maryland, 2013
Edward Kimmel from Takoma Park, MD, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

To explore the origins of Thanksgiving, the political and theological roots of Puritanism, and the historical evolution of this triumphal colonialist holiday into our modern consumerist festival of food and football check out our article entitled Thanksgiving: History of Community & Conflict.

Jane's Autumn Garden, Bethabara Historic Park, Winston Salem, North Carolina,
photo by Curtis Lang

Today it is 70 degrees, sunny with clear skies in Jane's Garden. We've been watering, weeding, removing plants whose season has run its course, and preparing the ground for our next planting season, sometime in February.

We continue to harvest carrots, spinach, beets, beet greens, Lacinto and Russian kale, snap peas, parsley, cilantro and herbs like rosemary, sage, dill and tarragon.

Back at my computer after gardening, I ponder the latest book from my favorite living novelist and author, Amitav Ghosh, entitled The Nutmeg's Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis.

Ghosh recounts how the Puritan culture of the European colonialists has become the de facto global culture of the 21st Century, and explores the ways that colonialism has been a terraforming project over the centuries, which has transformed the vast majority of the planet's surface into an overly engineered set of landscapes that have destroyed entire ecosystems, killed off uncountable species of plants and animals, and been a precipitating cause of the current global climate crisis. 

All high-tech globalized members of Earth's consumer culture in every country in the world, no matter what their religion, political affiliations, or racial background, have more in common with the Puritans than the Wampanoag.

In the Americas, in Asia, in Europe, we have forgotten how to co-exist with other living creatures in a living landscape imbued with sacred meaning and energy. Modern civilized peoples around the world see "nature" as dead matter to be exploited, animals and plants as "resources" to be consumed. 

Those parts of the Earth not "developed" by industrial civilization are considered "wilderness", a pejorative term used to denote areas of the world considered ripe for exploitation.

When the European colonizers arrived in America, they saw the land as a "wilderness" populated by "savages", who in this worldview, had no ownership rights to the land at all. 

To its Indigenous peoples, North America was not then a wilderness and the "savages" had a sustainable civilization that had existed for millennia providing the inhabitants with relative abundance in a land overflowing with animals, birds, and fish uncountable. They were the original stewards of the land, not overfishing, not overharvesting, not depleting Nature's abundance.

"We did not think of the great open plains, the beautiful rolling hills, and winding streams with tangled growth as 'wild'," explains Oglala Lakota Chief Standing Bear in Thomas Yellowtail's autobiography of Crow Medicine Men.  

The Medicine Man
Carpenter, William J., copyright claimant, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Wampanoag understood how to live in harmony with the Earth, but their culture utilized very sophisticated techniques to manage the landscape around them in partnership with the existing plants and animals, who were all understood to have consciousness, to partake of the sacred web of life.

Native Americans practiced careful husbandry of resources, practiced sophisticated agricultural techniques that provided the bounty that sustained the first European colonizers during the first Thanksgiving winter, and used fire as a tool to manage undergrowth, creating park like habitats that were an essential part of the sacred landscape.

Native Americans practiced Three Sisters symbiotic agriculture, planting corn, beans and squash in close proximity to one another in the garden. Sister bean climb up the corn stalks as the crops grow. Sister bean absorbs and fixes, or stores, nitrogen from the air. Sister squash provides ground cover to increase soil moisture while its spiny stems deter animals. 

A healthy diet of corn, beans and squash provides carbohydrates from corn, protein from beans and essential vitamins and minerals found in squash.

Indigenous peoples actively created, managed and maintained North American landscapes for thousands of years, to maximize the production of animal game, edible plants, and grazing land for domesticated animals in harmony with the natural carrying capacity of their bioregional ecosystems. In fact the vast majority of the Earth’s landscapes have been shaped by Indigenous peoples for countless generations.

Three Sisters Native American Agriculture: Corn, Beans and Squash

"In a special issue on tropical forests in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS), our work shows that many . . . high value ‘wilderness’ landscapes are in fact the product of long-term management and maintenance by Indigenous and local peoples," explains Michael Shawn-Fletcher in an article on the Phys.Orgwebsite.  

"Domestic plants, anthropogenic soils and significant earthworks all characterize large parts of what is considered 'wilderness' in the Amazon. Indigenous and local peoples struggle constantly against wilderness-inspired conservation that seeks to deny them access to their homelands and the livelihoods that it sustains. Similarly, swidden agriculture—rotational agriculture based on small-scale forest clearing, burning and fallowing—has been used in southeast Asia and the Pacific for millennia, in some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. These are areas that are today mapped as “wilderness” under scientific attempts to define the last remaining ‘Wild Places.’ But rather than being wild places, swidden agriculture has actively promoted landscape-scale biodiversity across the region, while simultaneously supporting the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of Indigenous and local peoples.” 

The Indigenous peoples of the Earth all understood that human culture is completely interdependent with the natural landscape in which we are embedded. For these peoples, the landscape itself is sacred, and speaks to the people. 

The European colonists had a very different view of the landscape of the New World, which was only "New" to the Europeans, of course. Puritan leader John Winthrop said that Native Americans had no rights to their land because "they inclose no ground, neither have they cattle to maintain it, but remove their dwellings as they have occasion."

Statue of John Winthrop by Richard Saltonstall Greenough (1819-1904). Daderot took this photograph. 

Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

For the Europeans, enclosing the land, prioritizing cattle grazing above other land use, building dams and expansive permanent settlements were seen as the highest and best use of the land. This land development secured the invaders' property rights, underpinning the colonial conquest of the entire planet.

Of course enclosures, pastures, raising cows and pigs and building towns distressed the microclimates in the ecosystem, increased erosion, eliminated native grasses essential for healthy native animals, and in general destroyed the delicate balance of nature that the Native American civilization had created, and which was essential for its survival.

"From the day when a European settlement rises in the neighborhood of territory occupied by the Indians, the wild game takes fright," explained historian Alexis de Tocqueville in his 1835 classic Democracy in America. "The moment the endless noises of European industrial activity are heard in any place, the animals begin to flee." Eventually the Native Americans' food sources disappeared altogether.

The plight of Native Americans facing the colonial disfigurement of their precious, sacred ecosystems now has boomeranged on the colonists' descendants, as the entire planet's landscapes and ecosystems have been damaged almost beyond repair by rapacious exploitation of soil, water, air, animals and birds in pursuit of the perverse idea of what is the "best and highest" use of the land.

This Thanksgiving let us all pray that the original indigenous Wisdom of the Wampanoag will spread throughout the world, and that the more "advanced" civilizations of the world will begin to understand that no culture can survive and thrive except through honoring Mother Earth, the cycles of life, the Family of Humanity, and the Beings who live in mineral, plant and animal bodies everywhere under the Sun.

Let us honor the Native Americans as we enjoy our traditional Thanksgiving meal, which is composed primarily of foods introduced to European colonizers by Indigenous peoples. In this way we offer our sorrow for the crimes of our European ancestors, and we stand in solidarity with Native Americans and other Indigenous peoples around the world.

Sean Sherman, the Sioux Chef, Foraging for Ramps

DThompson1313, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

"Many of my indigenous brothers and sisters refuse to celebrate Thanksgiving, protesting the whitewashing of the horrors our ancestors went through, and I don’t blame them," says Sean Sherman, founder and CEO of The Sioux Chef and the author of The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen, which won the 2018 James Beard Award for best American cookbook. "But I have not abandoned the holiday. I have just changed how I practice it."

"The thing is, we do not need the poisonous “pilgrims and Indians” narrative. We do not need that illusion of past unity to actually unite people today. Instead, we can focus simply on values that apply to everybody: togetherness, generosity and gratitude. And we can make the day about what everybody wants to talk and think about anyway: the food."

For those who want to celebrate Thanksgiving by creating delicious dishes to share with friends and family, Jane has created an alternative vegetarian take on Thanksgiving feasting. Here are four of Jane's recipes for autumn delicacies from the garden.

First, Fast and Fancy Brussel Sprouts. "Even people who swear they despise brussel sprouts will love this dish," Jane contends. "A great & fancy side vegetable dish to grace any autumn or holiday table." Who wouldn't love tiny cabbages cooked in ghee with maple syrup, apple cider, walnuts and cayenne pepper to spice it up a bit? If you want, add sweet potatoes to the mix, as pictured below.

Jane's Fast and Fancy Brussel Sprouts with Sweet Potato 

Next, Autumn Relish. "Here's a yummy compote to brighten up any autumnal meal," says Jane, "made quick from leftovers and fall seasonal treats. You can use leftover sweet potato, winter squash, carrot and apple, with fennel, onion and pumpkin seeds. Some favorite spices of mine for this northeastern autumnal quick mix are star anise, anise seed, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, cardamom, powdered cinnamon, and lemon peel. Not all of them at once of course. For instance, a combination like star anise and cinnamon stick would be sweet and spicy."

Next, Roasted Beet and Pecan Salad. Jane uses roasted beets, roasted pecans, roasted fennel seeds, and a salad topped with rose water and fennel vinaigrette to create a festive salad fit for an Iron Chef. "Beets have gotten a bad rap, possibly because of canned beets being the only beet experience many people have, either as a ubiquitous addition to the ill conceived 'salad bar' or because it has been boiled to death by someone's grandmother or mother, who told you to eat your beets because they're good for you."

"Actually, it was after I fed family members roast beets from our friends at Roxbury Farm CSA, that the teens and even their parents, admitted to disliking beets, or at best being wary of them, until trying the roasted Roxbury beet salad I made them."

                                                                  Jane's Stuffed Squash Supreme

Finally, there's Jane's Stuffed Squash Supreme, pictured above. "For holiday stuffed squash, use your favorite stuffing recipe -- homemade is always best," Jane explains. "Cut a small circle on the top of the squash and save as your lid.

"Clean out the seeds and bake separately or not according to your likes."

"Then take your homemade stuffing and spoon it into a whole small squash, such as Kiri, Butternut, Acorn or Small Pumpkin. Don’t pack it too tightly, then cover and bake at 350-375 for 45 minutes until the squash is cooked through but before it loses its shape."

"If the top is cooking more quickly, remove it until the stuffed squash is finished. Garnish with freshly chiffonaded herbs such as parsley, tarragon or any fresh green herb of your choice. Garnish platter with pomegranate seeds, or slices of orange or cranberries."

Meditation Moment: Thanksgiving Prayer from the Mohawk Nation

~*~ The People ~*~

Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as People.

Now our minds are one.

~*~ The Earth Mother ~*~

We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our Mother, we send greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

~*~ The Waters ~*~

We give thanks to all the Waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms-- waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit Water.

Now our minds are one.

           

~*~ The Fish ~*~

We turn our minds to all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the fish and send our greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one

~*~ The Plants ~*~

Now we turn towards the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.

Now our minds are one.

                   Jane in Garden, Roxbury Road, Claverack, NY, 2009, photo by Curtis Lang

~*~ The Food Plants ~*~

With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

~*~ The Medicine Herbs ~*~

Now we turn to all the Medicine Herbs of the world. From the beginning, they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.

Now our minds are one.

~*~ The Animals ~*~

We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.

Now our minds are one

~*~ The Trees ~*~

We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, other with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many peoples of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the tree of life.

~*~ The Birds ~*~

We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds-- from the smallest to the largest--we send our joyful greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one

~*~ The Four Winds ~*~

We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messengers and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.

Now our minds are one

~*~ The Thunders ~*~

Now we turn to the west where our Grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunders.

Now our minds are one.

~*~ The Sun ~*~

We now send the greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.

Now our minds are one.

                             Full Moon Night on Roxbury Road, photo by Jane Sherry

~*~ Grandmother Moon ~*~

We put our minds together and give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, who lights the nighttime sky. She is the leader of women all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.

Now our minds are one.

~*~ The Stars ~*~

We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to all the Stars.

Now our minds are one.

~*~ The Enlightened Teachers ~*~

We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring Teachers.

Now our minds are one.

~*~ The Creator ~*~

We turn our thoughts to the Creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.

Now our minds are one.

~*~ Closing Words ~*~

We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intent to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.

Now our minds are one.