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Modern
Culture and the 2012 We’Moon Calendar, As Timely as Ever —Vision Magazine, November 2011 I am enthralled by the passage of both the sun and moon on a its almost monthly cycle. But in the last few years I have been expanding my knowledge with the WeMoon desktop calendar. This is so much more than a calendar. It is a resource for our lunar calendar which is updated each year with magnificent art and the current year’s lunar rhythms. The women at We’Moon honor the moon and all of her faces. Acknowledging the feminine side of the moon as the original “womyn’s” calendar, We’Moon celebrates the feminine in their art and the quotations that adorn this book. There are astrological predictions, astrology basics in the year many have called to notice, 2012, and lunar calendar theme pages. I was particularly intrigued with the introduction of the astrological overview of the new year: |
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Astro-Overview
2012
Stay alert, awake, aware and involved this year as a new year grows in its chrysalis, breaks out and begins to take flight. This year is a turning point. It is not an end as some predict; we cannot get out of our evolutionary homework that quickly. Time spirals; it’s the beginning of a new cycle, a new circle as the axis of the earth points towards the center of its galaxy. We saw a great deconstruction of old structures from 2008 to 2011 as Saturn opposed Uranus and squared Pluto. In 2012 Uranus, now in pro-active Aries, squares Pluto, electrifying the ground and seeding new forms, speeding up history through 2015. If
you really delve into this book, you find a way of focusing the
direction of your days on positive living, of acknowledging the
rotations of our earth. The poetry and art always inform, inspire,
and profoundly impress upon me the many different cultures in our
world as they highlight the art from women. |
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A Portable
Altar, a Hand-held Home. We’Moon 2012: Gaia Rhythms for Womyn – Chrysalis Reviewed by Rain Crowe The 2012 We’Moon Datebook is whole unto itself, alluring in its simplicity and embracing in its expansiveness. In its most practical sense, We'Moon offers the reader the everyday ability to track the layered cycles of lunar and solar rhythms, as well as the grand choreography of those planets which are our nearest galactic neighbors. It is also a feminist primer, fully and completely bringing the rightful recognition and necessary celebration of womyn's ways round the world onto every page. In this 240-page compendium of wisdoms, we are enticed to surrender into the theme of Chrysalis and to experience the evolutionary process guided by the unending song of Life's truest patterns. Every moonth's journey through this un-spinning and spinning of the Chrysalis is guided by a unique spiritual facet of the overall theme. Accompanying these moonthly invitations to the subtle, nuanced explorations of the soul are the Holy Day pages sharing delicious encouragements for each turning of the wheel. We'Moon is a steadfast companion for the reader—for every day, on every page, there are the gifts of extraordinary art born of numerous and diverse cultures and available for contemplation and counsel. The words and images are exquisitely evocative and nourishing to the sacred self, longing for daily sustenance. The profound spectrum of imaginative expression poured out into all the art forms is a delight to behold. Womyn's beauty and devotion to healing are radiantly abundant in this Calendar, which is a portable altar to spirit and an anchor in the wider world of materialism. It is a hand-held home, always welcoming the reader back into a community of the divine, a place of honoring her being. This 31st edition is one more story holding its own place in the legacy of womyn's culture, kept and tended through the generations. |
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We’Moon
2012 Highlights
With the datebook’s 31st edition,
We’Moon 2012: Chrysalis explores the transformative moment,
invoking radical trust for times of deep change. The 2012 theme
spins from Tarot Card #12, The Hanged One, which we enfold with
the metaphor of Chrysalis: birth-place/death-place where old forms
dissolve and new life begins. Ah, you can see it now: that evocative
front cover image—a dangling one, hanging on against the backdrop
of vast celestial mystery. What new possibilities might be incubating
at this time of epochal change, for us as individuals and for the
planet? We’Moon 2012 ponders the wombspace of transformation,
and invites us into its depth. The calendar pages turn through solar, lunar, astrological cycles, spilling over with rich imagery and wisdom from We’Moon artists and writers. They guide us to the empty stillpoint at the heart of change; they celebrate birth, risk, opening, nurture. We are reminded of the broken places, of paradox and dissolution as part of the transformative process. The endangered Earth Chrysalis is a touchstone for these reflections, as inspired word and image celebrate ways of healing the Earth—with community building, care of the land, ceremony, dance and artistry devoted to rebalancing the world. The power and courage of women breaking free from limitation is palpable here. As celestial and calendrical shifts unique to this time unfold, We’Moon 2012 affirms trust in new evolutionary possibilities for humankind. As always, We’Moon provides a day-to-day guide to lunar and planetary movements, and a comprehensive introduction to astrological terms and systems. We’Moon astrologers are especially tuned to the epochal changes clustered around 2012. Sandra Pastorius offers a helpful overview of these cosmic events, some prefigured in ancient prophecy, some mapped by astronomical and astrological sky-guides. Gretchen Lawlor turns her keen insight to the sky maps for 2012, and writes with imaginative guidance for each sun sign, translating astrological cues into clear paths of possibility for our personal lives. Heather Roan Robbins writes concise and articulate explanations of sun and moon signs, and an astrological overview of the year—“as a new era grows in its chrysalis, breaks out, and begins to take flight” (p. 21). Heather also gifts us with daily astrological updates on the starcodes page of our website. Susan Levitt writes from a Chinese astrology perspective about 2012 as the Year of the Dragon—the most powerful sign in the Chinese zodiac. We include writing from Beate Metz about the four Goddess planets/asteroids. And we introduce Mooncat!, who writes a useful new feature describing each planet’s astrological effects. This year’s eight Holy Day writings come from members of SisterSpirit, an eclectic women’s spirituality group. Their diverse traditions resonate through the cycle of the year, calling us to Scotland, Mexico, Northern Europe and other climes, to resource our celebrations of seasonal change. As Frodo Okulam writes in her Introduction to the Holy Days, “In earth-centered traditions, seasonal rituals not only celebrate change, they create it” (p. 27). Contributions from 170 women and 12 different countries grace the pages of We’Moon 2012. Right away, the cosmic mysteries of this year are invoked by Aimee Stewart’s radically stunning front cover image, “Clinging to Hope.” On the back cover, Elisa Rose Mountain gifts us with the intricate "Butterfly Mandala," an icon of spiritual transformation. Do give yourself the adventure of reading the Contributor Bylines (p. 191): here is a brilliant array of creative women who share fascinating notes about their lives. The 2012 datebook features gifted artists familiar to the We’Moon community, such as Robyn Waters, Jakki Moore, Meinrad Craighead—as well as many who are published in We’Moon for the first time, including Cleo Iris Madelaine, Coleen P. McIntyre, Liliana Kleiner, Sophia Rosenberg. We’Moon readers will be glad to see writing again from Carolyn Gage, lesbian playwright, and Elizabeth Page Roberts, activist poet, among many other fine writers. Jeanne-Marie de Moissac and her finely crafted poems return to the pages of We’Moon after many years, re-connected now through We’Moon’s 30-year Anthology. We are especially pleased to print pieces by Lily Yeh and Nina Simons, excerpted from the book Moonrise: the Power of Women Leading from the Heart. We'Moon 2012 is dedicated to women everywhere who commit to healing the broken, re-forming places. In particular, we salute Circle of Health International, working with women and their communities in times of traumatic political and natural upheavals. This organization embodies an idea we have given voice to throughout We'Moon 2012: the ability to see crisis holistically, not only as a disaster to recover from, but also as an opportunity to create lasting change and empowerment. |
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We'Moon 2011 Highlights We’Moon 2011: Groundswell is the 30th Anniversary edition of the We’Moon datebook! It highlights and inspires grassroots momentum toward peace, women’s empowerment, restoration of this precious planet and her life-forms. We’Moon’s 30-year legacy is rooted in these movements for radical change, and in a depth of Spirit which leads with the heart. The Groundswell theme calls together women’s art and writing to celebrate upwellings of strength and hope rippling throughout a troubled world. As the calendar year moves through the Gaia rhythms of solar, lunar and astrological cycles, We’Moon contributors speak breath-taking reverence for the natural world and passionate commitment to its preservation. With brilliant images and eloquent words, they honor the empowering currents that are moving among women and girls world-wide, and the grassroots innovations that are transforming how we grow food, create energy, forge peace. Ancient goddesses are fairly springing out of the museums to join in the dance of Liberation, and the Muses are on a roll! Leading with the heart: We’Moon artists and writers remind us of the fierce strength of Motherlove, of loving relationship, the connections that hold true beyond life, the embrace of Mother Earth. This datebook is an affirmation and a prayer for all beings, that “the oceans we all swim in will be love” (Angela Galik, page 98). Each year We’Moon provides a complete day-to-day guide to lunar and planetary movements, and a comprehensive introduction to astrological terms and systems (the best astrological primer around, according to the Utne Reader). Special anniversary articles in this year’s Introduction feature We’Moon origins and an astrological take on We’Moon’s 30 year history. Sandra Pastorius offers an epochal view of “Cyclical and Evolutionary Shifts Around 2012,” discussing planetary movements in this cluster of years so crucial to the next stages of human evolution. She also guides us through 2011 eclipses. Gretchen Lawlor skillfully translates astrological cues into clear paths of possibility for our lives. She writes with imaginative guidance for each sun sign: women hurry to open the datebook and read what the stars suggest for their birth sign. The current sun-sign’s reading is available to read on ou Astrology Connection page. Customized astrological forecasts are available on her website. Heather Roan Robbins writes concise and articulate explanations of sun and moon signs, and an astrological overview of the year ahead. She gifts us with daily astrological updates on our Starcodes page of We’Moon’s website. Susan
Levitt writes about the Year of the Hare from a Chinese
astrology perspective. This year, word-witch poet Marna spins magical writing at each of the eight Holy Days in the Celtic calendar. She marks the seasons’ changes with flourish and invention, joining personal and community ritual with galactic “orbspins of delight,” “sky shouts of praise and celebration.” Offerings of art and writing from 147 women and nine different countries grace the calendar pages of We’Moon 2011, Anna Oneglia is our front cover artist, with her painting “From Small Seeds,” a vibrant portrait of unfurling plant life as change-maker, ground-sweller. In Toni Truesdale’s back cover art “Women Mend the Earth,” we can truly see women making powerful repair of the world. Many artists familiar to We’Moon readers share their beautiful work, including Deborah Koff-Chapin, Max Dashu, Mara Berendt Friedman, Sudie Rakusin; and there are many fine artists new to the pages of the datebook this year. Among them are Beverly Naidus, Denise Kester, Paula Franco, Margaret Seinen, Luz-Maria Lopez. Readers will once again love words from Miriam Dyak, La Tigresa, Rose Flint, Anne Benvenuti—to mention a very few of our gifted writers. We are especially pleased to include a piece by Sathya Saran, noted Indian journalist, who writes about women solar engineers in rural India. We’Moon 2011 swells with beauty and insight as these many women share their creations; their work weaves a mighty surge of transformative power into the world. We’Moon 2011 is dedicated to organizations supporting women and girls around the world. Click here for descriptions and contact information for many groups hard at work to provide services and opportunity for women and girls. We hope you will consider donating time or money to assist their efforts. |
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We’Moon 2011:
Gaia Rhythms for Womyn The brilliant new 2011 We’Moon Datebook Calendar pulses with a cornucopia of women’s spiritual passages and pathways. A chorus of international women’s voices from Europe, Canada, Argentina, India, Mexico and America create a soul-stirring tapestry of maps to the mystical cosmos and the next world. Here we witness the cross-cultural spirit callings, yearnings and initiations of women, ancient and modern. Timeless women’s traditions are passed down through the centuries in dreams, visions, our DNA and mother’s milk. They superbly surface here in this 240-page treasure chest of captivating art, poetry, astrology and storytelling. Talismanic poetry and prose are blended and carefully paired with colorful visionary art, adding depth and meaning to these sacred words. Each page is artistically designed and offers inspirational guidance for navigating our daily and seasonal life changes. The Datebook’s format gives room for personal notes on each day, and there are blank pages at the back. Women of spirit will delight in the spiritual themes woven throughout. The calendar invites use as a logbook to track and navigate spiritual experiences and growth, opening new portals of self-discovery. There is counsel on how to develop personal power, ways to walk through the labyrinth of loss and pain, feed inner hungers and develop a spiritual practice. Lunar rhythms, planetary movements, astrological overviews and the 2011 Year of the Hare are here at the fingertips. The Datebook is rich in material that sings the praises of earth and sky, of women’s power to heal and initiate vital change in the world. Women’s culture is alive and thriving here, issuing an invitation to the reader to awaken her own spirit story and roots of power. Beth Beurkens’ most recent book is “Shaman’s Eye.” |
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Do you know We'Moon? So someone asked me recently, and the answer was no. But now that I have connected, I know that We'Moon will have a space on my bookshelf for years to come. We'moon are women/womyn/wimmin: women writing and creating art in alignment with Earth, in celebration of our journey, in tune with the flow of the moon tides and the planets. This little book reflects the way they have come to be in the world. It is full of wisdom, beauty, and guidance. I got my copy of the 2011 datebook last week, and the year is almost half over. But the pages are full of inspiration and information, and I am reading it cover to cover. We'Moon contains the words and images of over a hundred womyn artists and writers. The snippets in this book inspire me to connect more deeply with the works of these contributors. —Alix Moore,
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The diverse writers, artists, and change-and-magic makers in this edition of We'Moon provide us with insight and inspiration for creating and riding the rising tides in our own lives and communities. The powerful images included in this issue are as vibrant, sacred, and beautiful as ever. We revel in art and photography of dancing women, powerful goddesses, respected and cherished connections to nature and animals, and of course, many empowering images of our healing and growth. These images and more join the page with words woven by women committed to each other, embracing our commonalities and honoring our differences. We'Moon is a blessing and I honor the gift that it is. Pick up a copy and join the circle. —Nayiree Roubinian • Rain and Thunder Issue # 49 Winter 2010 |
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"A gorgeous guide to lunar rhythms, astrological cycles, and goddess inspired pagan traditions...the datebook is rich in material that sings the praises of earth and sky, and of women's power to heal and initiate vital change in the world." —Maize Magazine # 94 Summer 2010 |
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“I am thrilled to be a part of We’Moon 2008. I have been using your calendar for years and years!!! Thank you for the incredible work We’Moon is doing. The much-needed shift in consciousness towards a more female-centered and woman-honoring world is inspiring in so many of us. It is a blessing to be part of the We’Moon community.” —Alice Walker |
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Glancing at my pile of We'Moons (1st in 1990), Where would I be without We'Moon? It is indeed a lifeline--connecting, inspiring, grounding us in the cyclic seasons and movements of the moon and sun, affirming our we'moon selves. Mazel Tov to all We'Moon creatrixes and contributors, especially Musawa, gentle founder, inspirer, and editor. What a gift! How you sustain us! With love and adoration, —Wendy Judith Cutler, Salt Spring Island, BC |
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"Each edition is a delight, a must-have, a source of inspiration.” —Sara, Eugene, OR |
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