Burning Man 2019 begins this week (Aug. 25 – Sept. 2) in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. Participants co-create Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis dedicated to art and intentional community. Burning Man is a man-made city of art, where everything occurring is created entirely by its citizens. Every year, Burning Man has a theme. This year’s is “Metamorphoses,” a word that means a major change in form/structure/nature (not death, but change; for example: caterpillar, pupa, butterfly).
Metamorphoses is also a book of verse of mythological tales and legends written by the first-century Roman poet Ovid concerning “human folly and godly whims and luckless heroes changing into birds, beasts, trees, mountains and stars,” as the organizers of Burning Man put it. Life is unpredictable, the journey transformative. And so, reflecting these legends, everything at Burning Man is unpredictable. Each day is a journey, a celebratory tapestry of internal and external transformations.
The people behind Burning Man say of this year’s merriment: “Alchemists have sought to master the art of metamorphosis through esoteric [occult] means, transmuting base metal to gold [code—personality to the Soul], breathing life into the inanimate, hoping to achieve transcendence over the matter, challenging gods and kings. Burning Man’s 2019 Metamorphoses theme explores new forms of alchemy, reliant not on the elusive Philosopher’s Stone but on the limitless powers of the heart.
ARIES: Notice you begin to seek perfection, first at work and then with partnerships and relationships, till finally you find you’re tense and critical about everything and everyone. Be aware of this and try not to fall into this dead-end way of being. Mars (action) is in Virgo, and one could enter into criticism or tend toward service. Virgo can at first be critical. But spiritual Virgo is about service to self and to one another. What in your life are you in service to? What are you tending to each day?
TAURUS: You may find your attention directed toward the animal and/or plant kingdoms. Each day you concern yourself with the kingdoms that need your loving care. If it’s gardening, consider your fall and winter garden—a garden of white and gold—and figure out what roses to choose when bareroots are available. For the animal kingdom, tend to their health, teeth, fur, fins, or wings. Their devotion serves us as they learn from us how to be human.
GEMINI: Some of us, feeling we have little safety or constancy, and experiencing emotional vulnerability, seek security and hope at home. We need home to fulfill deep and needful longings. Is this you, Gem? It’s good therefore to have the home environment cleaned, refurnished with added features of safety and security. Being attentive to all that surrounds us creates a golden light to shine down upon us. Venus smiles at these words.
CANCER: Concerned about finances, you attempt to quickly clear any debts, paying bills as soon as they arrive. Then, worrying less, you concentrate on communications and social interactions, which make you less lonely. It’s time to contact siblings, old school mates, friends, family and neighbors. You are always seeking and learning more. You see the times are deeply changing us.
LEO: Finances and resources will take a turn upward. So find resources that develop and cultivate your creativity and self-esteem. Should lots of money find you, maintain its value by investing in silver and gold. You will want to manage your resources in these unusual times in unexpected ways as the tried and true financial path is quickly crumbling. Remember to tithe to organizations that assist those in need, including our beloved animal kingdom.
VIRGO: You may be looking in the mirror, wondering how you’re seen by others, and consider a change in appearance. You want to be attractive. If brave, you’ll seek to be stylish, hip and just a little auteur. Altering how we look alters how we feel about ourselves. Tend to forgotten tasks put off for rainy days, of which there may not be in these dog (god) days of summer. It’s a happy time for you.
LIBRA: There are several messages attempting to get through to you, and they affect your future. These messages are possibly coming through dreams. Have at your bedside pen and paper should you wake with remembered impressions or dreams. A refinement is occurring within creating greater levels of goodwill, which creates Right Relations. Art of all types helps you remember your own creativity. Do you remember yourself as an artist long ago?
SCORPIO: It’s important to maintain diplomacy amidst new and added responsibilities. You’re to be in groups with like-minded people who, like you, have very high objectives. Stand equal with everyone, including superiors. You have an authority that others recognize. Tend to self with disciplined kindness. Be kind, and do not control others, as you would not have them control you.
SAGITTARIUS: Perhaps recently you have felt you’re not meeting financial, emotional, psychological, or intellectual needs and responsibilities. You have sought freedom and new ways of fulfillment. You also want fame and fortune. All our desires and aspirations are embryonic stages of what eventually will actually come forth. Life events are slower at times, fast at other times. You will be developing new gifts in the coming months.
CAPRICORN: Your mind often asks solemn questions about the meaning of life, and your life in particular. Continue with your manifestation drawings and writings, sharing them with family and friends. Your daily journal work creates a magnetic field around you. What you hope for and what you need one day unite due to your constant attention. Think on these words: community, gardens, devas, greenhouse, family, travel, beauty, and art.
AQUARIUS: Notice if you feel certain levels of crisis. These are small psychological signposts that your emotional life is changing. It’s important to always follow what is right. You can include practicality and disciplines with kindness. Be sure to discuss the many alternatives before making an important decision. Be in charge, be the leader, stand tall. A new reality is emerging. You may be tested as to what path to take.
PISCES: Your need order, beauty and harmony in all surroundings. Order and organization assist us, especially when difficult decisions must be made. Orderliness helps all events to proceed easily and smoothly. You are very sensitive to deep psychological situations. Focus first upon your needs. When met, you can then assist others. If you always give yourself away, soon you’ll disappear. Don’t. Pisces are needed to save the world.
