Aquarius 2011

As with last year, today is the start of the Aquarius season but I did a really long celebratory entry about it which you’ll find on the top right!

Happy Aquarius Season =)

Tippy x

Ophiuchus… ?

As you may have heard, we have a new player in town in regards to our star signs. Whether or not you believe in astrology or not, Ophiuchus is there. The one thing I can’t accept though, is that our star signs (astrological) have changed. The way I see it, it’s similar to how it works in the Chinese Zodiac; I always thought I was a dragon because the year of the dragon was 1988 but I have come to discover that apparently, I am a rabbit. But other places claim I am a dragon so I am now confused. But anyway… my point is, if you were born in the year of the tiger for example, you will always be a tiger, no matter what the year is.

As you can probably tell, I’m very proud to be an Aquarian. I match the so called traits of an Aquarian and hello, attachment to the sea? Water Bearer. I match them so well, I could be a text book Aquarian! I believe that my sign is correct.

Nicolai is a Cancer and Chris is a Taurus. Both are true to their signs so for example:

For Nico:

• Cancerians have an unemotional demeanor, appearing uncompromising and obstinate. This is the facade they use to mask an insecure nature.

• Their intimates, however, may see a different character, one with sympathy and sensitivity to others.In their personal relationships they are a mixture of toughness and tenderness.

• They are rather close minded and opinionated. They have a retentive memory, and rarely forgive slights and hurts. With a tendency toward chronic complaining, a Cancerian will never let you forget an error.
• Although private and reserved, they possess sensitivity and sympathy. Rarely will a Cancer stand on pretense. What appears to be a front is nothing more than a protective shell. Within this tough armor often resides an intuitively compassionate individual yearning for a deep exchange of love and understanding.
• Their abilities fit them for a range of careers. Always interested in what people are thinking, they have an intuitive sense that makes them good journalists, writers or politicians.
• Does not push himself into the limelight
  Enjoys the limelight if it turns on him for awhile

And for Chris:

Taureans are warm, loving, gentle and charming most of the time Motivated by self preservation, the Tauren is not a risk taker and weighs every decision carefully, in a slow and methodical manner. To more impulsive people, the Taurean is a bore. Opinionated and stubborn, once a Taurean makes a decision, it is written in stone. nobody can alter it. Basically physical people, they prefer the known to the unknown and the tried to the new. They love the earth, possessions, and generally treat those they love as sacred possessions.

Main positive traits: Stable, dependable, practical, conventional,determined and patient.

Negative Traits:

Taureans can be very caring and warmhearted but there is a tendency to be extremely jealous, possessive and very stubborn. Taurus must strive to keep an open mind because his strong personal convictions can blind him to the ideas of others. Risks are taken only if it is absolutely necessary and only after much consideration. This is a sign that’s slow to change and would prefer a steady routine in life.

Main negative traits: Possessive, stubborn, materialistic, lazy.

So a little background on the Serpent Bearer (other than the obvious Slytherin connection!).

In astronomy:

Taken from Wikipedia:

Ophiuchus is a large constellation located around the celestial equator. Its name is Greek (Ὀφιοῦχος) for ‘serpent-bearer’, and it is commonly represented as a man grasping the snake that is represented by the constellation Serpens. Ophiuchus was one of the 48 constellations listed by the second-century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations. It was formerly referred to as Serpentarius English pronunciation: /ˌsɜrpənˈtɛəriəs/, a Latin word meaning the same as its current name.

And in astrology:

The signs are defined as 30-degree segments of the ecliptic, of which there are twelve, and they are named after nearby constellations at the time the system was developed. However, a few sidereal astrologers (such as Walter Berg) consider the Sun to be in the sign Ophiuchus when it is in the constellation Ophiuchus, which is November 29 to December 17. Tropical Astrology does not recognize Ophiuchus as a valid Sun sign.

Although not incorporated into the 12-sign zodiac used by astrologers, Ophiuchus and some of the fixed stars in it were sometimes used by astrologers in antiquity as extra-zodiacal indicators (i.e. astrologically significant celestial phenomena lying outside of the 12-sign zodiac proper). An anonymous 4th century astrologer, often known as Anonymous of 379, seems to have associated “the bright star of Ophiuchus”, likely α Ophiuchi, with doctors, healers or physicians (ἰατρῶν).

According to sidereal astrology, people born between 29th of November and 17th of December are Ophiuchus or Sepentarius.

Basic traits:

· The sign symbolizes the medical profession
· The person will feel a soft corner for the sick people
· Will have high aims and will achieve recognition
· Will have secret enemies in family or loved ones who will envy his luck or fame
· A seeker of knowledge and wisdom
· Up-to-date in fashion and likes bright colors
· Will catch the eye of those in authority
· Lucky number is 12
· Will have a big family but leave them soon

Astrologers have come out and disputed the Ophiuchus and zodiac connection.

Rick Levine has said:

“It’s not an Astrology issue. It has to do with the stars — it’s not a sign, it’s a constellation,” he is quoted as saying in dailyhoroscope.com.

“There are four seasons each with a beginning, middle and end. That makes 12 zodiac signs, and there’s no such thing as a 13th astrological sign.”

Explaining what Ophiuchus is, Levine said, “Ophiuchus is a large modern constellation commonly represented as a man grasping the snake represented by the constellation Serpens.”

“It’s just a constellation. Even the founding text for Astrology (Tetrabiblos by Claudius Ptolemy written 170 AD only mentions 12 signs.) A few astrologers who practice the controversial sidereal (consellation-based) zodiac use it as the 13th zodiacal sign – and by a few we mean about 1 percent,” he asserted.

Another really good way to explain it (and who has done it a heck of a lot better than I have!) is here:

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/13/no-your-zodiac-sign-hasnt-changed/?hpt=C2

When I began writing this blog entry, I was full of enthusiasm and now I can’t be bothered so to sum it up, your star sign hasn’t changed. You are still who you are and there’s nothing knew. The scientist who mentioned it as basically just stating facts about the constellations. We follow the tropical/western zodiac and Ophiuchus is mainly used in the east.

BUT WAIT. According to this I’d still be an Aquarian anyway?! Well, that figures.

Whatever.

Tippy x

And I didn’t do that before because…

Ok, I didn’t know you could until I created a test blog for *someone’s logo I made.

Feeling really tired still. Didn’t get much sleep night before last (if you had been reading this blog before, you’d know about my DSPS) and I’m still tired! So after yesterday’s mega update about Aquarian’s and how it’s the month of the Aquarian (good luck!), I don’t have a lot to say.

Amanda’s party on Saturday – really looking forward to it. Been far too long since I last saw her. Think it was in August or something! Still haven’t had an email from that place so I’ll probably have to end up ringing them. So not prepared lol. Still need to find the clothes I’m gonna wear. Added: Just rung them to ask for an email so she’s gonna send me one. How annoying!

The Job Centre have rung me three times now to ask me what I’ll be doing. *Sigh*.

Just said that winter is passing really quickly this year! Only two more months until spring! Of course, that also means that it’s my birthday soon too.

Paid my Orange bill and they haven’t switched my signal back on yet. Why can’t anybody do anything anymore? So the mood I’m in today is frustrated. Yes.

Laptop update:
Same as before, a bit slow in parts but running A LOT faster than it was when I first got it back. So glad I finally got off my bum and got it fixed. Why the eff did I wait that long? See, I have a real problem with motivation and actually doing things.

Went to Sutton yesterday and when I went to the interiors section of Wilkinsons, I just felt at home. It just seems natural to be around wallpaper, furniture and cushions. I still want to be an interior designer, that hasn’t left me and I haven’t changed my mind. I told Chris yesterday that our house is gonna be beautiful because I’m going to design it It’s gonna have a mix of stuff in it; old fashioned Victorian/Edwardian with a modern twist. Think the dining room has to be a gothic affair! There’s loads of stuff from Alchemy Gothic that we want, namely this:

Garden of Eden Intimity Glass
Exotic, serpentine, double glass for sharing those special, intimate occasions. Two intertwined, solid pewter snakes incorporating a central rose vial, forming the holders for the pair of separate glasses, each trimmed with black heart-crystal finials. 20 cm (8″) high overall.

I think it’s beautiful! When me and Chris first got together, we were looking through some Alchemy Gothic catalogues and that was the first thing he said he liked and I loved it when I first saw it. It’s expensive though! On average, it’s about £130!

Wrote a lot for Danzatore the other night. Actually wrote another huge milestone in it. The rest of the story needs some work though; needs a lot of filler! It’s 102 pages at the moment and 60.5k words! Good, huh? Have a good feeling about this one too. I never finished Iris but one day I will. I see promise in that one too. Think I might plan the rest of it because I was just writing that one by ear!

My leg is going to sleep.

Not much else to write about now.

Bai!

Tippy x

*name changed.

A true Aquarian Ramble.

Brace yourselves!

Because this is…

The dawning of the age of Aquarius! Age of Aquarius! Aquarius! Aquarius!

Yes, that’s right! Any child born between now and the 19th of February is going to be an Aquarian! Lucky them tbh. So to celebrate, I thought I’d do an entry about the Air sign. In some places, the month of Aquarius starts and finishes on the 20th of January and finishes on the 18th of February or 21st of January to the 19th of February. People who are born on either the 20th of January or the 21st or the 18th or 19th of February are born on the cusp. I suppose they could choose whether they wanted to be a Capricorn/Aquarius or a Aquarius/Pisces. Do you know anyone on a cusp?

Aquarians tend to be attracted to or drawn to Leo’s which is probably why I know so many We’re supposed to clash with Taureans but more on that later!

Aquarian friends:
Mum
Connie
Eileen
Raj
Dan K
Daniel H
Kasper
Sarah

Famous Aquarians:
Alan Cumming (not surprised )
Alice Cooper
Alicia Keys
Ashton Kutcher
Bob Marley
Charles Darwin
Charles Dickens
Chris Rock
Christian Bale
Christina Ricci
David Jason
Eddie Izzard
Geena Davis
Minnie Driver
Seth Green
Phil Collins
Paris Hilton (joy)
Nick Hancock
Lewis Carroll
Lesley Nielson

Today’s Aquarius horoscope from Septic Peg:

The waiting time is over as the sun returns to your sign for the first time in a year.
This inspires winning action right across your life. When you see the hidden side of someone you thought you knew well, that liking could turn into mutual love.
A family may be winners via a TV show.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/mystic_meg/daily_stars/1369426/Mystic-Megs-Horoscopes-Check-out-your-star-signs-for-today.html?offset=10#ixzz0dBCuNoeK

And from the AMAZING DAVID WELLS (I love him – I can just hear his voice when I read his horoscopes!);

You’re the one with the torch, the light shining in the dark. The Sun is in your sign and that could explain the smile on your face – the thought of cake and presents, perhaps? The Sun is your love ruler, too. Smile more.

Typical traits of an Aquarian:

Friendly and humanitarian
Honest and loyal
Original and inventive
Independent and intellectual

On the dark side….

Intractable and contrary
Perverse and unpredictable
Unemotional and detached

Taken from http://www.exploreastrology.co.uk/PersonalityTraitsAquarius.html

The eleventh sign of the zodiac is Aquarius. It is represented by the water bearer. Aquarius is the sign of the future and the water bearer reflects the idealism of the new life the future promises. Don’t expect an Aquarian to follow the crowd. They are individuals who like to do their own thing and they enjoy being different. Aquarians take pride in their intellectual independence. They can be liberal and progressive in thought, and yet still fixed in their opinion. However, they are fair judges of different opinions because they don’t let emotions get in their way.

Aquarians love more than anything to be in the company of other people. One of the friendliest signs of the zodiac, they are true “people” people. Aquarians will find their kindness helps them attract friends wherever they go. Their humanitarian beliefs make them concerned for the welfare of all. Yet, while they love people, they tend to avoid getting too deeply involved in a relationship for fear of losing their independence.

Aquarians are creative and imaginative, but better at dreaming up ideas rather than putting them into practice. They would rather spend their time thinking up new ideas than putting the ones they have already thought of into motion. They leave that job to others. Those born under the sign of Aquarius are true visionaries and leaders.

Unconventional
Aquarians relish in their unconventional ways. Their unusual thoughts lead them to think “outside of the box” and therefore, they are often seen as great thinkers. They are always looking for a new way to do something. This helps them avoid one of their greatest enemies – boredom.

The combination of their creative attributes, original thoughts, kindness, and love of people makes them perfect leaders. However, while they will take your opinion of something into consideration, you may be unlikely to change their own thoughts on the subject.

Friendly
Aquarians value friendship very much. Once you have a friendship with an Aquarian, you can expect them to be loyal. If you find yourself in a bind, ask an Aquarian friend for help. They will not hesitate to be there for you. They are the humanitarians of the zodiac and their altruistic ways naturally draw people to them.

Aquarians usually never find themselves at a loss for companionship, but because they value their independence so, they may not make the best lovers. If they feel they are trapped, they will use any excuse to break free.

Weaknesses
Aquarians can be stubborn in their opinions. They can become impatient with those who don’t see their point of view and disagree with them. They are fiercely independent and this can make them seem cold, detached, and impersonal at times. They embrace their eccentric ideas so much that they can be viewed as rebellious and unpredictable.

Parts of the Body Ruled by Aquarius
The circulatory system, shins, and ankles – Aquarians may be prone to ankle and shin strains and breaks. Because they are ruled by the circulatory system, they may also have varicose veins and hardening of the arteries due to circulatory problems.

Everything I’ve bolded sounds just like me and I’m sure other people people would agree!

Some more traits:

* Good communication skills
* Sociable
* Idealist
* Tactless
* Desires change
* A utopian

Likes…

* Fame
* Themselves
* Privacy
* Dreams
* Magic
* Change
* Eccentricity
* Surprises
* Living within their means

Dislikes…

* Emotion
* Intimacy
* Show-offs
* Taken for granted
* Being ‘pinned down’
* Violence
* Senseless extravagance

Aquarius people are extremely open-minded, tolerant, extroverted, experimental and emotionally detached.

Aquarians filter ideas and even feelings through their intellects rather than their emotions, and are able to offer a fresh perspective on any aspect of life. Most Aquarians love conspiracy theories, speculating as to what various people might be doing behind the scenes and how this affects large groups of people. They also tend to come up with a variety of unusual solutions to the world’s problems, which range from brilliant innovations to crackpot schemes.
Eccentric and Unpredictable

Aquarius people are highly eccentric and usually prefer the company of other eccentric types. Easily bored and often restless, Aquarians seek out people who are original, creative and exciting, and sometimes even a little dangerous or unstable, in order to obtain novel experiences and have interesting conversations.

Aquarians are unpredictable, and sometimes get a reputation for unreliability as a result. They can be quite chaotic and scattered, and often reject social conventions, though they are susceptible to modern fads. They can be wacky and absent-minded, full of brilliant ideas but prone to highly impractical behaviour.

Aquarians are good creators and inventors. Most have scientific minds, suited for physics, chemistry, technical writing, work with computers, or the writing of science or speculative fiction. They usually have an interest in outer space, the possibility of life on other planets or anything futuristic. Many also have an interest in the occult and other paranormal or unexplained phenomena.
Extroverted and Experimental

Aquarius people are experimental sensation seekers and may get into trouble as a result. They love trying new things and constantly seek out novelty and change. This is a sign in need of constant intellectual stimulation. Aquarians tend to have a wide circle of acquaintances rather than spending time with just a few close friends and family members. They usually prefer to socialize and work within diverse groups rather than alone or in simple partnerships.

Read more at Suite101: Aquarius Personality Profile: Astrological Characteristics of Those Born January 20 – February 18 http://astrological-sun-signs.suite101.com/article.cfm/aquarius_personality_profile#ixzz0dB3n97Td

Traditionally, Aquarians and Taureans aren’t supposed to get on. We clash and if you were to look at my mum and dad, you could believe it. Chris is a Taurean and we get on pretty well! We do clash sometimes but it’s because we’re different, we’re almost complete opposites. But as they say, opposites attract!

Taurus and Aquarius

The relationship between a Taurus and an Aquarius would entirely be dependent on the kind of adjustment they are ready to make. Both of them have a different approach towards life. Still, if they manage to adjust and compromise a bit, theirs would be a long-lasting union. While the Bull has a conservative approach in life and is highly stable, the Water Bearer believes in modernity and wants change and variety in life. The former is a home-bird and prefers the comforts of the indoors, the latter loves to freak out and explore the world. The stubborn Bull will also face a difficulty understanding the unpredictable side of the Water Bearer.

The difference is prevalent in the romantic sphere as well, where the two have totally contrasting qualities. A Taurean is a highly passionate lover, whereas an Aquarian has a casual attitude towards love. Security is also a concern for this love match. While the Bull needs plenty of it, the Water Bearer will hardly be able to provide it, mainly because of his loner attitude. The vivacious and friendly attitude of the latter is sure to trigger the insecurity button for the Bull. On the positive side, they share a strong determination. Once they arrive at a decision, nothing in the world can stop them from following it.

Taurus Man & Aquarius Woman
The relationship between a Taurus male and an Aquarius female would start off well, but they would face problems later on. Though they share an unwavering nature, their conflicting nature will turn the relationship sour. The differences would be too prevalent to be underplayed. An Aquarian woman is an extrovert and her gregarious nature is sure to make him feel insecure and jeaous. Her easy going nature would also conflict with his ‘live-by-rules’ attitude. Both need to adjust and work their way towards each other, to bring in compatibility.

Another:

Aquarius Personality Traits

Aquarians generally have strong and idealistic characteristics. As per the astrologists, an Aquarian can fall in either of the two personalities, one gentle and patient and the another of practical and exuberant nature. Both these Aquarius personality traits are very socializing and motivating. Most of the times, you will find them focusing on events and projects, so as to make the society a better place to live. The likes and dislikes of an Aquarius personality are very strong and firm. Here is a brief information about the personality traits of an Aquarius man and an Aquarius woman.

Personality Traits of an Aquarius Man

The personality Traits of an Aquarius man are loyal, free loving, confident and adventurous. He is considered as a people’s man; there is hardly any individual that an Aquarian does not like. An Aquarius man possesses strong visionaries and likes to persuade other people in progressive works. In fact, he is a master in making friends and motivating them to succeed in life. He may be hesitant to take the initiative role for any project; but when once he gets involved, he will remain consistent to achieve the goal till the end.

If you befriend an Aquarius man, then you are lucky to have a good person in your life. He will always be there to share your joys and worries. Nevertheless, the personality characteristics of Aquarius male are such that he is not willing to share their problems. He tends to hide his worries and solve them quietly on his own. An Aquarian male is quite stubborn in nature; very rarely he is ready accept other persons’ ideas and objectives. In the relationships, he is a considerate lover. No doubt, an Aquarius man is less expressive, but deep inside he is very emotionally attached to his partner.

Personality Traits of an Aquarius Woman

An Aquarius female is characterized by her ethnic beauty, honesty and strong will power. Similar to an Aquarius man, she tends to be independent. Give her freedom and you can succeed in winning her love. An Aquarius woman prefers to set her own rules and regulations in life. She is difficult to influence by other persons, rather than her close ones. However, an Aquarius woman gets demoralized pretty easily. If something goes wrong at the starting of any venture, she will no longer have the enthusiasm to complete the work.

For an Aquarius woman, status and position matter much more than money. If given an option, she will choose a partner with rational behavior, rather than choosing a rich person. An Aquarius woman is very loyal and open minded in a relationship. She will be a loving and faithful partner as long as she trusts her husband. However be aware; if you hurt an Aquarius woman, she will remember it throughout her life. She has the motto to forgive but not forget in life.

In a nutshell, honest, loving and intelligent Aquarians can be a good friend, lover and life-partner. Their existence will brighten your whole life.

So there you have it! Gonna keep this as a page on the side menu so people will understand us Aquarians a little more!

Tippy (a true Aquarian) x

Selsey Storm Articles!

Yep, updating again =P

I found two articles from the BBC from 1998 and 2000 about storms in Selsey. The one from 2000 mentions about the complex being damaged and I remember a news reporter being on the beach when the windows smashed! The second one is shocking, even if you know Selsey as well as I do. It’s UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE.

Article from 1998 and the article from 2000.
In regards to the second one, the bits I laughed at and thought, “yep, that sounds like Selsey” were:

“But most of the holidaymakers had left the park at the weekend, and there were no serious injuries.”

The storm happened, luckily, right at the end of the season! We could’ve been there, seeing as we’ve been going there nearly every year since 1994! I can’t remember when we started going there in October though. Shall have to ask my mum.

“John Bunn, managing director of the caravan park, said it had sustained about £500,000 of damage, mainly glass broken by flying debris and pebbles from the beach.”

The woman we bumped into when we went off to find our old caravans said that it’s the pebbles and shingle that does the most damage to the park! That’s why they put the nets up outside of the complex! The sea and wind just pick up the pebbles and throws them!

“”It was a freak weather occurrence. It could have been a lot worse. We had 7,000 people here on Saturday,” Mr Bunn said.”

That proves what I said about it being the biggest caravan park in Europe and the Embassy being packed to the rafters so don’t think he’s exaggerating! I’ve seen Selsey when it’s full, believe me =P

“We warned people who were still here last night that there were strong winds coming, giving them the chance to leave if they wanted to.”
Staff had spent Monday assessing the damage and making the park safe. The site had been closed a day early, and any remaining holidaymakers had left.

That’s what happened two years later when we were there. I can still remember it so clearly; where we were in the Embassy, what we were wearing, everything. I remember being very scared =P My mum made a joke about going back to the caravan and it’d be floating in the sea with a red setter standing on the roof! Little did we know that caravans can really be swept into the sea in Selsey…

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire Brigade said that Selsey’s tendency to suffer from severe weather was “just one of those things I’m afraid”.
“I don’t think you could ever get used to it,” he said.
“We’re two-and-a-half miles out to sea, and whatever comes down the channel I’m afraid’s going to hit Selsey.”

This is very true! This is basically what I said in my “Save Our Selsey” article and which is why the campaign is SO important. It makes me so sad that it’s one of those things that we have to accept. I bet that when Mr. Bunn opened West Sands Caravan Park in 1959, he didn’t know that it would be the worst place to set up a caravan park.

Astronomer Patrick Moore, who lives in Selsey and saw the previous tornado first hand, said he was lucky to have been out of the way.
“It must have been less than a quarter of a mile from where the previous whirlwind hit.
“I can’t explain it. It is said that lightning never strikes twice, but clearly the same is not true of tornados. It makes me quite nervous to go outside.”

Patrick Moore speaks the truth! I must find out where he lives and go and see his house! Selsey isn’t a big town so it can’t be far! I’m sure you could probably spot his observatory a mile off =P Next time I’m in Selsey, I must go and find it.

edit:

Raj just sent me this:

Dear Raj,
Here is your horoscope for
Saturday, November 14:
Your community focus is especially strong right now — so get out there and make the world a better place! Your great energy is perfect for volunteer work or starting up new movements.

He also said that it was time to go and save Selsey =P