When I inherited the family home two years ago, it came with the phone number my folks had acquired in 1951. It just felt wrong to dispose of a line that had represented my family for so long, even though keeping it means paying two phone bills each month. So I’ve retained the land line despite the fact that telemarketers are my most frequent callers. Meanwhile, I’ve resisted the smart phone revolution, clinging to my dumb Neanderthal cell phone. Call me a Luddite, but there’s a certain sense of pride at refusing to fall under the spell of the latest techno-gadget.
But now we’re on the verge of a Gemini New Moon, with busy Mars and adventurous Jupiter also in that savvy, chatty sign. And I can no longer deny it: I’ve become an anachronism. While everyone else is taking pictures, checking email and saving the world on their cell phone, I’m still struggling to send a text. So yesterday, while Mercury made good aspects in the heavens, I upgraded to a snazzy new Samsung Galaxy SIII with a pretty pink case. We can blame the planets for my capitulation: The approaching New Moon features pushy Pluto and insistent Uranus making hard angles to quicksilver Mercury. The revolution calls.
Irish poet David Whyte would say I’m merely “joining the Greater Conversation.” By this he means exchanging energy with other people and the environment, as well as reweaving the web of life in the places where it’s grown tattered. Whether we do this by telling stories around a campfire, keeping in touch via the latest devices, raising money for good causes through Internet campaigns, recording our personal histories to share with our grandchildren or planting heirloom seeds in the backyard, it’s vital at this New Moon that we stay connected rather than retreat. Yes, technology can isolate or overwhelm us–but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Are you feeling the need to share an important truth, ask for help with something or upgrade your technology? Do it now, before Mercury slows down mid-month prior to its retrograde on June 26 (though I’d avoid buying new equipment this weekend when Mercury engages with erratic Uranus and Pluto.) Gemini is the perfect energy under which to lighten our baggage and learn new things. Next up for me: taking a class on how to use my new-fangled phone. And after that, maybe I’ll even muster the courage to finally cut the cord and let that land line go.
If you need help embracing your truth, check out this New Moon ritual from my book, Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life. At the bottom of that page you’ll also find a fun little video I made showing how one man spiffed up his Knowledge gua at the Gemini New Moon.
I always enjoy your pieces!!
Landlines are more reliable than cells. Plus, cost $6 a month to keep? Who knows, maybe someone will “call home”! Put number on Do Not Call list.
Well I am going on a slight retreat. Away from the hussle and bussle but will be around others. I am sure it will be fun and friendly!
When I inherit my folks home I too would have a hard time letting go of that number. We have had it since 1970.
Enjoy your phone Simone! You’ll get the hang of it. I learned mine intuitively but it did take time to get used to it. You have one of the best though next to the i Phone…more new and just as advanced and maybe better phones are coming out.
Funny I just realized…I have Juno in Gemini in the 7th and am a Receptionist in a law firm. We desperately need a phone system up grade. May be we will get one after the New Moon!
Great post Simone : )
When we sold my parents house after they were both gone, it felt so weird to let their old phone number go. I thought about trying to call the number a couple of years later to see if it had been given out to someone new, but never did. And Simone, I can relate to the stupid cell phone, ours makes phone calls, period. I also have and use an old rotary dial phone in my studio!! I love it, the sound quality is great, the only downside is sometimes if I know I’ll need to deal with a phone menu, I have to go upstairs and use the touch tone phone. I enjoy reading your new moon posts, thanks!
269-6112! My moms house takes me back to the early sixty`s. Lots of conversations, lots of wisdom and gossip! Ups and downs laughs and cry`s. Mom moved in with sister! So that # lives on in our memories! Nice website Kristine! 🙂
You can port your landline number to your cell phone!
I know, Kristine, but then I’d get all those telemarketers calling my cell! The idea was to keep a separate business line…
Nice piece, Simone. VERY. Thank you.
While visiting Scotland(sitting in Edinburgh airport) discovered
Family tartan, crest and history. I had distanced myself
From family name of Hunter but chose to embrace the mystery. Serendipity