V is a stickler for integrity of words and over the course of many conversations with him – including a fair few arguments – I’ve found that I’m not very exacting with my language.

It’s funny that I’m an editor and yet I scatter words around like a handful of sultanas to be added to a recipe – a few more or less won’t matter and neither will it matter if there are currants and muscatels mixed in. Yes, you’re probably going to remind me that ‘we teach what we need to learn’

It’s been this sloppy approach to words that has most often led to the arguments we have.

One of the things I tended to say was ‘we’ instead of ‘I’. V points out that to say ‘we’ is either compromising or condescending and definitely not taking responsibility for my own thoughts, actions or ideas, and not owning the outcome. When boiled down, it is not owning my own power.

Another disempowering habit I have is to use the word ‘just’. This is like putting an apology into your sentence. It is easier to say, ‘Would you just be able to fix that up please?’ However, much more powerful and direct would be to say, ‘Please fix that up’ or even ‘I want you to fix that up please’.

Over my whole lifetime I’ve been in trouble for being too direct, too blunt and appearing too angry. So this is probably one of the reasons I’ve added mamby-pamby stuff into my sentences – in an attempt to water them down.

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Jupiter into Aquarius – Embracing the Year Ahead

There is an extraordinary planetary line-up in Capricorn and Aquarius from the end of December to the end of February with every planet except Saturn and Uranus travelling through the Capricorn-Aquarius zone of the zodiac. Capricorn and Aquarius embody the themes of traditional and conservative vs. new and radical. These are signs of collective rather than personal energy, so we enter 2009 with the focus on international and group cooperation. The ongoing opposition between Saturn and Uranus (see November Stargazer) will be with us for the next two years, forcing us to apply the insights and knowledge arising from the technological revolution to solving the practical problems of global warming, population explosion and establishing sustainable supplies of clean air, food and water.

2008 has certainly been a year of surprise and upheaval. Some would say a year of correction for past excess. Here’s a quote from last year’s January column. “An overriding theme for 2008 is the need to sort out our financial affairs and take a more responsible attitude to reducing debt and increasing savings or establishing a firm financial base. With three of the major planets in earth signs throughout the year – Pluto and Jupiter in Capricorn and Saturn in Virgo, it’s time to tighten the belt and get real.”

So what we can we expect in 2009? Certainly more ‘belt-tightening’ as Pluto and Saturn continue to move through cautious Capricorn and pragmatic Virgo, but on a brighter note, Jupiter will be moving out of Capricorn into Aquarius in early January, just two weeks before Barack Obama’s inauguration as US President. Barack Obama is a man of his time, bridging cultures and belief systems. Our bilingual Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is also in tune with the zeitgeist.

Neptune, Chiron and the North Node have been in radical and egalitarian Aquarius throughout 2008 making us realise we cannot continue to operate as individuals or separate countries or power blocs. Black and white; Jew and Muslim; East and West; man and woman; middle class and working class. These artificial divisions have become increasingly meaningless as we come to understand our co-dependence at this time of global challenge.

When philosophical Jupiter joins Neptune, Chiron and the North Node in Aquarius, we will be faced with the choice of clinging to a past of feeling special and culturally superior (or richer or better educated etc) vs. being part of an exciting, yet unfamiliar new world. The current energy is similar to the period prior to the French Revolution which culminated in the overthrow of the French monarchy, the rise of the peasant and middle classes and the destruction of the power base of the nobility. The slogan for that revolution was ‘liberty, equality and brotherhood’. Many of us believe we have moved beyond the concept of a disenfranchised peasant class, yet we continue to import cheap goods and services produced by the modern day equivalent of the ‘disenfranchised peasant’. Just because we don’t see these people slaving away, doesn’t mean they don’t exist!

Jupiter’s move into Aquarius is accompanied by Mercury, a combination that forces us to think deeply and focus on the big picture. Jupiter is the planet of expansion, good will, enthusiasm, law, philosophy, higher learning, religion, nature and environment. So Jupiter in Aquarius will enhance the ideals of social justice, unity, progressive thought, utopian dreams and visions.

Expect astonishing developments in information technology coupled by radical change in the collective mindset. As the stability of the old order (banks, stock markets, pension and superannuation funds, home ownership, dependency on oil, job security etc) continues to crumble, we will start to move towards new cultural and business models. Many fear these changes. Change is never easy, but we can choose to embrace the new possibilities rather than cling to the old… and the possibilities are endless! Bartering instead of cash transactions; on-line trading rather than driving to the local shopping centre, communal living and shared ownership of expensive items vs. one family per block owning every item possible, farmers markets vs. supermarkets. The current economic and astrological climate will force us to share. And sharing is not only practical and sensible but also very enjoyable and a loving thing to do, especially when not fuelled by concepts of limitation, sacrifice and martyrdom. People who have lived through wars and harsh economic times or shortages always talk about how they became more resourceful and how good it felt to work together with others to beat the odds.

The shadow side of Jupiter in Aquarius is fanaticism and totalitarianism. Aquarius always puts the group before the individual and this can lead to laws and systems that threaten personal freedom and choice. Another shadow to watch out for is the concept of technology as a cure-for-all. We humans haven’t changed much over the years and our best resource has always been each other. You may like to think about what you would enjoy sharing with others at this time, rather than what you stand to lose. 2009 offers us a new blueprint for a new future fuelled by a major shift in public consciousness. That means you!

Featured Sign – Capricorn

From the 21st December to the 20th January the Sun travels through earth sign Capricorn, noted for her shrewdness, self-discipline, determination to get ahead and respect for tradition and authority. Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac with keywords “I aspire” and “I persist”. Capricorns have practical and executive ability, are very responsible and love status. They are prepared to work incredibly hard to achieve their dreams and goals. Those born under the sign of the Goat often lead a solitary existence, feeling burdened by the responsibility they carry and struggling with the limitations of material life. At best they use their leadership skills to serve the community and act as pillars of strength for friends and family, believing patient hard work brings its own rewards. Negatively, Capricorns can be selfish, mean, ruthless and materialistic with a tendency to arrogance and autocratic or controlling behaviour. In medical astrology, Capricorn rules the skin, knees and bones and also has a reflex action on the stomach. When Capricorns are out of balance they can suffer from rheumatism, arthritis, skin complaints such as rashes and boils and digestive disturbances. There can be a tendency towards pessimism and depression. The Capricorn colours are brown and black. Capricorn’s greatest lesson is to lighten up and express their feelings.

Moon Placements - January

Launch projects at the New Moon, bring them to completion in the period from just before the Full Moon to the Third Quarter phase and wind them down and reflect on developments in the week before the next New Moon. Important events such as parties, conferences and weddings are best held close to the Full Moon or when the Moon is in the same sign as your Sun (or Star) sign.

Stella Woods is an astrology consultant and teacher based in St Kilda, Melbourne. Contact Stella for private readings on (03) 9534 5021 or stellaw@ozemail.com.au or visit www.stellastarwoman.com and sign up for Stella’s free AstroUpdate or read your Monthly Stars. Hear Stella on 3RRR 102.7 FM or on line every second Wednesday (10 -11 am).

Photo by WoodleyWonderworks

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Hello

I got through it pretty well, considering.

I had determined to look my best, but I’d run out of time to pluck my eyebrows and my stray moustache hairs :( My hair had been not quite dry when my son and I started out. We’d driven with the car roof open – so I had an uplifting blow dry on one side of my hair. In other words, I wasn’t putting my best foot forward as far as looks. In fact, I was on my back foot – not a good start.

When I arrived ‘they’ were already there. After I’d kissed my daughters and grandchildren, she came up to me and gave me a very long, strong hug. I reciprocated and was able to feel a good connection with this person, feeling her as a person rather than the woman who’d taken my husband away. She then gave me a kiss and held my gaze. This was a bit full-on. I’m not good with direct gazes at the best of times. The emotion of this made my eyes fill with tears. I turned away and had to bite my lip to stop myself from crying.

Mia, one of my daughters, saw this but had not seen the embrace. She ‘Oh Mum!-ed’ me. On no – it was the beginning of a scene, and I didn’t want that. Rapidly I found a job to busy myself with. Over that, we went on with the day. We spoke very cordially during the day, both making a good effort with each other, and, speaking for myself, it was actually easy to be natural and friendly. It was odd really.

Everyone had a lovely Christmas and, at the end of the day, she came up to me and said, “I think we both did very well”. I agreed, and we both hugged and they went home.

I was not conscious of using any of the mental tools I’d thought of previously, or of using my tantric exercises to enhance my powerful woman persona – in fact, as I said above, I was on the back foot in terms of my self-image. However, I had asked my inner teacher, and all the angels, guides and masters who might have been flitting by, to help me through the day – and I definitely got help.

What was my big lesson? Each time I’d have a private moment of my eyes filling up or feeling a bit woebegone, I’d note the circumstances and my passing thoughts. It appears I was suffering from self-pity. The fact is that I am happier without my ex husband (except I’d love a man in my life of course) and he’s happier with his new woman. So that is great. However, I caught myself indulging in self-pity.

This was brought home to me by what we call in Eckankar a ‘waking dream’. Late in the afternoon my almost four-year-old granddaughter came inside crying. One of the little boys had pushed her over. I picked her up and tried to console her but she didn’t want to be consoled. I gave her a little squirt of Rescue Remedy. That calmed her for a bit, but she kept making herself cry. She’d get distracted, but then remember that she was sorry for herself, and she was within her rights to cry as she’d been hard done by. He pushed her over and he didn’t even say sorry. She’d have an angry grunt with the first cry and then convince herself that she was really sad. I heard myself telling her that she could change her mind about this and then added, “Grandma knows. She’s working on that right now.”

With love

Elizabeth

26/12/08

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Hello

Last night I was talking to my 23-year-old son, Pete, about his flight arrangements from Perth to Melbourne for Christmas. I told him I was the only one in the way of everyone having a lovely happy family Christmas. He was quick to tell me that I was living out a story that I’d made up.

I think he’s too wise for me because I couldn’t get past the fact that it was reality. I mean, if I can act from a more spiritual plane, accept everything and everyone as they are, then we can all be happy. That’s a fact.

Pete told me that I sounded like my birth mother. He’s never met her – he came close when he was quite young, but she got scared at the last minute and would not meet my children. That was just before she disowned me a second time – but that’s another story. Pete has rightly formed the impression that she’s stoic.

He reminded me that I needed to be able to give vent to my emotions. I was crying while speaking with him. I cry more easily these days. Isn’t that enough? How can I tell when enough’s enough? All the wallowing I’ve been doing lately must surely count. Again, I return to that notion that you cannot solve an emotional problem from the emotional plane. However, I don’t want to force myself to be in the mind about it, as maybe that does equate to forcing the emotions under the radar, and to get myself into the spiritual plane and stay there is not human. If we could do that we’d no longer need to be incarnate here.

So as I went to sleep last night I asked my teacher for a dream to help me, and this is what I got – it sounds weird though: I met the wife of one of my magazine long-standing advertisers, the Australian leader of a strong spiritual movement, who are also very ‘in the mind’ with lots of theories and dogmas. (I guess this represents to me that I am trying to solve this problem theoretically.) This wife was lamenting that her husband now has erectile dysfunction. (Hmmm… Yes – I guess this is telling me that my theories are not working.)

I suggested to this woman that she and her husband come to meet a tantra teacher with me and we attend her workshop. Yep – very unusual – but the fact is that a few months ago I attended private sessions to learn tantric breathing and movement of energy around my chakras and also attended a women’s tantric weekend covering the same stuff. I suddenly appreciated myself and my body much more, and this of course improved my self-esteem. I also had more energy and more chi just flowing around my body. However, of late, I’ve let the exercises go. Why? Probably a mix of overwork and that emotional wallowing being stronger and pulling me out of the zone.

So I thank my inner teacher for that dream and I now have 24 hours to do my practices and remind myself that I am worthy and lovable – even if not by my former husband.

Here’s hoping we all have a loving and self-loving Christmas.

I’ll ‘see’ you again a day or so after Christmas to report back

Much love to everyone

Elizabeth

24/12/08

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Hello

When I had the realisation that I had to solve my problem – all problems – from a higher plane or even a different vantage point from the one where the problem was created, I immediately soared to new heights of freedom. I felt at peace, happy and carefree.

However, I soon found out how easy it is to plunge into an emotional state again – and to start wallowing in self-pity and sorrow.

We had a barbecue for the work break-up at my house last Friday. I’d had some of the family photos out to find a photo of Terry’s Aunt Thirza so that I could show it to Sally, our Production Co-ordinator for the magazine, since her mannerisms are almost identical, and indeed there are some similarities in looks too. I couldn’t find any photos of her, except I knew there’d be one in the wedding album. I didn’t think it would be kosher to bring that out, given the circumstances. However, Terry heard me say that and was happy for me to do so.

Looking at all those family photos and the wedding photos made me get quite maudlin of course. I’ve mentioned before that the happy family – or the breaking of it – is the main thing that upsets me as far as Terry’s leaving me.

The other aspect, of course, is what V was getting at, that someone else has my man now – so jealousy is a biggie too.

Terry was the second last to leave the barbecue. I could tell he felt a bit weird leaving me again. He cleaned up the last of the stuff left out on the lawn. He cocked his head on the side, giving me a ‘sad pup’ look, as he kissed me goodbye. I had to turn away and change the subject. My eyes had filled with tears. There I was totally trapped in self-pity and emotions.

That was on the 19^th. Today is the 23^rd. You know that we are having our big combined family Christmas, at my instigation, in two days. I therefore have about 48 hours to get over this – to work out how to move up a couple of planes and stay there. I don’t want to get to the event and spoil it for everyone by being a bitch or really woeful.

Stay tuned, and I’ll report what happens next

Love

Elizabeth

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Burning wedding photo & rose petals

Hello  

I’ve told you how my husband left me just before Easter this year, haven’t I?

I’d worked through it pretty well, doing a ritual to let him go after a couple of months had passed. The ritual involved calling on the Divine, my teacher and my favourite angels and ascended masters for support – and also my female forebears and family. This last was prompted by my using my grandmother’s old kitchen scales with the metal pan as part of the ceremony. Then I used a vase of my mother’s and china from my great aunt, so that I had something from each significant female in my line, albeit my adoptive line rather than my birth one – but I am convinced I have as much connection to them as I do to my birth family, or perhaps more in one respect. I then added little pottery items my kids had made at school so that they could witness the metaphysical separation of their parents. I added a couple of significant items from our marriage, dried rose petals and a wedding photo. With the use of candle wax and some essential oils I set fire to the petals and the photo in the metal pan of the old balance. (That’s the very fuzzy photo taken with my camera.) Of course I was crying and talking all the while to Terry and significant others.

There was a bit more to it than that, but I did not set out to tell you about this ritual, but merely to show you that I had put in considerable effort to end the 41 years of marriage gracefully and with wisdom, since, when I was operating from a higher level, I could see that our contract was over in this lifetime and we had no need to go on together. In fact, we were better off without each other.

Coming from this level, and family being extremely important to me, I announced a few months ago that it was ridiculous to have to have a split Christmas where Mum was entertained by the family at one time of the day and Dad at another. So, believing that the whole world should learn to accept things and move on – and to demonstrate it by celebrating important things as a family unit still, albeit a larger unit now – I suggested we all have a Christmas together. By ‘all’ I mean Terry and his new family and his old family and me.

Then V told me I had better process it really well as he reckoned I still had ‘stuff’ around it. I blithely pronounced that I was fine. He then ‘knocked me a for a six’ as he made some emotive suggestions like, ‘Your mate has left you after 41 years. How do you feel about that? He’s left your nest. He’s gone off with a younger woman. Have you really dealt with that?’

Of course, it winded and wounded me, as it brought me straight back to the place where the pain had been experienced. From there I was grovelling around the bottom of the energy spiral for months. In fact, that’s probably the reason I haven’t been writing in this blog for so long. I’d gone into self-doubt, convincing myself that I hadn’t dealt with the separation after all, and more, applying my negative self-talk to the rest of my life. It seemed that suddenly everything I did and thought was ‘wrong’.

About three weeks ago I was having a reiki and, when I got to turn over on my tummy so that my adrenals could be worked on, I saw a poster on the reiki lady’s window. It was written by her guru. It was about the way that the guru intercedes between we mortals and the Divine. My heart opened to my own teacher, who explains that the Holy Spirit forms a matrix in whatever shape we will accept – so that some people see saints or angels and others see Native American guides while others talk to Jesus or Quan Yin and some have a close relationship with an outer guru who becomes their inner teacher. (In case you wish to poo-poo this idea, you may be interested to know that I used to think that people gave away their power to gurus and that they were just ‘wrong’, but I’ve had my guru for about 24 years now and my relationship with my inner teacher has been the strength that has allowed me to be successful in business and ride with the ups and downs of the economy – and the sometimes almost disastrous effects of my own mistakes – for nearly 20 years.)

I digress again – getting back to when my heart opened to my inner teacher, at that moment I softened and allowed some sort of cosmic download to occur whereby words came rushing into my head. I’d read them earlier this year in a book called ‘The Kybalion’ (a summary of ancient Hermetic philosophy). In effect they said that it is not possible to solve a problem from the plane on which it was created.

So in a huge rush I was relieved of my burdensome thinking. I realised that V had purposely stooped low to hit me in the belly of emotions, thinking he was doing the right thing and getting me to look at the unfinished business. However, I could now see so clearly that, if I stayed there, I’d go round and round at best, or down a never-ending spiral at worst. So I had to go back to where I was to solve this problem – back to a mental and spiritual solution.

There will always be pain there at the emotional level. The trick is to rise above it. Of course, that’s easier said than done, and there will be more of that tomorrow.

With love

Elizabeth

22/12/08

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Lunar Planning

As we approach the end of 2008 and start to look to the year ahead, you may like to include our old friend the moon in your plans. Jost Sauer’s recent articles in Living Now on the chi cycle have been very popular and just as the body has its natural rhythms and cycles, so does our planet. Many of you have written asking for information on lunar planning, so here some basic pointers for leading a more balanced life.

The moon circles the earth every 28 days passing through each of the twelve zodiac signs en route. The word ‘moon’ is similar to the word ‘mood’ and for good reason! When the moon is in a fire sign, people tend to feel more energetic and active or even angry! The moon in an earth sign is a good time to get things done on a practical or financial level. When the moon is in an air sign, use the time for planning, discussing and thinking. And when the moon is in a water sign, tune in to your inner world, spend time alone and rest.

There are three important dates to note during each moon cycle and you can use the moon placement tables below to work them all out.

1) When the moon is in your sign
2) Day of the new moon
3) Day of the full moon

Firstly, take note of when the moon is in the same zodiac sign as your star sign. So if you are a Virgo, look up the dates each month when the moon is in Virgo. You should feel particularly ‘in tune’ on these days and activities will proceed smoothly for you.

Secondly, note the date of the new moon. This is a good day to launch new projects, write your diary or journal, spend time alone meditating or plant dreams and wishes for the month ahead. This is the beginning of the 28 day lunar cycle and corresponds to the first whiff of spring. The period between the new moon and the full moon is known as the ‘waxing moon’ – this is when things start to grow and develop.

Thirdly, note the date of the full moon, which occurs two weeks after the new moon. The full moon is always in the zodiac sign opposite the sun. So this month, for example, the sun is in Sagittarius and the full moon in Gemini. The full moon is harvest time. Energy is at its peak and so this is a great time for a party, celebration, product launch or conference. The period between the full moon and the new moon is known as the ‘waning moon’ – this is when matters reach completion and energy breaks down ready for the next cycle.
Finally, if you know which sign the moon was in when you were born, note the 2-3 days each month when the moon will be in that sign. This is your ‘lunar return’ and the natural energies of this period will resonate with your own personal energy. For example, if you were born with the moon in Libra, you should experience feelings of harmony, balance and fairness when the transiting moon is in Libra.

If you are interested in learning more about fine-tuning your life to the cycles of the moon, consider purchasing a moon diary or calendar. This will show you how to plant and harvest by the moon, take care of your body and improve your emotional wellbeing. Diaries and calendars can be purchased from your local esoteric bookshop.

Key Astrological Events – December

The dominant energies for the month are fire sign Sagittarius and earth sign Capricorn. One an optimistic, forward-looking and expansive energy and one a more conservative and practical force. Sagittarius provides vision and confidence, while Capricorn offers the discipline and power to manifest the vision.

The yang energy reaches its zenith at the summer solstice on 21st December as the Sun enters Capricorn. This solstice is particularly powerful as the Sun and Pluto combine their energies to take us into the New Year.

The moon will be in fun-loving Sagittarius from Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day, with a more sober Capricorn new moon falling on the 27th. The new moon is a time for new beginnings, inner work and reflection, so ponder the events of the past year and spend some time alone or with your partner and family making practical New Year resolutions. This month’s new moon couples with passionate Mars and hard working Pluto, bringing the single-minded focus, intensity and drive needed to get projects off the ground. Avoid compulsive behaviour or self criticism.

There is an extraordinary planetary line-up in Capricorn and Aquarius from the 27th, right through to the New Year with no less than ten planets in this area of the zodiac. Again the theme of old vs. new emerges. These are signs of collective rather than personal energy, so we enter 2009 with the focus on international and group cooperation.

Happy festive season to all – I look forward to sharing my love of astrology with you in 2009.

Moon Placements - December

Launch projects at the New Moon, bring them to completion in the period from just before the Full Moon to the Third Quarter phase and wind them down and reflect on developments in the week before the next New Moon. Important events such as parties, conferences and weddings are best held close to the Full Moon or when the Moon is in the same sign as your Sun (or Star) sign.

Stella Woods is an astrology consultant and teacher based in St Kilda, Melbourne. Contact Stella for private readings on (03) 9534 5021 or stellaw@ozemail.com.au or visit www.stellastarwoman.com and sign up for Stella’s free AstroUpdate or read your Monthly Stars. Hear Stella on 3RRR 102.7 FM or on line every second Wednesday (10 -11 am).

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Some years ago, while travelling in the Amazon, I found myself involved in the rescue of a three-toed sloth which had endangered itself by accidentally wandering into the territory of a carnivorous ocelot. While we were busy trapping and trussing up the unfortunate animal, my local guide asked me if I had ever eaten sloth. Of course I had not, and asked him what it tasted like.

“Oh, just like monkey.” Which left me none the wiser.

Throughout Africa, Asia, South America and the Arctic regions, indigenous people routinely kill and eat native wildlife, but this activity rarely if ever places these species under immediate threat of extinction. (One exception is the Snub-nosed monkey, which only inhabits one island off the coast of Vietnam, and which is still being hunted for food despite its population numbering only about 60.)

However, when Mandrill Baboons, Guenon Monkeys, Duikers (a small antelope) and even chimpanzees and gorilla parts start appearing on dinner tables in Europe and America, it is clear that there is a thriving illegal trade in what is known as bushmeat. The duiker antelope seems to be the most popular (probably because it reputedly tastes like farmed venison), and the illegal industry is rapidly becoming an integral part of some third world economies. Glyn Davies, conservation director for the Royal Zoological Society of London, has been quoted as saying: “The bushmeat trade is huge and supports thousands of people in Africa”. What is more, this meat is classed as a luxury food, and therefore fetches far higher prices than even premium cuts of beef, or traditionally expensive game birds, such as pheasant and grouse.

What is most disturbing is that bushmeat markets have thus far been identified in eight cities – Paris, Brussels, London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and Montreal – and all of these are in countries which are card-carrying members of CITES. There is a central bushmeat market in each of these cities, illegally importing from Ghana, Gabon and elsewhere, and shifting approximately 6000 tonnes of meat each month, either into selected restaurants, or as clandestine private sales.

CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, and most western nations have signed up to it. Two notable absentees, until very recently, have been Japan and China. However, Japan’s application has been accepted and July of this year saw the first meeting aimed at deciding whether or not to admit China.

Both Japan and China pose special problems for CITES, because stated government policy often comes into conflict with long-established traditions. I have dealt with the Japanese whaling question in an earlier article, published in the April issue, but the Japanese appetite for creatures of the sea goes much further than just whales. The past decade, for example, has seen a tenfold increase in demand for shark fins, destined for the famous dish, sharkfin soup. Japan and China are once again the main markets for this so-called delicacy, and indiscriminate slaughter of sharks has been the result.

It is a brutal process. The shark is trapped, its dorsal fin hacked off, and the maimed fish is then thrown back into the sea to die. From the surface one shark’s fin looks pretty much like any other’s, so little or no distinction is made between rare shark species and those which are relatively common, nor between species that breed when young, and are prolific, and others which mature late and produce few offspring. Not surprisingly at least a third, perhaps as many as half of the world’s 250 or so shark species are now under threat of extinction, simply because of the thirst for sharkfin soup.

China is also the principal destination for illegal tiger parts, powdered rhinoceros horn, bears’ paws – principally from Asiatic Black Bears and Sun Bears – and elephant ivory, and the extent of the illegal wildlife trade was made starkly clear on 5th March this year, when Claudia McMurray, the Assistant Secretary for Ocean and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, addressed the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources.

During the course of her submission, Ms McMurray pointed out that the trade was conservatively estimated at some $US10 billion per year, but the true figure was likely to be closer to $20 billion. For example, the going rate for a tiger skin in China is $16,000, and a bottle of tiger bone wine (sounds unthinkable, but it exists) retails at anything from $40 to $100. A nine year embargo on elephant ivory was invoked in June, 2007, following huge stockpile sales, but all that has done is hike the black market ivory price from $200 per kilo in 2005 to $700 per kilo today.

A sobering illustration of the extent of the trade can be seen by what happened three weeks to the day after Claudia McMurray addressed the House Committee. On 26th March, Chinese authorities confiscated 790 tonnes of ivory in the Guangxi Zhuang region. This represents a total of some 80 African elephants, valued at $5 million.

In its Long March to modernisation, and acceptance by the west, the Chinese government has begun to address both conservation and the illegal wildlife trade. Its captive Giant Panda breeding program, for instance, is the most successful in the world, and it is also protecting other rare species by establishing a network of 1500 nature reserves throughout the country. Trade in animals covered by CITES agreements is now banned, and teaching children about conservation has been a compulsory part of the country’s education system for nearly two years. This last is perhaps the most progressive contribution of all, as its effect will impact positively on the attitudes of future generations.

However, old habits die hard, and Chinese both young and old still practise traditional medicine, some of which, unfortunately, consists of balms, potions and powders distilled or otherwise processed from body parts of endangered species.

The inhumane breeding and effective imprisonment of black bears has been the most visible of these processes in recent years, but the animals perhaps most at risk are - predictably - the elephant and the tiger.

Fortunately, both animals breed well in the wild, so if proper safeguards are enforced, their populations can recover. But the extent of poaching – mostly outside designated reserves, but also within them – asks the question: recover from what? In 1970 there were an estimated 400,000 elephants in Chad, which is just about the northern limit of the animal’s range. By 2006, poaching had reduced the figure to only 10,000. Taken in total, there were approximately 10 million African elephants in the era before European settlement. By 1981 they numbered just 1.3 million, and poaching slashed that total to a mere 750,000 by 1986. That is a reduction of almost half in a space of five years, and it was this dramatic slaughter that prompted the first bans on illegal ivory.

It is worth noting that whilst African elephant ivory is the most prized, dealers will also trade in bone from the smaller Asiatic elephant, an animal whose population is only about 10 percent of the African total.

Asiatic elephants are found principally in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma and Thailand, and it is these countries that are also home to the last remaining wild tigers, currently numbering about 6000. Of these, only about 150 exist in Thailand, although recent studies have shown that Thai forest reserves could support as many as 2000 animals, and the government is giving serious consideration to establishing such enclaves.

Unfortunately, the same government seems to be turning a blind eye when it comes to the proliferation of illegal tiger breeding centres, which smuggle anything between 100 and 200 cubs into China each year. Thailand is also a major producer of tiger balm and other traditional medicinal products, and is a convenient conduit for transportation initiated by rogue traders in India. It is easier for Indian black marketeers to transport tiger parts to Thailand, because to smuggle them directly into China means entering politically unstable, and often violent regions, such as Jammu and Kashmir, and then negotiating some of the world’s highest mountains. It is much simpler to traffic them to Thailand and have them transported to the north of country, from where the passage into China is only about 150 kilometres, via a largely unpatrolled section of Burma.

China, Thailand, India, Japan, Gabon – it would be too easy to lay all the blame for illicit animal trading on just a selection of opportunist exporters and rich, environmentally uncaring importers. Let us not forget the locations of those bushmeat markets, all in highly modernised North American and European cities.

Therefore, perhaps it is timely to note that countries which promote themselves as torch bearers for conservation are also involved in the trade. Australia may have the worst track record when it comes to human-induced species extinction, but no-one today would dare to suggest that we have not taken enormous steps in cleaning up our act, and this country can rightly claim to be one of the most environmentally aware in the world. It would therefore be unthinkable for Australian fishing fleets to chop off the fins of sharks swimming in our territorial waters. But once the boats are outside those demarcation lines, this is exactly what they do. Fishing fleets based in Queensland are major exporters of shark fins - some estimates put their output at nearly 20% of the total market.

Perhaps no country touts its pro-environmental stance more vociferously than Canada, but even the Canadians are not blameless. Canadian and American fishing boats regularly venture into cold, southern hemisphere seas, in search of Chilean Sea Bass, which is a prized eating fish in both countries. It is also the triumph of a single marketing man, who coined the term Chilean Sea Bass, for there is no such creature.

Americans, who routinely import salmon farmed in Chile (admittedly under very poorly controlled, unhygienic conditions) have come to regard that country as a fish paradise. Sea Bass is hugely popular in the USA and Canada, and stocks at present are healthy. Therefore, if North Americans want sea bass, and understand it comes from a friendly supplier such as Chile, that’s just perfect.

But they are not eating Chilean Sea Bass, for that is nothing more than the marketing man’s re-naming of a much rarer species, one sufficiently endangered that Australian gunboats have even been sent into action to intercept Asian (mostly Indonesian) boats which have been seen harvesting it.

“Chilean Sea Bass” is in fact Patagonian Toothfish.

The world still has a lot to learn, and the bans on trading certain species clearly need to be more tightly enforced, as a matter of urgency.

David Scheel is a concert pianist, composer and humourist. Away from live performance he is also a respected writer and broadcaster on environmental and conservation issues.

Photo by mape_s

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Once upon a time, we sang. We sang till our heart’s content. We sang with each other. We sang the stories of life and death, and war and peace. We sang stories of our daily existence and of our nightly dreams.

Once upon a time, we performed under moonlight and sang about the stars. We sat around the fireplace and strummed a guitar while singing songs about local life and legends. We sang songs to celebrate, and to tell the stories of our journey.

Once upon a time, we sang.

So what’s happened?

Apart from those who attend weekly church, singing praises to the heavens above, and those who go to the footy, singing praises in the form of the national anthem, we do not sing. Some of us may meet for a few carols at Christmas time or pluck up the courage to sing at a karaoke night after a few beers, but outside of these rare occasions, we tend to reserve our voices for moments when no one can hear us. That is, in the car, in the shower or in the bedroom.

That’s right, we are scared singers. Why?

Most of us don’t want other people to hear our voice and judge us for how unrehearsed we are. We don’t want to expose that fact that maybe we don’t sound like Celine Dion or Luciano Pavarotti. We don’t want people to think of us as strange or out of place. We especially don’t want to be ourselves and be criticised for it.

We ask ourselves questions like,

‘What if they don’t like it?’

‘What if they look at me?’

‘What if they think I am strange?’

‘What if they think I can’t sing?’

Well, what if?

I was on a train in London one day when a lady was jumpin’ and jivin’ all over the place singing her heart out. I can tell you that it was the most inspired train carriage I have ever seen. People (although maybe a little apprehensive at first) were absolutely moved by it! They were laughing and smiling, and somewhere, for each of us, a little hope was restored that people can be free to be themselves, and that it’s okay to do so. Those few minutes of song and dance changed lives.

More recently, I heard a young man singing ‘We are the World’, loudly, on a construction site. I turned to him and smiled, and as our eyes met, I was reminded of my connection to all of mankind. I felt a moment of peace had that wonderful feeling of being home. It was great! This man, stepping out of what is ‘appropriate’ on a work site had given me a beautiful gift. He reflected back to me a part of myself that I forget exists, and possibly did more for me on that day than he realises.

Singing is a very powerful tool. It is a tool that connects us and reminds us of unity and harmony. It gives us the opportunity to come together and express ourselves. It can be an utterly joyful experience for both the listener and the performer. It is a two way street.

Even when I sing to myself, I can actually be singing with the universe. I am expressing a thought, a mood, a moment of gratitude, or just something I like to sing. I am enjoying myself. Even if my choices of notes are melancholy or depressing, I am, at least, communicating them.

We are much too afraid to step out and be ourselves. How many of you love to sing but dare not do it in front of other people? I guarantee you are not alone. Singing is a lost art and one we need to rekindle. It is a part of us. And yet, we hold it down, afraid of rejection and dismissal.

Fortunately, singing can help us to break free of our own barriers. Next time you are alone in the kitchen and singing to yourself and someone walks in, keep singing. Or try singing in the supermarket and watch it spread like wildflower. People love to sing – so start singing and remind them!

The art of singing is not about how technically able you are. It is about enjoying the gift of music and sharing it with others. It is about passion and inspiration and spirit. It is about being free to be yourself and in that, helping other people be themselves.

So, if you love to sing but are not doing it, or, if you have a passion you are not stepping towards, whether it be music or making mud cakes…

What are you waiting for?

Laura Mitchell is a musician / singing teacher currently living on the Sunshine Coast. You can contact her on 0409 274 235 or lauramitch@hotmail.com

Photo by ktylerconk

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