when Alberto met Aletta * Hunrakan

Not just a cocktail brewed up by local N’awlins French Quarter mixologists, but rather a low pressure tropical depression, of counterclockwise circulation, that exceeds a wind speed of 74 mph to be deemed a category one typhoon, and graduating from designation as a tropical storm, the hurricane (season) has now commenced and is officially upon us.

According to shamanic (evolutionary) astrologer, VerDarLuz CelestiOwl, Jupiter’s astrological influence over this coming summer could well amplify, intensify and expand upon all things oceans induced, as Jupiter is “in” Scorpio, and is “trining” Neptune (god of the oceans), and of which is “in” Pisces (sign of the oceans). According to our “practical esoteric,” this “watery merger” could well bring forth the “medicine of magic and mysticism and artistic possibilities,” along with the energetic of “yes p!ease.” He also adds that this summer transit could bring more storms thru ocean waters (thank you so much).

In the Atlantic Ocean Basin, Alberto (do your own thing, party animal, incredibly unpredictable, ridiculous and dumbass, badass troublemakin’ sob, sometimes aggressive and impatient, can seem quite imposing, bursting with energy, impulsive nature) was the first to kick off the eastern seaboard season. In the eastern Pacific, Aletta (powerful, requires outlet for energies, bold, independent, she knows what she wants, restless, difficult to be tied down, demands action and adventure) was similarly holding court.

The WMO (World Meteorological Organization) has already set the roster for the ‘018 tropical tempests that move from a rather modest minimum of 39 mph in wind speed to up over the requisite 74 mph. A sampling of hurricane handles include Beryl, Bud, Emila, Ernesto, Fabio, Flo(rence), Gilma, (Capt.) Kirk, Lane, Nadine, Oscar, Rafael, Rosa and Zeke. Six different lists of 21 names each, turn over every six years, save for superstorms (i.e. Katrina) of such severity that it would perpetrate the original pain and suffering, and undoing of things, and are summarily retired from reuse.

First named after Catholic saints (of the day) in the West Indies, there was once upon a time a weather forecaster from Down Under who began to use South Sea Island girls’ names as designations, and whom later moved on to political figures held in (his) lesser esteem. There was also a novelist with a character who named storms after former girlfriends, which as a practice caught on with WWII military meteorologists who expanded upon things to include ex wives and perhaps others of the such.

Naming hurricanes after women greatly increased awareness around hurricanes, and hopefully increased preparedness, albeit several women’s groups took issue with things and as a slight against women, if not straight out a slur. (Finally) in response, and come the late 70s, men’s names were interspersed as well.

There was also the matter of names being rather Anglo centric and a subsequent effort at naming equality, and of which resulted in a more cross cultural familiarity and allocation of hurricane id’s.

Said to originate from the Spanish word “huracan,” and of which some suspect has its roots with the Mayan god Hunrakan, gale force winds can move from a category one designation as a threat to roofs, trees and power lines to a category three designation (111-129 mph), and whereby homes, roads, electricity and water can all stand to be knocked out of commission. A category 4 cyclone could render areas uninhabitable, and category 5 events usher in catastrophic damage and are oft referred to as super typhoons.

original painting by Zen Del Rio

chubasco * ocean of winds

The ocean of emotion is our drama queen of choice, as we love surfing her big, beautiful waves. We endure long lulls, undertows, rip currents and backwash, in wait for her mountainous waves to surge up into moving walls of water. As cyclone or hurricane, she is smaller than a low pressure, but more intense. We monitor her placement and direction in relation to our swell window, as we know she is attracted to warmer waters and needs them to exist and survive. As typhoon not soon to be forgotten, it can well be a femme fatale attraction for those fabled few who believe it’s an honor to die at sea, doing what you love.

We await her, as we know “a woman is gonna have her way with us, one way or another.” She is “tropicalexotica,” a dashing dancer who cannot be anchored down. She is indefatigable, untiring and irrepressible. She loves change and upheaval, although she secretly wants to settle down. She is reduced by cooler waters, as we are grateful for her calm after the storm. As migratory mestiza she is unharnessed high drama, and without parameters. She rebels against limitations, with merriment, and clears a way to see our truth. Her tenacity is unmatched, as she is guilty, nary by association, with the more presumptive male storm energies of a Poseidon or Neptune. Still, she has fun with it as she is seasonal, and continues to astonish us.

She serves as reminder for those of us afraid to let it all out, for those of us always steaming, but who never blow. Are you an overly cautious “control freak,” always hiding under your shell? Welcome to your nightmare date. Be aware that you will be receiving a woman into your life that will stir things up. Our “Lady Chubasca” can flatten all but the most grounded of individuals. She’ll wipe you off the map and knock your huarache sandals right off. She is an avenging angel who wields a bewitching broom and Latin whiplash. She is of unforgiving rape and pillage and likes rough sex too. Impersonal and heartless, she has little consideration for others or anything that lies in her path. Too driven and without sentiment, she is seen as ruthless and thoughtless, and can be a “speed freak.” She is sporadic, erratic, and overly enthusiastic. She then becomes scattered, and if she spreads herself out too thin, she loses her drive and impetus. Overstepping her jurisdiction, she loses all “karmic authority.” Still we are without recourse, as she is “mommy tempest” or the rival woman. She is temperamental and can be destructive, and keeps us on high storm watch alert, as she can deviate without warning. She is unpredictable, and if tidal surges go unheeded, we fear there will be bad blood to be had. Times get tense as she can be confrontational. We know she feeds on warm water drama, as we brace for the itinerant torrents of overflowing floods and her rainfall furies. Her stormy character can be alarming. She can be extroverted and a bit macho, which is annoying or worse, as she is overly playful, while angry and overbearing. Rambunctious and ramshackle, she is a terror, and we are yet again in hot water, left to ponder her altogether loopy and baffling behavior.

Plan for her arrival. Look out for yourself and others. Be responsible. This is no time for foolish behaviours. Steer clear. Don’t get caught up in her havoc or chaos. Find safe harbor. Keep your cool by keeping your distance. Give her space. Respect her strength. Are you being pulled out to “see.” Do you need to be ripped out from your mooring? Banish boredom and raise your anchor. Signal for help. Do you need to change your direction, in life, and in love? Know what’s up. Check your “Dateline.” She is Kali and Shiva, destroyer and rebuilder. Are you easily blown away? She will decimate any and all unneeded materials. You may well have to salvage what’s left and move to a new home. She is “positive destruction.” See what’s left standing. Gain clarity and “accept the outcome with equanimity.” See the value of your few material possessions and then assess what really matters…. in life, and in love.