We are in a different era right now, and it's palpable. Some of us, the metaphorical canaries in the coal mines, have been feeling it for decades. Others are just beginning to sense it. But one thing is for sure: as Galadriel says in the opening of the Fellowship of the Ring, "The world has changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air."

Pluto, the planet of transformation, has moved into Aquarius, the sign of sudden changes, innovative ideas, and breaking free from conventions. It's a forward-thinking energy, not one rooted in the past. So why does it feel like everything is going backwards?

I want to believe that what we are witnessing now is the phenomenon my therapist calls an "extinction burst" in personal transformation: when an old habit makes a dramatic comeback just before it leaves us for good. Perhaps what we are seeing is the last cry of an outworn system struggling to stay alive - just before we evolve past it and let it go, and welcome a long-needed feminine energy into our economic structures.

One thing has become clear: a masculine-dominated paradigm is not sustainable--not for humanity, not for the Earth. Over the past 16 years since the financial crisis of 2009, Pluto has been in Capricorn - the sign of tradition, of structure, of big business, power, and order. And while Capricorn, like all signs, holds both light and shadow, what we've seen is a doubling down on outdated norms: traditions long out of balance with nature, with far too much emphasis on domination, war, short-term profits, and zero-sum games - and not enough on nurturance, collaboration, long-term sustainability, and win-win solutions. 

We officially left Capricorn and entered Aquarius on November 19, 2024, and wow, what a whirlwind of change and upheaval it's been. The old school masculine "tough guy" energy that many of us thought was a thing of the past, seems to be clawing desperately to stay relevant and in power. I'd call it pathetic if it weren't putting biodiversity, ecosystems, and entire species at risk. That's how badly Sauron didn't want to give up power.

But within this darkness is the seed of its own destruction and the catalyst for a long-overdue transformation in our thinking, our emotions, our economic models, our communities, and our work. 

I believe that for us to move forward, the feminine must take center stage in the stewardship of the Earth. We need her community-oriented intuition and wisdom to guide us towards sustainable ways of being that honor life. The masculine still matters greatly - he plays a pivotal role as a Protector of the feminine, uplifting her so she can do her sacred work of creating and sustaining life. But he will no longer lead. We tried that. It didn't work. 

This is a vision that can become reality - but it's not inevitable. Remember Frodo in the dark night of the soul, standing at the Mirror of Galadriel in Lothlórien? She showed him, not a fixed fate, but what could come to pass if he failed in his mission: the enslavement of all of Middle Earth by Sauron. 

It is not about shifting power from one hand to another. No one could wield the Ring to rule them all, not even Gandalf, not even Galadriel. Frodo was merely the Ring Bearer, and even he barely survived the journey. The Ring must be destroyed - so we can enter a new age led by the nurturing feminine.

Our fate is not sealed, and no matter where we end up, the road ahead will be rocky and likely require us to do things we haven't done before. We must hold on tight, practice radical self-compassion, and move forward with eyes and hearts wide open. Now is not the time to look away. An extreme imbalanced masculine energy is still desperately trying to fix everything on its own, but it cannot succeed without the feminine. It doesn't carry the life-bearing wisdom needed to heal and grow.

Stay vigilant, stay strong, stay steadfast. 

I have been keeping people updated on the project mostly over kickstarter these days, and less via blog and email. I thought I would share some of the pictures of the printing process and final printing. I am so glad I went with the local printer here in Culver City as the colors turned out so vibrant. Just a few more decks to mail out.