The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper. Eden Phillpotts

Today there are no fairy tales for us to believe in, and this is possibly a reason for the universal prevalence of mental crackup. Yes, if we were childish in the past, I wish we could be children once again. Anita Loos

Don’t ask questions of fairy tales. Jewish proverb

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. Albert Einstein

There are nine orders of angels, to wit, angels, archangels, virtues, powers, principalities, dominations, thrones, cherubim, and seraphim. Pope Gregory the Great

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away. Philip K. Dick

Every time a child says, “I don’t believe in fairies,” there is a fairy somewhere that falls down dead. James Matthew Barrie

August's Virgo new Moon occurs on August 27. It's quite the powderkeg on many levels, with a grand cross between the Moon's nodes, Venus, Saturn and Uranus, all in tight connections of squares and oppositions. These aspects can have a feeling of being 'stuck', not wanting or not able to move, or, it could have us making major decisions that have been hanging in the air unresolved for some time. As has been a theme for months and years lately, there's the possibility of the cold, hard reality of relationships, places and situations that have outlived their use-by date. There's a strong sense of perhaps having to do everything alone, OR, it can be that you'd rather have your own space and have others leave you to your own devices. Of course, the situation will be different depending on your individual circumstances, however, regardless, there's bound to be a lot of stress hanging in the air. One by one, though, I feel that problems and dilemmas will be solved one-by-one as they come up.

Another big aspect of this new Moon is an exact square to Mars in Gemini. This can bring about arguments and anger, yes, however, it can also bring a sense of renewed ambition - perhaps a desire to get going with long-held goals that have been on the back-burner. I've seen one commentator on this new Moon saying that it is going to be a very 'annoying' new Moon,  and this may well be true. The way I see it is that annoyance, or irritation, or coming to earth with a thud of reality, etc, can be very freeing (although at first perhaps 'annoying'). Mars is in Gemini  for a long, long time - some seven months as it goes retrograde towards the end of Gemini at the end of October, and, it will be squaring Neptune just before, during and after it stations retrograde. This can have truths coming to light (or the extreme need for it to happen) and this can be a good thing but there may be some major disillusionments and some delusions still being hung on to as well.

Truths coming out can be reinforced with Mars on Gemini 5 on this new Moon: A RADICAL MAGAZINE OR PUBLICATION, ASKING FOR ACTION, DISPLAYS A SENSATIONAL FRONT PAGE. Truths that we thought might never reach the light of day are starting to come out. In Australia, for instance, Channel 9, one of our major television stations, has recently reported that only some 10% of reported covid deaths were actually deaths that occured from the virus. 10%. We're seeing a lot of backtracking from previous assertions about how bad the situation with the virus was and is. I fully realise that a lot of people got very sick with this flu (coronaviruses are flus after all), and, terribly, some lost people, etc (and heartfelt commiserations for any losses or sickness or lingering outcomes), however, the extent of the *enormous* deception we've been under with this 'pandemic' will be coming to light - sooner or later - especially with Neptune retrograding over Pisces 25: THE PURGING OF THE PRIESTHOOD.

The Moon's north node on the degree that speaks about the 'battle between light and dark', and, the node being conjunct Uranus on the 'new continent' degree, further backs up the idea of more and more truths coming to light. We are in very interesting times.

As usual with lunations, there are contradictions in terms of this and that. We are being asked to face reality while we are also seeing the other side of life as the spiritual, creative and rather fantastical elements come to the fore - at least for many. The Sabian Symbol for this new Moon speaks of becoming more and more aware of nature spirits and normally unseen energies with the Symbol being Virgo 5: A MAN BECOMING AWARE OF NATURE SPIRITS AND NORMALLY UNSEEN SPIRITUAL ENERGIES

This rather 'otherwordly' theme is emphasised with Chiron retrograde on Aries 16: BRIGHTLY CLAD BROWNIES DANCING IN THE WARM DYING LIGHT (it's one of my favourite Symbols: It speaks of help arriving when you need it, sometimes 'invisible' help). We also have the Quest Degree of Venus on Leo 21 - INTOXICATED CHICKENS DIZZILY FLAPPING THEIR WINGS TRYING TO FLY. This Symbol often speaks of someone losing touch with reality - through 'intoxication', or through letting the imagination run wild. It's to be remembered that good things can come from the 'Intoxicated Chickens' - they can find themselves in a different head space and see, learn or understand things outside of their normal range of vision or focus. The trick is to not lose the plot. 

Mercury, the ruler of this new Moon in Virgo, is on Libra 2: THE LIGHT OF THE SIXTH RACE TRANSMUTED TO THE SEVENTH. This degree, hence Mercury, is smack on the Super Galactic Center. This can bring about all kinds of insights and illumination as we are finding the opportunity (or the challenge) of experiencing - at least on some levels - an ascension in consciousness. The Sabian Symbols of late Virgo and early Libra are extraordinary in terms of making our dreams reality - basically said, we can connect with 'The Mind of God' at the SGC and the Sabian Symbols emphasise that possibility.

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The Sabian Symbol for August's new Moon is Virgo 5: A MAN BECOMING AWARE OF NATURE SPIRITS AND NORMALLY UNSEEN SPIRITUAL ENERGIES - the following is my full interpretation of this degree from my book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees of Wisdom: 

Commentary: ‘A Man Becoming Aware of Nature Spirits and Normally Unseen Spiritual Energies’ shows the rational mind of someone being overshadowed by supernatural and intuitive images, thoughts and feelings. Equipped to see the invisible, this person has started to penetrate into the deeper and more mystical levels of the unconscious.

Oracle: There may be strong feelings of other levels of awareness happening and these may be growing stronger by the moment. The imagination is showing a clearer path to some understanding, even though, along the way, there may be confusion. Look for insights and messages in the things that you see and hear around you. Try bringing these insights back into your everyday consciousness, as they can expand your feelings about your self and life. Remembering a strong sense of who you are while allowing messages to come through from “the other side” can lead to a heightened feeling of aliveness and an increased ‘Awareness’ of the magic and mystery of life. Getting in touch with ‘Nature Spirits and Normally Unseen Spiritual Energies’ can be incredibly enriching and miracles can happen in your life. Indeed, there can be the revelation of being close to God. Your senses can come alive on many levels, with things revealed that you may have only imagined before. By contrast, the ordinary, everyday world may seem boring, lifeless and shallow. You can have surprising perceptions of existence on another level—but will it be useful or just lead you astray? Remember to stay grounded in your experiences as it can bring you considerable joy. Losing touch with reality, however, can lead to losing the plot to the point where it is difficult to discern what is real and what is not. ‘Becoming More Aware’ of other levels of existence can be enriching in many ways.

Keywords: Creative fantasies. Attuned minds perceiving subtle phenomena. Fairy tales. Seeing things or imagining them. Fantasizing. Seeing entities. Mental institutions. Halloween. Fairies, nature spirits. Seeing the normally unseen.

The Caution: Confusion. Lack of true perspective. Time wasted in escapes from reality. Imagining things. Losing the plot. Dreaming to the point of insanity. Making up things in order to be noticed or feel somehow special. Delusions. Dreaming of possibilities that disappear upon waking. Schizophrenia.

The Karmic Condition (the previous degree) of the new Moon is Virgo 4: BLACK AND WHITE CHILDREN PLAYING HAPPILY TOGETHER

This Symbol shows the need to integrate people of different races, religions, economic status or places. During your life you may find people from different or seemingly disparate or separate areas come into your life, making it richer, more rewarding and interesting. Prejudice of any kind, whether religious or race based, economic or class systems, is an illusion based on social perception and excludes people that could add to our lives. Social perceptions can color how we see others and these need to be put aside. Rather, it's about embracing brotherhood and caring. The integration, acceptance and enjoyment of all people brings depth and meaning to life.

Keywords: Universal brotherhood. Overcoming prejudices and boundaries that separate people. Knocking down social barriers to relate freely. Being able to let go, relax and have fun with people from anywhere. Adopted siblings. Foster homes. Affirmative action. Trust and joy. Play that unites people.

The Caution: Morality that is swayed by public opinion. Not adjusting psychologically to situations that require creative responses. Racial and social prejudice. Seeing things in black and white terms. Social demarcations that separate people or situations. Apartheid. Illusions based on the separative perceptions of society.

The Quest Degree (the degree following) this new Moon is Virgo 6: A MERRY-GO-ROUND

This Symbol shows situations that keep returning to the same place without ever seeming to progress, like you’re on a “Merry-Go-Round”. Just when you think you see a way out or off, you find yourself back where you were. However, you are, at least in some way, progressing as each time you return you have had the opportunity of looking around you and realizing and learning more and more about life and other possibilities. You must make a decision: do you want to keep going round and round or are you prepared to take a leap of faith and jump off the “Merry-Go-Round” and start making some real progress in your life?

Keywords: Repeating circles of activity. Looking for a park. Driving around and around. Motion sickness. Childhood fun and joy. Yo-yoing and oscillating backwards and forwards. Emotional polarization. Once you’re on it, you want to get off. The ups and downs and the ins and outs. Habits that are hard to break. Carnivals. Lights. Noise. Music.

The Caution: Repeating the same mistakes. Bouncing around from one thing to another and not getting anywhere. Feeling like there’s no end in sight. Addictive behavior. Feeling dizzy. Not being able to focus on one point. Manic depression. Getting nowhere. Seeking only pleasure. Seemingly endless treadmills. Motion sickness.

The Sabian Symbol of Mercury (the ruler of this new Moon) is Libra 2: THE LIGHT OF THE SIXTH RACE TRANSMUTED TO THE SEVENTH

This is the exact degree of the Super Galactic Center. As such, this is a major energy point for connecting with the 'Mind of God' - the Law of Attraction in other words. This Symbol shows a time of new beginnings with an implementation of a brand new order. Often, people with this degree are interested in attaining spiritual transformation and attainment. As you change and grow there’s a need to respect the value of what is waning, and take the best qualities with you into your future. This often shows people who are within reach of their ultimate potential. Some aspects of society are left behind for a higher, more evolved state. Ascension to a higher order is pictured, but there is a need to remain rooted in the reality of practicality, lest one loses one's way.

Keywords: Younger or more vital elements taking over from the elders. The fruits of the new age. Theosophy—Blavatsky’s theories. Finding kindred spirits. Sharing visions. Ascension and evolution. Inheritances that move one forward. Growing older and wiser. UFO’s and aliens. Music that lifts one’s spirits. Gurus and avatars. Demarcations of evolution. Transmutations. Indigo children. Evolving. Kundalini experiences.

The Caution: Losing touch with practical survival. Can be racial (or other) discrimination. Feeling that one is from a “higher” order (or more evolved) than other people. Leaving others behind.

The Quest Degree of Mercury is Libra 3: THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY REVEALS EVERYTHING CHANGED

This Symbol pictures sudden, new beginnings happening periodically in one’s life. Things can change so quickly that it’s hard to believe at first, but eventually it dawns on you that things are different in the light of a “New Day”. Take heart, realize that the darkness is abating, gradually let go of what went before and embrace the new opportunities that beckon. This can show someone who moves around a lot or goes through several big transformations in their lives or have to weather big changes that often come up. However, there’s a need to guard against being fickle and wanting to move on too readily when one should perhaps stay with a situation and work on it.

Keywords: New perspectives and realizations. Waking up to a whole new consciousness or sense of reality. Emerging from depression. Huge changes that erase things that mattered before. Radical shifts. Major life experiences. Being reborn. Events out of nowhere. Changes of fortune. Revitalized perspectives. Coming out of a sleep.

The Caution: Holding on despite all evidence and reason to move on. Refusing to believe that things are getting better. Waking up and not knowing where one is. Fickleness. Change for the sake of change. Sticking with the old. Having to adjust continually to changing circumstances. Unstable behavior.

The Sabian Symbol of Venus is Leo 20: AMERICAN INDIANS PERFORM A RITUAL TO THE SUN

This Symbol shows the need for people in society to regularly indulge in ceremonies, rituals or initiations that bond people together. You may feel the need to get back to natural elements, responding more to your intuitive feelings than rational structure. People enjoy coming together to revere and respect both the natural environment and others in their society. The ways of cultures, ancient and new, can provide a wonderful platform for performing rituals, whether they be spiritual or social. This degree can show a desire to return to nature and reveling in the larger picture. There is, also, a need to show respect if you go into traditional acts of other cultures; to be careful not to insult other people's ways and beliefs.

Keywords: Restoring spirit. Rituals and worship. The desire to return to nature. Shining through one’s life, not through social credentials. Sweat lodges. Drum-beating. Celebrating a unique heritage. Participation with nature’s cycles. Eclipses. Smudging. Reveling in the larger picture leading to belonging and oneness. Fire, passion, spontaneity, sacrifice. Restoring sacredness. American Indian traditions. Vision quests. Fasting. Courage. Conquering bad habits and attitudes. The truth of conviction. Prayer. Eagle feathers. Baptisms of fire.

The Caution: Egoistic responses to life situations leading to narrow responses. Relying on rituals to manifest magic. Losing sight of the meaning of ceremony. Holding onto tradition without intuiting new and modern truths. Living in the past. Cult worship. Losing identity in one’s own culture. Sunstroke.

The Quest Degree of Venus is Leo 21: INTOXICATED CHICKENS DIZZILY FLAP THEIR WINGS TRYING TO FLY

This Symbol can indicate the loss of a sense of reality or rational reactions. Often it shows not being in touch with what’s realistically possible and what’s worth trying. There can be an attempt to do too much or too soon or before maturing enough to be capable of doing it. Still, even though ‘Chickens’ are not supposed to fly, trying to do things that are outside one’s natural sphere can be a good thing, as long as you don’t overreach and cause damage to yourself. Sometimes, first attempts at a new experience may prove less than elegant or skillful. Soon you’ll look back with amusement at these early attempts. Find enjoyment in the “Intoxication”, but come back to earth when the feelings vanish. This degree can show people well equipped for being drug and alcohol counselors.

Keywords: False courage. Inexperience. Trying to do something beyond the bounds of experience or possibility. Getting “out of it” in order to escape something. Getting all het-up over tiny or illusive prospects. Alcohol and drugs and the allure of escapism. Drinking binges. Ecstasy. Hangovers. Attempting to do the impossible.

The Caution: Giddiness, lightheadedness, unwanted side effects. Getting nowhere. Inability to ground things in reality. Making a fool of one’s self. Intoxication that inhibits seeing what's really possible. Alcoholism and drug habits. Losing reality. Mindlessness that confuses or misleads. Going too far too fast. Forgetting who or where you are.

The Sabian Symbol of Mars is Gemini 5: A RADICAL MAGAZINE OR PUBLICATION, ASKING FOR ACTION, DISPLAYS A SENSATIONAL FRONT PAGE

This Symbol speaks of calling for and being motivated for change. Revolution and revolutionaries come in all shapes and sizes; some instigate major changes in society, others are more into bucking the system and creating mini reforms in their own back yards. Although you may not be absolutely sure which direction to take, you are broadcasting and listening to messages around you. Look further within for the change in direction you need. Dramatizing one's situation can lead to overreaction, but doing nothing can lead to inertia and things staying exactly the same.

Keywords: Speaking one’s mind. Messages and news that awakes or shocks. The need for reform. Challenging outlooks. Breaking out of constraints. The media. Issues of propaganda. Headlines that promise more than they deliver. Revolutions. Social or emotional causes. Conspiracy theories. Printing presses. Publishing. Publicity. Gaining attention. Speaking one’s truth without fear of consequences.

The Caution: Being argumentative. Arousing others for selfish reasons. Distortions of the truth. Misinformation and disinformation. Getting the whole picture wrong. Exploitation of situations. Overstating messages. Biased information. Old and outworn news.

The Sabian Symbol of  retrograde Jupiter is Aries 8: A WOMAN'S HAT WITH STREAMERS BLOWN BY THE EAST WIND

Allow traditional wisdom to lead you to new and different solutions, but be wary of acting superficially. In deeper, spiritual messages you are afforded protection from the more disturbing elements of situations. You may need to adjust continually to outside forces, but you have the ability to be adaptable, so hang onto your center and what anchors you and try not to get blown off-course.

Keywords: Attuning oneself through Eastern philosophies. Protective guidance. Balloons and hot-air ballooning. Compasses. Weather vanes and wind chimes. East meets west. Being adaptable to the moment. The winds of time and change. Shifts in the ‘Wind’ bringing shifts in attitude or direction. Hats, scarves, streamers.

The Caution: Only accepting solutions that satisfy selfish or social needs. Insincere and easily blown around. Fickleness. Being tossed around by momentary patterns in the “weather”. Conflicting ideals. Forgetting things in a moment. Being easily distracted. Changing course midstream. Being blown off the path, thereby losing ones center or way. Breezes that disturb ones equilibrium. Losinng yourself in other’s opinions.

The Sabian Symbol of retrograde Saturn is Aquarius 21: A WOMAN DISAPPOINTED AND DISILLUSIONED, COURAGEOUSLY FACING THE FUTURE

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be “Courageous” in the face of “Disappointment” or Disillusionment”. The “Woman” may have always thought things would be different but one day she wakes up to find that her dreams have not born fruit as yet. Still, there’s always hope and faith that things will turn around and get better. There can be feelings of wasting energy, and thoughts of failure, but being strong and vigilant against negative thoughts can turn situations around quickly. It always helps to look on disappointment as a teacher. Reconnect with what is available and possible, and, although it requires courage to get back on track, we always return with greater wisdom and understanding.

Keywords: Breaking through illusions. Facing stark reality with hope. Loneliness and depression overcome. Positive outlooks. Counting one’s blessings. Looking towards the future. Having to battle through relationship losses while maintaining a sense of self and purpose. Turning points reached. Having a belief in miracles. Choosing joy.

The Caution: Wallowing in failure. Not seeing the joy and beauty of one’s life. Accepting defeat. Feeling like all is lost. Bitterness. Walling one’s self off from others. Not trusting people. Finding nothing to be happy about. Feeling deserted and alone. Not letting go of the past. Injuries. Infertility. Incurable “dis-eases”. Unrequited love. The loss of the partner. Staring into space. Being a sad, old person.

The Sabian Symbol of stationary retrograde Uranus is Taurus 19: A NEW CONTINENT IS RISING OUT OF THE OCEAN

This Symbol shows the rising of a new place, a new place to be, a new country or somewhere to be or to live. It implies that you can find that extra spark to create a brand new, original opportunity. This pictures the beginning of something that holds an enormous amount of potential for the future. There is much work to be done developing this into something fertile and productive. A whole new field of activity is coming to light. What you have done in the past has led you to this, but these new beginnings need to be met with a fresh sense of purpose and possibility.

Keywords: Enormous potentiality emerging. New trends and ways of being. Sudden eruptions of talent or fields of endeavor. The greenhouse effect. Global warming. Atlantis and other ancient underwater cities. Evolution. Patience. Developing slowly but surely. Emerging generations of people. New environments. Things feeling suddenly foreign. The birth of a nation. Migration. Land masses. Endeavouring to hold life together under the enormous pressure of the new.

The Caution: Continually seeking “new worlds” rather than finding a place in the existing one. No responsibility for the birth of the new. No respect for the old or established. Not shifting or evolving. Staying stuck in old realities.

The Sabian Symbol of retrograde Neptune is Pisces 25: THE PURGING OF THE PRIESTHOOD

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to see through those who hold important positions yet abuse trust or those who make great claims but don’t live up to them. At regular times in your life, you’re likely to find yourself leaving others behind, kicking them out, or experiencing falls from grace. Periodically, there is a need to examine moral and spiritual sincerity. It is easy to allow those who don't really belong to stay because of familiarity or habit. We can lose sight of the ideal through our rationalizing intellect, ego and emotive passion. There is a need to cleanse and purify your life, leading to better spiritual values. What side of the “Purging” are you on? Are you the one with the ‘right motives’? Who’s in charge?

Keywords: Revealing the truth of people for who and what they truly are. Cutting people off. Throwing out things that don’t measure up. Forced retirement and redundancies. Payouts at the end of employment. Dismissals. Opting out for moral reasons. Being fired. Holes left where someone took up a lot of space.

The Caution: Stressful battle over who’s in charge. Blackmail. The threat of being thrown out. Something being revealed. Evicting people because they deceive, lie or mislead or just because they’re not liked. Bringing somebody down. Scapegoating others. Corruption and scandal that threaten collapse. Wanting to appear to be doing the right thing. Coverups. The burning of books. Perversion.

The Sabian Symbol of retrograde Pluto is Capricorn 27: A MOUNTAIN PILGRIMAGE

This Symbol shows the ability to, or the need for, being able to climb high, to rise to occasions, perform well, have a mission and, probably most importantly, to embark on spiritual journeys. Many people travel, but more often than not it implies a spiritual striving; an ascent in consciousness and the ability to transcend earthier, immediate matters. There is always the desire, or the need, to strive further, to learn more on the path to understanding and transcendence. You may desire to follow those that have gone before you to achieve a true sense of inner fulfillment. Work towards your own 'mountain top'. The effort may be great, but so are the rewards.

Keywords: Ascent in consciousness. Spiritual, material, corporate or political striving. Having an entourage of people (or wanting one). Aloneness and separation. Setting off to somewhere else. Going on a mission. Finding one’s spiritual grounding. Getting back to the purer elements of life. Ambitions to get to the top. Wanting the highest office in the land.

The Caution: High moral stands with no depth of feeling. Feeling “high above” others. Feelings of being, or acting like, an ascended being. Haughtiness. Intellectual snobbery. People scrambling for the top. The “tall poppy” syndrome. Ambitions that know no bounds. People ridiculing others for their lesser position. Spiritual or corporate struggling for position.

The Sabian Symbol of retrograde Chiron is Aries 17: BRIGHTLY CLAD BROWNIES DANCING IN THE WARM DYING LIGHT

The Brownies Symbol shows that help, given or received, is always available, especially if you believe it and accept assistance that’s offered. Sometimes, your intuitive powers are at a real high but your physical energy may not be. You may be tired and in need of help to get everything done and a lot may be demanded of you. Have faith that there's often invisible assistance around you. You are always being guided and protected. Open your mind to possibilities and listen to the messages from within.

Keywords: Reveling in nature. Believing in guides. Fairies and nature spirits. The wonder and awe of nature. The setting sun. Last minute preparations before evening. The psychic magic of dusk. Light that dances. Unseen guardians. Receiving guidance and help. Seeing the invisible. Help at the last minute. Fairy godmothers. Questions of: what is the “real” world?

The Caution: Self-delusions. Missing the true picture of what’s happening in the “real-world”. Losing the plot. Relying on others, including angels, nature spirits, etc., instead of yourself. Neglecting responsibilities. Crying wolf. Using people.

The Sabian Symbol of the Moon's north node is Taurus 17: A SYMBOLICAL BATTLE BETWEEN `SWORDS' THE DISCIPLES OF MIGHT, AND `TORCHES', THE DISCIPLES OF ENLIGHTENMENT

This Symbol shows a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. Although we all have our own ideas of right and wrong, this Symbol shows a desire to go head-to-head in an attempt to bring light and love to situations that seem dark and foreboding. Often, there is a struggle between one's practical needs and the underlying reasons for having those needs. You may find yourself sometimes caught up in what you are trying to achieve and have lost sight of why. There's often corruption around, but the endeavor to bring 'enlightenment' to people often meets with severe resistance. Witness the stranglehold the media has on information.

Keywords: The battle of “might versus light”. The Spear of Destiny. Spiritual differences. Arguments. The story of Hitler. The Inquisition. The Crusades. Bringing love and light to war zones. The pen being mightier than the sword. Peace marches, Candles, torches. Weapons. The might of the media.

The Caution: Controlling those around with rational or brute force rather than with inner enlightenment or knowledge. People arguing over ideals. Forcing opinions on each other. Religious conflicts. War rallies. Propaganda.

The Sabian Symbol of the Moon's south node is Scorpio 17: A WOMAN, FILLED WITH HER OWN SPIRIT, IS THE FATHER OF HER OWN CHILD

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be totally self-sufficient and responsible for one’s affairs or life. Often, with this degree, there’s the issue of single parenthood, or the sense of having to raise yourself without too much input from others, or, it can be an issue of coming from a broken family where someone had to take on the role of both mother and father. It can show a personality that doesn’t require assistance for even the most complicated tasks, or you feel you can't ask; perhaps there’s no one to ask or you feel that others couldn’t do anything as well as you can. Bear in mind, however, that we are all blessed with our individual qualities and it is the combination with other individuals that creates greater balance and depth.

Keywords: Single parenthood. Being proud of one’s individuality. Feeling capable of anything. Spiritual experiences that fill one with one’s own spirit. Self-reliance. The lack of a father figure. Invitro fertilization. The complications of adoption. Self-sufficiency. Facing the world feeling whole. Having the right to determine one’s future. The story of the conception of Jesus.

The Caution: Uncompromising feminism or chauvinism. Feeling like one has to be responsible for everything. Unrealistic independence. Being left alone and abandoned. Having no one to turn to for support. Being an adult before one’s time.