LuceStellare

Destination Sicily: L ‘Infiorata di Noto

A prime destination in Sicily is the Baroque City of Noto. The best time to plan a visit is May. A city wide floral festival, L’Infiorata di Noto draws thousands upon thousands of visitors to celebrate the spring season. A grand floral display is created outside the Palace on Via Nicolaci. Every year presents a different theme with designs made entirely of flower petals. Visitors get in line and slowly walk up the avenue admiring the artwork.

The Sunday festival is also a city wide open house. Music and entertainment from the baroque era take place in many of the churches and public buildings along the main corso. In the afternoon, a grand costume parade winds around the city to the main plaza in front of Municipio di Noto (City Hall). A festival of music and dance from the Baroque period will entertain the crowd and Baron Nicolaci Family. It’s a great day to be in Sicily and be a part of the beauty of this Mediterranean island.

All Experience is an Arch by Tennyson

Yet all experience is an arch where through
gleams that untravelled world,
whose margin fades for ever and for ever
when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!
As though to breathe were life.
Life piled on life were all too little, and of one to me little remains.

From Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson

February Full Snow Moon

Tonight, February 21 the moon rolls along on her nightly mission through the stars. The oldest companion of earth, sister moon shines her full force on the planet below. This month’s moon is often called the Snow Moon. The weather tends to be most treacherous in the northern hemisphere. A time for storms of snow and ice.

The sun is now in the constellation Pisces. The moon in Leo. What a mix of the zodiac! Pisces, the fishes, is in the element of water. Leo, the lion, is in the element of fire. Water signs view the world from the emotions. Relationships are most important. Pisces are known for their psychic energy and dreamy way of relating to the world. They are gentle, tolerant people. The moons influence bring in the shadowy qualities of Leo. Leo is one of the showiest signs in the zodiac. Think of the characteristics of a lion, that is a Leo. They can truly roar and take center stage with their flamboyant style. They do not like to be ignored and want to be treated like royalty.

This combination is a clash of values. Down on earth, we can feel the gentle impulses now but might be surprised at reactions this day. There may be opportunities today that are missed because of normal Piscean doubt. Hesitation is normal but Leo boldness may help give the inner push needed to succeed. Try to see things, as they are not how it could be. Do not be surprised to feel strong mood swings today. This combination does not like to play second fiddle and outbursts of emotions are to be expected. It is an eccentric combination.