Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

There are many new year’s celebrations across the world and the Lunar New Year is one of my favorites. It feels like a party before Spring, the time for our Thelemic New Year. Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others. The New Year celebration is usually celebrated for multiple days—not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar’s New Year. Lunar New Year typically begins with the first new moon that occurs between the end of January and spans the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar—until the full moon arrives.

Each year in the Lunar calendar is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals included in the cycle of 12 stations or “signs” along the apparent path of the sun through the cosmos. February 1, 2022, is slated to be the water tiger. The water tiger comes up every 60 years. The water tiger is action-oriented and represents strength, clearing away evil and bravery.

And good gods, doesn’t it take a heap of bravery to get through this pandemic? There are a few pandemic updates that might be helpful. Travis County is in Stage 5. Boosters are highly effective against hospitalization for COVID according to a study just released by the CDC. Free COVID tests Each household is eligible for 4 free at-home COVID tests from the government, shipping through USPS at the end of January. Free N95 masks (3 per person) are expected to be available at Federal Pharmacy Partners later this week. (WSJ)

While we are keeping up our health and wellness, please consider registering to vote as the Joint Primary Election is March 1st. Last day to register to vote was Monday, January 31. Check to see if you are registered. Early voting is Monday, February 14, through Friday, February 25. Application to vote by mail must be received by Friday, February 18. Applications can be downloaded (don’t use an old form because it has changed). Some applications are being rejected because information is missing from the voter’s registration file (Texas Tribune). You can determine whether your file has your driver’s license number by trying to look up your registration by TDL. Ballot information and election information summary is provided by the Texas Tribune.

Look at that Water Tiger roar into action! Action can also mean slowing down, being mindful, and caring for our inner self. However you decide to welcome Spring, with your inner or outer ROAR, I hope you will include joy and beauty.

Love is the law, love under will.

Fraternally,
Soror Musick
Master
Scarlet Woman Lodge