via gwen’s column in CHILLED MAGAZINE:
Happy Birthday Aquarius, the most unique sign in the zodiac. Independent, unconventional, detached, rebellious, inventive, original, idealistic, far-sighted, candid, private, romantic, personable, and strong-willed are all traits of this sign.
Famous Aquarians include Christian Dior, Jennifer Aniston, Paris Hilton, Seal, Oprah, Kurt Cobain, Brandy, Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Ashton Kutcher, John Travolta, Garth Brooks and Ellen De Generes
No one can argue that Oprah is an odd bird. I love her so! Odd in a good way, as most Aquarians are. The sign of the water bearer–or in our case–the liquor bearer, is known for it’s airy, fun-loving, open-minded, friendly tendencies. But I must tell you that I have known more than one Aquarius who weren’t entirely like that description. So remember, a person’s Sun Sign is incredibly impacted by the rest of their chart! I highly recommend getting your own chart done. You can do that for free by downloading the app, Celeste, or joining AstrologyDating.com.
The other type of Aquarius–the one not so much like Oprah, despite her private nature–is rather reserved and has lots of eccentricities. I know, generalizing here… But, they really do tend to have strange yet harmless habits. Like they eat each food on their plate one at a time. Or they seem to defy logic in their thought pattern. That’s probably because their brain can run circles around yours. They are known as the analytical sign, and their wheels are always turning. There is certainly one common thread woven into the personal tapestry of all Aquarians and that is altruism. Aquarius is always empathic to other’s plights. They are true humanitarians.
Here’s some interesting tidbits about our odd Oprah: In 2006 she celebrated her birthday by purchasing her ruling planet, Uranus, from the International Star Registry, renaming it to Myanus™. She didn’t stop there, also buying her constellation of Aquarius for an alleged eight-figure sum. She decided to keep that name. On the day she announced all of this, she handed out Astrology crystal bracelets to her audience as “The Age of Oquarius™ played in the background. Oprah takes Astrology seriously and has her own personal Astrologer, like many celebrities do. All though she has lots of charities, her soft spot for animals is obvious. She has a menagerie of pets, and rewrote her will to include millions for their care in the event they outlive her. She almost put the meat business out of business with her famous lawsuit, which succeeded in waking many people up to the unspeakably horrific condition of livestock animals in America that still continues today.
Why cedar? Based on Medieval Herbal Astrology, there’s little question that the Cedar tree falls under the stern ownership of Saturn, and may hence be considered an Aquarius. Saturn co-rules this sign along with Uranus, which was discovered only recently, and after all, my cocktails are based on Medieval Astrology, not modern Astrology. Known for its formidable pest and weather-resistant properties, this tree means business. Just like its planet. Not only is the wood of this tree highly functional in modern society, but it is also steeped in spiritual tradition. Cherokees believe that the Cedar tree holds the essence of their ancestors, and wearing its wood protects against evil spirits. Cedar wood oil was used by the Sumerians and Egyptians. It is the sacred incense of Tibetan temples, and is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. The name Cedrus is Arabic for kedron, which means power. Today, cedar spray is used increasingly as a holistic alternative in the combat of fleas and ticks, bed bugs and other such lovely creatures. Its healing oil is frequently used in aromatherapy for a myriad of treatments. A more unusual way to utilize the essence of Cedar’s strength is in a nightcap. Earthy, musky, and highly fragrant, infused cedar tips tend to make a fine spirit even finer.
HOT OPRAH TODDY:
Build in mug:
2 oz gin
8 oz boiling water
1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 oz cedar tip syrup*
Garnish with lemon bow
CEDAR TIP SYRUP: dried cedar tips can be found in health food stores or online?(mountain rose herbs)
Toast 2 parts dried cedar tips in skillet over medium low heat. Remove from heat and crush lightly with mortar & pestle, spice mill or food processor. Add to sauce pot with 3 parts white sugar, 2 parts water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Strain for use.
