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Deities of Autumn: Gods and Goddesses Who Embody the Season of Change
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, autumn unfolds a time of harvest, reflection, and transformation. Throughout history, cultures around the world have celebrated this season by honoring deities who symbolize the cycles of life, death, and renewal. These gods and goddesses are the very essence of fall, embodying the bounty of the earth, the balance between light and dark, and the profound shifts in nature. Demeter and Persephone: Greek Goddesses of the Harvest and the Underworld In Greek mythology, the story of autumn is told through the lives of Demeter and her daughter Persephone. Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, is a central figure in the harvest, ensuring the earth’s fertility. However, her myth is deeply intertwined with the coming of autumn through Persephone’s jo...
A Boost for Doula Care in Monterey County
Helen Diallo, a Monterey resident, intimately understands the mix of emotions that come with pregnancy and childbirth, having experienced both joy and heartache. As an African American woman, Diallo empathizes with the fears and anxieties that many expectant mothers of African ancestry face. Drawing from her own experiences, she has been supporting pregnant and postpartum women through a WhatsApp group, connecting them with experts and each other. Now, Diallo is taking her passion a step further by pursuing certification as a doula through a program at the Parenting Connection of Monterey County (PCMC). Studies have shown that trained doulas can significantly improve birth outcomes and reduce anxiety for pregnant women, leading to fewer C-sections. The road to recruiting doulas for Medi-Ca...
The Spiritual Legacy of Frida Kahlo Still Resonates Worldwide
Frida Kahlo, despite her lack of religious affiliation, intricately weaved religious symbols into her artistic creations until her passing on July 13, 1954. Renowned art researcher and curator Ximena Jordán highlighted Kahlo’s self-portraits as powerful representations of individual strength and the innate ability to harness life’s gifts. Born in Mexico City in 1907, Kahlo drew inspiration from her life’s trials and tribulations, including a devastating bus accident in 1925 and her tumultuous relationship with renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera. These personal experiences served as the artistic fuel that forged a profound connection between Kahlo’s paintings and her global fan base, even on the 70th anniversary of her death. Jordán delves into the essence of Kahlo...
