For the launch of our latest product — See The Sign Tapestry, we asked a select few to assist with the release by sharing their stories through the lens of their zodiac sign. We hope you find the human in fellow strangers, see your reflection in those who walk the Earth beside us, and move with compassion during these times. Immense gratitude to those who opened their heart and participated with us. Next up, meet Sasha Neige @sashaneige

 

WE ASKED: WHO ARE YOU?

Sasha: "I am Sasha. Nature lover. River cleaner-upper. Ocean obsessed mountain mama. And forever drifter."

WE ASKED: WHAT'S YOUR LIFE MISSION/PASSION/INSPIRATION?

Sasha: "I live to play outside. I feel the most connected to my feelings, my body and my mind when I am submerged in a body of water or climbing to the top of a mountain. Nature is my constant. I strive to and I thrive when taking care of her, just as she takes care of me."

WE ASKED: WHAT'S BEEN A CHALLENGE IN YOUR LIFE? HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT OR HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH IT? 

Sasha: "Before the pandemic hit I led a pretty epic life as a flight attendant. I had gained enough seniority at my airline that I was able to fly to all the destinations I wanted. One day I would be surfing on the East Coast of Canada, the next I’d be touching down in Hawaii and shortly after would wake up in tropical Barbados. Because of that lifestyle, I connected with some rad people all over the world and even met my husband on one of my New York layovers.

Oscar and I had what some might call an unconventional long distance marriage. We would go back and forth between New York and Toronto, where I was based for work, and met up all around the world on our shared time off. We would see each other a few times a month but never for more than a week or so at a time and most often just for a day or two. It was different but it worked well for us. Fast forward to March 2020 when we not only both found ourselves laid off our of our jobs because of covid but the Canadian and US border completely shut down. The quirky married life we had created for ourselves was no longer viable and our forced 1.5 years apart began.

We never imagined we would have been separated for so long but the months just kept passing us by. I remember him telling me at the beginning of it all that being away from me for three months was impossible, yet as cases surged, border restrictions tightened and more industries were decimated, seeing each other in person was a challenge we could not seem to overcome.

I ended up relocating to my dad’s village in the mountains of BC and Oscar found work in Nevada. The slow pace, along with the mountains, rivers, streams and lakes of the valley I now found myself in, kept me fulfilled. I dedicated my summer there to cleaning the river. I’d set out with my mesh backpack, my flippers and snorkel and swim long stretches of the rugged and winding river while picking up the trash, treasures and anything else that didn’t belong from the bottom and the shores. The river gave me so much life and support. It sustained me and loved me and I hope I was able to show it an ounce of that love and respect back by ridding her of the waste that did not belong to her.

As I immersed myself more and more in small town life, Oscar and I started the slow and tedious process of applying for my green card, which ironically delayed us seeing each other further. Although we were no longer physically connected, we were able to stay close in different ways. After months of prepping, endless paper work, awful nasal covid tests, crazy flight itineraries and many phone calls to travel insurance companies; the day finally arrived and I flew to the States to reconnect with my love. Our longest stretch apart of 1.5 years has now been followed by our longest stretch together - five glorious months!

Although we’ve been married for four years, because I don’t have my green card yet, I have to leave the US again after my six months is up. So although our physical marriage has been rekindled, I am preparing myself mentally for another solo stretch. Life is so insane. But as long as there’s a river, some mountains or the ocean nearby, I know I’ll be okay. Going with the flow in and out of the river is key."

WE ASKED: WHAT CAN WE DO TO SUPPORT? HOW CAN WE SUPPORT YOUR LIFE MISSION/PASSION? 

Sasha: "Boycott Nestlé!"

WE ASKED: HOW DO YOU RELATE TO YOUR ZODIAC SIGN?

Sasha: "I’ve never been super into astrology but every time someone more knowledgeable tells me about my sign it definitely resonates. The concept of duality is very present in my life and I think that’s fundamental to Sags so I try and embrace it as much as possible.

Here’s a little snippet from an astrology reading given to me by a fellow Canadian mountain woman last summer: “Freedom and Discipline. You are here to find inner freedom through discipline, focus, and depth of experience. You have a mindful connection to synergy and forces of nature."

SAGITTARIUS ARTWORK INTERPRETATION:

"Sagittarius, a mutable sign ruled by Jupiter, is represented by independence, optimism, strength, and ability to survive in new environments and situations. The mighty cactus bears similar characteristics as it is able to grow tall in barren environments because of its ability to store water in its body for future use."

For more interpretations of your astrological sign illustration read Leigh Cariaga's breakdown here and to read other Tapestry Stories released biweekly head here.