We’re in the midst of the Uranus station, with this planet of insightful and consciousness-awakening energy about to turn retrograde, the direction it will travel until December 1 (it goes retrograde July 1 at 12:24 am PDT). Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. When Uranus is retrograde, it yields great opportunities for out-of-the blue “Eureka!” moments as well as experiences where we feel drawn to try a new path, the road less traveled, in expression of who we are.

Uranus is also the planet associated with technology and astrology, the latter because it involves patterns and is still considered a novel, out-of-the-box way to understand ourselves and the world around us. In sync with the Uranus station, I’ve started a daily horoscope column–an overview of the day’s ribbons of energy–that I’m posting to the Planetary Apothecary page on Facebook.

Here’s a sample of a post, the one I wrote for today:

“Beauty reveals itself in unexpected ways today, as we find novel inspiration in that which infuses us with a sense of grace. Take the opportunity to gaze at a painting or sculpture, read a poem, or listen to some music. If it is a work of art that is familiar to you, approach it as if it is the first time that you are interacting with it. This experience of meeting beauty with fresh eyes/ears can help expand your perspective not only on the art itself, but on an answer that you are seeking to uncover.”

If you’re on Facebook and would like to read these posts and also keep up on other Planetary Apothecary “happenings”–like workshops/events I’m doing, links to news articles, fun facts, “book happenings” and more)–please become a “Fan” (Facebook’s language, not mine) of the Planetary Apothecary page, which you can find by clicking here: Planetary Apothecary Facebook page.

I’ll likely start posting these daily Astrological Insights here on the Planetary Apothecary blog* but, in honoring of the celestial energies, I thought I’d try a Uranian approach to astrology-column writing and have it first featured on Facebook.

Happy Uranus Station!!!

* UPDATE: As of July 25, I’m posting these daily horoscopes on the home page each day. They are currently tagged as “Daily Horoscope.”

© ALEX CARRILLO

I had a craving last night.

And with the Sun and Moon both in need-to-have-your-needs-fulfilled Cancer, thankfully that which I had a craving for was in clear sight.

Located bottom left, tucked nicely away in crisper drawer of our just-cleaned refrigerator, there it was. The cauliflower.

Now, I should be more clear. I wasn’t just yearning for cauliflower prepared any which way. In fact, raw cauliflower—a staple of crudite platters nationwide—is just not my personal cup of tea. Since that was the way I knew this vegetable when I was growing up, it took until I was in my 20s—the time I began to hone my stir-fry skills and saw how heat could transform the flavor of this vegetable—that I began to enjoy cauliflower.

But truly my love affair with it didn’t develop until I discovered the alchemical magic that occurred when its little white florets met its compadres of a casserole dish and a 400F oven. It is roasted cauliflower about which I swoon. That’s because roasting brings out qualities in cauliflower— a caramelized sweet flavor and amazing buttery texture—which, upon reflection of this vegetable in raw form, you wouldn’t think really existed.

But trust me, it does, and it was a desire for roasted cauliflower that in pure Plutonian fashion caught my attention and wouldn’t let go. Before I share with you how to prepare this delightful dish, I want to detour for a moment and extol another aspect of this vegetable—its nutrition and health benefits.

Cauliflower is a member of the much-lauded Brassica family of vegetables, making it a cousin of broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, and other crucifers. In addition to a common geneology, what these foods share is their being a repository of health-promoting sulfur-containing phytonutrients. These nutrients, known as glucosinolates, aid the liver in its ability to detoxify chemicals and compounds like estrogen. This is one reason why researchers, public health organizations, and healthcare practitioners suggest eating several weekly servings of Brassica vegetables as a part of a cancer-preventive diet.

In addition to these phytonutrients, it is also concentrated in vitamin C, with one cup cooked cauliflower providing about 90% of the Daily Value for this immune-supporting nutrient. It’s also a good contributor of folate, fiber, and vitamin B6. Plus, if you’re looking for a food that will satisfy hunger without costing you too many calories, cauliflower fits the bill, with one cup containing about 25 calories.

Roasting Cauliflower: A Recipe

There are many ways to prepare roasted cauliflower. You can roast the whole cauliflower, cut it into slices, or divide it into small floret pieces. It was the latter approach that I used last night. Read More…

© ALEX CARRILLO

June 22, 2009: Cancer New Moon (exact at 12:35 pm PDT)

Our emotions take precedent during a Cancer New Moon. If allowing yourself to let your feelings flow is an area of challenge, reflect on the people, places, or situations that make you feel the most nurtured and seek them out today. Take comfort in knowing that while feelings may seem overwhelming, they can actually be a fountain of personal strength rather than a sphere of vulnerability. In fact, since this particular Cancer New Moon is strongly connected to the energies of the planet Pluto, it can provide us with the window of opportunity to transform our relationship to our emotions in a very powerful way.

During a Cancer New Moon, our sentimentality is often aroused. Some may experience a strong sense of nostalgia and appreciation of the past while others may feel captured in moods of wistfulness. Remember that although the past is a vital essence of who we are, it is important to not sacrifice the present for regrets of “what was” and “what could have been.” The past has led to this moment, yet this moment—and those to come—need not be hostage to what came before. Honor the past but remember that there is no time like this moment to create your present and your future.

This month’s New Moon falls at 2 degrees of Cancer (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Libra, Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer rules the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Bathe in the water: As Cancer is the first water sign, this aquatic elixir can be especially healing during this New Moon. Take refuge in a relaxing bath perfumed with your favorite essential oils (if you’re looking to try a new one, consider jasmine, as not only is it luxuriously fragrant but it is associated with Cancer in wellness astrology). If you have the opportunity, go for a swim or even just soak your feet in a lake, ocean, or creek. Meditating on the flowing shape-shifting nature of the water can be very revealing, and very healing.

Honeysuckle flower essence: Sometimes the past can have a pincer hold on us, just like the claws of a crab, the symbol for Cancer. When this happens, it can lead to a reduction in vitality, disturbing our ability to maintain the sense of presence required to fully participate in the present. If you need some energetic assistance releasing the shrouds of wistfulness and making peace with the past, consider trying Honeysuckle flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)

Photo © Alex Carrillo

We awoke early—actually very early—Monday morning to catch a desert sunrise. It was a kaleidoscope of sensuality: the second-by-second changing hues of the sky and earth, the smells of sweet grass and mineral-rich clay, the sounds of the ravens and the Rio Grande, and a stillness that you could feel subtly palpitating through your body.

As we turned west to head back to the hotel, there we saw something we had not expected. Directly in front of us, dipping below the sageland-strewn desert horizon, was the Full Moon. Yet, it was unlike any other Full Moon I had ever seen. It was, simply put, enormous. It was so large that it actually took a while for it to register in our minds that it was, in fact, the moon and not an airplane hangar or another version of Biosphere looming close in front of us. It was, and will remain, one of the most glorious sites that I have experienced, a perfect close to our mini-vacation in New Mexico, four wonderful days spent with Alex and my family exploring the Land of Enchantment. We spent this last day/night in Santa Ana Pueblo with the first three spent in Santa Fe.

I was charmed by Santa Fe and New Mexico. We experienced big sky, aspen forests, earth-hewn mesas, and a land that has rich stories embedded within. In addition there were streets abounding with art, buildings made of adobe, and incredibly friendly and humble people. For all of this, I now include Santa Fe among my pantheon of favorite locales.

Since Planetary Apothecary isn’t a travel blog. I won’t go into the ins and outs of Santa Fe. Yet as it’s a site that does focus on health and wellness, I thought I’d pay homage to some of the places there that resonate with these sentiments and which I was delighted to discover (and am excited to share).

Santa Fe Farmers Market: The Santa Fe Farmers Market is a must-see (or shall I say a must-see-and-eat). It was teeming with the picks of the season—including greens, garlic, and radishes—juxtaposed with homemade mainstays such as sourdough bread, goat cheese, and jam (Heidi’s raspberry/chili/ginger jam is not to be missed!) and interspersed with vendors offering mugwort smudge sticks, herbal tinctures, and other of-the-earth crafts. Whether you want to sample the local bounty or just experience a slice of local Santa Fe life, I’d definitely recommend the Farmer’s Market. The Market is held on Tuesday and Saturdays, 7am – 12pm, at the Railyards.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs: About an hour’s north of Santa Fe lies the town of Ojo Caliente and its famed Mineral Springs Resort and Spa. There you’ll find pools filled with the area’s geothermal mineral-rich waters. There’s an iron pool, arsenic-iron pool, and soda—think baking soda, not pop—pool. Our favorite was the mud pool. Next to it was an urn filled with mud, which you slather on your skin. As you lay in the sun and the mud dries on you, you can the alchemical pull of toxins being siphoned away from your cells. Not only was the spa a wonderful mecca, but the drive itself was spectacular. (If you don’t have the time to make the trek, consider going to Ten Thousands Waves, which, while not mineral springs, features Japanese-inspired baths and is supposed to be lovely.)

Aqua Santa: Thankfully, I stumbled upon this restaurant on the Design*Sponge blog because, at least from a culinary perspective, it was one of the highlights of our Santa Fe trip. Contained in an intimate one-roomed building, this restaurant is of the slow-food, farm-to-table tradition. Aqua Santa’s menu features locally grown/raised foods cooked with great care, the latter made evident by the design of the open kitchen that allows diners to watch chef/owner Brian Knox as he painstakingly prepares and plates each dish that leaves his kitchen. (While everything we had was delicious, the slow-cooked lamb was a stand-out, one of the best dishes I have ever tasted.)

Labyrinths: It seemed that everywhere I looked in Santa Fe there was a labyrinth, the meditative mazes created for quiet contemplation. There’s one at Ojo Caliente, one in front of the glorious St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Basilica, and another outside the Museum of International Folk Art (itself not to be missed if even only for the expansive Girard collection of dolls, icons, and relics from throughout the world). If you’re looking for a way to relax for a few minutes and tune into yourself and the Santa Fe environs, I’d definitely recommend walking one of its many labyrinth.

The Teahouse: The Teahouse on the gallery-riddled Canyon Road is a very sweet spot. In addition to a menu of breakfast items, sandwiches, and salads, their piece de la resistance is, not surprisingly, their extensive tea menu. It was their interesting selection of handcrafted chai that most caught our attention. My brother had the Coyote Chocolate version, I went for the Original Blend, and Alex ordered what turned out to be my favorite: the WhiteSage Mint, which featured green rooibos, sage, mint, cardamom, and other spices.

Santa Fe seems to be a mecca for health, healing, and spiritual quests. I look forward to returning to explore more of its enriching offerings at some point in the near future.

Do you have a favorite health and healing spot in Santa Fe? If so, please consider sharing it with other readers in the Comments section below.

Paula Froelich, the gossip maven of the NY Post’s Page Six, just released a new novel. From all the reviews and press material, it seems to be a chick lit novel à la Sex and the City.

I’m blurbing about it here not as a book review. I can’t necessarily vouch for the novel. I haven’t actually read it. In fact, I haven’t even seen it yet in person.

But I love that it’s called Mercury in Retrograde. I love that with all the press it is receiving that it is promoting astrology concepts beyond sun sign columns into the media. I love that the Introduction begins with a description of what Mercury retrograde means. And I love that–whether it was synchronicity or, better yet, the doings of an astrologer hired by the author or the publisher Simon & Schuster–the book pubbed on June 2, four days after Mercury went out of retrograde. Granted it was still in the retrograde shadow period, but that the planet of communication was in direct motion does bode much better for the book’s success than if it was released in its eponymous celestial cycle.

June 7, 2009: Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon (exact at 11:12 am PDT)

During the Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon, we are often compelled with a need to know. We strive to collect facts and figures not only because of intellectual curiosity but also because they are the vital ingredients that can provide us with the deeper sense of understanding that we seek. Maintaining a balanced appreciation for the pieces and the whole is emphasized today. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.

The experience of travel—whether it be a weeks-long journey to a foreign land or a weekend road trip out of town—often coincides with this Full Moon. Even if exploration via a plane, train, or automobile isn’t in your plans, use this time for surveying new ideas or cultures; for example, read a book set in another country, flip through National Geographic magazine, or see a foreign-language film. All can magnetize to you enhanced understanding and a broader perspective on life.

Keep in mind that this Full Moon is anchored by a square to Saturn. On the surface this may seem to damper the enthusiasm and levity that this day could bring. Yet, the energy of Saturn—famous for helping us to “keep it real”—can help transform a quixotic pursuit into one that is grounded in vision and more assuredly capable of bearing fruit.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 17 degrees of Gemini (Sun) and Sagittarius (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Gemini, Sagittarius, or the other mutable signs—Virgo and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Gemini is associated with the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system while Sagittarius is associated with the liver, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Rainbow salads: An easy way to honor the Gemini need for variety and assortment is to enjoy fresh salads made with a spectrum of different colored vegetables. When composing your salads try to feature at least four different colored vegetables. Not only will this make your meal visually interesting, but you’ll also benefit from all the different phytonutrient antioxidants that provide these foods with their varying hues. Many of these salad mixings—including green broccoli, purple cabbage, and yellow beets—also have specifics benefits for the Sagittarius-ruled liver.

Collage project: Even for those who consider themselves not artistically inclined, a collage project can be a wonderfully therapeutic and relaxing activity to partake in on this Full Moon. Not only is making a collage a creative expression, but it can be a great vehicle for inventive problem solving. For this aim, just focus on a situation in your life that you are being challenged by and for which you seek a solution. Holding it in your mind’s eye, cut out words and images from old magazines and newspapers that reflect aspects of the situation as well as its potential resolution. Glue these to poster board adding fabric, shells, rocks, or other small bric-a-brac in an arrangement that makes sense to you. Remember that there is no right or wrong here; just use your imagination and allow for your creativity to flow in your quest for discovery.

June 7, 2009: Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon (exact at 11:12 am PDT)

During the Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon, we are often compelled with a need to know. We strive to collect facts and figures not only because of intellectual curiosity but also because they are the vital ingredients that can provide us with the deeper sense of understanding that we seek. Maintaining a balanced appreciation for the pieces and the whole is emphasized today. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.

The experience of travel—whether it be a weeks-long journey to a foreign land or a weekend road trip out of town—often coincides with this Full Moon. Even if exploration via a plane, train, or automobile isn’t in your plans, use this time for surveying new ideas or cultures; for example, read a book set in another country, flip through National Geographic magazine, or see a foreign-language film. All can magnetize to you enhanced understanding and a broader perspective on life.

Keep in mind that this Full Moon is anchored by a square to Saturn. On the surface this may seem to damper the enthusiasm and levity that this day could bring. Yet, the energy of Saturn—famous for helping us to “keep it real”—can help transform a quixotic pursuit into one that is grounded in vision and more assuredly capable of bearing fruit.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 17 degrees of Gemini (Sun) and Sagittarius (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Gemini, Sagittarius, or the other mutable signs—Virgo and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Gemini is associated with the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system while Sagittarius is associated with the liver, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Rainbow salads: An easy way to honor the Gemini need for variety and assortment is to enjoy fresh salads made with a spectrum of different colored vegetables. When composing your salads try to feature at least four different colored vegetables. Not only will this make your meal visually interesting, but you’ll also benefit from all the different phytonutrient antioxidants that provide these foods with their varying hues. Many of these salad mixings—including green broccoli, purple cabbage, and yellow beets—also have specifics benefits for the Sagittarius-ruled liver.

Collage project: Even for those who consider themselves not artistically inclined, a collage project can be a wonderfully therapeutic and relaxing activity to partake in on this Full Moon. Not only is making a collage a creative expression, but it can be a great vehicle for inventive problem solving. For this aim, just focus on a situation in your life that you are being challenged by and for which you seek a solution. Holding it in your mind’s eye, cut out words and images from old magazines and newspapers that reflect aspects of the situation as well as its potential resolution. Glue these to poster board adding fabric, shells, rocks, or other small bric-a-brac in an arrangement that makes sense to you. Remember that there is no right or wrong here; just use your imagination and allow for your creativity to flow in your quest for discovery.

June 22, 2009: Cancer New Moon (exact at 12:35 pm PDT)

Our emotions take precedent during a Cancer New Moon. If allowing yourself to let your feelings flow is an area of challenge, reflect on the people, places, or situations that make you feel the most nurtured and seek them out today. Take comfort in knowing that while feelings may seem overwhelming, they can actually be a fountain of personal strength rather than a sphere of vulnerability. In fact, since this particular Cancer New Moon is strongly connected to the energies of the planet Pluto, it can provide us with the window of opportunity to transform our relationship to our emotions in a very powerful way.

During a Cancer New Moon, our sentimentality is often aroused. Some may experience a strong sense of nostalgia and appreciation of the past while others may feel captured in moods of wistfulness. Remember that although the past is a vital essence of who we are, it is important to not sacrifice the present for regrets of “what was” and “what could have been.” The past has led to this moment, yet this moment—and those to come—need not be hostage to what came before. Honor the past but remember that there is no time like this moment to create your present and your future.

This month’s New Moon falls at 2 degrees of Cancer (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Libra, Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer rules the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Bathe in the water: As Cancer is the first water sign, this aquatic elixir can be especially healing during this New Moon. Take refuge in a relaxing bath perfumed with your favorite essential oils (if you’re looking to try a new one, consider jasmine, as not only is it luxuriously fragrant but it is associated with Cancer in wellness astrology). If you have the opportunity, go for a swim or even just soak your feet in a lake, ocean, or creek. Meditating on the flowing shape-shifting nature of the water can be very revealing, and very healing.

Honeysuckle flower essence: Sometimes the past can have a pincer hold on us, just like the claws of a crab, the symbol for Cancer. When this happens, it can lead to a reduction in vitality, disturbing our ability to maintain the sense of presence required to fully participate in the present. If you need some energetic assistance releasing the shrouds of wistfulness and making peace with the past, consider trying Honeysuckle flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)