PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLO
December 1, 2009: Sagittarius/Gemini Full Moon (exact at 11:30 pm PST)
Today’s Full Moon graces us with the opportunity for wisdom and learning. As we quest to become aware of the bigger picture, we can tap into facts and figures that can promote our greater understanding. At the same time, it’s important to remember that it’s not just information that contributes to a sense of knowingness. We all have a deep sense of intuition that can guide us in charting the course of our life journey; we just need to have the faith that this resides within us.
There may be a push-pull between stepping back to gain perspective and focusing in to hone the pieces that make up the whole. Striking a balance is important. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.
The energy around this Full Moon may seem a bit frenetic. This may spring forth because of the Moon’s position in mutable and restless Gemini, which encourages us to move about a lot as we seek stimuli to satisfy our curiousities. Additionally, Uranus goes direct today, inspiring out-of-the-blue insights and experiences that may pull us from the paths we may have set out to travel. Being flexible today and allowing ourselves to be open to the new avenues that may open up in front of us—ones we may not ever have considered—may provide us with great lessons.
This month’s Full Moon falls at 10 degrees of Sagittarius (Sun) and Gemini (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 Sagittarius, Gemini, or the other mutable signs—Virgo and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.
Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions
Sagittarius is associated with liver, hips, buttocks, thighs, and sciatic nerve while Gemini is associated with the shoulders, arms, lungs, and nervous system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this Full Moon.
Meditation: We may feel a bit agitated during this Full Moon notably as the Moon is in restless Gemini and Uranus is turning direct today (in medical astrology, both Gemini and Uranus are related to the nervous system). Therefore, it’s especially fruitful to focus on centering our sense of calm. Meditation can be very helpful for this. As Gemini rules the nervous system, incorporating pranayama breathing exercises may be especially beneficial. Even if you don’t regularly meditate, try taking a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale as this can be a great exercise to quell nervous tension.
Lavender: Lavender is a great essential oil to help calm the nerves. The use of lavender to calm the nervous system is not only supported by traditional use but also by numerous research studies that have found it to have stress-relieving, attention-enhancing, and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. In addition, lavender also has powerful antibacterial properties. Carry a vial of lavender with you, inhaling its beautiful aroma whenever you need a sense of calm. Or add a few drops to a plain massage oil and apply as a fragrantly centering body moisturizer.
December 16, 2009: Sagittarius New Moon (exact at 4:02 am PST)
New Moons yield beginnings with this one signaling an auspicious time to undertake a new project that can help us to forge a greater understanding of the world around us. Expanding our horizons to embrace a different philosophical perspective—even just trying it on for size temporarily—can be incredibly valuable and uplifting.
We may find ourselves starting many sentences with the word Why. These may be questions that help us seek understanding or declarative statements with which we share our knowledgeable perspective with others. Relatedly, it’s a good time to give homage to those who have been our teachers or guides, who have lit the path for us so that we can travel it with more enlightenment. From this reflection we may also gain unexpected insights into how we have served as preceptors for others.
We may feel ignited with a sense of hopefulness and that anything is possible. While this exuberance can propel us on our journeys, it’s important to also survey the landscapes through which we may be traveling for a proactive analysis of the inherent limitations and restrictions that they may contain. As Uranus is connected with this New Moon, the unexpected still may occur but at least a sense of cautious optimism can better safeguard us from injuries—whether physically, to our emotions, or to our pride—that an unbridled or quixotic approach may not.
This month’s New Moon falls at 25 degrees of Sagittarius (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Sagittarius or the other mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.
New Moon Apothecary Suggestions
Sagittarius is associated with the liver, hips, buttocks, thighs, and sciatic nerve. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.
Liver-supporting foods: As Sagittarius is the sign related to the liver, focusing on this important organ—vital for detoxification—is a great thing to do around the time of this New Moon. As New Moon signify beginnings, consider making changes in your diet today that will be of benefit in the future. Some liver-supporting foods to add include the Brassica vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, et al.), which feature sulfur-containing phytonutrients that ramp up detoxification enzymes. Also, limiting the amount of alcohol and additive-containing processed foods can be a boon for hepatic health as can incorporating more organic foods since these don’t contain the liver-challenging chemical residues that conventionally raised foods do.
Warrior II Yoga Pose: Even if you don’t do yoga, Warrior II is a great pose to practice today. It helps us to connect with the visionary spirit of the Sagittarian Archer who is looking into the future, visualizing goals that lie ahead right over the horizon. Plus, it helps to stretch and strengthen the Sagittarian-ruled muscles of the hips, thighs, and buttocks. For instructions on the Warrior II pose, see here.
December 20, 2009-March 10, 2010: Mars Retrograde
Mars goes retrograde on December 20, a position it will retain until March 10, 2010. When a planet is retrograde the energy it represents is more internally focused than externally expressed.
Astrologically, Mars is the warrior planet that represents action, will, and determination. If we want to get or achieve something, Mars is the chariot that can help us to realize this accomplishment. During this retrograde period, Mars will travel from 20 degrees of Leo to 0 degrees of Leo.
When Mars is retrograde, we can take the opportunity to reflect upon how we use our will. Does the way we set about getting things done truly help us meet our aims? Is our mode of pursuing our goals the most efficient and effective? Is the manner in which we express our passions and desires in sync with our heart’s intentions? These are appropriate questions to ask during this period.
What is also appropriate—and very important—is to find productive outlets for any anger you may feel. Given that energy is turned inward during a retrograde period, this may lead to a stifling of the expression of Mars—our anger and/or passion–which itself can lead to feelings of depression. So, make sure to find ways for moving fiery martial energy though; exercise—including the martial arts actually—can be great vehicles for this. This is important not only from an emotional wellness, but also physical health, perspective. In medical astrology, Mars is related to circulation, and Leo–the sign in which this planet currently resides–is associated with the heart. Therefore, especially for those with cardiovascular system concerns, finding healthful ways to express feelings and frustrations can be a key step in promoting well-being.
Mars Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions
Vetiver: Vetiver essential oil helps to calm pitta, dispelling the excess Martian heat and inflammatory energy associated with this Ayurvedic dosha. In addition to its calming and grounding effects, vetiver is rejuvenating for the skin. Mix a few drops with some unscented massage oil for an all-over restorative experience. Or, carry a vial of vetiver with you, inhaling its fragrance whenever you need to relax and restore your grounded focus. As with all essential oils, it’s best to purchase vetiver from a high-quality, reputable manufacturer.
Scarlet Monkeyflower flower essence: If we don’t want to express our anger, oftentimes we think that by just ignoring or repressing it, the feelings will go away. Yet, that’s not usually the case; rather, they just churn within until, at some moment, they either seep out or we reach a full fledged emotional explosion. If you want help accepting and embracing feelings of anger, as well as compassionate assistance to courageously communicate how you feel, Scarlet Monkeyflower flower essence may be of great value. (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.)
December 21, 2009: Jupiter Conjunct Neptune
This is the third of the three cosmological meetings this year of the planets Jupiter and Neptune (the first occurred on May 27, the second on July 10). It’s a day that may feel dreamy but one that will remind you that your dreams can become reality. As today is also the Solstice, there’s a profound sense of connecting to a deep power within us, from which our creativity can flow forth.
What happens when hopeful and visionary Jupiter dances in the sky with imaginative and spiritually inclined Neptune? You may feel captured by a sense of romanticism that infuses even the most mundane with a sense of poetics. You may find yourself drawn to music, color, and images—rather than solely to words—when expressing your thoughts and feelings. You may experience especially vivid dreams, as your subconscious mind more strongly pierces the veil of your conscious mind during sleep.
Yet, take heed: Jupiter conjunct Neptune can usher in the trio of “-sion”s: confusion, delusion, and illusion. Due diligence is even more important during this time so that you can best tune into the “reality” of what is occurring.
However the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction individually manifests for you, one thing is for sure: both these planets carry an “up, up, and away” energy and so it’s important to stay open to their inspiration but grounded at the same time.
Jupiter Conjunct Neptune Apothecary Suggestions
Walk and soak: Tune into your body and ensure your feet are planted firmly on the earth. One way to do so would be to start your day with a brisk walk. Afterwards, soak your feet in a warm salt-water tub infused with your favorite essential oil while you meditate on your goals for the day and dreams for your life.
Holy basil: Also known as tulsi, holy basil makes a delicious non-caffeinated “tea” that provides a meditative sense of centering while at the same time boosting the immune system and helping the body guard against stress. Holy basil is delicious hot or prepared as iced tea.
December 26-January 15, 2009: Mercury Retrograde
Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Mercury symbolizes communication, they way we learn, our siblings, and our neighborhood, this period can yield great insights in related areas of your life. Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks and occurs three to four times per year; the last one took place September 6-29.
Mercury represents the bridges and channels that allow us to connect varied pieces of information in order to synthesize them into the whole of understanding. During Mercury retrograde periods, the inherent weaknesses of these conduits may be revealed. As such, this period is known for the breakdown of tools that help us to share information (such as phones, computers, and printers) and well as those that assist us as we move from place to place (such as cars, bikes, and buses); therefore, do what you can to make sure they are in good working order. With data and information transfer stressed, it’s a great time to ensure you’re backing up your hard drive, keeping track of whether you’re due for an oil change, or inventorying your supply of extra batteries necessary for the remote or your child’s favorite toy.
Any planetary retrograde reflects a period where the energy is focused more internally. Therefore, it’s a wonderful time to turn communication inward to seek insights and understanding. Meditation, journaling, and nondominant handwriting are great activities to do during Mercury retrograde to help you find the pieces of the puzzle and the teachings of wisdom that you seek.
While inner reflection is heightened, external communication may be stressed. Therefore, try to avoid misunderstandings by being extra diligent about the words you use, while also making sure to listen even more attentively than usual. Whether it be with writing or speaking, put a little extra effort into dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s. Be especially aware of this if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting off doing so if possible), as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or especially clear.
When you think of how to approach this period, just remember the first two letters of the word retrograde—“re”—and apply it to the activities you undertake. As such, Mercury retrograde periods are a great time to reassess, review, reanalyze, revisit, rethink, re-edit, and recommunicate.
During this retrograde period, Mercury travels from 22 degrees to 5 degrees Capricorn. While everyone experiences the energies of Mercury retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around or aspecting these degrees, it may impact you more intensely.
Mercury Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions
Nondominant handwriting: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question to which you seek an answer, something that you’ve been pondering. Then pick up a pen or pencil and place it in your nondominant hand (the left one for righties, and the right one for lefties) and write out the answer on paper. Write freely and don’t judge what may seem like chicken scratch. The beauty of this exercise is that by using our opposite hand we are able to able to access more of our subsconcious mind and tap into our intuitive knowingness. What you compose on the paper should provide you with an insightful perspective on your question.
“Spring cleaning”: Mercury retrograde is a great time to literally clean your closets. That’s because our abilities to reassess, reevaluate, and reconsider are heightened. Cleaning closets can be wonderfully therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps to unburden ourselves of things that no longer best serve us. If your closets don’t need to be cleaned, consider organizing your desk drawers or pantry shelves.
December 31, 2009: Capricorn/Cancer Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (exact at 11:13 am PST)
Today’s Full Moon is also a Lunar Eclipse. Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.
A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse signifies a time when things come to fruition. It portends an auspicious time to let go of something that is outworn, whether it be a possession, a habit, a limiting belief, or a relationship that doesn’t serve your highest good. Additionally, eclipses provide a great opportunity for outward manifestation with life-changing events—sometimes expected, sometimes not—often happening around this time. As it’s also New Years Eve, the ritual of making resolutions for the coming year—what we want to release and what we want to create—may take on special value and import.
Situations that allow us to reflect upon how we contribute to the world around us may arise. For example, what is it that we are mostly identified with (both by ourselves and others): for the work we do, the family we nurture, the relationships that we tend, et al.? During this eclipse, we may gain a greater sense of how we feel about the legacy we are creating and whether it truly aligns with our deepest needs and desires.
We may feel extra sensitive today and experience a heightened need to feel safe, secure, and taken care of. At the same time, we may perceive that this may conflict with a desire to be a bedrock of strength for others. As such, it’s important to remember to own and express our feelings and that stating our needs is not a reflection of weakness but of internal strength.
This month’s Full Moon falls at 11 degrees of Capricorn (Sun) and Cancer (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 Capricorn, Cancer, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely.
The events or realizations during this time may follow up on a thread that began around the beginning of summer since on July 7 we experienced a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse whose energies complemented this one. Today’s Full Moon features a Capricorn Sun and Cancer Moon while July’s featured a Cancer Sun and Capricorn Moon.
Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions
Capricorn is associated with the skeletal system, joints, and skin while Cancer is associated with the stomach, sinuses, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse.
Frankincense: Frankincense is one of the most sacred of scents. Used in temple ceremonies for ages, it can help us to open to the mysteries of life and creative cycles expressed during eclipses. Using it in a diffuser, adding some to a mister bottle of water to scent a room, or mixing it with a few drops of plain body oil and applying it as a perfume are some great ways to enjoy it.
Skin scrubs: Reflecting the release-and-growth energy of the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, skin scrubs can be a wonderful ritual to initiate today. They inspire renewal of the Capricorn-ruled skin, shedding dead skin cells, which allows the skin to better receive moisture. To do so, scrub your body with a sisal or nylon mitt or brush when in the shower. Some people prefer to use a little soap while others like to just use water; see which works better for you. If you’re rather, you could also try using natural sugar- or salt-based exfoliating scrubs, available in natural food stores and holistic pharmacies.
PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLO
