I’m dotting my I’s and crossing my T’s, putting the finishing touches on the wellness astrology presentation that I am giving Saturday at the Portland Body Mind Spirit Expo.

I’m also thinking through the other details of the trip. I’ve confirmed the hotel. I’ve Mapquested directions to the Convention Center. I’ve packed up the books. I figured out what I am going to wear. And, last but definitely not least, I’ve packed the Cosmos in my handbag.

And while as an astrologer I’m always traveling with the Cosmos ( ), the actual Cosmos I am referring to is the essence made from this beautiful flower. That’s because Cosmos flower essence is, as I note in my book in the Gemini chapter, “a great aid for public speaking” that helps “focus the mind and create a clear channel between thoughts and the spoken words used to express them.” While I am not nervous, per se, to give the lecture, I know that there is so much information that I want to convey that having energetic assistance synthesizing it in a clear way is something I won’t turn down. I’ve used Cosmos before when I’ve given other lectures, and I definitely have found it to be of great benefit. (For those of you not familiar with flower essences, they are elixirs made from flower-infused water that work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. They are available at natural food stores and holistic pharmacies.)

I’m looking forward to the lecture and looking forward to the weekend in Portland. If you’re in the area, consider coming to the Expo and dropping by my lecture. It’s slated for 4pm – 6pm in room 2.

Have a great weekend!

March 26, 2009: Aries New Moon (exact at 9:06 am PDT)

Since Aries and the New Moon both symbolize the ushering in of new beginnings, this lunar event is an auspicious time to start a new project. If you’re looking to kick off a diet or amp up your exercise regimen, the exuberance of palpable energy that the Aries New Moon affords may be a great motivator. Also, if you’ve wanted to tackle a problem but found yourself lacking in the moxie department, the Aries New Moon may give you an infusion of courage and daring that can help you persevere. Just watch out, though: Since Aries prizes immediacy, impatience and/or bursts of anger—within yourself or expressed by others—may be heightened around this time.

This New Moon takes on additional dimensions since it is conjunct Mercury and square Pluto. While you may find yourself with a deep desire to express what’s on your mind and in your heart, take an extra moment to reflect on what you want to say before doing so to avoid a rather revealing—and potentially regretful—Freudian slip of the tongue. Passions are also stirred up during this New Moon, whether in heated discourse or fiery outbursts of affection.

This month’s New Moon falls at 6 degrees of Aries (the location of both the 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 Aries or the other cardinal signs—Cancer, Libra, Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aries rules the head, muscles, and circulatory system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Scalp massage: Start your New Moon morning with a scalp massage. It’s simple to do and only takes a few minutes. Just take a nourishing oil (such as coconut or avocado) and rub it into your scalp before you shampoo your hair. Start at your hairline and work backwards toward the nape of your neck, rubbing your scalp with moderate pressure in small circular motions. For additional scalp-health benefits, add some rosemary essential oil to the massage blend. Regular scalp massages—which you can even do without the oil—can help stimulate circulation, alleviate tension, and reduce flaky scalp conditions.

Impatiens flower essence: As its name implies, Impatiens flower essence help quell impatience, one of the premier characteristics associated with Aries. So, if you find yourself being overly impetuous or running a short fuse, consider this remedy. Take a few drops several times a day until you feel the impatience lifting. (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.)