Each month, I write a Wellness Rx post for for About.com’s Astrology section. It focuses on the astrological energies of the time, with special attention paid to where the Sun is located, providing Rx suggestions to bolster well-being. If you’re interested in reading this month’s Aries Wellness Prescription, you can find it here.

PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLO

We are at an incredible crossroads, both collectively and personally, as we witness—and experience—an unprecedented planetary alignment between Saturn, Pluto, and Uranus (known as the Cardinal T-Square). Since these celestial bodies carry very distinct archetypal energies, we are being challenged to find a way to resolve and integrate the lessons that they are offering.

While ideally these times may be inspiring us to make great changes that connect us to our personal power, allowing us to more fully manifest our authentic selves, the path to this destination may not necessarily be a proverbial bed of roses (although it’s likely to be prickly and thorny). As we push through our limits and face the challenges that may present themselves over the coming years, maintaining a personal apothecary of stress-reduction tools can go a long way towards forging ahead in pursuit of peace, happiness, and your life’s goals.

Given that the cardinal signs—Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn—are the ones that will be most significantly impacted by this celestial line-up, this article will focus on wellness tips for these natives. In addition to suggestions for flower essences, aromatherapy, and well-being practices, it also includes insights into each sign’s unique relationship with stress, in hopes that greater knowledge about your personal coping methods can also be an avenue for healing. Read More…

Photo © Alex Carrillo

April 9, 2009: Aries/Libra Full Moon (exact at 7:56 am PDT)

The Aries/Libra Full Moon calls upon us to integrate our desires with those of the people with whom we are in relationship. It can help you gain insight into whether your approach to accommodating your needs and those of others is a balanced one or whether the scale is tipped to one side (i.e., do you over accommodate theirs to the detriment of your own, or vice versa?). Additionally, it’s an opportunity to inventory whether you are being your true self when relating to others or being the person you think they want you to be.

Different people draw out distinct parts of who we are. With some people, we may find ourselves more connected to our humorous side, others our serious nature, and with others our adventurous disposition. Use the Full Moon energies to get a sense of which aspects of yourself are brought to light when interacting with different friends and family members as well as your romantic partner(s).

This month’s Full Moon falls at 20 degrees of Aries (Sun) and Libra (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 Aries, Libra, or the other cardinal signs—Cancer and Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aries is associated with the head, muscles, and circulatory system while Libra is associated with the skin, lower back, and blood sugar balance. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this Full Moon.

Exercise with a friend: Looking for an additional spark of motivation to help your spring get-in-shape resolution get underway? Instead of going solo to that yoga class or taking a walk alone in the park, invite a friend. Not only will the exercise pump your blood, work your muscles, and regulate your blood sugar, but you’ll get to enjoy it while having a social experience, which is always nice to do when Libran energy is around.

Don’t forget to eat: Both Aries as well as Full Moons bring out ramped-up energy. While you may feel a go-go-go rush in the air today, don’t let it distract you from eating nutritious well-balanced meals. If not, you’re more likely to be on a blood sugar rollercoaster with crashes followed by quick carb-infused highs, potentially leading to the headaches and that “brain fog” feeling that come with glucose swings. If you know you are going to be on-the-go all day, pack snacks such as trail mix, goji berries, or mini PB+J sandwiches.

(excerpted from April Wellness Horoscope)

© Alex Carrillo

April 3, 2009: Venus Square Pluto (exact at 3:27 am PDT)

This celestial alignment has Pluto, the god of the underworld, in a challenging aspect to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

During this time, passions escalate and relationships may feel more intense. The concept of control—maintaining it and/or releasing it—takes center stage, with a feeling of all-or-nothing enveloping romantic and/or creative pursuits. If you’ve been looking for some help pushing through self-imposed limits, now may be a good time. There’s an intensity in the air, which may have you replacing the “I should” in your sentences with “I must” when it comes to experiences that can bring you joy and pleasure.

Ardor abounds, with desire—whether it be sexual or a deep yearning to be truly known by another—the name of the game. Pluto-Venus energy helps to draw forward buried feelings, whether those to which you’ve turned a blind eye or just didn’t want to express to another.

Tensions may be stirred both in romantic liaisons as well as friendships (notably those with women). If you can stay true to your deep needs and express them, it will help your relationships to transform and become more integrated and authentic. Or you will see that, in fact, certain ones have run their course and do not necessarily offer you the value that you truly seek.

This is the second of three times that Pluto and Venus will be in this alignment this year. Reflect back to February 5, when the first one occurred, to see how these themes played out during this time. There should be some resolution in related areas of your life around May 2, when these two planets finish this season’s tension-filled dance.

Venus Square Pluto Apothecary Suggestions

Ylang-ylang essential oil: Ylang-ylang is a romantic fragrance well known for its aphrodisiac qualities. In fact, in a traditional Indonesian wedding ritual, the flower’s petals are strewn across the marriage bed as a means to foster intimacy and sexual connection. Enjoy an enchanting candle-lit bath by sprinkling in a few drops of ylang-ylang, or lift the libido-elevating effects of a couple’s massage by adding some to unscented body oil.

Basil flower essence: During a Venus-Pluto square, deep-seated sexual issues may come to the surface making it a great time for us to connect with this intimate part of ourselves. If you find that your sexual expression is not as connected to your emotions and the core of your being as you would like, you may want to explore Basil flower essence. It may also help when there is a draw towards keeping sexual encounters clandestine, when they not only happen under the sheets but are also swept under the rug. (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.)

April 9, 2009: Aries/Libra Full Moon (exact at 7:56 am PDT)

The Aries/Libra Full Moon calls upon us to integrate our desires with those of the people with whom we are in relationship. It can help you gain insight into whether your approach to accommodating your needs and those of others is a balanced one or whether the scale is tipped to one side (i.e., do you over accommodate theirs to the detriment of your own, or vice versa?). Additionally, it’s an opportunity to inventory whether you are being your true self when relating to others or being the person you think they want you to be. Read More…

Tomorrow, March 26, is the Aries New Moon. To get a glimpse into the energies that this New Moon carries and find apothecary suggestions that can help enrich the day, please read this excerpt from the March Wellness Horoscope.

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.)

Today, March 6, Venus goes retrograde and stays in this backward-appearing motion until April 17. To understand how to best use the energies of this 6-week cycle and learn about some enriching apothecary suggestions for this time, please read this excerpt from the March Wellness Horoscope.

March 6–April 17, 2009: Venus Retrograde

Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Venus symbolizes relationships, values, and pleasure, this period can yield great insights in related areas of your life. Venus retrogrades last about six weeks and occur approximately every 18 months; the last one took place July 27-September 8, 2007 (in Leo and Virgo).
Venus retrograde is a perfect time to re-evaluate what it is that we value. Its energy allows us to turn inward to receive clearer answers to such questions as:

• What brings me joy?
• What allows me to experience inner harmony?
• What inspires my creativity?
• What really fulfills me in a relationship?

Use these queries of reflection to guide you through this period. They can serve as great barometers to measure your reactions, attitudes, and motivations.

Yet, it’s important, if possible, to not act on this heightened awareness or undertake significant decisions related to Venus-ruled areas of life until after April 17, when this planet goes direct. The decisions that you come to, and from which to act, will likely have more clarity if you wait since outward action is often stymied during retrograde periods. This may be especially challenging, though, since Venus spends her retrograde in impulsive, now-or-never Aries. But remember, patience is a virtue and there are great rewards here for being virtuous.

As Venus is the ruler of Libra, relationships are always highlighted during the time that this planet goes retrograde. It’s a better time to focus on the past and the present rather than the future; so instead of beginning new relationships now, look to your current ones to see how they may better serve you. If you’re single, it’s a great time to inventory the qualities that you are looking for in a mate, and if you are in a relationship, you’ll likely gain deeper insights into the patterns that shape your partnership. Don’t forget, though, it’s better to sit with the relationship awareness that emerges rather than act on it now.

This time also heralds heightened creativity, notably if you can tune into your inner fire of inspiration. If you’ve already begun a project, now is a powerful time to look at it with fresh insights to gain another perspective on your unfolding masterpiece.

Venus retrograde periods are not a time to splurge on luxury items. Instead use these weeks to sincerely evaluate what you need. You’re likely to find new uses and applications for things that you already own. Once Venus goes direct, you’ll be able to better evaluate whether the need for something aligns with the monetary outlay required to attain it.

A Venus retrograde period can offer a gift of enlightenment, allowing you to discover what you need to allow your inner peace to more gracefully unfold. It can help you more clearly identify what it is that you value as well as the inherent value that you have.

During this retrograde period, Venus travels from 15 degrees Aries to 29 degrees Pisces. While everyone experiences the energies of Venus 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.

Venus Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions

Journaling: As you reevaluate what you value, write about it in a journal. Since the energy of Venus retrograde is more internal than external, writing at this time may be especially helpful as a way to express pent-up energies. Plus, it will help your thoughts and feelings to become clearer, and you’ll have a record of your reflections that you can turn to in the future. While typing your thoughts into a computer may work well, consider using an actual journal; the tactile and tangible beauty of paper is well matched to Venusian aesthetics.

Get hot: Since Venus spends most of her time in fiery Aries during this phase, doing more sweat-inducing exercise or activities may prove helpful to release any excess energy or frustration you may be feeling. Try kickboxing, vinyasa yoga, or even twirling through a salsa dance class. You can also sweat away your worries (as well as toxins) by taking a sauna or steam bath.

March 10, 2009: Pisces/Virgo Full Moon (exact at 7:38 pm PDT)

The Pisces/Virgo Full Moon calls on us to see both the differences and the similarities. While we may be drawn to classify and criticize, remembering that everything is connected—even if we can’t immediately perceive it—can yield a greater acceptance of self and others. This Full Moon provides an opportune time to heal imbalances in our physical bodies through meditation, prayer, and our creative imagination. If we find ourselves called on to be of assistance, it’s important to remember that service need not equal sacrifice.

This Full Moon takes on additional dimensions since it aligns with Saturn and Uranus, highlighting the need to make change manifest in a very thoughtful way. It can also emphasize the seesaw feeling of wanting to stay with the structure you’ve established at one moment and then, at the very next, wanting to break out and break free. Since this Full Moon maintains a similar position that Saturn and Uranus held during their opposition on February 5, watch for issues that manifested around that time to reappear.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 21 degrees of Pisces (the location of the Sun) and Virgo (the location of the 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 Pisces, Virgo, or the other mutable signs—Gemini and Sagittarius—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Pisces is associated with the feet and the immune/lymphatic systems while Virgo rules the intestines and digestive system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Pedicure: Why not give your Pisces-ruled feet a treat during this Full Moon? If it’s not convenient to schedule a salon pedicure, you can easily do one at home. Before applying polish, soak your feet for a few minutes in a warm mineral-salt bath. After drying your feet well, massage them with some lotion or body oil (if you have peppermint essential oil on hand, add a few drops to further invigorate your feet). Pay special attention to the area of your sole located at the front part of your heel in toward the ball of your foot, where the reflex points for the digestive organs are located.

Sandalwood: Sandalwood essential oil is a divine fragrance that can help you open to the Piscean gifts of imagination and connection that are more accessible during this time. It is a great aid for a meditation practice and said to stimulate the pineal gland, associated with psychic abilities in spiritual traditions. Sandalwood is calming and centering and may help alleviate spells of anxiety. Like with other essential oils, you can use sandalwood in many ways; for example, you can mix it with body lotion, use it in an aromatherapy diffuser, or add a few drops to a mister bottle of water and use as a room spray.

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. Read More…