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.

Aries

Understanding Your Personal Stress Response

What an Aries may find unsettling about the Saturn/Pluto/Uranus alignment isn’t so much that there may be many challenges to face; after all, Aries is a strident warrior who loves a battle. Rather what may instigate stress is that the complexity of the unfolding issues may require a longer time frame to resolve than fix-it-immediately Aries is comfortable with. Additionally, with their ambitious act-quickly style, they may jump headfirst into the nexus of a situation without taking the time to understand the full range of nuances involved. Relying upon their strong will and formidable instincts can be great resources during this time. As Aries governs the head and muscles, emotional stress may manifest as headaches and muscular tension.

Stress-Relief Tips

Impatiens flower essence: As its name implies, Impatiens flower essence helps quell impatience, one of the premier characteristics associated with Aries. If you find yourself being overly impetuous—wanting the issues you are facing to be resolved now—this remedy can be a great one to turn to.

Vetiver essential oil: Vetiver’s sweet, woody aroma can help reduce mental and physical exhaustion. It’s said to dissipate excess heat in the body and mind, which may help explain its ability to calm and temper irritability.

Movement meditation: While meditation would be beneficial for centering Aries, the idea of sitting still for twenty-plus minutes is likely to not be of much interest to the on-the-go Ram. Instead, consider movement-oriented activities—such as walking meditation, tai chi, or qigong—that can be calming and melt away stress.

Cancer

Understanding Your Personal Stress Response

When responding to stresses inspired by the current planetary roadblocks, Cancers’ natural instinct may be to don their protective shell, withdrawing from friends and family into a deep well of moods and feelings. Alternatively, they may choose the other path of least resistance: setting aside their own needs to tend to those of others. To help navigate the waves of decisions that the planetary energies may demand, Cancers should rely upon their sense of intuition and astute ability to tune into what’s going on within and around them. As Cancer governs the stomach, emotional stress may manifest physically as a nervous stomach and/or heartburn.

Stress-Relief Tips

Honeysuckle flower essence: Cancers tend to rely upon the past for emotional comfort as well as fodder for present-day decisions. If you can’t get past the past and find that it’s disrupting your ability to be fully in the present moment, consider Honeysuckle flower essence.

Jasmine essential oil: Jasmine’s intoxicating fragrance is a mood elevator as well as an aphrodisiac. It can also help Cancers forge a deeper connection to their instinctive nurturing nature.

Don your chef’s hat: Hearth- and home-connected Cancers are the natural cooks of the zodiac. So if you’re feeling a bit under the Saturn/Pluto/Uranus weather, tend to yourself by lovingly preparing a delicious and nurturing meal.

Libra

Understanding Your Personal Stress Response

When faced with unfolding stress, Librans try to understand the dynamics of the presenting situation and quickly try to get things back to balance. After all, the potential for ruffled feathers and agitation is antithetical to the order and harmony that they so deeply desire. Not wanting to cause a stir, or appear ungraceful, they may be disinclined to acknowledge and express the stress to which they may be connecting. Talking through issues with their social network and surrounding themselves with beautiful things can help alleviate discord and anxiety and give them the resources they need to balance out the push-pull of the ongoing planetary energies. As Libra governs the skin and lower back, emotional stress may manifest physically as breakouts and/or backaches.

Stress-Relief Tips

Scarlet Monkeyflower flower essence: Librans’ propensity for having everything be “nice and tidy” may get in their way of honestly expressing their true emotions. If you need assistance connecting into and constructively releasing your feelings—including “unseemly” ones such as anger—Scarlet Monkeyflower may be of great value.

Rose geranium essential oil: When stress or fatigue depletes your energy reserves, try rose geranium. This energizing pick-me-up inspires relaxed spontaneity, a boon for Librans who are oft plagued by indecision.

Watch sugar and alcohol intake: Try to curb the Libran tendency towards (over)indulging in sweets and alcohol by marshalling your desire for balance. While desserts and libations may bring you pleasure, they can also disrupt blood sugar regulation, which can lead to a reduced capacity to deal with stress.

Capricorn

Understanding Your Personal Stress Response

Comfortable with the status quo, Capricorns may find it stressful to give up control and undergo the inherent changes that this planetary trio is ushering in. While not second nature, asking for assistance when faced with a challenge and acknowledging that they are doing the very best they can given the circumstances can be great boons in helping to mitigate anxiety. If they rely upon their facing-the-music tact and ability to productively work towards a formidable goal, they can persevere like the best of them. As Capricorn governs cartilage and bone, emotional stress may manifest as joint pain and stiffness.

Larch flower essence: For times when you may need to deeply ground a sense of self-confidence that can help you more effectively climb through present-day hurdles, try Larch flower essence. It will also instill a bit of spontaneity within the Capricorn, which may be a very valuable quality when navigating the energies inspired by this planetary alignment.

Cypress essential oil: Like Capricorns, cypress trees have incredible fortitude. Their essential oil can inspire calm during times of grief and crisis. A few drops mixed with massage oil can also help mitigate rheumatic pain.

Go for a hike: Not only is exercise a great stress reliever, but it can help to lubricate the joints, ensuring the health of this Capricorn-associated area of the body. If possible, exercise in nature—consider a hike or walk in the park—so as to tap into the nurturing earthly energies.

Aligning your well-being

The alignment of Saturn, Pluto, and Uranus can be an incredibly fruitful time where we can make choices that allow us to live a life in greater alignment with our essential nature. As we approach the challenges that we may find along the way, knowing more how about we respond to stress and having a personal apothecary filled with supporting remedies and wellness practices can be very empowering. I hope that the suggestions included will be beneficial and also inspire you to find other tools that can further bolster your well-being.

About this article

This article is featured in A Collection of Articles about How to Combine Astrology with Flower Essences published by Vibration Magazine as Part of the 2010 International Astrology Day Blogathon. The purpose of this web-based event is to create a permanent library of articles about how to deal with the stresses of the Cardinal T-Square of Pluto, Saturn and Uranus. The main page for the Blogathon collections is at The Cardinal T-Square of 2010: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto.

About the author

Stephanie Gailing, MS, CN is a certified nutritionist and natural health consultant who has been studying astrology for more than 16 years. In addition to the herbal astrology series she crafted for StarIQ, she has written on nutrition, dietary supplements, yoga, and other wellness topics for various publications and is an ongoing consultant to the World’s Healthiest Foods website. She is the author of Planetary Apothecary: An Astrological Approach to Health and Wellness (Crossing Press, 2009). Her blog, Planetary Apothecary, offers Monthly Wellness Horoscopes as well as daily astrological insights. Stephanie holds a masters degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University.

Where to find flower essences

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. Some of the companies that create and offer flower essences are Flower Essence Society, Pegasus Products, Alaskan Essences, Desert Alchemy, Healing Herbs, and Australian Bush Flower Essences.

Today’s Astrological Haiku

Today, speak your mind.
Tell world what you are thinking.
Share, transfer insights.

It’s OK if you
Feel shy, concern for exposing
Your self. Just go slow

Finding the right words
That truly express your truths,
Visions and ideals.

Take the time to forge
Your approach, what you will say
And how to say it.

Have a plan, then build
Solid foundation, not a
Castle in the sky.

Mercury joins Sun
Illuminating orb of
Communication’s reach.

January 5

If you could choose one artist whom you feel most aligned with, who would it be? What is it about their style, the beauty that they give form to, or their relationship to the creative process that syncs with your sense of aesthetics and artistry? Reflecting upon these questions today—while communicative Mercury is conjunct beauty-loving Venus—can provide great insight into the muse that resides within you, helping you to further express your inherent creativity.

January 6

Faced with a decision? Today’s a good day to weigh and measure your options. While doing so, go all the way with your mind’s surveying of the situation, probing below the surface of the facts you are facing. Give way to ideas that may seem as if you have to release a bit of control, seeing whether in fact they yield a more beneficial solution. Consider the reality and practicality of each option. This may prove helpful in illuminating and solidifying the best way to make and communicate your decision.

January 7

Even if your day is filled with back-to-back projects or errands, build in a window of time to do something pleasurable, something nice for yourself. Enjoy a song, or poem, or piece of artwork that you find beautiful and inspiring. Take some time to share a meal or cup of coffee/tea with a friend or colleague. Nourishing and recharging yourself today can give you the stamina you need to fulfill your responsibilities and obligations in a more efficient and enjoyable way.

January 8

In honor of Capricorn’s admiration of efficiency and Scorpio’s tendency to often just tell it like it is, I thought I’d offer today’s astrological insight as a simple one-liner:

Revealing what you have been concealing may inspire a revelation rather than the need for consolation.

January 9

Today our bravery/bravado radar may be in full gear. We may be able to more clearly sense when someone is coming from a deep-seated place of courageousness rather than an insecure pretense of foolhardiness. Remember that if the choice is between the Tortoise and the Hare, the better bet for who will cross the finish line is the slow-and-steady non-boasting reptile.

January 10

If you feel like you’ve been plodding along the last few days, today will certainly feel different. It’s as if we’re on the runner’s block and the referee just proclaimed “on your mark, get set, go.” There’s a sense of greater ebullience that can help inspire us to run the race of the day, with an enthusiasm fresh out of the starting block. If we have been diligently working to achieve a pursuit, today can provide us with the verve we need to overcome some obstacles, allowing us to get closer to “mission accomplished.”

New Moons are auspicious monthly celestial events that usher in fresh cycles of creation and becoming. When they are also a Solar Eclipse–as today’s is–they hold additional power for manifestation.

This Capricorn New Moon Solar Eclipse provides a great opportunity to inventory how we spend our resources. It’s a great time to balance a checkbook, survey investments, or consider an aspect of financial planning we’ve yet to fully explore. Remember, though, our personal economy of resources is not just limited to our money but also includes our time, energy, and skills/talents, all of which comprise the capital that we can use to create a richer life. Whether we are allocating these efficiently–and whether they are generating additional assets or incurring liabilities for us–can be very prudent topics to survey during this eclipse. The answers can help us to create a stronger foundation upon which we can build our future.

Loyalty and commitment may also be important themes during this eclipse. What we may find ourselves looking at isn’t so much the concept of being dutiful but rather whether the people and institutions to which we have granted our allegiance are those that are worthy of it. Readjustments in relationships—involving how much we give and how much we allow ourselves to expect in return—may occur. This is especially emphasized today given that Capricorn’s planetary ruler, Saturn, just went retrograde yesterday in the striving-for-fair-and-balanced sign of Libra.

When there is heightened Capricorn energy circulating—as there is these days—it’s important to watch the tendency to become too rigid in our thinking or expectations. Maintaining a sense of flexibility while focusing on achieving practical outcomes can be a great path to follow during this time.

A New Moon Solar Eclipse signifies a time for beginnings. While something may inherently be coming to a close, there is great focus on the initiation of the new that it brings. Given that Capricorn is connected to the creation of structures of lasting value, we can use this auspicious time to consider what it is that we may want to build or accomplish in the coming year.

Eclipses are often accompanied by identifiable life-changing events that manifest around the time of these celestial happenings. Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

This month’s New Moon falls at 25 degrees of Capricorn (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 Capricorn or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Cancer, Libra—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Capricorn is associated with the skeletal system, joints, and skin. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Moisturize: This Capricorn New Moon provides a great opportunity to pay special attention to the skin. As this sign carries a relatively drying energetic, taking the time to do a moisturizing treatment is a worthwile wellness activity. If you rarely moisturize your skin, consider even just making an intention to apply body lotion or oil two times today (given that it’s a New Moon, doing so may help to plant the seeds for incorporating body moisturizing as a daily routine). If you already have a good moisturizing ritual, consider applying a moisturizing mask; you can either find them in apothecaries or beauty stores or consider making your own from nourishing ingredients such as avocados, honey, aloe vera, yogurt, and other nurturing food-based ingredients.

Turmeric: Capricorn is associated with the joints, body parts that often express inflammation, which can lead to pain and reduced mobility. One of the best anti-inflammatory compounds, and therefore a great item to promote rheumatic health, is the spice turmeric. While turmeric supplements are available, you can readily include this healing spice into your lifestyle by adding it to your recipes. Traditionally used as a foundation ingredient in curries and other Indian dishes, its earthy flavor can complement many dishes. You can purchase powdered turmeric in the spice section of the grocery store; fresh turmeric rhizome is available in Asian food markets.

January 15, 2010: Mercury Goes Direct

Mercury ends its current retrograde period today, January 15, at 8:52 am PST. The retrograde period was a great time for harnessing insights gained from inner reflection rather than external focus. Did new ideas spring forth from inward contemplation? Did you discover novel ways to communicate ideas? Did you realize better ways to utilize technological equipment/systems to transfer information to others? (Provided, of course, that they didn’t completely break down during this time, which in this case means you’re still likely to have gleaned the characteristics of those that may better suit your needs.) If you want a refresher on what Mercury retrograde is about, click here.

Now that Mercury is direct, you can transform your insights into actions. Please remember, though, that we are still under the transit’s “shadow period”—which lasts until February 4—where the energy of the retrograde still exists, although in a much more diluted and subtle fashion.

January 29, 2010: Aquarius/Leo Full Moon (exact at 10:18 pm)

During an Aquarius/Leo Full Moon, issues involving individuals and their relationship to the collective assume center stage. If you are involved in any groups or associations, you may perceive a heightened sense of tension as the organization strives to accommodate the needs of its members along with its own overarching identity and goals. Yet, if outstanding issues are worked upon, there can be great breakthroughs in group dynamics and team building.

An important strategy for attaining and maintaining group alignment today can be to infuse activities with a sense of playfulness and fun. Levity can help to release rigidity and enhance a sense of coalescence. It can also catalyze a creative process of thinking that can inventively spark the clarity needed to identify the group’s shared vision and the path that can be forged to bring it into manifestation.

There’s a complementary yin/yang energy polarity expressed in this Full Moon. That’s because the Moon, a planet of feminine energy, is connected to masculine Mars (in Leo) while the Sun, a planet of masculine energy is connected feminine Venus (in Aquarius). This alignment emphasizes the need to integrate both the active and passive—and the giving and receiving—parts of ourselves. Additionally, it may bring to the forefront the need to make accommodations in our personal relationships.

Given the involvement of Mars in this Full Moon alignment, it is also especially important to express any desires that may be burning within. Even if you can’t act upon them, articulate them using words, movements, colors, or sounds (either just to yourself or also to others). That’s because if we let the flames of fervor lie dormant within and crystallize, we may get swept up in their fire and either emotionally or physically burn out. Creatively channeling the energy of that which may swirl within can be a heart-healing cathartic exercise.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 11 degrees of Aquarius (Sun) and Leo (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 Aquarius, Leo, or the other fixed signs—Taurus and Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics while Leo is associated with the heart, spine, and hair. Pay extra attention to these areas of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Mineral bath: While not a water sign per se, Aquarius is symbolized by the Water Bearer, a figure that delivers the offering of this aquatic elixir in service of humanity. During this Full Moon, why not offer yourself a healing service by taking a relaxing bath. Adding mineral salts—such as Epsom Salts—to the water can enhance your body’s bioenergetic field while including essential oils into your bathing ritual can add a fragrant therapeutic to this nurturing experience. Use your favorite scent or consider ones such as neroli, lemon, and cypress that are especially good for circulation, a wellness focus of this Full Moon. (Rather than putting a few drops of oil directly into the bath, mix it first with some of the mineral salts as this helps enhance the oil’s dispersion in the bath water.)

Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani): This gentle, restorative pose inspires calm and relaxation. It can provide benefit for the Aquarius-ruled calves and peripheral circulatory system as it helps to bring the blood flow from the lower legs back to the torso. To practice, sit on the floor with the right side of your body next to a wall and your legs bent and feet on the floor. Lie on your left side (perpendicular to the wall) and roll onto your back, bringing your legs straight up to rest against the wall. Scoot your buttocks forward so that they are as close to the wall as possible. Close your eyes and relax for at least five minutes.

January 31, 2010: Saturn Square Pluto

Today is the second of the three Saturn/Pluto squares that are coloring these times. (The first took place on November 13, 2009 while the third will occur on August 21, 2010.) While these dates signal the exact 90-degree relationship between these planets, the energetic pattern that this alignment reflects extends from the autumn of 2009 through mid-year 2011.

Saturn is the creator of structure. It instills a honoring of the natural laws necessary for crystallizing form to make things “come to life.” Its focus, on some level, is continuity.

Pluto is the master of transformation. It requires us to let go in order that we may uncover the depths and powerful resourcefulness of who we are.

These two planets seem, on the surface, to be at odds. After all, Saturn likes the as-is while Pluto cherishes the that-which-will-become. Saturn is known for holding on and appreciating a sense of certainty. Pluto, on the other hand, inspires us to give in and release control, having faith that the Phoenix will rise from the ashes.

This alignment can evoke tension. Saturn may exert its rigidity and hold back Pluto’s natural process while Pluto may cause a breakdown in the structure that Saturn worked so hard to create.

Yet, Saturn and Pluto can work gracefully as well. Saturn can provide a container that can help to give true form to Plutonian transformation. Pluto can breakdown some of the Saturnian rigidity that may have restrained the expression of joy and individual authenticity.

During this Saturn/Pluto alignment, consider, for example, whether there are any aspects of your life—situations, relationships, attitudes, habits, et al.—that you are tightly holding on to but which you know, in your heart of hearts, don’t really serve you. You may be holding on to them because of comfort, because of fear, and/or because you identify yourself with them. Whatever the reason, assess whether they truly align with your inner joy and sense of being. If they don’t, see how you may release them so that you can make space in your life for things that better match your authentic self. This Plutonian change need not be quick nor rash. In fact, it’s important to honor Saturn here and be thoughtful and diligent in your approach. This will help assure that the changes you make are lasting ones that help to inspire your sense of personal empowerment.

During today’s planetary alignment, Saturn is at 4 degrees Libra while Pluto is at 4 degrees Capricorn. While the energies of this celestial event can be felt collectively, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around these degrees of Libra or Capricorn or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Cancer—it may impact you more intensely.

Saturn Square Pluto Apothecary Suggestions

While these suggestions may be especially beneficial around the time of the exact squares—such as today—they may also prove helpful throughout the whole time that we are exposed to this planetary pattern.

Jatamansi essential oil: A relative of valerian, jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) is also known as Himalayan spikenard. It is an amazing essential oil for instilling calm, reducing anxiety, and promoting sleep. Jatamansi is also prized for its use in alleviating the grief associated with loss as well as releasing subconscious trauma. To use, place a few drops on your palms, rub them together, and then inhale the fragrance. Massaging jatamansi mixed with plain massage oil into the soles of the feet promotes nighttime relaxation and is said to quell insomnia.

Deep tissue massage: This type of bodywork focuses on the unwinding of the fascia connective tissue as well as the release of deep muscles. It allows for the break up (Pluto) of crystallized tension (Saturn) and lactic acid reservoirs that may be caused by stress and/or physiological patterns of misalignment. Deep tissue work can reduce chronic pain and lead to freer motion and greater structural integration. If this type of bodywork isn’t available or of interest, even getting a traditional Swedish massage can be of great healing benefit.

Today’s Full Moon initiates the first of this season’s three eclipses (July 21 and August 5 mark the other two). 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.

Issues of security are brought to the forefront during the Cancer/Capricorn Full Moon. It urges us to look at our life through the lens of the questions, “Where do I feel at home?” and “How can I feel more safe and protected regardless of where I am?” In pure Capricorn fashion, these aren’t light-hearted questions, but they are ones whose answers can provide us with the riches of insight to live a more integrated and productive life.

With this Full Moon, we are reminded that while the past is essential, it’s important not to wallow in it. What came before may be an integral part of who you are but don’t let it pull you from the joys of the present. “Be here now,” as Ram Dass is famous for saying and recognize that that which you may have inherited is only one aspect of you, and one that you can channel to help you build your own personal legacy.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 15 degrees of Cancer (Sun) and Capricorn (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 Cancer, Capricorn, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely. Also, take note of the houses in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as these represent arenas of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer is associated with the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts while Capricorn is associated with the skin, skeletal system, and joints. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Skin scrub: With Capricorn ruling the skin and the Crab—the symbol for Cancer—famous for its molting, why not do a skin scrub ritual during this Full Moon. Sloughing away dead skin cells enhances circulation, reduces clogged pores, and allows the skin to breath better, improving our detoxification capacity. It also makes the skin more radiant and allows it to hold onto more moisture. Exfoliate the skin after several minutes in a hot shower or bath, or if you prefer do dry brushing before you bathe. Skin scrubbing tools—such as brushes and mitts made from sisal or nylon—are available in many beauty stores and natural foods markets.

Turtle meditation: The turtle, the animal which carries his home on his back no matter where he travels, is a great image to focus upon during this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse. Invoke the image of the turtle today in your meditation, or even just look at pictures and read about these wise hard-shelled animals. The turtle is a great symbol of inner wisdom, a deliberate approach to life, and the sense of self-protection inherent within all of us.

Today’s Full Moon initiates the first of this season’s three eclipses (July 21 and August 5 mark the other two). 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.

Issues of security are brought to the forefront during the Cancer/Capricorn Full Moon. It urges us to look at our life through the lens of the questions, “Where do I feel at home?” and “How can I feel more safe and protected regardless of where I am?” In pure Capricorn fashion, these aren’t light-hearted questions, but they are ones whose answers can provide us with the riches of insight to live a more integrated and productive life.

With this Full Moon, we are reminded that while the past is essential, it’s important not to wallow in it. What came before may be an integral part of who you are but don’t let it pull you from the joys of the present. “Be here now,” as Ram Dass is famous for saying and recognize that that which you may have inherited is only one aspect of you, and one that you can channel to help you build your own personal legacy.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 15 degrees of Cancer (Sun) and Capricorn (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 Cancer, Capricorn, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely. Also, take note of the houses in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as these represent arenas of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer is associated with the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts while Capricorn is associated with the skin, skeletal system, and joints. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Skin scrub: With Capricorn ruling the skin and the Crab—the symbol for Cancer—famous for its molting, why not do a skin scrub ritual during this Full Moon. Sloughing away dead skin cells enhances circulation, reduces clogged pores, and allows the skin to breath better, improving our detoxification capacity. It also makes the skin more radiant and allows it to hold onto more moisture. Exfoliate the skin after several minutes in a hot shower or bath, or if you prefer do dry brushing before you bathe. Skin scrubbing tools—such as brushes and mitts made from sisal or nylon—are available in many beauty stores and natural foods markets.

Turtle meditation: The turtle, the animal which carries his home on his back no matter where he travels, is a great image to focus upon during this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse. Invoke the image of the turtle today in your meditation, or even just look at pictures and read about these wise hard-shelled animals. The turtle is a great symbol of inner wisdom, a deliberate approach to life, and the sense of self-protection inherent within all of us.

July 10, 2009: Jupiter Conjunct Neptune

This is the second of the three cosmological meetings this year of the planets Jupiter and Neptune (the first occurred on May 27, the last will be on December 21). It’s a day that may feel dreamy but one that will remind you that your dreams can become reality.

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.

July 21, 2009: Cancer New Moon Solar Eclipse (exact at 7:35 pm PDT)

Today’s New Moon is also an eclipse, the second of this season’s three (July 7 and August 5 mark the other two). 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 New Moon Solar Eclipse signifies a time for beginnings. While something may inherently be coming to a close, there is great focus on the initiation of the new that it brings. Like Lunar Eclipses, a Solar Eclipse is often accompanied by identifiable life-changing events that manifest around the time of this celestial happening.

This Cancer New Moon provides an opportunity to resolve familial wounds. This is not only because Cancer is the sign of the family, the home, and the past, but also because this is the second New Moon in this sign this summer. Reflecting back to the other one that occurred on June 22 can provide you with insights as to the issues that may re-arise—and potentially come to closure—during this time.

The great emphasis on healing also occurs because Jupiter and Chiron are also conjunct today (with their traveling partner this year, idealistic Neptune, close by). Chiron helps us to identify the areas of our lives where our wounds-would-be-strengths lie. Jupiter not only expands that which it touches but is also the planet of the scholar, s/he who awards lessons of wisdom. Taken together, we have the opportunity to become more aware of our personal Achille’s heel and learn what it may need for healing. As this day also heralds a square between Saturn and Venus, it is likely that the issues will center on women relatives or the way in which we relate to females in our lives, including our own feminine spirit (anima).

This month’s New Moon falls at 29 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. (This also applies to those with pivotal points or planets within the first few degrees of the fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.) Also, take note of the house in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as it represents an arena of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

New Moon Solar Eclipse 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.

Jasmine essential oil: As the jasmine flower is governed by the Moon—the planetary ruler of Cancer—enjoying its aroma can help support the energetics of this Solar Eclipse. Jasmine has a rapturous fragrance that arouses our ability to connect to the feminine spirit within us. It’s a lauded aphrodisiac as well. Use it as perfume, combine it with body oil for a sensuality-inspiring massage, or sprinkle a few drops in a bath and soak in its feminine revelry.

Brassica vegetables: Enjoy some Brassica vegetables—such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, or watercress—during this New Moon. Not only are these vegetables incredibly healthy, but they are also ruled by Cancer in medical astrology. In addition to fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they are concentrated in powerful sulfur-containing nutrients. These phytonutrients are thought to be cancer preventive and help the liver detoxify chemicals. They can be delicious raw; for example, broccoli with dip makes a healthy snack and chiffonaded pieces of kale are a great addition to a salad. Cooking them into delicious dishes is also easy. For example, try roasted cauliflower. Or steam mustard or collard greens and top them with lemon, olive oil, and salt for a quick-and-easy side dish.