© ALEX CARRILLO
August 5, 2009: Leo /Aquarius Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (exact at 5:55 pm PDT)
Today’s Full Moon marks the final of this season’s three eclipses (the others occurred on July 7 and July 21). 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 period 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 this is the last of the season’s eclipses, a situation that was catalyzed at the beginning of last month may reach a level of closure or completion. Use the energies carried within the marriage of Leo and Aquarius—an ability to perceive the unique gifts and qualities that you embody—to help you close one chapter of your life so that another one, which will more gracefully align with your heart’s desires, can emerge.
During a Leo/Aquarius Full Moon, issues involving individuals and their relationship to the collective become the center of attention. 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.
This month’s Full Moon falls at 14 degrees of Leo (Sun) and Aquarius (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 Leo, Aquarius, or the other fixed signs—Taurus and Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely. 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.
Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions
Leo is associated with the heart, spine, and hair while Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics. Pay extra attention to these areas of the body around the time of this Full Moon.
Listen to world music: As Leo is the sign of the creative arts, and Aquarius the sign of humanity’s collective vision, listening to music from other countries is a relaxation practice that aligns with the energy of this Full Moon. Whether it be Jamaican ska, Portuguese fado, Senegalese mbalax, or any international genre, music can bring great joy and help us open up our heart.
Quaking Grass flower essence: Quaking Grass is a wonderful remedy to help inspire harmonious group dynamics. It helps individuals maintain a sense of balanced self when in a collective and yet see themselves as a part of something much larger than just themselves. While the essence can be taken by an individual, it can also be used it as a room spray (mix a few drops into a water-filled mister bottle) as a way to foster a more productive, as well as heartfelt, group process. (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.)
August 20, 2009: Leo New Moon (exact at 3:02 am PDT)
During the Leo New Moon, we have the opportunity to shine. There’s an ebullient child-like energy that draws forth the playful and creative self that resides within. As this New Moon is opposing numinous Neptune, we have a greater ability to capture and communicate unseen feelings and emotions—those within our self and/or others. If you’ve been looking for a time to begin a project of artistry, one where you can call forth ideas and visions and create them into physical form, this New Moon serves as an auspicious time.
Leo is a sign connected with celebration while Neptune quests for significance. Taken together, this New Moon is a wonderful time to focus on what it is in our life that gives us meaning and rejoice in our ability to have a meaningful life.
This combination of astrological energies may also leave us in a regaling Catch-22. While it inspires a greater desire for cocktails and carousing, with Neptune’s boundary-blurry effects, alcohol can have a greater impact on our psyches and bodies during this time. Take precautions knowing that your judgment as well as how you feel the morning-after may be more clouded than usual.
This month’s New Moon falls at 28 degrees of Leo (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 Leo or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely. (This also applies to those with pivotal points or planets within the first few degrees of the mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.)
New Moon Apothecary Suggestions
Leo rules the heart, spine, and hair. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.
Neroli essential oil: This romantic scent from the leaves of the Seville orange tree is a delightful—and therapeutic—one to enjoy during this New Moon. Neroli helps to inspire a sense of calm and joy. It has cooling properties so if you feel yourself overinflamed in mind, body, or heart, neroli may provide you with great fragrant benefits. Placing a drop above your heart and wearing as a perfume or using in a room diffuser are two ways to enjoy this beautiful scent.
Drink water: Since the planet Neptune, named after the Roman god of the seas, has watery qualities, ensuring you drink enough water today is a great wellness strategy. It will keep you hydrated, help cool you down should you feel any excess heat, and also keep your elimination and detoxification channels working better.
August 21, 2009: Uranus Opposite Mercury
This is the first of three times that Uranus and Mercury will be in this alignment in the coming months. September 23 and October 4 mark the other two.
When Uranus opposes Mercury, the air feels electrifying. It is as if there are sparks of ideas around each corner, with new thoughts seemingly coming out of the blue. With so many lightbulb-above-your-head flashes of insights occurring, it’s a good idea to have flexibility and a bit of detachment. Therefore, now may not be the best time to act on the information you receive. Rather, collect the ideas in a reservoir from which you can siphon them off, evaluating and analyzing each one to see whether it has lasting value or was just one of those great-in-the-moment ideas. If you’re traveling around this date, expect that there may be unexpected delays or inconveniences.
While the flurry of input during a Uranus/Mercury opposition can be exciting and stimulating, the buzziness it creates may tax our nervous system. As such, try to pay extra attention to this part of your body around the time of this astrological alignment.
Uranus Opposite Mercury Apothecary Suggestions
Limit caffeine intake: As a way to mollify your nerves, limiting caffeine intake may be of benefit. Instead of a second (or even first) cup of joe, try some yerba mate or green tea instead. Both have less caffeine than coffee but provide a steady energy boost. If you want to go the caffeine-free route, try rooibos or decaf green tea. Tisanes—made from soothing chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm—are a delicious way to enjoy additional calm.
Qigong: As we’re more connected to energetics during this planetary alignment, it may be a great time to practice qigong. A form of moving meditation, qigong focuses on cultivating and circulating qi, the body’s life force energy. You can find information on qigong in books and DVDs but it’s best to first practice with a skilled teacher who can show you proper techniques and sequencing.
August 26, 2009: Pluto Square Mercury
Just a few days after Uranus opposes Mercury, the planet of communication aligns with Pluto, the planet of the unseen depths. This is the first of three times that Pluto and Mercury will square each other in the coming months. September 17 and October 10 marks the other times.
This astrological alignment gives us support to dig deep within ourselves and find the words and images that allow us to more honestly convey our ideas and feelings. Words, images, music, and other carriers of information have great power and when Pluto and Mercury are in relationship we are reminded of that.
It’s important to be especially conscious when you communicate with others during this time. While you may think you are “just talking,” others will assign great significance to what you say. Additionally, there’s the potential for buried emotions—such as hurt, anger, or resentment—to bubble up from deep within and color our communication; be aware of this in yourself and others. This connection to the deep parts of ourselves, though, can be really constructive if you are involved in any sort of therapeutic work as this period may offer you an opening to plumb the depths of your psyche even more.
Pluto Square Mercury Apothecary Suggestions
Read a myth: Mythic stories are not only entertaining but convey deep meaning related to being human. Encapsulated within are representations of archetypes that represent the sacred as well as the human psyche. Reading myths—regardless of the culture from which they originate—is a powerful way for us to connect with a level of deep understanding about ourselves and others, making it a great relaxation practice during this time.
Calendula flower essence: If your communication is tinged with feelings of anger or resentment that are coloring your discourse, consider Calendula flower essence. It can help channel that energy so that more compassion comes through with your words while also instilling a greater level of receptivity when dialoguing with others. (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.)