During the Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon, we are often compelled with a need to know. We strive to collect facts and figures not only because of intellectual curiosity but also because they are the vital ingredients that can provide us with the deeper sense of understanding that we seek. Maintaining a balanced appreciation for the pieces and the whole is emphasized today. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.

The experience of travel—whether it be a weeks-long journey to a foreign land or a weekend road trip out of town—often coincides with this Full Moon. Even if exploration via a plane, train, or automobile isn’t in your plans, use this time for surveying new ideas or cultures; for example, read a book set in another country, flip through National Geographic magazine, or see a foreign-language film. All can magnetize to you enhanced understanding and a broader perspective on life.

Keep in mind that this Full Moon is anchored by a square to Saturn. On the surface this may seem to damper the enthusiasm and levity that this day could bring. Yet, the energy of Saturn—famous for helping us to “keep it real”—can help transform a quixotic pursuit into one that is grounded in vision and more assuredly capable of bearing fruit.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 17 degrees of Gemini (Sun) and Sagittarius (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 Gemini, Sagittarius, or the other mutable signs—Virgo and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Gemini is associated with the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system while Sagittarius is associated with the liver, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Rainbow salads: An easy way to honor the Gemini need for variety and assortment is to enjoy fresh salads made with a spectrum of different colored vegetables. When composing your salads try to feature at least four different colored vegetables. Not only will this make your meal visually interesting, but you’ll also benefit from all the different phytonutrient antioxidants that provide these foods with their varying hues. Many of these salad mixings—including green broccoli, purple cabbage, and yellow beets—also have specifics benefits for the Sagittarius-ruled liver.

Collage project: Even for those who consider themselves not artistically inclined, a collage project can be a wonderfully therapeutic and relaxing activity to partake in on this Full Moon. Not only is making a collage a creative expression, but it can be a great vehicle for inventive problem solving. For this aim, just focus on a situation in your life that you are being challenged by and for which you seek a solution. Holding it in your mind’s eye, cut out words and images from old magazines and newspapers that reflect aspects of the situation as well as its potential resolution. Glue these to poster board adding fabric, shells, rocks, or other small bric-a-brac in an arrangement that makes sense to you. Remember that there is no right or wrong here; just use your imagination and allow for your creativity to flow in your quest for discovery.

During the Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon, we are often compelled with a need to know. We strive to collect facts and figures not only because of intellectual curiosity but also because they are the vital ingredients that can provide us with the deeper sense of understanding that we seek. Maintaining a balanced appreciation for the pieces and the whole is emphasized today. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.

The experience of travel—whether it be a weeks-long journey to a foreign land or a weekend road trip out of town—often coincides with this Full Moon. Even if exploration via a plane, train, or automobile isn’t in your plans, use this time for surveying new ideas or cultures; for example, read a book set in another country, flip through National Geographic magazine, or see a foreign-language film. All can magnetize to you enhanced understanding and a broader perspective on life.

Keep in mind that this Full Moon is anchored by a square to Saturn. On the surface this may seem to damper the enthusiasm and levity that this day could bring. Yet, the energy of Saturn—famous for helping us to “keep it real”—can help transform a quixotic pursuit into one that is grounded in vision and more assuredly capable of bearing fruit.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 17 degrees of Gemini (Sun) and Sagittarius (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 Gemini, Sagittarius, or the other mutable signs—Virgo and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Gemini is associated with the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system while Sagittarius is associated with the liver, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Rainbow salads: An easy way to honor the Gemini need for variety and assortment is to enjoy fresh salads made with a spectrum of different colored vegetables. When composing your salads try to feature at least four different colored vegetables. Not only will this make your meal visually interesting, but you’ll also benefit from all the different phytonutrient antioxidants that provide these foods with their varying hues. Many of these salad mixings—including green broccoli, purple cabbage, and yellow beets—also have specifics benefits for the Sagittarius-ruled liver.

Collage project: Even for those who consider themselves not artistically inclined, a collage project can be a wonderfully therapeutic and relaxing activity to partake in on this Full Moon. Not only is making a collage a creative expression, but it can be a great vehicle for inventive problem solving. For this aim, just focus on a situation in your life that you are being challenged by and for which you seek a solution. Holding it in your mind’s eye, cut out words and images from old magazines and newspapers that reflect aspects of the situation as well as its potential resolution. Glue these to poster board adding fabric, shells, rocks, or other small bric-a-brac in an arrangement that makes sense to you. Remember that there is no right or wrong here; just use your imagination and allow for your creativity to flow in your quest for discovery.

June 22, 2009: Cancer New Moon (exact at 12:35 pm PDT)

Our emotions take precedent during a Cancer New Moon. If allowing yourself to let your feelings flow is an area of challenge, reflect on the people, places, or situations that make you feel the most nurtured and seek them out today. Take comfort in knowing that while feelings may seem overwhelming, they can actually be a fountain of personal strength rather than a sphere of vulnerability. In fact, since this particular Cancer New Moon is strongly connected to the energies of the planet Pluto, it can provide us with the window of opportunity to transform our relationship to our emotions in a very powerful way.

During a Cancer New Moon, our sentimentality is often aroused. Some may experience a strong sense of nostalgia and appreciation of the past while others may feel captured in moods of wistfulness. Remember that although the past is a vital essence of who we are, it is important to not sacrifice the present for regrets of “what was” and “what could have been.” The past has led to this moment, yet this moment—and those to come—need not be hostage to what came before. Honor the past but remember that there is no time like this moment to create your present and your future.

This month’s New Moon falls at 2 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.

New Moon 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.

Bathe in the water: As Cancer is the first water sign, this aquatic elixir can be especially healing during this New Moon. Take refuge in a relaxing bath perfumed with your favorite essential oils (if you’re looking to try a new one, consider jasmine, as not only is it luxuriously fragrant but it is associated with Cancer in wellness astrology). If you have the opportunity, go for a swim or even just soak your feet in a lake, ocean, or creek. Meditating on the flowing shape-shifting nature of the water can be very revealing, and very healing.

Honeysuckle flower essence: Sometimes the past can have a pincer hold on us, just like the claws of a crab, the symbol for Cancer. When this happens, it can lead to a reduction in vitality, disturbing our ability to maintain the sense of presence required to fully participate in the present. If you need some energetic assistance releasing the shrouds of wistfulness and making peace with the past, consider trying Honeysuckle flower essence. (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.)

The Gemini New Moon is a day of levity and learning. Curiosity and wonder fill the air and it may seem as if your attention is pulled in a spectrum of directions as you gravitate to the facts, figures, and other pinpoints of information that seem especially intriguing today. Like other New Moons, it’s a good day to set a goal for the coming four weeks, and given the presence of Gemini energy, it’s an auspicious time to begin gathering the information you’ll need to set this mission in motion. Yet, as Mercury, which rules Gemini, is still retrograde, don’t forget that it may not be necessary to scour the Internet, library, or others’ knowledge bases for insightful findings as much of what you need to know may already reside within the annals of your own mind.

The mercurial and seemingly fickle energy of Gemini may be on display during this New Moon period, amping up agitation and nervous energy. Be patient with yourself if you find it more difficult to make decisions while also making space for others if they seem to be more capricious than normal. If you’re finding yourself indecisive, consider whether it’s because you are more clearly seeing the two sides of the proverbial coin and the fact that both of them have grace and value. Reflect upon whether it really is even necessary to choose between them; potentially you can create a structure where you are able to enjoy both paths.

This month’s New Moon falls at 3 degrees of Gemini (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 Gemini or the other mutable signs—Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Gemini rules the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Nadi Sodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): With Gemini ruling the lungs and the nervous system, doing some pranayama breathing exercises like Nadi Sodhana can be beneficial if you need to calm a flurry of nervous energy. Sit in a comfortable position either on the floor or on a chair. Rest your left hand on your lap. Raise your right hand towards your nose, closing your right nostril by gently pushing your thumb against it. Inhale through your left nostril for four counts. Then release your thumb while closing your left nostril with your ring finger. Exhale through your right nostril for four counts and then inhale for four counts. Release hold on left nostril while closing right nostril with your thumb. Exhale through left nostril for four counts. Continue for twelve rounds or more.

Cerato flower essence: During the Gemini Moon there is an emphasis on the dissemination of information and it becomes tempting to seek advice and input from lots of people who are more than willing to share their thoughts and ideas. While this can be helpful, if you are unclear as to where you stand on an issue, it can cause any decision you need to make even more confusing. If you are looking for a natural remedy that can help inspire your self-confidence that intuitive knowingness truly resides within you, consider Cerato flower essence. (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.)

Yet, today my focus upon the upcoming sign seems more intent than usual. The reason may be stem from the very Gemini energy that tomorrow brings: not only does the Sun go into the sign of the Twins (at 2:51 pm*) but the day also features three planetary aspects that involve its ruler Mercury—a square to dreamy Neptune at 2:21 am, a square to expansive Jupiter at 8:45 pm, and a sextile to energizing Uranus at 11:46 pm. It may also be because Mercury is still retrograde, which not only makes me more meditative but always forces me to corral my focus when I want to give external shape to my thoughts during this planetary period. In addition, my focus on the Twins could also be related to the preparation I am doing for my appearance tomorrow morning on Whole Living With Terri Trespicio (on the Martha Stewart Living Radio) where I’ll be talking about health tips for Geminis. (Update: show was postponed due to technical difficulties—Mercury retrograde, anyone?—and will be on next Thursday, May 28. I’m scheduled to be on about 7:30 am PDT.)

As I was reflecting upon the qualities, attributes, and characteristics of this zodiacal sign, an idea of action suddenly swept across my mind (itself a very Gemini experience)—I’m going to take a lavender-infused bath. After all, lavender is aligned with Gemini so why not soak in its luxuriously fragrant essence on the eve of the Sun making its entry into this sign?

Lavender’s association with Gemini is related to its ability to calm the nerves, a part of the body governed—in medical astrology—by its planetary ruler, Mercury, and one that is also usually ascribed to the sign of Gemini. With Gemini so fascinated by—and attracted to—facts, figures and all the data it can find, it’s no wonder that when there’s a lot of its energy around, there can be a propensity towards information overload and the nervous agitation that can accompany it. 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.

Yet, like multi-faceted Gemini, lavender has many other uses. Among its most recognized are its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Research studies have suggested that under certain conditions it may be effective at inhibiting a range of microbes. This must be why the owner of a large aromatherapy company once told my friend Connie—who works in the health/beauty section at the PCC Natural Market—that when he travels on an airplane he brings lavender oil along, inhaling it and applying it to his face, notably by his nostrils to guard against infections.

Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy both the fragrance and benefits of lavender oil:

• Add some to unscented body lotion and use as a moisturizer
• Carry a bottle of it in your purse, smelling it whenever you need a little centering and calm
• Have it be part of your airplane immune-enhancing kit (with vitamin C, zinc, and an herb like Oregon grape) to help guard off the cold or infection that oftentimes occurs post-flight. (Please note: some people are sensitive to straight essential oil so always try it on a small patch of skin before applying, or dilute it with unscented oil or cream.)
• Fill a small muslin bag with lavender buds and use as a sachet for your lingerie drawer.
• Use dried lavender buds as an ingredient in recipes. One simple way to enjoy its aroma, as my neighbor Vil taught me, is to make lavender rice, adding ½ teaspoon for every 1 cup of rice in recipe.
• And last but not least, prepare yourself a relaxation-enveloping bath by sprinkling some lavender essential oil into bath water, just as I am about to do right now.

* All times given are Pacific Daylight Time

What are your favorite ways to use lavender? Please consider sharing them with other Planetary Apothecary readers in the Comments section.

May 6–May 30, 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 January 11–31.

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 also 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 back-up 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, journalling, and nondominant hand writing 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. Also, be aware if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting of doing so if possible) as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or clear.

When you think of how to approach a retrograde period, just remember the first two letters of the word—“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, recommunicate, et al.

During this retrograde period, Mercury travels from 2 degrees Gemini to 23 degrees Taurus. 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 hand writing: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question that you want an answer to, 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 greatly therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps us to unburden ourselves of things that no longer best serve us. If your closets don’t need to be cleaned, consider reorganizing your desk drawers or pantry shelves.

For the past three months, coinciding with Venus and Pluto in a tension-filled aspect, relationships have been a hotbed for transformation. Since February, it is likely that deep feelings—those that you may have been turning a blind eye to—regarding intimacy, values, and sexuality have come to the surface in a manner that precludes them from being denied any longer. As May 2 reflects the finale of this current Venus-Pluto cycle, how to achieve resolution in the related areas of your life may become more clear. For more on Venus square Pluto, see the post about this astrological event from April.

May 6–May 30, 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 January 11–31.

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), so do what you can to make sure they are in good working order. With data and information transfer stressed, it’s also 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 back-up 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, journalling, and nondominant hand writing 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. Also, be aware if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting of doing so if possible) as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or clear.

When you think of how to approach a retrograde period, just remember the first two letters of the word—“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 2 degrees Gemini to 23 degrees Taurus. 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 hand writing: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question that you want an answer to, 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 greatly therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps us 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.

May 8, 2009: Taurus /Scorpio Full Moon (exact at 9:01 pm PDT)

During the Taurus/Scorpio Full Moon we experience the juxtaposition of the practical (Taurus) and the emotional (Scorpio). The interplay between these two signs helps us to forge an awareness that what we see—what has form—is reliant upon that which is unseen but deeply felt.

As it reflects the relationship between the ground (Taurus) and the underground (Scorpio), a garden is a great image to consider when looking at the meaning of this Full Moon. Our senses appreciate the glory of the flowers, trees, ferns, and other earthly Taurean gems that flourish. Yet, it’s important to remember that none of this growth would be possible were it not for that which occurs out of sight, below the surface—such as the complex root structure, the hardworking earthworms, and the decay that feeds the soil. What we are called on to appreciate during this Full Moon is that the beauty we see is not just on the surface but also exists in the places that we may often shy away from, those we may consider “unseemly” or “out of bounds.”

There is a tenacity that fills the air during this Full Moon since both signs are known for this quality: Taurus is stubborn and likes to do what it wants while Scorpio clenches tightly to that which it desires to possess. Combine this with the sexuality inherent in both signs—Taurus from the perspective of enjoying the sensual and Scorpio because of its appreciation of transformative experiences—and you’re looking at a day filled with passion and pleasure.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 19 degrees of Taurus (Sun) and Scorpio (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 Taurus, Scorpio, or the other fixed signs—Leo and Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Taurus is associated with the neck, throat, and inner ears while Scorpio is associated with the genitals, bladder, and large intestine. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Flower petal bath: Submerge your body in a sensuality-inspiring bath. Fill a small drawstring muslin bag (available at health and beauty-aid stores) with petals from your favorite fragrant flowers. While the bath is filling, hang the flower bag on the tub’s spout, and then let it float in water after the bath is ready. (If you have a good drain cover, consider floating some petals themselves in the bath.) Enhance the aromatics of your experience by adding a few drops of floral essential oils—such as jasmine, rose, or rose geranium—to the bath.

Mud therapy: Mud holds great therapeutic benefits, including detoxification and muscle relaxation. As mud reflects aspects of Taurus (the earth) and Scorpio (the dark and dirty), treatments using this powerful material are well suited during this Full Moon. Many spas offer body polishing mud treatments (also known as fangotherapy). Or purchase some mud at the natural apothecary, applying it as a mask to your face and/or body, and revel in its ability to uncover more of your natural beauty.

May 24, 2009: Gemini New Moon (exact at 5:11 am PDT)

The Gemini New Moon is a day of levity and learning. Curiosity and wonder fill the air and it may seem as if your attention is pulled in a spectrum of directions as you gravitate to the facts, figures, and other pinpoints of information that seem especially intriguing today. Like other New Moons, it’s a good day to set a goal for the coming four weeks, and given the presence of Gemini energy, it’s an auspicious time to begin gathering the information you’ll need to set this mission in motion. Yet, as Mercury, which rules Gemini, is still retrograde, don’t forget that it may not be necessary to scour the Internet, library, or others’ knowledge bases for insightful findings as much of what you need to know may already reside within the annals of your own mind.

The mercurial and seemingly fickle energy of Gemini may be on display during this New Moon period, amping up agitation and nervous energy. Be patient with yourself if you find it more difficult to make decisions while also making space for others if they seem to be more capricious than normal. If you’re finding yourself indecisive, consider whether it’s because you are more clearly seeing the two sides of the proverbial coin and the fact that both of them have grace and value. Reflect upon whether it really is even necessary to choose between them; potentially you can create a structure where you are able to enjoy both paths.

This month’s New Moon falls at 3 degrees of Gemini (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 Gemini or the other mutable signs—Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Gemini rules the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Nadi Sodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): With Gemini ruling the lungs and the nervous system, doing some pranayama breathing exercises like Nadi Sodhana can be beneficial if you need to calm a flurry of nervous energy. Sit in a comfortable position either on the floor or on a chair. Rest your left hand on your lap. Raise your right hand towards your nose, closing your right nostril by gently pushing your thumb against it. Inhale through your left nostril for four counts. Then release your thumb while closing your left nostril with your ring finger. Exhale through your right nostril for four counts and then inhale for four counts. Release hold on left nostril while closing right nostril with your thumb. Exhale through left nostril for four counts. Continue for twelve rounds or more.

Cerato flower essence: During the Gemini Moon there is an emphasis on the dissemination of information and it becomes tempting to seek advice and input from lots of people who are more than willing to share their thoughts and ideas. While this can be helpful, if you are unclear as to where you stand on an issue, it can cause any decision you need to make even more confusing. If you are looking for a natural remedy that can help inspire your self-confidence that intuitive knowingness truly resides within you, consider Cerato flower essence. (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.)

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!

Welcome to Planetary Apothecary.

I am honored to have been included in today’s edition of Daily Candy. The timing seems especially auspicious given that the Moon is in Gemini today, crossing over my Ascendant, one of the pivotal points in a person’s natal horoscope.

The Ascendant represents the perspectives we hold as we navigate through life. It also signifies how we present ourselves to the world. The answer to the question “If someone met you for five minutes, how would they describe you?” is often reflected by the Ascendant. Additionally, its sign can provide you insights into your health as it describes characteristics of the physical body.

Along with your Sun sign (which represents your unfolding essence) and your Moon sign (the signifier of your emotional nature and that which nurtures you), your Ascendant sign can help you to better know yourself. While not as instructive as working with your complete astrology chart, this astrological triad can help you to uncover great jewels of self-understanding. Additionally in wellness astrology, the Moon and Ascendant signs are important facets in knowing how to best support your personal path to health and well-being (which is why in my book, Planetary Apothecary, I recommend that readers consult the chapter for their Sun sign as well as those of their Moon and Ascendant).

You probably know your Sun sign. That’s the sign you look up when reading your daily or weekly horoscope. But, if you’re like most people, it’s likely that you don’t know your Moon and Ascendant signs since these astrological factors not only depend upon the month and day that you were born but also the year, time, and location.

If you’re curious to find out your Moon and Ascendant signs, email me at stephanie@planetaryapothecary.com with your birth information (date, year, city/state/country, and exact time). Throughout March, I’ve been offering this service–whereby I calculate this astrological triad for readers and email them this information–for free (normally, I will charge a nominal fee). To welcome Daily Candy and other new readers this week, I’ve decided to extend this special offer through the Aries/Libra Full Moon (April 9). In addition, for all personal Astrological Wellness consultations booked through April 9, I am offering $20 off the Initial Consultation fee of $100 for all new clients (the appointment just needs to be booked by this date, it need not necessarily occur by then). Just email me at stephanie@planetaryapothecary.com to set an appointment or inquire more about my services.

One quick note before I finish this post: If you want to easily keep up with Planetary Apothecary articles–including the April Wellness Horoscope that’s coming out on Wednesday–you can sign up for updates via the “Subscribe” button in the sidebar (it gives you an option of doing so by RSS or email).

Happy Gemini Moon!