February 28, 2010: Pisces/Virgo Full Moon (exact at 8:38 am PST)

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, dreamwork, 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. To give is one thing, to give everything away is yet another. If we don’t replenish our personal ocean of inspiration, we will experience an emotional drought that will not only deplete our life force but also our ability to be of service to others.

The energetics of this Full Moon shine especially bright given that it is aligned with the planet Jupiter, which is swimming through Pisces this year. Whatever Jupiter touches it expands, which includes the impact of this Full Moon. The Jupiterian tie-in may infuse the day with a stream of optimism and sense of self-abundance. It may feel as if everything is possible. And while, on some level, this is true, it’s important to remember–notably when Jupiter is emanating strongly–that it often takes diligence and work to transform the possible into the probable.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 10 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, pineal gland, 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. Whether or not you apply polish, a pedicure can including soaking 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. You can add a few drops of peppermint oil for a pedi-pick-me-up or some myrrh oil if cracked heels need some tending. During the massage, consider paying special attention to the reflexology areas associated with the small intestines—governed by the sign Virgo—and the liver—ruled by the planet Jupiter. Use this interactive map to find the locations of these sole connections.

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. (Note that the widely used sandalwood variety, Santalum album, is now close to extinction in India because of unsustainable harvesting; therefore, look for alternate varieties such as Santalum austrocaledonica.)

PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLO

Every year, Jupiter—the planet of expansion, higher education, and philosophy—moves into a new sign, casting its glow on the realms of life represented by this sign. Where Jupiter is placed represents the areas of our society that are highlighted and experience growth as well as where we may individually seek a path towards greater understanding.

Today, Jupiter moves from egalitarian, the-future-is-now Aquarius (where it’s been since January 5, 2009) to compassionate and artistic Pisces, where it will be through June 6, 2010 and then again from September 9, 2010 through January 22, 2011 (from June 6  through September 9 it will make a temporary foray into Aries).

As Jupiter strides through Pisces, our collective awareness may turn to such realms as the oceans, fish, artistry, mysticism, glamour and fashion, the cinema, heightened compassion, and a sense of the unity of it all. Pisces represent the ideal, the space where we are all connected, where universal and unconditional love exists.

As we may strive for this, this isn’t oftentimes what our “reality” reflects so when there is heightened Piscean energy—such as when a planet resides in this sign—there may be a greater urge to want to numb the feeling of disillusionment we may feel (for some, this may be through substances—drugs, alcohol, or food—while for others this may be through activities such as shopping or television watching). It’s especially important to be extra vigilant in the coming year if we find that our desire to escape becomes self-sabotaging to our health, relationships, and/or general life course.

As Pisces also carries with it great inspirational energies, we can tap into these as a means to help work through the feelings of sorrow, confusion, or disappointment to which we may be connecting. For example, as Pisces allows us to fuse with the unseen, it can help usher in a great wave of artistry. Regardless of the medium—whether it be painting, photography, poetry, music, et al.—channeling Jupiter in Pisces energy through acts of creativity can be nurturing and healing.

With Pisces being the sign of the mystic and the coalesced everything, tides of spirituality may peak during this time, becoming more apparent and accessible. Practices such as prayer, meditation, yoga, ecstatic dance, and kirtans can be especially uplifting as we embark on the Jupiterian journey through Pisces.

As Jupiter travels through this sign, those with planets in Pisces will experience a sense of expansion. Unforeseen luck may very much come their way. While new opportunities and lessons may present themselves, it’s always important when Jupiter’s activating your personal chart to still be diligent and not rest upon laurels. This way the gifts you receive can be transformed from the potentially ephemeral to that which takes root.

© ALEX CARRILLO

July 7, 2009: Cancer /Capricorn Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (exact at 2:21 am PDT)

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.

Photo © Alex Carrillo

Is your anxiety level one of the few things growing in your personal portfolio? Are you feeling blue because of fears of being in the red? Is the bear market becoming more than you can bear?

If so, you’re not alone.

In fact, an American Psychological Association poll found that the majority of people—eight out of ten to be more exact—cite the state of the economy as a significant source of stress. Among those most feeling the emotional crunch brought on by the credit crunch are women aged 44 and older. As this study was conducted in the summer of 2008, before the stock market really began to unfold, its findings serve as a bellweather. Likely if the poll took place today, even more of us would cite the economy as a reason that explained the disquietude that we feel.

I wanted to write about this subject—including citing these statistics—not to add to any anxiety that you may be feeling. Rather, I’m hoping that if you feel emotionally taxed, that realizing that you are among the majority will help to ameliorate some of the stress. After all, it’s always nice to know that you’re not alone, that you are not walking any path solo. Additionally, I hope that through the astrological insights and self-care suggestions I will present that you will feel more empowered and that your sense of well-being will be fortified. Read More…