February 21, 2012: Pisces New Moon (exact at 2:35 pm PST)

The Pisces New Moon inspires us to connect in with the well of compassion that resides within each of us. As we dive into our empathetic hearts, it’s important to remember that giving of ourselves doesn’t need to equal giving away of ourselves. It’s one thing to hold space for another and desire to foster their enhanced joy, and another to let go of our needs and sacrifice ourselves in that pursuit.

Not only may our nighttime dreams be more vivid but so may our daydreams. If we find ourselves wandering in our minds, it would be of benefit to not discount the ideas, thoughts, and images that come through to us. During this Pisces New Moon the veil to our subconscious may be thinner and therefore we may be able to better access its jewels of wisdom.

Both the Sun and Moon conjoin with Neptune, the modern ruler of Pisces. Therefore, we may feel even more unbounded and sensitive. There’s a greater potential to pick up on the feelings and thoughts of others. It’s a wonderful day for inspiration. Music may touch you deeper, a piece of art may strike a more resonant chord in your soul.

With strong Pisces and Neptune coloring the day, there’s the potential for feeling unmoored and a bit spacey. It’s important to try to stay grounded, especially when driving or doing other activities where you don’t want an absentminded mishap to occur.

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

Pisces New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Pisces is associated with the feet, pineal gland, and the immune/lymphatic systems. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Dream journal: During the week of the New Moon, if you don’t already do so, keep a notebook by your bed. When you wake up, jot down any threads of your dream that you remember. Don’t worry if you can’t remember the whole “story line” as even capturing select images, people, or scenes may provide great fodder for learning, wisdom, and healing. If it feels right, bring the journal with you during your waking hours to write down any inspiring daydreams that you may have.

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. Holy basil is also available as an essential oil to be used in aromatherapeutic applications.

February 3, 2012: Neptune enters Pisces (at 10:52 am PST)

On February 3, Neptune moves out of Aquarius—where it has resided since 1998—into its home sign of Pisces. As it’s in the sign of the numinous until 2026, Neptune in Pisces is going to color the zeitgeist for many years to come. Mysticism, the quest for the ideal, taking the escape route if things don’t match up to romantic visions, a feeling of unity, finding your personal shangri-la, love in all its unconditional forms…these and other Neptunian manifestations are things that will shape and form our consciousness.

We’ll seek the un-nameable and non-rationally describable. We’ll be more moved by feelings, influenced by the moods and energies around us. Issues related to water and the seas will come even greater into our consciousness. The yearning for unconditional love and acceptance may color our perspectives. The greater understanding that we are all connected will catalyze the self-less compassionate actions of many, who will answer the call to serve the less fortunate among their fellow man/woman.

This isn’t to say that it’s all going to be a bed of proverbial roses. After all, Neptune blurs boundaries and Pisces isn’t really known for having strong ones to begin with. What’s mine is yours is a valiant ideal and yet if not coming from a centered place can lead to martyrdom and co-dependency, and/or a demand that you’re due something that’s someone else’s. Additionally, we may want something so much we believe that it has manifested. It may have, it may not have–but sometimes it may be hard to tell in the hall of mirrors that Neptune in Pisces can sometimes be. Hence, it’s important to be on watch for the three “sion”s—the confusion/illusion/delusion that may make their presence more greatly known.

It is said that when times get tough, the tough get going. With Neptune in Pisces, where are they going? For many, likely to a place of escaping the tough times; after all, Pisces is idealistic, finding the realities of life to be harsh, abrasive, and even painful. As such, escape routes of all kinds may become more commonplace. Some may do it through the usual suspects—alcohol and drugs, shopping and television, a state of just “checking out.” It’s also likely that virtual reality worlds will become an even greater part of our “reality.” Additionally, meditation, spiritual practice, artistic pursuits, and seva (service work) may also become more mainstream as we find ways to open to our yearnings for the ideal in a constructive, heart-centered way.

Neptune entering Pisces will also impact us differently depending upon our personal astrology charts. For example, more watery types (those with planets in Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) may have an easier time flowing with the heart-felt “blurriness” than more airy types (those with an emphasis on Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius) who are inclined to want to make rational sense of things.

And yet, if we can open up to it, we all may find ourselves more moved, touched, and inspired by a sense of love and connectedness not yet known. One thing we have the potential of realizing, of understanding, on an almost cellular level, is that surrendering and letting go are not the same thing as giving up. Releasing into the natural stream may actually take us to where we truly want to be. Yet, that’s not simple since it requires putting aside our egos (that fight so hard to keep us separate) so that we can swim more fluidly in grace, “magic” and soulful delight. And yet with Neptune in Pisces and its inspired unveiling that may be more potential, or better yet said “our potential.”

I could write more and more about Neptune in Pisces. It doesn’t feel complete at all. And yet, given the archetypes of infinity it represents, could it ever be? Instead of going on and on, I will do something that we need to remember to do (though which may not feel like second nature) while Neptune is in Pisces–create a boundary, a closure. And so with that, I will end this part of the article, while also promising to write more about this compelling subject in the near future.

Neptune in Pisces Apothecary Suggestions

Sandalwood essential oil: 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.)

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 Piscean-ruled feet promotes nighttime relaxation and is said to quell insomnia.

December 10, 2011: Gemini Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (exact at 6:36 am PST)

Today’s Full Moon is also a Lunar Eclipse. 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.

Today’s Full Moon features the Sun in Sagittarius opposing the Moon in Gemini. We may feel ourselves caught in a push-pull between stepping back to gain perspective and focusing in to hone the pieces that make up the whole. Striking a balance is important. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.

If we can find a way to integrate the energies calling for our attention, the day can grace us with a significant opportunity for wisdom and learning. As we quest to become aware of the bigger picture, it’s important to remember to tap into facts and figures that can promote our greater understanding, rather than just taking off from a launch pad of vision and beliefs.

Yet, at the same time, it’s important to remember that it’s not just information that contributes to a sense of knowingness. We all have a deep sense of intuition that can guide us in charting the course of our life journey; we just need to have the faith that this resides within us.

There may be elements of rabble-rousing during this Eclipse time given that Uranus—the planet of innovation and the unexpected—stations direct just hours before the Eclipse’s exactitude. When a planet stations, its energy and archetypes become really loud and apparent. Some of the arenas associated with Uranus are electricity, earthquakes, and rebellion. When Uranus is strong, so may be the shocks that catch us off guard. Yet, these are the surprises that, if we look at them from a more detached perspective, may aid us in breaking up stagnant patterns that may have kept us in rote motion rather than fully expressed individuality. If the day includes some notions of seeming chaos, see whether or not what is being made apparent are nothing other than great insights that can allow you to connect into a deeper sense of freedom and a liberation of self-expression.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 19 degrees of Sagittarius (Sun) and Gemini (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 Sagittarius, Gemini, or the other mutable signs—Virgo and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

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

Meditation: Full Moons oftentimes stimulate a sense of agitation. When the energies of Gemini and Uranus are involved–which they are today–it’s especially fruitful to focus on centering our sense of calm. Meditation can be very helpful for this. As Gemini rules the nervous system, incorporating pranayama breathing exercises may be especially beneficial. Even if you don’t regularly meditate, try taking even just 5 minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale as this can be a great exercise to quell nervous tension. Although Sagittarius is the sign of the sojourn, during your meditation try to still your mind, keeping it on a short reign so that it doesn’t travel too far.

Lavender: Lavender is a great essential oil to help calm the nerves. 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. In addition, lavender also has powerful antibacterial properties. Carry a vial of lavender with you, inhaling its beautiful aroma whenever you need a sense of calm. Or add a few drops to a plain massage oil and apply as a fragrantly centering body moisturizer.

December 10, 2011: Gemini Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (exact at 6:36 am PST)

Today’s Full Moon is also a Lunar Eclipse. 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.

Today’s Full Moon features the Sun in Sagittarius opposing the Moon in Gemini. We may feel ourselves caught in a push-pull between stepping back to gain perspective and focusing in to hone the pieces that make up the whole. Striking a balance is important. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.

If we can find a way to integrate the energies calling for our attention, the day can grace us with a significant opportunity for wisdom and learning. As we quest to become aware of the bigger picture, it’s important to remember to tap into facts and figures that can promote our greater understanding, rather than just taking off from a launch pad of vision and beliefs.

Yet, at the same time, it’s important to remember that it’s not just information that contributes to a sense of knowingness. We all have a deep sense of intuition that can guide us in charting the course of our life journey; we just need to have the faith that this resides within us.

There may be elements of rabble-rousing during this Eclipse time given that Uranus—the planet of innovation and the unexpected—stations direct just hours before the Eclipse’s exactitude. When a planet stations, its energy and archetypes become really loud and apparent. Some of the arenas associated with Uranus are electricity, earthquakes, and rebellion. When Uranus is strong, so may be the shocks that catch us off guard. Yet, these are the surprises that, if we look at them from a more detached perspective, may aid us in breaking up stagnant patterns that may have kept us in rote motion rather than fully expressed individuality. If the day includes some notions of seeming chaos, see whether or not what is being made apparent are nothing other than great insights that can allow you to connect into a deeper sense of freedom and a liberation of self-expression.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 19 degrees of Sagittarius (Sun) and Gemini (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 Sagittarius, Gemini, or the other mutable signs—Virgo and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

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

Meditation: Full Moons oftentimes stimulate a sense of agitation. When the energies of Gemini and Uranus are involved–which they are today–it’s especially fruitful to focus on centering our sense of calm. Meditation can be very helpful for this. As Gemini rules the nervous system, incorporating pranayama breathing exercises may be especially beneficial. Even if you don’t regularly meditate, try taking even just 5 minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale as this can be a great exercise to quell nervous tension. Although Sagittarius is the sign of the sojourn, during your meditation try to still your mind, keeping it on a short reign so that it doesn’t travel too far.

Lavender: Lavender is a great essential oil to help calm the nerves. 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. In addition, lavender also has powerful antibacterial properties. Carry a vial of lavender with you, inhaling its beautiful aroma whenever you need a sense of calm. Or add a few drops to a plain massage oil and apply as a fragrantly centering body moisturizer.

December 13, 2011: Mercury goes Direct

Mercury ends its current retrograde period today, December 13 at 5:43 pm 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, see this post.

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 December 31—where the energy of the retrograde still exists, although in a much more diluted and subtle fashion.

December 24, 2011: Capricorn New Moon (exact at 10:06 am PST)

New Moons are auspicious monthly celestial events that usher in fresh cycles of creation and becoming. This Capricorn New Moon provides a great opportunity to inventory how we spend our resources. It’s a notable 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 New Moon. 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 New Moon. 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 an especially powerful New Moon given that it aligns with many other planets. It squares Uranus, conjoins Pluto, and trines Jupiter.

The Uranus influence portends that there may be surprises in store as things may not unfold during this time as we had anticipated. See what insights the patterns that you notice can provide you with when it comes to forging a greater sense of freedom and individuality. In fact, consider being proactive when it comes to surprises—surprise yourself by taking a new approach to a current situation. You may very well find that innovation is greatly rewarded. This idea of expecting the unexpected and the benefit of being flexible and fluid may not necessarily itself seem very novel, given that Uranus energy has been very strong all month; it stationed direct on December 10, right at the time of the Lunar Eclipse.

With the tie-in to Pluto we may find that our deep emotions bursting forth, desiring a window of expression. Try to give voice to that which has been swept under the rug, having confidence that shining the light into the dark—the expression of that which we’ve been fearful of taking ownership for–oftentimes is the perfect Rx for dissolving fears and insecurities.

Even if the day feels challenging at times it may seem as if there’s a benevolent guide providing assistance, with extra encouragement and unexpected doses of optimism to which we can connect. That’s because the New Moon makes a harmonious alignment to Jupiter, a planet whose energies are very strong right now given that it is stationing, about to shift into direct motion on Christmas Day (December 25 at 2:09 pm PST).

This month’s New Moon falls at 3 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 Capricorn has a relatively drying energetic, taking the time to do a moisturizing treatment is a worthwhile 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 New Moons are great times for planting new seeds for becoming, doing this activity may spark the creation of a regular and continual moisturizing regimen.] If you already have a regular moisturizing ritual, consider applying a nourishing and hydrating facial mask; you can either find them in apothecaries or beauty stores, or consider making your own from 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 markets.

Today, with the self-expressive Sun squaring consciousness-promoting Neptune, I thought it an auspicious time to let you know of its progress.

While the website will launch early January 2012, we just launched the Facebook page in support of the project. If you’re on Facebook, you can find it at https://www.facebook.com/TheTake5Project.

The mission of The Take 5! Project is to inspire people to enjoy better health and well-being through mindfulness and meditation.

The premise is simple – anyone, even those of us who have very busy lifestyles – can embark on a meditation practice by just starting with 5 minutes each day. Hence – Take 5! It’s an approach that demystifies meditation and makes it accessible to everyone.

I hope you’ll “Like” the Facebook page and share it with your Friends. The page will offer tips, tools and community support to educate and inspire. And to help you—and others—to live a more powerful life by enjoying the greater relaxation, well-being, and inner peace that comes via a meditation practice.

Namaste.

March 4, 2011: Pisces New Moon (exact at 12:46 pm PST)

The Pisces New Moon inspires us to connect in with the well of compassion that resides within each of us. As we dive into our empathetic hearts, it’s important to remember that giving of ourselves doesn’t need to equal giving away of ourselves. It’s one thing to hold space for another and desire to foster their enhanced joy, and another to let go of our needs and sacrifice ourselves in that pursuit.

Not only may our nighttime dreams be more vivid but so may our daydreams. If we find ourselves wandering in our minds, it would be of benefit to not discount the ideas, thoughts, and images that come through to us. During this Pisces New Moon the veil to our subconscious may be thinner and therefore we may be able to better access its jewels of wisdom.

As the New Moon is aligning with Mars in Pisces, we can tap into the energy of the spiritual warrior. A matrimony of our will and heart becomes a marriage made in heaven that allows us to pursue our desires here on earth. This energy also inspires a sixth sense as to which path to go, direction to follow, and way to flow. If we release our attachments to outcome, and just surrender to the process, we can achieve things that approach the magical.

This month’s New Moon falls at 14 degrees of Pisces (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 Pisces or the other mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, or Sagittarius—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Pisces is associated with the feet, pineal gland, and the immune/lymphatic systems. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Dream journal: During the week of the New Moon, if you don’t already do so, keep a notebook by your bed. When you wake up, jot down any threads of your dream that you remember. Don’t worry if you can’t remember the whole “story line” as even capturing select images, people, or scenes may provide great fodder for learning, wisdom and healing. If it feels right, bring the journal with you during your waking hours to write down any inspiring daydreams that you may have.

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. Holy basil is also available as an essential oil to be used in aromatherapeutic applications.

March 11, 2011: Uranus into Aries

Last year, Uranus dipped into Aries from May 27 through August 14. It then swam back into Pisces, where it remained until today. It now reenters Aries, where it will stay through March 6, 2019 (although it will temporarily charge into Taurus from May 15 through November 6 of 2018).

While the Uranus in Aries archetype will color the zeitgeist of the upcoming years, today as well as the days surrounding today this sense may seem especially powerful. They are likely to be filled with intense energy, out-of-the-blue events, and headstrong yet unexpected assertions of will. All the while, there’s a sense of nascency, as if there’s something that wants to be born, wants to be created. If you can tap into this sense, find the courage to assert your individuality in a new and expanded way, these days offer you great potential. Yet, do be aware that many may be on edge with a sense of low-level anxiety potentially more palpable. If you’re feeling a bit stormy or emotionally erratic and need a bit of calm, Rescue Remedy is a great salve. In fact, if I had to recommend one general panacea for the Uranus in Aries era, it would be this flower essence combination that helps to instill a sense of centered calm.

March 19, 2011: Pisces/Virgo Full Moon (exact at 11:10 am PDT)

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

There’s a potential for ancillary agitation today given the tie-in of erratic Uranus with this Full Moon. If we feel polarized in our emotions, it may lead to a greater sense of restlessness and anxiety. The trick may be to focus on using the Uranian energy constructively. Pull back from a situation. Go to the space of the witness who can see what is happening from a more detached perspective. From this vantage point, a greater sense of patterned understanding can be gleaned, as can creative solutions that can help to resolve tension and forge something personally revolutionary to manifest.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 29 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.)

March 28, 2011: Jupiter Opposite Saturn

Today is the last of the alignments in the current opposition cycle of Jupiter and Saturn. The first of the alignments occurred on May 22, 2010, with Jupiter in Pisces and Saturn in Virgo (both at 28 degrees). The second occurred on August 16, 2010 with Jupiter in Aries and Saturn in Libra (both at 3 degrees). Today’s also occurs with Jupiter in Aries and Saturn in Libra; they are both at 15 degrees. The impacts of this alignment, of course, is not just limited to the dates of the exact opposition but cast an energetic shadow throughout this whole time period. Yet, as it becomes more exact, like it is today, its effects may be more strongly felt. For more about the Jupiter/Saturn opposition, please see this post.

March 30 – April 23, 2011: 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 December 10 – 29, 2010.

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 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 extra 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, journaling, and nondominant handwriting 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. Be especially aware of this if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting off doing so if possible), as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or especially clear.

When you think of how to approach this period, just remember the first two letters of the word retrograde—“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 25 to 13 degrees of Aries.. 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 handwriting: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question to which you seek an answer, 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 wonderfully therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps 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

December 5, 2010: Sagittarius New Moon (exact at 9:36 am PST)

New Moons yield beginnings with this one signaling an auspicious time to undertake a new project that can help us forge a greater understanding of the world around us. Expanding our horizons to embrace a different philosophical perspective—even just trying it on for size temporarily—can be incredibly valuable and uplifting.’

With the New Moon in Sagittarius—and with go-after-what-you-desire Mars also in this sign of the meaning-seeker—we may find ourselves starting many sentences with the word Why. These may be questions that help us garner understanding or declarative statements with which we share our knowledgeable perspective with others. Relatedly, it’s a good time to give homage to those who have been our teachers or guides, who have lit the path for us so that we can travel it with more enlightenment. From this reflection we may also gain unexpected insights into how we have served as preceptors for others.

With this celestial event, we may feel ignited with a sense of hopefulness and an exuberance that can propel us on a journey. Helping us to further survey the landscapes through which we may be traveling to gain a proactive analysis of the inherent limitations and restrictions that they may contain is today’s Mercury/Pluto conjunction. The communication planet (Mercury) and the into-the-depths planet (Pluto) align in the hardworking sign of Capricorn, which doesn’t like to cut any corners while taking a reality-based approach to tasks at hand. This planetary pair can help us connect with deeper levels of our knowingness to inform our thoughts and visions, and communicate them to others. Also, if we have been looking for some help in strengthening the efficiency of our BS meter, this alignment can come in mighty handy.

Also adding to the “atmosphere” today is Uranus stationing direct. When a planet goes direct, its energy shifts from internal to external. Uranus is the planet of the electric, the ecletic, and the unanticipated. With “expect the unexpected” as a mantra and a galvanized sense of cautious optimism (a great way to combine Sagittarian and Capricorn energies), we can harness the creative potential of the day in a way that helps us to connect in with inspiration and feel more empowered.

This month’s New Moon falls at 13 degrees of Sagittarius (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 Sagittarius or the other mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Sagittarius is associated with the liver, hips, buttocks, thighs, and sciatic nerve. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Liver-supporting foods: As Sagittarius is the sign related to the liver, focusing on this important organ—vital for detoxification—is a great thing to do around the time of this New Moon. As New Moon signify beginnings, consider making changes in your diet today that will be of benefit in the future. Some liver-supporting foods to add include the Brassica vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, et al.), which feature sulfur-containing phytonutrients that ramp up detoxification enzymes. Also, limiting the amount of alcohol and additive-containing processed foods can be a boon for hepatic health as can incorporating more organic foods since these don’t contain the liver-challenging chemical residues that conventionally raised foods do.

Warrior II Yoga Pose: Even if you don’t do yoga, Warrior II is a great pose to practice today. It helps us to connect with the visionary spirit of the Sagittarian Archer who is looking into the future, visualizing goals that lie ahead right over the horizon. Plus, it helps to stretch and strengthen the Sagittarian-ruled muscles of the hips, thighs, and buttocks. For instructions on the Warrior II pose, see here.

December 10 – 29, 2010: 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 August 20-September 12.

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 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 extra 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, journaling, and nondominant handwriting 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. Be especially aware of this if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting off doing so if possible), as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or especially clear.

When you think of how to approach this period, just remember the first two letters of the word retrograde—“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 6 degrees Capricorn to 20 degrees Sagittarius. 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 handwriting: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question to which you seek an answer, 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 wonderfully therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps 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.

December 21, 2010: Sagittarius/Gemini Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (exact at 12:03 am PST)

Today’s Full Moon is also a Lunar Eclipse. 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.

Today’s Full Moon features the Sun in Sagittarius opposing the Moon in Gemini. The emphasis on these signs’ qualities is further emphasized by there also being an alignment today between Mercury—planetary ruler of Gemini—and Jupiter—planetary ruler of Sagittarius. This Mercury/Jupiter alignment is similar to the one we experienced on Thanksgiving Day (November 25).

We may feel ourselves caught in a push-pull between stepping back to gain perspective and focusing in to hone the pieces that make up the whole. Striking a balance is important. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.

If we can find a way to integrate the energies calling for our attention, the day can grace us with a significant opportunity for wisdom and learning.  As we quest to become aware of the bigger picture, it’s important to remember to tap into facts and figures that can promote our greater understanding, rather than just taking off from a launch pad of vision and beliefs.

Yet, at the same time, it’s important to remember that it’s not just information that contributes to a sense of knowingness. We all have a deep sense of intuition that can guide us in charting the course of our life journey; we just need to have the faith that this resides within us.

While eclipses themselves are auspicious, this one falls on the same day as the Winter Solstice, with the Sun moving into Capricorn—the mark of this celestial event—happening just 15+ hours later. The last time that these two occurred in relatively close proximity was in 1991, but there was more time—about 24 hours—between these two happenings back then. The significance of these “back to back” events seems poignant. Since the solstice points are connected to the Cardinal Axis—which represent the link between the individual and the collective—today we will likely experience another reminder that “we truly are all in this together.”

This month’s Full Moon falls at 29 degrees of Sagittarius (Sun) and Gemini (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 Capricorn, Cancer, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

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

Meditation: Full Moons oftentimes stimulate a sense of agitation. When the energies of Gemini and Mercury are involved–which they are today–it’s especially fruitful to focus on centering our sense of calm. Meditation can be very helpful for this. As Gemini rules the nervous system, incorporating pranayama breathing exercises may be especially beneficial. Even if you don’t regularly meditate, try taking a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale as this can be a great exercise to quell nervous tension. Although Sagittarius is the sign of the sojourn, during your meditation try to still your mind, keeping it on a short reign so that it doesn’t travel too far.

Lavender: Lavender is a great essential oil to help calm the nerves. 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. In addition, lavender also has powerful antibacterial properties. Carry a vial of lavender with you, inhaling its beautiful aroma whenever you need a sense of calm. Or add a few drops to a plain massage oil and apply as a fragrantly centering body moisturizer.

Today’s Full Moon initiates the first of this season’s two eclipses (July marks the other one). 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.

While all Lunar Eclipses hold great power, this one is particularly significant and can be especially transformative. That’s because it aligns with Pluto, the planet of regeneration and renewal. Pluto invokes the falling away of the old and outworn to clear the space so that that which can truly nurture the essential nature of our selves can have the space to be born and take root.

There’s an essential ingredient to remember when Pluto is invoked. And that is faith. It’s integral because if we have the faith to know that something good will come, that something which much better aligns with and supports our joy will take hold, it is much easier to let go. And letting go and releasing with trust to the act of transformation is what Pluto calls upon us to do.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 5 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.

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.)

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.