July 1, 2011: Cancer New Moon Solar Eclipse (exact at 1:54 am PDT)

Today’s Cancer New Moon is also a Solar Eclipse. It’s the third Eclipse in the past month. The first—a Gemini Solar Eclipse—took place on June 1 with the second—a Sagittarius Lunar Eclipse—taking place on June 15. The next Eclipses this year don’t occur for a while: The Sagittarius Solar Eclipse falls on November 24 (Thanksgiving) while the Gemini Lunar Eclipse falls on December 10. Even if we can’t see an Eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

A New Moon Solar Eclipse signifies a time for beginnings. While something may inherently be coming to a close, there is great focus on the initiation of the new that it brings. Like Lunar Eclipses, a Solar Eclipse is often accompanied by identifiable life-changing events that manifest around the time of its occurrence. It’s a very auspicious time to plant the seeds for that which you want to manifest over the coming months.

This Cancer New Moon provides an opportunity to resolve some familial wounds. This is because Cancer is the sign of the family, the home, and the past. The sign of the Crab is associated with that which gives us roots and grounded nurturance. It relates to those whom we call our tribe, or wish to call our tribe. When Cancer energy is strong we are more inclined to come from a place of subjective emotions and want to fiercely protect that which we love.

While you may feel you are being urged to begin a new chapter of your life, it’s natural that you may feel like you are facing some resistance. This may be even more evident today given that structured Saturn is squaring the Sun and Moon. Try to work through the fear of change that Saturn may inspire by focusing on channelling its planetary energy another way. See if you can use it to help you created a structured plan that will allow you to achieve the changes you want in your life, knowing that they are built upon a solid foundation. When’s Saturn’s strong, we have to do the work—there’s no proverbial “free lunch”—yet if we are responsible and accountable we also get the jewels. This includes a greater sense of authority, the sense that we are actually being responsible for authoring our lives.

In reality even if we attempted to resist the changes the Eclipse is inspiring, it may seem futile given that Pluto is opposing the Sun and Moon. This may manifest as an incredible intensity where we are connecting to provocative and deep feelings as well as awareness. Compulsions and power struggles are also often prevalent when Pluto is strong so watch for this in your interactions, as well as within yourself. As Pluto inspires letting go of that which doesn’t forge alignment, consider giving into the urge to release and jump right into the whirlpool of your personal transformation, abetted by a life vest of faith.

This month’s New Moon falls at 9 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. Also, take note of the house in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as it represents an arena of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

New Moon Solar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer rules the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

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

Mariposa Lily flower essence: Cancer is the sign of the mother and the maternal nature that exists within all of us. Yet, some people feel disconnected from a sense of maternal nurturance. It may be that they perceived their mother didn’t meet their needs, an imprint that then shapes their connection to expressing warmth and radiance as well as nourishing themselves and others. If issues related to your mother and the caring feminine energy within you are arising during this time, consider Mariposa Lily flower essence. It helps to inspire maternal consciousness and a sense of warmth and caring, enlivening a reconnection to mother and the mother archetype. (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.)

July 14, 2011: Cancer/Capricorn Full Moon (exact at 11:40 pm PDT)

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.

What’s also highlighted during this Full Moon is the importance of maintaining a balanced sense of perspective. Cancer inspires us to both feel as well as value our feelings. It has flowing, soft and undulating energy. Capricorn, on the other hand, is not focused on feelings but rather on diligent and responsible approaches to accomplishing tangible outcomes. The question becomes how the yin nurturer (Cancer) and the yang achiever (Capricorn) can co-exist. One way it can be done is that instead of just wallowing in one’s emotions to take a serious look at them, inventorying what they may be revealing. Once insights are gleaned, see what practical ways you take action to structure facets of your life so that they will further nourish you.

Also, 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. Recognize that which you may have inherited is only one aspect of you, and while it may hold some value for helping you to build your own personal legacy, you are so much more than your past and from where you came.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 22 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.

Full Moon 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. Invoke the image of the turtle today in your meditation, or even just look at pictures and read about these wise hard-shelled animals. The turtle is a great symbol of inner wisdom, a deliberate approach to life, and the sense of self-protection inherent within all of us.

July 30, 2011: Leo New Moon (exact at 11:40 am PDT)

During the Leo New Moon, we have the opportunity to shine. There’s an ebullient child-like energy that draws forth the playful and creative self that resides within. Yet, while there’s great encouragement to express oneself, it’s not always done so in a no-holds-barred way; care and thoughtfulness is usually taken since Leo is the sign of dignity and self-respect.

The Sun God(dess) sign aligns us with a feeling of wanting to be recognized and embraced for the special being we are. If other’s interactions with and attitudes towards us do not meet with these expectations, issues around wounded pride may arise.

Events may manifest that allow you to see how important it is to be generous in spirit and to radiate your inner light to those around. Stress and tension may be experienced in our hearts, bodies, and minds if we do not let our generous spirit and radiant energy flow. The Leo New Moon reminds us that we should proudly express our essential self, a being that has great gifts to offer those with whom it orbits.

This month’s New Moon falls at 7 degrees of Leo (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Leo or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Leo rules the heart, spine, and hair. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Neroli essential oil: This romantic scent from the leaves of the Seville orange tree is a delightful and therapeutic one to enjoy during this New Moon. Neroli helps to inspire a sense of calm and joy. It has cooling properties so if you feel yourself overinflamed in mind, body, or heart, neroli may provide you with great fragrant benefits. Placing a drop above your heart and wearing as a perfume or using in a room diffuser are two ways to enjoy this beautiful scent.

Buttercup flower essence: When you need some support stoking the inner flame of self-value, buttercup flower essence may be of benefit. It’s especially good for periods when we are judging ourselves by external markers of success that, in turn, degrade our sense of self-worth. It helps shift the source of light from the unreliable-without to the eternally-sustaining-within. (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.)

January 19, 2011: Capricorn/Cancer Full Moon (exact at 1:21 pm PST)

On this Full Moon, what may manifest are situations that allow us to reflect upon how we contribute to the world. For example, we may gain insight into the role with which are mainly identified (both by ourselves and others). Is it the work we do, the family we nurture, the relationships that we tend, and/or other things that carve out our identity and bring us nurturance? During this Full Moon, we may gain a greater sense of how we feel about the legacy we are creating and whether it truly aligns with our deepest needs and desires.

We may feel extra sensitive today and experience a heightened need to feel safe, secure, and taken care of. At the same time, we may perceive that this may conflict with a desire to be a bedrock of strength for others. As such, it’s important to remember to own and express our feelings and that stating our needs is not a reflection of weakness but of internal strength.

The Full Moon connects in nicely with Jupiter. Known as the planet of luck and expansion, Jupiter enlarges anything that it touches. Therefore, more may be at our disposal today. This “more” may be more opportunities, more emotions, more tension, or more understanding. Whatever is arising, Jupiter will expand.

As this is yet another Full Moon at the 29th degree, even if it feels really powerful, the energy may pass soon. That’s because a little over an hour later as the Moon shifts from sensitive Cancer to ebullient Leo, the mood will shift as well.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 29 degrees of Capricorn (Sun) and Cancer (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 Apothecary Suggestions

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

Frankincense: Frankincense is one of the most sacred of scents. Used in temple ceremonies for ages, it can help us to open to the mysteries of life as well as the cycles of creation and manifestation. Using it in a diffuser, adding some to a mister bottle of water to scent a room, or mixing it with a few drops of plain body oil and applying it as a perfume are some great ways to enjoy it.

Skin scrubs: Skin scrubs can be a wonderful ritual for this Full Moon. They inspire renewal of the Capricorn-ruled skin, shedding dead skin cells, which allows the skin to be nurtured and better receive moisture. To do so, scrub your body with a sisal or nylon mitt or brush when in the shower. Some people prefer to use a little soap while others like to just use water; see which works better for you. If you’re rather, you could also try using natural sugar- or salt-based exfoliating scrubs, available in natural food stores and holistic pharmacies.

January 4, 2011: Capricorn New Moon Solar Eclipse (exact at 1:03 am PST)

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

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

Loyalty and commitment may also be important themes during this eclipse. What we may find ourselves looking at isn’t so much the concept of being dutiful but rather whether the people and institutions to which we have granted our allegiance are those that are worthy of it. Readjustments in relationships—involving how much we give and how much we allow ourselves to expect in return—may occur.

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

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

And we have some celestial assistance in this area today. That’s because in addition to it being a Solar Eclipse there are many other powerful alignments that can inspire fluidity and expansion.

Venus—the planet of beauty and grace—is very active today. She connects in with Neptune, Uranus, and Jupiter. These alignments offer us the ability to feel into a deep sense of love, expressing it boldly and in ways that we may not usually do.

Also today is the third and final conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus. This planetary pair greatly encourages the expansion of courage and innovative approaches to finding the wisdom center that resides within us. For more on the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction, see below.

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

This month’s New Moon Solar Eclipse falls at 14 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 Solar Eclipse 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 Solar Eclipse 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 it’s a New Moon, doing so may help to plant the seeds for incorporating body moisturizing as a daily routine). If you already have a good moisturizing ritual, consider applying a nourishing 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 food markets.

January 4, 2011: Jupiter Conjunct Uranus

Today the planet of expansion, Jupiter, intermingles its energy with the planet of invention, Uranus, as these two celestial bodies align in the sky.

This is the third and final of this cycle’s three alignments. The first occurred on June 8, 2010 at 0 degrees of Aries while the second one took place on September 18, 2010 at 29 degrees of Pisces. Today these planets swim together at 27 degrees of Pisces. It is throughout this whole span of time that we have connected into the energy of this planetary alliance; yet, their influence may be felt more strongly around the times when they are in exact alignment.

Jupiter highlights all that it touches and when it is Uranus that it meets and greets what may become seemingly larger than life is our desire to express our individuality and uniqueness in ways that allow us to proclaim a sense of personal freedom. As Uranus is electrical, we may also feel we are in the current of the currents. We’re propelled into the new of the new-fangled and the space of the “I didn’t see it coming.”

Given that this planetary pairing takes place in Pisces, it has a similar tone to the conjunction in September and a different hue than the June conjunction in Aries. In Aries, we find ourselves connecting to our will and our internal flame of courage. In Pisces, we connect to our inherent knowingness and the mystic within. With Uranus and Jupiter in Pisces we can find new ways to access inner wisdom, discovering how a sense of liberation can come through finding a peaceful sense of refuge within ourselves. We can also have experiences that show us how, though different than we may have perceived, we are all essentially connected with everything else.

It’s helpful to remember that being fluid and flexible is a great tact to take when there is strong Uranian energy floating about. Going with the flow, being open to the new, and embracing the out-of-the-blue can yield great peace and wisdom when Uranian energy runs high. (And if the energy starts to feel too much, or too electric, you can always try using some flower essences, such as the all-purpose stress reducer, Rescue Remedy.)

Even if we know it’s necessary, change—one of Uranus’ siren songs—is often hard. But if we welcome it for the meaning it can give us, for its ability to inspire us to align more clearly with our essential core, we may see change as something not to fear but rather something to cherish.

January 19, 2011: Capricorn/Cancer Full Moon (exact at 1:21 pm PST)

On this Full Moon, what may manifest are situations that allow us to reflect upon how we contribute to the world. For example, we may gain insight into the role with which are mainly identified (both by ourselves and others). Is it the work we do, the family we nurture, the relationships that we tend, and/or other things that carve out our identity and bring us nurturance? During this Full Moon, we may gain a greater sense of how we feel about the legacy we are creating and whether it truly aligns with our deepest needs and desires.

We may feel extra sensitive today and experience a heightened need to feel safe, secure, and taken care of. At the same time, we may perceive that this may conflict with a desire to be a bedrock of strength for others. As such, it’s important to remember to own and express our feelings and that stating our needs is not a reflection of weakness but of internal strength.

The Full Moon connects in nicely with Jupiter. Known as the planet of luck and expansion, Jupiter enlarges anything that it touches. Therefore, more may be at our disposal today. This “more” may be more opportunities, more emotions, more tension, or more understanding. Whatever is arising, Jupiter will expand.

As this is yet another Full Moon at the 29th degree, even if it feels really powerful, the energy may pass soon. That’s because a little over an hour later as the Moon shifts from sensitive Cancer to ebullient Leo, the mood will shift as well.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 29 degrees of Capricorn (Sun) and Cancer (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 Apothecary Suggestions

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

Frankincense: Frankincense is one of the most sacred of scents. Used in temple ceremonies for ages, it can help us to open to the mysteries of life as well as the cycles of creation and manifestation. Using it in a diffuser, adding some to a mister bottle of water to scent a room, or mixing it with a few drops of plain body oil and applying it as a perfume are some great ways to enjoy it.

Skin scrubs: Skin scrubs can be a wonderful ritual for this Full Moon. They inspire renewal of the Capricorn-ruled skin, shedding dead skin cells, which allows the skin to be nurtured and better receive moisture. To do so, scrub your body with a sisal or nylon mitt or brush when in the shower. Some people prefer to use a little soap while others like to just use water; see which works better for you. If you’re rather, you could also try using natural sugar- or salt-based exfoliating scrubs, available in natural food stores and holistic pharmacies.

January 26 – June 12, 2011: Saturn Retrograde

Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Saturn symbolizes limits, aging, and karma, this period can yield understandings in related areas of your life. Saturn retrogrades last for about four and one-half months and occur about every year; the last one took place January 13 – May 30, 2010.

This retrograde cycle begins on January 26 and lasts through June 12. During this time, Saturn travels from 17 degrees of Libra through 10 degrees of Libra. While everyone experiences the energies of Saturn Retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) in this degree range in Libra or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Cancer, Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely.

Saturn retrograde periods can allow us insights into our idea(l)s of authority, what it is and what our relationship is to it. Some good questions to meditate upon during Saturn retrograde include:

• Is authority something we readily give over to other people or institutions?
• Do we maintain a healthy level of authority within, being confident that we have the resources to be able to make efficient choices for our long-term well-being?
• Do we have adequate systems in place to filter the counsel we may get from others to see how it fits within our own knowingness of what is best?
• Are we the authors of our lives (or at least integrally contributing co-authors, since not everything is under our control) or have we ceded the role of writing the novel of our live to others?

We can also efficiently use the energies of this planetary cycle to reflect upon what we have built and what we are building. Considering whether projects and relationships that we are putting our hard work and resources into are good investments can be a very worthwhile activity.

As Saturn is related to foundations and protection, it also represents our defense mechanisms. These are the psychological structures that we may have unconsciously put in place to help us deal with the fear of feeling vulnerable. As Saturn goes retrograde, we can look within to see if we can understand more about our defense mechanisms, seeing those that may be supportive and those that may inhibit our ability to more freely connect and express the fullness of who we are. (For more on Saturn’s link to our defenses, see Barriers and Boundaries by Liz Greene.)

While we can gain insights on our relationship to Saturnian principles if we focus and reflect inward during this retrograde period, it’s often more powerful to wait, if possible, to take major related action until after Saturn has gone direct (on June 12).

January 4, 2011: Capricorn New Moon Solar Eclipse (exact at 1:03 am PST)

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

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

Loyalty and commitment may also be important themes during this eclipse. What we may find ourselves looking at isn’t so much the concept of being dutiful but rather whether the people and institutions to which we have granted our allegiance are those that are worthy of it. Readjustments in relationships—involving how much we give and how much we allow ourselves to expect in return—may occur.

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

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

And we have some celestial assistance in this area today. That’s because in addition to it being a Solar Eclipse there are many other powerful alignments that can inspire fluidity and expansion.

Venus—the planet of beauty and grace—is very active today. She connects in with Neptune, Uranus, and Jupiter. These alignments offer us the ability to feel into a deep sense of love, expressing it boldly and in ways that we may not usually do.

Also today is the third and final conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus. This planetary pair greatly encourages the expansion of courage and innovative approaches to finding the wisdom center that resides within us. For more on the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction, see this article.

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

This month’s New Moon Solar Eclipse falls at 14 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 Solar Eclipse 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 Solar Eclipse 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 it’s a New Moon, doing so may help to plant the seeds for incorporating body moisturizing as a daily routine). If you already have a good moisturizing ritual, consider applying a nourishing 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 food markets.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This month’s New Moon falls at 25 degrees of Capricorn (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Capricorn or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Cancer, Libra—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

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

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. As it’s also New Years Eve, the ritual of making resolutions for the coming year—what we want to release and what we want to create—may take on special value and import.

Situations that allow us to reflect upon how we contribute to the world–whether through our work, families, communities, or other ways–may arise. Concurrently, during this eclipse, we may gain a greater sense of how we feel about the legacy we are creating and whether it truly aligns with our deepest needs and desires.

We may feel extra sensitive today and experience a heightened need to feel safe, secure, and taken care of. At the same time, we may perceive that this may conflict with a desire to be a bedrock of strength for others. As such, it’s important to remember to own and express our feelings and that stating our needs is not a reflection of weakness but of internal strength.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 11 degrees of Capricorn (Sun) and Cancer (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.

The events or realizations during this time may follow up on a thread that began around the beginning of summer since on July 7 we experienced a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse whose energies complemented this one. Today’s Full Moon features a Capricorn Sun and Cancer Moon while July’s featured a Cancer Sun and Capricorn Moon.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

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

Frankincense: Frankincense is one of the most sacred of scents. Used in temple ceremonies for ages, it can help us to open to the mysteries of life and creative cycles expressed during eclipses.  It is also a great aromatic balm for Capricorn-associated rheumatic pain when applied with a massage oil. Using it in a diffuser, adding some to a mister bottle of water to scent a room, or mixing it with a few drops of plain body oil and applying it as a perfume are some great ways to enjoy it.

Skin scrubs: Reflecting the release-and-growth energy of the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, skin scrubs can be a wonderful ritual to initiate today. They inspire renewal of the Capricorn-ruled skin, shedding dead skin cells, which allows the skin to better receive moisture. To do so, scrub your body with a sisal or nylon mitt or brush when in the shower. Some people prefer to use a little soap while others like to just use water; see which works better for you. If you’re rather, you could also try using natural sugar- or salt-based exfoliating scrubs, available in natural food stores and holistic pharmacies.

Today’s Full Moon initiates the first of this season’s three eclipses (July 21 and August 5 mark the other two). Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse signifies a time when things come to fruition. It portends an auspicious time to let go of something that is outworn, whether it be a possession, a habit, a limiting belief, or a relationship that doesn’t serve your highest good. Additionally, eclipses provide a great opportunity for outward manifestation with life-changing events—sometimes expected, sometimes not—often happening around this time.

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

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

This month’s Full Moon falls at 15 degrees of Cancer (Sun) and Capricorn (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer, Capricorn, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely. Also, take note of the houses in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as these represent arenas of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

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

Today’s Full Moon initiates the first of this season’s three eclipses (July 21 and August 5 mark the other two). Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse signifies a time when things come to fruition. It portends an auspicious time to let go of something that is outworn, whether it be a possession, a habit, a limiting belief, or a relationship that doesn’t serve your highest good. Additionally, eclipses provide a great opportunity for outward manifestation with life-changing events—sometimes expected, sometimes not—often happening around this time.

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

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

This month’s Full Moon falls at 15 degrees of Cancer (Sun) and Capricorn (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer, Capricorn, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely. Also, take note of the houses in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as these represent arenas of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

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

July 10, 2009: Jupiter Conjunct Neptune

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

What happens when hopeful and visionary Jupiter dances in the sky with imaginative and spiritually inclined Neptune? You may feel captured by a sense of romanticism that infuses even the most mundane with a sense of poetics. You may find yourself drawn to music, color, and images—rather than solely to words—when expressing your thoughts and feelings. You may experience especially vivid dreams, as your subconscious mind more strongly pierces the veil of your conscious mind during sleep.

Yet, take heed: Jupiter conjunct Neptune can usher in the trio of “sion”s: confusion, delusion, and illusion. Due diligence is even more important during this time so that you can best tune into the “reality” of what is occurring.

However the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction individually manifests for you, one thing is for sure: both these planets carry an “up, up, and away” energy and so it’s important to stay open to their inspiration but grounded at the same time.

Jupiter Conjunct Neptune Apothecary Suggestions

Walk and soak: Tune into your body and ensure your feet are planted firmly on the earth. One way to do so would be to start your day with a brisk walk. Afterwards, soak your feet in a warm salt-water tub infused with your favorite essential oil while you meditate on your goals for the day and dreams for your life.

Holy basil: Also known as tulsi, holy basil makes a delicious non-caffeinated “tea” that provides a meditative sense of centering while at the same time boosting the immune system and helping the body guard against stress. Holy basil is delicious hot or prepared as iced tea.

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

Today’s New Moon is also an eclipse, the second of this season’s three (July 7 and August 5 mark the other two). Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

A New Moon Solar Eclipse signifies a time for beginnings. While something may inherently be coming to a close, there is great focus on the initiation of the new that it brings. Like Lunar Eclipses, a Solar Eclipse is often accompanied by identifiable life-changing events that manifest around the time of this celestial happening.

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

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

This month’s New Moon falls at 29 degrees of Cancer (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Libra, Capricorn, it may impact you more intensely. (This also applies to those with pivotal points or planets within the first few degrees of the fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.) Also, take note of the house in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as it represents an arena of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

New Moon Solar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer rules the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

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

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