PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLO

November 2, 2009: Scorpio/Taurus Full Moon (exact at 11:14 am PST)

During the Scorpio/Taurus Full Moon the question “Does this feel good?” takes high precedence, becoming a compass with which we can navigate our lives and the choices we make. We can use it to evaluate relationships and situations, reflecting upon whether they help us to feel safe, secure, and inherently appreciated and affirmed.  With the heightened sensuality that this Full Moon yields, we can also ask ourselves “Does this feel good?” from a physical perspective as well, allowing us to further assess the music, food, aromas, and kinesthetic experiences through which we find valuable nourishment.

Given that there is a harmonious aspect today between pleasure-seeking Venus and devotion-inspiring Neptune, we may also be more inclined to consider “Does this feel good?” when reflecting upon the effects of our actions on other people. Our ability to connect with the well of compassion and empathy is elevated today as is the sense of love-is-in-the-air energy.

This Full Moon weaves in Mercury, the planet of communication. This gives us greater access to thoughts that may have been hovering slightly below the surface of our conscious mind as well as the ability to express these to others. The desire to let another know the truth of what we’re feeling, though, may be met with a bit of self-resistance as we question whether it will risk our sense of security. It’s important to focus on ways that we can be true to who we are and know that we can still feel protected in its pursuit.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 11 degrees of Scorpio (Sun) and Taurus (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 Scorpio, Taurus, or the other fixed signs—Leo and Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

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

Aphrodisiac foods: Indulge in foods that tickle your senses. Some reputed aphrodisiacs include dark chocolate, oysters, artichokes, saffron, and asparagus. Even if they don’t end up lifting your libido, since these delicious foods are so nutrient-rich they’ll definitely elevate your health and wellness.

Explore essential oils: Today is a lovely day to surround yourself with beauty that inspires your senses. As such, visit a natural food store or holistic pharmacy and spend some time in their aromatherapy section, smelling the essential oils that they offer. As you inhale each fragrance, connect with where it takes you and how it makes you feel. You’ll likely find at least one new fragrance that can uplift your spirits and enhance your sense of well-being.

November 16, 2009: Scorpio New Moon  (exact at 11:14 am PST)

New Moons signal beginnings. Given that this one is in Scorpio—and yesterday we experienced the first of the exact squares of Pluto and Saturn—what is being planted for growth is likely an outcome of having let go of something else.  Reflect upon what it is in your life that you have found to have become outworn, something that you have released or are considering releasing. Envision what it is that you would like to create in its place, something that can transform your life so that you can experience a greater depth of joy.

Scorpio represents that which is hidden, the unseen. It’s not that these things necessarily have to be kept in the dark, it’s just that we usually “don’t want to go there.” During a Scorpio New Moon, subjects considered to be taboo may rise to the surface. If your natural reflex is to turn a blind eye to these, allow yourself to just contemplate them for a moment, even if at a distance. You may end up finding them a great source of learning, even if it’s more clearly understanding what it is that causes your aversion.

As this New Moon squares Neptune, we’re likely to be swimming in tidal pools of compassion. This may open us up to feeling even more deeply than we already do, whether to our own or others’ joys or sorrows. With this planetary combination, we may also find ourselves either extremely enchanted or disenchanted with someone or something; keeping both your heart and eyes open to see things as clearly as possible is very helpful to so as to avoid floating away with either of these feelings.

This month’s New Moon falls at 25 degrees of Scorpio (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 Scorpio or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, and Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Scorpio is associated with the genitals, reproductive system, urinary tract, and large intestines. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Helichrysum essential oil: During the Scorpio New Moon—a time of rebirth and revival—it’s good to know about helichrysum essential oil, itself known for its regenerative properties. Also known as everlasting and immortelle, helichrysum is a favorite when the skin needs assistance in healing scars and wounds. Its regenerative properties are also thought to be experienced on an emotional level, as many find that it helps to release repressed feelings while catalyzing greater self-compassion.

Pink Monkeyflower flower essence: As the Scorpio energy allows us to probe deeply, this New Moon can be an auspicious time to go within and find the aspects of ourselves that we have been hiding, likely because of fear of being vulnerable or concern that if we show who we truly are we may be abandoned. This emotional armoring—usually accompanied by an inherited sense of shame–keeps us from sharing ourselves truly with others (and sometimes even with ourselves) and restricts us from living more freely. Pink Monkeyflower essence can help fortify our hearts, helping us to take risks emotionally so that we can let our selves—and love—more fluidly flow through. (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.)

PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLO

November 2, 2009: Scorpio/Taurus Full Moon (exact at 11:14 am PST)

During the Scorpio/Taurus Full Moon the question “Does this feel good?” takes high precedence, becoming a compass with which we can navigate our lives and the choices we make. We can use it to evaluate relationships and situations, reflecting upon whether they help us to feel safe, secure, and inherently appreciated and affirmed.  With the heightened sensuality that this Full Moon yields, we can also ask ourselves “Does this feel good?” from a physical perspective as well, allowing us to further assess the music, food, aromas, and kinesthetic experiences through which we find valuable nourishment.

Given that there is a harmonious aspect today between pleasure-seeking Venus and devotion-inspiring Neptune, we may also be more inclined to consider “Does this feel good?” when reflecting upon the effects of our actions on other people. Our ability to connect with the well of compassion and empathy is elevated today as is the sense of love-is-in-the-air energy.

This Full Moon weaves in Mercury, the planet of communication. This gives us greater access to thoughts that may have been hovering slightly below the surface of our conscious mind as well as the ability to express these to others. The desire to let another know the truth of what we’re feeling, though, may be met with a bit of self-resistance as we question whether it will risk our sense of security. It’s important to focus on ways that we can be true to who we are and know that we can still feel protected in its pursuit.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 11 degrees of Scorpio (Sun) and Taurus (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 Scorpio, Taurus, or the other fixed signs—Leo and Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

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

Aphrodisiac foods: Indulge in foods that tickle your senses. Some reputed aphrodisiacs include dark chocolate, oysters, artichokes, saffron, and asparagus. Even if they don’t end up lifting your libido, since these delicious foods are so nutrient-rich they’ll definitely elevate your health and wellness.

Explore essential oils: Today is a lovely day to surround yourself with beauty that inspires your senses. As such, visit a natural food store or holistic pharmacy and spend some time in their aromatherapy section, smelling the essential oils that they offer. As you inhale each fragrance, connect with where it takes you and how it makes you feel. You’ll likely find at least one new fragrance that can uplift your spirits and enhance your sense of well-being.

PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLO

I just lost something, something upon which I have relied day in and day out for eight months. In the losing process, I realized–with the panic that set in upon the realization of its missing–that it wasn’t so much that I was reliant upon that thing, but dependent upon it. While it is replaceable, I am unable to attain another one for several days and so have to live without it for a bit. As I was fluttering in the discomfort of not being able to rely upon my trusted companion, I had an attitude about-face. Instead of wallowing, I realized that I could just change my routine, adjust my habits, and find new resources so that I could still pursue the projects in my life with which this missing object assisted me. Embracing that idea has given me peace.

This experience captures some of the astrological energy of the day, with Neptune and Jupiter squaring the Taurus Moon. Consider what in your life you have actually gained by losing something, and how the feeling inherent in the freedom of detachment turned out to be of much greater value than that which you were separated from.

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

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

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

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

This month’s Full Moon falls at 19 degrees of Taurus (Sun) and Scorpio (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Taurus, Scorpio, or the other fixed signs—Leo and Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

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

May 6–May 30, 2009: Mercury Retrograde

Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Mercury symbolizes communication, they way we learn, our siblings, and our neighborhood, this period can yield great insights in related areas of your life. Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks and occurs three to four times per year; the last one took place January 11–31.

Mercury represents the bridges and channels that allow us to connect varied pieces of information in order to synthesize them into the whole of understanding. During Mercury retrograde periods, the inherent weaknesses of these conduits may be revealed. As such, this period is known for the breakdown of tools that help us to share information (such as phones, computers, and printers) and well as those that assist us as we move from place to place (such as cars, bikes, and buses); therefore, do what you can to make sure they are in good working order. With data and information transfer stressed, it’s also a great time to ensure you’re backing up your hard drive, keeping track of whether you’re due for an oil change, or inventorying your supply of back-up batteries necessary for the remote or your child’s favorite toy.

Any planetary retrograde reflects a period where the energy is focused more internally. Therefore, it’s a wonderful time to turn communication inward to seek insights and understanding. Meditation, journalling, and nondominant hand writing are great activities to do during Mercury retrograde to help you find the pieces of the puzzle and the teachings of wisdom that you seek.

While inner reflection is heightened, external communication may be stressed. Therefore, try to avoid misunderstandings by being extra diligent about the words you use, while also making sure to listen even more attentively than usual. Whether it be with writing or speaking, put a little extra effort into dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s. Also, be aware if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting of doing so if possible) as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or clear.

When you think of how to approach a retrograde period, just remember the first two letters of the word—“re”—and apply it to the activities you undertake. As such, Mercury retrograde periods are a great time to reassess, review, reanalyze, revisit, rethink, re-edit, recommunicate, et al.

During this retrograde period, Mercury travels from 2 degrees Gemini to 23 degrees Taurus. While everyone experiences the energies of Mercury retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around or aspecting these degrees, it may impact you more intensely.

Mercury Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions

Nondominant hand writing: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question that you want an answer to, something that you’ve been pondering. Then pick up a pen or pencil and place it in your nondominant hand (the left one for righties, and the right one for lefties) and write out the answer on paper. Write freely and don’t judge what may seem like chicken scratch. The beauty of this exercise is that by using our opposite hand we are able to able to access more of our subsconcious mind and tap into our intuitive knowingness. What you compose on the paper should provide you with an insightful perspective on your question.

Spring cleaning: Mercury retrograde is a great time to literally clean your closets. That’s because our abilities to reassess, reevaluate, and reconsider are heightened. Cleaning closets can be greatly therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps us to unburden ourselves of things that no longer best serve us. If your closets don’t need to be cleaned, consider reorganizing your desk drawers or pantry shelves.

May 2, 2009: Venus Square Pluto (exact at 10:07 am PDT)

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

May 6–May 30, 2009: Mercury Retrograde

Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Mercury symbolizes communication, they way we learn, our siblings, and our neighborhood, this period can yield great insights in related areas of your life. Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks and occurs three to four times per year; the last one took place January 11–31.

Mercury represents the bridges and channels that allow us to connect varied pieces of information in order to synthesize them into the whole of understanding. During Mercury retrograde periods, the inherent weaknesses of these conduits may be revealed. As such, this period is known for the breakdown of tools that help us to share information (such as phones, computers, and printers) and well as those that assist us as we move from place to place (such as cars, bikes, and buses), so do what you can to make sure they are in good working order. With data and information transfer stressed, it’s also a great time to ensure you’re backing up your hard drive, keeping track of whether you’re due for an oil change, or inventorying your supply of back-up batteries necessary for the remote or your child’s favorite toy.

Any planetary retrograde reflects a period where the energy is focused more internally. Therefore, it’s a wonderful time to turn communication inward to seek insights and understanding. Meditation, journalling, and nondominant hand writing are great activities to do during Mercury retrograde to help you find the pieces of the puzzle and the teachings of wisdom that you seek.

While inner reflection is heightened, external communication may be stressed. Therefore, try to avoid misunderstandings by being extra diligent about the words you use, while also making sure to listen even more attentively than usual. Whether it be with writing or speaking, put a little extra effort into dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s. Also, be aware if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting of doing so if possible) as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or clear.

When you think of how to approach a retrograde period, just remember the first two letters of the word—“re”—and apply it to the activities you undertake. As such, Mercury retrograde periods are a great time to reassess, review, reanalyze, revisit, rethink, re-edit, and recommunicate.

During this retrograde period, Mercury travels from 2 degrees Gemini to 23 degrees Taurus. While everyone experiences the energies of Mercury retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around or aspecting these degrees, it may impact you more intensely.

Mercury Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions

Nondominant hand writing: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question that you want an answer to, something that you’ve been pondering. Then pick up a pen or pencil and place it in your nondominant hand (the left one for righties, and the right one for lefties) and write out the answer on paper. Write freely and don’t judge what may seem like chicken scratch. The beauty of this exercise is that by using our opposite hand we are able to able to access more of our subsconcious mind and tap into our intuitive knowingness. What you compose on the paper should provide you with an insightful perspective on your question.

Spring cleaning: Mercury retrograde is a great time to literally clean your closets. That’s because our abilities to reassess, reevaluate, and reconsider are heightened. Cleaning closets can be greatly therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps us to unburden ourselves of things that no longer best serve us. If your closets don’t need to be cleaned, consider organizing your desk drawers or pantry shelves.

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

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

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

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

This month’s Full Moon falls at 19 degrees of Taurus (Sun) and Scorpio (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Taurus, Scorpio, or the other fixed signs—Leo and Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

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

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

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

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

This month’s New Moon falls at 3 degrees of Gemini (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Gemini or the other mutable signs—Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

Cerato flower essence: During the Gemini Moon there is an emphasis on the dissemination of information and it becomes tempting to seek advice and input from lots of people who are more than willing to share their thoughts and ideas. While this can be helpful, if you are unclear as to where you stand on an issue, it can cause any decision you need to make even more confusing. If you are looking for a natural remedy that can help inspire your self-confidence that intuitive knowingness truly resides within you, consider Cerato flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)

© Alex Carrillo

April 24, 2009: Taurus New Moon (exact at 8:23 pm PDT)

The Taurus New Moon yields a great opportunity to look within and see what it is that brings you comfort and a greater sense of security. Taking the time today to examine what activities and earthly delights yield pleasure can help you discover a sense of rootedness that can serve you well in the coming year. As part of this exercise, think about your routines and habits: Do they actually serve your personal needs for health and happiness or is the pleasure they provide mostly linked to to their familiarity?

As Taurus is a very sensual sign, it’s a good time to go to a concert, buy yourself some fragrant flowers, work for hours in the garden, or engage in other experiences that give you pleasure. Your kinesthetic senses may be especially heightened today and can serve as an additional tool to tune into how you feel about certain situations and people. For example, if you’re wondering whether you should pursue a certain project, let the idea of it sit within you and tune into how your body feels. Do you feel relaxed and comforted or jumpy and agitated? Your body may be able to help you filter truths that your mind is unable to clearly perceive.

This month’s New Moon falls at 5 degrees of Taurus (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 Taurus or the other fixed signs—Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Taurus rules the neck, throat, inner ears, and thyroid. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Cow pose: Do a few rounds of the yoga asana Cow Pose to open up the energy in your neck and throat. Here’s simple how-to instructions: Place your hands and knees on the floor in tabletop (knees under hips, and elbows and wrists below shoulders) with your neck in a neutral position and your eyes gazing towards the floor below. While inhaling, lift your chest and sitting bones towards the ceiling while dropping your belly to create a gentle arch in your back. Lift your head and look straight in front of you. Hold for several seconds. Exhale, moving your spine back to tabletop position for several seconds. Repeat sequence twelve times.

Honey & lemon tea: Enjoy a soothing cup of honey and lemon tea. Its warmth is nurturing while the honey and lemon serve as wonderful balms for the throat. If possible, use raw honey, which has more antioxidants, and juice from a fresh lemon rather than a bottle. For more throat support, add a tea bag of slippery elm or marshmallow root, two herbs known for their palliative qualities.

© Alex Carrillo

April 3, 2009: Venus Square Pluto (exact at 3:27 am PDT)

This celestial alignment has Pluto, the god of the underworld, in a challenging aspect to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

During this time, passions escalate and relationships may feel more intense. The concept of control—maintaining it and/or releasing it—takes center stage, with a feeling of all-or-nothing enveloping romantic and/or creative pursuits. If you’ve been looking for some help pushing through self-imposed limits, now may be a good time. There’s an intensity in the air, which may have you replacing the “I should” in your sentences with “I must” when it comes to experiences that can bring you joy and pleasure.

Ardor abounds, with desire—whether it be sexual or a deep yearning to be truly known by another—the name of the game. Pluto-Venus energy helps to draw forward buried feelings, whether those to which you’ve turned a blind eye or just didn’t want to express to another.

Tensions may be stirred both in romantic liaisons as well as friendships (notably those with women). If you can stay true to your deep needs and express them, it will help your relationships to transform and become more integrated and authentic. Or you will see that, in fact, certain ones have run their course and do not necessarily offer you the value that you truly seek.

This is the second of three times that Pluto and Venus will be in this alignment this year. Reflect back to February 5, when the first one occurred, to see how these themes played out during this time. There should be some resolution in related areas of your life around May 2, when these two planets finish this season’s tension-filled dance.

Venus Square Pluto Apothecary Suggestions

Ylang-ylang essential oil: Ylang-ylang is a romantic fragrance well known for its aphrodisiac qualities. In fact, in a traditional Indonesian wedding ritual, the flower’s petals are strewn across the marriage bed as a means to foster intimacy and sexual connection. Enjoy an enchanting candle-lit bath by sprinkling in a few drops of ylang-ylang, or lift the libido-elevating effects of a couple’s massage by adding some to unscented body oil.

Basil flower essence: During a Venus-Pluto square, deep-seated sexual issues may come to the surface making it a great time for us to connect with this intimate part of ourselves. If you find that your sexual expression is not as connected to your emotions and the core of your being as you would like, you may want to explore Basil flower essence. It may also help when there is a draw towards keeping sexual encounters clandestine, when they not only happen under the sheets but are also swept under the rug. (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.)

April 9, 2009: Aries/Libra Full Moon (exact at 7:56 am PDT)

The Aries/Libra Full Moon calls upon us to integrate our desires with those of the people with whom we are in relationship. It can help you gain insight into whether your approach to accommodating your needs and those of others is a balanced one or whether the scale is tipped to one side (i.e., do you over accommodate theirs to the detriment of your own, or vice versa?). Additionally, it’s an opportunity to inventory whether you are being your true self when relating to others or being the person you think they want you to be. Read More…

The Moon has been in earthy and sensual Taurus all weekend. During the Taurus Moon, that which is practical and pragmatic comes to the forefront as we lay the groundwork for the foundation upon which growth can occur.

I’m in this stage of creation for upcoming article for Planetary Apothecary and thought I’d take a moment to give you a glimpse of what’s coming up in the 7-10 days.

I’m currently working on the next installment of my Let Food Be Your Medicine series, with an article on fenugreek. This spice, a mainstay of curries and other Indian dishes, not only adds a unique flavor to recipes but also many healing benefits, balancing blood-sugar levels. This past week, I sprouted fenugreek seeds, which was delightful to do concurrent with the beginning of springtime. While I’ve sprouted beans, nuts, and other seeds before, it was my first time with fenugreek; yet, it will definitely not be my last time since I am enamored of its aromatic flavor.

I am also working on a post about sonopuncture, the use of vibrational tuning forks for healing. This morning, I was lucky enough to have a sonopuncture treatment courtesy of my friend Jeannie Lehner who is an herbalist. As she was using the forks to stimulate pressure points on my face and head, I realized how perfect the timing was for me to be enjoying this therapy, with the Moon in Taurus (which governs the senses, and the rhythms of sound) and the Sun in Aries (which rules the head and face in medical astrology). I included sonopuncture in my book and am excited to write more about it here.

And, with Wednesday signaling the commencement of a new month, look for the April Wellness Horoscope to be posted this week. Speaking of astrological events, we’re more than halfway through this year’s Venus Retrograde, which began March 6 and concludes April 17 (click here for a refresher on what this period signifies and the amazing lessons that can be gleaned during it).

I want to close this post by leaving you with this thought, which seems very reflective of the Taurus Moon. Yesterday, I was fortunate to attend a talk at Seattle’s Green Festival given by Alice Waters, the founder of Chez Panisse and a beacon in the sustainable food movement. From a space of humility, she said many things about food, culture, and agriculture that resonated strongly with me. Yet, the one that was most memorable and which I continue to reflect upon is that if you want to make change in this arena, the best way to do so is by “feeding people the message.” It’s not about talking or proselytizing. It’s about reaching out and helping people to actually eat a garden-grown vegetable, a dish prepared with local ingredients, or a piece of fruit right off the tree. When people taste and experience real food, something happens. They can taste the difference, which leads to knowing the difference (it’s a great example of the Taurean way of learning). This can lead to people really embracing the fact that, as Waters says (and I strongly believe), ” good food is a right and not a privilege.”