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

Today’s Full Moon is also a Lunar Eclipse. Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

Lavender: Lavender is a great essential oil to help calm the nerves. The use of lavender to calm the nervous system is not only supported by traditional use but also by numerous research studies that have found it to have stress-relieving, attention-enhancing, and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. In addition, lavender also has powerful antibacterial properties. Carry a vial of lavender with you, inhaling its beautiful aroma whenever you need a sense of calm. Or add a few drops to a plain massage oil and apply as a fragrantly centering body moisturizer.

December 13, 2011: Mercury goes Direct

Mercury ends its current retrograde period today, December 13 at 5:43 pm PST. The retrograde period was a great time for harnessing insights gained from inner reflection rather than external focus. Did new ideas spring forth from inward contemplation? Did you discover novel ways to communicate ideas? Did you realize better ways to utilize technological equipment/systems to transfer information to others? (Provided, of course, that they didn’t completely break down during this time, which in this case means you’re still likely to have gleaned the characteristics of those that may better suit your needs.) If you want a refresher on what Mercury retrograde is about, see this post.

Now that Mercury is direct, you can transform your insights into actions. Please remember, though, that we are still under the transit’s “shadow period”—which lasts until December 31—where the energy of the retrograde still exists, although in a much more diluted and subtle fashion.

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

New Moons are auspicious monthly celestial events that usher in fresh cycles of creation and becoming. This Capricorn New Moon provides a great opportunity to inventory how we spend our resources. It’s a notable time to balance a checkbook, survey investments, or consider an aspect of financial planning we’ve yet to fully explore.

Remember, though, our personal economy of resources is not just limited to our money but also includes our time, energy, and skills/talents, all of which comprise the capital that we can use to create a richer life. Whether we are allocating these efficiently–and whether they are generating additional assets or incurring liabilities for us–can be very prudent topics to survey during this New Moon. The answers can help us to create a stronger foundation upon which we can build our future.

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

This is an especially powerful New Moon given that it aligns with many other planets. It squares Uranus, conjoins Pluto, and trines Jupiter.

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

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

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

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

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

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

Moisturize: This Capricorn New Moon provides a great opportunity to pay special attention to the skin. As Capricorn has a relatively drying energetic, taking the time to do a moisturizing treatment is a worthwhile wellness activity. If you rarely moisturize your skin, consider even just making an intention to apply body lotion or oil two times today. [Given that New Moons are great times for planting new seeds for becoming, doing this activity may spark the creation of a regular and continual moisturizing regimen.] If you already have a regular moisturizing ritual, consider applying a nourishing and hydrating facial mask; you can either find them in apothecaries or beauty stores, or consider making your own from ingredients such as avocados, honey, aloe vera, yogurt, and other nurturing food-based ingredients.

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

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.

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.

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 dishes. You can purchase powdered turmeric in the spice section of the grocery store; fresh turmeric rhizome is available in Asian food markets.

January 15, 2010: Mercury Goes Direct

Mercury ends its current retrograde period today, January 15, at 8:52 am PST. The retrograde period was a great time for harnessing insights gained from inner reflection rather than external focus. Did new ideas spring forth from inward contemplation? Did you discover novel ways to communicate ideas? Did you realize better ways to utilize technological equipment/systems to transfer information to others? (Provided, of course, that they didn’t completely break down during this time, which in this case means you’re still likely to have gleaned the characteristics of those that may better suit your needs.) If you want a refresher on what Mercury retrograde is about, click here.

Now that Mercury is direct, you can transform your insights into actions. Please remember, though, that we are still under the transit’s “shadow period”—which lasts until February 4—where the energy of the retrograde still exists, although in a much more diluted and subtle fashion.

January 29, 2010: Aquarius/Leo Full Moon (exact at 10:18 pm)

During an Aquarius/Leo Full Moon, issues involving individuals and their relationship to the collective assume center stage. If you are involved in any groups or associations, you may perceive a heightened sense of tension as the organization strives to accommodate the needs of its members along with its own overarching identity and goals. Yet, if outstanding issues are worked upon, there can be great breakthroughs in group dynamics and team building.

An important strategy for attaining and maintaining group alignment today can be to infuse activities with a sense of playfulness and fun. Levity can help to release rigidity and enhance a sense of coalescence. It can also catalyze a creative process of thinking that can inventively spark the clarity needed to identify the group’s shared vision and the path that can be forged to bring it into manifestation.

There’s a complementary yin/yang energy polarity expressed in this Full Moon. That’s because the Moon, a planet of feminine energy, is connected to masculine Mars (in Leo) while the Sun, a planet of masculine energy is connected feminine Venus (in Aquarius). This alignment emphasizes the need to integrate both the active and passive—and the giving and receiving—parts of ourselves. Additionally, it may bring to the forefront the need to make accommodations in our personal relationships.

Given the involvement of Mars in this Full Moon alignment, it is also especially important to express any desires that may be burning within. Even if you can’t act upon them, articulate them using words, movements, colors, or sounds (either just to yourself or also to others). That’s because if we let the flames of fervor lie dormant within and crystallize, we may get swept up in their fire and either emotionally or physically burn out. Creatively channeling the energy of that which may swirl within can be a heart-healing cathartic exercise.

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

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics while Leo is associated with the heart, spine, and hair. Pay extra attention to these areas of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Mineral bath: While not a water sign per se, Aquarius is symbolized by the Water Bearer, a figure that delivers the offering of this aquatic elixir in service of humanity. During this Full Moon, why not offer yourself a healing service by taking a relaxing bath. Adding mineral salts—such as Epsom Salts—to the water can enhance your body’s bioenergetic field while including essential oils into your bathing ritual can add a fragrant therapeutic to this nurturing experience. Use your favorite scent or consider ones such as neroli, lemon, and cypress that are especially good for circulation, a wellness focus of this Full Moon. (Rather than putting a few drops of oil directly into the bath, mix it first with some of the mineral salts as this helps enhance the oil’s dispersion in the bath water.)

Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani): This gentle, restorative pose inspires calm and relaxation. It can provide benefit for the Aquarius-ruled calves and peripheral circulatory system as it helps to bring the blood flow from the lower legs back to the torso. To practice, sit on the floor with the right side of your body next to a wall and your legs bent and feet on the floor. Lie on your left side (perpendicular to the wall) and roll onto your back, bringing your legs straight up to rest against the wall. Scoot your buttocks forward so that they are as close to the wall as possible. Close your eyes and relax for at least five minutes.

January 31, 2010: Saturn Square Pluto

Today is the second of the three Saturn/Pluto squares that are coloring these times. (The first took place on November 13, 2009 while the third will occur on August 21, 2010.) While these dates signal the exact 90-degree relationship between these planets, the energetic pattern that this alignment reflects extends from the autumn of 2009 through mid-year 2011.

Saturn is the creator of structure. It instills a honoring of the natural laws necessary for crystallizing form to make things “come to life.” Its focus, on some level, is continuity.

Pluto is the master of transformation. It requires us to let go in order that we may uncover the depths and powerful resourcefulness of who we are.

These two planets seem, on the surface, to be at odds. After all, Saturn likes the as-is while Pluto cherishes the that-which-will-become. Saturn is known for holding on and appreciating a sense of certainty. Pluto, on the other hand, inspires us to give in and release control, having faith that the Phoenix will rise from the ashes.

This alignment can evoke tension. Saturn may exert its rigidity and hold back Pluto’s natural process while Pluto may cause a breakdown in the structure that Saturn worked so hard to create.

Yet, Saturn and Pluto can work gracefully as well. Saturn can provide a container that can help to give true form to Plutonian transformation. Pluto can breakdown some of the Saturnian rigidity that may have restrained the expression of joy and individual authenticity.

During this Saturn/Pluto alignment, consider, for example, whether there are any aspects of your life—situations, relationships, attitudes, habits, et al.—that you are tightly holding on to but which you know, in your heart of hearts, don’t really serve you. You may be holding on to them because of comfort, because of fear, and/or because you identify yourself with them. Whatever the reason, assess whether they truly align with your inner joy and sense of being. If they don’t, see how you may release them so that you can make space in your life for things that better match your authentic self. This Plutonian change need not be quick nor rash. In fact, it’s important to honor Saturn here and be thoughtful and diligent in your approach. This will help assure that the changes you make are lasting ones that help to inspire your sense of personal empowerment.

During today’s planetary alignment, Saturn is at 4 degrees Libra while Pluto is at 4 degrees Capricorn. While the energies of this celestial event can be felt collectively, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around these degrees of Libra or Capricorn or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Cancer—it may impact you more intensely.

Saturn Square Pluto Apothecary Suggestions

While these suggestions may be especially beneficial around the time of the exact squares—such as today—they may also prove helpful throughout the whole time that we are exposed to this planetary pattern.

Jatamansi essential oil: A relative of valerian, jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) is also known as Himalayan spikenard. It is an amazing essential oil for instilling calm, reducing anxiety, and promoting sleep. Jatamansi is also prized for its use in alleviating the grief associated with loss as well as releasing subconscious trauma. To use, place a few drops on your palms, rub them together, and then inhale the fragrance. Massaging jatamansi mixed with plain massage oil into the soles of the feet promotes nighttime relaxation and is said to quell insomnia.

Deep tissue massage: This type of bodywork focuses on the unwinding of the fascia connective tissue as well as the release of deep muscles. It allows for the break up (Pluto) of crystallized tension (Saturn) and lactic acid reservoirs that may be caused by stress and/or physiological patterns of misalignment. Deep tissue work can reduce chronic pain and lead to freer motion and greater structural integration. If this type of bodywork isn’t available or of interest, even getting a traditional Swedish massage can be of great healing benefit.

I hadn’t made kitchari in years (five years, to be exact). It had fallen off my radar screen. But as I looked for a recipe that would symbolize a New Year’s toast to my well-being, thoughts of kitchari sprang back into my culinary consciousness.

So what is this celebratory dish I’m writing about?

Kitchari is a traditional dish composed of legumes, basmati rice, and spices. Simple ingredients, simply prepared.

Oh wait, I am forgetting what some may consider the piece de la resistance of the kitchari, the ghee. A type of clarified butter, ghee not only makes the kitchari creamy—and the kitchen smell amazing—but is also thought to add to its health-giving properties. And, unlike some other forms of cooking fat, ghee has a relatively high smoke point—400-500F/204-260C—and therefore can be used in cooking without much worry of oxidation.

Speaking of kitchari’s health-giving properties, there are many. It is easy to digest and yet provides the body with stores of energy, making it a perfect meal to use during mono-fasts and detoxification/cleansing programs; in fact, it is the staple meal used during the Ayurvedic detox ritual known as panchakarma. The spices included also have numerous healing properties while the balance of its ingredients allow it to be a beneficial food for all three doshas (constitutions). And, its creamy texture is soothing and nourishing, making it a veritable Ayurvedic chicken soup for the soul.

The Four Pillars of Kitchari

You’ll find a cornucopia of kitchari recipes in books and websites. While you’ll notice slight differences, more evident will be their commonality as each contains the four pillar ingredients of kitchari: legumes, basmati rice, ghee, and spices.

Legumes

Moong dahl (also written as mung dahl) is the traditional legume used to make kitchari. Moong dahl are mung beans that are split and have had their hulls removed, yielding a legume that is easier to digest and quicker to cook. While mung beans are green, moong dahl is yellow since it is bereft of its verdant hull. Markets that sell Indian foods and natural food stores are your best bet for finding these little legumes.

You will also find recipes that call for soaked whole mung beans or split beans that still have their hull. These make good options as well but in my opinion the moong dahl makes the creamiest kitchari and the one that is the most soothing.

If you can’t find moong dahl or just want to use another type of legume, try red lentils. This is what I used when I first made kitchari and still use it on occasion. Red lentils are also very nutrient-rich and are easier to find in food markets than moong dahl.

Basmati rice

Basmati rice differs from “regular” rice in that it is more delicate in flavor and aromatic in fragrance (in fact, basmati is derived from a Sanskrit word that means perfume). It also has a chewier texture.

This long-grained thin rice comes in both refined/white and unrefined/brown varieties. White basmati is typically called for in kitchari dishes but if you want a grain with more nutrients (including fiber), you can opt for the brown variety, which is the type I use.

Ghee

Ghee is a form of clarified butter. While it only takes a few minutes to make ghee, if you’d prefer, you can purchase it at the market. Since it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, look for it on the grocery shelves; it will probably be located in the “ethnic food” section.

At natural food stores, you’re likely to find ghee—including those from Ancient Organics and Purity Farms —made from organic milk. While they may cost more, I personally think that it’s worth it given the enhanced healthfulness of organic dairy products.

Spices

While all kitchari recipes feature traditional Indian spices, the combination and amounts vary. The spices range from the familiar—black pepper, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon—to the more exotic, such as fenugreek, asafoetida (also known as hing), and curry leaves (not to be confused with curry powder). My advice is to experiment with different ones, in different blends, and see what suits your fancy.

The spices not only add a wonderful flavor to the kitchari but also contribute to its health benefits. Most of these spices are carminative, meaning that they help soothe digestion. Additionally, they feature other healing properties; for example, turmeric and ginger are laudable anti-inflammatory compounds while fenugreek is good for blood-sugar balance. Asafoetida in small amounts helps reduce flatulence—it’s the Beano of the spice cabinet—and is especially good for enhancing digestive power (known as agni in Ayurvedic medicine).

Optional/Additional Ingredients

You’ll see vegetables included in some kitchari recipes. This is something I like to add as well. Often, I’ll add diced onions when sautéing the spices in the ghee. Several minutes before the kitchari is done cooking, I’ll add some finely chopped vegetables, like mustard greens or cauliflower; these crucifers add flavor as well as liver-health benefits. Sometimes, you’ll also see recipes that call for cashews, coconut, and cilantro leaves.

A Kitchari Recipe

As you experiment with kitchari, you’ll likely discover that you end up adjusting the ingredients, creating your own special recipe. For starters, here’s the one I use as a foundation recipe to which I may add other ingredients depending upon my mood.

Ingredients

2 TBS ghee
1 cup brown basmati rice
1 cup moong dahl (or red lentils)
¼ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cumin seeds, ground
¼ tsp cardamon seeds, ground
¼ tsp ground fenugreek
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp sea salt
a pinch of asafoetida
2-1/4 cup water

* Optional ingredients: onions, mustard greens, or other vegetables of your choice

Directions

1. Wash rice and moong dahl well under cold running water. Set aside.

2. Melt ghee in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

3. Add all spices as well as salt to melted ghee. Stir for about 1 minute.

4. Add rice and moong dahl, stirring for about 30 seconds so that they get coated with the ghee-spice mixture.

5. Add water and turn heat up to high, mixing all the ingredients together.

6. After the water has reached a boil, reduce to a slow simmer (depending upon your stove, this may be either low or low-medium heat).

7. Cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring one or two times during the cooking process.

Makes 4 (1 cup) servings

* Optional ingredients: Add the onions to the ghee-spice mixture and cook until they approach transparency. Then continue recipe at Step 4. If you’re adding additional vegetables, do so a few minutes before the dish is complete; the specific amount of time depends upon the vegetable (for example, I add chopped mustard greens about 3 minutes before the kitchari is done).

Kitchari FYI

You may also see kitchari spelled as kitchedi but take note that they are not always one in the same. That’s because, as Lalitha Balasubramani of Nataraja Spices shared with me, what kitchedi represents depends upon the region of India in which you are located. In Northern India, it is one and the same as kitchari while in Southern India it is the name given to a spiced cucumber and yogurt dish. In the Southern region of India, pongal is what this legume/rice/ghee/spice recipe is called.

Not only is kitchari a wonderful healing food to use during fasts and cleanses, but it is a great go-to dish any time you want a meal that is rejuvenating and comforting, one with which you can toast to your health.

Do you have a favorite kitchari recipe or have you done a fast/cleanse using it? If so, please feel free to share your insights and experiences with me and other readers in the Comments section.