The Moon is now in Gemini and tomorrow is the Gemini Eclipse–itself a provocative event that is likely contributing to a bit of personal stretching and shapeshifting. I thought we could use the curious, questioning, info/insight-seeking notion of Gemini to help us connect more clearly to the constructive applications of Uranus. This way we can use Uranus to guide us, rather than just allowing ourselves to just feel at the whim of a planet that represents shocks, rebellions, and chaos (although all that can be perceived as individuating forces, sometimes if we are not aware of what they are enlightening us about, they can be anxiety provoking).

As such, here are some questions to reflect upon. The answers and realizations that they stir within you will hopefully help you in your pursuit of more conscious awareness that allows you to clearly live your life in pursuit of your goals.

* How comfortable am I with the unknown? What can I do to get more comfortable?

* Where, if anywhere, in my life would I consider myself a rebel?

* Do people consider me someone who beats to their own drum? Is this the way I see myself?

* How flexible am I when it comes to shifting directions?

* If I could solve one problem in the world, what would it be?

Astro-Atlas*
6:07 am: Moon (Gemini) opposite Mercury (Sagittarius)
8:44 pm: Moon (Gemini) square Mars (Virgo)
11:05 pm: Uranus stations direct

* all times are PST

If so, consider whether the shifts have any merit. Envision into a near future point and intuitively connect with whether a new framework would potentially be more supportive in terms of your ability to attain your life goals.

We are often highly attached to all that we have amassed in our lives (including patterns and ways of being), considering them assets of our security. And yet, sometimes the release of what we’ve collected along the way can do more to helping us attain a sense of freedom, joy, resourcefulness, and true security.

With Uranus stationing tomorrow and Lunar Eclipse occurring Saturday we’re bathing in the obscured intensity as well as undercurrents of tide changes. As such, some mooring may be found by reflecting upon whether your own personal infrastructure would benefit from some shapeshifting.

Astro-Atlas*
3:40 pm: Moon (Taurus) square Neptune (Aquarius)
3:40 pm: Moon void-of-course
6:52 pm: Moon enters Gemini
8:09 pm: Moon (Gemini) sextile Uranus (Aries)

* all times are PST

I thought that in this space, I would try a different approach and just give some soundbyte advice that may encompass the day’s lessons:

• Envision the future, be open to the new, and express your deepest desires.

If you want to read more about the nuances of the day, and energies that will be painting the canvas of this Sunday (and there are a lot), read this article.

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

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

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

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

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

This month’s New Moon falls at 13 degrees of Sagittarius (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Sagittarius or the other mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This month’s New Moon falls at 13 degrees of Sagittarius (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Sagittarius or the other mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

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

December 10 – 29, 2010: Mercury Retrograde

Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Mercury symbolizes communication, they way we learn, our siblings, and our neighborhood, this period can yield great insights in related areas of your life. Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks and occurs three to four times per year; the last one took place August 20-September 12.

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

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

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

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

During this retrograde period, Mercury travels from 6 degrees Capricorn to 20 degrees Sagittarius. While everyone experiences the energies of Mercury retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around or aspecting these degrees, it may impact you more intensely.

Mercury Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This month’s Full Moon falls at 29 degrees of Sagittarius (Sun) and Gemini (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Capricorn, Cancer, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

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

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

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

I certainly have. There are some that I have already implemented—for instance, enjoying a cup of ginger tea first thing in the morning—that have shifted the course of my day in a very enriching way. There are other changes, larger ones, that I am now pondering, those that may help align my life more closely to my heart’s intentions.

Reflecting this Uranian-inspired change, I’ve decided to try a new approach on Planetary Apothecary. When Uranus stationed retrograde this summer, I initiated the Astrological Insights, which I first posted to the Planetary Apothecary Facebook page and then later to the blog. Writing these has become a great source of fulfillment, reward, and creativity for me. And given the feedback I have received, it seems that you and other Readers find them enjoyable and beneficial.

Last week I had a Uranian “Aha!” moment regarding Planetary Apothecary: while it’s nice to post something each day, I realized that if I were to provide a week’s worth of Astrological Insights, it may be of greater service since you could have them days in advance if you wanted to use them as a means to reflect upon the upcoming week. Therefore, beginning today, I am going to compile 7 days of Astrological Insights into a once-weekly post, which will appear each Sunday (here’s a link to this week’s so you can see what it will look like).

I hope that this change serves you well. If you have any feedback on it, would like to offer suggestions on how this blog can better serve you, or want to share how Uranus going direct has inspired changes in your life, don’t hesitate to write me at stephanieATplanetaryapothecary.com or offer your thoughts in the Comments section.

Namaste.

In the afternoon, at 2:04 pm PST, Venus moves into the love-of-the-journey Sagittarius where she will reside for the next several weeks. Her foray into this meaning-questing sign resonates nicely with another astrological event of the day, that of the Sagittarius/Gemini Full Moon (for more on the Full Moon see this post).

I wish you a peaceful and enlightening day. Remember that growth often pulls us out of our perceived safety zone for a while yet it yields a life that is ultimately filled with a greater sense of peace and joy.

Today’s Full Moon graces us with the opportunity for wisdom and learning.  As we quest to become aware of the bigger picture, we can tap into facts and figures that can promote our greater understanding. 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 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.

The energy around this Full Moon may seem a bit frenetic. This may spring forth because of the Moon’s position in mutable and restless Gemini, which encourages us to move about a lot as we seek stimuli to satisfy our curiousities. Additionally, Uranus goes direct today, inspiring out-of-the-blue insights and experiences that may pull us from the paths we may have set out to travel. Being flexible today and allowing ourselves to be open to the new avenues that may open up in front of us—ones we may not ever have considered—may provide us with great lessons.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 10 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 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: We may feel a bit agitated during this Full Moon notably as the Moon is in restless Gemini and Uranus is turning direct today (in medical astrology, both Gemini and Uranus are related to the nervous system). Therefore, it’s especially fruitful to focus on centering our sense of calm. Meditation can be very helpful for this. As Gemini rules the nervous system, incorporating pranayama breathing exercises may be especially beneficial. Even if you don’t regularly meditate, try taking a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale as this can be a great exercise to quell nervous tension.

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.