Substitutes just won't do!

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So much at once
In recent days so much has been thrust upon us, the summer season, a mercury retrograde, not to mention fantastical weather world wide.  So, here we sit at the last quarter of this lunar cycle trying to figure it all out, right?  Well, maybe, but maybe not.

Time to just let it go
The remainder of the lunar cycle is wrought with energy that is contracting, releasing and full of opportunities for all of us to truly LET GO, but will we?  I say let's try, what else have we got to lose.  Often over looked as insignificant because it is not the "out the gate" new moon or the "big and beautiful" full moon, Waning Moon time is truly a blessing.  In this post I will lay out some tools and information, be mindful and see what will help you discard.

Assertively knowing me
As of yesterday the half moon has waned it's way into Aries, a sign ruled by the planet Mars.  So first off everyone is thinking strength, fight, and aggression, yet few of us remember, Mars is also associated with cleansing towards self knowledge or that Mars' warrior path is rooted in courage.  And did you know that Mars can be about turning dreams into reality or self-direction?  Yes all of what Mars' potently strong energy brings can help us in these last days of this cycle.

Do we have what we want or what we don't want?
Now, on to these last few days.  I want to explore just a bit more how lucky we are to have this time.  As I stated above yes, this time allows us to let go, but of what? And why? Well, think of it like this; when we hold on to things too long we are substituting that which we want with that which we don't want.  I know, I didn't want to believe it myself, but it's true.  We are actively limiting our power, happiness, and life path.  So when looked at from this perspective, heck YEAH, we need to let go and with a real quickness.

Knowing it and doin' it
My personal energies this waning time is rooted in knowing my success is destined, it's just the valiant walk of my path that is ahead of me.  I have taken stock, know what I need to do and now is the time to just DO IT.  And this may not be a walk in the park, but I will be protected.  And along the way there could be tears, epiphanies and the like and it's okay, I must calm myself into this blessed journey.  I know I got this, just like you will too, once you have focused in on the path you are to take.

Below are possible works to take on during the waning moon.  Try these, think of others, but please make use of this wondrous power we have before us.

Create a Sacred Space

Clean and clear a special place in your home or work environment that will help you clear your mind. Decorate it with things that help you center and are near and dear to you.  Once this space is curated, be sure to keep any or all of the following there in order to always clear the energy of this space before you meditate, pray or do any work.

White Sage - Cleans and Resets Energy

Sweetgrass - Cleans and Brings Balance & Calm

Copal - Strengthens the Heart Center

Often times you can find all or a combination of these herbs in a smudge stick, which can be seen below.

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Aura and Energy Cleansing

There area times when a quick reset of energy and your aura are needed.  In these times a spray or mist can be quite effective.  A spritz bottle (preferably not plastic) is all that is needed and using a few of the essential oils listed below are one way to cleanse our auras and energies. Or for the those that are so inclined boiling the herbs below and then diluting it to your specifications work.  Be sure to add a bit of rubbing alcohol to prevent rotting or mold.

Rosemary (Fire Element) - Release

Thyme (Air Element) - Purification

Sage ( Air Element) - Cleansing

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Review your Ritual Process

In this last portion of this lunar cycle take the time to really know the process by which you find that still, quiet knowing.  To facilitate the process it can be beneficial to clean and clear space, begin or continue with a ritual journal (which I personally do and I can not tell you all how profound it is now to go back and read years ago what my thoughts and understandings where), and lastly and most importantly, be prepared to sit and ACCEPT.

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--Andrea/DaughterofWaters

In the time of Geminis

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A hearty hello
Welcome wonderful Gemini Lunar Cycle.  As I sit here I am automatically happier, more energized and overall amped about this coming cycle and it's just started.  Yesterday, almost 24 hours ago to the minute, the moon made her way into the next lunar cycle and what a cycle it is.


Two sides of Gemini
Gemini time is filled with the duality and air based leanings that the sign possesses, but more importantly it is ruled by the planet Mercury, which is a master that is unparalleled.  Mercury, who we know of because of its retrogrades and it's namesakes, is often misconstrued, to say the least.  A planet that is the heart of all types of communication, Mercury is also the epicenter of trickery and mischievousness, which leads to much frustration at times.  Being born a Virgo and having Mercury as my ruling planet also I have had to make amends with Mercury and try to see things from his point of view, if at all possible.  So we can harness mercurial energy it just forces us to find, hold to, and be about our Personal Center.

The act of being still
For me this cycle is going to be quite a departure for me cause the only action I will be using is to recognize and then accept.  Seemingly easy, well NOT.  My personality always pushes for more movement and progression and now in order to progress I must be on a more still-based track.  I am excited and a bit anxious at the same time, but I have ultimate faith -which by my definition is an verb, not a noun.

Tools for crafting
Below is a set of perspectives to help you craft your personal works during this Gemini Lunar Cycle.  Be bold with yourself, strive for that one thing you thought impossible for now is the time to pull out that second part of yourself you rarely see.  Now is the time of Gemini so all the ethers are with us.

Work in Gemini

New Ventures

Mental Wellness

Smooth Transitions

Herb/Flower Essences for Gemini Lunar Cycle

Valerian

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Azalea (Air Element) - Clarity

Clary Sage (Earth Element) - Retention

Valerian ( Earth Element) - Overcome Opposition

Gemini Lunar Cycle Concept - Balance through Harmony

Define Balance

True Knowledge of my Duality

No Good or Bad

Gemini Cycle Affirmation

I am committed to the work this cycle that will reveal

to me all of who I am at this current time,

I will recognize myself and accept all that I am 

without conditionals or hesitations,

This acceptance will allow me to manifest miracles

in my life like never before and I am truly ready

--Andrea/DaughterofWaters

Team Clutter Free

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It's all about the end
With about one week to go, we are on the down side of this Taurus Lunar Cycle.  This cycle rather than focus upon the intentions (at the new moon) or the midpoint (at the full moon), I thought it would be a novelty to fix my attention on the ending or the Waning portion of the Lunar Cycle.

Time to get rid of the weeds
This Waning time during a lunar cycle is just as powerful as the rest of the cycle, but it is often over looked or deemed unimportant.  For all of my gardeners and garden enthusiasts Waning moon time is like WEEDING.   That's right, take it all out.  Just when you thought you had done enough work this cycle or completed all those checks/balances, there is one more task.  And this task could be the real apex of the cycle for you.

Surprise, it's layered
Benevolently in the sign Pisces, this Waning moon time is underscored by the power of Neptune, the planet that rules Pisces.  Neptune in a word is deeply layered but also a bearer of surprises. So, just expect anything in this last week of this cycle.

I am ready, willing, and open
As a gift to me and a friend I will be gracefully walking a path over the next 40 days that will have me letting go of many things that are unwanted.  I am glad it starts now during the Waning time 'cause letting go will be easier.  I know I can, I think I can, I will, I did, this will be my thought process as I discard unwanted everything.

All must go if not useful
As a task for us all I ask us (me especially) to LET GO! Not just of thoughts and ideas, but even physical objects.  I recently read that clutter is based on fear and I metaphorically took a long look in the mirror and I realized there were spiritual as well as physical objects I was holding on to that needed to be let go.  I suggest you all do the same.  As the moon contracts and preps for the next cycle use that energy to jump start your personal inventory of what's either necessary or not needed.  Spring is dwindling but still here so use this time of summer drawing near to put to rest that which is no longer for you.

Where to start discarding
Below are concepts and questions to sit with as you begin your crusade to end clutter (of all kinds) in your life.  These domains are but a guide, all thoughts surrounding waning time are the right thoughts, just listen for the path you should take.  I have already started and it feels great, hope it makes the difference for you as well.

Waning Time Concepts

Peaceful Space

Do I possess a peaceful sacred space?

Have I cleaned/cleansed that space recently?

Do I regularly find time to go to this space? 

Beginning a Transformation

Am I ready to transform?

Do I know what the obstacles may be?

Am I grateful for the ability to transform?

My Ritual Process

Have I developed my personal rituals?

Do I consistently practice my rituals?

Am I allowing anything to obstruct my rituals?

--Andrea/DaughterofWaters