Caution: Retrograde Approaching!

credit: catalystyogi.com

The posted sign to the left is how most of us feel during Mercurial Retrogrades right?  My wish is that understanding when these periods onset will hopefully empower all of us to utilize the blessings that this often times tricky planet can bring us.

The planet mercury will go into a retrograde period at approximately 6:29am EST in the morning, its called retrograde because the way the planet is supposed to move and what we see moving are different actions.   When this happens, all forms of communication are off kilter.  To say the least. snail mail, email, cell phone, home phone, speaking to others, speaking to yourself, and don't even think of signing a contract or wonder why negotiations are not going well.  See the map below for a better idea of how all this takes place.  

credit: politicalastrologyblog.com

For me, a person who's ruling planet is Mercury, I can only hope that my connection to the planet links me in ways that allow me to embrace it's energy, albeit contrary sometimes.  I will mark these dates and heed it's presence in my calendar year.  Hoping that you doing the same will glean some positively beautiful experiences. 

Word to the wise, do not negotiate or sign anything, be it contract, big deals or heck even a napkin deal.  Why you ask, well because more than likely there will be miscommunication or misunderstanding.  And for all of us thinking about buying a new, "supadupa" tech gadget, please don't.  The return process or malfunction will just make you ridiculously angry.  

Below is grid of when it begins, which zodiac sign it is in, Scorpio, and when it goes direct.  Forewarned is forearmed!

Turns Retrograde    ←

Mercury travels between ↔

→    Turns Direct

October 21, 2013 10:29 GMT 6:29 AM EDT 3:29 AM PDT

Scorpio

November 10, 2013 21:12 GMT   4:12 PM EST   1:12 PM PST

The warrior who saves self

The real Full Moon
Yes that wonderful Full Moon has peaked, now what.  I am not sure about you, but for me this week leading up to the Full Moon has forced me to focus.  You see Full Moon time is not about werewolves and folklore.  What I believe it represents is a short time vortex where their is peak energy open to all of us and if we are deliberate, honest, and intentional we can truly craft our world into whatever we want.

The power that it is
What makes each of these Full Moons even more beneficial for us is when we know what planet rules while the moon enters into its fullest state.  Well, this cycle, although it is a Libra Moon Cycle, the sign that reigned when it entered fullness was Aries.  A quick side note - the full moon sign is always the zodiacal opposite of the lunar cycle sign, for instance Libra is opposite Aries.  So Aries, that strong, masculine, protective sign is ruled by the planet Mars.  Now when we think of Mars, yes the warrior image comes to mind, but how many of us know of the many ways a warrior can be viewed.  We are empowered when we know what kind of work to do and when to do it.  So let's make sure our individual trajectories are set to success.

Unexpected gifts
For the last three weeks I have been dealing with a muscular injury that at points has rendered me immobile and everyone who knows me knows immobility is not a part of my vocabulary.  But as with all things time, patience and care is healing my body, but the real blessing has been the spiritual health and awareness that has descended upon me like golden flecks of magical pixie dust.  After I stopped asking the how and why and started being still, many gifts were and are being revealed.  So for me this Full Moon is about seeing the unlimited possibilities that life has for me and relaxing into the loveliness that is my life, RIGHT NOW, with injury and all.  For if I can harness the magic in this moment and allow myself to be enveloped by a bit of mystery, well my eventual greatness is just a matter of time. Okay, I admit it, a bit more loquacious than usual about myself, but if my telling you more about me can inspire or even make you think, then it's all worth it.

credit: petapixel.com

Choose your greatness
Below are different ways to focus your energy over the next day and a half in order to make use of this enormously huge surge that we have right now.  I am listing the zodiac sign - Aries, its planetary ruler - Mars, and types of works that are successful during a Full Moon.  Choose one, choose all, make one up, but we must decide right now to take up our arms and save ourselves cause that is the essence of what a warriorr/ess is all about.

Work in Aries

Fire Magic

Barrier Shattering

Warrior by my Side

Work in Mars

Assertiveness

Clearing Obstacles

Create & Protect

Work in the Full Moon

Transformative Time

Pursue Change

Archetype Alignment

Path Setting

---Andrea/DaughterofWaters

 

Blessed by the balancing act

credit:ascenionearth2012.org

Dawn of a new day
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, we probably have felt shifts for the last few days.  At approximately 4:44pm EDT today we step gracefully into the Autumn Equinox.  This equinox occurrence happens just twice yearly, once in March and once in September.  There is lore galore about balancing eggs and many folk traditions, but the essence of what can happen is that there is balance unknown available to all of us on this planet.

The meaning of the season
Although we conceptualize Autumn as color palette changes, our clothing rotation, or even climate fluctuations, the beauty of this season is it gives us time.  Time in the sense that as we leave Summer we definitely have learned some lessons and do want to make changes, but the specifics of how all of that will happen is a bit fuzzy.  Well, in walks Autumn and her gracious gifts.  With this time during this season, we are meditating, listening and receiving the answers to many questions we may have.  I have just now, as a 40 year old woman spirit realized that the reason I love Autumn as much as I do is because each year it gives me that which I never seem to have enough of - TIME.

A seasonal gift
This Autumn, give to yourself the time you need. Time to process the lessons, time to hear your inner voice, time to heal from hurt and pain, time to forgive self of mistakes and lastly time to see your eventual life successes.  For if we don't take the time to imagine our greatness how else will we manifest it.  I am a bit excited and scared at once, but you know what, that shows me I am alive and making progress.

Making use of tips
Below are mere blueprints for how you can set out your time this season to craft your own reality.  Listed are starting points, feel free to journal, blog, photograph, fellowship, and ponder on how any of these below will benefit you this Autumn.  Pick one from each list, more than one or even make your own list.  I hope this is a spring board for you and all of us to make magic beyond our dreams.  The more fulfilled and successful each one of us are measures how collectively we can move forward.

Autumn Concept - Evolution

Change is the ONLY constant

Am I the architect of my future, if so act like it

Kindly embrace nature 

Transformation takes me to higher lights and heights

credit: healingcrystals.com

Autumn Stone - Serpentine

Protection

Fertility

Meditation

Thinking transformation

Autumn Affirmation

Bless my every breath this season so

I exhale unwanted aspects of myself and 

I inhale beautiful breaths full of 

provocative and stimulating ideas,

I am open to whole wisdom and I surrender

my attachment to specific outcomes of any kind

in all realms of my life, I rather visualize peace

however it comes,

To change is to be alive and I 

joyfully, lovingly and excitedly embrace

the changes in me and the world around me

--DaughterofWaters/Andrea

  

 

Time to cut back in order to grow up!

Happy to be waxing
Been away taking time for myself, but I think it's befitting that this post, which speaks to the waxing moon time, follows a post that spoke about the waning moon time.  Waxing is one of my favorite concepts.  It's that upwardly mobile reaching of our goals.  We are not quite there, but we are so far from where we started, not to mention that the feeling can be exhilarating.

The lessons for us
This waxing phase is during the Capricorn time.  Capricorn, a sign often associated with leadership and grounded earthiness is also ruled by the archetypical teacher, Saturn.  Saturn pushes us to get work done, invest in our own legacies, and evaluate the lessons we need to learn or unlearn.  Not the most touchy, feely time, but a good time for doing personal work.  For that, we can all be thankful.

It's Spring again, well almost
Now, back to why I am ga-ga over this waxing moon time.  Well first when the moon is waxing is represents basically the Springtime of the entire cycle and we all know how gloriously invigorating and motivating Spring can be, true?  So combine that with the generally expansive and nurturing energy we can all harvest right now and what we have is an equation for success in the lives of all of us.  Waxing moon time affords us all a shot of goodness that we can use to manifest almost immediate results.  Those of us from that instant gratification era will appreciate this.

Open to more and more
My personal energies will be on increasing my acceptance of the abundance that is for me.  Abundance in the physical, spiritual, financial, creative, and psychic realms.  There is so much more for me and I now know that any blockages have been of my own making.  Although I am upon the full moon taking this time to be fixated on expanding my capacity to receive the abundance that is available to me is such a great step.  For all of you who may know me, new things are on my horizon and for that I am grateful.

Select your path
Below are waxing moon concepts with a bit of description and a couple of questions below that.  Please look to these concepts, make your own concepts that speak to your needs, whatever you do, take advantage of this time.

Mental Clarity

A clear mind is something most of us assume we have, but to truly obtain and maintain that clarity it has to be tested and retested often.

How clear is my mind at this very moment?

What are the ways that I can clear my mind?

 

credit: flickr.com

Mojo Power

The word mojo is often misunderstood or just plain villified when in actuality it is the personal power we all can wield if we are aware.  

Am I aware of what my mojo is?

Do I know how to properly call upon and and use it responsibly?

 

credit: fantom-xp.com

Restorative Work

There are points in our lives when we must slow down, take time, and just rest.  Our culture may not support it, but for us to remain powerful we must acknowledge that simple fact.

Am I truly restored?

If I am depleted when/how will I take time to restore myself?

--DaughterofWaters/Andrea

Substitutes just won't do!

credit: jannykostercreative.com

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.

credit: jjs-boutique.blogspot.com

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

credit: vitaminshoppe.com

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.

credit: cailincallahan.blogspot.com

--Andrea/DaughterofWaters

In the time of Geminis

credit: characterfitnessblog.com

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

credit: herbalextractok.com

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

credit. socialbarrel.com

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