The rise from the SHINE

And...we're back

Time is shifting quickly and we are about to enter into another lunar cycle. Those 28 and a half days have almost passed and we find ourselves near the new moon, once again.  The new moon comes into our lives on July 22 at approx. 2:19pm EST so get your house in order. Use these next few days to collect your thoughts around what will be your focus and to also allow spirit to give you the necessary messages to move forward and enter this Leo Season. When the moon is dark or new it's the best time during the lunar cycle to begin to set intentions and build towards our own successes.

The lion defined

This cycle, the Leo lunar cycle, represents recognition of all kinds, our public self (known or branded), and the use of control in our lives.  Leo is definitely a time of showmanship, display and beauty, but there are other things that Leo time brings to us. If you are looking for recognition or public accolades, well this is a time for it. And if you have a social cause that you wish to bring more attention to now would be an excellent time to begin that campaign.  And lest we forget that Leo time is perfect for performance as well.  No matter how important all of these are, the bigger impact of this lunar cycle is that Leo is ruled by the Sun and that's no small act to follow so over these next 28.5 days really stretch what you think of Leo and it's ruling planet, the Sun.

Gifts of the Sun

The Sun, although usually associated with illumination, also makes way for healing, protection of the self, the use of divination in our lives, and that wonderful gift: renewal.  So, I hope these concepts have sparked you to really give it your ALL this lunar cycle. The Sun, a celestial body quite like the moon (the ruler of our ending Cancer cycle), holds so much energy and power that just knowing a small bit about it will catapult your endeavors this lunar cycle.  Illumination of all kinds is the greatest gift the Sun bestows upon us all.  And beware what you ask for because sometimes light shedding can be a double edged sword if we are not really ready for the truth. The Sun also amplifies our courage and confidence levels, so let's take that risk this cycle, what have we got to lose.

Focus in order to soar

What's it going to be? Below are the areas that can sky rocket during new moon time, I suggest you start (if you haven't already) making those efforts on your behalf and for your behalf.  The only thing we have is ourselves and for this kind of work, that's all we need.

Work in The Sun

Illuminate the Darkened

Belly Chakra Work

Finding Courage

Renewal

Leo Lunar Cycle Concept - Certainty

Know I am transformed

Let my past stay behind

I am grateful for my progress

The world is at my feet

Leo Lunar Cycle Herbs/Flower Essences

Acacia - Meditation

Orange -  Love

Tuberose - Centering

Leo Lunar Cycle Affirmation

I ask the Sun to help me recognize all the things 

I no longer need,

Give me the courage to actively purge & release 

all I have moved beyond,

All of this I do with great joy for love, compassion, 

& happiness are my destiny 

--Andrea

 

Eyes on a Prize

credit: trend-chaser.com

Seen Alignment
On this day in in may places around the globe we will be blessed with a Solar Eclipse (check your areas for viewing times). Meaning that the Moon will move between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow and blocking out the Sun's light. Simple enough explanation, right? Well the spiritual implications could not be more fortuitous for us. Eclipses hold great power and knowing what is possible makes room for such great progress and evolution on just this one day.

Sun seeker
The Sun, ruler of Leo and the new moon we will be entering just after the Solar Eclipse is known for many gifts, such as performance, recognition, and openly seeking pleasure. But, most of all, the Sun illuminates that which we have hid from ourselves and others. So while this Solar Eclipse provides opportunities to view the power of these celestial bodies (Sun, Earth, Moon), be very clear that asking for light and truth at this time will bring just that. And it won't be filtered.

To see or not to see
Illumination can be a double edged sword that we can properly wield if we are ready and prepared. Upending our shadow side can bring pain, guilt, hurt and regret, know it and don't be surprised if it shows up. In these last hours before the Solar Eclipse take time to ready yourself. Think about what you want to reveal to yourself. Think about how loved and connected you are all things and everyone. Focus on the compassion and kindness that you have for yourself. And know that during this Solar Eclipse and at least two weeks from now things will come to the surface and it is okay.

Sea of emotions
My journey this Solar Eclipse is to take stock of my emotions on a whole list of things and to prepare myself for rejuvenation and moving forward. There have been many things that have been swirling and moving in my spirit these last few months (the reason for my less frequent blogging), but I am clear now that sharing is a must and that I must locate and reconnect with my inner self to move through this place. While I am not expecting miracles, I sure will take them as they come.

Watch & see
Please take seriously this gift of a visible Solar Eclipse.  Right now in the world we can all use some universal wig snatching (colloquial for truth revealing) and if we are all focused on truth, illumination and breaking of smoking mirrors, then it will be so. What I know about humanity is that our greatest power lies in our ability to love, our capacity to be kind, and our connection to those who have come before us. I hope you get all you need from this Solar Eclipse.

Work in Solar Eclipse

Time of Great Change
During this brief time know that each second holds great possibility and if we use it then we have evolved just a bit more

Power Portal
Eclipses hold great spiritual power that we can access at this time, be ready to accept that which is for you and only you

Meditation & Reflection
Take moments to reflect and listen following this Solar Eclipse, take the next 2 to 3 weeks to see what manifests and reflect daily

Past Life/Soul Retrieval
An eclipse can reveal portions of ourselves that have been disconnected, use this time to welcome back portions of yourself that left due to trauma or pain, if need be seek professional assistance

Solar Eclipse Herbs/Flower Essences

credit: proflowers.com

Bay - Fire Element - Overcome Opposition

Honey - Earth Element - Calming

Marigold - Fire Element - Renewal

Solar Eclipse Affirmation

credit: buddhistmala.com

On this day allow all the shadows to appear so I may confront them, see them for what they are and move beyond them,

Blessed am I to encounter the power of the eclipse, I am open, I am clear, I am love,

May my ancestors and guides lead me to the truth that has been here all along.

--Andrea

Wish upon a Winter Wolf

credit: sunrisereikicentre.com

Full Moon breaks
This Saturday at approximately 8:45pm EST we will enter the Full Moon in the sign of Leo.  In this darker, cooler weather I am sure we all want to snuggle up and be blah, but this Full Moon presents blessings and magic that we can not ignore.

What it is
In general a Full Moon is that time during the lunar cycle when you check in or it can also be that time when an apex of intention may be reached, whatever the case I want us all to take note of where we are at this very moment then we can proceed.

Well, well Wolf
This particular Full Moon falls in Leo and its ruling planet is the Sun. That great beacon of light and hope always finds a way to bring that ray right back to us. So be careful with what you wish for cause these days are super potent. And while we are on the subject of potency, take note that this Full Moon is often known as the Wolf Moon. That's right the Wolf Clan is bringing us lessons, cohesion and strategy over the next few days so be open, be intentional, and be ritualistic when possible.

Waters of Wolf
On my meditation on this Wolf Moon I was told to be still, be strategic, and know that I hold all the power that the Wolf Clan has for me. This full moon I stand in my power, feel its vastness, and allow its energy to fall all over me like a waterfall.  Winter time is one of my favorites mainly because I give and accept some much, here is something else for me to take in.

Welcome the ritual
I suggest that with this Wolf Full Moon you create a ritual for yourself that you can complete for the rest of the full moons in this calendar year. Keep it simple or expand and make it grandiose, the choice is truly yours.  Ritual can be a meditation, a song, elemental materials (incense, candle, water, earthen object), movement, a walk, a meal. Please be open to creating what will bring you centering and closer to your spiritual self.

Making it more
Below I thought I'd give us all a bit of the medicine that the Wolf Clan has for us. Please see these messages as a doorway that you will open to find these things or whatever is there for you once you cross that threshold.  Be brazen, be humble, be beautiful, like the Wolf!

Wolf Totem

Meaning - Intuition, Ritual, Spirit 

credit: hrexach.wordpress.com

My rituals are sacred

Order and harmony are a part of my life

I honor my family and younger people

I use all that is available to me

My inner voice is at the center of my decisions

--Andrea

I am certain that I am

credit: meadowlarkyoga.com

Newness Upon Us
Time is shifting quickly and we are about to enter into another lunar cycle. The new moon comes into our lives tomorrow at approximately 10:53 am EST. So get your houses in order. Use this one day to collect your thoughts around what will be your focus and to also allow spirit to give you the necessary messages to move forward and enter this Leo Season.

Put on Your Public Face
Leo is definitely a time of showmanship, display and beauty, but there are other things that Leo time brings to us.  If you are looking for recognition or public accolades, well this is a time for it. And if you have a social cause that you wish to bring more attention to now would be an excellent time to begin that campaign.  And lest we forget that Leo time is perfect for performance as well.  Over these next 28.5 days really stretch what you think of Leo and it's ruling planet, the Sun.

 Nothing To Loose
The Sun, a celestial body quite like the moon (the ruler of our ending Cancer cycle), holds so much energy and power that just knowing a small bit about it will catapult your endeavors this lunar cycle.  Illumination of all kinds is the greatest gift the Sun bestows upon us all.  And beware what you ask for because sometimes light shedding can be a double edged sword if we are not really ready for the truth.  The Sun also amplifies our courage and confidence levels, so let's take that risk this cycle, what have we got to loose.

Changing It Up
As I think about what I want my focus to be the word that has come to mind this week is chameleon, that's right just a small lizard like creature that changes color, but upon further understanding of its totem power I know that this message for me is about knowing my ability to see and utilize both my past and my future. Now mix that knowledge into a Leo Cycle and I have got an equation for great things for me and others. So, putting my nose to the grindstone and making *sh happen this cycle, how about you?

Finding Focus
What will your focus be about? Will you take on a large meta task or will your intention be more micro and internal. Whatever you chose, be about it. The Sun is a strong tool that lightens everything it touches.  Below are concepts and ideas to help you focus this cycle. This is the starting point, not ending point.  Be creative, be open, be receptive and your messages will come through, if you are listening.

Work in The Sun

credit: heavenscanvas.com

Illuminate the Darkened

Belly Chakra Work

Finding Courage

Renewal

Leo Lunar Cycle Concept - Certainty

credit: redeeminggod.com

Know I am transformed

Let my past stay behind

I am grateful for my progress

The world is at my feet

Leo Lunar Cycle Herbs/Essences

credit: boozwheez.co.uk

Acacia - Fire - Anointing

Honey - Earth - Prosperity

Rosewood - Water  Protection

Leo Cycle Affirmation

This cycle I embrace all that I have been able to transform,

I know within that my courage feeds my soul, but not my ego,

I share the joy of achievement with all and know that 

courage, success, and confidence is contagious

--Andrea

Release in order to retain

credit. robinyoga.com

And...we're back
Those 28 and a half days have slipped by and we find ourselves at the new moon, once again.  When the moon is dark or new it's the best time during the cycle to begin to set intentions and build towards our own successes.

The lion defined
This cycle, the Leo lunar cycle, represents recognition of all kinds, our public self (known or branded), and the use of control in our lives.  No matter how important all of these are the bigger impact of this lunar cycle is that Leo is ruled by the Sun and that's no small act to follow.

Gifts of the Sun
The Sun, although usually associated with illumination, also makes way for healing, protection of the self, the use of divination in our lives, and that wonderful gift: renewal.  So, hope these concepts have sparked you to really give it your ALL this lunar cycle.

Cut for more to grow
For me, this cycle is about some much needed cord cutting and cords, until very recently, I didn't even know were there.  So for me it's about daily setting the intention to release the cord and replace it with more life affirming energy.  My prayer is that this daily ritual sticks and becomes part of my personal rituals.  A girl's got to start somewhere, LOL.

Focus in order to soar
What's it going to be? Below are the areas that can sky rocket during new moon time, I suggest you start (if you haven't) already making those efforts on your behalf and for your behalf.  The only thing we have is ourselves and for this kind of work, that's all we need.

Work in the New Moon

Rest & Reflect

Purging

Quiet Time

Clearing & Removal

Breaking with the Past

Leo Lunar Cycle Herbs/Flower Essences

credit: fantom-xp.com

Acacia - Meditation

Orange -  Love

Tuberose - Centering

Leo Lunar Cycle Affirmation

I ask the Sun to help me recognize all the things 

I no longer need,

Give me the courage to actively purge & release 

all I have moved beyond,

All of this I do with great joy for love, compassion, 

& happiness are my destiny 

--Andrea

New Year's Evolutions

credit: almanac.com

Okay, so as we close this calendar year I thought it'd be appropriate to share one of my strategies that really manifested for me this year.  At the urgings of my mother I wrote out my Goals for 2012 and I can not tell you the almost instantaneous results I saw.  And this from a relegated non-writer of goals or even plans.  Something deep within knew that if my mother was open enough to give me this message that I had to at least be open enough to accept it and I did JUST THAT!

So as the moon moves from the maternal like sign of Cancer and into the pretty faced sign of Leo, I say shine that light upon what will assist us all in evolving to that other level in 2013.  The New Year will dawn during the beginning of the Waning Phase of the moon, which is a time when we can make space for what we want to manifest.  So instead of coming up with trumped up surface goals, sit, meditate, and listen to that inner you.  What do you want to change? What do you want to keep the same? Any out of your league goals you been thinking about recently, go ahead, dare to decide to make them come true.

Once you have devised what you want in 2013, then cement these goals by writing them down.  And when you write these out, go for it, make a ritual or ceremony of it.  Sit comfortably, wear something that inspires you, possibly play music that is aligned with where you want to go next year.  Online and written out goals are probably our best tool for true completion.  Whatever you choose to do be sure it is from the heart, you are not constructing anyone else's goals but your own.

For clarity, focus and direction below are just four areas I choose to categorize my own goals of the new year.  I suggest you try to be as specific as possible when planning.  A wise woman once told me that often times when we ask the universe for something we are too general and when that generality gets delivered we are often disappointed.  GO FOR IT, all the way, all you can do is be successful!

New Year's Evolutionary Goals

Personal
My personal goals are the things are me, the spirit.  All of my issues or lessons that need re-learning or positive reinforcing were written in this section.  And believe me I spared no areas, just plain old self truths. Shatter any preconceived notions of who you are in this section and allow yourself to spread those royal wings for their is a flight of unparalleled proportions on its way.


Artistic/Creative
As a person with many interests this area seeks to organize and increase that which I am doing.  It's not enough for me to have a gift, what am I doing to share it, develop it, and take it to that next level.  This area for me probably is the place where I will take the most risks, but it's worth it!


Financial/Abundance
This area is one of the biggest struggles for all of us, but it is also an area where we can see the most amazing transformations, once we have decided we are worth it and concentrated our efforts.  I know in the last year I had to realize, from my goals, that I was giving myself permission to earn quite a bit more for those earnings would allow for me to manifest in ways I would never have thought.


Health and Well Being
And yes finally, how many of us have our well being in the forefront of our minds? Probably not many, me included.  I wrote and spoke into existence a me that is constantly checking, assessing, and balancing my health and well being.  In our world where we have pushed our environments to the limits none of us can afford to take our health for granted.  My mission this year is to make my well being my #1 priority and keep it there.

I say thanks for reading through this, but more importantly I say CONGRATULATIONS to all of us for taking the time to develop these goals, write them, speak to ourselves or others and then the courage to post them where we see them daily or almost daily.  What power we all are invoking and once we see these goals materialize just think of the other magic we will conjure up for humanity and this planet.  The Age we are entering is one full of strides, make sure you know which direction you are headed NOW!


--Ashe!


Andrea/DaughterofWaters

This lil' light of mines....

credit: thesnackhound.com

It's Leo time isn't it?

The Sun, that which we could not fully live without, has noteworthy spiritual significance and we see this quite clearly now when it rules lovely Leo, the latest Lunar Cycle we inhabit.  Another time to intention set.  Another chance to meet ourselves halfway on your paths.  Another chance to allow spirit to guide us in the best direction we ought to go.  Comfortably settled in? I hope so.  Leo, a time of great shine and public recognition, can be a springboard for true illumination and challenge of our inner shadows or limitations.

The L-I-G-H-T

The Sun offers opportunity after opportunity to get it right.  Hiding things from ourselves during a time when the Sun is key is like sitting next to a blade of grass in oppressive heat and expecting to be in the shade.  Yeah, I know, not a great image, but that's what we do to ourselves when we ignore the light that is being bestowed upon us during a Sun ruled Lunar Cycle.  In a word this Lunar Cycle should be about LIGHT. Light to show us the way.  Light to reveal the hidden.  Light we can offer to others who are courting darkness at this time.

When to light and how to light

Let's be sure to take up our torches, our matches, our flashlights, and our auras of light and shine like our existence depends on it.  So when a person angers you, shine your light.  When you feel a personal downward spiral approaching, shine your light.  When we know we are right but someone else will not give in, shine that light. To be clear, light is being the best you that is possible in any and all situations.  Often times we are light shiners until someone pisses us off or steps across a line.  If we can still shine, even in the face of ridiculous circumstances, that's us finding our light and shining it.  Last thing, door mat impersonations not necessary, be a light bearer but not a push over, you know the difference, act accordingly.

Write it, write it, write it

My personal light to shine this cycle is about embracing the creativity I have within me and putting that energy into action.  The action this particular cycle is writing.  Writing about me, writing about my various art-forms and just speaking less and writing more.  Tapping that fire for the written word and riding out the wave of creation will gleen me amazing results, but first I must write.  So if you see me, talk to me or catch me over technology ask me "How's your writing?" that will keep me focused and then some.  When I hear it enough I will get in line.  Hope some of y'all hold me to these words, TRUST I need reinforcement just as you do.

credit: whats-your-sign.com

What's your light gonna be?

Below are good realms to work on when the Sun is prevalent.  Take these and go where they lead you, whether it be these exact areas to work on or your own areas.  Also, check in when needed, my hope is to create a space where not only I speak but others as well.

Work in Leo Lunar Cycle

Healing

Belly Chakra

Attraction of Success

Dispel Negativity

Leo Lunar Cycle Totem-Dragonfly "The Power of Light"

Change

Air and Water realms

True Wisdom

Lunar Cycle Flower and Herb Essences

Orange

Cloves

Rosemary

Leo Lunar Cycle Affirmation

I am open to the awesome power that light brings,

I will carry my light with every step I take this cycle,

remembering it has the power to heal others as well as me

--Andrea/DaughterofWaters 

Shining the healing from inside to out...

Credit: nutritionpost.com

Made it back the middle

Yes! We are here! At that Full Moon time again.  Although the moon looks full it will become it's fullest sometime during the day on Tuesday February 7th.  So, we all have time to digest what is before us, set our strengths to HIGH and make it all happen.  Going to set it all up for us...let's see...here we go!

The light of Lions

This Full Moon is in the luscious, lovely, and lavish sign of Leo.  Now, before we jump out the gate with our assumptions of Leo (me included), after careful thought and understanding I realized that Leo is such a beautiful ally for all of us, not just for those born under the sign.  The power that thrusts, pushes, and drives anything related to Leo is the SUN, that wonderful agent of warmth, smiles, rays, and hope.  Think for a minute...how have you felt on the first sunny day after a week of grey days? AMAZING, right?  Want to know why? Well the Sun has the ability to illuminate all things and this lighting of the way is directly related to healing, transforming, and forward movement.  We need the Sun in our lives just as we need the moon, it's an essential tool.  So capture the rays this Full Moon, conjure up the self, space, or life you want.  Ask the masculine energy of the Sun to protect, provide, and parent you to the you that is to be.  Do not accept less than your desires.  Have the courage of a Lion to roar your way through whatever intentions you are asking for during this Sun blessed Full Moon.

The lost key found

This Full Moon I am accepting me, right where I am, just as I am, because I am.  I am committed to getting off the conditional track I often run when I am challenged (you know that "if I could just, then I would").  And the really ironic thing is that this is not the first time I have come to this point, it also may not be the last time, but I am happy to be right here as I am knowing that this fantastic feeling is always available to me.  The more I learn the more I realize we all have exactly what we need, it's the accessing it that's the key.  So, this Full Moon I am taking my key and placing it in the keyhole and turning, knowing full well that the UNKNOWN is beautiful, heart swelling, and destined.

Set out what to illuminate

Below are areas or domains that are good to work on during the Full Moon.  Select from this list or a derivative of it.  Also strike out on your own, it's lunar time so go inside figure out what you want to work on and DO IT! There's nothing else to it.  Do not let the magic of this full moon pass you by. 

Work in the Full Moon

Love, Attraction, Passion

Abundance & Prosperity

Space Blessing

Courage of Heart

Spirituality & Inner Awakening

Candle Power

During this Full Moon time it can be awesomely powerful to burn candles to cement that which you are working towards. And since we are dealing with the Sun and the concept of Illumination can be of assistance, take advantage of the light.  Below is information on the candle color that can be associated with the properties of the Sun, the ruler of Leo. Find safe candles, burn them as long and as much as you like. Fire is a creation tool use it to ignite yourself towards your goals this Full Moon.

Orange

Confidence

True Courage

Self Awareness

Creativity

Credit: flickriver.com

--Andrea/DreaofWaters

The Lion, the way, and the retrograde

Well the beginning has begun again. How wonderful and fortunate are we! This time the lunar cycle will move into Leo a fabulous and favorable sign, ruled by none other than the Sun. And might I say the Sun is shining a bit bright, at least on the eastern coast of the U.S. And just to keep us on our toes, at the genesis of this Leo lunar cycle is the magical mayhem of Mercury, IN RETROGRADE. So let's take a look at these things one at a time.

Leo and the Sun

The Sun, the ruler of Leo is the power of the light, that's right, exposure. Exposure can carry many meanings but for all of us this lunar cycle why don't we think of it as paparazzi, the ever encroaching flash of lights that exist to bring forth to us and the world who we are, not just who we are in our heads. Use this revealing and illuminative time to extract any negativity, self doubt or self degradation, for all of us have some of it somewhere, tucked away. Sun time should be beautiful and a complete PR spin, but before we go there, we must know exactly who we are and what about ourselves we want to evolve, that's right its all about our journey in this lifetime.

Mercury in Retrograde

Now doing all of this is good and grand and dandy but in a mercurial retrograde, it can be tricky. Let's get some clarity on that. Mercury in retrograde is when Mercury, the ruler of communication, shifts all forms of communication as we know it. So, snail mail, email, cell phones, home phones, contracts, speaking with family and friends, speaking with strangers, and even speaking with yourself all are going to be askew from Aug. 2nd until Aug. 26th. Don't give up or feel frustrated take the opportunities to embrace silence, see nature or just chill. It's gonna happen whether we are ready or not, so ya might as well get ready.

My Work this Cycle

My personal journey this Leo lunar cycle is to find any blockages (whatever they may be), own them, do whatever work that needs to be done around them, then keep it moving. Wanna know why? Cause I got lots of love, success, and evolution to be about. My time away from home has once again reminded me, WOW, I have seen and done some things. So no false modesty, no comparison to others, its about to be straight knowledge of self (the Whole self).

Below are areas that may be good places to start when working with the power of Leo and the Sun.

Work in Leo Lunar Cycle



Drive away Inner Darkness


Face Inner Uncertainties


Attraction, Renewal, Success




Leo Lunar Cycle Totem-Bear "Introspection"



Allow myself to be introspective


Regain my own Authority


Embrace Receptive Energy


Use my Strengths to overcome my Weaknesses




Flower/Essences for Leo Lunar Cycle


Cloves


Tangerine


Rosemary




Leo Cycle Affirmation


I am committed to giving myself the necessary time this cycle to know my inner most questions and answers


With these answers I will illuminate and provide clarity on things in my life that are lacking focus or direction


I will also be open to change in whatever form that may be

Roaring into the light!

This Waxing phase is marked by the sign Leo, which is the satiated servant of the Sun. This roaring Leo time of recognition, glory, and performance also has another side, control and defense. In this building portion of this entire Taurus Lunar cycle, use this Sun and all his powerful gifts he offers to continue towards your intended goal.

The Sun is a sheer representation of light and truth. Request either or both for yourself and your world. Knowing, that light and truth is not always going to be equal to our expectation. The beauty of the Sun is that he shows things as they are, not as we think or want them to be. I would say brace yourself, however those of us thus far on the journey already know that blessings come in all shapes and sizes. Lastly, this waxing time is a time of short term objectives, do not begin to rearrange the whole show, just illuminate and tweek what is necessary.

Try some of these domains for your SUN work in this bubbling phase of waxing

Work in the Sun

Discard doubt, sickness, or negativity

Healing

Attraction, Renewal, Success

Belly (Second) Chakra Energy

For this portion of the cycle I am focused on my patience with knowing my clear understanding of purification and its role in my life. I not only want to purify, but really how do I use this process to bring me to another level of understanding and action. Because you know knowledge without movement is what?? Useless...

The messages below represent a past, present, future pull, bringing messages to us from all corners of the continuum, decipher their meaning for you as separate points or the entire spectrum.

Waxing Phase in Leo Messages


Past Messages

I am my answers
Believe my intution


Present Messages

Allow my evolution to unfold


Future Messages

Take time to rest, regularly
Renewal brings great rewards