Staging for my Success

Beginning begins
To begin again, that is what we have. No matter how fracking wrong a lunar cycle can go (and we have all had some really bad ones) have deep wisdom in the fact that there is the opportunity to do it all over again. At 1:38pm EST yesterday the moon made its way into the new moon in Gemini. Now both of those will be explored, but first let's see what all the hype is over a new moon.

Newness renewed
So, a new moon is also called the dark moon cause when we look in the sky we see no moon at all, but it just means where we are is far from the moon and it is not visible. She is still there, trust me. When this time is upon us there is a natural contraction of energy and a journey inward for unabridged introspection is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. Do work at this time that is about cleansing, clearing, removal and grounding. All of these are things we can benefit from at this time, but I suggest you try just one of them. Sometimes our overzealousness gets the best of us and we are not as productive as we think. And the last thing that the new moon represents is a time for intention setting for the entire lunar cycle (the next 28.5 days).

Mercury manifests
Gemini, that sign of duality, diversity and change, its power is derived from its ruling planet Mercury (which will be retrograding during this cycle, but we'll dish about that in another post). Mercury, that great communicator and also trickster, is the planet to ask for help on your journey. It has the power of efficiency and superior articulatory skills (whether audible or not). Use this time to accept weakness in order to move beyond (and weakness can be large or small), push yourself as I intend to push me.

Check myself
Now my intentions this lunar cycle is to work to better communicate what I have been given with others. Often times I hesitate to share, for one reason or another, but this new moon will be about accepting what I have and have not done in order to be open to where I will be going. Although all of this is not tangible, I am so encouraged to do this work because I am finally at a stage where I know I am mastering my spiritual path, rather than apprenticing it. For me there will be stillness, reflection, lots of writing and practicing (with myself and others). I will continue to say YES to new roads.

Rituals created
For those out here who have never done new moon work it is not formulaic or set. Allow yourself to be guided in how and when to ritualize and mark this new moon. One thing to keep in my, try to get your initial work in within the next couple of days. Then you have the rest of the lunar cycle to tweak, change and notice. A couple of ways to use the info below is to use post it notes to surround yourself with messages. Or you can keep a new moon journal where you can write and reflect about this cycle and the cycles to come. I offer the guidance tools below to you, me, and all of this this new moon.

Work in the New Moon

Fasting and Cleansing

Removal and Clearing

Preparing for the New

Acceptance of Introspection

Lunar Cycle Animal Totem - Deer

Animal Totem Meaning - Gentleness

credit: nd.gov

Return to my Wilderness

Cherish Family & Ancestry

Hear the Inaudible

Embrace the power of Gentleness

Lunar Cycle Bird Totem - Cardinal

Bird Totem Meaning - Upholding the Self 

credit: nps.gov

Renew Vitality

Listen to message from the Wind

Uplift Creativity and Intuition

Watch My Diet

New Moon "Grounding" Oil Blend

credit: homemadelovely.com

Utilize the new moon to harness the power of aromatherapy. Creating an oil blend that is used during the cycle will give you a way to reconnect and remember. A small and quick gesture can last a long time. Find a small glass bottle to store in a cool and dry place in your home. Use a base oil (grapeseed, sunflower, safflower). Use as often as needed and feel free to refill if you must. 

5 parts Patchouli (Grounding - Earth Element)

3 parts Orange (Happiness - Fire Element)

3 parts Lavender (Centering - Air Element)

New Moon's Magic

These are short and quick ideas to keep in mind when doing the work to set for this lunar cycle and beyond. On those days this cycle when everything is falling apart, take time to come back to this post and see these few words. Magic is in the power we allow to inhabit us for it is and always was inside of us.

Be Committed, Patient, and Open

I am creating a Roadmap for my Life's Success

I Transform by Accepting

--Shamanic Drea

The more you Be

In the Moon of May
At approximately 3:29pm EST on May 6th the moon will begin yet another lunar cycle. This time we are all blessed with the beauty and stability of the zodiac sign Taurus. Known sometimes as the Bull in the China shop, work during this time can be on material wealth, new employment, generosity, and love, but all of these endeavors are only exalted when homage is paid to the planet Venus, the ruling planet of Taurus.

Venetian Love
Venus, often misunderstood and underestimated, is an energy that exudes love, compassion, creativity, and gain. Yet most see only the surface of the power that is available when Venus rules the skies.  Just like many things these days Venus is taken out of context all too often to fit a certain purpose and you know what that leads to? Diminished capacity!!!!

Love Potion
So let's do our work this lunar cycle, listen for the true meaning of this cycle, and rise to the highest heights. Plus with a Venus driven lunar cycle, it's basically all love anyway.  A quick reminder, love is not boastful, or pushy, or aggressive, it is a soft, sweet tap to say HEY, this way. And that may be all it is, so listen carefully and no matter how small, heed all signs this lunar cycle.

Let it shine, let it shine
This cycle is my show and prove cycle to myself. There have been many strides I have made and I sometimes don't stop enough to honor those achievements, the guides who have helped along the way, and the progress that I, MYSELF, have made.  This Taurus cycle will be about recognition, appreciation, and confidence. After these 42 years of life I know each lunar cycle holds another step on my Red Road (spiritual path) and for that I am eternally grateful.

Size of intentions don't matter
What's your focus this cycle? Take time, whether it be a lot or just a quick meditation, but intention goes a long way in a lunar cycle. Know that you have all it takes to figure out what is a good goal. And please, don't bite off more than you can chew, remember smaller is bigger!

Work in Taurus Lunar Cycle

Aesthetic

Heart's Creativity

Dream Your Future

Taurus Lunar Cycle Concept - The Power of Being

credit: principal-hayley.com

Know my Dreams are manifesting

Practice the being of my success

Being"ness" = Attracting my Dreams

Taurus Lunar Cycle Herbs/Essences

credit: sloatgardens.com

Amber - Water Element - Attraction

Lilac - Water Element - Clarity

Wisteria - Air Element - Wishes

Taurus Lunar Cycle Stone - Watermelon Tourmaline

Credit: thestoneset.com

Connect to the Heart Chakra

Road to the Higher Self

Joy in Relationships

Taurus Lunar Cycle Affirmation

I focus on the power I possess in BEing,

I no longer seek or search, but rather accept, surrender, and allow,

My new path of attracting and manifesting gleans all I desire and all that is divinely designed for me.

---Andrea

Along came a snake

credit: pinterest.com

Taurus time
This morning we entered the Taurus lunar cycle. Welcome, we have lots to do and this is the PERFECT time to get it done.  Taurus, which is Venus ruled, is the best time to take on the triple P's: Perseverance, Patience, and Practicality.   This cycle should be about taking action, moving on our dreams, and putting in the necessary work to continue to evolve.  Since Taurus is an Earth Sign we need to find solace in grounding ourselves around what we will undertake.

A serpent's gift
Snakes. That's right the descendent of the mighty serpent.  In the image above what do you notice? Is it the color, the coiled body, the eyes or the skin?  And what feelings come to mind: fear, intrigue, excitement, or amazement? The snake/serpent is one of the most power symbols of the concept of Transmutation, something that is so timely during the Taurus lunar cycle.

Know the cycle
What is transmutation? Well, transmutation is the ability to intake something (negative or positive), ingest it, integrate it, and then change it into whatever you need at that time.  Simply explained yes but, much harder to put into practice.  With the power of this lunar cycle I challenge us to transmute the small things in our lives like traffic, tardiness, a spill on our clothes or the many other things that plague us daily.  Taurus is here to support and amplify our power to transmute. All we need to do is take that first, small step.  If we begin with the smaller things as the cycle progresses we can take on bigger more challenging occurrences in our lives in order to transmute as well. We have to start someplace and this is as benevolent a time as any.

GPSing myself
My personal work this cycle will be around knowing exactly where I am in the transmutation cycle whether it be intake, ingestion, integration, or transmutation.  I do understand the concept and have reaped the great benefits of practicing it, but I need to continue doing it. And for me I can be more Macro aligned than Micro, so my use of transmutation with the little things will greatly improve some of my day to day mishaps.  I am ready, are you?

Just do it
Please look below for ideas of ways, where, and how to work on transmutation this cycle.  Don't be afraid to dream big that is how miracles are granted.  As always what resonates with you either negatively or positively is probably what you should be focused on during this cycle. It's not rocket science, but we make it that way :)

Work in Sign of Taurus

Abundance

Love Magic

Employment

Healing

Taurus Lunar Cycle Concept - Transmutation

Growth & Generation

Healing

Fertility

Life - Death - Rebirth

Taurus Lunar Cycle Herbs/Essences

credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Benzoin - Air Element - Calming

Passion Flower - Water Element - Peace

Thyme - Air Element - Courage

Taurus Lunar Cycle Stone - Malachite

credit: imgbuddy.com

Stimulate Dreams

Rebirthing

Transformation Stone

 Taurus Lunar Cycle Affirmation

With this cycle I ask that I am connected to my intuitive understanding and am able to make progress,

I will knowingly look my creators in their faces and see my own divinity reflected back at me and I will be humbled, confident, and charged,

The portions of myself that no longer serve me will be discarded and room will be made for learning about newer parts of me that are now waiting in the wings,

I will do all of this with grace, humility, and steadfastness

Andrea

Mercury making magic in our messages

Gemini Gratitude

Okay where to begin. At the beginning right! Well first off, let me say it's great to be back sharing with you all one more time.  I am thankful to the ancestors for providing me with the things I am about to share.  Now, so much is brewing at this very moment.  We are on the cusp of the Gemini lunar cycle which dawns at 7:47pm EST today! We should be feeling quite interesting. Why, you ask.  Well Gemini, a Mercury ruled planet, is an air sign and of all the air signs it is definitely a manifestation of the shapeshifter.  That's right y'all we can morph, contort, and alter ourselves and our surroundings.

What is Mercury gifting us with?

 Even though most of us think of Gemini as the sign of duality or a chatty/flaky persona, being ruled by Mercury gives Gemini and times that it rules something else; communication.  Mercury, a symbol for life's junctions and crossroads, is the greatest planetary helper for our communication skills, internally and externally.  So, feeling like no one is understanding you, then call upon that Mercurial Gemini power during this lunar cycle.  Likewise, got to have those "I can't believe this here" talks with yourself and not sure where or how to begin, again, defer to Mercury/Gemini during this cycle and follow the guidance that you are given.  Lastly, one concept to keep in mind during this lunar cycle is the NOISE we allow to enter into our communication with ourselves and others.  That noise diminishes and in some cases fully obstructs us from really receiving information, messages and sometimes energy we need.  So, we all need to check the noise meters in our communication this cycle.

Celebrate the Solar Eclipse

Oh and that's not all.  We are most fortunate to be privy to an Annular Solar Eclipse right after this moon enters into Gemini today.  When an eclipse occurs there is perfect alignment between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. In a solar eclipse the Moon falls in line between the Earth and the Sun and is a good time to focus on material circumstances such as financial prosperity, identity, or power. Eclipses are gateways for great change and it's a time to use energy to suit our purposes.  Okay, hit the reset button, we all have the power to do it, right now!

Quietly knowing

My mission this lunar cycle is to consistently have the knowing of my gifts and messages without always having to share or speak on things. I am focusing my energy on the wisdom of silence.  Many things do not have to spoken to be understood and that unspoken power is what I am actively trying to tap.  I am holding yall responsible for helping me to stay in my lanes AT ALL TIMES, LOL!

Make it a reality

Below are domains that would greatly benefit from energy during a Mercury ruled lunar cycle.  Pick one, pick more than one, or pick none.  But one thing is for sure if you do not knowingly select a focus for this cycle one will be selected for you and it may be one you may not be ready to handle.

New Moon Work

 Messengers and Messages

Knowing your Crossroads

New ways of Thinking

Gemini Lunar Cycle Totem-Moose

Concept-Self Esteem

What, When, and Whom to speak to

Appreciation of Gifts (spiritual & physical)

Acknowledging assistance in my accomplishments  

Herbs/Essences for Gemini Lunar Cycle

Bergamot - Success

Lemon Verbena - Purification

Mint - Protection

--DaughterofWaters/Andrea

Charging your charge for the Bull

BLAM! POW! KABOOM! These verbs reminiscent of the shows of the 60's are just the kind of energy we can expect from dear, dear Taurus this Lunar Cycle. That's right, all of us who were trying so hard to make it through that Aries cycle, well now we have another chance. This time we will all be blessed with an overflow of many things, thanks to Taurus and the ruling planet of Venus.

Being someone born with bull like energy from Chinese Astrology, I am always so excited about this time of year when folks graduate, we celebrate mothers and it's just generally a good time to be outside. Don't take these gifts from Venus, by way of Taurus without knowing that to those whom much is given, much will be required. Taurus is a time for abundance (in all forms) and love work. Stay open to be anointed with an influx of creativity, realization of highest dreams, and the awesome power we have to attract.

For me I am charging myself with making rituals, large and small a part of the many moments that will exist in this cycle. I get up, ritualize it, I am unsure, ritualize it too. Basically I am putting my proverbial money where my mouth is. This cycle it's about hardcore work to access and flourish in the abundance and prosperity that is and always will be available to me.

So below are some tools, that's all they are, use them as you see necessary and hey challenge yourself to create tools too. Again this being the beginning of the Lunar Cycle set out what you want to work on this cycle and make it a reality. POINT BLANK, PERIOD!

Work in Taurus




Material Well Being


Love Magic


Increase Business and Employment




Taurus Animal Totem-Eagle




Look higher to illuminate my next levels


Heal myself with love


Remember my Power


Acknowledge my connection to divinity




Flower and Herb Essences




Amber


Geranium


Mugwort





Taurus Cycle Revelations




I am the agent of action in everything I want




I do have all the funds I need for things, I just need to tap the universe to access that abundance




I must embrace the ease and grace that is for me




I have assets and they can be used wisely or not, I make that choice

Me and my mind Marching with Mars!

Well, I am sure that you are recognizing the moon is new and energy has dramatically changed; welcome to the Aries Lunar Cycle. This beginning zodiac sign, Aries, is full of the passion, sparks, and warrior-ness, but one fact about Aries that is often missed is that it can represent the head. That's right the brain, the face, the ears and all the other parts of our original proper topper. Having set all of this up, let's now look at what drives Aries, Mars.

Mars, the ruling planet of Aries is about creation and "lion" strength, so yes there will be lots of over the top emotional roller coasters, but I charge all of us to hanker down and ride out the storms that are sure to come, knowing that we have the tools, courage and blessings sitting right alongside us.

Although it has taken me longer to post I believe the first few days of this cycle has taught me that personally set boundaries and knowing how much I have evolved are going to be key points for me this cycle. Whether its what I speak to someone, a reflection I might have, or even the messages that are coming up in my dreams--which have been SUPER vivid this moon already.

My wish for all of us is to let things go to our heads. Don't be afraid to know that we know what we know. Lots of RAH RAH times ahead, yes, but do we need to oscillate like a fan on a hot southern porch in August, NO! Use the beautiful brains, minds, souls and spirits that we all were gifted with in this life. And of course, onward towards evolution.

Below are the areas that can do well during an Aries Lunar Cycle:

Aries Lunar Cycle Foci



Breaking Personal Barriers


New Territory


Fire Medicine





Aries Cycle Animal Totem-Armadillo



Boundaries


Define my space


Take my protection with me everywhere





Flower & Herb Essences



Coriander


Rose Geranium


Basil





New Moon Messages



Open to vulnerability to strengthen


Rid myself of doubt


Free from self created "jails"


Don't hide, deflect negativity

Two becomes one, and one becomes equal?

We have made it full circle, back to the beginning of a new lunar cycle. This New Moon is pregnant with possibility. New Moon time is ripe for setting things into motion. Gather your thoughts and give them to the universe, but be sure to let go and experience, it ALL. This lunar cycle finds us in the dichotomously divine Gemini. Now, while a many frown upon the thought of two personalities, sharing the same energy, I say to all of us, let us have gratitude for energy such as Gemini. Without it we would not have that talkative, witty, social portion of ourselves that the public loves. Gemini is a good time to invoke new employment as well as new endeavors. Ruled by the always surprising Mercury, Gemini is definitely a time for expecting the unexpected.

So...set your intentions. Do the work that needs to be done, but then allow Gemini to work its magic of, BAM, here is what you have been waiting for all your life. It really is just that easy.

My walk over the next cycle will be around the concept equanimity as it pertains to detachment. Can I truly appreciate all that is yin and yang, positive and negative, masculine and feminine and detach? I charge myself to experience life, see it in vibrantly bright colors and not be swayed one way or another, but rather digest the lessons and move forward. Sounds like a piece of cake right? I will be checking in. Luckily, Mercury is due to go direct next weekend, so my self communication should be up and running at its optimum real soon.

Work in Gemini

New Endeavors

Dual Nature/Duality

Mental Health

Flower/Herb Essences

Sweet Orange (Sensuality)

Mandrake (Control of Spiritual Energies)

Peppermint (Clarity)

Gemini Lunar Animal-Beaver

Breath control for optimal health

Opportunity, action and construction of my dreams

Does my home need repair (of any kind)

Gemini Cycle Messages


North Messages
Inner divinity must be appreciated
Wake up my care of myself


South Messages
I am open to receive ALL


East Messages
Know what my soul wants
I must be ignited about my desires

West Messages
My body is an ever changing cycle
All cycles are to be honored

I'm coming the finish line....Oh snap...bout to enter another race!!!

Welcome to the culmination of what has been an amazing surge of energy, power, and lessons learned. And what better closer of this cycle than the ever instructive sign of Capricorn, ruled by that surreal Saturn, the teacher of all teachers. The waning moon phase can be marked by many perspectives, but I choose to look at the waning moon as the last gift the universe is granting us. Didn’t get it the first three segments, well here....take this...and be pleasantly surprised, mystified, and overjoyed. Closings of cycles are the best time to show gratitude, because guess what, I made it, you made it, we all made it. And...guess what else....we are beginning the journey again. Aren’t we just the most charged individuals on the planet, at this moment?

So...as Mother Moon contracts, think if this as the laboring period of this cycle and what lays ahead is the birth of a new us. Laboring in a Capricorn state allows some extra gifts, like a time to work on righting things in our lives through karma, cleansing, and perhaps breaking negative chains, but this sign is motivated by the great planet Saturn, who is a world all unto its self. Go on ahead with our bad selves. We are doing it because of the challenges, obstacles, and difficulties we have. Be okay with not getting it right, but rather getting it.

My focus this final phase will be to break old habits. Gone is the young girl unsure of what she knows. Here to say in the Goddess Woman-type who is bent on being exactly who she is to be in this lifetime, which means I can not, will not, and should not hold onto things that are of no use to me. Will I succeed at this? Yes! Will there be deviations of the path that I think now? Yes, most certainly! Am I infectious enough to spread this around? I sure believe so!!!

Below are a few of the areas to think about that Capricorn can truly exalt for you during this waning phase of the moon.

Work in Capricorn

Cleanse/Banish

Negative Habit Breaking

Karmic Magic

Binding/Limiting




Waning Moon Messages

North
Love is a constant
See the gift that love offers

South
Metamorphosize my way
Respect all phases

East
Be more aware of everything around me

West
Know the beauty in single perseverance
I must know I can make, first and foremost

A Bull, A retrograde, and the potential for many things...

As we pass on to another point in this ever gifting Taurus Lunar journey, we make a stop at a Full Moon. A Full Moon is a peak time to work power, and not power in an external sense, but power internally, a place we shy away from for various reasons. Full Moons can be seen as Ripeness. During Full Moons there is increase in all sorts of energies and things occurring. We have often heard folklore tell of the “wildness” of Full Moons, well I propose it is the climaxing of the cycle, so get ready....

This full moon has the pleasure of falling at the beginning of the retrograde for mercury, the first in this lunar year. All forms of communication are going to be off kilter. To say the least! Snail mail, email, cell fone, home fone, speaking to others, speaking to yourself, and don't even think of signing a contract or wonder why negotiations are not going well. W can not put life off during the retrogrades, but forewarning will help ya navigate through it.

This Full Moon is ruled by Scorpio, a sign that can present itself in very diverse ways. There may be an urge to go to a place of passion, whether that be anger, love, lust or confusion. Another urge could be subtlety, maybe we need to be more sedate and behind the scenes. Or even still, we may want to really consider severance work. Who or what is in our life that we need a clean break from, hell, it might be a part of yourself you have no more need for. Pluto, Scorpio’s ruling planet, is one of Transmutation, Transformation and Reconstruction. So get ready for energy to move you in one direction or another. And please, do not think you can sit this one out. If you do not actively move in a direction you choose, believe me, you will be moved and maybe to a place you weren’t quite ready to visit.


A few things that might glean themselves when approached during the full moon are the following:

Love, Attraction, Passion

Abundance and Prosperity

Blessing of Space

Courage of Heart

Inner Awakenings



Flower/Herb Essences for Scorpio Full Moon

Frankincense (Protection)

Myrrh (Transformation)

Sandalwood (Spirituality)




Messages for the Full Moon


North Messages
A shift at home is a necessary positive, accept it


South Messages
Know my power that I channel


East Messages
Know my desires
Access divine flight


West Messages
Have a mark
I need to be unwavering

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