Growing beauty from discomfort

credit: thewhitegoddess.com

The moving moon
Amidst all of the rain and clouds that are upon portions of the sky today I want us to take a moment to realize and honor the moments we inhabit.  We have moved into another lunar cycle, this time Libra. And whilst we grow each day closer to a full moon, there is so much we gain with each angle of growth of the moon. At this very moment we are moving up towards the fullness of a gibbous moon and that means more than once a day we should feel shifts.

A true love
What does a Libra lunar cycle present? Well there is the usual opportunities to break unworthiness, cultivate beauty and attract many things into our lives. But perhaps the even greater gift is that Libra is ruled by the most loving planet of Venus.  And all my Venetians know that this planet is Goddess Supreme of compassion, creation, love and abundance. Let us see the big picture during this portion of the cycle not just the flashy surface possibilities.

Head on collision
With the time we have to build in the next 10 days or so I suggest we make nice with our most uncomfortable spaces. Be brave and brazen by leaning directly into that which is a bit off putting. For only in this coarseness can we find spiritual gifts and personal evolution. Just like the oyster, only beauty will spring from this nacreous process. As we do this play down the negativity that comes along for it is just a mere distraction. On the other side of all discomfort lies beauty. Take the chance and grow your own pearl/s this cycle.

See it and say
My path from this moment til the full moon will be about claiming my discomfort. Looking her in the face and saying. "I am more than my discomfort." Seeing and knowing my discomfort is very different than speaking and naming my discomfort. In order for me to truly benefit from this waxing moon time, I must name and say what I consider ugly. Once it is stated then it can be transformed, but not a moment before.

Stake your claim

One of the most important things I have learned around doing lunar work is that being intentional and making an effort to do the work (no matter how formal) brings the greatest leaps in my spiritual development. So, claim what you will do during this time.  Take the steps for you and only you. Be it writing in a journal, doing a meditation on your own discomfort, or gathering a small group of like minded folks to focus on these concepts. The more you do, the more you know to do. Be blessed!

Waxing Lunar Cycle Concept - 

Growing Our Pearls

credit: nationalgeographic.com

Heal through Struggle

My Discomfort is Unique 

This is my Gift to Humanity

My Gift is not the Adversity surrounding it

Discomfort grows my pearl

--Andrea

A shot of Fire

www.emaze.com

A marked difference
Feeling a bit different these days? You should cause we have sauntered into the Sagittarius lunar cycle and the energy shift has been noticeable.  And at this exact moment the moon has begun to grow (wax) towards its full self.  Waxing moon time is ripe for endeavors related to short term projects or immediate changes to circumstances. I suggest we all have our game plans ready to activate during this time with small, measurable accomplishments.

See beyond sight
A key part of this plan must be Sagittarius, the Sun Sign that dominates this lunar cycle. Often misunderstood or misused, Sagittarius (Centaur/The Archer) wields great power and judgement. But do not forget the fire like energy, dynamism, fun, and optimism that can arise at this time. This sign, related to the holiday season in the western world is here, at this time, for a reason. Be the archer, devise your goal, then go shoot for it.

The Gift Bringer
All of this information needs to be put together like a personal puzzle that helps us navigate to the next level of evolution. Next piece (and maybe most important piece) is to recognize the ruling planet of Sagittarius, Jupiter. Known as the Father or King this benevolent planet amplifies and challenges at the same time. This WILL NOT be that time of the year when you can just slide by on doing the least. No, no, no. Jupiter will require us to be our highest selves. In return we can expect financial prosperity, the ability to clear negativity from our paths, and expansions of our courage levels.

My first step
My journey this lunar cycle is about understanding and proceeding with the knowledge that all gifts from my ancestors await me, but I must take the step. I must release any fear, ego, or doubt brought on by society, family, or old wounds. My time is NOW and it will not be this time forever. By embracing the laser focus Sagittarius/Jupiter provide my archer shots will be spot on and much more than I can ever imagine, but I must take that first step towards everything.

Plan, then plan
Utilize your inner archer and figure what needs to be done.  Set up for yourself short term and long term goals.  Below are mere ideas or sparks what comes from this is totally up to you. Decide now what issue or situation, then use the tips below to guide the development and progress of that issue or situation. See your target, aim, and shoot for it.

Work in a Sagittarius Lunar Cycle

Determination

Profit Bringer

Revelation

Optimism

Sagittarius Lunar Cycle Concept - Cross My Threshold

credit: flickr.com

A threshold awaits me

Actively move to my next phase

I must accept the gifts that await me

I must Know, I must See, I must Be, I must Do

Sagittarius Lunar Cycle Herbs/Essences

credit: eldermountain.wordpress.com

Cedarwood - Fire Element - Financial Prosperity

Nutmeg - Fire Element - Strength

Obeah - Fire Element - Break Negativity

Sagittarius Lunar Cycle Stone - Sapphire

credit: hectovisto.blogspot

Clarity

Protection

Dispelling Negativity

Concentration

Sagittarius Lunar Cycle Affirmation

In a shifting world I bravely answer yes to Sagittarius' gifts,

These gifts await me just beyond this threshold,

I accept all and step into my new, true power, 

knowing I and the world will be better for it.

---Andrea

Quivers of quickening

credit fullmoonphases.com

Building blocks
The moon is currently waxing and has reached its First Quarter phase as it grows to fullness. The true beauty of this time is there is so much growth available to us and in a relatively short time too. Known as the Spring Time of the lunar cycle, a waxing moon is the perfect time to plant seeds for short term situations.  And these seeds will glean rather immediately. So be joyous, be courageous, go for what you want during this waxing phase.

What is waxing
Now although the moon is waxing I think it best to share that this entire lunar cycle is in the Sun Sign of Virgo. Known as the Virgin, but more zodiacal as the archetypical teenager, this sign is ruled by the dear planet Mercury. Meaning to get to what would be a good luck for us this entire cycle should be thought of in more Mercurial terms.

Murky Mercury
To know Mercury is to know how to harness and utilize some of the most powerful energy there is in the zodiac. Although currently in a retrograde state, there are gifts at our feet that if we can learn to wield will have lasting benefits.  Think of Mercury as a teacher full of pranks and tough love learning. At the end of the day Mercury does want us to win he will just teach us in convoluted sometimes painstaking ways. It's all good, just be on the look out and know you are up to the challenges, for they will appear, no doubt.

Sans questions
This Virgo cycle for me is about seeing the next phase, not knowing much about where it leads and walking into it anyway. I naturally question the unknown so to take it on knowingly and purposefully is a tall order for me. For surface things like work or civic endeavors I easily charge into the unknown, but things closer to me like love, family, and inner work, well I will go, but with lots of hesitance and questioning. For the remainder of the waxing, full and waning time in Virgo I am focusing my energy on embracing the unknown, seeing it for what it truly is (without judgement) and allowing the future to unfold.

Chart your course
One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to imagine our reality. When we do this we unknowingly set in motion energy that will eventually lead to manifestation. So, take the first step today (whether you have before or not, that does not matter). Decide now what issue or situation, then use the tips below to guide the development and progress of that issue or situation. Take the reigns and walk into your future.

Work in Virgo Lunar Cycle

Compassion

Precision

Friendship

Get Your House in Order

Virgo Lunar Cycle Concept - The Quickening

credit: riversong.wordpress

See my next phase and be unafraid

See fears, do nothing, let them pass

Stay Grounded in new understanding

Compassion and Detachment 

Virgo Lunar Cycle Herbs/Essences

credit: wallpapercave.com

Anise - Air Element - Connect to other planes

Lily of the Valley - Air Element - Anointing

Valerian - Earth Element - Psychic Protection

Virgo Lunar Cycle Stone - Topaz

credit: gemsbynomads.com

Mental Acuity

Flexibility

Uplifting

Virgo Lunar Cycle Affirmation

As I stand on my threshold I ask the Divine Mothers to place in my heart and soul the knowing that fear is a thing of the past,

I realize that obstacles will arise and all I must do is see them as such and move forward understanding they will NOT journey with me,

Lastly, I will give myself ample time and space to become grounded in this new reality, this is not a time for loss of patience or focus. I am quickening.

--Andrea

With just a small seed...

credit: Amanda Clark

Just the beginning
...Spring will begin. As this day begins in the Northern Hemisphere we have passed another milestone in this year. The Spring Equinox has come and so has many new opportunities.  Be sure to mark this day, not only for the seasonal shift that is occurring in nature around us, but more importantly the spiritual spring board that is here for us to keep evolving.

Oh so new
Spring, a season associated with color, the return of the Sun and many beginnings must always be acknowledged as a time for growth. For us personally this growth has to be from the inside out or else we miss the things that are truly for us.  During this time of the year purposely be outside more, notice the growth of flora and fauna and tap into that action of renewal. The regenerative force that is Spring does NOT happen by osmosis, we must be willing to accept the gifts this season has for us. Are you ready? Am I?

Working it out
This Spring for me is about actively building what I am to have in my life. In the past few months I have had many transitions and that has taken time to settle into it, but now that period is over. Before me lies all the tools, resources and others that I need, the missing part is me. The call has been given, I have heard it and answered. Work this Spring will be where I will dwell. No advertising, no selfies, no brainstorming. Plain and simple, work. And ya know what? I am so looking forward to it. Keep me focused y'all. And when you see me getting scared (as that has been known to happen) remind me this isn't that season!

Making it so
Take the time to think about what you want this season. Marking the beginning of a shift in energy is to your benefit. By saying to the spirit world I recognize the changes that are around me you open so much to you and others. Below are spiritual/guiding tools to use this Spring. They are sketches of a blueprint, please feel free to use them, not use them or spring board from them. Most importantly, be intentional about what you want this Spring. That intent will take you farther than you know.

Spring Animal Totem - Hippopotamus

Meaning - Power

www.awf.org

Initiations & Apprenticeships

Let water heal and bless me

Begin a new life cycle

Immerse myself in art and healing

Spring Concept - Change

credit: ibtimes.com

 

 Change begins with a small, small seed

Have fear of Change and do it anyway

Change can be discomfort

The unknown is a part of Change

Change is the only constant

Spring Mantra

credit: mamabluebird.com

 

Place on my path this Spring the power to see the change that is for me,

And with this Change I will challenge myself to evolve especiallly at times with it is NOT comfortable,

All the while knowing that the Change that I am forging at this time will bless me, those around me, and this planet

---Andrea

PS-Check out the next post as well "The Change Journal"

"Happy Spring"

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

Push, pull, and prodding from Pluto

Often times I am quite amazed at how things turn out, you see I sometimes have my own ideas and then the universe takes over and what is to be occurs.  This blog post is testament to just that fact.  Already into this Scorpio Lunar Cycle I am being pushed to design new paradigms, something that at times can be quite difficult.  Out of the New Moon time the moon is Waxing which means this is perfect the time to build towards short term goals or objectives.  This Scorpion time can be flowered with thoughts of subtlety, severance, and a desire to journey towards the true self.  Hold tight to those thoughts, they are significant, but more prevalent and overriding is the Pluto energy that rules the sign of Scorpio.

Yes, it is that time again to think of rebirth and times of complete alteration.  Now do any of us really want to dwell on these concepts? Maybe not, but I tell you what when these come into play in our lives and we do nothing, only chaos and turmoil follow.  Bad decisions, hurt feelings, lost energy, and all around ickiness will abound.  Basically, at this point we are either moving closer or farther away from our actualized selves and only we each know which way the weather vane is blowing.  Our days and nights may be cooler, but it is my wish that all of us are warming to the idea of moving towards who we really are.  Guess what, either we do or we don't, it's simply up to us.  Now for each of us these changes will be different, some may be large and others may happen in that still, quiet, inner place, regardless it all represents our conscious effort to evolve.

For me this Scorpio Cycle has been about achieving, measuring, and maintaining the balance I need in my life.  So my short term goal is to continue with that.  What I am trying to do is pay closer attention to the signs earlier in the game and intercepting possible snags or setbacks.  I am sure there is more to come but with conscious effort I can surely transform and rebirth the way I understand and balance's relevance to my personal evolution.  As lofty as these all sound trust and believe I get it right sometimes and wrong other times, but one thing is for sure, I am quickly becoming my biggest cheerleader and my compassion for self is ever expanding my humanity.  Okay this was so much more than I thought I would share, but you know how it is once you get started.

As stated above, we are Waxing so focus can be on short termed goals and objectives that will help you as we move closer to that Full Moon time that is coming in a few days.  Below are general areas that can gleen results when worked upon when the moon floats through the sign of Scorpio, which is Pluto ruled.

Work in Pluto

Complete Alteration

Regeneration or Degeneration

Transformation

Transmutation

Scorpio Lunar Cycle Totem-Frog

Concept-Cleansing

Importance of Water and Sound

Abundance and Fertility

Duality in Life

Herbs and Essences for Scorpio Lunar Cycle

Elder-Emotional Healing

Dragon's Blood-Power

Sandalwood-Protection

Scorpio Lunar Cycle Affirmation

As I undergo purposeful changes

I ask for honesty, understanding, and patience

knowing on the other side of this I will be forever better and

evolved 

--Andrea/DaughterofWaters 

    

Let us not forget the Leap Year

credit: theoriginof.com

Look what leaped in?

Once every four years we are gifted with an extra day, some extra energy, an additional chance to get it right! Well on this coming Wednesday, that opportunity comes up yet again.  I prescribe we think less of a Leap Year as the year of governmental leadership, but rather it's the year we take that necessary step towards our empowerment.  Having said that, let's check where things are "lunarly" this Leap Year.

 

Watch as it waxes

At this point in the cycle we have moved out of the New Moon space and we should all be diligently working towards our intentions.  This phase of the moon is called "Waxing", meaning we are actively building and constructing our paths each and every moment.  No second guessing, just movement and strides right now.  This Leap Year is aligned with the Waxing Half Moon in Gemini, which some of us may know is Mercury ruled.  Yes, Mercurial energy can be tricky, but knowing that fact puts us in a position to know how and what to ask for.

In & out, the beauty of breath

Now, this Leap Year I suggest we think about this one concept -  Air.  Let me explain.  The sign of Gemini, although ruled by the planet Mercury, is also in the domain of the element of Air.  Air, the breath, the wind, the mind, quite plainly put, the Inspiration.  This element is essential to most life forms on the planet and we as humans are no different.  Air is the creation of the concepts we accept, protect, and utilize in our lives.  It also is that breath that we wield that at any given moment can change a situation, just by being cycled.  So, this Leap Year, in this Waxing Moon phase, take the time to inspire you personal journey; INSPIRE yourself.  Make the impossible, not only possible or plausible, but Performed or even Perfected!  Mark this Leap Year as the year you took your life by the reins and lived it like no other.

What will inspire your Air?

To stimulate us during these coming auspicious hours of Leap Year magic, choose from some of the Air inspired elements to sprinkle that extra something on your efforts to create the magic that life has to offer. All of these below can be purchased or even made at home, search the internet there are endless ideas and recipes, it's what speaks to you.

Elements of the Air

Incense Sticks or Cones

Herbs on Charcoal 

Votive Candles with Essential Oils

Spray Mists with Essential Oils

--Andrea/DaughterofWaters

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

Students Teach, Teachers Learn

We have arrived once again to that magnificent, budding, spring of the lunar cycle. That’s right we are within the Waxing Phase. This time is full of windows and doors that both represent opportunities for us. As we do in early spring, step out into the somewhat misty dew and breath in full breaths, then proceed into this cycle, fully charged, fully aware and ready to receive.

As we are meander through this Libra led cycle let us stop to smell from the blossom of Capricorn and its ruler Saturn. Yes, the wise teacher has returned to bestow upon us another amazing lesson. Pay attention to the role we all play as teacher and student, knowing that each role is forever fused into us. As a teacher we can always learn from those we teach. And, as a student we have lessons for our teachers. This cyclical understanding makes for a more complete life experience.

My focus has been on understanding the meaning and totality of attraction, so during this cycle I want recognize and rectify any outstanding patterns whether they be of my own doing or something that may be a part of my ancestral blueprint. I challenge myself to pull unto me the true lessons that I need to move forward.

Below are a few of the domains that Saturn can influence

Work in Saturn

Knowing time will dissolve and resolve all things
Recognizing patterns and truly learning the lessons
Ancestral/familial strengths and weaknesses



Herb/Flower Essences
Eucalyptus
Ivy
Patchouli



Messages of Time

Past Message
We can only know love when we embrace ALL

Present Message
Understand the truth

Future Message
Empower through agape and gratitude

New Beginnings

Begin at the beginning, go on to the middle and then continue to the end. Seemingly easy steps, right, but inside this Mars ruled cycle, by now, for most of us, things have turned upside down. Well, this Waxing time can be that beginning, AGAIN. That is the beauty of life, each day is a new one and we are challenged to live it. So, let’s be about the business of living. We burst onto this warrior cycle strong and empowered, now there have been obstacles, but know they serve a purpose, mainly to test if we believe what we know (I suspect).

This particular waxing cycle is a time to plant those seeds we want to harvest before the next lunar cycle, so focus on a big, little, or continuous situation, anything that you want to begin again. I once read that humans are the only animals that continue to punish themselves for things over and over again. Learn to recognize that things gone wrong are a lesson that if not in our paths would hinder us from growing, progressing, and evolving. I know, a tall order when life is throwing a curve ball very fast at you and you don’t even have a bat.

So, be thankful during this waxing time when the moon in cancer, which is ruled by the moon. Pull her on ever nurturing, ever loving energy. Not to mention, hey we are warriors, and sometimes, no most times, the biggest battle we will ever encounter, is ourselves. Work on some of the following things that the Moon can affect,

Untangling situations with solutions

Face issues of inner uncertainty

Sight through illusions

In divine order, I was led to do a Triple pull, instead of the usual elemental pull, invoking the past, the present, and the future, all in line with discovery of the warrior we are at any given times in our lives. See these messages as communication from yourself to yourself. As time intersects always, see your past, present, and future as one entity.

The Past
Find agape for everyone and everything on this planet
My connection is vast and complete
Actively give and receive


The Present
Focus on life and love
Know the face of my warrior


The Future
Dance this life into existence
Learn new movements in all realms
Embrace the sweetness...

Spring’s gifts of blossoms.....Yes, its the Waxing Phase.

This waxing phase is considered the Springtime of the lunar cycle. As in spring, plant what you want, even things that bloom in a short time. We are on our way to the Full Moon ahead, but focus on now, see what things are in store for you just around this corner. This waxing moon is in Pisces a sign known sometimes as the Old Man or even the Cosmic One, the possibility to be all that we are collectively. Use this flowering, blossoming, budding, spring to go deeper into who you are and why, because you must.

And of course Pisces is ruled by Neptune, a great assistant for those inner journeys, those dark waters, those long distance excavations. Fear not the darker places, just know that whatever light you will need will be provided, then just simply put one foot in front of the other and step, each foot at a time, no hurrying.

So, take up the challenge, set some short terms goals, work through them, and see the power that already exists within. In keeping with my desire to transform my concept of time I am focusing on clearing my mind so I can reveal that transformed time that is already waiting for me to understand it.

Work in Pisces
Metaphysical Pursuits
Personal Enlightenment/Inner Journeys
Psychic Development

Herbs/Flower Essences
Rosemary
Sweetgrass
Pine

Waxing Moon Messages


North-Earth Element
In a process things will happen as they should
When moments of wanting to speed enter, breathe in and exhale it right back out


South-Fire Element
Clarity comes as you know, you know, what you know
As you transform, so shall time, because time is of you
Understand solutions merge with time through divinity


East-Air Element
Your passion, your dreams, your journey, your time is right here for you
LISTEN, to the messages, the messengers, and yes, even the noise
Release your desires, your dreams, and destinations through the fire


West-Water Element
Self-work is your most important work
To clear means to focus, to clear means concentration, to clear means quiet

E to the fourth power...A waning moon's tale

E to the fourth power...the moon is waxing

That’s right the moon is now waxing, meaning, it is building its light on the way to the full moon. And this time its in the fabulously friendly sign of Aquarius. A sign known for its strides in getting, being, and keeping friends.

Personally I am using this Aquarian energy to Empower my Expansions with each experience. Yes, its alliterative, but more importantly its merging of this waxing moon with my overall goals for this entire lunar this cycle.

I must say the planetary lineup really has my energy at a place of wonderment these days, but rather than running, hiding, or making drastic decisions, I am choosing to breathe, take things to the altar, and be open to accept whatever lies ahead.

Take a look at your relationships, make sure you truly understand the responsibility you hold in their existences. I am sure this is enough for you to digest, so foreward...

Work in AquariusBringing dreams into reality
Remembering Dreams
Idealism & Artistic Endeavors

Below are messages received from divining, meditating, and writing.


Waxing Moon Messages
North-Earth Element
Celebrating creativity will give way to amazing occurrences

South-Fire Element
Be fired up about our physical/spiritual environments
Ask for true awareness of your environments

East-Air Element
Home is improving, gradually

West-Water Element
Leaps are what create major transformations
Step on out.......and allow the universe her divine pleasure to do the rest