Radically Holistic Beauty

Full Moon Water Ritual

November 2015.

The Moon. Luna. Mwezi. Grandmother. We know her across the world under different names, but as her light shines down on us she makes each of us feel like we are her special one, the one she really wants to communicate with, the one who has something special to offer the world…and we do, each of us.

Creating rituals can be nourishing and turn you inward to your quieter spaces. I would like to offer you one such ritual that can be done each month if you like, a Full Moon Water Ritual that I love to do and find healing benefits from. It may help you connect with new parts of yourself, brighten your day or help quiet you so you can hear the sweet words your soul is sharing. Gathering the light of the Moon into water is a way to connect to your feminine power.

Creating Moon Water under the Full Moon is an ancient ritual for men and women and is best charged on the first night of the Full Moon. There are many ways to use the Moon Water once it is charged: I love the most ancient and sacred practice of drinking this moon magic! You may want to use it for blessings, for cleansing your chakras, making tea or for watering your plants ~ maybe they need a boost of moon water love! You will intuitively know what to do with yours once you hold the power of the charged water in your hands.

Here are the steps to creating your Moon Water Magic:

1. To begin, you will want to pick a glass container, jar, or bowl - something that will hold the sacred feeling of what you want the water to carry over the next 28 days. The vessel can vary with each full moon - sometimes large, sometimes small, colored or clear. You may feel inspired to decorate the vessel with colors by surrounding it with gemstones, flowers, leaves, candles or even draw or write on it…be creative!
2. On the eve of the Full Moon fill your container using filtered or distilled water. Bless the water, by holding it and visualizing the water collecting the energy of the moonlight. Share your love and intention with the water by speaking into it - tell it what you want the light to shine on in your life.
3. Cover the container and place it outside, if possible, where the moon can shine into the water all night. If you cannot place it outside, choose a windowsill where it can gather the greatest number of moonlit hours.
4. The next morning collect the container with the Moon Water, hold and bless it again thanking Grandmother Moon for her light and energy, then take your first sip!

Every morning until the next full moon, take a sip of your Moon Water on an empty stomach. With each sip you will strengthen yourself with the properties of the full moon. Open yourself to her energy of creativity, wildness, imagination and brightness ~ she is there for you. Remember the blessings and intentions you placed in her and let this be a new way to start your day with gratitude and connection to the light within you.

Moon energy is something we all experience bi-monthly as her ocean tides rise and fall and the Earth tides (body tides) create a displacement of the Earth, which is caused by the gravity of the Moon and the Sun. We may not feel it in a active sense any more than we do the spinning of the earth as it rotates on its axis, but as we tune into it we can feel her pull. We women are in bodily ceremony with her every month as we follow her cycle of 28 days in our menses. We feel her rhythm as she wanes and waxes and she calls to us on a deep emotional and nurturing level. We carry the vibration of her feminine power.

For a little extra Moon Loving, try our Organic Lavender Gem Juice Hydrosol. Spray it on yourself with an intention on your mind and then in your bed before going to sleep. 

The Full Moon in Taurus is a time for you to deeply reconnect with the Earth. The energy of Mama Moon combined with the sacred Root Chakra Ceremonial Bath would be a powerful way to go inward and ground yourself. It is also about manifesting ~ knowing what you want, possibilities, and creative power ~ so depending on what you need, the Sacral Chakra Ceremonial Bath would help you to honor your body by being present to your creativity, passions, and sensuality. 

We all love the moon and some of us really love the moon, I mean really love her.

Let her light ignite your light. 

Full Moon Blessings,

Debra

SPECIAL NOTE: This is the time of year when the days grow shorter days and we receive less light, the womb time. This is a beautiful ritual to prepare for the weeks of darkness ahead. This week we have a Full Moon in Taurus, an earth Moon, also known as the Harvest Moon or Sanguine Moon. When the moon is Full in Taurus it is a time for heightened senses and a time for enjoying earthly pleasures: a time for slowing down.

Colors that you may want to place on your alter under this Taurus Moon would be scarlet or earth tones of browns, greens, yellows and oranges. Gemstones to work with under this Full Moon are red coral, red agate, or garnet.  And the fragrance for this Moon is Rose ~ for opening the heart. Now is the time to give up envy, financial insecurity, not feeling valuable and fear of change!

On the morning of November 14^th at 5:53 am (PST)/8:53 am (EST), the moon will reach her fullness. It is best to place the Moon Water out on the eve of the Full Moon, however since she is full in the early morning hours, you will want to put your water out on the eve of November 13^th, Sunday, to catch her at her fullest on Monday morning. It is good to have the water under her light when she is at her fullest or close to it.

Libra Full Moon Water Ritual ~ Spring Equinox

Photo by Walter Walraven on Unsplash

Tomorrow, March 20th, we have a Full Moon in Libra at 6:16 pm PST (9:16 pm EST). This year we are also celebrating the Spring Equinox and a Super Moon (when the Moon is closest to the earth). Spring equinox is a day of equal amounts of light and dark… a time to remember the importance of balance.

Seasons are here for us to learn from and follow. Spring gives us the opportunity to capture new energy and fill up with renewed hope.  We feel the air warming and see the earth in her intuitive rhythms of harmony.

As the wheel turns through the seasons it nudges us to remember the importance of ceremony, ritual and celebration. Many gather for the Spring Equinox, balance of light and dark, and/or Easter, rebirth and fertility.

When the Moon is in Libra she showers us with beauty and balance ~ hence why she falls during the Spring Equinox. This is a time to notice, notice, notice, and move into the feeling and beauty and opportunities that are presenting themselves to you under her light. Grab them, see them, feel them, and most of all get to know those places in your body and spirit that hold them so that you can access them later as she begins to wane.

I want to share a beautiful story by Ram Das about getting trapped into labels placed on us by our culture and society:

I love the part about coming together. It is a place we all know ~ even for a brief moment or second, a glimpse. And it is during the spring that I believe we can access this memory or create new memories for ourselves, by gathering, tasting, immersing ourselves in the beautiful, fresh, hopeful, spring energies.

Remember the power of your own intuition and the beauty that comes when you follow your heart. Then tuck that remembering behind your heart for a day when you get trapped in a label. And pull it out and smile or laugh out loud! You may find those around you will be caught up in your delight. They may ask what just happened and you can say…I am just remembering to be….be me.

Here is a lovely Full Moon Water Ritual ~

1. If you have time, gather some gemstone beads for making a necklace, go with what calls you. Or if you don’t have time use your favorite necklace or earrings you love to wear in the spring, that is perfect too!
2. Place the gemstone beads or necklace/earrings in a glass bowl and then place your vessel for your Moon Water in the center of the bowl.
3. Place the gemstone(s) that you will be using for your Moon Water in the vessel or in the bowl with the gemstone beads or jewelry. For this Full Moon I am using a clear quartz crystal as they are good at distributing energies and bringing harmony and balance to mind, hormones and water. You can place your crystal into the bowl or into the vessel. I like to use a vessel that has a clear top like the one below ~ that way the Moonlight can touch the water from all angles!
   
   
   
   
4. Place your bowl and vessel in a window or outside where it will catch the most light from the Moon.
5. Now, this is the important part. Once you place the water into the vessel, and if you choose, into your bowl. Place your hands on the vessel and feel and speak your desire to the water, the gemstones/jewelry, and the Moon. Do it with deep passion, love, and gratitude. If you want, bring into your vision the beauty and energy of all the budding trees, flowers showing their tops, or birds singing their sweet hearts out. When you are done, thank yourself. It is a gift you have given yourself by taking the time to do this ritual.
6. On Thursday morning, gather your water(s) and bless it again before taking your first sip of your Moon Water. If you placed water into the bowl collect the water and use it in ceremony, in your next bath water or to water your plants.
7. If you used gemstone beads, make your necklace or bracelet or amulet between now and the New Moon in Aries. Wear it for balance and to remind you of the intuitive knowing you hold inside.
8. Every morning until the next full moon, April 19th, take a sip of your Moon Water. With each sip you will strengthen yourself with the properties of the full moon. Open yourself to her energy of creativity, wildness, imagination and brightness ~ she is there for you. Remember the blessings and intentions you placed in her and let this how you start your day, with gratitude and connection to the light within you.

If you do not have time to do this ceremony ~ catch her light on your body, from a window, outside, or during your sleep. She will bless you.

This is the Full Moon that ushers in spring. Gather. Enjoy. Savor. Her love, light and fullness are here for you.

With so much love and delight for you.
Full Moon Blessings,
Debra
Moon Mama

Spring Skin Care

Spring is here and its time to remove all those winter reminders ~ including that layer of dead skin cells! One of the biggest gifts you can give your skin at the end of winter is a good exfoliation followed by a great moisturizer.

I love honey. For the face and body. Using honey will gently exfoliate, pH balance your skin and leave it feeling soft, smooth and glowing. And ~ Ooh la la ~ we have created a NEW! Honey Body Cleanser just for YOU! To give your skin that fresh, clean smell and glow. Our body cleanser is made with honey, rose petals, essential oils and YES! a pinch of jade gem powder to invigorate, calm and heal. Try it out and let your skin sing like the spring birds!

Now. Lets hydrate that sweet skin.

Moisturizing your skin at night is best. If you are someone who loves to shower or bath at night, it is the best time to hydrate your skin. Hydrating your skin at night is beneficial because moisture leaves your skin as you sleep and so to keep your skin soft and supple its great to apply before bed. You will wake up with sweet, soft skin!

Best time to apply your body butter is after your shower, while your skin is still damp. Patting your skin dry instead of rubbing it is the best way to leave your skin slightly damp. Apply your body butter in circular motions and be generous on areas that need it most! 

Here are some other ways to pamper your skin as you move into spring:

1. Callus Relief ~ give those pesky calluses a little help! Body butter helps to soften the thick skin, giving you both a little relief.
2. Hair Replenishing ~ body butter is a treat for hair ~ along with sesame, sunflower and jojoba oils ~ they all love your hair and will give your hair a great pick me up if it is feeling dry or stressed.
   
   
   
   photo by jessica felicio on unsplash
   
3. Cuticle Saver ~ massage a tiny amount into each cuticle and push them back or better yet, add this to your night routine and wake up with healthy hydrated digits!
4. Stretch Marks & Scars ~ body butter can visibly reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. It heals the skin and helps if regenerate
5. Amazing Aftershave ~ a simple dollop of body butter after you shave will leave your legs smooth, silky and invigorated.
6. Baby skin ~ shea butter is wonderful for baby’s skin and offers protection while enhancing the growth of healthy skin cells. Our Baby Gems is made with lavender & german chamomile, two essential oils known to be safe, gentle, soothing and calming for skin and senses.
   
   
   
   photo by lubomirkin on unsplash
7. Herbal facial steams ~ herbal facial steams are healing and moisturizing for skin and pores. Done weekly they can give your skin and lungs a spring boost. Bi-weekly is a dream and don’t be shy, doing these daily can add so much love to your skin and is a great way to de-stress. AND you can now buy herbal facial steams separately ~ you asked and although it took a while to get them up ~ they are here for your spring routine! Herbal Facial Steams

And here are a few other benefits you get from our body butters and oils:

Shea butter has fatty acids, is rich in vitamins and minerals that are wonderful for moisturizing skin and keeping it healthy and soft year round. The antioxidants help to protect the skin from free radicals and keeps it smooth and plump. It also fights inflammation and is one of the best butters to help your skin retain its moisture;

Jojoba Oil ~ is great for moisturizing the skin and keeping it hydrated by locking in the moisture and protecting it from the drying effects of the environment. Basically this is a wonderful skin care treatment! For your hair it is a great dandruff remedy, improves hair thickness, and great for moisturizing dry hair;

Sunflower Oil ~ is packed with A, B, C, E and betacarotene, potassium iron calcium aleic acid. Great moisturizer for skin and promotes hair growth…great for skin helps regenerates skin cells protective barrier to skin and retain moisture.. stimulates hair growth, great for stopping breakage and moisturizing to dry hair;

Sesame Oil ~ did you know that this is the oldest oilseed crop known to humanity?! This oil penetrates deeply into the pores, keeping your skin hydrated and soft. Improves hair growth and maintains scalp health.

OK! One last share! If you are feeling brave and full of spring vibes ~ ending your hot shower with a cold shower is a great way to give your body a dose of increased circulation. While hot water is great for opening up and increasing your blood flow, cooling down the body will send the signal to move your blood internally towards your organs. This is a great way to flush out the toxins stored in your lymphatic system. They need this extra support as they do not have a heart to pump the blood around and need a little manual support ~ so the hot/cold actually gives the lymphatic system the pumping it needs to flush. It’s a great way to give yourself that morning mind boost too!

Keeping your skin hydrated daily, especially if you are bathing or showering daily, helps your skin to stay healthy and soft. It is not something that should wait until you see the scaling and find your skin itchy and irritated. Keeping it moist and healthy prevents your skin from aging, relieves skin conditions, and feels good. It is a self-care routine that can bring happiness to your senses and keep your skin soft and supple. 

So there you go my dear spring gems ~ spring forward!

Love, love,
Debra
Moon Mama

Watery Beginnings ~ New Moon in Pisces

Tomorrow at 8:04 am PST (11:04 am EST) we have a New Moon in Pisces. Grandmother Moon moved into the sign of Pisces this morning at 12:11 am PST (3:11 am EST).  Pisces Moon energy is fruitful, feminine, cool and moist. 

This is the last New Moon of the Astrological Year ~ the New Year for Astrology begins with the New Moon in Aries.

Pisces is a feminine, water sign. She is ruled by the dreamy, romantic, nostalgic, magical planet of Neptune! The Moon and Neptune are in charge of fluids ~ both planetary and bodily. Neptune and Pisces also rule the feet, toes, and the lymphatic and endocrine systems.

We have four planets in Pisces right now: the Sun, Moon, Neptune and Mercury. Three feminine planets: Mercury the Queen of communication and leadership, the Moon, our Wise Woman guiding us to trust our truth and authenticity, and Neptune the Mermaid Goddess nudging us into dreamy states of romance and magic, and the Sun, the masculine energy of life, energy, rebirth and power. You might be noticing all of these energies or maybe only a few and maybe they will shift over the next 48 hours.

Water elements bring you into your dreams and feminine signs signal a time to work with fluidity, movement, internal focus, to feel more than think, and to receive and be receptive. 

Water Lily photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash

The flower for the sign of Pisces is the Water Lily. The lily is a sacred flower in many traditions around the world and signifies a time of new birth. She tells us to be alert to new opportunities .. so pay attention as they can sometimes be subtle. And remember, opportunities are never lost...they will come back around one day!

Ash Tree is the celtic tree for February 18 - March 17th. The buds you see above show the beautiful spirals these buds make ~ and is why this tree is linked to the spiral of life. The Ash tree is a feminine energy and is also known as the tree of life. Her color is glass green and the ash moon is also known as the Moon of Waters. She is the tree of prosperity, protection and healing. her healing gemstones are turquoise and lepediolite to increase your intuitive awareness. Her message to you ~ know yourself and you will know the world. 

Here are a few thoughts to hold under this Moon time ~

• Are you feeling any sudden insights or new ideas?
• Are you feeling fluid in thoughts and dreams?
• As you turn inward can you feel your prayer/intention as well as speak it?
• Are you aware of what wants to move through you to create new space for your new intentions?

A ritual for you:

• We are going to work with the four elements, water, air, earth and fire, over the next two days.
• We are starting with water to feel the fluidity of dreaming while floating in her liquid love. Take a bath ~ tonight or tomorrow night to really take in the movement and fluidity of water. Carry a prayer/intention that has heart and meaning for you ~ something that you can carry forward with fluid commitment. Let yourself be guided by the invisible currents beneath you ~ inside of you. Doing this before your seed day helps you to mark the beginning of your new cycle. Carry your seed prayer/intention with you to bed and ask the dream master to work with you on your intention in your dreams. When you awake, try your best to remember any dreams and speak or write them down.
• Now we are ready to work with the element of Air ~ speak your intention ~ not once, not twice, but THREE times!
• Now comes the manifestation of the earth element. You are now going to do one solid thing to make it come true ~ even if it is only writing it down! If you can take a step towards your dream, such as making a phone call, writing a letter etc. DO IT! Commit yourself to the journey.
• Last is the fire element. Celebrate your success in following your dream, passion, seed prayer. Dance. Hug yourself. Make your favorite meal. Or if you can run out under the spring rain and catch some raindrops! Anything to celebrate you, gems. 

If I could chose to come back as an element it would be water ~ river, ocean, lake, stream! I hope you can take a risk of crossing the great river into unknown territory under this beautiful, watery moon. Let if flow.

New Moon Blessings,
Debra
Moon Mama 

Full Moon in Virgo ~ Mystical, Earthy Energy

Tonight I am writing this blog as I sit in the high desert in beautiful Colorado. I am sending this blog early to share with you that tonight (~60 hrs prior to the Full Moon) is a great time to notice any triggers that happen under a Full Moon. Under this Virgo Full Moon, may find yourself feeling a bit judgmental of others, or getting caught up in details or perfectionism that keeps you from acting or getting things done. Being aware of this time is helpful. 

On Tuesday, February 19th at 7:53 am PST or (10:53 am EST) we have a Super Full Moon in Virgo. This moon carries a mystical, earthy energy that might move you through deep, unconscious feelings. Now is a time to look at what needs to come to an end and what you are ready to bring to life.

Native Americans called this Moon the Worm Moon as this is the time of the year when the earth begins to soften and the earthworms begin to make their way to the surface.

Virgo is a feminine, mutable, earth sign. She rules the intestines, digestive and nervous system. Her ruling planet is Mercury. She is all about intellect, communication, wisdom and intuition!

Virgo Moons can open up our energy around our life paths and encourage us to bring our radiance out into the world to support healing for ourselves and others. This is a wonderful time to work with your Throat Chakra. Clearing the Throat Chakra helps you to have good, clear communication enabling you to express yourself authentically. 

Full Moon Ceremony

Full Moons are a time for releasing , letting go and recalibrating. Under a Full Moon in Virgo you may find that your organizational skills are available and so grab that urge and run with it!

Taking time for ceremony can deeply nourish your spirit and soul and afterwards you may find that you are more clear and connected to your center. If you can gather with others under this Moon, please do! 

A sweet ceremony for you:

1. Go for a walk in nature. A park is good, or by a river or lake is lovely. Watch for signs of spring birds  (robin, sandhill cranes and Canadian geese moving north again) or just catch the singing birds. I am in love with the songs of the red-wing blackbirds, they are crazy beautiful right now. Watch for tree buds or flowers breaking through the earth. I took a picture, see below, of these beautiful daffodil buds. I was in awe of their tenacity for reaching the sun even through the snow!
   
   
   
   And if you drive to your spot ~ watch for pot-holes in the roads ~ another sign of spring!

2. Then when you get home take a look at the symbolism of the birds or animals or trees you take in and how you can work with their energy under this Full Moon. Here are a few examples of what I saw and what they are teaching me to work with as I move into the Full Moon Energy:

• Daffodil: Her message is about trusting in ones power. It calls for the awakening of inspiration, of a new season upon us. She calls us to trust in our creativity and power ~ we have more power to change things than we realize! I will be holding onto the message of trusting in my power to change.
• Juniper Tree Buds: a message of protection, love, health and cleansing ~ I will work on the cleansing!
• Redwing Blackbird: Teaches us about the energies of Mother Nature . The redwing blackbird is connected to the creative forces of nature. Her black color is associated with the Cabalistic Tree of Life (symbolizing fresh starts or positive energy), the red in her wing is a symbol of energy, and the yellow is the color of the path that connects the two, the path of cancer, the mother of the zodiac! I will be working on connecting my energy to positive, fresh starts. 

3. This is also a wonderful time to find a prayer stick. There are many fallen sticks on the soft, wet, earth right now. So if you find one that is calling you ~ bring it home and let it dry out and we will work with again next month.
   
   
4. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What is stirring in you?
• Is there something you are called to begin?
• What is needing to end? Let go?
   
• Create your altar. Add colors of the earth: green, brown, reds and yellows. Gemstones you might want to work with are agates, blue sapphires, carnelian or jasper. A few great scents to work with are cypress and frankincense or burn a little sweet grass. Place your new prayer stick on the altar (more on how to use and dress your prayer stick later <3)
  
  
• Make a cup of Tea for your ceremony ~ 

• Fennel tea is great for digestive issues;
• Valerian is very calming for the nervous system;
• Skullcap is perfect for quieting a busy mind!

Mother Earth is shifting into spring and we are shifting with her ~ feel the movement? We live in a world where endings are beginnings and beginnings are endings ~ everything comes full circle. We take for granted that each day we wake up to a new US, to someone we have never been before and will never be again.

Catch the Moonlight over these coming evenings ~ open your curtains and soak up her light while sleeping or in the morning during your meditation/ritual. It is something magical to experience. And who knows it may shine light into areas you never knew existed ~ but be prepared that it may not be something you wanted to know and so it is sometimes jarring ~ but always healing.

And .... don't forget to put out your Moon Water gems ~

Full Moon Love,
Debra
Moon Mama

New Moon in Aquarius ~ Mind over Matter

Our Aquarius New Moon is here tomorrow, February 4th, at 1:04 pm PST (4:04 p.m. EST) and is a magical Cazimi Moon. New Moons in Aquarius bring us the element of air and usher in the energies of clarity of thought, intellect, visionary dreaming and the desires of working with the collective energy to make the world a better place. We are gifted by the water bearer with beautiful ideas and thoughts. Time to churn out those amazing ideas gems and shower the world with your creativity and love.

Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and Uranus. These planets bring us strong and vibrant messages. Aquarius rules the ankles ~ a good reminder of the important way we stand for the collective and ourselves.

I believe February is a month to be celebrated ≈ we have so much love and happiness to work with!

This new moon is on the tail of Imbolc, a time for new beginnings ~ can you feel the stirrings of new life under your feet? There is freshness in the air moving in and around us. It is there to carry us far and wide over the next two weeks, this month, through the new year… are you ready?!

We also have all of the planets moving forward offering us a lot of wonderful energy to invest into new beginnings ~ can you feel the energy of new beginnings yet?

Today, we also have Venus ~ our planet of love and beauty ~ entering orderly, practical Capricorn. Time to get real about our desires and serious about our finances.

And lets not forget this is a Cazimi Moon ~ so if you want to work on something new this is a great time to bring it forward. The Cazimi Moon for those who are new to the blog is where the Moon and the Sun are at a magical degree creating a little ‘zing’ of beauty to the New Moon energy. This is available 30 minutes before and after the New Moon (for this New Moon it is from 12:34 until 1:34 pm PST). Setting intentions during this time is lovely if you can make it happen!

So I share a few ideas on how to work with these New Moon in Aquarius energies~ 

• SPACE CLEARING FOR NEW IDEAS ~ time to make space for all that creativity and those inventive visions gems! Clean out your closet, your underwear drawer, or what ever will make you sigh and feel so wonderfully spacious!! You can clear your mind by changing your space ~ truly. So take a few hours today or tomorrow to clear a space (even the top of your desk) before planting your seeds for this new moon. DO IT NOW!!

• CREATIVITY ~ If you are feeling artistic ~ create a hanging vision board. Be creative and use colors, textures and anything that brings you happiness. Hang it in the bathroom, kitchen or bring it to work and hang it from a lamp or coat rack or on the wall! Just be sure to hang it so that it brings in the air element <3.
• DREAMING WITH INTENTION ~ Did you know that you have at least 4-5 dreams every night? Dreams can tell you a lot about your life and what your subconscious is trying to share with you. Joan Borysenko says, “ Intention is the doorway to recalling your dreams and making yourself available to the insights and guidance they often provide.” She believes that by placing a strong intention for remembering your dreams before going to sleep is equivalent to asking for guidance on life situations, to grow spiritually and to receive healing. This is a perfect time to start a dream journal and dream into your intention and year. Here are the steps she gives to recalling and journaling your dreams:
  • Choose a journal ~ not just any journal but one that is appealing. She suggests athat you even decorate the cover with an image from a strong dream that you remember to affirm your belief that dreams are important.
  • Keep your dreams journal for dreams only. This keeps your intention to recall your dreams stronger.
  • Place your journal next to your bed ~ be sure it is close enough that you DO NOT have to get out of bed to reach it! Also keep a clock, pen and light near (you can use a flashlight or I love the mighty bright book lights J.)
  • Before you go to sleep write tomorrows date in your journal ~ a subconscious message to remember your dreams. Write an intention in your journal ~ she suggests something like “I will remember my dreams” or “I need guidance on….”. It could be about work, relationships, or whatever you are needing guidance on.
  • Notice if you wake in the middle of the night what it is that wakes you up. Is it a full bladder? A snoring partner? Outside noises? Most likely, these disruptors will be incorporated into your dream. Before moving (hard for me!!) catch the tail of your dream and then grab your journal and give your dream a title ~ something fun! Adding a few short sentences and it will help you to recollect the dream in the morning.
  • Upon waking in the morning ~ don’t move! Haha! Again hard for me to remember not to move! This helps you to stay close to the dream state and where recall is best. ASK YOURSELF what you were dreaming and even before you roll over and grab your journal, give your dream a title ~ “something snappy”, she says! You will need to give yourself a few extra minutes in the morning to take the time to remember and record your dreams (5-10 minutes).
  • When you write your dreams in your journal use the first person, and add as much detail as you can.
  • Last, if you want discuss your dreams with a trusted friend or family member. She suggests that you avoid analyzing each others dreams, but instead as Revernd Jeremy Tayor suggests, preface your comments with “If that was my dream…). Hearing from others can sometimes trigger greater insight into your dreams.
• MENTAL CLARITY ~ To celebrate Imbolc and this New Moon ~ bake a seed cake! There are tons of recipes online, so I will let you find the one that works best for you, but I want to share a little thought on the caraway seeds that are included in these lovely cakes!
  • Caraway is bound to Mercury & Air! This lovely seed is a memory herb and is known for its protective properties. It is also associated with LOVE and can be carried to attract or keep your loved one close.

AND, on Tuesday, February 5^th, we celebrate the Chinese New Year. We are entering the Year of the PIG. The PIG is a symbol of good luck, happiness and abundance ~ could we ask for more than all of this for February? 2019?

Tonight, go outside and breathe in some of that beautiful air and catch the happiness. 

New Moon Blessings,
Debra
Moon Mama

Live by the Sun, Thrive by the Moon

I’m going to admit it…It has been years since I had a consistent AM and PM skincare routine. When I first began working for Gemstone Organic ~ I fell in love with the face cremes and hydrosols!  Then one day, Debra asked me if I’d like to try the Sun and Moon Facial Cleansers. I’m not going to lie... I was less enthusiastic about this idea. Face Cremes and Hydrosols...yes please :), but twice a day cleansers sounded like work.

I put the jars on my shelf for a week and thought about trying them everyday. Finally, my co-worker mentioned how much she was lovin’ the cleansers. This got me thinking, what was I waiting for...so that night I decided to take the plunge!

Well, let me tell you...man was I wrong about the cleansers being “work”. I not only did not dread them, but I actually got excited to get up and wash my face and then do it again before I tucked myself in at night. The morning (sun) cleanser awakened my senses with its sweet, granulated mixture of raw honey and rose petals. The night (moon) cleanser calmed me down with its poppy seed infused clay and soft scent of lavender. The two cleansers reminded me that taking care of myself, taking care of my skin, could be a luxurious experience that I wanted to do everyday, not just needed to do.

So enough about me. Try them for yourself. I went from only using a cleanser in the shower to now putting a couple of minutes aside each morning and night to happily commune with my face.

Not convinced yet. Let’s get down to the science of why these mixtures not only feel good, but also are bangin’ for your skin. Here are the ingredients in the two cleansers:

Sun Clean: raw, unfiltered organic honey, organic rose petals, organic thyme essential oil

Moon Clean: bentonite clay, organic lavender hydrosol, organic chia seeds, organic poppy seeds, and organic lavender essential oil

Let’s start with...The Sun Cleanser ~ raw honey has both antibacterial properties to help with acne and also skin saving antioxidants to help slow down the effects of aging. Honey is also great at unclogging pores and clarifying skin. Rose petals have natural oils that help trap moisture and hydrate skin. These dried petals are also great at gently exfoliating the skin. And lastly, thyme essential oil is a great antiseptic and antibacterial that can tone aged skin and prevent acne outbreaks.

And now to….The Moon Cleanser ~ bentonite clay is known for unclogging dirt and oil from your pores and helping to shrink them. The clay can also draw out heavy metals and other toxins from the skin and it is loaded with silica that helps make skin super soft :). The poppy and chia seeds are both gentle scrubs that exfoliate the skin while also leaving the skin soft and moisturized. The lavender hydrosol is a wonderful skin toner while the lavender essential oil has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help fight off blemishes and heal burns.

So there you have it. These cleansers are not just a yummy experience for your senses, but they are also a natural way to protect, heal, and nourish your skin from morning through night :).

With Love, Meagan
Gemstone Sorceress

Full Moon in Leo ~ Blood Moon ~ Super Moon ~ Wolf Moon ~ Full Lunar Eclipse

Tonight at 9:16 pm PST (January 21st at 12:16 pm EST) is the Full Moon in Leo ~ our Wolf Moon, Blood Moon, Super Moon, and Full Lunar Eclipse. Information on these energies are flooding the internet ~ there is so much to read, so many thoughts on how to feel and what to expect.

So I have chosen to keep this blog simple. As I want you to find your own way to feel and work with the energies.  The Moon teaches us to work in cycles to allow old growth to be moved out of the way so that we can make space for the new ~ a releasing. Maybe you don't need to make anything happen right now but to take some time to breathe and bring your energy back to your roots. To recover your sense of your own strength and autonomy, to create space for that fire to build up inside of you, to reconnect with you. 

At this time of winter I begin to feel the rumble, the thunder within that is waiting for me to bring it to fruition. Spring is on her way. I can feel her budding energy starting to rise up in me.

I love the Moon. She teaches me so much about myself. I try to listen to her as she moves with my body and senses and all the spaces in between.

These planetary energies are here for each of us and we experience them individually. We may feel them deeply and we may not feel them at all. Yet they are there like the air we breathe and they touch us and move with us and guide us. I find that it is a time of learning so many beautiful teachings around astrology, the Moon and listening to our intuitive energies. However, we sometimes become so flooded with information that we loose our own journey.

So I encourage each of you to listen to your gut, your intuition and know that only the information that touches you in a deep place is your truth. It is like a returning home to the place inside you that holds your truth. So listen and learn from others, yet be sure to check in with you, with your inner home. 

Take time to return inward, it is a two way road, one inward and outward. To gather your fire and creativity and find harmony within you. It will give you the recharge to keep you centered in YOU when you are in the world at large. 

So enjoy these energies and trust the feelings and love and energy that is playing with you. Take time to feel. That is what Grandmother Moon is about; and when she is in Leo, she is firing up your life with courage and strength and creativity. That is a beautiful message.

And don't forget to put out your Moon Water gems! 

Full Moon Love,
Debra
Moon Mama

5 Simple Steps to Detox

This is a time of year when we start to feel our energy beginning to build again! Spring is coming and we know that we want to feel and look good for those days when our minds and bodies are energized by the warmth and light of spring days. Many times we want to jump into a cleanse and yet don't have the time for a full fast or deep detox...yet!

So here are a few simple daily adjustments that can support your body detox and are good for you in so many other ways too!

#1 - CHANGE TO A PURE, ORGANIC SKINCARE ROUTINE

It may sound 'cliche' yet, skincare is a very important first step in the process of detoxifying the body. A pure, organic skincare routine can keep your skin healthy, protect you from environmental elements you are exposed to and keep your hormones safe from harmful chemicals that can wreak havoc on your body.  Head over the to the website and take our Free Skin Reading to learn more about which products can support you and your skin and receive $5.00 off on your first purchase.

#2 - START YOUR DAY WITH LEMON WATER

This simple step will help to kick-start your organs and help to flush out yesterdays toxins! Drinking water at room temperature is important, cold water first thing in the morning is shocking to your organs. Squeeze in some lemon (or if you prefer, apple cider vinegar) and you will gain these amazing benefits:

• Vitamin C & Potassium ~ great for stimulating your brain, boosting your immune system and wonderful for your skin.
• Lemons (and limes) are high in minerals that can help loosen toxins in the digestive tract
• Lemons are also high in pectin fibers which can help to fight hunger cravings. Maintaining a more alkaline diet will also support hunger cravings!
• Want to add a little morning fire?  Add a teaspoon/or dash of cayenne pepper! The capsaicin in cayenne will boost your metabolism,  help reduce hunger, aid in your digestive health and improve psoriasis.

#3 - MOVEMENT

Moving our body daily is not something that really takes more time than one normally spends on social media these days! So drop the phone and take a walk, turn on some music and dance or do some simple stretching. Movement can release tension, help to move your toxins so they are released, and clears our mind.  Moving will help hake off that sluggish feeling we get from sitting too much. Make sure is it something you do for yourself and if you can do it outside you get the extra benefit of the exhilaration from fresh air in your lungs and on your skin! 

#4 - STAY HYDRATED ~ EAT YOUR WATER!

Your food, not just what you drink, can account for 20% of your daily fluid intake. Choosing foods that are rich in water and minerals is a great way to add energy. The more hydrated you are the faster your body can flush toxins from your system!

• Cucumbers (96.7%) have the highest water content of any solid food and they are so delicious and easy to add to your daily meal or snack! Add cucumbers to your water ~ easy and hydrating! If you want to take a little more time, blend it with yogurt, mint and ice cubes to create a hydrating soup!
• Celery (95.4%) is next in line for high water content.  This is not only great in salads but great for snacks and just about anytime! It also comes packed with vitamin A,C, and K. An added benefit is that it neutralizes stomach acid ~ great for acid reflux. very popular today but one that i have loved for years! I cannot tell you how much I love eating the green tops of celery! Many times you will see these delicious, nutritious tops removed in grocery stores. So when you can, I suggest shopping at your local farmers market to buy your celery with the tops full and green!
• Tomatoes (94.5%) are another easy add to your daily diet! They can be eaten on salads, sandwiches or by themselves. Slice up the big ones or pop a sweet cherry into your mouth to get the explosive flavor as you bit into them!
• Cauliflower, yes cauliflower, is high in water (92.1%) and also packed with vitamins and phytonutrienets that can ehlp lower cholesterol and fight cancer! These little florets can be eaten alone or on a salad or roasted to bring your mouth a satisfying crunch!
• Grapefuit (90.5%) is a great way to start your morning or to add as an afternoon snack. Not only hydrating, but great for lowering cholesterol, stabilize blood sugars and has compounds that can help to reduce cravings.

There are many other foods high in water content, melons (of course!), broccoli, radishes, green peppers, strawberries, and spinach to name a few. I want to emphasize the importance of choosing organic produce. Eating organic is an important way to reduce the amount of toxins (chemical pesticides, herbicides, etc.) your body has to process. Today we are blessed to have organic foods that are more affordable, so please choose organic when you can ~ for your body and the environment.

#5 - TAKE TIME TO BREATHE

Take a deep breathe right now! We can easily find ourselves in shallow breathing many times during the day and just stopping to take a deep breathe several times can really bring us back into our bodies. If you take time to do even a few minutes of deep breathing daily it can help your body tremendously. Oxygen pushes out carbon dioxide to rid our bodies of toxins. When we oxygenate our blood it can better absorb the vitamins and minerals we feed it ~ and improves the flow of our lymphatic system. Spray yourself with some Organic Gem Juice ~ it will not only help you to remember to breathe deeply, it will bring you all the benefits of aromatherapy.

Our bodies are miraculous machines ~ so give yourself a little love and detox at the same time! 

I would love to hear what your favorite ways are to detox!

Take care of you,
xx Debra
Moon Mama

Gem Juice to the Rescue!

We are at that time of winter when our skin is calling for a little extra moisture due to the dry air of the indoor and outdoor environments. 

So I say, Gem Juice to the Rescue! 

Our Gem Juice Hydrosols are made from 100 percent high-vibrational organic plant waters. They contain active plant ingredients that help support skin hydration and soothe inflammation and so much more. Please note ~ hydrosols are not flower waters! Hydrosols contain the imprint of the plant as they are created in the distillation process of the flower oil. There is a big difference in what they have to offer your skin. 

So lets talk about how you can use these enchanting plant waters to bring relief to your dry skin:

To support you and your skin in these colder winter days we are sharing 

15% Off All GEM JUICE HYDROSOLS 
through Friday, January 11th! 

Use the code WINTERSKIN at checkout

Give yourself a little extra sprtiz ~ it will not only feel good, it will do you better!

Love, love,
Debra
Moon Mama