Radically Holistic Beauty

Capricorn Full Moon ~ Full Hearted Commitments

Tonight, Saturday, July 4^th, we have a Full Moon in Capricorn at 9:44 pm PST (12:44 am EST on Sunday, July 5^th). The Full Moon will be followed by a penumbral lunar eclipse ~ a time to set deep intentions. 

This Capricorn Full Moon is the first Full Moon of the summer and is also known as the Buck Moon by the Native Algonquin tribes. The Buck Moon signifies the time of the antlers growth and the soft covering they exhibit. Antlers are like a crown and grow beyond the body, bringing the buck closer to the sky. Similar to the deer, the male Goat is also know as a Buck. However, the horns of the Goat are considered to represent strength, virility and power.

Capricorn is a feminine earth sign and brings us back into our bodies, to ground and connect and to create a strong foundation. She is a cardinal sign, signs of initiation. She rules the bones and joints, and has the ruling planet of Saturn.

Full Moons are a time to release ~ anything, big or small. I believe this Capricorn Full Moon calls us to work on our commitments, to release patterns that have stifled us from holding our commitments.

In Richard Rudd’s book The Gene Keys, he talks about commitment under the 29^th Gene Key.

He states that the secret to all commitments lies in the way you begin. It is the energy you put behind your actions rather that the actions themselves. It does not matter if you love or hate your action, you must put the same energy into doing the dishes as you would into your favorite project. There is nothing worth doing in this life unless it is done with absolute commitment. Anything you do halfheartedly lacks power of direction and yes, even luck! When you place your heart and soul into your action with the commitment of your heart and soul it carries the seed of good fortune. This universal law is an invitation for you to trust in life. Half-heartedness robs you of participating in life’s mystery and keeps you a victim of fate. You are being dishonest with yourself. Commitments can be of many different lengths and sometimes there is no simple way to know when something will end ~ however, it is important to remain committed until the play ends of its own accord. When we break our commitments early, we will find that we will reconstruct the same patterns of experience until we actually finish the cycle and learn the lessons it holds for us. We can learn the value of our experiences when we look back and see the same emotional traumas repeating themselves in our life and learn what we are doing or not doing that is causing these patterns.

First, there must be truth and confidence, truth to the present moment and trust in your inner knowing so you can be unreservedly present with an unshakable grasp on your heart. This is the truest test of your convictions, when you have no way of knowing where your leaps of faith might land.

Capricorn is depicted as having half her body in water and half on the earth. Earth is open and receptive and wants to support you in following your desires. She makes inspiration manifest by giving it form and the ability to sustain its growth. She is open and ready to lend her strength to the work without limit while accepting all things in the present state and the potential state. She is unconditional.

When Capricorn places herself in flowing water, she is deep and formless. She follows the fluid intuitive and emotional way of perceiving. Here she responds with courageous self-reliance when confronted by the unknown. When she places herself in the calm waters of lakes or marshes her energy teems with life. She can bring things into circulation and give them voice through sharing and communication. She finds the shear enjoyment of participating in life to the fullest.

My ritual for you under this Full Moon and over the next two weeks is to release your half-hearted commitments and find those commitments that you place your energy into fully and with heart. Find those commitments that show patterns of repeating and find the lesson so that you can release them.

1. Do a meditation under a tree and if you can ~ find one with roots showing so that you can be near those beauties to really learn how to move deep into the earth to release and receive. Roots of trees are great to be around as they bring us back to our cultural roots.
2. Meditate by the water of your choice. Which waters are you called to work with ~ still waters or flowing water? If you are not by a body of water work with water at home by bathing or placing your self under the running water of the shower.
3. Focus on your Sacral Chakra over the next two weeks to help you ground into your desires, sexual energy, patterns of failure and success. Work with the gemstones of Orange Calcite, Sunstone or Carnelian; drink Cinnamon Tea or use the essential oil of YlangYlang to open and connect with your passion center.
4. Write or create vision boards or color mandalas to find your clarity and the places that you need to better focus your commitments. Finding which ones to let go of or what your patterns are that you need to release.
5. Ride your bike and let the wind blow the cobwebs from you so that you can be open to receiving. Whatever supports you in this journey ~do it!
6. Practice receiving. Receiving in obvious and subtle ways.

This is not a time to hide yourself away and grieve the past. Decide what you will do, take it on and make the practical preparations to march out. True commitment helps you to overcome obstacles and adversity and fill your life with joyful desires.

And don’t forget to put your Moon Water out tonight! If you feel called to add a gemstone for this Full Moon, Agate would be lovely <3. 

Full Moon Blessings,
Debra
Moon Mama

New Moon in Gemini ~ Renew, Rediscover, Revitalize

This morning, at 10:38 am PST (1:38 pm EST), we have our New Moon in Gemini shifting from Dark Moon to New Moon and later to Crescent Moon. My picture above is meant to describe the world at large today as there is so much going on in the skies and here on Mother Earth herself. I find that I am reeling in all of this energy and looking for solid ground to stand on; yet, at the same time feeling grounded! This duality change and stillness is felt deep and has me shifting in ways I never have before. Maybe some of you can relate.

And so as we move into our sweet New Moon in Gemini, I find that I am looking to undergo a reset by checking in with my thoughts and my body. Something that is especially wonderful to do under this New Moon in Gemini.

Gemini falls under the element of air, the ruling planet of Mercury and rules the upper body, arms, hands, shoulders, nervous system, airway AND lungs. Interesting, very interesting.

Air is the element that connects all other elements (fire, water, earth, ether). It is circular in motion; has the power to shift, change, and shape your inner and outer landscape; it is the wind beneath your wings; the power of your heart to direct you into action. We breathe in, we breathe out, as naturally as the air moves around us.

Gemini is about communication and our thoughts and I believe that our thoughts create the reality of the world around us. It is about moving through change and finding the stillness.

This is the time to connect with air.

We also have the energy of Venus beginning her retrograde in Gemini. She has left the night sky and will be missed until she returns again on June 3^rd. When she reappears, she will light our mornings with her beautiful presence. I cannot wait. I want to move with her over these next few weeks and make that change from night to morning; to rise feeling renewed, revitalized and re-discovered.

Here are two rituals to use during this New Moon and Venus Retrograde and over the next two weeks. One is to help loosen our thoughts and connect with our inner voice; let us listen to our inner voice first, always, forever! And one to reconnect with our body:

• NADI SHODHAN ~ alternate nostril breathing
  
  This is a wonderful breathing exercise for harmonizing the two hemispheres of the brain, bringing you balance in mind, body and spirit. 
  
  Concentrate for 3-5 minutes on your normal breath. Sit comfortably, spine upright, then raise the right hand to Pranayama Mudra. Close the right nostril with the thumb and inhale through the left nostril slightly deeper than normal. Open the right nostril, at the same time closing the left nostril with the ring finger. Exhale slowly and gently through the right nostril. Perform 20 rounds of this alternate nostril breathing. Return the hand to the knee and concentrate for 2-3 minutes on the normal breath. Again raise the right hand to Pranayama Mudra. Close the left nostril with the right ring finger and inhale deeply through the right nostril. Open the left nostril, at the same time closing the right nostril with the thumb. Slowly exhale through the left. Perform 20 rounds of this alternate nostril breathing. Return the hand to the knee and concentrate for 3-5 minutes on the normal breath.
  
  
• BODY MEDITATION ~ this only takes a few minutes but is very enlightening:
• Sit down and tell yourself a truth out loud, such as I love to paint. Go inward and notice how your body feels when you tell yourself a truth.
  Get up and do something around the house for just one minute ~ no more.
• Sit down again and say to yourself out loud, I hate to paint. Notice how your body responds to this message ~ something happens in your body when you tell yourself a lie ~ get to know that response.
  
  With practice ~ this exercise will help you to discriminate your body’s wisdom and teach you to follow your truth.

Here are a few thoughts for preparing for your ritual:

• When creating your altar and sacred space use a feather to fan the smoke from your incense, palo santo or sage, as you cleanse your alter, space and yourself. Or use a flute or horn (something that takes air to create the music) for cleansing your space.
• Great colors to use are yellows, blues or silver.
• You can also add fragrant flowers or an essential oil to bring scent into the air.
• Air is associated with iron and copper, so it would be good to wear these jewelry items or place them on your altar.

And here are a few questions to ponder before, during or after your ritual:

How can you use these energies of air to move your resistance?
Where does your imagination take you?
What inspires you?
How are your words influencing your world? 

This beautiful twin moon reminds us that we have two arms, two spheres, two lungs, two feet, and two eyes ~ use them and be grateful for them as they carry you on your journey.

New Moon Wishes,
Debra
Moon Mama

Celebrating Mothers Day ~ A Proclamation of Peace

Today I want to share a short history of “Mothers’ Day, as I believe it adds important meaning to our celebration of motherhood.

Taken from Heather Cox Richardson ... Letters from an American:

Mothers’ Day actually started in the 1870s, when Julia Ward Howe had a new vision. She was a talented poet and writer who wrote the Battle Hymn of the Republic in the early years of the Civil War, and whose lyrics made point that Christ was “born of woman.” She was drawn to women’s rights because the laws of her time meant that her children belonged to her abusive husband and if she left him, she would lose any rights to see her children, something he threw at her whenever she threatened to leave him. She was not at first a radical in the women’s movement under Elizabeth Cady Stanton who fought for women’s right to equality with men, but believed that women, as mothers had a special role to perform in the world.

She found war traumatic and after the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, she remembered: “I was visited by a sudden feeling of the cruel and unnecessary character of the contest. It seemed to me a return to barbarism, the issue having been one which might easily have been settled without bloodshed. The question forced itself upon me, “Why do not the mothers of mankind interfere in these matters, to prevent the waste of that human life of which they alone know and bear the cost?”

Howe had a new vision, she said, of “the august dignity of motherhood and its terrible responsibilities.” She sat down immediately and wrote an “Appeal to Womanhood Throughout the World.” Men always had and always would decide questions by resorting to “mutual murder.” But women did not have to accept this state of affairs, she wrote. Mothers could command their sons to stop the madness.

It was the enormity of loss caused by the Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War that convinced American women that women must take control of politics from the men who had permitted such carnage. But out of the war also came a new sense of empowerment. Women had bought bonds, paid taxes, raised money for the war effort, managed farms, harvested fields, worked in war industries, reared children, and nursed soldiers. When the war ended, they had every intention of continuing to participate in national affairs. But the Fourteenth Amendment, which established that African American men were citizens, did not include women. In 1869, women organized the National American Woman’s Suffrage Association and the American Woman’s Suffrage Association to promote women’s right to have a say in American government.

From her home in Boston, Julia Ward Howe was a key figure in the American Woman’s Suffrage Association.

"Arise, women! Howe commanded. Say firmly: “We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies. Our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience. We, women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country, to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.”

Mothers’ Day was not designed to encourage people to be nice to their mothers. It was part of women’s effort to gain power to change modern society.

In addition to this short history, I would also like to honor the neighborhood mothers of my childhood. These beautiful women, mothers, friends, were like second mothers to me as they were always there to teach me about life. Josie Robinson Johnson taught me about civil rights and the struggles and beauty of being black. She continues to teach me today of the importance of fighting against the injustice of all people; Norma Anderson taught me about the struggles of raising a child with a disability and how they are a grace to society; Grace Wangaard, taught me how the ups and downs of life bring a richness to our lives; and my dear mother, Carol Katinka Haugen, was a champion of the poor, the elderly and single parents. We are shaped and molded by our childhood environment and I am grateful for these brave and beautiful women to have surrounded me with their teachings and love.

Wishing each of you, all women, a beautiful Mothers’ Day ~ let us not forget the power we hold as women to bring beauty and change to this beautiful world!

Love,
Debra
Moon Mama

New Moon in Taurus ~ Following the Spiral Pathway

Knowing others is intelligence,  Knowing yourself is true wisdom.  
 ~ Tao Te Ching 

Tomorrow evening at 7:25 pm PST (10:25 pm EST) we will experience the Dark Moon in Taurus. Taurus is a sign that is committed to getting things completed. The Bull represents independence that blooms from self-knowledge and connects us with our inner power. When the Moon is dark under an Earth sign, we are reminded to slow down, connect to her deep rooted energy and ground our hearts and minds. It is a time to pause in the present and let our emotions find their stability so that they can bring forth their best intentions. 

Taurus Moon energy is Feminine, Fixed and Earthy. Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus and in the body she rules the thyroid gland, larynx, chin, lower jaw, ears tongue, vocal chords, jugular vein and tonsils.

Under a dark moon ~ everything is new and we connect to our primal urge to initiate and emerge; we are driven from a body level rather than a mental level. Dark Moons are a time when our mind turns inward, and our intuition is active. Our bodies may feel a slowing of metabolism and although you may sleep well, on awakening you may feel sluggish or drowsy.

The Lunar Celtic Tree from April 15th to May 15th is the ‘Willow Tree’ ~ The Moon of Balance. Those born under the Willow are believed to be patient and steadfast. 

The gift of the Willow Moon Mother is to learn to bend with her into the path of comeback. Like no other tree, the Willow is associated with the Moon. She is a water seeker, which is why you will find her near lakes, streams and underground wells!  She symbolizes the change of our feelings and desires as we pass through time. She invites us to follow the spiral pathway to connect to our wisdom and the rhythm of our soul. When we follow this path into our subconscious, we return to our ordinary world strengthened.

In Native American traditions the Willow symbolizes "inner wisdom, an open mind with the stability and strength of age and experience." It is the young willow tree that many sweat lodges are made from due to her flexibility.

The willow bark is also used as a very magical healing herb.

When I was young we had a big, beautiful weeping willow tree down by the pond behind our home. I loved to sit under her and dream ~ I felt as though no one could see me under her beautiful weeping branches and I loved to sit on her roots and lean into her. As an adult, my ritual sister and I would do ceremonies near a sacred Willow we loved near a small spring on Native land. When it was cut down, we shared in ceremony to honor her beauty, strength and healing years she gave to us. I remember her beautiful roots and how they reminded me of the aging process our bodies go through and how beautiful and wise we are as we age.

My ritual for you under this New Moon in Taurus is to encourage you to carry your intention forward ~ to make it a part of each day between now and the Full Moon in Sagittarius: 

• Take the next 24 hours to really ground into your intentions for this seeding. This is a time to deepen into your desires with no need to strongly pursue them; just stop and rest.
• Create your space and altar ~ outdoors under an willow tree or near one would be magical! Colors for this moon are greens and pinks; gemstones are Rose Quartz, Jade, Smokey Quartz and Agates; essential oils I love for Taurus are rose and geranium.
• Gather your sacred items, candles, sage, paper or journal, and pencil. If you like sound for grounding a rattle, flute or drum is nice, but under this Moon your voice is especially grounding as Taurus rules the vocal cords.
• Collect or purchase one or a combination of different flowers: Roses, Poppies, Foxtails, Lilac or Lavender. Buy or collect enough for a week at a time. Choose a book that you can use for pressing your flowers ~ if you have one that you can read something out of everyday, such as a Pocket Full of Miracles by Joan Borysenko, that would be magical. Otherwise a heavy book works well or several books can be placed on top of each other. Also, cut a few squares of wax paper or parchment paper to wrap the flowers in before placing them in the book.
• Now using your sage, rattle, flute or drum, cleanse your room and body. Here are a few thoughts to ponder before starting your quiet meditation:
• Do you know your source of strength?
• What awareness does this Dark/New Crescent Moon bring to you?
• What do you need at this time? Let the Willow Moon Mother assist you in following your spiral path to your inner wisdom ~ this is a powerful time for connecting to your potential and knowing yourself better.
• Where are you feeling her in your body today?
• Once you are done, sit quietly and slow your breathing until you feel yourself drop heavily into your body. Visualize your roots connecting to the nourishing rhythm of Mother Earth. Let her take you on the spiral path to your inner wisdom, connect with her and open space through the quietness and listen. 
• When you feel ready, take your paper or journal and write out your intention(s). Let it flow and write as much detail as you can.
• Now, take your intention(s) and bury them somewhere in your yard, garden or in a plant in your house. If that doesn’t work, place them under a rock or other earth element you have in your home/yard. If you have more than one intention you can bury them separately or together.
• Now starting with the Taurus Crescent Moon on Thursday, April 24^th, take a flower or the flower petals and place them inside your book to press them while speaking one or all of your intentions and then if you can squeeze the flower with your fingers and touch them to your mouth to get the energy and taste of her essence. This is a way to keep your intention moving forward in you and in your life. It will connect you with all five of your senses; taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing.

The Crescent (Sprout) Moon is a time when we can feel the young shoots of our seeds (intentions) just beginning to poke themselves out of the soil (our consciousness). This is a time we may be filled with insights or new ideas, so it is a wonderful time to awaken your beautiful intentions by placing your flowers into your book.

I believe that we are our best healers and to know ourselves deeply is a wonderful way to connect to our wisdom. This is not a quick process, but a lifetime of learning, so be gentle with yourselves my beautiful moon family. You still have dreams to dream and stories to tell.

New Moon Wishes Your Way,
Debra
Moon Mama

Fun Notes to Make You & Yours Laugh!

Hello Dear Moon Family ~

We are all sharing a LOT of time with our loved ones and talking with friends so I thought you might enjoy this article! It mostly sums up a lot of the people in my life along with myself! I have smiled and laughed sharing this with others and so here it is for you to enjoy….

Do you find that your sign or your partner/child's sign is on point? Please share below!!

XXOO
Debra
Moon Mama

Libra Full Moon ~ Coming From the Heart

Today, under the energies of the Waxing Gibbous Moon, is a time to notice what you are feeling. This is a beautiful time to stay aware of any negative thoughts or habits coming forward that can deter us from coming into the fullness of our ideas or intentions, and releasing them into our lives. Grandmother Moon is resting in the sign of Virgo until tomorrow afternoon ~ what better time to clear out the cobwebs and clutter in our home and mind before she moves into her Fullness in Libra on Tuesday evening at 7:34 pm PST (10:34 pm EST).

During a Gibbous moon we are reminded that opportunities are never lost, that they come back around as the Moon does. They may not always appear at the most comfortable time in your life, yet these opportunities are offering an opening to pursue your dreams ~ or find an excuse not to act upon them. Following dreams is not easy, we must change how we think and act. During this time we have at home we can both reflect on what we are gaining and what we are surrendering.

If we don’t move or act we become stuck repeating our well-learned habits! The Moons phases guide us into remembering the importance of being aware and in tune with our thoughts and actions. This is a time to find a new approach, a new way, something different, to clear the path so that the opportunities flow your way.

Here are some thoughts for moving energy over the next two days:

• Find gratitude in small places so that you keep your visions full of positive energy. When you find yourself falling into that negative comment or thought, LAUGH. LAUGH out loud at yourself. And then find something about it or your life/surroundings to be grateful for today. Maybe you can find it in your heart to turn off all the news and refrain from social media to keep yourself present and connected to your feelings. It can change your inner landscape so much you may be surprised.
• Take a walk outside and smell the bountiful smells of Mother Nature. I am in awe of her smells in the spring and how they fill not only my senses, but also my cellular body of memory. I do not pass through a spring without remembering my mother and how much she loved nature ~ it is something I cherish, to have her near me in thoughts and smells and it reminds me of how much love this world truly has to offer.
• If you do find yourself aware of any negative thoughts coming forward today, do Ho’oponopono. This Hawaiian Huna ritual will help you to release the negative patterns and move into self-forgiveness. What you do is look in the mirror and for each negative thought tell yourself: I am sorry, I forgive you, thank you for your awareness, and I love you.

Libra is all about harmony and balance and can stir us in ways that move us into our dreams with the beauty that comes with balance. This is not a time to give up or feel that things are passing you by ~ but to notice, notice, notice. Let us stay in our heart under these times of challenge and see what hope, freedom or prayers that are presenting themselves under this moon light. Catch 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. Put them in a safe place so that you can work with them and seed them again in new soil for the New Moon in Taurus.

This Full Moon is also known as the Pink Moon symbolizing the explosion of pink flowers; a sign that spring is fully here. Libra is ruled by Venus and so it is also a time for self-love and forgiveness. Under the Full Moon in Libra I offer you a few rituals to gather her Full Moon Medicine:

• Paint ~ with your fingers ~ yes, with your fingers. It will open up places you have not touched in a long time.
• Create a vision board for your dreams. If you have one that you completed already this year ~ make this a follow up vision board to see if your dreams have changed and how you want them to continue moving. If you don’t have time to complete it before the Full Moon ~ gather some pictures or remembering’s of spring blooms and save them for later. This is a great time for gathering.
• I believe this is an important time to work with your Heart Chakra. Finding ways to balance our feelings and emotions under these challenging days can be easier if we can come from the heart. The Heart Chakra is located at the center of the chest near the heart. It teaches us how to give and receive love, and how to forgive ourselves and others. Using Rose Quartz or Jade and the colors of pink and green will connect you with your heart center. It is here at the heart chakra where we unite the three earth chakras below (Root, Sacral & Solar Plexus) and the three spirit chakras above (Throat, Third Eye & Crown). Balancing the heart chakra can support you in finding physical and spiritual harmony.
• Feel Beautiful!
• Put on your favorite dress and dance barefoot on the earth or with your children or whoever you are holding space with at this time.
• Gather flowers and place them all over your house in little vases to remind you of the beauty you hold ~ mother nature is the best reminder.
• Do your meditation outside and breathe deep ~ it will connect you to your heart. Listen to the wisdom the plants and animals have to impart.
• Listen to the song birds and find your song ~ it is there to be awakened now.
• And I encourage you to make a large batch of Moon Water under this Full Moon ~ use Rose Quartz & Jade. Use it in your cooking, your plants, your drinking water, or spray it into the air, to bring your heart into all that you do, listen to, and say.

This Full Moon is the harbinger of Spring. This is the time of year to fill up with Mother Natures Medicine called blossoming! Gather. Enjoy. Savor. Her love, light and fullness are here for you.

I believe in you.
Debra
Moon Mama

Message from Moon Mama

Hello Dear Moon Family,

I know that we are all addressing this time of challenge with hearts of concern for all. I hope this message finds you, your family, and loved ones safe and well.

I wanted to share that, yes; I am open and shipping orders. I am taking great care to insure your products are filled with extra love, because isn’t love what we all need most right now?  To support each of you on this journey, I am sharing a gift with every order.  I hope you find each gift helpful and calming.

In addition, the most recent batch was created under the energy of the Spring Equinox to share in mother earths regenerative power and a reminder of how we can grow even during challenging times. 

I also wanted to share this beautiful story of the transformation of the dragonfly.  It warmed my heart when I listened to Richard Rudd's talk on the 55th Gene Key called, “The Dragonfly’s Dream”. The following is excerpted from his book, I hope you find it inspiring for yourself:

Dragonflies spend much of their early lives underwater. As underwater insects they are known as nymphs, and unlike most pond insects they do not have to come to the surface for air. For most of their lives, nymphs live totally underwater where they are highly successful predators, feeding on anything from leaf litter to small fish. During this stage of its life, the nymph goes through a series of molts - stages of maturity in which it sheds its skin but still remains a nymph. These stages of the insect’s life can last several years, and during this time it has no idea whatsoever of what kind of future lies ahead. It is undergoing a series of hidden mutations. Then, one day, all of a sudden, some sleeping gene deep within is triggered and the nymph does something totally out of character - it finds the stalk of a nearby plant and climbs out of the water. For the first time in its life it tastes air and direct sunlight. Once the nymph has left the safety of its underwater environment, the sunlight begins to work on it, catalyzing what will be its final molt. It is at this stage that the true magic occurs, as the advanced creature hidden within the nymph cracks the outer larval skin. Over a period of several hours, four crumpled wings appear and the distinctive slender thorax begins to uncurl. What is of great metaphorical relevance at this stage concerns the element of water. As the emerging dragonfly rises out of the element of water and prepares to be reborn into a new life in the element of air, the water that still lies within its body becomes the key to the transformation process. Through a process of hydraulics, the water within the nymph’s body is pumped into the emerging wings and thorax, causing them to unfurl and spread out for the first time. In other words, the dragonfly assumes its aerodynamic shape by means of the water from its old life. This water is what drives its mutation from nymph to dragonfly. As soon as all the water is expended and the dragonfly is fully extended, it takes to the air and begins its new life.”

The life cycle of the dragonfly is a perfect metaphor for the awakening of the gift of personal freedom. The raw energy of ones emotions becomes the vehicle for the unfurling of your future awareness and once that awareness is born, your life is forever changed.

And as Charles Eisenstein so eloquently shares in his Coronation essay:

"Covid-19 is showing us that when humanity is united in common cause, phenomenally rapid change is possible. ...Covid demonstrates the power of our collective will when we agree on what is important. What else might we achieve, in coherency? What do we want to achieve, and what world shall we create? That is always the next question when anyone awakens to their power."

Take care dear Moon Family, and please feel free to email me with any questions you may have at debra@gemstoneorganic.com. I am here.

Love, Peace, & Togetherness.

Wishing you the Moon & the Stars,
Debra
Moon Mama

New Crescent Moon in Aries ~ The Courage to Trust Your Inner Wisdom

We have passed through the Dark Moon in Aries into the New Crescent Moon today. We passed through the Spring Equinox last week, which is the official start of the lunar year, and have moved into the New Moon in Aries which is the official start to the lunar year. We can all feel the palpable energy of Mother Earth at this time of year as we watch the seeds push upward and out of the top soil. As they make this upward movement, they meet resistance! Yet once they break through they receive the reward of the sun's warmth. The sun's light even when they are  scarcely born, fills them with a great desire to attain full growth.

Under the Aries Moon, we can tap into Aries ability tot face our fears in new ways, to find the courage to live a full and meaningful life. This is a time to follow our internal wisdom, our intuition with every ounce of courage we have been given, because it takes courage to move deep into our wisdom. Because once we do this work, it becomes difficult not to be true to our hopes and dreams.

Everything moves in cycles and this turning of the wheel at the Spring Equinox is a reminder that we are always moving and flowing. And whenever old growth is stripped away we make the space for new shoots. We can find inner and outer resistance, yet, patterns can be broken and living from the energy of your core is stronger than your apathy!

For this New Crescent Moon I want to share the story of the Celtic Alder Tree. The Alder Tree falls under the New/Waxing Moon Phase from March 18th - April 14th. So if you are born under these dates, this is your tree. The Alder tree is known as the Tree of Fairies and is associated with courage and our expanding spirit. It grows near the water in swampy, bog areas. Its wood is flexible and resistant to the rotting effects of water as when it is left to soak in water, it actually becomes hardened! This made it a perfect wood to use for bridges and it is said mythology, that the Alder tree bridges the magical space between earth and the heavens.

It is a tree that teaches you to follow your instincts and is symbolism is about release, determination, and inner confidence. It is also a tree that supports and portects you physicall, emotionally, and physically. It teaches us to blend streanth and courage with generosity of spirit of compassion. Can we not relate to the teachings of Alder in these times <3?

It is also the tree of the Spring Equinox when seeds awaken. It calls us to plant a seed under this spring energy. To hold it in our hand and envision a world in which we live in balance with nature, in peace with each other, where creativity and love flourish together. Placing your seed in the earth and watering and tending to are actions we can take to bring her qualities to birth in the world. It is the Alder tree that helps us to find a way to express our hopes and dreams at this Lunar New Year.

With this Lunar Fire we can mix water and fire to influence us in finding the clarity, action or determination to complete the actions we desire. There is an energy now that illuminates your understanding, it circulates endlessly behind and through your emotions. You know it as an inner light that burns clearly and steadily ~ this is a light that radiates out into the world from inside.

Planting & Designing Your Moon Garden

Under the heightened energies of the New and Full Moons we experience our highest tides ~ but did you know that it is a time when the waters beneath the earth are also affected? The same gravitational pull that is placed on the waters of the ocean also pull the ground water upward bringing moisture to the soils at the surface, encouraging your seeds to swell and burst into sprouts!

You can plant your flowers in a circle or a half moon shape so that when they bloom the shape of the Moon is revealed. Find space in your garden, start some seedlings indoors, or plan your garden for the next New Moon. Whatever you do, it will carry the energy and intentions of your heart ~ so don’t wait, start today <3.

Planting a garden of white and silvery flowers that bloom at night can add a radiant, shimmering energy to your evening rituals. Here are a few flowers I love.

Evening Primrose ~ photo by basicgardendiy

Evening Primrose (oenothera) ~ a night bloomer that attracts moths and nocturnal bee’s. The flowers are said to be from the ethereal realm of fairies and have a sweet fragrance that can be enjoyed during the moonlight hours. The symbolism of primrose flowers is patience, kindness and gentleness ~ connecting you to the solar plexus and heart chakra.

 
Night Phlox ~ photo by suttons.co.uk

Night Phlox (zaluzianskya capensis) ~ also known as midnight candy; the fragrance of the night blooms are reminiscent of honey or vanilla. Coming from the greek meaning “flame” these beauties will also connect you to your crown chakra AND are known to stir inner courage and honesty to all that look upon them.


Jasmine ~ photo by tree

Dusty Miller ~ photo by rainbow seed company

Mugwort ~ photo by herbco.com

Moonwort photo by ebps.uk

The beauty of flowers has been shared throughout time as a way to evoke feelings and thoughts that are sometimes difficult to find words for ~ using this time to place or invoke your intentions can bring you grounding, joy, and keep it flowing throughout the summer. 

A few thoughts to consider while you are planting or planing ~ 

What is beginning?
Where is the growing center and how can you tap into your courage?
What is just beginning to germinate?
How can you follow your inner wisdom more closely?

Spring is a time to replenish, a time when the rains come, plants grow, animals drink ad the Earth replenishes herself. Heed the lesson. We each need time to replenish ourselves as well. Allow yourself to be replenished; get out into the rain, put your bare feet on the earth, remember the joys of being young and free and feel the happiness it brings Plant seeds, plant joy. Spread love and hope.

Sending you New Moon Love,
Debra
Moon Mama

Tips for Boosting Your Immune System

Self-care is KEY in staying healthy through stressful times ~ so here is a short list on how to boost your immune system and keep your body healthy. We are promoting: Connection + Self-Nourishment + Replenishment = JOY 

We are the owners of these beautiful bodies we live in and we need to treat them with a lot of love and kindness to keep them strong and healthy. This is a time when we want to help others and to do that we need to keep ourselves in good health. Tomorrow make a plan to take on one step from each of the lists below and then make a plan to follow through with it over the next few weeks so you can spread the joy!

Here are some easy steps to strengthen your immune system and to help you stay in the well-being zone.  

Connection

Emotional highs and lows are a part of life and I am glad for them all as long as they don’t go too high or too low! We all know that our emotions play a key role in the health of our bodies. 

• Laugh a lot with friends and family. play games that make you laugh, watch a comedy you love, whatever tickles your funny bone!
• Dance a lot, moving our bodies can really raise our frequency and help us to readjust our attitudes! My favorite dance song is Despacito …please share your favorite dance song below!
• Pamper your body with chakra baths, lavish body butters, and a good nights sleep!
• Deep Breathing gets nourishing oxygen into your lungs. Blood that is rich in oxygen calms you and helps you pause making you feel better. A spritz of our loving Gem Juice Hydrosols can help you to stop, breathe deep, and take in the their healing aromatherapy. 

Self-Nourishment

Essential oils offer anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-infectious, and anti-inflammatory properties to help you stay healthy and keep your home clean and fresh. They are truly aromatherapy self-nourishment. Here are a few ways to use essential oils to boost your health and keep your surfaces clean:

You can create a lovely room spray to cleanse, freshen and purify your homes air. Use one or a combination of the following oils to make a fresh or spicy room spray:

• Clove Oil is antibacterial and anti-infectious and is great for the respiratory system
• Lemon Oil is a beautiful room purifier
• Eucalyptus Oil is anti-bacterial and anti-infectious and stimulates the immune system
• Cinnamon Oil is a powerful antibacterial and anti-viral oil
• Rosemary Oil is detoxifying and strengthens natural immunity.
• Tea Tree Oil is antiseptic and antiviral.
• Lavender Oil is anti-microbial and smells fresh and clean.

Using a 2 oz spray bottle (old Gem Juice bottles work perfect here!) combine the following:

1. Add 40 drops of one or a combination of the essential oils listed above such as:
   1. Lavender and tea tree
   2. Lemon, clove, eucalyptus, and cinnamon (spicy!!)
   3. Rosemary and lavender
2. Add witch hazel or distilled water or both
3. Shake well and voila ~ your room spray is ready to cleanse your room and your senses!

And here is an easy surface spray to help keep your surfaces bacteria-free!

Surface Spray:

1. Add 10 drops of cinnamon oil to a 4-oz spritzer bottle (again old Gem Juice bottles work perfect here!) then fill it ¼ of the way with vinegar and the rest with distilled water (warm/hot water works great). Then cap and shake well! Spray it on doorknobs, toilets, countertops, appliances and more! Leave it on the surface for at least 5 minutes before wiping. Great for keeping your home safe and smells great too!
2. If you are not a fan of cinnamon, use 5 drops of tea tree and 5 drops of lavender.

And last, here are a few additional options to reap the healing benefits of essential oils:

Replenishment + Nourishment

The foods we feed the amazing bodies we live in can help us stay nourished and replenished. The following foods are wonderful for boosting your immune system:

Stay away from high caffeine and sugar intake as they can weaken your immune system.

And please get outside, especially after a rain and smell the earth, she is the best dose of nourishment, replenishment, and connection you can get to bring on your joy.

Big love to each of you,
Debra
Moon Mama

Full Moon in Virgo ~ Awakening Natures Rhythms

  “Our unrealized potential will always ask us to go into the unknown of our lives….put simply, rhythm is fundamental to well-being. It is the keynote of nature. Not just a sign of life - it is life”. ~ Krystina Dryza

Good-morning Moon Family ~ Happy International Womens Day! This morning many of us moved into our spring forward daylight savings time. Mother Earth, our most powerful sister, is calling us outside to experience her feminine, vibrant, spring energy!

Tomorrow, March 9th at 10:47 am PST or (1:47 pm EST) we have a Perigee* Full Moon in Virgo. Native Americans called this the Worm Moon, as it is the time of the year when the earth begins to soften and the earthworms begin to make their way to the surface. Where are you softening? What is beginning to make its way to the surface for you?

Virgo is a feminine, mutable, earth sign. She rules the intestines, digestive and nervous system. Her ruling planet is Mercury. When Mercury is retrograde it gives us the opportunity to think differently ~ as Mercury begins to move forward over these next few days think of the opportunities that came forward for you.

As we approach the first day of Spring, March 19^th, we are invited to explore our senses and experience the delight of spring, her mystery of life, her openness to showing us anything is possible; and that all those endless possibilities are held within us. Earth is home, body and food. How do you feel most at home within yourself? Within the world?

The earth is beautiful in her natural rhythms and shows us the beauty of how the five elements, wood, fire, water, earth, and metal show us the natural cycles of life:

In our astrological year, we begin with the element Fire (Aries), move into Earth (Taurus), then Air (Gemini) and end in Water (Cancer). This cycle repeats throughout the year. Thinking of this movement in life, nature, internally, can be so helpful. Lets take the Pisces (Water, Sun) and Virgo (Earth, Moon) energy we are in now!

The Virgo Earth element can help us to control the watery Pisces emotions we just went through… have you ever thought of earth being able to help you absorb and change the flow of your emotions?

Under Virgo Full Moons we are invited to release and create new space from a grounded awareness.

My dear teacher and friend, Hilary Barrett shares insight into the Taoist I-Ching Hexagram 40: Release. She relates it to archery and the releasing of arrows. “Archery is the fully intentional version of Release, and it’s all about seizing your moment: you can’t build up gradually, taking a quarter of a shot today and half of a shot tomorrow; you have to be ready to see your opportunity and act”. And another colleague shares, “Prosperity does not arrive by itself, it visits the people with the right attitude. The one who always carries along arrows is probably the one who comes home from their walk with dinner”. 

Releasing the arrows ~ this is a great time to connect to the earth’s rhythms and remember that you reap what you sow.

Find a ceremony that connects you to your internal rhythm, natures rhythm. Go outside and notice, listen, and let her stirring connect you to your stirring. Catch the Moonlight ~ take an evening walk under this full moon, open your curtains and soak up her light while sleeping or in the morning during your meditation/ritual.

We carry seeds inside us that want to push up through our feelings and attitudes; they seek the light at the surface so that we can grow strong and solid.

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

Big Full Moon Love,
Debra
Moon Mama

*Perigee is when the Moon is closest to the earth giving it the name and appearance of a Super Moon!

AND if you are an early riser, check out the early morning Moon as it sets in the West and then turn to the East and you can experience Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and Mercury rising in the East!