Radically Holistic Beauty

Balsamic Wishing Moon ~ New Moon in Taurus

We are entering the New Moon in Taurus this Wednesday, April 26th at 5:16 am (PST). Moon in Taurus slows us down and creates an earthy, sensual time. I cannot think of a better time to connect to my creative and sensual self ~ to plant the fertile seed and listen to the miracle of Mother Earth within as she shares her magic and guides us to manifesting our hearts dreams and songs. There is much going on under this Earth sign that is ruled by Venus and for this new moon I want to share a ritual to invoke the energy of the Balsamic Moon ~ the Wishing Moon. The Balsamic Moon phase is the three days before the New Moon and a beautiful, magical time for placing your wishes in the air. As Steve Nelson says, “A wish made on the Balsamic Moon is more likely to come true because needs are felt more deeply now…the more deeply a need is felt, the more invocative energy goes into the Moon cycle and the more likely this need will be met. You may be more aware of fears, self-doubts and difficult emotional tides at the close of the Moon cycle. The old emotional cycle is breaking down and everything that is wrong tends to come to awareness ~ let’s not forget, feeling invokes healing”

As the moon wanes, awareness of what you no longer need waxes. This is a time to see what is standing in your way, holding you back ~ the New Moon in Taurus is a time to slow down, clear the way and allow yourself the space to plant your seeds ~ receive the insight.

Here is a Bath Ritual for you to use under the Balsamic Moon (Today, Monday, Tuesday) 

A great way to cleanse during the Balsamic Moon is to bathe in salt water. A hot mineral bath is healing when your emotional and physical toxins are ready to be released. So take a bath to support your clearing of toxins and perceptions and open up to the awareness.

• 1 cup Epsom Salt
• 1 cup Sea Salt
• Essential Oil ~ you can use quite a few drops and let it soak into the salts prior to using - remember the smell in the bath will be diluted so don’t be afraid to make it strong ~ a few oils I suggest are rosemary or geranium.
• If you feel you are drawn to work on a chakra – use the color/smell to match that chakra – check out the ceremonial chakra baths on the website for more information.
• Place a candle at the foot of the bath to aid in clearing the mind and focusing intentions.
• Add flowers to bring the image, word and feeling of beauty to your time…remember your own beauty matches the beauty that surrounds you daily.
• Play soft music or create a time of silence.

Then on Wednesday, April 26^th once we move into the New Moon (5:16 am PST) create a vision board ~ one that can tap you into your center of creativity ~ the energy center that strengthens your ability to express yourself and your manifestations. It will be a great tool to guide you through to the Full Moon in Scorpio on May 10^th.

Here are some thoughts on creating your vision board:

1. Plan a time that will give you at least 2 hours for creating …
2. Light a candle and tune into your vision for manifesting over the next few weeks or longer…
3. Using a heavier paper like a Matboard ~ cut it into the circle or use it in the square…
4. Grab magazines, colored pencils, stamps or anything that sparks you…
5. Cut, write, paste and create….
6. If you like, once you have completed your cuttings, blindly draw several to cover your paper and let your intuition guide you…
7. Place your picture in a place where you can connect with your vision daily ~ preferably in the morning upon awakening and in the evening before going to sleep ~ maybe at the end of your bed! 

And remember sweet moon family, the universe is there for you ~ so use your powers to manifest your dreams and more! 

Sending New Moon Wishes Your Way,

Debra
Moon Mama

Dancing Under the Full Moon

Art work by Beverly Ash Gilbert

We are entering the Full Moon in Virgo on March 12^th at 7:53 am PST (`)~ also known as the Worm Moon by Native Americans 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. Tomorrow we also turn our clocks back ~ creating more light in our days.

Full Moons are in opposition to the Sun ~ this month the Full Moon is in Virgo while the Sun is in Pisces. It may feel as if they are working against each other, however, they are really working towards the same goal from different directions. According to Beatrix Qunttana ~ this Virgo Moon/Pisces Sun is a time when you may find tension between doing your work and finding your path.  Looking at things from different directions can shift your perspective and healing. And remember even small shifts can lead to big awakenings and healing. 

A Virgo Full Moon is a time to work with your Throat Chakra. Clearing the Throat Chakra helps you to have good, clear communication enabling you to express yourself authentically. The Moon in Virgo opens up your energy around seeking your path and encourages you to bring your radiance into the world to support healing for yourself and others.

Full Moon Ceremony

Taking the time to create and share in ceremony/rituals under the Full Moon can be food for your soul. This is a time of the month when many women ovulate, symbolizing Purna energy, a time of fullness, expansiveness and productivity. Rituals/ceremonies deeply nourish our spirit and soul and afterwards you will find that you are more clear and connected to your center.

Here is a simple chakra ceremony that you can use under this Virgo Moon ~

Morning

• Start your day with a blueberry and coconut water smoothie ~ healing and energizing for your throat chakra with the healing blue color and cooling liquid.
  • Blend together blueberries, coconut water, avocado and a protein powder of your choice in a high ~ top with your favorite toppings (roasted sunflower seeds, bee pollen, coconut sprinkles etc).
    

Afternoon

• Prepare for your evening ceremony by gathering the following:
  
  
  • Music: I recommend downloading the Song: Dancing Through the Chakras by Terry Oldfield & Soraya Saraswati (you can find it online)
  • Pick out a Mandala Picture here & print it out on a heavy stock paper for coloring later;
  • Coloring pencils, water colors, markers or chalk for coloring your mandala;
  • Candles;
  • Sage
  • Gemstones (emerald, turquoise, aquamarine);
  • Lavender essential oil
  • Tea;
  • Blue or turquoise pajama’s or something colored to wear while you dance, color and sleep! 

Your Ceremony ~ you can do this in the evening or in the morning during the Full Moon ~

• Find your space where you will be able to hold your ceremony (preferably somewhere you can experience the light of Grandmother Moons fullness) and create a small alter using your gemstones, candles, tarot cards and a blue, green or earth tone colored cloth or pictures.
• Lay out your mandala paper and materials for coloring on your table/floor.
• Light your sage and cleanse the room, yourself and your altar.
• Light your candles and use the lavender oil on yourself and around the room to lightly permeate your senses and surroundings.
• If you use tarot cards, draw a card to work with during your ceremony. One card is good as it can speak to you more clearly when you ask a clear and concise question.
• Light your candles and turn out the lights ~ if not candles turn your lights down low or off if you feel so inclined so that you tune into your body fully.
• Start your music and follow the dance through all your Chakra’s paying special attention to the Throat Chakra. When you are done ~ stop and take a deep breath. Take a few minutes feel your body and energy. Where is the energy moving? How do you feel? Notice your throat chakra.
• Move to your space to create and color your mandala… stay connected to your body and the energy from the dance. If you are drawn to write ~ do! This is a great time to listen to what your body wants to share with you.
• Make your tea and sip on your tea and write in your journal before bed.

Place your mandala somewhere that you will see if often during the next two weeks ~ for me this is an important part of the healing power of ceremony. To bring it forward is how we hold onto the power and healing we experienced during the ceremony.

I will be sharing chakra ceremonies throughout this year during the Full and New Moons. Regularly dancing through the charka’s helps you to feel more alive and energized, bringing balance to your whole body. I think by the end of the year you will be able to notice very real changes in yourself and so will others!

Here are a few questions to think about during your ceremony:

• Have you every taken time to contemplate what it means to express yourself authentically?
• Do you take time to listen to others and yourself daily?
• What words do you choose daily to speak out to the world?

Moon Light Your Way,

Debra

Water Under the Moon

Get your Moon Water out today Gems!  We are under a beautiful Full Moon Eclipse with the Moon in Leo.  Ecplises are always a time of intensified energies and listening to your body during this time is a great way to understanding your needs and learning about your own healing powers.  This is a Fire Moon and 2017 is a year for new beginnings ~ so let us take our energies and put them forth with our creative juices and fire.  Tap into your courage and let your heart be heard with powerful energy of this Leo Moon.

You know how much I love working with water, gemstones and Grandmother Moon! So here are a few ways to work with the water, gemstones and the Moon before, during and after this eclipse/full moon.  

PREPARE MOON WATER

1. Choose a beautiful glass container and if you have one that is gold or orange or purple ~ those are wonderful colors to use under this Leo Moon. Choose one that has a lid and can hold enough for you to take a sip a day until the next Full Moon.
2. Fill your container with fresh water ~ preferably high alkaline water as it is so healing internally. 
3. If you like add a few gemstones, this moon particularly likes pyrite, citrine, amber or yellow topaz ~ but if other gemstones are calling you, LISTEN!  Place the crystals in a glass bowl of water and then place your container in the middle of the stones to collect their energy and healing properties. 
4. Place your container outside tonight under the Moon ~ if you can place it our before the eclipse/full moon that would be magical!  If not, do it when you can and place it where it can catch the Moon light.  If you do not have a window or option for catching moonlight ~ again, do not worry as your intention is heard and Grandmother Moon is above and listening! Full Moon is at 4:32 pm PST (5:32 MST,6:32 CST, 7:32 EST). 
5. Talk to your water/gemstones and share your intention and dreams for this Full Moon and the next 30 days.  Your water will gather the energy of Grandmother Moon as she sits through the night.
6. In the morning, preferably before sunrise, gather your water and take your first sip on an empty stomach.  Each morning take a sip (on an empty stomach) and strengthen yourself with the properties of the full moon and your intention! Liquid Moon light ~
7. Meditate on your intentions even for those few seconds as you start your day and you will feel the internal shift that is happening ~ you are your best healer and the tools you have to work with are numerous.  

Here are a few thoughts to ponder when placing your intention into your Moon Water ~

• What are your visions for this year?
• Where does this Leo Moon speak to you in your body?
• What emotions is she stirring in your body today?
• Where do you hold your courage in your body?
• What are you ready to release?
• How will you bring in your feminine creative powers under this Leo Moon?

Moon water is a beautiful way to keep yourself looking forward and connecting with your visions and intentions.  It strengthens female powers ~ whether used by men or women.

TAKE A MOON BATH

Grab your gemstones, pyrite, citrine, yellow topaz or whatever calls to you, and place them in the bathtub under the running water as you fill the tub.  Add bath salts, and a few drops of essential oils, Jasmine is a beautiful fragrance for this moon and will help you to remember your souls original intention.  Get into the bath if possible prior to the Full Moon (4:32 pm PST) and create intentions with yourself immersed in the waters. 

PLACE YOUR GEMSTONES UNDER THE MOON

Place your favorite gemstones under the Moon to charge them up with your intentions and the energy of the Moon.  I love to place them in the shape of a mandala or spiral ~ again listen to the crystals and your inner voice to what is best for you.

Use the Moon energy and light today and let yourself shine bright dear sisters and brothers ~

Wishing you the Moon & the Stars,
Debra

A little Full Moon Love for You Gems ~ use the coupon code Moonwater to get $10.00 off purchases over $100 through the weekend <3 <3 AND don't forget to enter our Valentine's Day Contest

New Moon Ritual ~ Setting Intentions

Tomorrow is the first New Moon of 2017. This is not only a beautiful time to set intentions for the next Moon cycle but also for the coming year. New Moon energy is all about setting your intentions, wishes, or dreams out into the Universe into the Dark Moon to germinate. Then during the Waxing period, the two weeks between the New and Full Moon, you take action on your intentions, actively working towards your goals. 

New Moons fall under the same sign as the Sun and this New Moon is in Aquarius. When the Sun is in Aquarius you will find that your mind and spirit work together to give you the power of vision. It is a time of focusing on the collective, working together with a team, community, science and Magic! We have some lovely, creative energy to work with under this New Moon. 

Tomorrow we also usher in the Fire Rooster. The Fire Rooster represents a year of new awakenings ~ success and good luck are can be achieved through your hard work and your taking action towards your goals. The Fire Element is magnetic ~ great for increasing your inner wisdom.

In addition, we have Mars moving into Aries tomorrow night, his favorite sign, pulling in more fiery, potent energy ready for action. 

And to add to this creative, fiery, focused energy, is a Cazimi New Moon. A Cazimi Moon is when the Moons center is within 17’ of arc of the Sun. A Cazimi Moon is good to use if you want something to really succeed ~ it is one of the highest forms of good luck. This energy is available 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the New Moon, which is tomorrow at 4:07 pm PST (7:07pm EST) ~ i.e. from 3:37 to 4:37 pm PST. Cazimi Moons only happen at the New Moons, however, not all New Moons are Cazimi Moons. 

This is a great time to hold ritual, alone or with your tribe to connect to your intention, your goals, and your wishes. Below is a sweet ritual for you to use to set your intentions. To complete all the steps below can take anywhere from 1 - 2 hours so feel free to use one or all of the steps ~ they are there for the picking.

1. Choose your place to hold ceremony and if you can create a small alter.
2. Choose a piece of paper ~ I like to use a printed-paper with words, pictures or even a solid color or color print that is attractive to you is great.
3. Gather colored pencils, scissors, a glue stick, and some string (hemp, embroidery thread or even sweetgrass will work!).
4. I also love to gather herbs, spices, seeds, beads, essential oils etc to work with ~ I have a few suggestions and their healing properties below ~ chose those that speak to you and/or that you can access easily.
5. Do some stretching or dance to connect to your body and then sit quietly to connect internally to your breath and heartbeat. Connect to your intention.
6. Now its time to create! Take your paper and draw or write your intention. Add spices or herbs and other lovely things you have collected and place them ~ feel free to use glue to keep them in place. Once you are done creating, fold your paper into a small bundle and tie it up with your string,
7. Place it on your alter, next to your bed, or carry it on your body or in your purse until after the New Moon tomorrow night.
8. During the Cazimi Moon time tomorrow night, use your small bundle to reconnect with your intention. If you like do some writing or just be sure to take your intention and dream big during this time ~ HAVE FUN! Don’t worry how big you dream, as dreaming is beautiful for heart and soul! And who knows what magic will come your way….
9. If you used any seeds in the bundle on Saturday, under the New Crescent Moon you can place you bundle on a plate, open it and saturate it with water.  Keep is moist by spraying with water a few times a day and after a few days you can keep a small pool of water on the plate ~ within 4-7 days you will have chia/fenugreek sprouts to eat a great way to incorporate your intention, dreams, wishes and keep them moving forward and into fruition over the next few weeks.
10. Or just place your bundle on your alter or keep it in an area where you can see it so that you are reminded to connect to your intention/wishes/dreams to keep the vision and energy moving with you. Putting you goals into action is the key, yet it is also important to remember that progress is relative, because life is a journey and the goal is ever changing!

Enjoy this creative, auspicious energy and remember to dream big gems! 

Sending New Moon Wishes Your Way,
Debra

New Year Love ~ Full Moon in Cancer

As we move into this New Year 2018 ~ I want to share my gratitude for each of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me share my magic with you and your skin. Walk forward into 2018 with your beautiful self ~ you are a blessing to my life. 

Today we step into a Full Moon in Cancer at 6:24 pm PST (9:24 pm EST).  Get outside tonight to see her rise ~ she will be spectacular ~ catch her light. The Moon rules cancer and loves being in her sign ~ a sign of water.  Cancer reconnects us with our oceans of emotions ~ a time to nourish ourselves and connect to our true feelings. Water is healing and one of the best conduits for our emotions ~ a great time to bath, hydrate or make soup! 

I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the New Year or this Full Super Moon than taking a self-caring, ritual bath. Taking time for you on this first day of the year is a wonderful way to start the year with a self-care practice. Let this bath ritual guide you into the year in a way that is nurturing and intentional. You can create your bath time so that it not only becomes a self-care ritual, but a daily/weekly/monthly cleansing and healing. We are blessed to have access to clean water ~ something we take for granted daily. 

Water Ritual:

• Begin by selecting what you would like to add to your bath ~ it can be bath salts, essential oils clay, oatmeal or apple cider vinegar. Each has its own healing properties.
• Begin your bath water and place your salts, clay, essential oils etc. under the running water while thinking of the healing properties the each one offers.
• Gather your candles, diffuser, music, tea or what ever you choose to bring with you into your bath to better connect to yourself.
• Before getting into the bath, bring forward your intention for the water to share with you ~ for this moment, this day, this week, this month or this year! 
• Once in the water, connect with the element of water and her elemental spirits. If you have added essential oils, connect to the smell and plant spirits. They are there to work together with you and your body.
• Sip your tea, listen to your music, take in the candle light and just be. Nothing more. Give yourself at least 5-10 minutes of connecting with the feeling of the water on your skin ~ how when you move, it moves, what it feels like to place your face in the water or immerse completely. Connect with the smells of the essential oils and how they make you feel. Watch the candle light and where you connect with it in your body. As you sip on your tea follow it down your throat and into your body. Be aware of your body and how it interacts.
• Notice how you feel when you get out of the bath ~ are you relaxed? smiling? what feelings did it invoke? 
• As you let the water out of the bath thank the elemental spirits for sharing with you and bless them all. 

Soup Ritual:

• If you shop today for your soup ingredients, be happy with all you encounter at the store, be kind, be joyful as you choose what you are to place in your water and body!
• As you cut the vegetables ~ be grateful to the earth and all those that touched them to get them to your table (farm workers, truck drivers, store hands etc)
• As you add them to the water, thank them for the healing they will offer your body with their vitamins, proteins and minerals.
• Bless your food prior to eating <3.

We are all stepping into the New Year with hopes and dreams ~ let yours begin with a self-ritual that is nurturing to your body and soul. And don't forget to put our your Moon Water Gems!

Wishing you the Moon, the Stars and more,
Debra
Moon Mama

Winter Solstice ~ Turning of the Wheel

Dear Moon Family,

Tomorrow, December 21st,  we celebrate the Winter Solstice ~ a turning of the wheel that gives us the opportunity to connect with the subtle changes and cycles of the season and help us attune with the inner changes and cycles in ourselves. This is a beautiful day in this hectic time to remember the miracles that surround us daily.

Solstice comes from the Latin words, sol, meaning sun, and sistere, meaning to stand still. It was named Solstice as it appeared as if the sun and moon stopped moving across the sky ~ as if time stood still for just that mere second ~ and maybe it does! 

Although it is the longest night of the year, it is also the start of the solar year ~ the rebirth of the Sun. It can be a beautiful time to remember that our lives are part of a larger energy, always changing, always renewing.

I hope you all placed your intentions under the Dark New Moon in Sagittarius ~ the last new moon of the year. Now as we move into the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, I hope that you will bring those intentions forward again ~ or if you did not place your intention, this is a second beautiful chance to plant and seed.

Taking time for rituals with personal meaning serve as touchstones to help you to open to receiving and internalizing the magic that surrounds you. Here are a few simple rituals for you. Remember to create your space. Light a candle, incense or sage or gather some Evergreen to fill your house with the smell of the woods ~ evergreen symbolizes continuity of life, protection and prosperity. 

• Host a Tea Ceremony: do this alone or with friends and family. Below is a lovely tea with herbs that are magical for this seasonal time:
  • Any type of apple (or use apple cider)
  • Star anise
  • One clove
  • One cinnamon stick

Wash and cut the apple and boil it in ~ 5 cups of water for 5-6 minutes. Add the clove, anise and cinnamon stick and let everything sit for 5-10 minutes. Strain and if you like add raw honey or other sweetener.

Sit in the dark and drink your tea ~ find a place where you can experience quiet and tune into the silence while sipping on your tea. No need to think about what to do ~ just enjoy the taste, smell and feel of the tea in silence. Silence and darkness are soothing to the soul. Drink a second cup. Open to your magical self and all that you carry inside ~ its there for you.

• Get a pomegranate and take out 12 seeds ~ throw each seed, one at a time, into a fire (fire place, fire pit or even just a bowl of burning incense. Make a wish for the New Year as you throw each one into the fire. And don’t be afraid to dream big <3.

• Light a circle of candles and make loving wishes for friends, family, coworkers or even those in need as you light each of them. 

• Watch the sun rise or set ~ ring bells or throw out seeds to offer to the winter birds. Give thanks for both the darkness and the light.

• Celebrate with silence. Reflect on the stillness of this shortest day. Cultivate stillness in yourself by honoring the solstice with an hour of intentional silence.

And please, if you cannot do any of these rituals on the winter solstice itself ~ please make a time between now and the new year to share a quiet moment with you. Let it be your present to yourself.

I believe in miracles.
Love, love
Debra
Moon Mama

Full Moon in Gemini ~ power of breath

 
photo by mystic mama

Tomorrow morning at  7:47 am PST (10:47 am EST) we enter the Full Moon in Gemini. Gemini is an air element and when the Moon is in Gemini we can find our thoughts and nerves speeding up. It is also a time to feel liberated and free ~ teaching us to work with possibilities. This is a time to focus on balancing the Element of Air ~ the unseen energies of life.

Air is the element that connects all other elements. It has the power to shift and change the landscape ~ shaping itself into the space available or shaping space to its own nature. You experience the power of air through its movement ~ maybe through a soft breeze passing over your skin or the scent of flowers it may carry. Air gives us life ~ it is the power of breath. Each breath is a cycle within itself. Your inhale represents the energy of receiving and your exhale the energy of giving. It is the wind beneath your wings, the power of your heart to direct you into right action. This power is the perfect balance between receiving and giving.

Thought:  What is taking shape in your life?

Here are a few ways to work with the element of air:

1. Step out into the cool/cold air to bring you back to your breath ~ walk in the morning or evening and connect to your breath. Then as you breathe deeply connect to your heartbeat. This will help you to connect mind and heart, a beautiful connection to work with over the holiday season.
2. Do a morning meditation or mantra. A sweet and simple mantra to use is, ‘Breathe and breathe again’.
3. Use this hand mudra for calming and clearing the mind:
   
   Kalesvara Mudra
   
   
   Place the finger pads of your middle finger together; touch the first two joints of the index fingers and touch your thumbs. Bend your other fingers inward. Point your thumbs toward your chest and spread your elbows to the outside. In hale and exhale slowly 10 times. Then observe your breath and lengthen the pause after inhalation and after exhalation a little bit more. This Mudra calms your mind from its flood of thoughts and agitated feelings. The more calm you become the longer the periods between your thoughts. You become clearer supporting your ability to find solutions. 
   Affirmation: I connect to my breath and feel its calming energy.  

4. Calm your overactive mind with herbal Bach Remedy No. 35 (White Chestnut), or drink a Valerian or Chamomile tea to calm and connect. 

Today, bring in the color yellow in your surroundings or on your altar. If you like, work with the gemstones citrine or yellow jade. And to help focus your mind use the essential oils of rosemary, juniper berry or clary sage. And don’t forget to put out your Moon Water gems.

Holiday surprises and gift packages coming this week <3.

Full Moon Blessings,
Debra
Moon Mama

Full Moon in Taurus ~ Rising Clarity

Tonight is the Full Moon in Taurus for the West Coast (10:22 pm PST) and early tomorrow morning for the Central & East Coast (1:22 am EST). Taurus is a strong and supportive sign ~ bringing in the earthy, comforting side of life. As Chani Nichols shares, the Moon loves to be in Taurus and is said to be exalted here. This is our time of darkness, inner journeys, and finding the comfort in the arms of mother earth. I find a likeness of Mother Earth to a vessel, a cauldron. She is open to holding and recycling our fears and joys, and transforms them so that our life experiences can be blended and transmuted into a meaningful whole. She calls us to change as she does all things in nature. 

Taurus is a feminine, fixed, earth sign, ruled by Venus. A Taurus Moon slows us down so that our roots can grow deeper under her sensual creativity. It is a time to cultivate the miracle of the Earths magic.

Connecting with Mother Earth under a Taurus Moon can help you to find a subtle clarity arising from a place of inward receptivity. This is a time for tilling ~ before planting the seed ~ be like the rivers and streams and follow the path of least resistance. 

A sweet ceremony for you:

1. Create a vessel out of something from the earth ~ clay, sticks, leaves, twigs, flower petals or even paper with herbs and spices glued on or stained onto the paper ~ be creative sisters & brothers.

2. Do a meditation calling on Mother Earth and Grandmother Moon to bring you a word, a picture or a sound that will connect you to the clarity that is arising in you. You may want to use rosemary or peppermint oil in a diffuser or on your wrists to enhance clarity of mind. If you have any fluorite or citrine you may want to place them near you or hold them during your meditation.

3. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What are you beginning?
• What are you cooking?
• What is transforming?

4. Draw or write your answer and place it in the vessel ~ or maybe write or draw your answer on your vessel. Place anything else in your vessel that feels grounding and centering. The vessel is there for you to connect with your center ~ to receive the clarity that is arising.

Place the vessel on your altar and tomorrow once you have your Moon Water created ~ place a few drops in your vessel ~ or even do it daily until the New Moon in Scorpio.

Don’t forget to put your Moon Water out tonight gems ~

Full Moon Blessings,
Debra
Moon Mama

New Moon in Libra ~ Inner Balance

Today, October 19th at 12:12 pm PST (3:12 pm EST) we move into the Dark Moon of Libra. Libra energy gives us the chance to look at what is increasing and decreasing in our lives; what is in balance and harmony.

This is our first New Moon following the Fall Equinox, a time to connect to your inner point of balance through stillness. To still yourself is to come to rest in your own right place. This stillness is not the opposite of motion, but a push into motion by outside influences. Whether you move or stop is determined by your own sense of the nature of the time. When you are in your stillness you can be inwardly still and reflective and at the same time outwardly stay with your situation; not seek to act on it or escape it.  Outer and inner stillness reinforce one another.

To work from this inner point of balance allows you to slow down, become aware of your feet on the ground and create that moment of stillness that supports you in discovering your natural path and pace. This helps you to flow in greater harmony with your environment and more genuinely connect with other people because you are fully immersed in your authentic experience.

During a dark moon (seed moon) your mind turns inward.  You may feel contemplative yet find your intuition is active. This is the time to seed/plant your intentions. 

Here are a few questions to contemplate under this Dark Moon ~

Where is your inner point of balance?
What is just beginning to germinate?
What is increasing/decreasing in your life?

Here are a few thoughts on seeding your intention for this Dark Moon:

• Create your altar using pinks and greens. Some lovely gemstones to work with under this moon are rose quartz, jade or labradorite. 
• Prepare your Moon Water using either rose quartz or jade ~ speak your intention into the water and place it on your altar overnight.
• If you like, use balancing essential oils in a diffuser or as aromatherapy by dabbing on your wrists or clothing ~ clary sage, lavender or geranium are some of my favorites.
• Take a walk today or if you are not able to take a walk, be aware of any animal or insect that speaks to you. For example, I took a walk today and saw many animals, but towards the end of my walk I happened to look down and see a beetle. It was the beetle that was sharing a message with me.  Pay attention ~ it may even be the sound of an animal (caw of a crow or hoot of an owl) and please trust yourself.  Once you have your animal totem find its meaning/symbolism in a book or online (here is a website you can use, but feel free to contact me and I can also help you). 
• How does this message support your intention? How does it support you in finding your inner balance? Does it inspire an idea or creative thought?
• If you feel comfortable ask the animal spirit to work with you in your dreamtime tonight (you may even have a specific question for your animal)
• When you awaken, take a few minutes to remember your dream and write down any messages you were given and place them on your altar.
• Before eating or drinking, take a sip of your Moon Water and speak your intention into your water again and place it back on your altar. Take a sip each day until the Full Moon on November 3rd. 

Friday, October 20th, is the New Crescent Moon (sprouting moon). During a sprout moon you may find sudden insights or new ideas!  Your appetite may increase and you may need less sleep. If you can, watch the Moon setting (7:11 pm PST, 10:11 EST). It is a beautiful way to bring your intention forward and feel the blessing of new beginnings as we move into the waxing moon.

New Moon Blessings,
Debra
Moon Mama

New Moon in Virgo + Mabon, Autumnal Equinox

We are entering a Virgo New Moon tonight at 10:29 pm PST and early tomorrow morning, September 20th at 1:29 am EST. As, Beatrex Quntanna says, “Virgo is called the “Womb of Time” in which the seed of great values are planted, shielded, nourished and revealed.”

During a New Moon the side of the moon that remains invisible to us here on Earth is being illuminated by the Sun. This means that our “invisible” side, our inner feelings, emotions and desires, are also being illuminated during under the New Moon. Under this illumination, is a window of opportunity to let go of the energy of the previous cycle, and set our intentions, and dreams into conscious action.

Virgo is a feminine, mutable, earth sign ruled by Mercury. She represents purity, innocence and intellect, a union of spirit and matter. A Moon in Virgo sharpens our minds and nerves. It helps one digest information and assess the situation; it is a time to cleanse, organize, edit, heal and brainstorm solutions. 

Another beautiful aspect for this New Moon in Virgo is that it is a Cazimi Moon. A Cazimi Moon is when the Moons center is within 17 minutes of the arc of the center of the Sun. There is a small window of time, ½ before and after the Dark Moon, where there is an increased energy available when the Moon is in this arc of the Sun. This is a great time to start something new.

Build your altar with earth tones, browns, blues, reds, and greens. Carry malachite or sapphires (for those who buy the large Gem Juice you have yours ~ use them!) Pull out your lavender and use it to fragrance the air, yourself and your altar, it is a beautiful way to manage and store the energy you are working with.

Thoughts for your New Moon in Virgo Ceremony

1. Create a Medicine Bag
   
   
   • Gather a piece of cloth from an old piece of clothing or something that might carry memories and cut it into a small circle. Make the circle big enough to hold a few healing amulets and still fit into your pocket, purse or hang from a belt. Use your imagination and sew on sequins, draw on the cloth or add beads or gemstones. Choose the earth colors of fall: reds, greens, yellows, or browns. You can do this today but also carry it into tomorrow. If you want you can buy a small pouch from a store. 
   • Gather a gemstone, lucky penny, heart charm, or any object of meaning to you along with a few herbs or drops of essential oil in the bag. Write your intention, goals for an upcoming project or healing words, on a paper. Then fold it and place it in your medicine pouch or on your altar. You can create more than one intention and put one in your pouch and place one on your altar. Tie the pouch with a ribbon, string or rope and carry it with you. Or you can tie it onto your belt, place it on your altar or near your bed, put it on your desk or wherever it feels best to you. You may even be called to bury it letting it germinate in the earth and dig it up when it feels right. I like to carry mine on my body.  
   • If you feel ready to let it go or release it on the Full Harvest Moon coming in October it is a great time to place it into moving water. If you need to keep it for another cycle or two or three, do it. You will know when you have finished with the intention.
     *** If you don't have time to create your pouch tonight, you can still write your intention and choose your healing amulets and place them on the altar until you complete your medicine bag.***

2. Dive into the portal created by Freydoon Rassouli
   
   • What brings you joy at this time of year,
   • What work or activity brings you joy vibrations??
   • Let it take you to your place of intuition and knowing. Use the picture as a way to connect and then write what comes to you.
     
     
3. ALWAYS good to make time weekly to go into Nature
   
   • Ground to those lower chakra’s. Connect. Be your future; activate your desires; and create. You have the power to change your life: everyday.

Mabon, the Fall Equinox ~ Friday, September 22^nd at 1:02 pm PST (4:02 pm EST)

Autumn begins with Lammas on August 1^st and ends on Samhain, November 1^st, with Mabon marking the mid-point. The Autumnal Equinox calls to us to lean inward to explore our riches, wisdom and inspiration for the coming year. Summers bring high energy and as we move into fall the days shorten, we become quieter and prepare us for dark and cold days of winter. I love pulling out my jeans and sweatshirts, preparing soups and warming foods, and be around the energy of the changing leaves. What a beautiful time to take stock of what you have grown.

We can look at this time of our year as making changes within to create our future and not carry the past forward. This is a time of gratitude.

On Friday, September 22^nd, the Sun and Mercury move into lovely Libra.  This will usher in a time to look at what is increasing and decreasing in our lives.  Mercury in Libra brings us three weeks of charming communications, business exchanges, and social views. Fall is a time of big changes, some are welcome and others are difficult. There are so many wonderful stories around the Autumnal Equinox and celebrations of gratitude and harvest.. As we turn to Mother Earth she graces us with understanding into the weaving of the patterns we carry. 

Let us gather our strength, change our colors, and dance our dream awake. 

May All Your Wishes Find Their Wings,
Debra
Moon Mama