I hope you all are having a beautiful new year. With the setting of goals, intentions, and resolutions many are looking to change, renew, or improve their health through their eating habits and lifestyle. For me, this past year has been a struggle for me to maintain a consistent diet (eating habits) and movement schedule. I would get into a good flow and then get scooped out of it through travel, work obligations, spiritual quests, and emotional personal events. The blessing that came from this was a bit of freedom as I had to let go of my strict routine and begin to let the experiences that wanted to be in my life come through. Now you may be thinking, food doesn’t have that much power or that much purpose. I beg to differ. If truly, all is made of energy and that energy has its own drive and direction then the atoms that make up food also has these qualities. We align or do not align with that flow. So as we work to release resistance and fear (how many times have we demonized different types of foods from fats, salt, and even meat) throughout our lives here’s a quick recipe for a soup that will get you going *wink wink* in more ways than one.
April brings us fully into the Aries/I AM energy. As the first Western zodiac sign, the beginning of a new season, and the representation of the Magician card we look at our WILL. What we are able to create through our desires, strength, and refusal to give up because we believe so deeply that we can MANIFEST from our own sovereign power.
What do you stand for?
Family, love, justice, peace? Now is a time of contemplation of where and how
we have developed our culture, values, and beliefs. The ways that WE in the I
form decide what is valuable, what has worth. Over the past decade we have felt
the shift in power as social capital produced in the form of mass-produced
culture, messaging, and media has become overtly visible.
What are your values, your
principles, your morals? There’s a beauty to the 2nd house that assists
us in developing our talents into wealth. Not just financial but emotional,
mental, social, and legacy wealth. But wealth without principles is just
fertilizer in the bull’s field. It’s nothing. It does not stand. So, develop your
values, find your principles and stand on them. Take in the lesson of the 8th
house as guide. What are you leaving as an inheritance? What have you picked up
as a part of your lineage? Your ancestral patterns carry on in much the same
way as wealth and poverty are generational. What you cultivate MUST be GROUNDED in a strong ethical practice
focused on equity and love.
The 2019 New Moon in
Aries is a time for personal development. You’ll feel like taking some time away
from external influences to find your own compass. There is strong 12th
house energy that is active during this time and will remain active. With Pluto
and Saturn in Capricorn in the 12th house this pull inwards takes us
out of the surface and into the depths of cosmic truth, faith, trust, and love.
What do we do with this energy? Use the energy of Capricorn to create a
structure that allows you to access these realms without losing yourself. As
you come to find your values, truth and purpose take small steps to align with
your being through ritual and practice. The only difference between the sacred
and the profane is our perspective and intention. Set the intention that your
journey is sacred and let that shape your routine.
It is finally time to come out of the underworld and return to the surface to bring the subconscious into our conscious world.
Here’s the breakdown of what’s going on astrologically.
Sun and Chiron in Aries in the 9th house: A time of learning, exploring and taking the unbeaten path. Aries sun energy is connected to movement, speed, and determination. This may not be an elegant plan but it will get the job done. Chiron in Aries is healing our relationship with autonomy, sovereignty, leadership and developing the will to follow through with our plans.
During this spring equinox we’ll be learning more about our true selves and what we are here to contribute to the world. If you find that over the past 3-4 years you have been doing all the research and feel that you have an idea of what you would like to accomplish at this time in your life but can’t seem to get the curtain to rise on your one man show, Aries is acting as the stage manager who pulls the lead aside to chat with them about how there is no show without the team. The crew, the director, the audience – everyone has a role to play.
Autonomy is not isolation or rejection. It is the ability to have the power to assert and advocate for yourself and everyone in our global community. The energy of Libra assists with balancing the shadow of Aries who acts without thinking and is only concerned with what is best for themselves. Take your purpose and state it as a service. How does this contribute to the whole? See your place the grander story and let that drive you towards action.
Mercury and Neptune in Pisces in the 8th and 9th house respectively: 8th house work concerns inheritance, sexuality, and ritual. Mercury in Pisces is a slow, deep, other-worldy experience. Mercury is the communicator, messenger and trickster. Here Mercury pulls us into the subconscious to access information, memories, and pieces of ourselves that we have released because it did not serve us. Serve us in being outspoken may have gotten us punished, being quiet might have made us more susceptible to bullies, being quit and witty might have been frustrating to adults in your life who were not in the mood for that humor. These are not necessarily positive or negative personality traits. We see that sometimes then we push down parts of ourselves to survive or have what we perceive to be a better life.
Mercury opens the door to bringing up these experiences that we may not be consciously aware of. In the 8th house, we are looking at our intimacy inheritance. Couple that with Neptune in Pisces who is home in the waters of the subconscious and dreams in the 9th house which focuses on knowledge, exploration, and discovery. We are having encounters with our past selves through others, our dreams, our ancestors. Change and growth doesn’t always occur in the physical often it is psychological. What we heal internally if reflected externally.
Moon in Aquarius in the 8th house brings us to experiment
with our relationship to our past, subconscious, and sexuality. We are wanting
to move outside the conventional and try things that pique our interest because
it is electrifying.
Big Daddy Cap is all up in this Spring Equinox. The outer planets and Mars are firmly grounded in the daily grind. Plans, systems, processes, and order are fall under Capricorns domain. Capricorns have the advantage of being made of land and water. Capricorns’ ground and balance the emotional sensitivity of Cancer. Capricorns may not incite ideas of sensitivity, grace, and emotional intelligence but this is what gives them the drive to be so productive. They are doing it for their loved ones, for the planet, for the universe. That takes a lot of strength and an ability to keep their eye on the prize. Even…a bit of selfishness.
This season we turn our attention to our health. Create that health regime. It’s time. Get your health in order, get your paperwork in order, make sure are aware of local resources that can assist you in health-related matters. Pay for the insurance, take your vitamins, eat nutrient dense foods, move your body, express your emotions, take time off, get enough sleep. We need consistency to create habits and time to see results. You may also see structure come to your relationships. You’re more pragmatic on how you approach partnerships, long term commitments, and contractual obligations. Be straightforward and don’t be afraid to assert yourself. List out your needs and requirements so you have a foundation to stick to when negotiations begin. You’re worth the investment.
Lastly, there is Uranus and Venus in Taurus in the 10th house indicating our careers will be impacted by our relationships and radical chance. Venus in Taurus is decadent. It is rich foods, luscious surroundings, and being enveloped in the most delicious comforting relationships. In the 10th house, Venus in Taurus calls us to make our careers feel like a love nest. It brings us to supportive surroundings, opportunities, and projects. It will also show us where we are missing these things in our purpose.
Research your own astrology so you can understand your relationship to what is happening in macro-astrology.
Spring Equinox – Astrological New Year – Start of Aries Season
Rebirth
These are all themes related to this time of year. Thus, this month our journal prompt is VISION. What is your vision for yourself? For the year? For the day? We can get bogged down in the details sometimes we need to see the bigger picture. Before we rise in the spring, let us dream in winter soothed by the peaceful waves of Pisces.
Balance is everything as
we see with the ascendant and mars in the 1st house in Taurus, the
Midheaven in the 10th, Pluto and Saturn in the 9th house all
in Capricorn. Pisces is stepping into the spotlight in the 11th
house with the Sun, Moon and Neptune. The effects of this new moon will be
externally driven. Our spiritual families and beliefs take center stage. How we
relate to each other Intense dreams which expose our deepest desires, fears,
and even connect us to our nonphysical spirit guides and ancestors. This is a
great time to explore dream analysis and magic. There are messages and
information available to us from the broader nonphysical world that we can
access when we are open to receiving that knowledge. A wonderful way to support
this energy would be through a consistent night time ritual. Here’s a couple of
ways to get you started.
Pisces Dream Ritual
Gather your materials: incense, candles, tea, journal or notebook, writing utensil, comfortable space to conduct the ritual.
Clean and clear your space and body using your favorite space cleansing method such as smoke clearing, singing bowl, or chanting. This is not only to clear the energy of the space but to put you into the ritual mental space.
Now commence with your ritual. Traditionally you would cleanse your physical form in a bath or shower next but as this is Pisces season your interaction with water/liquids can be a central part of your ritual. Here’s what I suggest:
Depending
on where you would like to hold your ritual, first set up your sacred space
with by lighting your candle/s and incense. Then set up your tea or drink and a
representation of earth. If you’re wanting to nurture yourself, you can use
your dinner for your representation of earth. After you’ve blessed the food you
can then literally consume your intentions making them a part of your physical
form.
Now,
call in your ancestors, spirit guides, and the directions. Ask for them to
protect you and guide you during your ritual. Then acknowledge your illuminated
and shadow self. Each play a role in helping to explore this life.
Place
your hands over the tea or drink and food asking that the energy align with
your body and spirit as you explore the depths of the unconscious. To bring
through clear images of your path and desires. To show you your spirit family
and highlight the work that you will be doing. Know that you might have a dream
that is frightening. This might bring up your fears of what and who you can be.
Your dreams might also include folks who you can’t stand or have drama with.
Evaluate what is happening in the dream, how you felt during each part, and any
symbols that stood out to you. Now consume your food and drink. When you are
complete release and give thanks to your ancestors, guides and directions. You’ll
find the final bedtime ritual at the end of this post.
Bath
or Shower Ritual
First clean your tub, shower, and bathroom.
Then use herbs, oils, sea salt, Epsom salt (be mindful of your blood pressure) to create a spiritual bath or shower.
Place your hands over the water or play your preferred spiritual instrument over the water to set the tone and energy of the water.
While in the bath or shower take 3 deep breaths and picture the water flowing over your body cleansing you of any negative spirits, energy, or thoughts.
Next,
find a comfortable position and take deep breaths letting the air flow in
through your nose and then breath out through your mouth. Let your attention
focus on your breath. Air is life. Water is life. Earth is life. Fire is Life.
Each of the elements come together creating a physical world for us to live and
grow. As you flow deeper into your meditation allow yourself to focus on the
element that seems prominent for you. This could be the water you are currently
in, the air you are breathing, the earthy weight of your body, or the fire of
the heated water. Let any messages or visions come to you at this time. Remain
in this state as long as you like.
Once
you feel complete, beginning with your toes gently begin to move your body.
This will help to ground you back in your physical form. Give thanks to your
ancestors, guides, and directions for their protection and insight. Then release
the water and proceed with washing your body off to remove any energy left over
from your meditation.
You
can continue this work by setting intentions before you go to sleep for wisdom to
be delivered to you in your dreams. Leave a pen and pad or some way to document
any dreams that you may have. There will be lots of knowledge shared through the
dream state this new moon which can provide insight into your personal topics
of interest for the new astrological new year.
Can you believe it? 28 Days of Love is coming to a close today. Over the past 4 weeks we have connected with our heart, mind, body, and home/living spaces to find clarity and bring ourselves into alignment with the energy of love.
How do you feel? Take a moment to integrate the information and lessons that you have learned over the past month into your life completely. It may take some time to feel and know what changes you have made or may still need to make. Behavior and thought process changes enhance our states of being. Above all else I hope that this time has brought about compassion for yourself and others. Love is so much more than warm fuzzy feelings. It is the basis of our existence. Through love we find ourselves. Through love we find our purpose.
So I send you forth with love, always and forever.
Are you ready to set that love energy coming pouring into your home by decorating according to Feng Shui? Then let’s get started.
The number one important thing you can do is discover items that you associate with love. Are they seashells from your favorite body of water? Daisy’s from your garden? Soft peaches, blues, and green colors? Figure out what those items are and grab some so that when complete the arrangement of the items already in that space you can add these to personalize the energy you are sending out and receiving.
Lights, Mirrors, Reflection: These items can be used to enhance space, lighten up the energy in a room, reflect negative energy outside of the space or open it up for more light. Ideally you want to face towards a door or opening in a room but if that isn’t possible you can place a mirror in on the opposing wall in order to balance that energy. Are you finding that you are often feeling confused about what your relationships? Make sure you have a well lit ventilated love portion of the home.
Sound: Feeling as if your love life is stuck? Then you may want to invest in some bells, chimes, or fountains. These items encourage movement of energy. If you find yourself in a sexual rut the flowing sounds may be what you need to get the juices flowing.
Color: We’ve spoken here before about color magic and it functions much the same in Feng Shui. Determine what you want your love life to include and then use those corresponding colors in this portion of the home.
Plants: Plants can bring life and movement to an area that has stagnant energy within your home as well. They can also disrupt the piercing energy of corners that stick out into the room disrupting the flow of energy.
Flags, statues, swords, fans, or large stationary objects: These and other objects like them can be used to slow down energy that is moving too quickly. For very large rooms with lots of windows or long hallways this may be letting energy flow out faster then it is generated. If you find that your relationships flow in and out of your life quickly add something large and concrete to the love portion of your home to stabilize that energy.
Altars: Another way to create this stability is by creating a love altar in this portion of your home. Invite the elements in with items that symbolize love for you such as candles, incense, stones/crystals, bells, water fountains, or feathers. Remember if you desire to have a partner or partners to include this as a part of your altar and portion of the home. Make sure you have all things in pairs or whatever number you feel works best for you. Perform maintenance and rituals that honor love at your altar to concentrate your energy and desires. This can become a form of self-care for you and if you like your partner.
Above all else make sure that this portion of your home feels warm, inviting, and nurturing to you. This way your relationships will reflect this back to you.
Now that we’ve found the love and relationships portion of your home I know you can’t wait to start arranging the items in that space in order to have the most inviting energy present in that space. So here are some tips to Feng Shui some love into your life.
First what type of room is this? For many this may be a bedroom, family room, bathroom or is that portion missing in your home? The function of this room plays a large role in the energy that exists there.
Determine the design of the room. What is the entrance to that space like? Is it a door, hall, or open space? Are there windows? If so what direction do they face and where are they located in the room? What about closets? Look to see all the design elements of the room so you know what you are working with.
Now spend some time in this space. How does it feel?
How is the room decorated? What’s in the room?
Are there things in the space that can be changed or improved?
What things do you like about the room?
What do you dislike about the room?
Ideally what do you want the room to feel like?
Ideally what types of relationships would you like to have
Once you’ve completed answering these questions you’ll have a pretty good idea of where to start improving upon the love portion of your home. Tomorrow we’ll look what items to use to decorate the love portion of your home to correct any issues you may find in the space.
How did you enjoy the decluttering activity? What was your experience going through the items in your home or living space? Did it make you think that perhaps you may need to start going through other spaces that you inhabit such as where you work or your car? I find that once I begin to experience the change and ease that comes with removing items from my space, I soon want to experience that in all areas of my life. If you feel called to perform the decluttering activity in other portions of your life do so.
Now that you have spent time with the items within your home and cleansed your space as you feel called to we will look at the ways in which energy moves about the home. Let’s start with the basics, under the Chinese system of Taoism there are lies the foundation of the Ultimate as Creation/Matter/Earth in the form of a square and Heaven/Spirit/Sky as a circle that surrounds that square. That square of creation can be reduced to a broken line _ _ known as Yin. The circle can be reduced down to an unbroken line __ known as Yang. Thus we find balance through the Yin/Yang symbol.
Here we find the Yang (Heaven/Spirit/Sky/Male) represented by white and Yin (Creation/Matter/Earth/Female) represented by black. One is never without the other which is why there is always a spot of each in the other. The Yang is at the top denoting the South with Yin at the bottom signaling the North. If we then look a the concept of the lines we find that by arranging the lines representing Yin/Yang we can symbolize the 4 directions. From there we can add a third row to denote the element associated with that direction as well. Thus we have three rows of lines featuring solid and broken lines. By adding an additional three rows we find ourselves at the IChing but that is for another day.
If you would like a more detailed explanation of the directions, elements, and energy associated with them, I implore you to see out some of the many resources that exist online, in text, or in person. Here, we’ll move forward into the art of Feng Shui which utilizes understanding the flow of energy (Chi)in accordance with the system described above to design one’s living space to give you optimal luck and balance. Each direction is known to assist the home in different ways. Taking these associations we can bring the nine sections of the Pah Kwa out into a square that can be divided into 9 known as the Lo Shu magic square. We can then overlay this square onto any home with the South at the top to see the energy associated there and determine what may need to be done to enhance that space.
Now that you’re more familiar with the principles of Feng Shui, let’s find the love portion of your home. If you can grab a house plan or draw one of your home. Using a compass ascertain the direction your house faces from the front door. Then find yourself a Pa Kua or Bagua that you can lay over your house plan matching up the south locations. From there you can determine the sections of your home. The love and relationships portion of your home is to the right of the southern wall/room. For example if your front door faces north then the back of your home would be your Fame and recognition area. To the top right of that would be your relationships/love portion of your home. Now that you know where the love portion is we’ll discuss how to decorate and arrange the items in that portion of your home to bring you love and security.
Greetings beloveds,
