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Tuesday January 22, 2019 Tarot Reveal

Tarot Tuesday Reveal

Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment.  By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you..

Once you feel ready pick a card. From left to right above the cards are three crystal hearts that I will use in place a numbers 1,2, and 3. The first heart on the left is Chrysocolla.  The second heart in the middle is Fluorite.   The third on the right is Pietersite. I consider these crystals as being paired with the card they sit above. The different crystals usually share a common theme or energy with the card it is paired with.

The Reveal

The first heart on the left is Chrysocolla, and the card beneath it is the Nine of Pentacles. The second heart in the middle is Fluorite and the card beneath it is the Emperor. The heart on the right is Pietersite and the card beneath it is the Five of Swords. Take note of your initial feeling upon seeing what the card you picked is. Do you feel good about it? Does it leave you feeling anxious? Or are you feeling a sense of “oh that figures”? Noticing our initial reactions helps us in developing our intuition. The feelings and thoughts that first show up are usually unfiltered and have messages of their own to share with us if we pay attention. You can check these initial reactions later against what you may learn about the card and crystal pair and see if it has changed or gotten deeper.

Chrysocolla Crystal

Chrysocolla is a copper stone often found growing with Azurite and Malachite, and sometimes contains Cuprite. It can be found in the form of Gem Sillica, a crystallized form where the Chrysocolla is fused with Quartz. It ranges in colors from blues to greens. This crystal is known as a stone of empowerment for feminine energies, a stone for wise women, and as a Goddess stone. It is also known as a crystal that encourages people to stay home and not feel negative effects from seclusion. A stone for monks, hermits, and even prisoners. Helpful for public speaking and teaching, for sharing your knowledge. It is associated with the throat chakra, and the heart chakra through its blue and green coloring. In divination this crystal may mean that you need to be generous or allowing with someone whom you don’t particularly like. It may call on you to be diplomatic or tactful with someone at this time.

Nine of Pentacles

This card is a Minor Arcana card or pip card. This card is an Earth element card, and is said to carry the energy of Venus in Virgo. The number nine is a number that represents culminating energy. Pentacles represent money and wealth, but also physical health and the material world itself. The card itself shows a woman in her garden with a falcon. This image speaks of self-sufficiency, self-empowerment, financial well-being, independence, and even creativity and spiritual connection (being able to use spiritual messages in practical ways).  She is alone in that she is the only person in the image, yet there is no evidence of her being lonely. A small snail near her feet might suggest a that it took some time to grow and develop not only the wealth but possibly the self-assurance as well. If you have chosen this card it may be time to focus on growing your “garden”. Now is not a time to build your world around what anyone else wants for or from you, instead build it to suit yourself. Learn to be happy with your own company, it is better to have fewer friends than many false ones.

Fluorite Crystal

 

Fluorite

Fluorite is a very protective stone, good for grounding and harmonizing spiritual energy. It connects the mind to universal consciousness, and helps develop links with spirit. It helps bring intuitive insights into the physical plane. Fluorite balances mental and physical energies and can clear negative energies from the aura. It is said to enhance mental abilities and has been called the “genius stone”. It needs to be cleared often as it is always working to absorb negativity from its environment. In divination this crystal is said to assist in making decisions that are practical, but also ethical and do not go against your principles.

The Emperor

This card is the fourth card in the Major Arcana. Fire is the Emperor’s element, and it is ruled by the planet Mars. This card shows an Emperor sitting upon his throne, holding a scepter, and a globe. This tarot card represents security, and stability, as well as power and control. It is about control of self, and the world around you. The Emperor is in charge, and makes the rules. This card can represent a father, or father figure, a leader,  a boss, or other authority figure. If you have chosen this card it is time to make the hard decisions and take the lead. Be the boss in whatever situation you are facing at this time. This doesn’t have to mean being mean, you could choose to be tough but fair. In any case now is the time to take charge.

Pietersite Crystal

Pietersite is known as the Tempest Stone. It can clear the emotional air like a thunderstorm is known to do leaving the aura and emotions feeling calm and renewed. It grounds physical energy centers to the etheric realm instead of to the Earth. It increases intuition, the use of the will, and the focus of one’s aim in life. It is also a powerful protective stone, especially against the elements, storms in particular. This crystal is also good for boosting confidence, creativity, and supports overcoming addictions. It is a blend of Tiger’s eye, Hawks eye, and Jasper with incredible chatoyancy (shimmery shine) that makes it seem to swirl like a storm brewing. In divination this crystal means that you will see things in a new way, usually after something is brought to light.

Five of Swords

This card is of the Air element, air is a representation of thoughts, and communications. The number five is a number that shows change,  movement, and transmutation. The air signs of Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini could figure into the associations for this card. The card itself shows several dejected figures and one figure in the foreground. There are stormy skies that might further suggest battles, or unrest of sorts. The scene appears like a battle has been won, but the victory may or may not have been worth it. If you have chosen this card then it is likely that there has been a fight of ideas going on for you. It is also a possibility that the new ideas that win will cause you to make some changes. Making changes is not always easy, but once we are far enough along to see the results of them it is like the difference between night and day. Also remember that often when making big changes we need to let go of what is not working and even though this leads to better things it can hurt or be unsettling to do so. So allow yourself to grieve what you will be getting rid of even if it is just an idea, or belief. When you are done the clouds will clear and the Sun will shine again.

I hope that you have found this to be helpful, or meaningful. If you have any questions, or would like to purchase a reading please feel free to contact me at april@lodestarphx.com.

 

 

 

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Tarot Tuesday Reveal

Pick A Card

Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment.  By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root Chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you.

Once you feel ready then pick a card. I will be looking at these crystals and cards as pairs, or sets from left to right. Starting on the left with a Spirit Quartz crystal, then in the center with a Clear Quartz Cluster of crystals, and finally on the right with Citrine Spirit Quartz. I have found with these card reveals that the crystals and the cards seem to have energies and messages that are complimentary to one another. If crystals aren’t your thing feel free to skip to the card meanings.

Reveal

From left to right we have the Amethyst Spirit Quartz with the Tower card, in the middle the Clear Quartz Cluster with the Queen of Pentacles card, and on the right the Citrine Spirit Quartz with the World card. It is interesting to note that each of the Spirit Quartz has a Major Arcana card aligned with it and the Clear Quartz cluster has a Court Card aligned with it. The Major Arcana are powerful and full of meaning on their own, but they also together tell a story of the fool’s journey (or hero’s journey if you prefer). The Court cards usually (but not always) represent actual people. Sometimes the person the card represents is the person getting the reading (the seeker, or querent), and sometimes it is someone in the seekers life.

Spirit Quartz

The crystal on the left above the Tower card is an Amethyst Spirit Quartz. Spirit Quartz, also known as Cactus Quartz, or Porcupine Quartz is at its core a terminated quartz crystal that is encrusted with hundreds of smaller crystal termination points. They are crystal communities usually found in clusters. The most common variety is Amethyst, but it can also be found in white quartz, Smokey quartz, and CItrine Quartz. Found in the Magaliesberg Mountain area of South Africa, these are crystals of harmony, alignment, and amplification. Each variety will have additional energies that it will express. The Amethyst Spirit Quartz activates the Crown Chakra, and higher. It can bring in spiritual information, and provide multi-dimensional healing. This could also be seen as similar to the Tower in some cases, suddenly bringing in information that might change your thinking, or spiritual connection, with healing as the ultimate end goal. This crystal is also used for cleansing the aura, healing the etheric body, dispelling negative attachments and entities, and assisting in the transition to other states of being. It is associated with many of the wisdom Goddesses like Minerva, or Sophia.

The Tower

The Tower is the sixteenth card in the Major Arcana of a typical Tarot deck. It contains a powerful image of lightning striking a tower, knocking the top off and sending a pair of people falling head first towards the ground. The most common thoughts when seeing this card are of danger, sudden events that are beyond our control, crisis, damage, accidents, danger and destruction. Sometimes this card is a warning of something that seems to hit us unaware and send us reeling, turning our world upside down. That is not the only way of viewing this card however, and there are times that it can mean sudden new insights, or liberation. It can be the epiphany of a wonderful “aha” moment when you see things in a way that changes things for you forever. The element for this card is fire, and its ruling planet is Mars. This adds to the idea that what it represents is sudden and perhaps aggressive. It might be that we are so unaware that it will take a strong “wake up call” for us to “get it” and put ourselves right again. If you have chosen this card you might want to be more aware of how you are thinking and moving through the world right now. A little meditation and self-reflection could be just the thing to avoid any crisis and exchange it for a new idea or awareness.

Clear Quartz Cluster

Quartz is one of the most common crystal types and found in many places around the world. It come in many varieties as well, from Rose Quartz to Amethyst Quartz and so many more. A Cluster is as the name implies a group of individual crystals that have grown together in a cluster. While these crystals have all the properties of quartz they also have a combined energy that is able to spread out and impact larger areas, or more people. Some keywords associated with crystal clusters are community, connection, balance, projection, and energize. You can use these clusters to energize other crystals, as well as balance the energies in a room, house, or body. As they can receive, store, and project energy they make awesome manifestation tools. Since this crystal form is aligned with the card Queen of Pentacles, at this time I would stress the earthy energies related to growing things or maintaining them – abundance, and a physical community that supports you. If you would like to learn more about Clear Quartz and it’s properties, it was featured last week in the Tarot Reveal.

Queen of Pentacles

This card could represent you, or someone in your life. This card is of the Earth element and associated with the physical Earth realm. Things like gardening, nature, the body, and even money are connected to this card. This woman is often a mother, either literally with children, or metaphorically as a creatrix, artist, entrepreneur, or  other type of leader or authority figure. This woman might well be an Earth sign like Virgo, Taurus, or Capricorn. If you have chosen this card it may be time for you to step into (or further into) this type of role, or to work with or for this type of person right now. Consider the association with the crystal cluster and how maybe you could grow or maintain your business, family, home, garden,  or support group at this time.

Citrine Spirit Quartz

This crystal has the same properties as all Spirit Quartz, but it also has some unique energies it expresses. This crystal activates the Sacral and Solar Plexus Chakras, it assists in aligning personal will to Divine will. It is said to help in feelings of self-worth and empowerment, this feeling of empowerment can lead to the ability to express the true higher-self will. It allows for release of material attachments yet enables true abundance of meaningful things, people, and experiences into one’s life. The golden color of this crystal encourages forgiveness, happiness, and enjoying the pleasures of life without the drives of greed or jealousy. It assists in abundance and nourishment of all kind and is associated with Grain and abundance Goddesses like Demeter.

The World

Another Major Arcana card, number twenty-one.  It’s element is Earth, and it’s ruling planet is Saturn. This card is often seen as an ending of a cycle of life, a major change that is permanent, also fulfillment, and completion. Saturn would seem to speak directly to this view, but as many who follow astrology will tell you if you do the work you get the reward. If however you have not then you may not enjoy the results, which are usually even more work (both inner and outer) if you want to see improvement. This card in many ways speaks about balance and harmony that come from learning how to order your life so it works for you and not against you. The lessons of Saturn have taught you what really has value, and what really matters, with this information you can create your “world” in a way that feeling like you are in the “flow” is the new normal. If you have chosen this card and don’t currently feel like things are changing for the better for you, it may be that you need to relearn the lessons of Saturn to find out what “works” for you.

I hope that this has been helpful, meaningful, and informative for you. If you have any questions, or would like to order a full reading please feel free to contact me at april@lodestarphx.com.

 

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#TarotTuesday Reveal

Tarot Tuesday Reveal

Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm, focused, and to be present in the moment.  By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. It is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready. Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you.

There is a different crystal sphere above each of the cards. From left to right we have a clear quartz sphere, a rose quartz sphere, and finally a fluorite sphere.

Reveal

As the revealed cards show from left to right the clear quartz is above the Two of Wands. The rose quartz is above the King of Wands, and the fluorite is above Temperance. Each crystal has a different energy and can hold a different meaning, as does each of the cards. I will explore each sphere and the card below it as a set, or pair. In my opinion this adds emphasis, or deeper meaning to the card selected. If crystals aren’t your thing just ignore the portions dedicated to them and skip straight to the card interpretations.

Clear Quartz

The first set on the left is clear quartz and the two of wands card. Clear quartz has the ability to focus, amplify, store, and transform energy. It is used in technology in watches, radio transmitters, and receivers, microphones,  ultra sound devices, memory chips in computers, and other electronic circuitry. The phenomenon of piezoelectricity, the release of electric charge under the application of mechanical stress, occurs in all noncentrosymmetric materials.  Pyroelctricity, the release of charge due to a material’s change of temperature occurs in all materials that belong to polar crystal symmetry class. Not all noncentrosymmetric classes are polar, and not all piezoelectric crystals are pyroelectric. All pyroelectric crystals are piezoelectric though.

These properties of energy amplification, programmability, and memory make quartz crystals useful for healing, meditation, communicating with guides, expanding consciousness, or really almost any other purpose you could imagine. It is good at amplifying the energies of other stones, or groups of stones like in grids. It is a wonderful material for wands and staffs, and everyone has seen or heard of a crystal ball for crystal gazing. In divination it can point to new energies, new beginnings, a need to make a decision and act quickly upon it, and dreaming of clear quartz can mean freedom from enemies.

Two of Wands

Wands are the element of fire, and often deal with issues involving growth, expansion, developing ideas, creativity, spiritual matters, intuition, work, enterprise, initiative, renewal, and energy.  Two is a number of duality, and choices. This could suggest relationships, partnerships, or attraction between people. Twos are also conversation and debate, or opposing ideas. Twos also represent all kinds of pairs and opposites. This card could represent a gateway to a new phase of life, deciding to start a business, or even a relationship for example. The astrological influence of this card is Mars in Aries, a fiery, action oriented energy. Overall this may suggest a time to write a pro and con list for anything you have been on the fence about, then get in touch with your inner-guidance, or higher self to confirm your stance and take that next step. Using your creative vision to craft your future in accordance with your will.

Rose Quartz

Rose quartz is called the heart stone, it corresponds to the heart chakra. This stone is also said to inspire love and beauty in all forms. Used for developing or attracting loving relationships with others, and even the self. In divination this stone is about forgiving yourself, and not allowing others to lay blame on you that you do not deserve. This stone also serves to help nurture a positive self-image, release emotional wounds, and learn to joyfully give and receive love.

King of Wands

This card carries the energy of fire, specifically fixed fire sign Leo, which is ruled by the Sun. In astrology Leo is said to rule the heart in the physical body. Passionate, creative, intuitive, loving, and inspired are all traits that Leo embodies. With the King card these traits show up in the form of a masculine leader who will supervise and delegate. The person who the King of Wands represents in your life (whether it is you or someone else in your world) is likely to be charismatic and masterful. Sometimes it is said that Leos, or the King of Wands types can have egos that are too big. While some might, usually what is really needed is some rose quartz type nurturing and love. With this card it may be that it will represent you and a need to step into a leadership role, or if it is someone in your life like an authority figure (a boss for example) then you might want to try to handle them with some soft, gentle energy to improve things with them, the same would likely apply to a personal relationship with a King of Wands right now. Use the loving rose quartz energy of the healing heart for whoever is involved.

Fluorite

Fluorite is a very protective stone, good for grounding and harmonizing spiritual energy. It connects the mind to universal consciousness, and helps develop links with spirit. It helps bring intuitive insights into the physical plane. Fluorite balances mental and physical energies and can clear negative energies from the aura. It is said to enhance mental abilities and has been called the “genius stone”. It needs to be cleared often as it is always working to absorb negativity from its environment. In divination this crystal is said to assist in making decisions that are practical, but also ethical and do not go against your principles.

Temperance

This card is the fourteenth card in the Major Arcana.  Most versions show a winged Angel (or person) pouring liquid from one cup into another, with one foot in the water, and one on land. This represents balance, and also moderation and patience as well. This card can show a need to blend things together like an artist mixing colors of paint to arrive at the perfect hue. This is alchemy. This card is ruled by Jupiter and is of the fire element. Jupiter is expansive and also said to represent the guru, wise one, or god. The winged Angel is standing on the ground, with a foot on the Earth and one in water, a blending of elements, a balancing of energies in many ways is what is called for when this card appears. Listening to your inner-guidance, higher-self, or if you prefer guru, and balancing that with what seems to be called for on this physical plane, and what feels right emotionally is the juggling act to preform right now.

I hope that this edition of Tarot Tuesday was enjoyable and helpful for you. If you have any questions or would like to purchase a full, personalized reading please contact me at april@lodestarphx.com

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Tarot Tuesday Reveal

Tarot Reveal

If you didn’t get to see the original post on Facebook, you can find it here at Lodestar Phoenix-Tarot with April Mari , to pick a card.  There is a different crystal wand above each of the cards. From left to right we had a Stromatolite wand, an Onyx wand, and a Pietersite wand. Take a moment and take a deep breath. Get centered, and grounded, then pick a card. By get centered I mean to get calm and focused, to be present in the moment.  By get grounded I mean to uncross your feet and arms, with feet flat on the floor. I is also beneficial if you can quickly imagine roots shooting down from your root chakra and feet into the Earth. Allow these roots to anchor you in a supportive way that neutralizes negativity and draws up nurturing Earth energy for stability. Sometimes more than one deep breath is needed to feel ready, Often three nice, slow, deep breaths are just right. Do what feels best for you.

 

Reveal

From left to right we had a Stromatolite wand with the Judgement card. Next was the Onyx wand with the Eight of Wands card. Finally we had the Pietersite wand with the Ace of wands. Which card and wand combination did you choose? What is your initial reaction to the card when revealed? Many times our initial reactions have pertinent information for us. Some might be pleased, or even relieved, while others might feel anxiety, or disappointment. Take note of the initial reaction you encounter. Don’t feel like you need to judge this initial reaction, just observe it for now. Later with more information it might make more sense, or it might be a message about some work that needs to be done, on say procrastination, or fear of moving forward for example.

Stromatolite Wand and Judgement Card

Stromatolite is an excellent stone for transformation, and evolutionary change. It assists in removing or changing deeply ingrained blockages, patterns and programs. It is also known to encourage new patterns, and flexible thinking. Stromatolite is created from fossilized algae that were the predominant form of life on Earth for more than two billion years, and are said to have created the oxygen on our planet. This stone is also said to be helpful for reading the Akashic Records, and delving into past lives through techniques like past life regression.

The Judgement card is number twenty in the Major Arcana of the tarot deck. It’s element is fire, and the ruling planet is Pluto.  A card for endings and new beginnings, resurrection and awakening. Redemption, and reincarnation are also keywords associated with this card. In a reading one could imagine feeling judged due to the imagery and usual descriptions of this card. Sometimes yes we are being judged by others, but even more often we are judging ourselves. Now especially with the year wrapping up, it is a good time to take stock of where we find ourselves, what we have accomplished, or not accomplished, and where we would like to go from here. If this is the card you have chosen then it seems very likely that the time is right for you to take inventory and make changes that will lead to a happier, and healthier new you in the new year.

Onyx Wand and Eight of Wands

Onyx is an ancient stone used for many magickal and mundane purposes by many cultures throughout history. Black Onyx is a powerful stone of protection for the mind and body. It is useful as a sort of shield against harmful energies, often used by those who do energy work like psychics, and mediums. It has a very earthy, grounding energy to it that might be depressing for some if used for too long.  Helps develop emotional and physical strength and stamina. It is helpful in times of stress, confusion, and grief. With time and thoughtful workings this stone can help lead one to mastery of one’s self.

Eight of Wands is a Minor Arcana tarot card (or Pip card). This card’s element is fire, and is said to have the planetary energy of Mercury in Sagittarius. It’s number is eight, which resonates with power and strength. Eight is also about combining physical and spiritual energies. This card is interesting as it has no animals or people in it. The wands are in flight, showing forward movement. Often this card represents communications coming soon. It can also point to travel or advancement of some kind. It is a card of action, things already in motion.

If you chose this card right now, with the Onyx wand’s energy assisting it, it could point to a need to ground and protect yourself in preparation for an influx of activity and energy. This energy could be either positive or negative depending on where you find yourself in this moment. If negative, use the idea of the Onyx to slow down and think before responding to what is coming. Also remember Onyx’s protective qualities, it absorbs and transmutes negativity as well as repelling it to begin with. If this new cycle of energy is positive in nature, there is still cause to be aware and not burn yourself out by taking on too much. Pace yourself, and set up good boundaries. In either case this period of time is offering you the chance to move forward, even if what it offers does’t seem ideal, you have the power to change how you perceive it and respond to it to create the best possible outcome.

Pietersite Wand and the Ace of Wands

Pietersite is known as the Tempest Stone. It can clear the emotional air like a thunderstorm is known to do leaving the aura and emotions feeling calm and renewed. It grounds physical energy centers to the etheric realm instead of to the Earth. It increases intuition, the use of the will, and the focus of one’s aim in life. It is also a powerful protective stone, especially against the elements, storms in particular. This crystal is also good for boosting confidence, creativity, and supports overcoming addictions. It is a blend of Tiger’s eye, Hawks eye, and Jasper with incredible chatoyancy (shimmery shine) that makes it seem to swirl like a storm brewing.

The Ace of Wands is another Minor Arcana card. It’s element is fire but is not assigned a particular planet. It does resonate with all the fire signs however, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Aces are all about new beginnings. This ace contains keywords related to creativity, spirituality, intuition, will power, and desire. If you have chosen this card at this time it is time to start something new, to take action to achieve a desire. The more creative, and spiritual the desire, the faster it will manifest. Take action on that dream that you have been afraid to let yourself go for. If you need to use the energy of Pietersite to clear the air first, then now is the time to do so. Take a moment and check in to see if it is really fear you are feeling or excitement, then get on with the business of creating the life you want.

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Thanksgiving Week

 

This week we have an interesting mix of energies confronting us. On Thursday the 22nd. many in the U.S. will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day. This day by most accounts started as a harvest festival. A time to gratefully celebrate our harvest bounty by joining together with family and friends and sharing a feast. While not so many will have literally reaped foodstuff from fields they planted this year, the idea of gratitude for what we have is still a valid theme for this time of year.

A Feast and a Full Moon

It is a good time to ponder exactly what you have put your time and energy into growing and bringing to fruition this year. It is also a good time to be grateful for surviving, and for all who helped you to do so.

The ideal to strive for is that of being able to count your blessings. For some this may be easier than for others. As it is also a time to gather with kith and kin, what for many is a joy-filled tradition, for some is a stress-filled, triggering event. With the Full Moon in Gemini the day after Thanksgiving Day, emotions might be a little rough around the edges for some folks now.  The Sun will be shifting from Scorpio into Sagittarius over the 22nd.-23rd, and it is conjunct Jupiter. This paired with  Venus in Libra in opposition to Uranus retrograde in Aries is a recipe for a stress inducing tightrope walk between wanting to keep the peace and sudden urges to tell your truth in a big way.

As long as you try to stay mindful of when your truths may be painful for others you can mitigate your response to these urges. Is now really the best time to tell Aunt Ruth loudly in front of everyone that you have always hated her cranberry sauce? Maybe you can find a way of politely passing on it instead, or getting too full to clean your plate of it?

This would be a good time to find a happy middle ground where you can be in your truth but still be polite. Being polite is not the same as doing things you don’t enjoy simply to please others, and now (or anytime) really isn’t best for that.

Full Moon In Gemini

A Full Moon in Gemini can be social and changeable energy, which the moon itself has a harder time expressing in. It is fine for light talk and new experiences, like mingling and small talking with a group of people. The Full Moon is a great time to release and let go of what is not working.

The sign of Gemini is a mutable, masculine, air sign that is ruled by the planet Mercury. It is a sign of duality. Key concepts for this sign are communication, and connecting lower and higher mind, siblings, neighbors, travel, transportation, and education. Physically it rules the arms, shoulders, hands, lungs, and nervous system. The symbol is the Divine Twins, Castor and Pollux. Geminis are quick witted, curious, and also changeable and prone to extremes.

Gemini Magic

This is a good time for magic related to anything you want to learn or are curious about. It is a good time for divination, and spells for writing, luck, success in education, and improving communication, especially in romantic relationships. Garden planning, harvesting, weeding, or mulching are best garden activities now as Gemini is said to be a dry, barren sign. Working magic with herbs or flowers for Gemini use orchid, gladioli, iris, snapdragons, parsley, and dill. The colors are white, yellow, and orange. Crystals like Icelandic spar, moss agate, Aquamarine, tourmaline, onyx, diamond, jade, and topaz. Oils and incense like jasmine, orchid, sandalwood, and wormwood.

Among the totem animals are many types of small birds. Birds in general are said to be messengers of spirit, and Mercury (Gemini’s ruling planet) as messenger of the Gods was also a messenger of spirit able to travel between the worlds. This is a wonderful example of connecting, or bridging the higher and lower minds as well.

Plan Ahead

This full moon on the heels of Thanksgiving Day should provide plenty of food for thought as to what you would like to release that has not borne fruit for you. Additionally it would also be a great time to plan what you would like to plant and grow in the coming year ahead so that by next Thanksgiving you could be grateful for that harvest.

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New Moon

New Moon in Scorpio

The New Moon will be exact on this Wednesday, November 7th 2018, at 11:03 A.M. E.S.T. at 15 degrees Scorpio. Classically the sign of Scorpio was ruled by Mars, but once Pluto was discovered many gave over Scorpio’s rulership to it. Keywords from both planets such as action and transformation fit very nicely with this sign and it’s watery nature. In fact Scorpio’s element is water, it’s modality is fixed, and it’s polarity is feminine. Key concepts for this sign include experiencing deep, transformational emotional connections; death and rebirth. This sign is said to rule the reproductive organs and the bowels of the human body.

Totem Animals

The way I learned it, Scorpio has three totem animals, the Scorpion, the Eagle, and the Phoenix. These animals represent the different stages of Scorpionic evolution. The unevolved Scorpio would readily sting, the more evolved Scorpio could fly high and had the vision of the Eagle, and a highly evolved Scorpio had the magic and power to transform and rebirth themself, the power of alchemy like a Phoenix. In more recent times it seems Scorpio now has seven or eight stages represented by different totem animals, but the idea remains the same, this sign can become incredibly wise, compassionate, and powerful multidimensional beings. They do need to do the “work” of self- reflection and improvement to reach the higher evolutionary stages though, it is not just given to them.

Scorpio Magic

Magic, and alchemy are themselves very scorpionic. As is psychic ability, dreams, all kinds of secret or hidden things, hypnotism, mediumship, communing with Deity, reincarnation, and self-improvement. Scorpio colors are intense colors like black, and red. Crystals like Topaz, Aquamarine, Malachite, Obsidian, Tourmaline, and Opal resonate with Scorpio energy. Herbs like Holly, Yew, Wormwood, Vanilla, Tobacco, Patchouli, Nightshade, Morning glory, Hemlock, Datura, Foxglove, Bloodroot, Black and Blue Cohosh, Chrysanthemum, Blackthorn, Belladonna, Blackberry, Pomegranate, and Basil are Scorpio herbs and plants. Obviously some of these need to be handled with care.

New Moon

A new moon is the end of a cycle and the start of a new one. Releasing old patterns and habits, and starting new healthy ones would be ideal at this time. Planting seeds, both figuratively and literally is perfect for this phase of the moon. If literally planting seeds, consider things like leafy greens and cabbages(depending on your planting zone), and if you have a greenhouse or not you might be surprised by what you can plant now.  Magic for drawing, for growth, and increase, any new beginnings, or improvements are favored now. Cleaning and purification are also good things to undertake at this time, more so if you are washing away the old to allow space, or a clean slate for the new. Many rituals will begin in just this kind of way, with a bath so you are physically clean. These kinds of pre-ritual baths will often include herbs and salts to also clean your energetic body as well. This bath time is also used to release any emotions that might interfere with the magic you are about to perform. No need to wait for a ritual to take a healing or cleansing bath, anytime you feel that you might benefit from one is a perfect time. There are even some Spells that can be done in the bath if you feel called.

Money Bath Spell

A simple Spell to increase money calls for some coins (I like to use 9 silver coins, that have been cleaned first), 3 green or gold candles, and then your choice of honey or sugar. With the sugar I suggest mixing it with a small amount of castile soap to make a scrub beforehand. Clean your coins, smudge yourself, light candles, fill tub with warm water and coins. Then you get into the tub and either use the sugar scrub or honey, rubbing your skin with it to sweeten yourself to the money. For extra oomph you could float some cinnamon sticks in the tub too, or add a pouch filled with herbs like cinnamon, basil, and bay leaves. Take your time and visualize money and whatever else means wealth for you as being attracted to you, filling your tub, being drawn to you. A simple “money, money, money come to me, as I will so mote it be” could be chanted. Once you feel satisfied then empty the bath, put out the candles, and collect the coins to keep on your altar. Ideally this bath is repeated at least once a week through the full moon, three baths total. But even just one might be enough to do the trick you won’t know unless you try it out.

 

While we are in the bathroom there is a somewhat less glamorous spell that can be done if you are looking to get rid of or release something from your life at this time. This really couldn’t be simpler, you need a candle, something to write with and some toilet paper. Light the candle, write all the things you want to release down onto the toilet paper. State “I am flushing this away, right now, today!” Flush the toilet paper and extinguish the candle. If you have trouble writing on the paper, using symbols, or initials, whatever you can manage to represent what you want to release is fine. This might seem silly, but it is surprisingly effective.

Sowing the Seed

Once you have decided what you want, whether it is releasing something, or starting something new, then you have taken some action toward that, you are sowing the seed. These seeds often grow to fruition by the full moon. It might take more time if you are making big changes or have planted seeds for large dreams. But as long as you know what you want and take even small steps toward making it happen then before you know it your world will seem changed. Even something as small as making a vision board, or doing a simple spell will be a step in the right direction. Now of course you still have to do real world work for what you want too, you need to put in applications if looking for a new job, and telling others you are looking could be helpful as well. But the more steps you take, and seeds you plant the quicker and healthier your garden will grow.

 

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Full Moon

The full moon on the 24th will be in the sign of Taurus. The moon in classical astrology is said to be the “Crescent of the Soul, the soul receives and holds the spirit”. It represents femininity, women, motherhood, the past, source, heredity, the subconscious, as well as intuition. It is where we feel and experience emotions. Memory, the past, habits and conditioning. It is responsible for actions that do not need conscious thought, like lighting yet another cigarette, or your nightly facial care regime.

Psychologically it is our unconscious nature, feminine archetypes, the anima. It urges us to seek emotional tranquility and a sense of belonging. There is a need to feel inner support and nurturing, to be comforted. There can also be a drive to comfort, support, nurture, or mother others. Physically the moon is said to rule the stomach, breasts, body fluids and their balance in the body, digestion, lymph nodes and glandular secretions. It rules all containers, including our bodies as containers of the soul.

The moon might also be seen as symbolic of women, the public, and change due to it cycling through its phases every month. The moon sign in your natal chart reveals your feminine side, for both females and males.

Moon, magic and manifesting

The full moon is often about realizing and manifesting the intentions you set at the new moon. Personal growth and spiritual development are common themes to work with when the moon is full. Spells to increase intuition, or magical skills, healing magic, and rituals to connect to deity.

If you are wanting to magically represent or work with the moon and it’s energies using crystals, then moonstone, clear quartz, Selenite, Labradorite, opal, and metals like silver are appropriate. Pearl, abalone, and white coral with their origin in the oceans have a lunar energy. You need to decide for yourself though if working with these once living substances is for you or not.

White, silver, and pale blue are among the best colors to use for any candles or cloths or other items you might decide to use. Almond, Clary sage, and Orris root are a few choices for fragrances, either fumigating by burning the plant material, as incense, or essential oils used in an oil diffuser.  

Some other lunar plants include flowers like moonflowers, night jasmine, lotus, iris, passionflower, poppy, evening primrose, mallow, mugwort, milkweed, also plants like aloe, wild yam, cucumber, and melons.

Moon in Taurus

This particular full moon will be in the sign Taurus. Taurus is a fixed earth sign, and as such is concerned with sustaining and maintaining. It is also concerned with issues of self-worth. As an earth sign Taurus likes to ground things in the physical, creating tangible representations of lasting beauty and value. It likes slow, steady, progressive growth. Planets in this sign become slower, more deliberate, grounded in the physical and desiring a more tangible means of expression than in many other signs.

This sign is ruled by the planet Venus, and the Moon is exalted here. Its symbol is the bull. It rules the neck, throat, and voice. Crafting and chanting could easily be used in magic work at this time to good effect. Sage and mint are two good herbs for Taurus. Oils, and incense like ylang ylang, cardamom, and cinnamon would be good choices.

Intentional healing

I will be focusing on healing work myself this full moon. I am planning to charge some crystal jewelry for myself and others with the intention of healing, as well as making a poppet or two. Writing the intention and placing the crystals on this list, stuffing the list into the poppet, along with appropriate herbs and chanting over them in the moonlight should be very powerful.

I think something similar for an intention like increasing creativity, or artistic productivity, or even drawing more money from such projects would be successful at this full moon.

Whatever intentions you set, spells or rituals you do make sure to have fun with it, and in the spirit of Taurus, enjoy it.