October: Darkness Fuels The Light

ART BY: EMILY BALIVET

"I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." - Sarah Williams 

The beginning of the month has us in a chaotic energy: our minds seemed scattered and overwhelmed by all the things we feel that we need to do. Or, we may generally feel overwhelmed because we don't know what to do. After the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Aries, we are left feeling illuminated in our need for a new direction, yet we may still be unsure about where these shifts in life are pointing us to.

The first Monday of the month starts us off with a Last Quarter Square Moon on the 3rd. This phase is a balance of light and dark, but with the dark force of nature gaining. In relation to the plant cycle it is a time when the cells begin deconstructing and preparing to fall back to the earth to be transformed. Therefore, this phase of the moon represents a time of revising our thinking and beliefs based on everything we've learned thus far in this period of our lives. The Sabian Symbol of this moon is: A Chinese woman nursing a baby where the aura reveals him to be the reincarnation of a great teacher. As we are rethinking the direction of our lives and who we are in this earthly existence, we need to recognize that there are parts hidden in ourselves that could have great potential. The outside isn't exactly what it seems, and therefore we must dive deeper to understand our true gifts, our light.

It is also a time of darkening days, and in moon focused astrology this is the time of the season cycle that represents the Balsamic Moon Phase (for a better understanding of the different phases look at: Demetra George). This phase represents a dark phase when the moon begins to disappear to prepare to be reborn at the New Moon. In this phase, we have a greater tendency to retreat into ourselves, purify, release, let go, regenerate, and transform: just like plants do when they wither away in order to release a new seed to be grown.

So, with these phases coloring our entering into this month, we can feel ourselves focusing on... well, darkness. Yet, it is about maintaining the balance (Libra energy which is the sign the sun begins in this month) of the darkness within us (Scorpio energy which is where the sun ends the month). I know that as a society we have come to fear darkness, night, shadows, or anything hidden. However, in ancient societies, the dark times were looked upon as time for transformation and regeneration; Goddesses of the night such as Nyx were even told to have created the world.
In many cultures, practices such as meditation and past life regression focus upon going into an unconscious state of silence and darkness in order to be further revealed to our true selves.

The Universe this month is pushing us to do the same. It wants us to ask:
- What do I repress within myself? What parts of myself do I find undesirable or unacceptable?
- How might I feel if I let go of being scared to embrace all parts of myself? What would that look like?
- In what ways can I shift my negative thoughts into something positive?
- What is the difference between dark and light?

Just like love and hate, dark and light are two sides of the same coin. Everything has a balance of both: the moon with one side fully illuminated and the other in complete shadow; our days with 12 hours of sunshine and twelve hours of starlight; our seasons with half the year focused on beginnings and celebration and the other half of deconstructing and transforming. We too, as humans, are a complex arrangement of dark and light, but we need to stop viewing it as bad and good. It is a time to recognize the parts we repress within ourselves and choose to embrace it! The more we embrace ourselves, the more balanced we are, the more whole we are, and the closer we get to understanding what we really need to feel at peace.

Rather than pushing to make an immediate decision about where we want to go in our lives right this second, we are being asked to slow down, understand ourselves better, and feel our way to a new path rather than think our way there. When we know what we truly desire and need, then we can take better decisive action to travel towards it and project better energy to attract it! This month we have a permission slip to expose ourselves to desires we've kept hidden, open up to passions we've denied, expand the horizons of our life and relationships, and find the creative force to empower ourselves!

Guidances for this month:
- Take time to explore in nature, find a quiet spot, and enjoy stillness. It's hard to find in these busy times.

- Find something to practice that speaks to you: yoga, meditation, dance, running, boxing, etc. Anything that will push you to focus and create more balance.

- Notice when you project your fears onto other people; when you get in a disagreement or find yourself very irritable, see how those things are actually repressed within yourself.

- Get more sleep than you normally do, as your body adjusts to the seasonal changes.

- Be open to changes in your life direction, personal perspectives, and close relationships. There may be many shifts, but trust that you're being guided towards something more aligned with what you're projecting.

- Practice shifting your reactions and thoughts towards reflecting what you want rather than don't want. Recognize times you seem extremely self critical, fear making decisions, or give away your personal power; grow from the darkness by shifting your direction.

- Be grateful: bless your meals, hug your loved ones, say a prayer of thanks for where you are right now.

- Give yourself permission to explore your dark side. It really is okay, and you might even be surprised by the potential you find there.

Let your darkness fuel your light, and vice versa. No one would ever see any stars without the night!

Radiating love your way,
Hannah.

Autumnal Equinox

ART: RONNIE BICCARD - GODDESS OF AUTUMN

On September 23rd, the Earth reached its point of revolution where the minutes of light and dark were even, also known as the equinox. From this point forward we are in a season of decreasing light until we reach the Winter solstice in December.

Many of you may be feeling a shift in the air, not only in the physical sense, but also in the way we collectively express ourselves. In astrology and other esoteric forms of science, it is a well known fact that we are infinitely linked to the rhythms of the universe and the earth. While we like to consider ourselves more highly evolved than other creatures roaming around in the forests, we are still animals at a primitive level. Just as the bear and the fox prepare for hibernation with the onset of darkening days and cooler climate, we too feel an involuntary shift in our make up.

Our body is full of routines and patterns that we often aren't aware of. The energy/vitality we retained in the fruition period of the summer starts to dwindle with the arrival of fall as we enter a period characterized by maintenance, sensual pleasures, and decay. Our capacity for energy has shifted and we must learn to be more conservative.

Let me emphasize that none of this is bad.

In the way I've begun to look at astrology I've realized that every aspect of life goes through an inevitable cycle that includes a peak of light and a peak of dark. We see the peaks of life in the phases corresponding to the Full Moon, and we see the phases of dark corresponding to the three day period before the New Moon, called the Dark Moon Phase.

In ancient societies such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and even the Paleolithic cultures the dark phase of the Moon represented a time in which the Goddess went into hiding so that she could die, transform, rejuvenate, and then be reborn into betterment.

In moon affiliated astrology, the seasons each represent a phase of the moon: Winter represents the New Moon - a period of initiation, birth, new beginnings, and an increase towards light. Spring is equal to the First Quarter Square - the beginnings we've set in motion are quickening and reaching illumination. Summer is the Full Moon - a time of fruition, creation, and manifestation of the last six months. It is when light is at it's maximum and we hold great energy and vitality. Finally, Autumn corresponds to the Dark Moon Phase, wherein life disappears in order to shed its old forms and be reborn or reawakened at the initiation period.

DIAGRAM FROM THE LOVELY: DEMETRA GEORGE

As we move into the next three months we must be aware of the energies at play so that we don't fear the darkness ahead. The Dark Goddess must go through this phase, as we all do. This energetic period is about letting go of old, limiting beliefs about ourselves personally, and on a larger scale for society as well. While in these darks days, it is as if we are taking all that we've experienced in the previous cycle and harvesting it for new use later down the road. It can almost feel as if we've gone into retrograde: we focus on the past; we revise, rethink, and reorient; we turn away from that which no longer serves our spiritual journey.

The archetypal energy of this period:

September through December is home to the zodiac signs of Libra (September 23-October 22), Scorpio (October 23-November 22nd), and Sagittarius (November 23-December 22)

As we move into this time period with the catalyst of the Equinox, the energy that is most potent is Libra's. The energy is artistic, socially inclined, harmonic, diplomatic, peaceable, prizes beauty, and yearns towards love and approval. Libra on the lower level of the personality is revolved around the partner or the other. It represents the fulfillment of intimate relationships - balancing the self and the other. However, Libra at its higher octave, esoteric, soul level has a different purpose: "a pause, an interlude, a time of assessment, and a point of contemplation." Libra is a very polarized energy that deals with, "the energy fields of [the] two fundamental poles of human nature (alanoken.com). When we allow the Libra energy in ourselves to arise we have to reorient the focus of our relationships into something greater than the quixotic aspects of life - to focus on a more impersonal contribution to the collective.

So, as we begin this new season, collectively we are focusing on more sensual pleasures, balance in our relationships, artistic creativity, and agreeable compromise. However, the issues of where we give away our power, fears around making decisions, avoidance of conflict, and learning to feel complete with ourselves are prominent themes. The key phrase is, "I balance."

From there we move into the dark, mysterious energy of Scorpio that deals with the issues of passion, sex, death, and rebirth. After the transformation of Scorpio the energy flows into the high idealism of Sagittarius that addresses our beliefs, religion, education, law, and philosophy. As those months come along I intend to go more in depth about the characteristic energies we'll be dealing with in a Monthly Energy Reading.

Until then, I hope the analysis of the Equinox, the Moon, and Libra energy has helped you feel grounded in a sense of better understanding. Awareness, I believe, cultivates happiness and certainly clarity. Allow yourself to rest in these next few months, and open yourself up to the shadows within that you may have suppressed, for in releasing our darkness to the forefront we allow its integration with our light to become more whole.

Radiating love your way,
Hannah.

Capricorn Full Moon 7/1/15

PHOTO: LANGLYCO.COM

This is truly a time of deep letting go, and being honest with ourselves about what really needs to stay. We must get down to the core, the bone, of our desires and goals. We must trace ourselves back to the Source and our ancestry. We must get in touch with our spirit. All is of importance under this Capricorn Full Moon, exact at 10:19 p.m. ETC.

The moon is opposing the sun in Cancer. On one side we are being called to get in touch with our roots, our family, our emotional needs and wishes. Yet, on the other hand, Capricorn asks us to see the areas in our life we need to simplify... and then be responsible for! It is a matter of balancing what we project without and what hold inside ourselves.

Interestingly, Cancer is associated with the stomach. Many people born under Cancer or with it as a significant house ruler, have digestive problems. My sixth house of health and wellness is indeed ruled by Cancer and for many years I've struggled with stomach issues. However, quite miraculously today under the illuminating period, I've finally found a natural therapist that is guiding me to heal my stomach and "listen to my gut" (hahahaha). The light of both the sun and the moon has revealed something I have been working towards for so long. And I am thankful.

So, bringing it full circle, I believe the Cancer sun is also asking us to go back to our gut. I know that sounds... well, odd. Just realize, though, that when we were first born our stomach/gut was how we understood the world. When we were hungry, uncomfortable, or in need of something we realized it from our gut understanding and cried for assistance. Cancer is asking us to stop thinking so much and rather to start feeling through our bodies and core emotional needs. Capricorn is giving us the will to answer these needs for ourselves.

Be thankful for this time and strong, grounded energy. There is so much abundance, so much light, so much love. Many things are coming, if not already here.

namaste.

4/4 Libra Lunar Eclipse

PHOTO: UNKNOWN

Yesterday marked the third lunar eclipse out of a total of four (the next doesn't arrive until March 2016). These moons are moving through the polarities of Aires and Libra; individualization and relationships; independence and dependence; self and others.

The moon holds all of our emotion, habits, and addictions. It is where we look to see all the ways we comfort ourself and at the same time secretly release.

With this lunar eclipse in Libra, there will be a strong emphasis on relationships, and depending on the house it falls into it could be about past relations, present circumstances, or potential developments. Maybe even a combination of them all.

The moon opposes the Sun and Uranus in Aires, and both form a tense square with Pluto in Capricorn. The Sun is a force of self-realization. It reflects how we best shine our light and what path will lead us to our true soul embodiment. Uranus reflects the areas we need to gain autonomy and freedom in. Truly, you can't escape the transpersonal and shocking force Uranus has.

With all these aspects there is a very synchronized pattern forming, although it may be unclear at first. The lunar eclipse breaks down the barriers of our minds so that we can consciously recognize our subconscious patterns. Since this is happening in Libra, everyone may experience insights into their personal dependence on other people, or their addictions in relationships. This could come in multiple forms. Maybe you've always had a habit of letting others control too much of your emotions? Or perhaps, you've continuously attracted unhealthy relationships?

Whatever you find in this subconscious realm, embrace it, and release. Lunar eclipses, especially with oppositional aspects, tend to draw out our hidden truths so that we can forgive, change and release them.

On the opposite spectrum in Aires (the activating, fiery and self oriented style) we have the Sun coupled with Uranus. These self liberating forces are being stretched out and brought into relation with Libra due to their oppositional position. This is a time of understanding where you need greater freedom in order to induce more self love and (going back to this relationship theme) a better relationship with you.

Simultaneously, we are learning to have a better relationship with ourselves, allowing ourselves great freedom to fall in love with out life, all the while coming to terms with our addictions in relationships and releasing them. It all comes full circle. These polar transformations are being drawn out so that they can meet in the middle to help us realize more balance in every kind of relationship. By loving the badass goddess that you truly are, you are better able to love all the people in your life. It's a win-win scenario.

This is all happening, and then we have Pluto, this deep, shocking, unescapable force, in Capricorn. Pluto feeds transformation. It's square in all the pre mentioned aspects suggest that there will be a bit of tension, stress and emotional purging in order to transform our relationship patterns. Capricorn is sober and dignified; it gets the job done. Basically, Pluto is forcing us to get our shit together, and won't have it any other way. Pluto is saying, "This self-loathing and dependency on others for happiness is bullshit and it's time for something new."

IT'S TIME TO TREAT YOSELF, to balanced, inspiring and healthy exchanges with the other spirits roaming this Earth. Like I said, this may all be a little unclear at first, but as the month progresses there will be some major transformations... If you awaken to them.

Namaste,
Let the stars awaken you.


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Bloom

PHOTO: UNKNOWN

In this time of spring awakening and flowers spreading their petals, like bird feathers fluttering against the first warm breeze of the season, I think it is appropriate to discuss growth and blooming as humans.

We were all flowers.
We are all flowers.
Our bodies are made from the earth, the soil, and concentrated together over time to create a being of consciousness. Isn't it poetic, to realize that the beautiful buds you nurture in your garden are folded into each of your cells?

Everyday and every experience is an opportunity for growth. The only reason we see one situation as bad compared to another as good is due to our perception of it. Truly, every thing we are subject to in life is a neutral experience and we have the choice as to how we react to it.

Learning to direct our reactions in a more positive direction is growth. Learning to embrace every situation and express our true selves is blooming.

Growth and blooming take time, just as it takes time for your garden to grow in the spring. There are seasons of withering when we must retreat and take a good hard look at our inner selves. There are seasons of prosperity when we open our petals to the world and absorb the sunlight; when we take the warmth in and send it back in our own loving ways.

This is the cycle of life and it is perfectly natural and okay to have times where you aren't the most bubbly, smiley, rolling-like-you're-on-ecstacy person in the world. Seriously, you don't have to be like that all the damn time. It is called growth, and such an action goes through cycles.

This concept is best explained in one, non-English word: wabi-sabi.
Its definition is: the discovery of beauty in imperfection; acceptance of the cycle of life and death.

Love yourself and embrace your pattern of thriving. Find acceptance in life, in death, in imperfection.
Take a moment to look back on the last few years. Each time, have you grown back just a little bit taller? Have you planted new seeds that cultivated into some miraculous experiences? Find the good, and the good will keep coming. Give yourself gratitude for all the weeds you have pushed through to become the bright, bold blossom you are.

Happy spring my lovely goddesses,
Namaste.

Assumptions

PHOTO: NICKIRIDZ

As a society, we have been conditioned to always assume the worst: in people, in the future, in the intentions of others, in ourselves. How miraculously beautiful would it be if we all decided to instead always assume the best?

Seriously, imagine that?

Our relationships would, more than likely, flourish due to our release of nasty subconscious beliefs surrounding them. Assuming that he isn't responding because he isn't interested? That leads you, a gorgeous goddess like yourself, to then go down an insecure spiral. Instead, try simply believing, knowing, trusting in your light and the potential goodness in others as well. Perhaps that person who isn't responding is busy, eating, or dropped their phone in the toilet... you never know!

Our lives would simply flow better. It's called synchronicity. When we align ourselves with positive energy then our lives flow in that positive direction. Assuming the worst about our futures and the unknown automatically align us in a negative direction, which will only strengthen our false beliefs more. What would happen if you decided to just know that your life was going to be awesome? Nothing bad would happen, that's for sure. Even if you don't wholeheartedly believe it now, act like it. Tell yourself over and over how grateful you are for your current situation and how grateful, faithful you are in all the awesome adventures to come. Tell. Yourself. Endlessly. And then, watch it all manifest.

The more you assume and know that what you want in your life exists and that it is coming to you, the faster that which you desire manifests.