Full and Freaky: The lunar eclipse full moon in Scorpio…
Recognize. Forgive. Release.
Last month, we experienced the first eclipse of the ‘eclipse’ season with a solar eclipse in Aries. A solar eclipse happens when the sun, the earth, and the moon align, leading the moon to cast a shadow that blocks the sun’s rays. During a lunar eclipse the sun, the moon and the earth are aligned in such a way that the moon passes into the earth’s shadow. The earth blocks the sun from the moon and a red reflection is cast upon the moon’s visible surface. Today, May 5th 2023, we will experience a lunar eclipse at 11:14 am, EST. Thus, for those of us in the USA, this will not be seen in the night’s sky, but it will certainly be felt.
A lunar eclipse is when we can SEE the shadow. So it is an apt and appropriate time for us to call in our shadow selves and see where they lead us. A full moon is not a time to start new projects, or set intentions. IT is a time to release and let go of things holding us back. Many of these things are deep within us, in our “shadow sides”.
What is the “Shadow” or “Shadow Self”? The shadow self is an inner part of us -a second self if you will- which we are grossly ashamed of, embedded in our subconscious. Yet, this second self is part of who we are, and we can’t get rid of it. It is everything we fear and everything we don’t want to be; embodied in this “Shadow” form. This side of ourselves gets its name as it follows us wherever we go, but it isn’t seen.
The concept of the shadow was coined by the psychoanalyst, Carl Jung. He believed that everyone has a shadow self regardless of how successful, confident, gifted or wealthy they are. He called it one of the “archetypes” we carry, which are ideals imprinted in our perceptions of the world. The most common archetype is the archetypal of the “Mother”. We all have an idea of what a mother should be even if this doesn’t represent what our actual biological mother was. This archetype does, however, shape what we expect from our actual mothers and what we expect from mothers in our society at large. The “Shadow” on the other hand is different from other archetypes that Carl Jung espoused because -as the others may affect how we see the world around us- the shadow determines how we see ourselves.
Have you ever…..
- Had thoughts that you were ashamed of?
- Looked in the mirror and winced?
- Cried for something you were not sure existed?
- Were unable to examine your fears?
- Felt true repulsion for something someone did that you had done at some point?
- Had secrets you couldn’t tell anyone?
That was a glimpse of your shadow…
Don’t worry: we ALL have a shadow self. Yet, until we make peace with it, it will continue to haunt us. But once we do: it becomes the “Golden Shadow” a place of depth: creativity and exploration, a place where true greatness can be found and felt.
This month the lunar eclipse is in the south node otherwise known as “the dragon’s tail”. When the south node is activated, we release karmic patterns, obstacles and burdens and let go. Oftentimes, this reveals hidden gifts and new creative potentials.
As you can see, the “Golden Shadow” and the “Dragon’s Tail” make quite a pairing IF we decide to level up with them…
The sun and north node are both in the sign of Taurus right now. This sign’s energy enhances our destiny potentials and gives us new bodily wisdom. All of our insights into our future possibilities will come through our body’s sensations: our gut feelings, our physical misalignments, the heart string pulls…
Pay attention to these physical signs Notice how the physical world shows up internally and externally.
THIS is particularly poignant because, at the moment, Mercury retrograde is in the sign of Taurus as well, and the modes of communication we are MOST familiar with are skewed and irregular. Use this moment to TUNE into your other form of communication: your body’s communication. Use the sense of touch instead of talk. See what getting quiet and mindful will disclose.
The other aspect of this solar eclipse is that the full moon is in Scorpio. Yes, steamy hot Scorpio.
It’s not that Scorpio is a more sexual sign or energy (well- yes- actually, it is!), it’s that Scorpio doesn’t shy away from that which it desires. And the full moon ENHANCES our desires. It shines light on these desires and it rewards us when we are truthful and honest about them. The full moon is passionate, but when there is a lunar eclipse we must be passionate about our inner worlds as opposed to our external worlds.
On the advent of May day this week (the granddaughter of Beltane which is the Celtic fertility celebration honoring birth, creation and fertility), we discuss these topics in Project Self. In this conversation, we acknowledged sexuality as the big influence on the day. Ironically, true Beltane- in astronomical terms- is actually May5th or 6th (I just got a chill up my spine: did you?!?)
We can’t hide our sexuality, nor can we (usually in a healthy manner) hide behind it. We must embrace it as it is the catalyst for life. May day has some obvious metaphors (and -YES- I am talking about the May Pole!) but more than that, it asks us to celebrate our humanness.
The hard truth is because the larger culture has such a warped perspective on this very essential human facet, most of us have been wounded here, in one way or another.
That might mean we’ve been shamed, humiliated, chastised, traumatized, ridiculed, ignored, abandoned, rejected, and/or mistreated…
It certainly means, when we open ourselves up to intimacy, we open ourselves up to our most vulnerable sides.
And so, as May Day is the “eve” this year to the eclipse in the intense Scorpio full moon energy, within the very physical energy of the sign of Taurus, and the “Dragon’s Tail” karmic undertones of our past; we must come face to face with our sexual shadows. Where have we been hurt? Where have we been wronged? How does this show up? Recognize. Forgive. Release. Recognize. Forgive. Release.Recognize. Forgive. Release.
Flowers symbolize joy and pleasure. The flower moon asks us to open up to our vulnerability, accept and receive it, so that we can nurture all of our intimacies, within ourselves and within our exchanges with others. So we can hold and be held, the sacred naked truth: we are fragile, we are human, yet we are oh so beautiful.
I would dance around a maypole for that- wouldn’t you?
That Summer Feeling~ June, Hormones, Sunshine and Heart-to-Hearts
June is a slip into summer……New scientific research has even discovered that different hormones peak during different seasons. Our reproduction hormones tend to peak late winter into spring. Move over birdie! Moreover, our serotonin levels are also elevated during the summer months with more exposure to sun light. With this higher dose, we can feel more confident in our skin, more able to open up and share with others. This hormone also creates feelings of loyalty, which may engender trust and open honesty. Hormonal changes such as these can increase our desire to connect with others. Biologically, we are social creatures and it is vital to our survival, our health and our well-being, to have solid connections with a close, core group of people in which we can allow ourselves to be intimate and vulnerable with.
‘You Must Believe In Spring…’
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” Anais Nin. The Cycle begins again… Birth. Emergence. Becoming. Newness. Freshness. Blooming. Budding. Moving. Ascending.
For many decades now, I have come to live in harmony with natures seasonal changes and create rituals around them. I suppose my interest started at first as a child because I was always very observant to nature and what was happening in my outside world. Now, even the years that I am not quite as attentive, I still feel a buzzing in my body come late March that continues through to June. To me this sensation is spring….
….Think of the sort of “anger” one has when playing a sport, or the “anger” one has when playing a game, or the burning sensation that one might feel when a highly valued project or endeavor hits an avalanche of an obstacle. It’s the sensation of being so alive and so on fire that only a blood curdling cry can truly demonstrate the depth (like the NZ Maori’s war dance, the Haka). It’s that kind of anger that runs rampant during these spring months. If this anger is felt and understood and then, most importantly, let go of, it is useful in allowing us to forge ahead. It gives us resilience and strength despite our possible uphill battles. However, if this anger is nurtured and feed, it can become a noose around our necks and follow us everywhere we go. Not relinquishing its hold can poison even the most tender of moments, even the sweetest of relationships…..
What a Little Moonlight Can Do
The full moon is a super-attractor: meaning- whatever you are feeling will be 200% accentuated during this moon phase. Feeling crazy? Well, get ready for more Cra-cray. Feeling amorous? Here comes more mojo! Feeling sad? You better grab those tissues! The full moon amplifies EVERYTHING.
Surrender, Surrender But Don’t Give Yourself Away…
We both started to panic. I was probably the weaker swimmer, but my friend was a bit further out then I. She started to yell for me,” Can you come and help me?!?” As I looked back, I realized I was using all my strength just to stay put, my heart started racing and I started to panic, as she clearly was as well.
I yelled to her to just go with the tide and I would try and get help… We both were literally in over our heads.
You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling
“Intimacy is being seen and known as the person you truly are.” Amy Bloom
Ever want that connection… but not THAT connection? And, doesn’t that sound so much more than sexy Victoria’s Secret lingerie? I mean, there’s nothing wrong with sexy, but sex and intimacy aren’t necessarily interdependent. And, for many people, it’s harder to be intimate WITHOUT the sexy part than WITH the sexy part. When the “private part” is one’s own vulnerability the stakes are higher than when the clothing comes off. It’s no wonder, then, that true intimacy is somewhat of a rarity.
After all, it’s hard to open up and allow someone else to see your tender underbelly. It’s frightening and creates anxiety; it brings up all kinds of stuff. However, if we can’t go “there”, the other stuff is just a roll in the hay which may be fun in the moment or a whole lot of regret down the road.
Love and Happiness
…and left me alone in our hotel room. That is when the anxiety got really strong. “Oh shit. What have I done? My world is caving in and I have LOST all control”… I felt my breath shrink and then quicken, and my heart pound…. I sat down on the bed and looked at the duffel bag that housed some of our clothes and toiletries. I noticed one of the books from that book club peering out of the open zipper as if to say, “Here I am, help is here”.
“Every Breath you Take” How to get the “ahh” in meditation….
The body makes us VERY aware of our present moment. These thoughts (or the mind chatter) are anchored in two places: either in the past (“ did I remember that?”, “ why didn’t so-and-so say hello to me at the grocery store”) or in the future (“if I don’t get this done I won’t have time for…”, “my 10,20, 30 year reunion is coming up, what should I wear? what will so and so look like, etc.”). In very VERY few moments of our day are we actually aware of the present moment; are we focused on the here-and-now to the exclusion of all else.
Ceremony & Ritual & Community~ Winter Solstice
December 2021 Greetings and well wishes to all! Can you feel winter coming??!? Burr! Here in the North East it’s been hitting us like a brick wall! I used to hate winter but now I see it as a part of my spirit’s journey. The quiet part. The renewing part. The...
Spring into Stillness
(Post from April 2017) https://unsplash.com/photos/k05w653yXQc?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink I don’t know about you, but I feel as if spring came three weeks ago. The weather, the green grass, the LACK of snow- my energy...
Those Achy Breaky Feet
https://unsplash.com/photos/qeuJczNo54w?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink Winter Tip# for Restoring Your Yin: FOOT SOAKS (even the words sound like "ahh") Snow boots, heavy socks, cold feet- winter months really add a toll...
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Have you ever found yourself pondering over your deepest desires, visualizing how you want to express your life, and asking, “What is it that I want to attract and manifest?” It’s a concept that might seem bizarre to some, and one that is often met with a lot of doubt. This is especially true when it comes to the belief or concept of manifesting or attraction. You might have heard of “The Secret,” Abraham-Hicks, or Gabby Bernstein, and thought it all sounded a bit too “woo-woo.” However, it’s a concept that is definitely worth exploring.
Regardless of your personal beliefs, manifestation can be an incredibly useful tool for achieving your dreams. Whether you see it as a blueprint for action or a method of bringing your desires to life, the practice holds true value. And the best part? Its applications extend far beyond just achieving your goals – its principles can be applied to many areas of your life.
Manifestation is a powerful tool that can help you bring your desires and dreams into reality. While there are many techniques for manifesting, some of the most effective ones are often overlooked. Here are five tips for manifesting that will be sure to can bring you closer to joy:
Five Tips to Usher In Your Manifestations!
Have you ever found yourself pondering over your deepest desires, visualizing how you want to express your life, and asking, “What is it that I want to attract and manifest?” It’s a concept that might seem bizarre to some, and one that is often met with a lot of doubt. This is especially true when it comes to the belief or concept of manifesting or attraction. You might have heard of “The Secret,” Abraham-Hicks, or Gabby Bernstein, and thought it all sounded a bit too “woo-woo.” However, it’s a concept that is definitely worth exploring.
Regardless of your personal beliefs, manifestation can be an incredibly useful tool for achieving your dreams. Whether you see it as a blueprint for action or a method of bringing your desires to life, the practice holds true value. And the best part? Its applications extend far beyond just achieving your goals – its principles can be applied to many areas of your life.
Manifestation is a powerful tool that can help you bring your desires and dreams into reality. While there are many techniques for manifesting, some of the most effective ones are often overlooked. Here are five tips for manifesting that will be sure to can bring you closer to joy:
Solar Eclipse Season & Life Lessons:
In astrological terms, this is the start of a new year. We go from the heavenly and spiritual energy of Pisces; the slow watery sign that dreams and imagines, that is not so tied to this earthly plane as it is to the next, and lives half beyond the veil, to the Aries’ abrupt, rising, warrior energy.
Most of the ancient and modern astrologers agree that the year’s wheel is a metaphor to the lifecycle. We start out as babies with the high intensive energy of Aries, and make our way until we are in our later years (i.e. months) with the ending of the year in the wise, twinkling and elder spirit of Pisces.
The Aries temperament is similar to a young child’s in that it is fresh and vibrant, it has no fear, it goes after what it wants, it cries when it doesn’t get it -but- gets right back up again! This temperament may get angry, however, Aries has taught us to use that anger for production, and never to hold onto it.
…There are various other cultures and traditions that attach characteristics, emotions, energy, colors, and, even, taste and sounds to these transitional times. But, the majority would agree that this is the most impactful time of year, full of metamorphoses and change: the time leaving winter and entering spring. The opposition of these two seasonal energies create a vortex of possibilities in each of our lives…
Happy New Year! The Vernal Equinox and WHY its the BEST Time to Start Again…
In astrological terms, this is the start of a new year. We go from the heavenly and spiritual energy of Pisces; the slow watery sign that dreams and imagines, that is not so tied to this earthly plane as it is to the next, and lives half beyond the veil, to the Aries’ abrupt, rising, warrior energy.
Most of the ancient and modern astrologers agree that the year’s wheel is a metaphor to the lifecycle. We start out as babies with the high intensive energy of Aries, and make our way until we are in our later years (i.e. months) with the ending of the year in the wise, twinkling and elder spirit of Pisces.
The Aries temperament is similar to a young child’s in that it is fresh and vibrant, it has no fear, it goes after what it wants, it cries when it doesn’t get it -but- gets right back up again! This temperament may get angry, however, Aries has taught us to use that anger for production, and never to hold onto it.
…There are various other cultures and traditions that attach characteristics, emotions, energy, colors, and, even, taste and sounds to these transitional times. But, the majority would agree that this is the most impactful time of year, full of metamorphoses and change: the time leaving winter and entering spring. The opposition of these two seasonal energies create a vortex of possibilities in each of our lives…
About the Author…
Did you know Meditation can reduce insomnia by 75%? It can reduce anxiety by 60%? It increases heart, hormonal and gut health!!
