Life

July Fireworks!!

This first full moon of July, 2015 (yes there are two this month) will set the tone for the entire month, if not more!

Dubbed the Full “Buck” Moon in the Farmer’s Almanac, her light will illuminate those things that are interfering with our spiritual advancements. Once we become “enlightened”, the easier it is “to let go”. The full moon ritual is for releasing or purging the things in our lives that no longer serve us.

The Capricorn Full Moon occurs on July 1st at 7:19pm PDT/ 10:19pm EDT and on July 2nd at 2:19 am GMT.

What I find awesome is that on the eve of the full moon, select planetary dignitaries will join with our moon in celebration, and in strengthening our emotions as well as our power to design amazing intentions! Now is the time to dream BIG as Jupiter aligns with Venus to accompany the moon tonight!

http://earthsky.org/tonight/see-venusjupiter-conjunction-in-western-sky-after-sunset

So, don your magical cape and set some intentions! Here are some ideas to get you started: 

Inspiration:

Ritual:

Once in a month when the moon is full, Some secret place shall ye gather…

Gather together around a campfire or candle. Have paper and pencil for each guest to write their intention. Feast on “round” foods, libations optional!

Some helpful symbols:

- use white or silver candles and altar cloths

- Lunar Goddesses: Isis, Artemis, Diana, Hecate, Kwan Yin

- Lunar Herbs: mugwort, camphor, sandalwood

-Lunar Metal: silver

- Lunar Stones: moonstone, selenite, pearl, mother of pearl, sapphire

- draw the symbol for the Moon on your candles

1. Invocation

“Moon, sister moon
Shining so high
Smile down upon me
Full face in the sky.

Moon, sister moon
With your silver glow
Whisper your secrets
Tell me what you know.

2. Purification: Pass basket and paper. Each participant can write something negative in their life they would like to rid themselves of (i.e. fear, bad habit, etc.). Collect, read, and throw into the fire.

3. Song: Heal the Mother

There’s a grief that’s deep within my soul
I’m letting it out, I’m letting it go
A torrent of tears running into the sea
I’m letting it out, I’m letting it go.

Heal the Mother, let is all out
Heal your Mother, let it all go.

There’s a rage that boils within my veins
I’m letting it out, I’m letting it go
Volcano blows, and the lave flows
I’m letting it out, I’m letting it go.

There’s a fear that trembles deep within
I’m letting it out, I’m letting it go
Earthquakes moving everything around
I’m letting it out, I’m letting it go.

4. Healing: Send out healing energies - go around the circle.
Anoint each participant with “Moon Water”.

5. Libation: 

Hail Earth, Mother of All!
May your fields increase and flourish.
Your forests grow and spread,
And you waters run pure and free.
Accept this offering, O Earth Mother!
Bring forth that which is good and sustaining for every living thing.

Astrological Insights:

“Between the first full moon on July 1st and the second full moon on July 31st we are going to feel the pull of desire on our hearts in a breathless and very passionate way. We are going to be drawn to those that excite our soul and make us feel alive. We are going to crave only those relationships which honor our authentic truth, and we will find ourselves seeking out those opportunities that pull the strongest on our heart strings.

This moon is going to light the fire in our sacral chakra and move us towards passionate endeavors. Whether it’s investing time in a worthwhile project, or spending hot nights under the moon with our lover—we are going to be filled with passion for our lives.

The planetary alignments and this full moon are throwing kerosene on what has already been smoldering…” And it’s all about to finally explode and light up our life in a big way—now all we need to do is enjoy the show.”

Thank you Kate Rose!

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/06/full-moon-in-capricorn-get-ready-for-fireworks/

Dipali Desai:

“During a Full Moon phase, it highlights the emotional level as well as any habits or tendencies which are overgrown and creating problems. Old emotions or emotional pain may surface for your awareness and so you create a better understanding.

The Sun in the sign of Cancer, which suggests the need for emotional bonding and the Moon in Capricorn suggests the need for attending to responsibilities and the professional world. You need to strike a balance between the two opposites so that there is greater harmony and flow.  Boundaries, rules, tradition (Capricorn) / receptivity, emotional security and nourishment (Cancer) are a part of the Capricorn/Cancer axis in astrology.

The Full Moon in Capricorn brings the message of:  patience, organic and Divine Timing to all things. Transforming impatience into lasting acceptance that life knows what to bring into your world. There is beautiful blueprint and organization. Trust the process. Your job is to nurture and support where you feel wobbly or doubtful. Being outdoors in Nature helps restore balance within. So spend some time in Nature when possible.”

https://celestialspace.wordpress.com/2015/06/27/overivew-full-moon-in-capricorn-july-1st-2015/

Cathy Pagano The Cosmic Story Newletters

“This Cancer/Capricorn Full Moon is all about Home. It occurs in the signs that relate to Mother and Father, Home and Country, the emotional body and our outer purpose or dharma. So it is a very personal Full Moon, relating to who we are at our core and how we hold ourselves in the world because of that.

Cancer is the Archetypal Mother, the waters of Earth which gave rise to Life. There is a fertility and strength to Cancer, which not only births but feeds Life. But Cancer's waters are polluted and dying. How can we let this happen? Who will change things if not us? Earth and women need to take the lead now. We are the birthers, we are the nurturers. While men have these capacities, it is important for women to consciously connect with our ancient powers of life. We were given them for a reason, don't you think?

The Warrior planet Mars is close to the Cancer Sun, sparking us to grapple with these issues.

If we are people of integrity, we can create a governing structure of integrity.

The Moon is in Capricorn, the sign of the Archetypal Father and at its best, the sign of that integrity I am speaking of.

We need a feminine vision of life to take precedence if we want to 'birth' something new.

It is the Divine Feminine, very active once again in women, who can help us create a new world.

The Capricorn Moon is conjunct Pluto, telling us it's now or never.

Unless we remember the bigger cosmic story, our personal story will be missing some important insights.

Both the Sun and Mars in Cancer will be opposing Pluto in Capricorn this month. This is all about transforming our consciousness (Sun) and our desire nature (Mars). What good is a world if nobody you love is in it?

This is definitely not your ordinary July.”

http://www.wisdom-of-astrology.com/astrostarsarticles/the-cosmic-story-capricorn-full-moon-july-1-2015

Other astro links of interest here:

http://www.mysticmamma.com/full-moon-in-capricorn-july-1st-2015/

http://www.cafeastrology.com/thisweekinastrology.html

http://earthsky.org/

Riverside Dining

What is it about “nature” that intimidates people so? The responses from clients when asked “What do you like to do outside?” seem to be sadly typical of the general working populace: “There is no nature where I work/live/am.” “It’s too hot/cold/windy/rainy out there.” “I don’t have time to be just staring at some birds.” “My knee/hip/back/pain limits my activity.”

In my recent visit to Branson, Missouri, I encountered the typical navigational challenges while making my way down the too-narrow main street filled with vehicles jostling for position, their passengers looking and pointing at the myriad eateries and attractions, as tourists do.

I quickly realized that my heart was not in the tourist game, especially on a warm and humid day in June. I managed to go with the flow of traffic toward what seemed like the edge of the city only to find a shopping mall, a parking garage, a train station, and a Bass Pro Shop. My hands were gripping the steering wheel, my shoulders were tight, and I felt my blood pressure rising. Breathing deeply, I focused on the road beyond the crowded crosswalk. I saw water! Sure enough, nestled on the southeast side of the city was a parking lot right on the White River!

Rock cliffs rose up on the eastern side of the river, two bridges traversed the moderate expanse and a small RV park was underneath the one closest to my right. I sighed deeply as I relaxed into the surroundings, feeling much less tense. My car positioned at the water’s edge, I pulled out organic veggies and hummus from the cooler and settled in to enjoy a riverside repast.

Visitors came and went in the parking lot, a traveling family also came to dine, a tram tour made its turnaround, boaters cruised up and down the river, 

a duck boat tour squawked a narrative as it passed by and soon a fisherman waded into the water to my left, startling the blue heron that had been sentry near the shore. 

Swallows flitted and chased, pigeons sat on the overhead wires, and a father mallard was coaching his brood in the art (and science to be sure) of swimming.

Three times the sky darkened and light rain fell, causing a beautiful mist to rise off the water, swallowing the heron.

Canada geese glided by undeterred, and I marveled at the beauty of raindrops as they hit the water.

I gave silent thanks to the city, town, county, state, and national parks and the caretakers of the grounds, plants, and trees that adorn our waterways, village streets, and parking lots with nature attractants. They are not recognized enough for providing healing places for humans to be. All we have to do is expand our awareness to see and experience the calming influence of the natural world surrounding us.

New Friends and Frenzy Pics

Wow! Have you looked out there lately? Nature has really let loose! Don't you wonder how she reinvents herself every year? Plants, animals, and trees adapt to the environment, the weather, human interference, pollution, and a score of other hurdles thrown at them. Yet, there they are, without complaint, happy to be alive. This delicate, 3-inch beauty's name is Goldthread.

Many thanks to the Karboski's for joining in our woodland "Fiddlehead Tour". We all learned a lot and made new friends in the process. Our first-ever Jack-in-the Pulpit was spotted by Judy!

Many other new friends have been sighted in these past two summer-like weeks of May. Bellwort, Starflower, and Indian Cucumber Root to name a few.

Wild Sarsaparilla is everywhere, the Pink Lady made a quick appearance, and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail has returned to flit among the flowers.

For all who missed the amazing "Frenzy of the Fiddelheads" uncurling into their magnificence as full-grown ferns, albeit not very large in some cases, here are some photos of the phenomenon.

The grounds and trails are open at Holistic Horizons Fiddlehead Grove Retreat and Healing Center from Dawn to Dusk. No appointment needed. Come explore!

Alive!

Where does the time go in the Spring??? It is SO amazing out there right now! Have you stepped out onto Terra Mater and felt her earth between your toes, or allowed your feet to sink into a lush bed of moss?

I have been consumed in cleaning winter's debris, dried leaves, last year's untrimmed growth, and broken branches, then replenishing mulch in the gardens. The front yard stream "The River Shakti" is running, the back yard pond is half-emptied, dredged, and awaiting rainfall to re-fill it (much to the chagrin of the resident frogs).

Partridgeberry is alive and well, Thyme-leaved Speedwell harkens to a simpler time, and forget-me-nots...well, you know the drill.

The "johnnies" have resumed their undeterred, colorful presence among the formal garden rock mulch, and this week the delicate dwarf ginseng rose above masses of decaying leaves.

And oh, the ferns! So many sizes, shapes, and colors all unfolding just as they are meant to, in their own unique way, and at their own pace. It is truly a sight to behold! We are conducting "fern trail tours" this weekend, May 15-16 at Fiddlehead Grove Retreat and Healing Center. Click here for more info. Here's a sneak peak:

The burdock, mullein, purple trillium, painted trillium, and Canada Mayflower return for another round (complete with a damselfly bluet), and some new woodland bellflower friends have joined us this year.

Heal-all, ground ivy, and wild bleeding heart are some of my favorites!

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and soak in Mother Nature's bounty and beauty. You may be surprised how much it mimics so much of our own "human nature" and helps to heal what may be "ailing" us!