Blue Skies, Blueberries, and Blue Moon Opportunities!

I love Summertime Blues! Fluffy white cumulus clouds dot a brilliant blue sky (or not), berries are ripening on the vines and shrubs as I patiently await their luscious sweetness.

To top it all off, this particular July of 2015 brings us a rare Blue Moon chance to focus on what we love about our lives

AND a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity for me to travel to Australia! 

So, from the top:

Ever wonder why nature provides dark blue fruit precisely at this time of year? The anthocyanins in blueberries, chokeberries, and elderberries contain specific properties for rebuilding the body’s tissues and restoring the immune system. Mmmm. It’s a lesson in sharing with our feathered friends who already are intuitively aware of the medicinal value of each berry! Refer to links for more information.

Chokeberry (Aronia):

http://www.eattheweeds.com/chokeberry-bushy-health-food/

http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_arme6.pdf

http://joshfecteau.com/foraging-wild-fruit-black-chokeberry/

Blueberry:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-blueberries.html

...and blue eyes!

Elderberry:

http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/mfruit/elderberries.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/043430_elderberry_natural_antivirals_health_benefits.html

Full Blue Moon July 31, 2015

Precise times of full moon in Syracuse, NY: 6:42 AM; South Australia: 8:12 PM

This full moon in Aquarius presents an opportunity “for radical re-assessment of who we are as individuals and how we relate our talents back into the world.” Elizabeth Peru

There are SIX planets in “retrograde” to assist us in slowing down and becoming introspective, including Saturn, Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Uranus, and Venus. Each of them presents unique aspects of ourselves to be addressed and re-evaluated in the coming weeks and months.

”One of the most special aspects of this moon is that we won’t have another blue moon month until 2018. For many of us, we will be receiving our last bits of a long awaited wake-up call that actually began back in 2012, far before most of us were aware of the changes that were developing. We are being asked to notice where in our lives we have been neglecting the truth, or what situations we have been putting off.  This moon isn’t only encouraging it, it is making it a requirement.” Kate Rose

The Thunder Moon comes with a streak of fierce independence, combining Sun in Leo trine Pallas Athene in Sagittarius. Do something you promised yourself you’d do long ago and never did. Have an adventure. Strike out on your own. Do it your way. Use your intuition to tune into the needs of the tribe, then lead them to new ways. Don’t let the opinions of others stop you, but balance this with consideration of the group.” Jamie Kahl

What is a Blue Moon?

Full Blue Moon Ritual July 31, 2015:

Do one yourself or join a virtually-led experience like this one, or this one.

The energy of the Blue Moon lends itself nicely for setting goals and intentions that are big, important and lofty. Choose the life area that seem the most significant. 

1. Love and Happiness: Gems - amethyst, jade, rose quartz;

Colors - pink, red;

Essential Oils - cardamom, rosemary, ylang-ylang 

2. Physical Health: Gems - agate, bloodstone, ruby;

Colors - red, orange, yellow;

Essential Oils -coriander, eucalyptus, lavender 

3. Prosperity: Gems - turquoise, chrysoprase, emerald, opal;

Colors - green, pink;

Essential Oils - lemon, patchouli, ginger 

4. Protection: Gems - turquoise, citrine, garnet;

Colors - white, gold, black; 

Essential Oils - black pepper, clove, patchouli 

5. Healing: Gems -beryl, jasper, smoky quartz;

Colors - white, pink, purple, gold;

Essential Oils -coriander, eucalyptus, pine

Gather the chosen "tools", write down the goals or intentions and find a quiet spot, preferably out in nature under the light of the full moon. By sitting quietly, meditating and thinking about the goals, energy is drawn down from the Blue Moon and into the desired goals. The paper with the written-down goals can be either burned, shredded, or even kept until they are manifested.

First, mentally cast a bubble around you and the space you're in. This is a protective bubble that will keep only good energy moving in and out. Say that - that the bubble is a protective one. Light a candle.

Secondly, ask that your guides/angels/animal spirits/you-fill-in-the-blank be with you. Thank them for joining you, for protecting you, and for adding their energy.

Thirdly, ask the Universe/God/Goddess/You-fill-in-the-blank to hear you and to take your words and desires and manifest them physically. Describe in detail your desires.

Lastly, thank the Universe/God and your guide/angel for hearing you. Offer a token of thanks and blow out your candle, thus closing the circle and ending the ritual.

Once-in-a-Blue-Moon-lifetime opportunity:

Part of this beautiful Blue Moon energy is about traveling to new places, and my stars and planets have aligned at this time and space-place to provide me a flight to the land “down under”. Join me in celebrating the Thunder Blue Moon on July 31, 2015 via Facebook group!

P.S. I’ll be sure to photograph plenty of kangaroo adventures for next month’s post. Cheerio!

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/

Lighten the Load

Watching Spring unfold here in the northeastern U.S. is truly enjoyable for me. The “spring peepers” woke up last night, just as the last of the ice over the pond melted away, and our resident tom turkey awakened me early this morning whilst chasing the ladies with his morning gobble. Ahhh, Spring. Signs of rebirth, renewal, and rejoicing at the return of the sun to our side of the globe are all around us!

The earth comes alive as the dainty crocuses bravely bloom in the receding patches of snow. Daffodils raise their lazy heads as they seemingly race to catch up with the calendar on this year’s late start to the season. Tulips, hyacinth, and hosta plants bravely poke out from the leaf-laden ground. The air is filled with the echoes of phoebes finding mates, robins busily building nests, and the tapping of the red-bellied, hairy, downy, and pileated woodpeckers. Chipmunks waste no time getting right to scurrying, and the koi fish come to surface in the sun-drenched pond.

Winter’s hibernation is complete once more, the atmosphere is lighter, the sun warmer. Nature’s spring foods are bright green, delicate, and full of new life. As creatures of nature, humans can do well by following this rhythm. The sudden urge to open the windows, let the fresh air in, and do “spring cleaning” is our natural instinct to prepare our nest for new life.

Spring cleanses are very appropriate this time of year and include not only physical cleansing of winter’s buildup of fat stores, but also de-cluttering our home environments, cleaning up our thoughts, clearing out habits and/or issues that no longer serve a purpose for us, and simplifying our lives. Remember how it feels to clean out a closet? To give away or return something you no longer need? To discover something you forgot you had, or something you lost? This is what our bodies need. To clear out the tokens of yesteryear and begin anew.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Drink green smoothies-more bang than the chew
• Eat salads-for fiber and chlorophyll
• Find a local spring water source-water direct from the earth assimilates easily with our body’s chemistry
• Consume minimal or no animal products-they are “dead weight”
• Stretch-gets the kinks out of the limbs
• Get out in nature-expands your awareness
• Laugh-it boosts the immune system
• Sing, Listen to Music, Dance-it frees the mind
• Puff your chest, strut your stuff, and lose the winter fur-advice from tom turkey and the deer (it works for them)
• Wash the bedsheets with drops of Lavender essential oil-freshens the room and you’ll sleep great too. *For an added treat, hang them outside on the clothesline. Delicious!
• Walk-gets the kinks out of the bowels
  
• Walk a Labyrinth-calms the mind and centers the soul
• Ride a bike-fun exercise
• Bathe in Epsom salts-magnesium for relaxing the muscles and organs
• Journal-putting it on paper changes perspective
• Meditate-finds your inner guru
• Share-speaking out loud to a sacred witness is a powerful way to synthesize and process emotions

Once you begin to lighten the load by eating lighter and cleaning your environment, you will notice your senses become more discerning and your intuition sharper. You will have more energy and motivation to do more of the deeper practices of meditating or journaling. You can do it! Find that Spring sprout buried in your belly (second chakra). Nurture it with sunny, loving thoughts and water it with fresh, clean water. Give birth to the creative soul that is you!

More of Cathleen's published writings can be found on Smashwords.com

Power Seeds

The universal shake-up continues as we move from the Equinox Super-New Moon Total Solar Eclipse into a Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse! The time between this new moon and Saturday’s full moon is an intense period. “The door on your new life has opened. Now you walk through. Action is required: Keep following your soul’s instructions.” –Elizabeth Peru

Although the moon will set here in eastern North America prior to totality, we will have a glimpse of the partial coverage of the moon before it sets at 6:45 am EST.

More info:

http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2015-april-4

http://earthsky.org/tonight/shortest-total-lunar-eclipse-of-the-century-on-april-4-2015

Watch the eclipse live here beginning at 6:00 am EST:

http://main.slooh.com/event/total-lunar-eclipse-on-april-4-2015/?event_date=2015-04-04

How can we use this time effectively and purposefully? Eclipses are opportunities for major transformation; this is a time when the energies of the lunations are more amplified and focused.

Our power seeds have been planted (New Moon of March 20, 2015), 

now we must give them nourishment.

Eclipse Meditation Ritual

You will need:

a white candle

salt

purified or spring water

incense

small pieces of paper and pen

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

http://www.moonspells.com/ie/articles/eclipse-med.html

CHARGE OF THE GODDESS

(Hecate Goddess of the Full Moon)

I am Goddess of three Moons.

I am mistress of the Night.

I am the richness of the Earth.

I am the Moon and the Seas.

I am all that was and is and ever shall be.

Nor has any mortal ever seen that which lies beyond my veil

for I am indeed mistress of mysteries and the keeper of the keys.

I am Queen of all living things, for I Am Goddess of Nature.

I smile and the radiance of the Moon is everywhere.

Gather in secret if you must,

but do not tarry too long behind closed doors,

for it is in the richness of the earth and the boundlessness

of the sky that my true temple is to be found;

And the Moon, and sun and stars will keep your secrets.

I am all these things and more.

Hear my words my children and worship and be glad.

Look for me within these things but above all,

within your own soul, for it is there I am.

I have been with you in the beginning

and I shall be with you at the end.

I am the womb of new beginnings,

as yet unimagined and unknown.

http://www.hecatescauldron.org/full_moon_ritual.htm

   1. Take a ritual bath (add hyssop and lavender if you have it, salt if you do not) and visualize yourself releasing any blocks and fears, and affirm that you are ready to take yourself to the next level, and face the truth with an open heart and mind.

   2. Sit in front of your altar, and do some basic grounding and rhythmic breathing. (You can ground by imagining your spine growing roots that grow down into the earth, and with each inhale, breathe in the energy from the core of the Earth... with each exhale, release anything you need to release, i.e. fears, doubt, sadness, apathy, etc. The earth can turn almost anything into fertilizer, so transform your "negatives" into something you can use!)

   3. Pour the salt into the water, and clear yourself with it by lightly sprinkling yourself and anointing yourself with it.

   4. Light your candle. Meditate on the symbolism of the flame; that fire transforms and illuminates. Stare into the flame for a while, and ask for clarity and truth during this eclipse cycle. Give yourself permission to release any and all thought forms that no longer serve your highest good.

   5. Ask yourself:

What area of my life needs some new ideas and a fresh perspective?

How can I break through restrictive "safe" constructs, to be fully alive?

Write these down on a small piece of paper.

   6. Next, write down what keeps you from achieving the goals you are after.

Say: "All energy is neutral. I now release and transform this energy into an energy source that can be utilized for the highest good for all concerned.”

   7. Burn the paper, focusing on the transformation of the energy.

   8. When you feel like you're clear, thank the Deities, energies, spirits, guides, and angels, you've worked with, and bury the ashes in the earth.

I Am A Powerful Woman

More info:

“We are headed towards a potentially radical and liberating Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Libra on April 4th, 2015. Things may be up in the air, sudden reversals or project alterations are possible.  This is the strong impetus for purge and transformation.” Dipali:

https://celestialspace.wordpress.com/2015/03/26/leading-up-to-the-potent-lunar-eclipse-in-libra-on-april-4th-2015/

“So this month stay awake, have faith, be brave and face death.   A new birth is upon us…a collective yearning for something better to arise in our world…” Cathy Pagano

This Lunar Eclipse/ Full Moon in Libra brings the focus to our relationships and the dynamics in our relationships, for relationships are the looking-glass through which we can see ourselves…

What are we needing to see within the dynamics being reflected?

Where does balance need to be restored?

http://www.mysticmamma.com/lunar-eclipse-full-moon-in-libra-april-15th-2014/

Benjamin Bernstein says of the lunar eclipse on 4/4 (14°24′ Libra):

“This “Full Moon on steroids” is great for evaluating and making adjustments in the areas of relationship and creativity, and whose impact will resonate potently for many months. This eclipse’s strength is further augmented because it tightly aligns with the Uranus-Pluto square, indicating that revolutionary transformation is greenlighted in all areas of life affected by the eclipse.

http://astroshaman.com/march-april-2015-astrology-forecast-final-uranus-pluto-square-2-potent-eclipses/

http://wholeastrology.blogspot.com/2015/03/lunar-eclipse-in-libra-april-4-2015.html