Scorpio Full Moon on May 7th, 2020

Open, Penetrate, Dive Deep

Full Moon at 6:45am EDT at 17°19’ Scorpio

On May 7th at 6:45am EDT we have a full moon in Scorpio, the sign that rules shadow work, sex, death and transformation. Scorpio is a powerful, transformative energy, intense and penetrating, asking more and more until the truth is uncovered. This can really suck, and it can also be life-changing and intensely empowering, it's all how you navigate it. Scorpio is said to have three different symbols, since it's so dynamic and ever evolving. Because of it's intensity and emotional vulnerability, at first Scorpio is the scorpion: defensive and venomous when provoked. It then evolves into the eagle, and while still predatory, it sees things from a higher perspective, soaring above the world and loyally nesting with a partner for life. The final form is the phoenix, turning destruction into a catalyst for radical transformation and rebirth and lighting the way for others. Scorpio grows through challenge and facing it's fear. It is brave and bold, and this moon is shining it's penetrating light into our darkest corners. This can be personally or collectively, so watch out for any new discoveries of underhanded or shady dealings coming out.

Full moons occur when the sun and moon are directly across from each other in the sky, so while the moon is shining in intense Scorpio, it's reflecting the light from the Sun in stable Taurus. The Sun isn't the only planet in Taurus right now, we actually have a Taurus Stellium occurring with Uranus and Mercury also hanging out here. This will inspire us to be thinking, communicating and making changes around stability in our lives. Mercury is especially influential as it's conjunct the Sun and thus also opposing the Moon. This brings a clarity to our communications and while we might have a bit of a battle of head vs heart, if we let our heart speak, we will actually be rather eloquent.

Mercury is also exactly sextile Neptune in Pisces. This is also aiding our softness, helping us be more sympathetic and understanding. This aspect also encourages idealistic plans, letting us dream of how the world should be. Be open to receiving information through spiritual means such as intuition, dreams, divination and synchronicities. Our words can be used to heal, if we're mindful with them. Remember, Scorpio is the dominant energy. Do we chose to be the defensive scorpion, the soaring eagle, or the tranformational phoenix? Helping this transcendent energy is the trine that Neptune is also forming to the Moon, softening our hearts and encouraging emotions, intuition and creativity to flow. This makes it easier to feel, share and move through our emotions and deeply feel how we are all connected in oneness to each other and to source/God/the Universe through unconditional love.

Plan to connect deeply with yourself and/or your lover, because Scorpio wants to penetrate to your deepest truth and lay your tender, vulnerable heart bare. If we open up to this moon and the exploration it's demanding, we can get to know ourselves and our loved ones very deeply. But if you resist and try to hide in distractions, especially substances (very Neptunian), you're missing a big potential for growth. Yes, this is an intense moon, but don't shy away from it. Take time to journal or have a deep conversation with a close friend. Meditate, pull some tarot cards, let your mind explore “naughty” truths about yourself. Since Scorpio rules shadow work, death and transformation, this a perfect time to invite your shadow into the light. I had a realization today that I tend to be attracted to partners that aren’t excited about my future goals because then it's “not my fault” if I don't reach them, my partner “prevented” me. My fear of failure, or maybe even success, keeps me in a cycle of playing small. At the same time, my partner realized he lets himself get wrapped up into other people's issues as a way to distract him from his personal growth. This Scorpio Moon has inspired some tough conversations already.

Last Scorpio Full Moon…

I feel called to share with you my experience with the Scorpio Full Moon last year, as it's been a major influence on my life ever since. I was driving though Tennessee and nearing the end of my first solo journey in my van. I'd thoroughly enjoyed my alone time and independence over the past month, but I kept getting a nagging feeling to make a list of what I wanted in a partner. I'd been successfully ignoring the nudges, because I know how manifestation works and I wasn't ready for a relationship, when out of nowhere on the day of the Full Moon, the urge was so strong that it took me by surprise while driving and (not surprisingly for sexual Scorpio) had me strangely turned on. I got so into thinking about this potential partner, all of his qualities, what it would feel like to loved by him, what our lovemaking would be like, that I had to find a private place to pull over while I got lost in my revelry. I was torn, I loved my alone time but this someone was also so attractive, so I added some qualities I figured would stump the Universe. He was not only vegan and spiritual, but also knows how to ballroom dance and enjoys musicals. I knew I'd just done some accidental magic, but I was still shocked by speed of the results.

I discovered a wonderful private park along a river to camp for the night, and I was inspired to do a ritual to release old limiting beliefs about myself and relationships, the stories I told myself that were no longer true. I wrote them all down and released them to the river, letting the water take them away and wash me clean of them. Then I danced in the moonlight, feeling free and whole. I knew something had changed.

The next day, I ended up in Asheville, NC. I went to a kirtan class at the Asheville Yoga Center and was introduced to a man who also lives in a van, is vegan, a yogi, and in our first conversation mentioned taking ballroom dance in college. We're still together at this Scorpio Full Moon, but on unstable ground. Whatever happens under this penetrating Scorpio light, I trust it's what we need, either cracking our shells to even deeper layers of love or releasing limitations that our relationship has created around each of us. Either way, it'll be transformative and soul-shifting, and I'm both anxious and excited.

One more thing…

I just want to wrap up with a quick note that in the next week, we will have 4 planets retrograde. We're about to be entering an especially introspective and inward focusing period of time (as if we haven't had enough of that already!). I want you to know this so you don't get down on yourself if you have trouble pushing forward with goals. Pluto already went retrograde in Capricorn on April 24th and will stay retrograde until October 4th. On May 11th we have Saturn going retrograde in Aquarius. It will go back into Capricorn early July and finally station direct again on September 29th. Saturn retrograde asks us to review and perfect things around structure and stability, but we might have trouble with new projects. On May 13th Venus goes retrograde in Gemini until June 25th. This calls us into a deeper relationship with ourselves, and the challenges we're collectively feeling with being isolated and not as social as we would probably want to be. This can also have old loves returning or relationships ending. Then on May 14th Jupiter goes retrograde in Capricorn until September 12th. This can cause some issues with feeling expansive externally, but if you turn inwards and lean into spiritual expansion you may have more luck. Jupiter and Pluto are conjunct most of this year so we'll be seeing a lot of crisis around beliefs as things are shifting and changing. Be extra gentle with yourself, no need to get down on yourself about productivity next week. Give yourself space to adjust to the changes going on energetically.

For more guidance on this Full Moon and how to connect to the Last Quarter Moon in Aquarius on May 14th, check out my free Moon Cycle Planner. It’s full of astrological insights, journal questions and activities specific to each moon cycle. Get it for free here and for signing up you’ll also get a copy of my free ebook Secrets to Manifest Your Dreams. These Moon Cycle Planners won’t be free for long, so get it while the getting’s free!

Beltane Celebration Ideas

What is Beltane?

Beltane is the Celtic holiday that celebrates the fertility of spring through the coming together of the God and Goddess.

Bees are buzzing, birds are singing, and flowers are blooming. Spring is in full swing and love is in the air on Beltane. Beltane celebrations begin at sunset on April 30th until sunset on May 1st. It’s also celebrated by some on it's astrological date when the sun is at 15 degrees in Taurus. Across the northern hemisphere, early May was a historically significant time to celebrate the fertility of the land. And it's no wonder! The world has burst into beautiful, lush growth and the weather is finally consistently warm. Its a perfect time for a celebration of life and love.

Beltane is one of the four cross quarter holidays, the holidays that fall between the solstices and equinoxes and were especially sacred in the ancient Celtic religion. These days are also considered fire festivals, and Beltane is the fieriest of them all. The word Beltane is Celtic for “blazing fire”, and this day is traditionally celebrated with bonfires to purify and bless. Livestock were lead between two bonfires to protect them through the summer months and people leaped over the fires for good fortune in the coming year. In neo-paganism and ancient cultures, this is when the Goddess and the God reach young adulthood and they come together in sexual union to promote the fertility of the land. Once they come together, their passion and union flows through all creation.

Want to learn how to connect with this holiday on a deeper personal level? Read to the end to find out about my Beltane Celebration Bundle and how to join me in circle.

Playlist for Beltane

Enjoy this Beltane playlist on YouTube! Most songs are SFW and fine for little ears except #19 First of May. It has some explicit language (but is oh so humorously perfect for Beltane!)

Below is a Beltane Ecstatic Dance Playlist that I created for a ritual a couple years ago hosted on Spotify.

Beltane Decorations

• Fertility Symbols (Maypole, Chalice, Athame or Wand)

• Ribbons

• Flowers

• Birds and Bees

Activities

Love and Fertility Magic

This is the perfect holiday to do magic for love and fertility. If you’re looking for love, I recommend making a Dream List with all the qualities you’re looking for in a potential partner. On Beltane Eve, anoint the candle with sensual oils like rose and ylang-ylang and light it saying:

Let this candle light the way

And bring my love to me this May

If you’re looking to reignite your passion with a lover, Beltane is the perfect night for it! Block off the evening and plan to spend it together. Get some sensual food and drink (strawberries, chocolate, May Wine), light some candles and take your time. Honor each other as the embodiment of the Divine Feminine and Masculine in physical form. If you have access to a secluded natural setting, consider taking things outside. A playful chase is also a fun way to get things going, helping the Masculine feel like the strong hunter and the Feminine feel desired and pursued. Gender need not apply to who holds which role.

If you’re trying to conceive, this is a great night for a ritual! Historically, babies conceived at Beltane were considered blessings and it happened so much they earned the term Beltane Babe or Merry Begot. Even if you’re not fertile during this period, you can still anoint candles or imbue stones with your intention to use when you ovulate next. Take time to honor and anoint each other with a blend of rose, frankincense or sandalwood in a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, sweet almond or grape seed oil). Have the partner who is not conceiving gently apply the oil to the hopeful mother in a clockwise spiral from her sacral chakra a few inches below her bellybutton. Together repeat this chant at least 3 times, but as long as you would like.

With this oil we bless your/my womb

From which new life will soon bloom

And don’t forget to bless what creates the spark of life, the fire that quickens, the seed that blooms aka your partner’s testicles. Gently apply the oil to him, honoring the power of creation they hold and say:

Full of life and virility

Bless us with your fertility

After setting your intention and anointing each other, have fun! (The oil is safe for vaginal exposure, just don’t apply directly and liberally).

Fertility doesn’t have to be about making a literal baby. This is a great time to bless your creative projects or anything else you’re birthing into creation. Plan a date night with you and your passion project. Make it a sensual experience with good food and drink, lovely smells, good lighting and comfortable clothing. Make it a memorable evening of creation, celebrating what you love about your project.

Great Rite

Whether you’re intending to have a child or not, sex is definitely a theme of Beltane. The God and Goddess have reached adulthood and celebrate their love by coming together in ecstatic union. And as imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, why not follow suit? This can be done symbolically or literally, alone or with a partner. For more details on the Great Rite and using it for the personal alchemy of blending our Divine Masculine and Feminine within, check out my Beltane Celebration Bundle.

Dance the Maypole

Continuing the fertility trend, the Maypole itself, a tall pole inserted into a hole in the earth that people adorn with flowers and dance around with ribbons, is a giant symbolic penis penetrating Mother Earth. This aspect has been played down as Christianity came in and tamed the holiday, but the Maypole somehow survived and is still seen at May Day celebrations across Europe. When you get into the rhythm of the dance, it’s like a moving meditation and I often get intuitive messages. To read more about constructing a Maypole and dancing around it, check out this very simple article. You need at least 4 people to make it work well (though theoretically it could work with two), so it might not be the best activity during social-isolation.

Feel Pretty

This is a holiday to show off your Beltane Best. Men will sometimes wear leafy crowns with horns to symbolize the Green Man or Cernunnos. Women will put on their favorite pretty spring dress and put flowers in their hair or wear a flower crown. An old tradition is to wash your face with dew on Beltane morning to be blessed with beauty the rest of the year. Especially during this time of quarantine, why not dress up for yourself, your partner, and the Gods?

Play with Fire

Bonfires are a big part of Beltane. In the past, cattle were led between two giant bonfires to bless and purify them on Beltane before going out to pasture for the summer. To this day, people will leap over the fire on Beltane for good luck in the year ahead and couples will jump together for fertility. If you have access to a fire pit, do it up! Dance around the fire, enjoy some food and drink, and if it’s private enough, some canoodling!

Can’t have a bonfire? That’s okay, candles work too! Anoint candles on Beltane to aid in love, fertility, creativity, and protection. Light them to set the mood and bring warmth to your celebration!

Fertilize your Growing Goals

If you planted seeds of intention at Ostara, now is the time to nurture them. Ostara is a great time to start a new project under the passionate, innovative Aries sun, but Aries isn’t known for it’s ability to see things through. Now that we’re in Taurus, the stable bull has the focus and stubbornness to do the work that needs to be done to make your goals reality. This is the time to flesh out details, get materials, make a plan of action and a good schedule. You can also set new intentions especially around prosperity, fertility, love and creativity, all themes where Taurus shines.

Enjoy Sensual Pleasure

This is one of my favorite ways to begin a Beltane celebration whether alone, with a partner or in a group. Find ways to pleasurably stimulate all five senses. Immerse yourself in delicious, juicy, fresh flavors, intoxicating fragrances, beautiful sounds, stimulating art and luscious fabrics. Try experiencing these things blindfolded to really settle into your senses and into your body. Treat yourself like the Goddess or God that you are. This is a great way to set the tone for a ritual or you can spread it out and enjoy the sensations all day.

May Baskets

Another old Beltane tradition is for the men to go out on Beltane morning to pick flowers and fill a basket with sweets for each woman in the home. This can also be extended to people in your community that may be in need of a kind gesture. If you have neighbors that don’t get outside a lot, why not bring them some May blossoms so they can bring the spring inside. Get kids involved and let them decorate a card and deliver the baskets.

Connect with the Fairies

Beltane is opposite Samhain on the Wheel of the Year, and as Samhain is the sabbat for honoring death, Beltane is about celebrating life. The veil between the worlds is also thin at this time. While at Samhain we can connect with the dead, at Beltane it’s believed we can connect to the fairy world. People that work with the fae will leave out offerings for them on Beltane Eve, such as milk and honey, oatcakes, fruit and nuts. Fairies are conceptualized in many ways, but I see them as the nature spirits of a specific place, and you can connect with them by leaving offering and attracting them with beautiful nature, sparkly things and plenty of flower such as snapdragon, meadowsweet, foxglove and hawthorn. You can even make a special fairy garden for Beltane.

It’s said that if you twist a rowan sprig into a ring and look through it at dusk on Beltane Eve, you can see the fairies. As fairies are also known for mischief, sometimes people want to protect their home from them. If you want to do that, use salt and iron or hang a branch of rowan tied with red thread above your bedroom door.

Beltane Food and Drink

Traditional foods for Beltane are seasonal fruits and veggies, sweet treats, and picnic food. While May Wine and Bannock have a long connection with Beltane, chocolate would not have been in a tradition Beltane ritual, because it’s from the Americas. Since chocolate is an aphrodisiac and definitely sensual, it seems fitting as a fun non-alcoholic option for something to sip around a Beltane bonfire. Add Beltane herbs such as rose, cinnamon, damiana, passion flower and ginger to elevate it even more.

Sensual Warm Cocoa

Ingredients

• 1 (14.5-oz.) can full-fat coconut milk heat

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)

• 3 Tbsp honey, maple syrup or other sweetener

• Pinch of kosher salt

• Any variety of the following herbs: 4 Tbsp dried rose petals, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 Tbsp passion flower, 1 Tbsp damiana, and/or 3 smashed cardamom pods

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Heat coconut milk, cocoa powder, sweetener, salt, herbs, and 2 cups water in a pot over medium heat, whisking constantly, until cocoa powder is dissolved, about 5 minutes. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors have infused, about 10 minutes. Stir in vanilla.

2. Strain cocoa through a fine-mesh sieve into 2 large mugs. Serve topped with more rose petals.

Inspiration: www.epicurious.com

May Wine

• White wine, mead, or white grape juice and ginger ale

• Sliced strawberries

• Fresh sweet woodruff leaves (optional but traditional)

Place all ingredients in a large glass carafe, cover and chill for several hours

Oat Bannock Bread

This is so simple and hearty. And its naturally gluten-free and easily vegan! This is traditionally made on Beltane morning and some is left as an offering for the fairies and nature spirits. It’s delicious with some butter and strawberry or violet jam.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup milk (plant based works) or water

• 2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup coarsely ground rolled oats or pearl barley, plus additional for rolling

Instructions

1. Combine the milk, butter and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts.

2. Add the hot liquid to the ground oats or barley in a large bowl and stir to form a slightly sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

3. On a lightly floured counter, with lightly floured hands, roll the dough out to an 8-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick.

4. Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-low for 5 minutes. Cut the dough into quarters and cook in the pan until golden, about 5 minutes per side.

Source: www.outlanderkitchen.com

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Join me for Beltane

Have you felt the call to connect to the seasons, but need some guidance?

Want to learn more about how to celebrate Beltane and inner alchemy through sex magic?

Do you have a desire to explore your innate Divine Masculine and Feminine and the union between them?

Join me in circle with my Beltane Celebration Bundle and you’ll get:

• Guided Meditation

• Journal Worksheet exploring your Divine Masculinity and Femininity

• List of Beltane Correspondences (with details on why each thing relates)

• Information on Sex Magic, The Great Rite and Personal Alchemy

Get access to this bundle here.

Taurus New Moon on April 22nd/23rd, 2020

Ground and Find Balance

New Moon at 10:25pm EDT at 3°23’ Taurus

The Sun and Moon together in Taurus is usually a grounded, homey, stable energy, but Saturn and Uranus bring an unpredictable and restless energy to this particular New Moon. The Sun and Moon are conjunct (together) with Uranus in Taurus, while Saturn is squaring these planets in Aquarius. Saturn is about structure, rules, tradition, and restrictions, while Uranus is about change, rebellion, and the unconventional. And this obviously connects to our current reality during Covid-19 with everyone stuck at home, not able to move about freely. We might feel like the current system holds us back from making the changes we want in our lives and the world at large. Maybe this moon highlights how we've been living out of harmony with the Earth (it is Earth Day after all). There also may be more protests against stay-at-home orders popping up. We need to channel this urge to change in a constructive, safe way though.

Some changes might be sudden and uncomfortable, but with the placements, it feels to me like the discomfort comes more from the break from normalcy, as Uranus is in a more neutral position with the Sun and Moon, while Saturn is the challenger. With Uranus, we have to expect the unexpected, but it’s not as punishing as Saturn. Though it might be rough at first, try to find the silver lining when you get some time to reflect. And also, try not to be the source of any crazy changes. Don’t act impulsively or take unnecessary risks right now, it won't end well. Saturn will see to that. Clashes with authority will be bigger than necessary under this moon. Uranus also rules accidents, so just be extra mindful.

If you've been coasting in relationships and not really discussing your true feelings, this could be tense. Saturn can be very harsh and critical, finding fault in things “not done right”. Instead, try to find how everyone in the situation can win. Also, what's ultimately more important to you, being right or being happy? Being critical of ourselves and others isn't going to make this any easier. Luckily we have a boon for relationships with Venus in Gemini trine Mars in Aquarius. If we’re open to talking through things, these planets will bring the gift of communication from these two air signs, making conversations smoother. But you have to choose to be open-minded and open-hearted for this to work.

Also getting into the mix is the lunar nodes in Cancer and Capricorn which are sextile and trine the New Moon, respectively. This aspect is giving us some perspective on balancing our need to succeed with our desire to connect and nurture. The North Node is in Cancer, the ultimate feminine energy, all about home and emotions and comfort (very fitting with this Taurus energy too). Though home might be causing us to go a little nuts right now, we can use this time to make our home life stronger, more comfortable and supported.

What if we could work from home more? What if we wanted to be home more? How does my home life need to shift to better support me and my loved ones?

As it's also Earth Day, think about the environmental benefit of staying home: not consuming as much, less travel emissions, fostering the connections that truly matter to us via the web, and not filling our free time with external distractions, consuming, small talk and acquaintances.

South Node in Capricorn is what we’re releasing, and right now we’re being confronted with what hasn’t been working. With a global pandemic we’re now seeing how broken aspects of our system are, so any revolutionary ideas are worth writing down and developing this moon phase (just don’t hit the streets just yet).

Balance is the core lesson of this moon. Balance your need for change with the need for stability. Don't fall into a hole of self-criticism and judgment, but also, don't become one with the couch and avoid all responsibilities (a big temptation with so much happening in Taurus). A good routine with ample rest time built in is the best way to find this balance. If you try to maintain a high level of productivity when everything inside you is rebelling, you're gonna be a grumpypants. If you don't have a choice, just be aware that this energy is swirling about and be gentle with yourself. Your restlessness is normal given the circumstances, regardless of the astrology making it more intense. Be mindful of avoidance as well and find ways to break big tasks into more doable chunks to motivate you to move forward. Saturn will make sure there are consequences if you blow everything off.

Ideas for the New Moon

Get Structure

Since it’s in the earth sign of Taurus, maybe for you this Uranus shake up is around structure and schedules, either bringing more if you feel lost or easing up if you're burnt out. Let yourself take breaks, literally put them into your schedule. If you can give yourself a free day to relax and explore your creativity and intuition, and get outside and play, you’ll feel much better.

Get Comfy

Find comfort and enjoyment where you can. A cozy blanket and good food is very Taurus New Moon. Stimulate your senses with good smells, tastes, and fabrics. Take a bath, make a homemade salt scrub or face mask, and put on your coziest pjs. Make snuggle time with yourself, fur friends or loved ones a priority.

Get Grounded

What makes you feel centered, present and calm? This can be meditating, doing yoga, walking barefoot outside, taking a bath, smelling certain essential oils, or holding stones like red jasper, black tourmaline, smokey quartz and hematite. If you feel like you’re all in your head, imagine the energy in your mind flowing down your spine and recirculating into the rest of your body. Feel yourself “dropping down” into your body.

Get Outside

Go outside and connect to the Earth, it is Earth Day after all! Go for a walk, lay on the grass, put your toes in the dirt, and get some fresh air. You could try doing a grounding yoga flow outside and finishing with gratitude for all the beautiful nature around you.

Get Growing

I know it feels like the craziest time to be making plans, but it can help you find a sense of control and hope for the future. One tangible way to plan for the future is to start growing food. You don’t need a yard, even a small window herb garden will do. You can also plant seeds of intention for what you want to see going forward. People are saying that things are changing forever, and I agree, but we need to have a plan for what that change will look like. What change would you like to see in the world? You need to start visualizing and living that reality ASAP if you want it to come to pass. Write it down, talk it out, or meditate on it, because we need you to show up and be that change you wish to see.

Want more guidance this Moon Cycle? I have just the thing! I’ve created a free Moon Cycle Planner that gives you insight, journal questions and activities for the New, First Quarter, Full and Last Quarter Moons. Get it for free here and for signing up you’ll also get a copy of my free ebook Secrets to Manifest Your Dreams. These Moon Cycle Planners won’t be free for long, so get it while the getting’s free!

Libra Full Super Moon on April 7th/8th, 2020

Lovely Libra Lunation

With a touch of stir-crazy…

Tuesday, April 7th at 10:35 PM EDT we have a Full Moon in Libra. This Full Moon is also a Super Moon, the second one of the year, meaning the moon is at the closest possible proximity to Earth. It might not look much larger than usual, but this can heighten things astrologically. While the feeling, emotional Moon is in harmonious Libra, it is exactly opposite the Sun in impulsive Aries. There might be some tension between “me” vs “we” with this placement, and being stuck in the house might not make this easier. While the square between Mars and Uranus might add some fuel to this fire, other placements indicate we can use this time to make stronger bonds through good communication.

Grand Trine

To fully understand this moon, we have to look at the influence of the Grand Trine between Venus in Gemini, Mars and Saturn in Aquarius, and the Moon in Libra that occurs about 12 hours before the Full Moon. This is a very harmonious aspect that bolsters relationships and the communication within them. Venus makes April 7th a great day for romance, whether its a long snuggly chat with your quarantine buddy or a budding relationship forming over the phone. We might develop new ways of interacting and connecting while maintaining social distance. Enjoy good conversation and learning new things – Air signs two favorite things!

Mars Square Uranus

The challenge for the day comes from the square between Mars in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus. This position brings tension between these planets, causing Mars's aggression to feed into Uranus's reckless rebellious side. In short, people might be getting cabin fever and have the urge to break free of these restrictions. Hopefully the joyful intellectual stimulation from the Grand Trine earlier in the day will keep things in perspective, but it is a Full Moon and emotions can run high. To avoid issues, don't indulge too much with substances while everything is free and easy early in the day, only to realize you're in a pissy mood and less inhibited later on. Keep social distance, wash your hands, don't do anything rash. If you're keeping yourself safe, this next part isn't something to worry about, but use it as a reminder if you suddenly want to throw a house party – Neptune is quincunx the Full Moon in the watery sign of Pisces. At this angle, Neptune can make illness and infection worse, so be extra vigilant this day and for the next two weeks. Don't let the Moon and Uranus encourage you to do things you'll regret.

Pluto Conjunct Jupiter

To make the tensions even higher, we have Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn squaring the sun and moon (albeit widely). Jupiter and Pluto conjunct exactly on April 4th, 3 days before the Full Moon, but they are still pretty chummy with only 0°18′ between them by April 7th. This partnership brings focus, good luck and the drive to make a big change in your life, but being in a square with the sun and moon creates tension with Libra's desire for harmony. Make sure you consider the “we” over the “me” in any big decisions.

This conjunction is also sextile Mercury in Pisces, which encourages progressive, positive thoughts that will hopefully mitigate the tension from other placements. The connection to Pluto also helps you uncover deeper truths and trust your intuition. If you want more help with this, I'm doing a free Month of Meditation in my Inner Circle Facebook Group. A lot of us have more free time now, so why not fill 10 minutes of it by connecting more deeply with yourself? I promise, Netflix will still be there when you're done.

I clearly have more free time myself now, so I also made a Moon Cycle Planner for this moon phase, which you can find here. Eventually I'll charge for these, but if you download one, follow it and give me feedback, you get 3 months free once I begin charging. This is from this Full Moon’s page:

Questions to Ponder:

How is the intention you set at the New Moon manifesting?

How can you connect authentically with others, especially around your goals?

In what ways do you deny parts of yourself for the ease of others?

How can you strengthen your most important relationships?

Actions for Libra Full Moon:

• Connect with friends (video or phone chat, pause Netflix to chat with your love)

• Share your situation with others

• Get out of your sweatpants and dress up for yourself (selfies encouraged)

• Redecorate and rearrange furniture

• Treat yourself to a beautiful piece of art from an artist you’ve been admiring online

• Spread the word about small businesses you love and share those connections

Tarot Card for the Full Moon

Page of Wands

What a perfect blend of innovative, excited energy (that Grand Trine) mixed with the impulsiveness of youth and fire (Uranus square Mars and Sun in Aries). Use this time to explore your passions. Discover what you're truly excited about in life. This is a time of change and new beginnings. If we use this time well, we can come out the other side knowing ourselves and our loved ones more deeply. Just think how many novels are being written, songs being composed, inventions being developed, and babies being conceived (both literally and metaphorically). What a time of potent creation. And challenge and fear and loss. We are truly in a weird time, but this is the energy where Page of Wand thrives. Give him an problem and he'll find a way to solve it. Just make sure any wild ideas are tempered by the need to safety right now, for yourself and others.

"Welcome every problem as an opportunity. Each moment is the great challenge, the best thing that ever happened to you. The more difficult the problem, the greater the challenge in working it out.”

- Grace Speare

Stay safe, stay sane and stay connected. Explore your inspirations and deepen your relationships. To help you connect with your inner guidance during this time, I’m offering $10 off all Tarot readings with the code $10OFF. You can book here. If you want to get the Moon Cycle Planner for this current moon phase, you can find it here. And I would love if you joined the Month of Meditation Challenge in my Inner Circle Facebook Group.

If you want to learn more about how this full moon affects the coronavirus pandemic, I recommend this article. They even link to a natal chart for the virus itself, and it's pretty fascinating.

Lots of love and virtual hugs to you! Stay connected and get my free e-book Secrets to Manifest Your Dreams by signing up in the form below.

Aries New Moon on March 24th, 2020

Light your inner fire and let it change the world.

New Moon on March 24, 2020 at 4º of Aries at 5:28 am EDT

When I was in school for massage therapy, we very briefly studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the term Anger of Spring really stuck with me. This time of year we experience the power of growing things violently shooting up through the cold soil. Although this action and emotion is connected to the Chinese element of wood, it's also very Aries - bold, action oriented, impulsive, and forward moving. Typically a New Moon in Aries is good for manifesting, setting goals, and planting the seeds that you'll harvest at the Aries Full Moon, which this year is on October 1st. To fully understand this current New Moon though, we need some background on what’s been happening astrologically.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, representing new beginnings and fresh starts.

The astrological new year began at the Spring Equinox on March 19th, which is when we entered Aries season. The next day, Mars and Jupiter met up in Capricorn, which might have brought tension and a volatile, fiery energy (anger of spring!), but also could have been channeled into enthusiasm and forward motion if used well. Then the day after that, Saturn moved from Capricorn into Aquarius.

Saturn in Aquarius

Saturn stays in each sign for about 2.5 years, so this is a big transition. We're moving from focusing on material stability (Capricorn) to social stability (Aquarius). Saturn is all about restriction and borders and is now in the air sign of Aquarius. We will possibly see more lock down of air travel as this air-transmitted coronavirus leads to more and more separation and quarantine. Luckily, Aquarius is associated with the internet and the last time Saturn visited Aquarius in from 1991-1993 the internet was expanding. We have potential for new ways of working from home and creating online income and stability. AI, space travel and other new technology might also be unveiled during this transit.

Saturn is all about accountability, rules, structure, tough-love, and restrictions. He's the father figure in astrology, the Emperor in Tarot (which is the 4th card, this moon is at 4 degrees, 2020 is a 4 year...bit of a theme, more details later). Aquarius is the progressive rebel, using technology to communicate ideas to help humanity. When Saturn's in Aquarius, he's all about rewriting the rules, brainstorming a new way of being, and enhancing clear communication with each other. How can we commit (Saturn) to the collective (Aquarius). There's a long history of Saturn in Aquarius bringing radical change in human rights, as Chani Nichols points out in her post on the topic:

“The last time Saturn was in Aquarius (1991-1993), apartheid was dismantled. Before that, Saturn was in Aquarius from 1962-1964, when the Civil Rights Act, which banned school segregation and employment discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex or national origin, was signed into law in the United States. And before that, Saturn was in Aquarius from 1932-1935. The Great Depression had begun in 1929 causing unemployment to reach 25%. These years of Saturn in Aquarius saw the beginning of FDR’s New Deal, which brought social security, government infrastructure and banking regulations to the US.”

What will this Aquarius transit bring for our modern world? How will the oppressed be liberated? Will the fear around animal agriculture as the origin of the coronavirus spark animal liberation? Will quarantines and shifting job markets inspire increased worker protections, a living wage or a universal income? Will the United States adopt universal healthcare as a result of people debating whether to go into debt or seek treatment for this virus? We have Jupiter conjunct Pluto right now as well, adding to this crumbling and transformation. This is a time of breaking down the old to build the new. And that's uncomfortable. Let's pray the result of this challenging time is a beautiful new way of being that helps humanity.

What does this have to do with the New Moon?

Well, the moon is actually sextile Saturn in Aquarius, adding seriousness and structure to this phase. The goals you set now have the backing of hard-working, long-sighted Saturn, which is something Aries can always use, as this fire can burn itself out quickly if not fed regularly. Seek advice from professionals and elders at this time, whether it's about how to stay healthy or how to start a business. Explore Aquarius energy, how can this quarantine open you up to something new, such as online classes, launching that online business, making a podcast or youtube channel, or learning a new skill. Explore your natal astrology chart and see what house Aquarius rules for you. This area will get some serious structure (or restructure). How can communication, technology and working for the whole of humanity help this area? Discover your birth chart here.

Even more powerfully affecting the New Moon is it's playdate with Chiron and Lilith a couple degrees away and it's t-square with the Moon's nodes. Chiron is the wounded healer and Lilith is the Dark Goddess. Chiron brings the key to unlock deep wounds when it’s in conjunction and Lilith encourages you to look into your darkness. This is a beneficial aspect that can bring deep healing. What wounds prevent you from stepping out boldly? How can tapping into your shadow at this dark moon help you move forward? Lilith is associated with sexuality, tantra and kundalini – can sexual energy heal you? Use this time to ignite your fire! Explore sex magic or tantra, tap into your resistance/shadow side, or light a bonfire and burn a paper filled with what you're releasing to tap into these powerful energies.

The t-square with the south node in Capricorn and the north node in Cancer is less comfortable, though potentially just as transformative. The nodes have been in this position since 2018, but they move to Gemini and Sagittarius in May. This is the last time to be exploring these themes, which are being highlighted now given our current pandemic. The South node in Capricorn is about the old structures of capitalism, top-down authority, politics, and business as usual. What are we releasing around these ideas? How painful is it as things are shifting right now? If you really attach to “playing by the rules” and “doing it right”, what if this whole system came crashing down? Under this new moon, don't panic, plan what you can and let go of what you can't control.

Meanwhile, Cancer's north node is having us turn inwards and grow from within. It's about home and family – things you may love but be getting uncomfortable being suck in currently. What things in your inner word need to be refreshed or enhanced for more ease, love and joy? How can this time of change and constriction help birth a new inner world? How do you nurture yourself and others? Are you in fear and pushing away, or finding ways to stay connected to yourself and others?

Let’s tap into numerology for a moment again. Forever Conscious has an interesting observation that ties into a lot of the current astrology in their article:

“Interestingly, this New Moon falls at 4 degrees of Aries, which has been a trend. Back in February, the New Moon was at 4 degrees Pisces, in January the New Moon was at 4 degrees of Aquarius, in December, the New Moon Eclipse was at 4 degrees of Capricorn. In 2020, we are also in a number 4 year according to numerology. In a number 4 year, we are called to return to the self and to find ways to create safety, comfort, and purpose from within. 4 represents feeling at home within ourselves, and it definitely seems this is a trend for many of us right now. In astrology, 4 degrees of Aries is actually a very spiritually sensitive degree of the zodiac. It indicates advanced psychic energies and the ability to ascend to higher realms while remaining grounded.”

So in summary…

This new moon has the potential to majorly affect the next 6 months to 3 years. The seeds you plant now are so important. Be mindful about where you focus your energy. Are you clinging to stability and security (south node and formerly Saturn in Capricorn), or are you open to radical change that improves humanity and interpersonal connections (Cancer north node and Saturn in Aquarius)? As painful inner wounds come up, are you able to slow down and give them the love and presence to begin the healing process? Ride the fiery energy and let it inspire you to set some ambitious goals. The Saturn pairing will help you reach your goals.

Want more help reaching your goals? I’m opening my Accountability Coaching on this Aries New Moon! We learn most from our struggles, and I’ve learned so many tools on accountability living with ADHD. Let me help you reach your dreams! We meet on the phone weekly for 30 min sessions at $25 each. We set goals, manage doubt and insecurity, and most of all, someone is holding you accountable. If you’re externally motivated, like me, this is a game changer. If someone else is cheering me on, I am so much more successful. And you can be too! Book a free Exploration Call and let’s see if we’re a good fit!

Happy Aries New Moon, and keep your eyes peeled for more Astrology Goodies coming in the near future! Sign up for my newsletter below so you don’t miss an article (and get my free e-book Secrets to Manifest Your Dreams!)

Ostara Celebration Ideas

Ostara is the Spring Equinox, when day and night are equal lengths

We now enter into the light half of the year, with daylight overtaking darkness (yay!). We can use this energy either as a still point of balance or a catapult into the new. This season is all about rebirth and growth, the world “springs” into bloom and greenery unfolds from the dormant earth. If we personify nature, this is the time that Mother Earth is waking up in the warm embrace of the Sun. It reminds me of Sleeping Beauty or Snow White, a fair maiden revived by the love of her Prince. It's a time of innocent love, beginnings and excitement, like young lovers planning their marriage. The Earth is a maiden with flowers in her hair, and the young Sun is gaining his summer strength.

History

The name Ostara comes from the Goddess Eostre, a Germanic Goddess of Dawn, Fertility, and Spring. Though the holiday is named for her, there isn't a lot of historical evidence of Eostre's existence. Eostre isn't mentioned in any text until 725 CE, when a Christian monk named Venerable Bede wrote about her local worship in what is now the UK. I highly recommend this article detailing the history and misinformation surrounding this holiday.

Spring by Franz Xaver Winterhalter

It's a commonly held belief in neo-pagan communities that the old pagan Ostara traditions got pulled into Easter. While the name Easter could possibly come from Eostre, it could also mean East, where the sun is resurrected each day. While we can clearly point out the pagan connection to modern holidays such as Yule (Christmas) and Samhain (Halloween), Ostara might be more of a case of neo-pagans borrowing from Christianity. There isn't any recorded history of an Easter Bunny until 1678, and it was only found in Southwestern Germany until the 17th century. Eggs might be pagan, but could equally be connected to breaking the Lenten fast. And the whole egg laying rabbit myth is even more recent, first appearing in Jacob Grimm's book Deutsche Mythologie from 1835. For a very in-depth analysis of this story from its origin to present day you can check out this article here.

So does this change the validity of the holiday? Not in my opinion. If the lack of historical credentials and connection to Christianity bothers you, this holiday can be more about crossing the threshold into the light half of the year and celebrating new growth. You can use the imagery of Mother Earth waking up from her slumber in the warm embrace of the Sun. You can include eggs and bunnies as symbols of fertility, or not! This is something I absolutely LOVE about this path. It's open for interpretation, ever evolving, and not married to tradition or dogma. So, on with the celebrations!

Ostara Playlist

Decorations

• Spring Flowers (daffodil, tulips, hyacinth), Budding Branches and Seeds

• Eggs, Bunnies and Baskets

• Symbols of Balance and the Sun

• Birds, Butterflies, and Bees

Activities

Celebrate Spring and the Strengthening Sun

This holiday is the beginning of the light half of the year, so watching the sunrise is a perfect way to honor the sun's return. Prepare a cup of tea (the Spring Zinger below is perfect!), pop some breakfast treats in the oven, light a candle and enjoy the natural beauty unfolding. Let the growing light on the horizon inspire a rekindling of your creative fire within. If the weather is good, take a morning walk in the woods and look for signs of spring in the growing light: buds on trees, crocuses, robins, and even pesky bugs are all signs of life returning. Encounter each with gratitude and feel the resurgence of life growing within you.

You can also take this time to forage for wild edibles. These two sites have great descriptions of early spring delicacies you can find in your local forest.

• Foraging Spring Wild Edible Plants

• Edible Wild Plants - Early Spring

Egg Dyeing and Hunting

Even though egg decorating might be a modern Christian tradition, there's no denying it seems pretty Pagan. Eggs are powerful symbols of fertility and new beginnings. If you want to make a lasting project or don't eat eggs, you can find wooden eggs at most craft stores and decorate those instead. You can use any art supplies you'd like on wooden eggs, but if you plan on eating the eggs, make sure you hard-boil them first and use a food grade dye. For a more natural options like beet root and turmeric, check out this site!

Have you ever wondered why the heck a rabbit goes around hiding eggs? Were our ancestors confused how bunny reproduction works? We don't know for certain where this myth came from but an adorable story that was popular in the late 19th century was that the Goddess Eostre found a bird nearly frozen to death in a late frost. In order to save the bird, she transformed them into a rabbit with thick fur to keep it warm. The transformation was nearly complete, except that the rabbit could still lay eggs. To thank Eostre, the rabbit now lays beautifully colored eggs every Ostara and hides them to share it's joy with you. We'll never know if this is an ancient legend or modern creation, but it's sweet and gives the Easter/Ostara Bunny a cute backstory. If this resonates with you and your little ones, enjoy your Ostara Egg Hunt!

New Beginnings and Setting Goals

The quickening of spring aids us in starting new projects. Not only is the natural world waking up and creating, we enter into Aries season at the Spring Equinox. We take the dreaminess of Pisces and ignite it in Aries. Aries is all about starting new things, full of excited, impulsive, creative energy. Not always the best at follow-through, we need to make sure we set goals with achievable milestones while we're in this fiery energy. Plan time to check-in with your progress every couple weeks to make sure you're staying on track. The Practical Magic portion of my ebook Secrets to Manifest Your Dreams has some good tips to help you stay on track.

Stimulating your Innate Potential for Growth

If you're having trouble coming out of your winter funk, now's the time to intentionally get fired up! The Spring Zinger Tea below is a great option, as the spicy ginger and green tea will wake up your senses and encourage action. Creating an essential oil blend of citrus and frankincense and smelling it daily is also a way to bring inspiration and brightness. Connect to the solar energy by carrying a bloodstone or intentionally soaking up some sun for some daily vitamin D (barefoot if possible).

Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone and do something out of the ordinary. Attend Ecstatic Dance, sign up for a class, call up an old friend, cook something new. Get yourself laughing by watching funny videos or dancing around to your favorite song. The energy around us is supporting expansion, sometimes we just need to push ourselves to get the ball rolling.

Find Balance

Though we are at a moment of balance between light and dark at the Spring Equinox, we can often feel anything but that internally. One of the best ways to come into balance is by using your breath. Alternate nostril breathing is a yogic breath technique that can help to bring your energy into alignment when you’re feeling scattered. If you’re feeling out of balance, you can also try some yoga balance poses, like tree or dancer to get you grounded in the present moment and in your body. Feel your standing leg rooting down as you lengthen and extend. You can also carry amethyst, bloodstone, moonstone, or tiger eye to help find balance.

Celebrate Love (New and Old)

Bee are buzzing, flowers are opening, and Mother Earth is awakening in love as the Sun caresses her with his strengthening warmth. Love is definitely in the air and whether you are looking for love or to deepen your current connection, I’ve got you covered.

If you're seeking love, this is a perfect time to create a Dream List. Dream Lists help you get very specific so you can make sure you're attracting exactly what you want. I have a whole guide on how to make one and charge it up that you can find here.

If you're in a committed relationship, Ostara is a great time to reconnect and recommit to each other. Take time to both write out a list of all the reasons you love being with each other. You can simply read your list aloud to each other while snuggling, or do a more elaborate ritual. You'll need 3 candles, one can be large candle that you can burn throughout the year. Each of you take a candle in hand and as you read your list, light your partner's candle. Once you have both read your lists and lit each other's candles, light the 3rd candle together as a symbol of your continuing love.

Garden, Seed, and Plant Blessing

If you have a garden, gather your seeds and tools and give them a blessing for the coming growing season. Bring them outside on Ostara, letting the sun shine on them, and visualize the bounty they're going to bring you. If using salt water, sage or other herbs to clear energy is in your practice, you can cleanse them in that manner. A charged quartz crystal or moss agate would be great to use as a center piece. You can then place them on your alter until it's time to use them.

If you're not so much an outdoor gardener, Ostara is a great time to get a new plant friend. You can begin an Ostara tradition of repotting it each year. You can also gift loved ones with plants to celebrate the equinox. Before you gift them, hold them in your hands and see their growth reflected in your loved one's life, bringing abundance and prosperity. African Violets are associated with Ostara, but jade, money trees, bamboo, and tulsi are all considered lucky plants.

Fertility and Women's Cycles

Ostara is a great time to focus on fertility, coming of age, and hormone balancing for women. While Beltane is well known for it's connection to sex and fertility, Ostara is the preparation. If you're looking to conceive in the next year, take time at Ostara to begin preparing your body. You can do this physically by eating well and giving up bad habits and energetically by connecting to your uterus. Close your eyes, place your hands on your belly and begin connecting to your womb. Ask it questions and listen quietly for answers to bubble up. Ask it if it's ready to carry a child and what things you can do to prepare. Its might feel like you're talking to yourself, because...you are! I encourage you to sit with it and feel into the answers that come up and see if there's a truth within it.

At Ostara, Mother Earth is seen as a young maiden with the potential to become pregnant, but is not yet a mother. This is a great time to celebrate young women that have just began their period during this past year. Welcome them into women's circles and celebrate their new phase. So many of us felt some level of shame or embarrassment when we began menstruating, and we can change that stigma for the next generation by making it a joyful occasion that opens the door to sisterhood.

If you're looking to balance your hormones at any phase of your life, Ostara is a good time to commit to that regimen. Talk to a healthcare provider or do some research online to find herbs that will help with your specific situation. Dandelion root is a seasonal spring medicine that also helps with hormone balancing, so you can start there as you begin your exploration.

Wrap Yourself in Newness

If you sew or make jewelry, Ostara is a great time to debut your newest creations. This is also a great time to host a clothes swap with friends. Everyone cleans out their closet and brings their clothes to be re-homed. Each person goes through their pile, holding up each item and saying the size and its either claimed or put into a donation bin. At the end of the party, everyone goes home to a clean closet with some fun new items.

Cakes and Ale

Spring Zinger Tea

Blend together equal parts organic or food grade:

• 3 parts Nettle

• 1 part Ginger

• 2 parts Jasmine

• 2 parts Tulsi

• 3 parts Rose

• Green Tea Bag (optional)

Steep at least 10 minutes (if using green tea in a bag, you can remove that part at the recommended steep time). This tea gently opens you up to new beginnings, abundance, and growth, while also preventing allergies and boosting immune health.

Lemon Poppy Bread

What better way to celebrate the return of the sun than with some zippy lemon flavor? You can bake this the day before Ostara to have a delicious morning treat for a sunrise ritual. Find the easy, delicious recipe here.

Virgo Full Super Moon on March 9th, 2020

Restless and hazy

Time for some Spring Cleaning

On March 9, 2020 at 12:47 pm EST, not only do we have a Virgo Full Moon opposing the Sun in Pisces, it's also a super moon, meaning the moon is the closest it can be to the Earth.

This might not be visually noticeable, but it can have a big effect astrologically (especially for Moon ruled Cancer sun or rising folks). Not only do we have a powerful moon in organized, earthy Virgo, but Virgo's ruler Mercury is switching gears and reversing it's retrograde. In astrology terms, Mercury is Stationing Direct, meaning that night Mercury Retrograde is over! But don't celebrate just yet, the days around Mercury changing directions can be bumpy because, from our vantage point, it appears Mercury has stopped moving all together. Obviously that's just an optical illusion due to our orbits, but it means a lot astrologically. This day could feel extra discombobulated, mixed with anxiety and anticipation from Virgo to get on with things already. Instead of trying to charge ahead with this Full Moon, take it as a chance to do some final emotional and practical Spring Cleaning and releasing before the Spring Equinox and Aries Season.

How to Tap into the Virgo Energy

Virgo loves organization and lists. List what you want to achieve, list what's getting in the way, list what's come up during this Retrograde. If procrastination and lack of accountability is something that's been preventing you from getting things done, look into finding an AcountabiliBuddy or an Accountability Coach. And, lucky for you, I just happen to be one! Click here to schedule a free consultation and see if we're a good match!

Another way to tap into Virgo's energy is to get into a good routine. Schedules and planners are your key to success if you feel like you've been using your time inefficiently. Once you create your ideal schedule, put it in your phone and create labeled alarms to remind you. When an alarm goes off, put down what you're doing and switch gears immediately. Virgo loves willpower!

Health is another area that Virgo rules, and with spring on its way and flu season in full swing, you might want to explore a high-nutrient cleanse. Try a Meatless Monday (since this moon falls on a Monday!) and pack your day with lots of veggies in hydrating smoothies, soups, and herbal teas. Connect with Virgo's earthy, harvest energy and give thanks for the abundance we can easily access at our local market.

Capricorn Stellium

Going along with this Earth energy, we still have a ton of planets in Capricorn – Mars, Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn to be exact. This helps us ground this energy into a focused path if we apply ourselves. Jupiter is closely influencing this Full Moon, as it's in a trine to the moon and a sextile to the sun, while Mars and Pluto are more distantly in the same relationship. Jupiter brings good luck and expansion to anything it touches, so we can see this as a blessing, especially if we tune into the Virgo energy productively.

Pisces Influence

The Sun is hanging out with Neptune in Pisces, bringing a dreamy, spacey, foggy energy. The positive is that this can support us in the last bit of processing as most of Mercury's retrograde and the last New Moon was in Pisces. Neptune can help us connect to our creative, spiritual side one more time in this watery Pisces space, so we can bring our dreams forward as Mercury stations direct and the Full Moon shines down on them. On the negative side, we can be more paranoid, anxious and confused, which isn't being helped with Mercury standing still. Don't be hard on yourself if you need a nap. Again, lists can be your best friend. Get your ideas, anxieties, and plans out of your head and onto paper and you will feel much better.

Tarot Card for this Moon

Illustrating this energy perfectly is our card for the Full Moon: 2 of Pentacles. Pentacles is a fitting suit for Virgo since they both are connected to the element of Earth. This guy might be your #mood right now – ungrounded, chaotic, and restless, with too my balls in the air at once. He and you both need to straighten out your priorities and figure out what's deserving of your full attention and what needs to go on the back burner. My best advice? I'll say it one final time:

• Lists

• Lists

• And More Lists

Overall, this is a mixed bag. It might be a bit uncomfortable and restless, but channel your energy well and get some structure, and you'll make it through just fine.

If you're looking for some more structure in your spiritual life, I got you! I'm opening up my Online Coven: Spiral Within for a limited time beginning next week. We use the eight pagan holidays (Solstices, Equinoxes, and the 4 “cross quarters” in between) to sync our inner world with the outer world through guided meditations, journal prompts, an active Facebook group and so much more. Learn about the 8 pagan holidays here and Spiral Within here.

Sign up below to stay in the loop! Registration opens March 9th.

Pisces New Moon and Mercury Retrograde on February 23, 2020

Sunday February 23rd at 10:32 am EST we have a New Moon in Pisces at 4º28’

Be still and gently wade into the Unknown

During a New Moon the sun and moon are in the same point in the sky, and this cycle they are meeting up in the dreamy water sign of Pisces.

Pisces energy is spiritual, creative, mystical and magical. Piscean compassion is boundless and boundary-less, finding connection and unconditional love for everyone, which can sometimes lead to burn-out or heartbreak if unchecked. Also in Pisces right now is it's ruler, Neptune, adding more of this dream-like, fuzzy energy. Neptune is idealist and deeply spiritual here in it's home sign. Also in Pisces and conjunct (next to) this New Moon is Mercury, and it's been retrograde since February 17th.

Uh oh, did I just say the dreaded Mercury Retrograde is back?Everything is gonna suck, right?

It all depends how you approach it.

Will communication be challenging? Yeah, especially if you're trying to be linear and logical with it, but we'll be aided if we're speaking from our emotions, exploring past patterns, or dreaming a new way of being.

Will technology get screwy? Most likely, but can you tap into this watery energy and try to flow through it with ease and humor?

Will travel be annoying? Probably, but only in the physical world. The astral plane is ripe for exploration under this energy. It's a good time to travel into yourself and explore your inner world.

Retrogrades ask us to play with “re-” words, like redo, review, remember, revisit, and resurrect. And being in dreamy, loving Pisces, we're going to be aided in any emotional reflection at this time. Reconnecting to our creativity and old passion projects is also supported. This is a gentle New Moon and Retrograde, if we slow down and listen. Our intuition will be on point, but our logic will be off.

Our head is foggy, but our heart is shining, so be gentle and find stillness.

This new moon is also sextile (2 signs away) from Mars in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus, which is a harmonious relationship. Mars is also conjunct the South Node in Capricorn, helping us release some of the ways this action oriented, masculine planet keeps us pushing forward, often while drowning out the softer Piscean energy of intuition and emotional understanding. How can we stay balanced between this external, forward motion and our internal gentle guidance?

Since Mercury is retrograde, making tangible progress challenging, I think this harmonious aspect is giving us a moment to see how we want to be more effective going forward once we take some time to go through what isn't working. Use this time to review, by softening into your intuition and listening to your dreams. Uranus in Taurus is big on transformation and is also partnering with this New Moon to help us make gentle shifts in how we show up with compassion towards ourselves and others.

The challenging energy during this New Moon is the Square between Venus in Aries and Pluto and Jupiter in Capricorn.

Understandably with all this emotional energy and the potential for miscommunications, our love life and relationships might be a bit strained. The word that comes to mind with these planets clashing is Intensity. Pluto brings potential for jealousy, obsession and drama, while Jupiter can be demanding and have trouble balancing needs for personal expansion with connection. And to make it worse, Venus in Aries is uncomfortable and volatile already. Just be aware of this energy and use it to dig deeper into yourself and your connection, not to lash out and get combative or defensive. Be honest, not mean. This lovey Pisces energy should be a soothing balm, but in case you need some guidance, this video from Layla Martin is a lovely way to invite open dialog into any relationship, romantic or platonic.

Tarot Card for the New Moon: The Chariot

If you know a thing or two about tarot and astrology, you're probably as confused as I originally was at this pull. The Chariot is all about action and forward motion, travel, strength, and force. What is it doing here with dreamy Pisces during a Mercury Retrograde? It’s definitely connected to the harmonious aspects with Mars in Capricorn and the general theme of the Mars, Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn Capricorn stellium, bringing action and structure into this otherwise drifting energy.

On closer look though, this card reveals some other interesting connections. Pisces is connected to the spiritual, the unknown, the universal, comic love, and this golden haired rider is adorned with a crown bearing an 8 pointed star and moons on his shoulders. His canopy is celestial and he controls the two sphinx without reins. This card is representative of Mercury and his fiery chariot, and I see it's appearance as a sign that all is well. Mercury isn't upset being retrograde. He knows this time is what's needed for you to tap into your deeper powers and charge forward with Divinely Guided purpose when he goes direct again on March 10th. Embrace the Retrograde! Be aware of it, not out of fear, but so you know when the time has come to journey inward. Mercury goes Retrograde about 3 times a year, this is all part of the process.

Want help tapping into your intuition?

I got you covered dear one.

I'm offering a free guide to tapping into the energy of this New Moon. When you sign up you'll receive an email with advice on oils, herbs and stones to use to deepen your practice and as we approach the New Moon you will receive a guided meditation crafted to help you deepen your connection to you own inner compass through journal prompts and a sound journey. Click here to get free access to these tools.

Thank you for taking the time to discover what's happening in the sky and how that energy will reflect in your life. This time might be hazy with all this Pisces energy and Mercury in Retrograde, but that's okay! Use it to dive into your intuition and set your intentions from that space. Make time for stillness, silence, and connection to yourself and others. Listen closely, your intuition wants to support you through this, and so do I.

Join me for the Pisces New Moon Guidance here.

Leo Full Moon on February 9th, 2020

Let Out Your Roar!

I’m so excited about this astrology, that I’m offering a free Fire Ceremony to tap into this potent energy. Find out how to join here, or read on to learn more!

The next Full Moon is on February 9th at 2:33am EST at 20° in Leo.

A full moon is when the sun and moon are opposite each other, so while the Moon is in passionate, show-stopping Leo, the Sun is in rebellious, progressive Aquarius. Full moons are times to release things. This can be letting go of an old pattern or releasing your new idea out into the world, and this moon is great for both of these things. What do you need to release so you can shine and be in the flow? Leo is known to be a bit self-centered, but if tempered well, this energy helps us stand more firmly on our path and really let out our unique (and important) roar. Leo also craves praise and admiration for who they are and what they do, which makes me think of the conjunction going on between Venus, Lilith, and Chiron (more on that soon). The sun sitting in Aquarius is more focused on “we” than “me”, especially on a global scale. Leo and Aquarius play nicely together when we get in alignment with our life purpose and how we can be of service to others. Meditation Mount put the dance between these signs wonderfully here:

“Even as “the great illusion” of separation is exposed and the unity of everything is realized, individuality is not lost. As we shift our awareness to the vastly expanded field of soul identity, we see that we are participating in an ordered plan that is manifested through group consciousness... Group consciousness is governed by Leo’s opposite, the sign of Aquarius. Although Aquarius is located across the zodiac from Leo, the relationship between the two signs is not an opposition, but a continuum from individualism to inclusion in a greater whole.”

This is perfect on the heels of the New Moon in Aquarius that got us thinking about how we can live our purpose. Your intentions set at the New Moon are coming into even clearer focus now. And this is being helped by Mars in Sagittarius making harmonious aspects to the sun and moon, bringing focus, desire to set big goals, assertiveness, practicality, and open-mindedness. Make sure you focus this fiery Sag energy and then you can achieve anything.

Another helpful energy floating around is Jupiter in Capricorn sextile Neptune in Pisces. This brings luck and expansion into your work, especially if it’s of a helping or spiritual nature. This can be a restless, reforming energy, but channeled with that Capricorn dedication, it can be very powerful. Be of service and this partnership will give you strong intuitive guidance.

The card drawn for this Full Moon is Death, the card of endings and transformation.

Let it Go! This energy is ego challenging, really highlighting that opposition between Leo and Aquarius. How can you let aspects of yourself die so you can bloom into deeper service of others? You have to make room for new things to grow. This can be talking about relationships, habits, patterns, jobs, or your mindset. When the need for changes come, how will you respond? Will you plead, keel over, not look at it, or like the child in the image, face it with openness and curiosity? This card also makes me think of the giant conjunction occurring in Aries.

Venus, Lilith and Chiron are all hanging out in the early degrees of Aries creating an impulsive energy around love and the wounds we carry.

Yikes, Happy Valentines Day! Lilith in Aries is impulsive and even harder to control than usual. Tear down the old and build something new, something better, something freer. She thinks for herself entirely, but can be a force to be reckoned with when she doesn't get her way. Venus is amped up while hanging out with feisty Lilith in this forceful sign, making her more aggressive as well. This powerhouse combination will have us balancing our desire to lead and be lead, to be pursued and pursue, to be cherished and respected, to be the top or bottom. Our desire for Venus niceties, harmony, beauty and love, is bumping into Lilith's raw, hidden, subconscious desires.

Which energy do you relate with more, demure, gentle, sensitive Venus or powerful, seductive, secretive Lilith? The one you shun, is the one you need to get to know, cause she's in there. And Lilith wants us to accept our full self, with all our messy incongruities. Though this can be a challenging energy and feel a bit explosive (hey Aries!), this is also radically transformative. Deep down, we all want to be fully seen, and this combo will give us the courage to show up and speak up, because Aries is not going to let us sugar coat this. We're going to be loud and impulsive, and very focused on getting what we want. Aries is the start of something new and this is happening in the early degrees of this sign as well, adding to this energy of newness.

This is the start of something authentic and different. Lilith contains within her vast power to transform if we're brave enough to sit with her and peer into our depths. This is bringing us into balance in our femininity (whether male or female), and with how we relate to the feminine in others. This is the totality of women, the soft and the loving, as well as the fierce and the seductive. The gentle and the wild combined into one.

Chiron, the Wounded Healer, is standing next to them, drawing our attention to the wounds within this dynamic. How are we not being authentic? How has our heart and spirit been broken? And if we listen carefully, we can learn how to transform that pain into strength. To find out more about Chiron conjunct Venus, check out this article about how Chiron can unlock the wounds in our heart.

“We firstly ‘unlock’ our heart. Then, we heal what’s broken. And finally, we transform fear into love.”

“I have found this paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love” – Mother Teresa.”

Chiron and Lilith combined are also a powerhouse of transformation, both being outsiders in their own way and healing through unconventional methods. If you want to dive deeper, check out this intriguing article.

This Aries cluster is forming a T Square with the North Node in Cancer and South Node in Capricorn.

And this aspect isn’t just on the day of the full moon. These planets are hanging out and forming a t-square with the north and south nodes from 2/5 to 2/19, peaking on 2/12. This adds to the rocky potential, especially when it comes to our established patterns regarding home, family and comfort. We'll see how doing things in the established way isn't going to work anymore, pointing out how our love patterns and wounds are preventing us from having a harmonious balance of work life and family life. Maybe you tend to choose unavailable people that won't build the foundation you crave, or someone that has vastly different goals than you. Maybe you have so much wounding that you throw yourself into work, being unavailable for love. This aspect will make you notice where you feel unsatisfied and unfulfilled. We need to be cultivating inner peace, releasing the pain stored here and not acting out recklessly to get our needs for connection fulfilled while ignoring the underlying problems. This nodal placement asks us to find happiness in family and our spiritual connection, while honoring the totality of ourselves and our baggage. Seems fitting with this Full Moon, huh?

The Tarot card for this conjuction and t-square is Ace of Cups Reversed.

We need to be mindful of how we are dumping things out, especially our emotions and self-worth. Be careful about exploding at people or crying to your ex. This card suggests calling a friend or sitting with your journal instead. Be aware of how you give yourself to others. Do you take time to “fill your cup” or are you always pouring yourself out in service of others. If you feel you do this, you have to ask yourself why. Do you think you need to do this in order to be loved or be “good” or “nice”? If so, how can you tap more into your powerful inner Lilith? This card can also mean new beginnings, but not externally. This refers to new beginnings within ourselves. Think of that Venus/Lilith integration and the healing from Chiron. How can this shift begin in you?

Does this Lilith/Venus/Chiron conjunction intrigue you?

It's definitely got my attention!

I think this is a potent window for some deep transformation around the feminine wound (for men and women) and the baggage we carry from broken hearts. Do you accept yourself and your partner (or potential partner) for their feminine totality? Are you ready to explore the wounds you’re carrying and begin to let them go? Then I lovingly invite you to join me for a free transformational fire ceremony on the full moon to tap into this portal of energy and use it clean this wound and release what no longer serves. In this circle we'll explore:

• Breath Work

• Guided Meditation

• Fire Clearing

Sign up here to join me in circle!

In Summary…

Overall, this is a powerful full moon for transformation and stepping into our power. If we are tapping into our life purpose, there is so much energy supporting us right now. (Not sure what your purpose is? Book a Tarot Reading to get some clarity.) There is also potential for a powerful shift within ourselves around love and femininity (our own and others) and healing the wounds that lurk there. Be gentle with yourself for the next couple weeks. We're also in the shadow of the upcoming Mercury Retrograde on February 17th happening in Pisces. Things are going to be more feeling based than logical as we approach the retrograde, but if we allow ourselves to tap into our intuition and emotional intelligence, we'll swim through this energy much more gracefully.

Sending you so much love.

Join me for the Leo Full Moon Fire Ceremony here.

Imbolc Celebration Ideas

What is Imbolc?

Imbolc (IM-bolhk) is a Celtic holiday that celebrates the Goddess Brigid and the turn towards spring.

It's celebrated halfway between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara) on February 1st, though the celebration technically begins at sunset on January 31st. Alternatively, people will celebrate it when the Sun hits 15 degrees of Aquarius. This is the time when the days are noticeably longer and you can feel that spring is on its way. This is also when lambs are born and the ewes begin to produce milk. It is thought that the word Imbolc came from the old Gaelic i-mbolc meaning “in the belly”, which can be a reference to the birth of lambs or have a correlation to the Goddess in her hibernation beginning to stir in the belly of the Earth. It could also be from the old Gaelic phrase imb-fholc which means “to wash” as in a purifying ritual.

Source: Ester Remmington

Imbolc celebrates the Celtic Fire Goddess Brigid and her aspects as the Triple Goddess of Hearth, Forge and Inspired Heart. As the Goddess of the Hearth, honor her by by clearing out your home both physically and spiritually and asking for her blessings of protection and health. She’s the Goddess of the Inspired Heart and blesses all creative pursuits, keeping that flame of inspiration strong. As the Goddess of the Forge she blesses the projects we make manifest into this world – both artistic and functional. She also has a bit of “an edge”, helping you cut away things that no longer serve and temper yourself in her flame. She is honored at sacred wells in Ireland, so working with both fire and water is supported.

As with many pagan holidays, it got swept up into the Catholic church as it sought to ease the transition for it's new converts and so Imbolc became Candlemas and the Goddess Brigid became St. Brigid with her feast day celebrated on February 2nd. To find out more about her transition from Exalted Celtic Goddess to Beloved Catholic Saint check out this article. As Maman Brigitte, she is also the only white Deity in Voodoo, the result of the cultural blending between Irish indentured servants and African slaves. She is truly a transformational Goddess! You do not have to incorporate Brigid into your practice to celebrate Imbolc, but she’s a great inspiration at this time of year.

Want to learn how to connect with this holiday on a deeper personal level? Read to the end to find out about my Imbolc Celebration Bundle and how to join me in circle.

Playlist for Imbolc

Clearing, Blessing and Protection of Home and Self

This is the time for some (almost) spring cleaning on both the physical and energetic level. Physically, this is a good time for a deep clean. We've been stuck at home, tracking in sand, salt and the latest stain of the cold. Take the time leading up to Imbolc to really sort out your space, donating things you no longer use. This is also a great time to rearrange your furniture to change things up and bring new life into your space.

Cleaning your house energetically is also a great way to prepare for Imbolc. You can use smoke (like the incense blend below), blessed water, or a special broom called a besom. The idea is to move stagnant energy and bring fresh protection in. If you have an alter with offerings on it or old magical tools (dead flowers, old herbs, last year's Brigid cross, etc), Imbolc is a great time to burn them or return them to the earth.

If you have protections around your home, this is a great time to redo them or set some new ones up! Creating a crystal grid, recharging protective stones, salt at the thresholds, witch bottles, or new Brigid crosses are all ways you can tap into the protective energy of the season. You can also bless your ritual tools for the coming year on this night. These are things such as candles, incense, salt, herbs, water, or tools for meditation, healing or ritual (cauldron, crystals, wand, singing bowls, massage or reiki table). You can do it yourself, or place them on a windowsill with an offering and ask Brigid to do it for you.

Imbolc Incense Blend for Purification and Protection

• Dried Pine Needles/Evergreen Essential Oil

• Dried Ginger or Oil

• Cloves

• Dried Chamomile

• Dried Rosemary

• Bay Leaf

Mix together in a bowl and burn on a charcoal puck in a cauldron full of sand. Use a fan or feather to waft the smoke into all corners of a physically cleaned home. As you energetically clear the space with the smoke, repeat “This space is cleared, this space is blessed.”

Send Winter Away and Wake Up the Earth

These ideas are fun for pagans both grown and small. A pretty seasonal decoration to make before Imbolc is paper snowflakes to honor the winter. On the day of Imbolc, you can throw them in a fire to encourage the end of winter and the melting of the snow.

Another idea is to make a Priapic (Acorn) Wand and take it into the woods to awaken trees and plants from their winter slumber. While you do this, collect acorns, pine cones and a couple early signs of spring (if you ask the plant nicely first). Only collect a flower or two if they are available and leave the rest for the hungry bees.

Set Intentions for the Coming Spring

Take some time during this season to really dream about what you wish to accomplish in the coming spring. Now is the time to get prepared to launch into action as we come out of hibernation. Get ready to welcome in a fresh start and let go of heavy beliefs that have been holding you back with a fire ceremony. Write down the limiting beliefs that you no longer wish to carry and throw it into the fire. Then set your new intentions, speaking them aloud, and asking any guides or deities you work with to help you make them manifest this coming year (since this is Brigid's holiday and she's the fire Goddess of Inspiration, she's a good one to work with for this ceremony).

Find what makes you feel inspired, empowered, and refreshed. Reconnect with old practices that you love, but have fallen out of habit with. This is also a good time to rededicate yourself to your path or dedicate yourself to a Deity for the first time.

Play with Fire

This is an ideal time to set intentions using candle magic, since Brigid is a Fire Goddess. Light a white candle for each goal you have for the unfolding year during your Imbolc ritual. Simply lighting candles to honor Brigid and the lengthening days is a great way to celebrate and if you have the ability (and the weather allows), a bonfire is even better! Scrying in the flames is another traditional Imbolc activity. Relax your mind and gaze at the flames, letting any shapes or impressions guide your intuition.

Prep Your Herbal Medicine Cabinet

While you're sorting and clearing your space, don't forget your herbal remedies! Check your stock, see if herbs are a bit past their prime, make sure oils haven't gone rancid, and tidy it up. Put a couple charged crystals such as clear quartz in the space to keep your medicine potent. If you make tincture, salves, or herbal blends, this is a great time to craft some, since Brigid is the Goddess of Hearth and the healing arts. Doing reiki on yourself and others is another way to tap into this potent healing energy as well.

Celebrate Inspiration

As the Goddess of the Inspired Heart, Brigid especially loves poets and storytellers. Try your hand at some creative writing through short stories or poetry to tap into her blessings. It's lovely to read stories about Brigid at this time as well. Whatever creative outlet you have, this is a good holiday to bless yourself and dedicate yourself to developing your craft and attracting your ideal audience in the coming year.

Divination

Fire scrying isn't the only Divination done at Imbolc. Weather prediction and animal messengers are also forms of divination used at this time. Interestingly Groundhog's Day is February 2nd, combining both of these methods. Coincidence? I think not. Notice any animal friends that show up for you on Imbolc and meditate on what they mean to you or look up their meaning online. You can also start a dream journal, use tools such as rune or Tarot cards, or tap into your innate intuition. Druidic Bards were thought to also be adept at divination, so Brigid's blessings of creativity extend to this skill as well.

Look for the hidden depth in your creative inspirations. What is it telling you?

Prepare for Spring

In some climates, Imbolc is the start of Spring, so if you're going to be preparing your garden before Ostara (March 21), then Imbolc is a good time to ask for blessings in your garden and on your garden tools and seeds. Since I’m from New England, Ostara is what I associate with new growth, while I think Imbolc is more about cleaning and readying, but in other climates spring will already be well on it’s way!

Source: Temiel

Welcome Brigid

One traditional way to honor Brigid at Imbolc is making a Brigid Cross and putting it outside on Imbolc Eve with offerings of milk and bread for the Goddess. To learn how to make a Brigid Cross, check out this video here. As you place it outside you ask the Goddess for her blessings of healing, protection, and safety for your hearth and home. The next morning, gather the cross and display it in your home or on your alter all year for protection. If the offering wasn't enjoyed by a hungry animal friend, find a place to pour the milk on the ground and hide the bread for a lucky passing critter. The offering also helps to begin forming a relationship with the reawakening earth spirits in your area. Other traditions for Brigid are making a Corn Dollie to represent the Goddess and putting her into a Bride Bed, wearing white, and little girls going door-to-door asking for blessings from the woman of the house.

Source: A Trip to Ireland

Tying Ribbons

Another traditional way to honor Brigid is to tie ribbons to trees near her sacred wells. The ribbons tied near wells are called clooties and they are left to honor to the Saint/Goddess or to ask her for healing. Leaving cloth or ribbon outside on the night before Imbolc to be blessed by Brigid is another tradition.

You can make this your own and tie ribbons (made of natural fibers) to trees in your area with blessings for the land or those that discover them written on them. You can also leave some outside with an offering to Brigid and then use them throughout the year for healing purposes, leaving them on your alter, tying them to your clothing or wrist, or decorating your space with them.

Imbolc Food and Drink

Traditional food for Imbolc is pretty simple (milk, oats, bread, and seeds), but you can add some flair and make it special. Why not make lavender blackberry milk and seeded oat bread? Here are some recipes I'm going to try this year.

Source: Gimme Some Oven

Blackberry Lavender Milk

Ingredients

1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen*

1/4 cup sugar

2/3 cup water

1 tsp of lavender

¼ tsp of vanilla

2 cups milk (oat, soy, coconut optional)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, heat blueberries, sugar, lavender, and water over medium high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes to reduce until it is thickens slightly. Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh strainer if desired. Add vanilla. Refrigerate.

2. Whisk together 1/4 cup blueberry syrup with 1 cup cold milk to serve.

*Why Blackberries? They are sacred to Brigid, and delicious!

Inspiration:

https://www.homegrownprovisions.com/lavender-moon-milk/

https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/blueberry-milk/

Quick Seed & Oat Loaf

A delicious and hearty "lazy loaf", freshly baked bread, no kneading required! Feel free to change out the seeds for what you have available. I used walnuts instead of poppy seeds, for example.

Ingredients

Source: Emma’s Little Kitchen

2¾ cups wholewheat flour

1 cup oats

¼ cup flax seeds

¼ cup poppy seeds

¼ cup raisins

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

2½ tsp rapid rise yeast (1 sachet)

1.5 tsp kosher salt

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 cup (250ml) 2% or semi skimmed milk (can be plant-based)

1 cup (250ml) water

Instructions

1. Mix flour, oats, seeds , yeast and salt in a large bowl

2. Pour in milk and water, and mix thoroughly to make a sticky porridge-like dough

3. Smooth the dough into a greased, lined dough tin and place in the cold oven

4. Turn the temperature to 225F (110C), and bake for 45 minutes, after 45 minutes turn up the temperature to 350F (175C) and bake for another hour, until the loaf is baked through and makes a hollowish sound when you tap the bottom of the tin!

5. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Inspiration with some tweaks: http://www.emmaslittlekitchen.com/quick-seed-oat-loaf/

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