Today Sunday, January 22nd, 2012, we celebrate the New Moon in Aquarius. Aquarius is ruled by both Uranus and Saturn, the experimental and the responsible. To quote Carolyn Casey, this “reveals the truth that stability is dependent on progressive change.” Think grounded expansion. How good does it feel to have a container for wild self-expression? This freethinking New Moon in Aquarius offers us the opportunity for innovation and CHANGE. Begin experimenting with your thoughts. If there ever was a time to shift out of old thinking this is it.

• What’s an idea you’d like to JUMP ON this year? Write a list.
• Practice the Motto: Change is Good.
• What experiment are you willing to try again?
• Add one new thing to your life (and let go of something that’s not working)

TIP + New Approach Altar – Create an altar that inspires a new approach to an old issue. What area are you having difficulty in? Finances, relationship, a friendship, making time for yourself, decision making? Choose an object to represent this area. Create an altar that includes bright and dark blues for Uranus and Saturn, and lots of candle light. Then place your symbolic object in the middle on your altar. Take a further step by creating Golden Pathways out of yarn, ribbon, paper, fabric etc…leading towards your object from all directions. Write down what you would like help with, for the good of all and harm of none. Place this note on your altar. Imagine that help and divine assistance is flowing in and soon you will receive more information, insight, help, or a sign that might lead you to your next step.

The Chinese New Year of the Water Dragon begins January 23rd, 2012
The Dragon is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved. Check out Suzanne White. Also, you can check out my blog post 2012 – What’s the Big Deal

UPCOMING ALTAR
Brigid, Imbolc, Candlemass,and Groundhog Day February 2nd
Each year on February 2 people all over the world celebrate Imbolc, Candlemass (GroundHog day) Festival of the lactating ewes, and the Celtic Triple Moon Goddess Brigid “the light-bringer.” It will have been six weeks since the winter solstice and the re-turning of the light. The Earth is beginning to wake from her winter slumber as the sun grows stronger. Seeds are starting to crack and send up shoots of individuation. The Crone Goddess begins her mystical transformation into a young girl again. All of this reminds us of the ever turning cycle of life and the promise of renewal. Read More

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Happy Holy Days!

On Saturday, December 24th, the New Moon meets the Sun in Capricorn. Time to get real, right down to your bones! The hard-working, grounded, practical Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn (authority, form, structure) and like it’s counter-balance Cancer, has a tendency to draw itself inward – perfect for winter! Take advantage of the inward-pull to connect with you own valuable inner resources. The greatest one being, your own unique grounding! Time to come down to earth, put 2 feet on the ground, and re-assess your foundation so you can reset and re-center yourself for the new year.

• good time to set financial goals that create independence & self-sufficiency
• get a job, shift your current job or create your own job.
• put into place structures/practices that support your transformation in the areas of your interest
• don’t take yourself (or others) so seriously
• Write new moon wishes
• Read more about this new moon & solar eclipse

TIP + Hello Ground Control – As the new year approaches and we are drawn inward with the Winter Season, I start to notice certain themes that are arising. Last year, it was rest. This year I am playing with the idea of befriending myself. As a mother of little ones, there are so many areas of life that fall to the wayside – projects get interrupted constantly, people throw up all over their bedding, we are too late or too early, I burn cookies, ornaments break and more often than not I will find someone standing on a counter with a mouth full of chocolate chips. Let’s face it, life is messy. It would be easy to extend compassion to a friend in the same situation but unfortunately, I will throw myself under the bus without a second thought. Not too friendly.

Now, looking at your own life: which area of life needs more grounding/support? Answer the question: How can I best support myself this area? Using the energy of the Capricorn new moon (self-discipline, keeping commitments, and taking responsibility) make commitments that support your grounding to attract the experiences you most desire. You can do it!

Today is my daughter Addie Rose’s 4th birthday. It goes by so fast & so slow.

Counting my blessing,
+ heather

After the celebration, you can start thinking about your Happy New Year’s Altar & Resolutions.

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Today, Saturday, December 10th, we enjoy a total lunar eclipse with the Full Cold Midwinter Moon. This fat & full Gemini moon loves to party…and gabb! Gemini is the sign of the twins, quick and lively, and is ruled by the planet Mercury (communication) so this moon is known for speaking it’s mind. Because full moons are celebratory events with lots of energy available – this full moon encourages rituals, wishes and altars involving communication, writing, and travel. Let your evening be fun & lively, while at the same time being MINDFUL and generous in your communication and listening.

• Be social, visit your friends, have the neighbors over for drinks! (Don’t stay home alone!)
• Hang wishes on slips of colored paper on your tree or bough for Solstice
• Get crafty with a group of friends! Let loose with the art supplies and have some fun.
• Be conscious about what you want to celebrate this year, and align your actions with that

TIP + Winter Altar - The Winter Solstice this year is on December 21st. This holiday, also known as Yule, is the longest night of the year and is a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun & the Winter King. It is a time for quietude and firelight, when we naturally want to enter our cave and sink into the season of dreaming. Get started on your winter altar. This year, my family is celebrating the Winter King as “Old Santa” on our Winter Mantel.

The planet Mercury is still retrograde until December 13/14th, so you may want to take a chill-pill on anything requiring forward movement until the wind settles down a little. Just a thought…

Love,
+ heather

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We skipped a weekend away in Tahoe in favor of a {STAY-CATION} … and it was such a great weekend. Steve, Addie and I set the intention for our family weekend: Adventure, Play Games, Rest with no work, no plans, no playdates. We stayed local to enjoy Sonoma County and our little baby Ida slept like a rock. I took the photo (above) of my husband and daughter coming back from gathering driftwood on a windy beach in Inverness. In it, their faces hide nothing. They are so in love. I am in love with them too.

For me, this time of year is all about gathering. I wander around my home and garden taking stock of what we have been bringing home all year. I find seeds, fruit, flowers, friends, art, treasures, stones, stumps, rusty metal things and so many good memories. As an altar, I fill a plate of my recent collections and treasures from seasons past.

Gathering Altar

What or who are you in love with? What are you gathering?

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On Friday, July 1st, the New Moon slips into her home sign of Cancer with a partial solar eclipse. This makes for a potent experience – definitely upsetting the norm. When the Moon (instinct, the subconscious, emotion) partially blocks the Sun… you may find yourself  fumbling around in the dark…. screaming who rearranged the furniture!

The lunar eclipse tends to bring about felt inner changes, while the solar eclipse sets off visible, outer events. Molly Hall

So breath and relax. Trust that the light will go on again… and even though the room might look/feel different when it does, there is a real possibility that the changes are for the better. With the Sun and Moon in Cancer, the areas of your life that will become most activated will be your emotions and issues around home, family, childhood memories, safety, and security. Be aware that intuitive Cancer makes everything more sensitive, so try not to take things so personally and practice loving-kindness & compassion. The dark Cancer Moon invites us to rest in the loving arms of our archetypal mother, the Sacred Feminine…so that we might be reminded of what is important and where our security truly lies. It’s a time of dreaming and connecting the rhythms and cycles of a deeper experience than our daily grind. Though many of us are tempted to seek love and unity in our relationships, it’s a good time to let “mommy dearest” off the hook and become a loving mother to yourself – embracing both your light and shadow with compassion.

• Stop being crabby – release the “drama” – with yourself and with others.
• Create honest boundaries, while letting go of old patterns of defensiveness.
• Change your bed sheets, shower and wear fresh PJs – go to sleep with a smile.
• Ask, what is your body in the Mood for? then honor it by saying yes and scheduling it.
• Play Music – sing, drum, shake, dance… emphasis on play.
• Write your New Moon Wishes for Cancer

TIP + Calling Security – STEP 1: Be honest about what is bugging you – write it down or collage it. STEP 2: Take off the boxing gloves and put on the LOVE GOGGLES. Now, take another look at what is bugging you. Start to “feel into” what is really hooking you in the situation – what is the emotional root or general theme? STEP 3: Letting go of “childish” behavior (ie blame), identify 3 healthy steps you can take to support healing of the emotional root. I loved what Michele Lessisard wrote in her recent newsletter - Saturn is in Libra asking for balance… more heart and soul. Less resistance.

Altar of the Month – July

From the soft spot,
+ Heather

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Summer Solstice InSight Collage

Happy Summer Solstice! Today is the longest day of the year and brings the shortest night. In magic, summer is associated with the direction of the South, the element of fire, energy, spirit, creativity, action, the Sun, fiery colors, creatures of the South, heat, the phoenix and Solar Lion. We honor the Goddess as Mother and lay hands on the Earth in gratitude and as a reminder of where we come from. Today we beat the drum, soak in the Sun and celebrate the power of fire – the Sun, the Earth’s core, and the Fire that burns within each one of us.

Today’s Ritual: Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Imagine yourself sitting in front of a campfire… relaxed and at ease. As you sit in front of the campfire, let that same campfire be mirrored in your own heart. As you inhale, ask for a word that celebrates your inner fire, brightness and light. Allow that word to show up easily in the flames. When you are ready, ask yourself “what is one small activity I can do today to honor my inner fire?” Let the pictures/feelings come. What do you see yourself doing, being, having. Ask to see it in it’s simplest form. Without judging, say yes and do it today. Trust that this is what wants to happen.

During my own meditation, the fire gave me the word Love. I had a lot of judgments pop up, but when I let myself feel into it, it felt like doing the things that I loved today. As I continued to relax,  the activity that showed up to honor my inner fire was/is to create… specifically, to paint. So, that is what I am going to do… in the smallest way possible, with the simplest supplies. I don’t overwhelm myself, right? What about you?

Our Summer Altar - Solar Banner, old drill saws and fresh flowers from the garden.

Seasonal Altar: Addie and I made Suns to string together a Solar Banner for our Summer Altar (over the mantle.) My husband joined in with a few Suns of his own. Again, the idea is to keep it simple and let the whole family play. I’ll talk more about this in an upcoming post. For now, here are some More Ideas about celebrating the Summer Solstice and honoring Summer.

The Sun
by Mary Oliver

Have you ever seen
anything
in your life
more wonderful

than the way the sun,
every evening,
relaxed and easy,
floats toward the horizon

and into the clouds or the hills,
or the rumpled sea,
and is gone–
and how it slides again

out of the blackness,
every morning,
on the other side of the world,
like a red flower

streaming upward on its heavenly oils,
say, on a morning in early summer,
at its perfect imperial distance–
and have you ever felt for anything
such wild love–
do you think there is anywhere, in any language,
a word billowing enough
for the pleasure

that fills you,
as the sun
reaches out,
as it warms you

as you stand there,
empty-handed–
or have you too
turned from this world–

or have you too
gone crazy
for power,
for things?

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In Northern California the sun is finally starting to peek out of the clouds. It is a welcomed sight. We are SO ready for summer. This weekend we are headed to the Gold Country for a little R & R and yes, gold panning. But when we return, we will start putting together our Summer Altar. I can’t wait to honor the bright, warm sun. Let’s get this show on the road!

Sunflowers at Esalen

Image: I took this photo in August of 2007. I was nearing the end of my second trimester with Addie Rose. Currently, I am entering my third trimester with her little sister… and paying attention to what is growing within me.

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Scorpio is about the death and rebirth cycles we go through in life. At this Full Moon, you can identify what’s dead weight in your life, and perform a mercy killing to transform it into something new. - Molly Hall

While the Full Moon lights up our shadow, Scorpio brings the promise of transformation and renewal with it’s laser-like intensity, passion and truth-telling. Scorpio loves the emotional raw underbelly. With the Sun in Taurus, we are being asked to transform and compost something that is deeply rooted within us, but no longer enhances our potency. You don’t have to make a big production out of it. Simply notice the habit/pattern that comes to your attention with this full moon and preform your compassionate “mercy killing” - hiya! Whatever it is, express it and release it with art, dance, music, writing. Creative expression is the key!

• Remove dead plants from your garden and/or house
• Release and recycle worn out clothes, shoes, sweaters, etc.
• Rearrange/redecorate the bedroom – sage it, add a new color, spice it up. It’s time for new life & passion!
• Get Creative – the raw, imaginative landscape is at your figure tips, so dive in.

TIP + Altar Your Self – Time to lay the Outgrown Self to rest – the old identity or part of you that served you well in the past, but no longer feels present tense. The part of you that is actually interfering with you moving forward and into the role/job/relationship that is tugging at your heart right now. Ask yourself the question, what role do I feel stuck in? (This could be a role you actively play or you are afraid of playing.) Give it a name, an identity, let it be playful: Loser Larry, Cherry the Cheerleader, Impulsive Perry. (Mine is “That Weirdo WooWoo Girl.”) Now, build an altar to that Outgrown Self. Give it your full attention – express it. What does Loser Larry want on his altar? What does it look like, smell like, feel like? Even if you hate the role, invite the player into the light. Bring him/her up to full consciousness. When you are done with your altar, ask a few questions in your journal: What gifts did this Outgrown Self bring? What were the payoffs I received? What did it cost me? What do I need to remember in order to let this Outgrown Self go? Ask anything else you need too, and then take a photo of your altar (and email it to me for my gallery of shadow altars.) Leave your altar up for a few days or  take it down if you got the message clearly. Giving conscious space to the part of ourselves that is “taking up space” in our unconscious can helps to release energy and bring more of our own essential goodness back into the present tense. Don’t limit yourselves. Open up & play with the Shadow instead!

“I do not seek. I find.” — Pablo Picasso, Sun in Scorpio

FIND IT!
xoxoxo heather

My Biggest Fear Altar - several years back!

You can also do an Insight Collage. This is mine for the Full Moon in Scorpio. It was actually 8 pages long to get to the heart of it. Below are the 2 key images: Out-Grown Self aka Weirdo WooWoo (page 5) and The Truth – I have the Heart of a Healer (page 8).

Out-Grown Identity InSight Collage (excerpt)

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As I struggled with “what to do” for my 40th birthday (since all my ideas did not include the fact that I am almost 5 months pregnant) I came to the realization that in 40 years, I have gotten myself to a pretty good place. The dreams I had worked so hard to manifest throughout my 30s had all come true, including being pregnant with my second daughter. So, with all the ups and downs that come with life, the Mystery has been very generous with me – beyond imagining. Thus, in gratitude and recognition, I decided to celebrate my birthday by consciously dedicating the next 40 years to the Goddess with the creation of a Goddess Garden. And the wheel began to turn…

To support this endeavor, I invited my dear friend and the ultimate magical garden creatrix to my house – Susan Skornicka. Honestly, we spent about 10 minutes of our time together in the backyard, but when she waves her magic arms – watch out. As usual, my “imagining” of the Goddess Garden was puny (half a planter box) and Susan opened up a whole new door filled with immense, magical possibility…. that included a place to sit and contemplate, do readings, chill and talk with friends, relax and enjoy the beauty of being outside. We would let the veggies have their planter back and I was going to dedicate an entire, mostly unused patio to the Goddess. Pandora’s Box was now officially open and my family was on a new journey. I will update you as the project completes… but let’s just say that a HUGE portion of the yard has been touched through this project. Even my husband, who is often reluctant to make changes when it comes to his garden had a great insight. He realized that he had been shrinking himself to “fit in” to the garden as it was, rather than make the changes that would create more space, light, practicality and yes, happiness for himself. <Sigh> Thank you Susan & thank the Goddess.

Where have you been shrinking yourself to fit in, rather than making the changes to create more space for growth and expansion?

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It occured to me today that if I wanted to have a good photo to share with you This Week, I have to add a little more adventure to my life. The little one and I have been “land-locked” for the last week with colds, so the prospect of spending another day inside or doing the same-old sounded like hell; and yet, we are still sick and need to lay low. Solution: The family went on  a little spontaneous roadtrip to Point Reyes Station (near the coast). Some of the most beautiful terrain lies between Petaluma and the coast – rolling green hills with gorgeous outcropping of moss covered rock, massive oaks, beautiful old barns & fences, and wandering bands of farm animals – and, with the rains last night, every thing was sparkling & fresh. Point Reyes Station is pretty cute and we had fun wandering through the little shops. I particulary enjoyed the knitted cozies on the handrails (below) and the modified NO PARKING sign (above). I love crafty guerilla art. I honestly believe that it makes a difference in people’s lives and opens us up to more possibility. Be messy, be creative, be out in the open! In fact, this week I am starting an online painting class taught by two SF artists/illustrators that I admire. It’s called Get Your Paint On and it’s a 5 week course, done at your own pace from home. If you are interested, I think the last day to sign up is Feb. 2. Come join me!

This week is a biggy. I’m particularly excited about this New Moon in Aquarius Wednesday, Feb. 2 because it is also the celebration of Brigid/Imbolc/Candlemass, Lunar Imbolc and the Chinese New Year of the Hare. Celebrating Brigid is one of my favorite rituals. I highly encourage you to set up an altar and have your own little ritual at home this wednesday night. I will be saying more about that in my Moon Tip this week. As for now… the Sun is in Aquarius, so keep being a rebel and BREAK YOUR OWN RULES!

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