LESSONS FROM THE STARS: A Survival Guide to Eclipse Season

Queen 3

image source

“Astrology is assured of recognition from psychology, without further restrictions, because astrology represents the summation of all the psychological knowledge of antiquity.”

C.G. Jung

I don’t know about any of you, but for myself this Eclipse season has been BRUTAL.

If I am being completely honest, Cancer season was particularly rocky this year, too.

So, it’s been a solid 2 months of just balls to the wall MADNESS.

I for one am over it.

The Universe, however, has other plans.

We are at the mercy of the cosmos right now.

And, don’t hit me with “We create our own reality” because I follow that Philosophy, but currently there is no creating my reality; it’s being written before my eyes as the planets and stars seemingly collide.

Let’s not forget that Saturn, Pluto, Neptune, Mars and Mercury are ALL Retrograde.

Only adding more chaos to our inner and outer world’s.

Saturn: Defining your boundaries and work ethic

Pluto: Spending time with your darkness

Neptune: Waking up and facing reality

Mars: Learning how to fight for your desires

Mercury: Communication breakdown, anger and anxiety

Plus, we’re in the middle of Leo Season, and the Lion’s Gate officially opens today.

The final (partial) Solar Eclipse during a Super New Moon in the sign of Leo coming up on the 11th is going to ease things a bit, but if the card I pulled this morning regarding the Eclipse is an indicator of things to come, we are in for a harsh awakening:

The Tower.

Baron

For many people the Tower is one of the most feared cards in Tarot, and in some cases that fear is warranted.

Who likes change?

Not me.

I hate quick, forced, harsh change; all change is hard, but I am talking about the kind where it’s just a shock to the system, you have no fucking clue it’s coming until it’s already happened.

This can be good or bad, as with all things, but the Tower *always* represents change, breaking of old patterns, and sudden realization, among other things.

Read more about the Tower, here.

So, are you freaking out yet?

Don’t fret.

Here are some tips on how I survive crazy cosmic events like what we’ve been experiencing.

Survival

image source

STAY GROUNDED: This is important always, but during Eclipse season when change is dancing all around us, it’s paramount to be grounded and present. It’s easy to let our minds drift off and become distracted but we must stay grounded in our current reality because we are still in rough waters with fire energy closing in around us. To read more about my tips for grounding, click here.

PROTECT THYSELF: Protecting ourselves is an essential self-care practice, especially for Witches. I don’t know about you, but for myself, fucked up people have been seeking me out, and clinging to me like the psychic vampires they are. Then, there are other people who are so blind with jealousy and ego that they make their attempts to attack blatantly obvious. It’s a Spiritual war out here. We must take appropriate measures; draw boundaries, cut out toxic people and situations from our lives, no matter how bad it hurts. Take Spiritual baths or showers at least once a week, but as often as you can is fine. Cleanse your phone, and most used items (purse, jacket, bag, shoes, jewelry, etc) with sage, palo santo or other consecration herb of choice. Make sure to re-ward yourself and your home, too. These Retrogrades are bringing out the worst in some people and they seek out our light to distinguish it; don’t let them. To read more about my protection tips, click here.

STAY HYDRATED: During this massive heatwave it’s super important to stay hydrated, during cosmic events it’s even more important. Water is a carrier; it holds vibrations. Plus, it’s essential for our bodies to function properly; it helps our organs function, rids the body of toxins, and keeps our skin looking young, and glowing (among a million other benefits). Carrying water with you and speaking a short incantation (even silently) before taking a sip can help calm you, it can cleanse your energy field of negative energy; think of it like an internal Spiritual bath. Add crystals (usually quartz crystals are safest) and fruits, or herbs to give yourself added Magick on the go.

LISTEN TO MUSIC: I am a lover of music, always have been. Do you know what loves music more than I do? OUR CHAKRAS. Music is a form of sound therapy, especially if we have an emotional connection to the songs we are listening to. The music does not have to be Spiritual in nature, it can be whatever gets you feeling good, whatever gets you moving. Music by itself will help clear and re-balance our Chakras, but when we add movement, we re-connect to ourselves, and etheric body.

EAT FEEL GOOD FOOD: What we put into our bodies to fuel us is super important, especially as Magickal practitioners. During Eclipse season you want to eat a lot of fruits, veggies, and high vibe, colorful foods; make sure to add spices and herbs where you can, and always look for ways to cut out foods containing excessive amounts of sugar. Nurture your body with foods that make YOU feel your best, and work at your best level. This is not a time to be hitting up the McD’s drive-thru; comfort your body with nutrients as you would comfort your Soul with meditation.

GET OUT IN NATURE: This is easier said than done right now, particularly because the heat index is crazy across more than half of the country. Even if you just go sit out in your garden for a few minutes in the early morning, and evening when the heat isn’t quite as intense. Or, go for a walk to the park, take a walk around your neighborhood/apartment complex. Find a way in your urban jungle. Then, find a spot where you can take your shoes off and get on the grass; this is two-fold, it grounds you and re-connects you to Mother. Nature is the best Spiritual cleanser in existence.

I know that nothing mentioned here is particularly special but, they are important reminders during a time when our minds seem to be scattered in a million pieces.

The lessons we are being forced to endure, and the changes we are being forced to accept are opening doors to huge opportunities, and new beginnings.

Embrace what’s to come.

Remember, destruction is a form of creation.

We got this.

You got this.

You are not alone.

NEPTUNE RETROGRADE: Epiphanies from the Watery Deep

ecd83eccddcdb48ec69ee4340a71eb3d

Image: American Ghoul aka Daniel Vazquez

“If you think you can grasp me, think again:
my story flows in more than one direction
a delta springing from the riverbed
with its five fingers spread”

Adrienne Rich

The twelfth house, or the “house of the unconscious” is one of the most influential placements in my chart; reason being, I have Pisces in Neptune (its ruling house), a placement simply called, ‘Neptune in the twelfth house’.

I think as we approach this Neptune Retrograde it is important to know what sign your Neptune placement falls in so that you can better navigate the impending storm.

To find out your Neptune and the rest of your chart setup, click here.

The twelfth house is ruled by watery Pisces, and Neptune is its ruling planet–having the two together, playing off the other’s frequency can prove challenging.

To read more about this placement, click here.

There is a lot, A LOT of depth, chaos, even victim hood that comes with this set up in one’s chart. There also comes a need for creativity, freedom, and self-expression that the majority of people will *never* understand.

The article linked above says, “People with Neptune in the 12th House have an entire Universe within that they might even struggle to know and understand. Neptune is in its ruling house here, which can bring out both the best and the worst of the 12th House. The negative aspects of disassociation, projection, and self-victimization can run rampant. But, this can also be the most transcendental, inspirational 12th House planet of all. It does all depend on what the 12th House Neptune individual chooses to do with this energy. These people are highly gifted on psychic and creative levels. Their potential to heal and bless the world and themselves is enormous. But, their Neptune needs to be owned first.”

Salvador Dali shares this placement and says his infamous surrealist expressions came from his deep Neptune imagination; an imagination so vast, psychic abilities so deep that he claimed to have in utero memories. He was a Mystic, too, because that Neptune curiosity couldn’t keep him away from what is hidden; we seek what is hidden!

I relate to his creativity, desire to swim the depths of his mind but mostly I relate to his chaos–the chaos of this placement.

Neptune goes Retrograde today and will remain that way until November 24th; this Retrograde begins and ends in the sign of Pisces, it’s ruling sign.

Unlike Mercury Retrograde, Neptune is all about Self: losing yourself to find yourself.

As the Sage Goddess says, “this is all about deconstructing reality” then continues on:

“Currently, Neptune is in the sign of Pisces, its own sign, which magnifies and concentrates its inherent energy. Neptune retrograde, in the sign or domain of consciousness we call Pisces, wants us to slow down…maybe even stop. Pisces is not journeying – the journey belongs to Sagittarius. Pisces is being, letting everything come to you. Neptune is oneness and omnipresence. Its realms are unlimited by our reality structures. It represents cosmic water, or the cosmic womb, the Source of everything, which encompasses everything – the Great Light, Creative Force, Energy, or Spirit. Names mean nothing when everything is one.”

Astrology King says, “Neptune retrograde 2018 starts on June 18 at 16°29′ Pisces and ends on November 24 at 13°41′ Pisces. Neptune retrograde 2018 forms a fortunate aspect pattern called a grand trine. It shows great natural talent and creative potential. Mercury and Jupiter are the other planets involved so there is a hopeful, philosophical and friendly feel to Neptune retrograde this year.

“Neptune retrograde is the ideal time for spiritual self-development. The grand trine aspects and fixed stars involved make Neptune retrograde 2018 especially good for undertaking a spiritual quest to seek the truth. More detail on Neptune retrograde 2018 follows definitions of natal Neptune retrograde and transiting Neptune retrograde.”

He highlights these aspects:

Mercury trine Jupiter brings optimism and good news. Research, study and socializing are favored, and this is one of the best transits for making plans because of your good instincts, future-oriented and positive thinking. Planning or setting off on a journey is favored, especially long distance travels. Particular areas of study which may interest you include religion, law, language and philosophy. Business dealings should go well and this is the ideal time for entering into negotiations and for signing contracts. This is also a good time for all legal matters.

Mercury trine Neptune stimulates your creativity, imagination, sensitivity and spirituality. This a great time for working on anything involving harmony, like poetry, music and dance. Drama would also benefit from your closer inter relatedness with others, or increased empathy. All of your communication skills benefit from a non threatening, caring and soft influence. Your senses will be finely tuned so you can communicate effectively at the non verbal level, through gestures, your eyes, and telepathically. This aspect enhances psychic abilities and intuition.

Jupiter trine Neptune encourages hope, generosity and community spirit. You may undertake a spiritual quest to seek the truth. There may be destined encounters with priests, guru’s or psychics. Others may come to your for spiritual guidance or you can go it alone. Enlightenment can come through dreams, visions or meditation. You can follow your dreams for success without needing to sacrifice your ego or material possessions. Wealth, fame and glamour may come but above you should feel happy and content. Romance is also possible as others find you mysteriously attractive.”

The abysmal depths of the cosmic womb are going to transform us all.

This couldn’t come at a more perfect time, personally; I am going through a shedding process but also a learning process.

The lessons? Slowing down, vibrating higher and drawing boundaries.

I am in desperate need of a slower pace, and some more space.

There’s also, what seems to be, some sort of initiation going on; as if I have passed a test I didn’t know I was taking and now I’m on the home stretch and finally realize what’s going on and as soon as I cross the finish line oblivion, manifestation and the fruits of my labor await.

Not to mention my Solar Return coming up on June 24th, which I will celebrate my 34th rotation around the sun!

I embrace the oncoming necessary internal reflection, chaos and hurricane force winds;

I embrace the need to dive deep;

I embrace getting lost in order to be found;

I embrace reconnecting with myself.

Suddenly, everything makes sense.

Happy swimming, folks.