Ophiuchus and the Grand Cycle: Chaos and Convergence on Planet Earth

The Wheel and The Lion: Navigating the Energies of August

Lion’s Gate is such a potent and beautiful time of year. This post talks about the current energies and using the Medicine Wheel as a tool to shift through this phase.

Today, August 8, is the day that represents the height of Lion’s Gate – and the point of mid-summer. Astrologically, Lion’s Gate takes place July 26 through August 12, though many feel its energies extended beyond these dates. This corridor of time represents prosperity and fertility. It also looks to physicality and strength – but through the lens of wisdom, love, and higher thinking. It is a powerful time of manifestation and can be enhanced by using powerful tools like the Medicine Wheel.

Since ancient times astrologers have connected the patterns of the heavens to various elements of life on earth. As above, so below. Our connection with celestial phenomena is a reflection of our connection with all of life.

The astrological sign of Leo currently rules the heavens. From July 22 to August 21, we are ruled by the Sun and the element of fire. It is a time to focus on not only physical strength, but also strength of heart, mind, and soul. By exploring and strengthening all of our aspects, we create the spark that enables us to embrace higher wisdom, take bold action and manifest as we meet this season of the bountiful harvest.

Our human ego-self is limited in vision and scope so it is important to remember that we can overcome this smallness. Summer is a time to release self-imposed limitations and to cast off the illusion of lack. Summer is represented by the element of fire which is purifying. Physical change is also a part of this active phase.

It’s the perfect time to explore and tap into feeling from our hearts and living from our higher selves. If we are to gain personal freedom, we must learn to understand and balance all our aspects so that through healing and growth we may become sovereign beings.

What does that mean? Many of us start on our healing path because we want to feel better, overcome trauma, or find more meaning in our lives. As we begin to explore our gifts, manage our energy, and stop focusing on our problems, we open up the space to start pondering the mysteries of the Divine. This is when we truly begin to awaken to our higher selves, tapping into the universal collective and innate wisdom.

Accessing our inner wisdom will allow us to move forward on our paths. Seeking to clear ourselves of limitations and negativity so that we may reflect benevolence can be done through the ongoing development of a deep understanding that reflects love, compassion, strength, and patience. Each of us is on an entirely unique path so this will look different for each person.

This present time is perfect for honoring ourselves through self-care, and not just the materialistic kind that you might read about in a pop-culture magazine. We need to authentically care for ourselves in all our many aspects and one way to approach this is to use The Wheel.

All indigenous cultures have used a form of The Medicine Wheel – traveling from one direction to the next, exploring all the facets of the human existence. The term medicine does not refer to medical matters, rather medicine represents the inherent life force found in all of nature. Travel occurs in the South, West, North, and East as we circle through the seasons and phases of life.

There are numerous variations of the medicine wheel, yet they all drive us to reflect on similar principles and ideas. As we journey through the wheel, we tend to all our aspects – physical, emotional spiritual, and mental. This allows us to honor ourselves by integrating all our aspects and to connect them with the present emphasis on manifestation during this time of the Lion’s Gate.

We begin to travel through the Wheel from the South, where we consider physical aspects. Self-care can take on the form of exercise, massage, diet, and other self-care modalities. Also be aware that the south represents manifestation. Tend to your finances, make lists of what needs to be done, make plans for your business, nourish your dreams, care for your living spaces and belongings, and give care to all areas of physicality in your life.

Next we travel to the West, the place of emotion. It is here where we watch for our inner cycles for understanding of the subtle tides that regulate the inner workings of self. When we take time to examine, understand, heal, and grow our emotional selves, it allows us to heal and grow in other areas of our lives as well.

Society often teaches us to block out our emotions or to dwell on negative emotions such as hate, jealousy, judgement, and greed. By examining and learning to direct your emotional health, you can make major changes in our life. Carefully select what media you consume and find time to connect with nature all year long. Eliminate anything that does not honor your sacred soul and embrace that which gives you joy, hope, courage, and confidence.

Take time to examine your emotions, seeking to clear out anything that feels less than benevolent. This often requires hard work and determination. You might decide to seek out a life coach, therapist, counselor, past life reader, tarot reader, energetic healer, or another professional who offers insight. Be sure to select someone who intuitively feels like a good fit. You might also seek out self-help books, videos, workshops, resources, and materials that resonate with you.

The North is the place of the spirit and connects to our soul’s journey. Every step we take is sacred and offers us the opportunity to learn and grow. Understanding that we are one with the universe and connected to every thing and every living being helps us to align with our higher selves and our life purpose.

Seeking out spiritual wisdom and experiences are a part of the north path. Deciphering the messages in our dreams, delving into a yoga practice, meditating, visiting an Energy Healer, and paying attention to the messages of the universe are a few of many ways to connect. Incorporating positive affirmations, creating inspiring spaces, working with the elementals, and spending time in nature are a few of many ways to connect with your spirit; we may assimilate elements from the other directions in developing our spirituality in the North. These are tools that help us to transform. Our goal is to find that place of stillness, where we are divinely connected. We absorb this energy and spread it out into the world, sharing our light.

And finally, we visit the East, the direction of the mind. Ancient wisdom allows us to create using wisdom, knowledge, and our mental abilities. The east is represented by the Eagle who flies high over the land with courage and swiftness. This represents an expansive view that offers great detail as well as an understanding of the overall picture. It signifies an awakening of the mind that represents our visionary selves. It is here that we learn about tools of personal alchemy and how we can harness the natural forces of the universe.

Working to reduce and eliminate mind chatter strengthens the mind and provides us with the freedom to be our authentic selves. Purposefully utilizing the mind is most helpful when you are first and foremost connected to your heart. Living through our heart and soul is the path to living a life of purpose. When we recognize this, we can then utilize the mind as a tool and understand its purpose.

Travelling through all the segments of the Wheel allows us to be more thorough in our self-care efforts and affords us greater opportunity to manifest at this potent time of year. The Wheel also represents peaceful interaction between all living beings on earth. This is a reflection of that which we wish to achieve within and without ourselves.

People have celebrated the cycle of life through circles and wheels throughout all of time. The wheel is an integral part of our spiritual heritage. As we grow, we change like the seasons as we pass through layers of the wheel, learning from each segment.

We live at the center of the wheel and we want to be in balance. We want to be at the center of knowledge and the rhythm of life. We often circle back around in layers to certain people and situations throughout our life, each cycle offering a lesson and an opportunity. It is your choice to take responsibility to face your fears, overcome your shadows, and to know that you have the power to heal yourself and set the course of your direction.

The sun has moved into the ruling sign of Leo which has cleared the way for the constellation of Sirius to rise up clearly without obstruction from the Sun, signifying completion and rebirth. Sirius is the brightest star in the Earth’s night sky and its name means “glowing” in Greek because it is so bright. It is also known as the “dog star” and is over twenty times brighter than our sun and is twice as massive.

A screen capture from an app called StarTrackerLite. This image is of the Sirius constellation captured on August 8, 2019.

Ancient artifacts indicate the great importance Sirius has held for humanity. Sirius is connected to divine creation and represents the feminine. It represents manifestation without ego. Sirius also represents an expanded consciousness that encompasses both physical and non-physical dimensions.

August is the eight month of the year and Eight represents progress, activity, and manifestation. Embrace these aspects now so that we can transition to the unconscious influences of autumn and then the silence of winter so that we may be nourished and prepare for the cycles as they meet us. Yet be mindful that there are many competing energies at this time and that you may feel less than energetic.

Allow yourself time for rest and relaxation so that you may regain your strength with ease after times of repose. Use times of energetic enthusiasm to address those things needing your attention in a more physically and mentally demanding way. Adjusting to the flow of life is like a river embracing the ever-changing land, moving with the seasons and varying conditions.

At this time of vitality, fullness, ripeness, and maturity, we prepare to move forward to a time of surrender, the autumn, where intuition and the unknown take over. The present is a powerful time to conquer our shadows and honor the divine as we grow and create. I invite you to take time to examine your aspects through the directions of the wheel, to care for yourself, and to embrace the manifestation of that which brings divine love and positive self-empowerment into your life at this auspicious time.

My Transformative Experience at The Path of Consciousness Spiritual and Writing Retreat

A large hawk circles overhead as the fog shrouds the corridor of trees, their soft autumn hues beginning to blush. I travel through the beautiful mist on this cool October day as I head to the Path of Consciousness Conference and Retreat. My dear friend Weam Namou has created this event from a vision she has had, following the urging of purpose unfolding from her soul.

An autumn leaf on the forest floor sits upon the trail that many attendees visited over the weekend for reflection

The focus for all of us who attend is to pray, dream, and write the story in our hearts – one that inspires, gives peace, and strengthens the spirit. I had the opportunity to both speak at and attend this beautiful three-day event that focused on writing and spirituality. We experienced ancient healing techniques, used nature for connection, learned about journaling and memoir writing, stretched our bodies into beautiful yoga poses, experienced a powerful gong meditation that offered unique insight, and so much more.

My workshop was the first to occur early on Saturday morning. After dashing through the light rain to the main building, I found my place in a large room with a gorgeous view of the expansive land surrounding the retreat center. A field of vibrant green grass was surrounded by a thick swath of mature trees, just beginning to show their autumn color. I was presenting a session called Creative Vision Board Workshop: Envision Your Success! and being in this soothing space was perfect for the message I planned to deliver.

Our beautiful meeting space for The Path of Consciousness Retreat at the Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center in Clarkston, Michigan.

I talked about how we can choose to change at any time and that creating a vision board is much more than just putting pretty pictures on a poster board and forgetting about it. Creating our vision is a powerful first step in which we can manifest our dreams. I offered tools and techniques to assist in the growth process and shared some of my experiences which included the time I decided to leave corporate life to strike out on my own – which was scary and wonderful all at once.

Sonya Julie presenting Creative Vision Board Workshop: Envision Your Success! at the Path of Consciousness Retreat

Thoughtful questions, head nods, the occasional shared laughter, and a sense of connection were felt as I shared my heart with the audience who was so willing to receive. Afterwards I had many rewarding conversations all weekend long with people about working towards their goals and dreams. I met so many beautiful people and was able to witness such tender truth and heartfelt emotion from the core of their magnificent souls as they blessed me with their thoughts and experiences.

IMG_7047 (1) — Weam Namou, founder of The Path of Consciousness, presenting Memoir Writing for Transformation

Weam Namou’s books were available at the author table during The Path of Consciousness Retreat

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Weam speak about memoir writing, especially because I am in the process of writing one myself presently. Creating a collection of stories from the heart is a transformative process that will allow me to shift my energy and experience deep personal growth. I appreciate her emphasis on creating quality material and utilizing professional editing – good advice for all types of writers.

Patty Shaw signing her book and sharing smiles at the author and information table at The Path of Consciousness – a fun place to connect all weekend long

I loved hearing from Robert E. Haskins about handwriting analysis and when he analyzed my handwriting on my name tag, it was amazing as to how accurate it was and how the information flowed from his higher self to me. As he spoke to our group, he emphasized that in getting to know ourselves, we then experience tremendous growth. As we explore our subconscious mind we find buried information that will allow us to transform, heal, and move forward on our path.

Robert E. Haskins presenting valuable insight about handwriting analysis at The Path of Consciousness Retreat

I had the pleasure of enjoying Mr. Haskins’ company as we sat together at lunch and offered gratitude for the bountiful food before us – lush salad greens with every imaginable topping, a variety of dressings, soups, and a beautiful meal of turkey and gravy prepared for the all the groups visiting the Colombiere Conference Center in Clarkston, Michigan.

Everyone enjoyed the delicious bounty of food at the Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center

With big smiles and warm hearts, we shared life experiences, ideas, philosophies, and expressed what we appreciated about that moment – the birds perching on the large trees out the window that we chose to sit by and the wonderful people joining us at our table. Truly a kindred soul, I deeply felt that I had met him somewhere in a previous place and time.

IMG_7153 (1) — Wake Up Your Nature facilitated by Patty Shaw was enjoyed by all at The Path of Consciousness Retreat

The beautiful grounds were part of our focus during Wake Up Your Nature at The Path of Consciousness Retreat

IMG_7029 (1) — Participants in Wake Up Your Nature were asked to think about how spirit lifts us up so that we may grow and share our stories

After lunch we went on a replenishing walk with Patty Shaw where she facilitated her workshop Wake Up Your Nature. She helped us to release that which no longer served us creatively and to gather inspiration and connection from the earth and our ancestors. It was a powerful experience and some participants shared what they felt. The most memorable for me was from the woman who noticed the bright yellow autumn leaves of a bush on the staircase as we ascended into the light and how it reminded her of her first spiritual awakening and it left goosebumps on my arms.

IMG_7040 (1) — Attendees were able to walk the full path on this beautiful Labyrinth at the Path of Consciousness Retreat with Lisa Argo facilitating

Next, I traveled through a labyrinth as Lisa Argo facilitated our journey through spirit and writing. The process was very much like the path of life, ever ebbing and flowing, passing through the light and the dark, the fast and the slow, through long and short segments, as we move through all the seasons of life. We encountered twist and turns, unexpected moments, and encounters with other people as we walked our path. I was offered release, illumination, and deep insight about where I am headed on my own path currently and that I am entering a phase in my life where I am going to be sharing, creating, and doing more of what is true to my heart.

In the following workshop, Weam Namou talked about journaling and how we can use this as a writer. I have kept journals for nearly all my life, sometimes writing more during certain periods than others, and this is material that I can draw upon when I am writing my books. We talked about the benefits of journaling which includes physical and mental well-being. We talked about honoring our time, the balance of life, and how journaling can help us to transform our lives in all areas.

Weam Namou presenting Take Your Writing into the World on Sunday morning at the Path of Consciousness Retreat

Stiff bodies and writer’s hands were then stretched out along with our minds as Sandy Naimou presented Writing for Yoga. Connecting in to the earth on our mats in a cool dark room as Sandy played singing bowls helped us to assimilate that day’s experiences while stretching our bodies gently. For those who were unable to get down to ground level, an alternate chair yoga experience was incorporated so that all were able to benefit.

Sandy Naimou with one of her singing bowls, ready to facilitate Yoga for Writers at The Path of Consciousness Retreat

Attendees eagerly awaiting the start of Yoga for Writing at The Path of Consciousness

We reconvened in the Chapel after dinner where Vince Anthony Pitre facilitated his Deep Insight Gong Meditation. First, he described his experience with hearing gongs for the first time in Hawaii and how it has magically transformed his life. As the deep blue-colored glass of the chapel windows grew darker with the sun setting behind the billowing clouds outside, the room darkened and softened as he began to introduce the gongs to us, each vibrating within its own frequency and range. With our eyes closed, we delved into a spiritual journey, our cellular structures vibrating as the gongs offered us transformation. A diverse sharing of experiences enriched the following moments as we listened to the encounters of those around us with open minds and hearts.

IMG_7053 (1) — The Gongs set up in the Chapel, ready for Vince Anthony Pitre’s Deep Insight Gong Meditation

There were so many special moments – too many to share here. What was most important to me was connecting with people. It was beautiful to see how every workshop and presentation was interconnected and very valuable to my writing and spiritual path. Other activities over the weekend included a Recapitulation exercise on Friday night and an Awakening the Dreamer Symposium on Sunday. A Fire Ceremony was scheduled for Saturday night but a light rain prevented it from occurring so instead we met indoors. We shared nourishment and our observations from the day and how we could carry these insights forward together to make the world a better place. I know that when I left on Sunday afternoon that I felt like a different person than when I arrived. The powerful and transformative energies of our connection is palpable and I feel empowered and ready to create!

The retreat was designed with this in mind: “The spiritual and writing retreat will allow you to enhance your writing, personal, and business life with the help of various ancient, sacred, and creative teachings, including writing and storytelling.” Every moment embraced this philosophy as I came together with this group of people. Some of us strangers at the start, we all quickly connected with each other to create a cohesive group of souls that found great healing, joy, and support as we spent the weekend together.

I am so excited for our next conference and retreat – I knew in my heart that this event would be extraordinary and meaningful. Because it was created from the heart of all who contributed to its existence, it has the power to gain momentum and to continually touch more and more lives. Just as the flower of life extends outward, overlapping in layers, ever expanding like our great universe, gatherings like this are what will heal our world, allowing us to envision and create that which is benevolent and good and share it with others. I offer my gratitude to all who were a part of this event. Namaste.

This event took place on October 5 – 7, 2018. For more information about the Path of Consciousness visit https://thepathofconsciousness.com/ – I hope to see you there next year!

Moving Out of Negativity and Into Positive Transformation with the Four Agreements

There are times where we find ourselves to be self-critical or judgmental of others. There may be something that we view as negative and we spend time giving our energy away while ruminating about it.

We may take situations personally and feel offended by the actions or words of others. Or we may misunderstand an agreement and find ourselves assuming something which is inaccurate. Or perhaps we are the one who was not clearly communicating.

We can also be afraid to be ourselves, afraid of not being perfect and of vulnerability. We try to create an image of perfection to please others but this fails us because we are not being true to ourselves. When we feel we are not perfect enough, then we may feel self rejection.

We make so many agreements with ourselves. Perhaps “I am not any good at…” or “I always…” or “I am a failure at…” or “I am better than anyone else at …” or “I cannot…” or “I should…”. The repetitive mantras we tell ourselves can often be negative. A better mantra might be something more like “I am loving when I…”, “I am capable when…”, “I am kind…”, or “I am honest…”. What would you rather reinforce? What kind of agreements should you be making?

So many difficult situations arise when we shift into old programmed behaviors that are less than loving and kind. There is much conditioning that goes into the thoughts and ideas we have about ourselves, others, and our world. By changing our agreements, we open up to new and improved outcomes.

We can break ourselves from negativity if we become aware of it and put in the work to create change. This in turn helps us to move from a toxic state into a more positive state. Everyone is challenged at one time or another. We are not perfect and that is what makes us so beautiful as humans because we have so many situations presented to us that allow us to grow.

We can find some enlightening concepts in a book called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, which “reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needles suffering.” The agreements are a code of conduct that allow us to transform our lives, increase freedom, happiness, and love.

I read this book over ten years ago when I was working in a harsh environment where I took difficult phone calls for a company. It was this book that helped me to see that the negative comments said to me over the phone were not about me at all, but rather they reflected the customer’s perceptions surrounding their own individual circumstances. Instead of taking their words personally, I learned to listen to the story behind their words to determine what was important to them so that I could offer them genuine understanding and the best assistance possible.

Just recently I found myself having a number of life situations that felt less than desirable. Before taking any action or making any judgement about myself or others, I decided to take time to reflect on what happened and how it could have gone better. It’s easy to make a quick judgement and point fingers, but ultimately I needed to observe the situation, figure out where I needed to improve, and to not condemn anyone involved (including myself). Forgiveness is important as well as maintaining a healthy and loving attitude. Even when we make mistakes, we can still adopt the principles behind the Four Agreements to move forward. We can create positive and loving interactions with both ourselves and others.

Be Impeccable with Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

If you are not sure of something, ask questions, clarify, and reach out for more information. Say what you mean. This doesn’t mean to be unfiltered. Kindness and honesty are important. Don’t wander off with your words, saying something that sort of kind of means what you want to say but not exactly. Passive aggressive communication is not the best way for us to help others understand our concerns and intent. Words (and tone) are important, and it is critical that we are clear.

Say what you think and speak your truth without blurting. Avoid using words that negatively impact yourself or gossip about others. When we speak an untruth about others, there is no benefit or positive flow. It might feel good at the moment to vent, share, or express yourself, but the aftermath of that not being impeccable is then out there forever. This creates a potentially toxic flow of energy. And toxicity requires healing and resolution.

Embellishing a statement or expanding into an area of half-truths to make a point is also lacking in impeccability. Are you using a casual bunch of words or one well said word? Also, be aware of your voice – is it loud, forceful, high pitched, or demanding? Is it irritated, intolerant, or unkind? Or perhaps emotional, whining, or freaked out? Making a conscious choice to speak evenly and slowly with intent and truth, when you are ready, is an opportunity to have others listen because they respect you more when there isn’t an emotional charge. People will listen to and respect words that have been well thought out delivered in a calm voice.

Think before you speak, make sure you are communicating clearly, and reach out for understanding in a loving and truthful manner. This may require follow up or asking questions to make sure both parties are clear about intent and expectations. Most importantly, strive to always act and communicate with integrity, truth, and loving intent.

Don’t Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

Nothing that someone else does is because of you. Everything everyone does is because of them, their dream, their vision, their interpretations, and projections. What other people do and say is their projection of reality. When we become immune to the opinions and actions of others, there is nothing to take personally. This negates suffering because no one can make us feel sad, angry, or bad. We choose how we feel. Always. If we choose to base our feelings on other’s behaviors, we are allowing it.

We ultimately make the choice as to what belongs to us or not. We do not own other people’s projections of reality or behaviors and we do not need to make them our own, unless we choose to. We always have this choice.

So if something someone is doing is upsetting to you, remember that you don’t have to own that. You don’t have to take that on. Take that moment to stop and remind yourself that you get to choose moving forward how you feel and what you want to think about. It takes practice but this is one of the best things you could ever consciously work on.

Don’t Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

We all do it. A lightning-fast judgement is easy to come by and it’s challenging to find freedom in this way of operating. We must find the courage to ask questions and to express what we truly want. Sometimes we don’t want to step on other’s toes or bother them so we don’t ask for what we want. We are all guilty of this because we don’t want to ask questions. We are often afraid to ask questions because we don’t want to feel less than.

We are more respected when we do ask questions. Look deep for the courage to ask the questions that need to be asked. When someone misunderstands you, it is not them, it is us because we have chosen not to be articulate enough. When there is a misunderstanding, you are a co-creator, not the person who didn’t hear you clearly. This means you didn’t speak clearly or articulate clearly. If we can communicate clearly as we are possibly able to, we will have less drama and sadness.

Being truly willing to step out and ask questions instead of assuming will powerfully evolve ourselves from where we are to where we want to be. This agreement is difficult because we are afraid of appearing less than brilliant, perfect, powerful, or whole. The reality is that everyone can engage and freeing ourselves of assumptions is truly empowering

Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstances, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse, and regret.

We are always operating from our own level of consciousness. When you can evolve your level of consciousness and work forward from that point, you are striving to do your best. When we are sick, weak, or having difficulty, we are coming from a different level of consciousness. We need to accept where we are at and not judge ourselves so harshly. Would you treat a friend like that? If not, then you are likely not being a good friend to yourself either. It’s okay if we did something stupid, said something we didn’t mean, made a mistake or were not clear… but this leaves a toxic residue out there if left unresolved.

If we can turn it around and understand that we were not paying full attention or that we did or said something wrong, we can understand that we were doing our best at that moment, kindly offer acceptance to ourselves, request forgiveness from others, and eliminate regret. If we are coming from our best self at our personal highest level of consciousness, we can negate that self-criticism and regret. Do not get mired in self judgement.

Your Invitation

The Four Agreements are something that we can integrate into our daily life and if everyone practiced these, it would change the world. It takes time to integrate these practices into our lives, not just a day. We have decades of conditioned behaviors to contend with when we start and even with practice, no one is ever a hundred percent.

I invite you to find ways to integrate these practices into your daily life and experience the power and transformation they offer. You can focus on one agreement each day, for example, and find inventive and creative ways to implement it. Over time you can find many opportunities to usher in positive energy into your life through use of the agreements. Which one will you start with?

The Flow of Life Through the Lunar Cycles

For countless centuries humans have worked with the phases of the moon to accomplish various activities. In the past it was common to do planting, harvesting and other activities at different phases of the moon for the purpose of completing them at the most ideal time for success. The idea has been lost a bit in modern times but it’s good to understand how lunar phases can affect us in our daily lives regarding our tasks and goals.

Not everything we do in life falls into such short cycles but being aware of the phases can help us to reflect on our situation, create actionable plans, start something new, work on projects, complete processes, and release that which no longer serves us. The lunar phases affect our quality of sleep, the tides, animal behavior, and so much more. You can benefit from utilizing knowledge about these cycles.

First Phase – The New Moon

A time of new beginnings. The moon is waxing; it moves from complete darkness into the light. It appears to be increasing in size and its light becomes brighter. This is the start of a brand-new cycle. This is the best time to consider what you would like to create, to acknowledge your goals, write to-do lists and to clarify your intent. Bring your ideas into consciousness but don’t jump into action just yet – wait till it’s closer to the first quarter. This is a great time to brain storm, fine tune, and initiate plans for projects and ideas.

Second Phase – The Crescent Moon

The moon continues waxing and its light continues to build. The crescent moon is a perfect time to launch projects and to proceed. Energies increase and help you to take action and gain momentum. New people, situations, and things may come into your life now.

Third Phase – The First Quarter

Focus on accelerating the progress of your projects. Growth and abundance are emphasized at this time which helps you to build progressively as you pick up the pace. Creative energies continue to intensify and strengthen.

Fourth Phase – The Gibbous Moon

The moon continues into the last phase of waxing, getting larger and brighter. This final boost enables you to maximize the wave of forward momentum from these energies. It’s time to be constructive, building on what you have been creating, and time for that push into fruition.

Fifth Phase – Full Moon

At this point the moon is fully lit up from our vantage point on Earth. It is big and bright and offers us a time to celebrate and conclude the waxing phases of growth. Energy is flowing and things will come to a head. Emotions are typically heightened at the full moon. It is a good time to be thankful for that which has reached fullness and also to determine what can be let go of. It is a time of release. This may also be a time when quality sleep is less likely and a time when our bodies become more porous, absorbing more, so be careful of what products and foods you consume at this time.

Sixth Phase – The Disseminating Moon

The moon is now waning, or appears to be decreasing in size and light. This is a time to let go of things, to release and to exercise introspection. Review your life and release anything that no longer serves you. This may include releasing situations or relationships that have become toxic and releasing unhealthy habits. This is a time to clean up, file things away, and to tie up any loose ends.

Seventh Phase – The Last Quarter

The moon continues to wane and becomes darker. Take any remaining loose ends and finish up dealing with the old that needs to be let go. Continue to review your life for things that need releasing. As the moon becomes darker, we are able to better see the stars and planets in the night sky. Similarly, as we release the bright energies that were fueling our projects and goals, we can now step back and look at all the different aspects that can affect us and use this time to discern what to keep and what to let go of. Self-care and introspection are healthy through this phase. Energies support breaking negative patterns.

Eighth Phase – The Balsamic Moon

During the seventy-two hours that lead up to a new moon, it is in the Balsamic phase. It is time to rest, relax, and take care of yourself. This time of darkness lends itself well to reflection, meditation, and contemplation. It’s time to reflect inward. Privacy is ideal during this introverted phase. You may now clear your head before the next phase begins. Clean your house and make space for the new.

Balsamic Moon Meditation: I am grateful for the release of that which I no longer need, for the closure of all that no longer serves me, and for the power of the universe.

To summarize, the waxing moon is a time of growth and creation. As the moon appears to become larger and brighter, it’s time to develop, create, and implement your ideas heading into the full moon. When the moon wanes, decreasing in size and light, this time is best used for carrying out that which was started during the waxing phase. It is also an ideal phase for introspection, cleaning, and clearing.

For gardeners and farmers, the waxing moon is a time to plant and fertilize and flowers and leaves appear above ground. The waning moon is a time to cut, weed, and prune and a time to nourish the roots. This tends to mirror our experience with the lunar phases. There are also times when it is best to get a haircut, have a medical procedure, make large purchases and more.

The most important thing to remember is that different phases lend themselves to different kinds of activity and utilizing that energy can make a large difference in what you are able to accomplish at any given time.

When you reflect on situations that have occurred in your life, are you able to see where there have been lunar phases influencing what happened?

“Whether we move instinctively to the lunar rhythm, or must choose to synchronize ourselves with free will, if we want a broader support for our activities, it makes sense to keep Luna in mind. She offers temporal windows for beginnings and endings, and for everything in between. She is the consummate teacher of process.” – Dana Gerhardt

A Thousand Serious Moves

This poem by Hafiz is a good reminder about the choices we make every day and every moment. Do you move with the flow of life and appreciate where you are at any given time? … or do you feel like you have a thousand serious moves to make between now and happiness? When you feel stress – take a deep breath, acknowledge the stress and where it lives in your body. Then think about what you can learn from that present moment, let it go and move forward. Finding equilibrium and harmony is something we are always striving towards throughout all of our lives yet we can choose balance and calmness at any time we choose.

Tripping Over Joy

What is the difference
between your experience of Existence
and that of a saint?

The saint knows
that the spiritual path
is a sublime chess game with God

and that the Beloved
has just made such a Fantastic Move

that the saint is now continually
tripping over Joy
and bursting out in Laughter
and saying, “I Surrender”.

Whereas, my dear,
I am afraid you still think
you have a thousand serious moves.

~ Hafiz

Ophiuchus and the Grand Cycle: Chaos and Convergence on Planet Earth

DECEMBER 1, 2018 BY SONYA JULIE

Great change is taking place on our planet as we witness chaos, revolutions, and technological breakthroughs. We are living in a time like no other. Some would have us believe we are living in a time of doom, but we have moved beyond this potential into a more powerful timeline that is moving humanity forward rapidly into the light. Literally.

Our solar system orbits the great central sun at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. This orbit brings us through the photon belt of the Pleiades every 25,920 years. In 1962 astronomers discovered that Earth would be entering this photon belt stream in 2012. This cycle is nestled within more coinciding cycles and culminate together into a Grand Cycle. We are at a highly significant point, a 206-million-year cycle that is referred to as Harmonic Convergence. The Ancient Mayans knew that 2012 was a point beyond which there were no prophecies. Stories of Armageddon, the apocalypse, and other well-known prophecies of doom were schedule to occur leading up to 2012, the year of our likely demise.

But here we are, alive and well on planet Earth and raring to go. Humanity is indeed at a point of ascension, a point in which we are growing into something more, we are coming home to who we really are. We lift the veil of illusion to find our true God Selves in our unity. The Sun entered Ophiuchus on November 30 and will remain in front of Ophiuchus until December 18. This “recently discovered” sign of the zodiac represents the awakening of humanity.

Ophiuchus is the Serpent Bearer and is a large constellation straddling the celestial equator. It is opposite of Orion (the Gate of Man) and is depicted as a man grasping a serpent. It is the only constellation of human form which aligns directly with the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, a representation of humanity’s highest potential as spiritual and physical beings. Many people across the globe are awakening, and becoming enlightened in many forms of spiritual learning.

Ophiuchus is the controversial 13^th sign of the Zodiac and ranges from November 29 through December 17. Those of this sign are said to be seekers of wisdom and knowledge and that they are good at healing and architecture. This sign is associated with Imhotep who lived in the 27^th Century BC in Ancient Egypt, also known as Aesculapius by the Ancient Greeks. Imhotep, “the one who comes in peace”; was an Egyptian chancellor to the pharaoh Djoser, probable architect of the step pyramid, and high priest of the sun god Ra at Heliopolis.

There is a connection with Ophiuchus and the thirteenth invisible strand of DNA. Humans have twelve visible strands and the thirteenth one is a form of consciousness that we will experience when Orion and Ophiuchus reunite in harmony, removing the veil and coming together in perfect balance. This will be the highest evolution of the universe.

Ophiuchus has no opposite polarity and is associated with the Awakening and Ascension of the human race. At the end of time, Mayans said that man would awaken the serpent (also known as Quetzalcoatl to the Aztecs) to save the world from cataclysmic destruction and carry the nine races of man forward. Many indigenous people also have prophecies that are similar. For example, the native American Anishnabe prophesied the seven fires and the seventh fire is the time when all of humanity unites together in unity.

The evolution of consciousness on Earth is happening now. Many have changed their ways, conducting their own research and soul searching. You are invited to join this wave of people who are finding independent and critical thinking to be life changing. Humanity is bringing the dark to the light and no longer standing for corruption, illness, lies and darkness.

Ophiuchus has transcended the wheel of twelve zodiacs and represents the foundation of humanity moving into the future. Reuniting with our higher selves is at the core of the Mayan 2012 phenomenon, the Satya Yuga, the Hopi Fifth World, the Anishnabe Seven Fires, and the Age of Aquarius. Humanity is seeking out change and embracing transformative healing within global society.

Ophiuchus is the healer, ushering in the grand time of change, inviting every single one of us to review, heal, and connect. We are truly entering a time like no other. When we look at the grand cycles of the galaxy, we can see the merging of science and the esoteric.

I invite you to think about how this present cycle through the constellation of Ophiuchus mirrors situations in your personal life as well as in our global life. Where do you see yourself transcending old patterns and wanting to move forward? What feels old and like it needs to be left behind? What do you want to replace that with? How do you see this on a larger global scale? In what ways can humanity heal that which the light has revealed?

This is an exciting time, a culmination of cycles and the awakening of human kind. Our current position among the stars is magnificently significant. Ophiuchus sits opposite of Orion, the Gate of Man. Humanity has been behind a veil for thousands of years, and now as we come back into alignment with Ophiuchus, the Gate of Man will be opened, and we will reunite with our ancient wisdom and the knowledge that together, we are one.