Happy New Moon in Aquarius blessings to you all. I feel the excitement in my belly today, perhaps that has a lot to do with the Winter wonderland scene outside, the beautiful sunlight coming down and the birds busily flirting around the garden making sure we feel their presence.
I hope you too are feeling a lightness to the day and this new cycle of the Aquarian New Moon. Make some heartfelt intentions and let's see what comes our way over the next few weeks. With Spring even closer it's good to know that we're almost there, the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight and we can look forward to more time enjoying mother nature as she bounces back from the dark of Winter. Spring is going to feel better than it has ever done before.
With New Moons we are given the opportunity to rest and tune into our own energy seeing where and what we wish to do in the new cycle ahead.
Symbolised by the Water Bearer, Aquarius is a fixed air sign and ruled by Uranus. Known to be sometimes very objective this sign likes clarity and honesty. It's the freedom fighter, humanitarian and soul awakener.
The body part said to be associated with this air sign is the lower legs, ankles and circulatory system. Perhaps we should see the lower legs as the strong foundations to support our own water vessel above. The stronger the foundation layer the longer the house stands the 3 Little Piggies teaches us. So let's take this opportunity to appreciate the support we gain from our lower legs and the movement they allow. Perhaps through lockdown our lower legs for a lot of people may be in better health as squeezing feet into deemed fashionable shoes hasn't been part of our normal at the moment. Support your feet and protect your arches, it's so important.
To give back to our lower legs we could give them a well earned rest and sit with legs up the wall, known as Viparita Karani in the yoga class. Make yourself comfortable with a pillow under your hips for extra height and see if you want to have the legs straight or prefer to have the knees bent. Allow yourself at least 5 minutes in this restorative position to let the body fluid come back down the legs and gently turn to oneside to bring yourself out. This is a fabulous energising position for pregnant women, just tuck a blanket under one hip so you're not lying flat on the back. Or have fun in a playful Happy Baby pose, Ananda Balasana, to connect to your ankles and feet.
The Sabian Symbol for the Sun and Moon yesterday was " A man, having overcome his passions, teaches deep wisdom in terms of his experience. " Through experience we learn, we find meaning and come to a deeper understanding. I remember someone saying that the deep learning was going to take place in the classrooms during my teaching degree. That was an understatement, nothing could quite have prepared me for what I was about to learn on a personal and ....level during the placements in schools. The books, the lectures were a guide but being amongst the children and learning as I went along to overcome the challenges presented were by far the times in the year when I developed and grew as a person.
The idea of elders teaching the younger ones like the Sabian symbol happens around us all the tmie in mother nature. This week I've been learning more about the Beech Tree forest in a webinar with Yannick Dubois and this is exactly what the oldest beech, known as the Queen of the forest does. She feeds nutrients to the younger trees around her. So that when it's their time to grow and develop they have all the knowledge and substance they need. The older trees are constantly giving back. It's a shame we don't see that more in humans.
If your mind does feel overly busy don't be surprised. Use your breathing tools, mindful tools, all the activities that will absorb your attention cooking, sewing, etc to quieten it down. Alternate nostril breathing would be the one that I'd encourage you to use for breathing to bring your focus to the breath and keep the left/right brain hemispheres connected and supported. Or you could slow down your salutations, stay in each posture for 5 breaths and really notice how they feel when held.
Cathy Pagano says " There will be struggles we still have to face. We can face them with fear or with joy. It is our choice. Since Aquarius is closely related to the quantum field, it is important to really understand that what we put our attention on, manifests. Aquarius energy is a mental energy field, and matter coalesces around our frequency. At this time, our world is descending into the chaotic field of endings and new beginnings. Things aren't predictable anymore as all the old systems crumble. So the most important thing we can do right now is to believe in the unseen."
Dana Gerhardt's writing this week highlights the association the water bearer has to cleansing and the live giving force of water. She tells of how the Romans would spend February with purifying activities and celebrated the fertility goddess Februata after who this month is named. Sounds like a great way to prepare for Spring and then be ready to make the most of the seasonal change when it does kick in which is not so far away now.
She goes on to say " These ancient associations still live in your DNA. Something inside may be calling you to get clean now for your rebirth ahead. It's time to clear out all the musty, droopy, angry, wimpy, stale energy of the recent past. The inner and outer spaces mirror each other. If your body has been lethargic, your life is likely the same."
" If your work has been uninspired, rearrange your office and throw out old papers. If family relationships are not as harmonious as your like, give your home a top-to-bottom cleaning. "
I had the urge to do this on Wednesday. The boys went out sledging and I got busy with some essential cleaning and lit some Indian incense to clear the air. Don't get me wrong there's still loads more of that to do, but it was a positive start in the right direction and with it came a few less things to complete on my to do list, that always feels good.
We may be feeling tension in certain areas of our life - created by the 6 planets who've now created a significant structure in Aquarius. We have Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn squaring Uranus and the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter squaring Mars. The last time there was so many planets in this Air sign was back in 1962. Well we all know what happened in the 60's ! Something new is beginning and it feels good.
The astrologers are still encouraging us to dream big, to use the energy to our advantage. Simone Butler says " This is the New Moon cycle that's best for imagining what you want your future to look like - and those hard aspects challenge us to MAKE something of those dreams."
She concludes by saying " To sum up, it's time to hold fast to what you believe in, and try to not engage in unwindable conflicts with old-guard types. Good fortune comes from joining with like-minded friends and groups, and working hard on goals and activities that hold the most meaning for you. Be patient when it comes to expecting quick progress and take the high road wherever possible. Stay slightly detached, and enjoy plenty of time in the fresh air. Focus on visions for the future, even if you have no idea when they'll come to pass. Looking forward to what your desire is the key to renewed hope."
We have Mercury retrograde until Feb 20th so don't be surprised if plans are delayed or outcomes change suddenly. To read more about the Mercury retrograde see the links at the end to the websites I recommend.
Look to the South Eastern sky before dawn to see the Venus-Jupiter conjunction. Mercury will be there too on the 14th. This should bring an uplifting shift of energy giving support to humanitarian, progressive issues needing action, and rekindling of old friendships. It's a heart opening time and as April Elliot Kent says if we're in a good partnership - business or personal - you'll have the feeling that anything is possible. - " there's a feeling of strength, joy and optimism." when like minds come together. Know who these people are.
Dana Gerhardt also encourages us to stay up to date with technology as it advances, finding new and easier ways for us to connect and communicate.
" Aquarius is THE cycle to upgrade your life.... Gadgets may seem like a tame way to celebrate Aquarius. Recognise this as a kind of sympathetic magic. The miraculous algorithms of our digital age are potent tools that reflect our own divinely inspired capacities. With out digital devices we can instantly connect with the world. With our Aquarian genius, we can log into the brilliance of the universe. "
Being someone who would choose a book to a kindle, or a pen and paper over writing on the screen I'm well aware that I need to recognise the amazing possibilities that come from being able to connect instantly with people all over the world, and see and hearing their stories is quite profound. I certainly get up every day at the moment and feel gratitude for Zoom which has enabled us to stay connected to the yoga community we love for almost a year now. It is online this month that we'll have to be satisfied to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Simpli Yoga - such a contrast to 5 years ago when we held Spirit of India at a local hall, and enjoyed Indian food, music, dance and of course yoga with everyone who could make it along.
So until such times when public gatherings are possible again let's remain patient when our technology doesn't quite give us the clear connection we wish and remain grateful to have it available to keep us connected through these times. I certainly feel a great strength when I see familiar faces pop up on the online classes and have their company for that brief time we share.
Take comfort knowing that a new lighter Aquarian energy is with us now. Let go of the past and embrace the new chapter that's emerging and know that each and everyone of us is playing a part in shaping that world for the future.
Blessings,
Sarah
Questions to ask:
What is my intention for this new cycle ?
What seeds do I wish to plant in my life ?
What are my dreams for the future ? THINK BIG!!!
What areas of my house/office need a clean out ?
Bach Flower Essence Suggestions:
Honeysuckle: for when we're thinking back to the past and feeling life was better then
Impatiens: for when we're quick tempered and lack patience
Gorse: nickname "Sunshine in a bottle" for when we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel
Crab Apple: for self-cleansing, when we pick at our appearance in the mirror
White Chestnut: for a busy mind with recurring unwanted thoughts
Walnut: Adjustment to change and times of transition, also good to protect sensitive people from outside influences, known as the chain breaker
Red Chestnut: if we're worrying too much about others
Olive: for when we're tired in mind and body
Scleranthus: when we can't make a clear decision
Gentian: for despondency and despair, when we feel like giving up, when our mood is down.
You can order the above Flower Essences from healingherbs.co.uk. They're not expensive and will last a long time.
If anyone would like a one to one Bach Consultation then please email Sarah who will suggest a combination bottle to suit your individual requirements.
A new outline for the Aquarius image that I'd created before with the New Moon on the right side this time! Hope your new moon cycle is full of the qualities above and sees you through some of the last Winter weeks in good health and abundance.
To read what the Astrology experts are saying: