Astro Feng Shui

The Pisces New Moon (Feb. 21, 2:35 p.m. PST) packs extra punch this year. Neptune, the Pisces ruler, has recently entered its own sign for the next 14 years, and the New Moon triggers this auspicious occurrence. Though Neptune is visionary, it can also make you feel like you’re lost at sea. This ritual will help align you with your Higher Self or Source to find your way–and boost your spiritual, mental and physical health.

Pisces is connected to the Health gua, or center of your home. Put a healthy new plant in a ceramic pot somewhere in this area, or set out a bowl of fresh yellow lemons. Cleanse, sage and sweep this region thoroughly. Then, perform this ritual from my book, Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life, either the night before or evening of the New Moon.

You will need: A dark glass or ceramic bowl, water from a spring, lake or other natural source, a fresh-cut twig, yellow candle, nature-themed music and your favorite incense.

Water scrying is an ancient divination technique for penetrating the depths of the subconscious mind and/or getting messages from the beyond. This ritual should be done at night. People used to scry on the surface of a lake by the light of the Moon. In this ritual, we’ll be scrying indoors using water from a natural source. Ideally, this should be rainwater or water collected from a lake or stream, but bottled spring water will also work.

At the New Moon, light your yellow candle in your Health gua, and find a comfortable spot to sit and scry for a half hour or so. Light your favorite incense, and put on music that reminds you of nature. Place the candle near your scrying bowl to illuminate your task. All other lights should be kept low.

Formulate a question about something that’s been troubling you. This may concern your health or another topic. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself, then stir the water with your twig. Once it becomes smooth again, stare at the water’s surface. Soft-focusing your eyes may help you “see.” Continue staring, holding your question in mind, until you see an image or a shape that speaks to you, or you receive a strong feeling message. Let your intuition interpret this message. Be patient, to see if another message wants to appear. When you feel complete, blow out the candle and give thanks for the inspiration you’ve received, however subtle or mysterious. Watch your dreams for further revelations about what your message might mean.

RITUAL FOR THE AQUARIUS NEW MOON

Calling The Angels

The powerful Aquarius New Moon falls on Sunday, Jan. 22 at 11:39 p.m. PST. As noted in my recent post at www.astroalchemy.com, this New Moon coincides with the Chinese Year of the Dragon, as well as warrior Mars turning retrograde. It’s time to harness angelic help to break free of the past and manifest our goals!

For this ritual you will need: a white or silver pillar candle, a silver box, an angel figure or picture, a paper on which you’ve written your needs, and soft music.

We’re entering the angelic realm at this New Moon, where we ask for help in making our wildest dreams come true, or in handling our most pressing mundane concerns. Purify yourself before this ritual by bathing in scented salts or oil, then dress in flowing white or pastel garments. Sit in your Helpful People gua just to the right of your front door as you enter (which you have already cleansed and de-cluttered), put on the music and light the candle. Ask the angelic realm to be present at your ritual. You can call on particular guides like Archangel Michael or Gabriel, or an ancestor who serves as a guardian angel for you. Gaze at your angelic image as you tune in to that realm. Then, read your list, asking for the specific aid you require. This maybe something like, “Please protect me in my upcoming journey,” or “Please bring
me $1200 by the end of this month.” You can also ask for help for other people.

When you’re complete, put the paper into the silver box, and blow out the candle. Thank the angels for the fulfillment of your wishes.

RITUAL FOR THE CAPRICORN NEW MOON

Tooting Your Horn

The Capricorn New Moon (9:30 p.m. PST on Dec. 24) initiates a new cycle for your work and higher calling.  With all the planets in forward motion from Dec. 25 thru Jan. 22, it’s a great time to launch something new, or renew your commitment to the work you love.

It’s time to activate your Fame gua – the area of your home directly opposite your front entry. Add some red or fiery elements to this area, or a symbol of the work for which you’d like to become known. Then, perform this ritual as near to the New Moon as possible.

You will need: Access to a computer, or pen and paper, and a red candle.

Being recognized for your accomplishments, talents or opinions can bring up insecurities. The New Moon period that covers the next month is about putting yourself out there despite any fears. You may want to start on a small scale. At the New Moon, commit to doing one of the following:

* Write a letter to the editor of your local paper about a timely issue that matters to you. Be bolder than usual in the way you express yourself.

* Do a blog or Facebook post, expressing a potentially controversial opinion about something, or tooting your own horn in some way.

* Approach an authority figure about hiring you, or buying, publicizing or representing your work. Express confidence in your abilities.

At the New Moon, light a red candle and affirm your courageous next step, along with the results you’d like to see in terms of acknowledgement and recognition. Then, follow through, do what’s required to manifest your intentions, and see what happens!

SAGITTARIUS NEW MOON RITUAL: Treasure Mapping

The upcoming New Moon/solar eclipse (Nov. 24 at 10:10 p.m. PST) packs extra punch for visioning your goals. Even if you’re not sure what you want your New Year to look like, working with images can reveal your subconscious desires.

You will need: magazines, a poster board of any size, glue stick, scissors, glitter glue (the ones for fabrics work best) or other decorations. If you’re going to frame your creation, choose the appropriate-sized frame and board.

Treasure-mapping is a perfect activity for a Sagittarius New Moon, which is about looking at the big picture of your life. Also called a vision board, a treasure map magnetizes new possibilities into being. You can make one for something specific—such as a new home, relationship or job—or simply for something you want more of, such as peace, love or health.

First, decide which goal to focus on. Then, peruse magazines for corresponding images and words. Rather than letting your logical mind prevail, allow the unconscious mind to participate. Breathe deep, let go and ask the Archer for guidance. Even if an image doesn’t seem to relate to the theme, yet it speaks to you strongly, tear it out. Choose more images than you will ultimately include. Once you have a pile of images and words, begin arranging them on the board in ways that feel right. Then, paste them down with glue stick. If desired, add affirmations with a felt-tipped pen.

When you’re complete, you can outline images with glitter glue or paste down other items. Then, post your creation someplace you’ll look at it daily, like the refrigerator or over your desk. Your subconscious mind will attract what you’ve pictured; be patient, though, as the process can take time.