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Full Moon in Aquarius-Breath of Liquid Flame

Posted in Auspicious Days, Esbat, Full Moon with tags Air, aquarius, Aries, candle magick, capricorn, celestial, cosmic, earth, Esbat, esoteric writings, fire, fixed modality, Full moon, Leo, Magick, Pisces, Retrograde, Scorpio, Temple of the Sun, Water on August 9, 2014 by themagickalpen

August 10.2014
Full Moon in Aquarius
2:09 p.m. (EDT)

Sun in Leo

The tension has been building and tomorrow afternoon the Moon waxes full in the astrological sign of Aquarius. No doubt, you may have noticed that people are a little more “hot-wired” than usual with nervous energy flowing like water. Uranus (now retrograde and potent as an exposed electrical wire) is the master of electrical impulse (and the physiologic neurologic system) and is the ruling planet of the astrological sign of Aquarius. Add the expansiveness of the Full Moon and flowing emotions, mind (Aquarius) and the nervous energy (Uranus) and you have electricity discharging at an emotional level.

Fire and Water is the theme throughout this Moon’s waxing with Airy Aquarius churning up the waters of Mother Moon. Additionally, the Fixed Modality of Aquarius is prevalent in the planetary energies and offers the necessary guidance and stability to hold the blast of this phase. This potent phase of transition that we have been feeling for quite some time now is ready to co-mingle, interweave and establish a place of pointed balance where the vision of a new collaboration may be realized.

(Photo taken as I was driving home tonight)

As though this were not complicated enough, there are multiple planetary energies that are weighing down the acceleration pedal of a fixed and stable vehicle that would otherwise move in a relatively smooth course from A-Z in lightning speed. This is the routine process of Aquarian energy having the greatest strength in matters of the mind and the ability to process large quantities of information quickly and reduce it to a single logical summary in a very short period of time. Apply this information processing style to matters of the heart and the flowing waters of emotion (the Lunar qualities) and you have rapidly moving and expansive waters that open out to many smaller streams of potential for expression as mind (information) carves out various open-ended options.

Something to Fix-ate On:

The Moon is not the only planet being held in the grip of an astrological sign of the Fixed modality. The stable nature of the Fixed modality can also become the rigid controller that serves as a pressure cooker, if appropriate release does not occur at some level. In this case, the focus of this pressure and the resultant pent up nervous energy is the felt from the effects of six planets in Fixed astrological signs. These are:

Sun, Mercury and Jupiter are in Fixed Fire – Leo
Moon in Fixed Air – Aquarius
Mars and Saturn are in Fixed Water – Scorpio

This is the Triad of Creation, the breath of life igniting the flame of form in the birthing waters. This fixed energy provides the container for manifesting, but can also give the feeling the feeling that there is very little wiggle room and that the flexibility of options are not at hand.

Mars and Saturn both in Scorpio

Mars in Scorpio produces an assertive and /or aggressive way of expressing your emotions. This is the energy that is punctuates by those “zingers” that come out of nowhere and are often the dredging up of long held emotional issues that have gone unsaid. Saturn then attempts to regulate and organize in cleaning up the aftermath of depth charges that have exploded. Remember I said “nervous energy” in the beginning? Most of this type of interaction is from the accumulation of pressure building until just the precise time, just the precise audience and just enough tension is gathered and nervous energy spews out what could not ordinarily have been said.

The Sun, Mercury and Jupiter in Leo’s Fires

Jupiter in Leo calls into action those sweeping fires that consume and gather into their light everything. This is the expansive nature of Jupiter and the wildfires of Leo’s need for acknowledgement can soon blaze out of control if not purposefully directed and contained.

Mercury is in the astrological sign of Leo as well. Bold, in your face and filled with passion and determination. Moon in opposition to Mercury. So, although you may be bursting at the seams ready to communicate the wisdom of your new experiences, what you say and do may be in conflict with what you are actually feeling making for frustration and difficulty making your needs known. Nonetheless, everything is drawn into the spotlight and the scramble is on to produce and perform.

The Three Outer Planets are Watching!

The three outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto remain retrograde. These are the planets that were discovered in more modern times and are considered to be the higher amplifications (esoteric expression) of three of the Seven Elder Planets:

Electrically Charged Uranus adds dynamic awareness to talkative and head strong Mercury

Veiled Watery depths of Neptune (and His Trident of Fire) lifts the loving refinement of Venus to a place of compassion

Pluto finds the cyclical wisdom of peace and regeneration in the brutality of Mars’ aggression and wielding of death’s mark

The slowing of their orbits and seeming pause invokes a vision of being under the watchful gaze of developed mind (Uranus), heart (Neptune) and Will (Mars) to act. I would encourage you to re-read the posts about Uranus and Neptune’s Retrogrades.

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting the Light

Lifting the Veil: Neptune Retrograde

Pluto’s Extremes

The Pluto retrograde in the astrological sign of Capricorn continues its efforts to bring into realization the mistakes and successes of past efforts. The goal is one of strengthening what moves forward from this point in a way that will insure that the resultant action taken will stand the test of successfully navigating future challenges. Pluto, in its form as the planet associated with Death and ancestral knowledge offers great potential for acceptance of the frailty of what we build if we only see its permanence defined in the present moment. The gift of Death is in the ability to reach back into the reserves of what created the being that we currently are and realize the impermanence of that vision as ever changing and reforming into what is continually in the process of being birthed anew.

The implication here is that accessing the Plutonian wisdom of all time and all space and using this as the tool of grounding (Capricorn is an Earth sign very much aligned with the mind-space of physical and spiritual vessel of self) can help to soothe the fiery flow that is agitating and ultimately stretching us- ready or not- towards a broader emotional perspective.

An Image of Transformation

When I was searching for an appropriate image (and title) for this post I had a specific vision in mind. As I went through multiple fields, none seem to speak to what I wanted to visually capture – until I came across the image of a Mudra. The depiction is a variation of the Jnana Mudra; most commonly seen in depictions of the Buddha and hands resting on each top of the thigh.

In the practice of using Mudras, the thumb indicates the Cosmic (Divine) principle of consciousness and the index finger represents the Individual (human) consciousness. The Jnana Mudra is considered the Mudra of Wisdom and is most commonly recognized as the position of the hands seen in support of a sitting meditation practice. In its simple form the fingers are relaxed and point downward (as in seated Buddha) and not interlaced.

In its expression of reaching towards Spirit the hand is placed with extended fingertips pointing upward (heavenward) at heart level. In the image I selected we have the interlacing of the circle of finger and thumb and the tips of both hands touching forming a triangular point heavenward. Wisdom is held within wisdom. The Divine and the human centered and finding the space of common ground(ing). Fire and water, sun and moon overlapping and becoming as one as the breath of air fuels the flame, moves the waters and is gently held in the circle of continuum that serves as foundation for the apex of Spirit arising.

The Breath of Liquid Flame

On the evening of the Full Moon our coven will be celebrating this Full Moon doing a working of pouring candles that each member uses in their personal work to connect with the energy of the coven. We chose this Aquarius Moon as the bringer of the charge of inspiration and mind to infuse our candles. We are an Air coven (meaning that our coven tool is a sword). Using the energy of this Full Moon we are calling on the flame (the heated wax) of potential to flow (melted wax) bringing us into the Light of our own Divinity (the work of solar Leo). We breathe into this liquid flame our energy to coalesce within the vessel of stability that we have crafted (hardened candle). And, the intent and subsequent use as a tool of connection when we are physically unable to be present honors the universal and visionary perspective of Aquarius as it seeks to unify and network for the future of humanity.
Blessings of this Full Moon!

Resources and Reflections

Aquarius in Related Posts:

Sun in Aquarius
The Lion’s Share

New Moon in Aquarius
The Speed of Light

The Temple of the Moon:

Waning Moon in Aquarius
Day Sixteen: Looking Further

Full Moon in Aquarius
Day Fifteen: On A Clear Day You Can See Forever

Neptune Retrograde
Lifting the Veil-Neptune Retrograde

Uranus Retrograde
Deflecting the Light

Next Post:

Temple of the Sun- Leo
The Magick of Leo

The Magick of Cancer

Posted in Full Moon, Lunar, Magick, The Temple of the Sun with tags cancer, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, Full moon, Magick, new moon, Temple of the Sun, Waning Dark Moon, Water on July 13, 2014 by themagickalpen

The Magick of Cancer is based in the realms of the emotional and creation of an outcome that is heart-centered and intuitively based. Whatever we apply Cancerian energy towards is going to receive the advantage of being able to “feel” our way through the process and engender the support that is needed to bring success. Its strength lay in being able to flow through each step as though the guidance offered is coming from a trusted and loving support system. The negative aspect to this is one of inertia and feeling overly comfortable with the assumption that all will offer the same unconditional support.

Remaining in this pattern means that the first challenge or rejection encountered can have devastating results and in some ways override the positives and generating an energy that deeps into the waters of feeling unlovable. Despite this any workings that require the flow of healing, loving guidance and emotional support are well suited to Cancer’s application.

Cancer works directly on those feelings that make us feel safe, loved and fully supported unconditionally, so workings that require a gentle touch and encouraging momentum are best served by using Cancer’s energy during the Waxing Lunar phase or continually as bolstering to the Solar Month. Conversely, using Cancer’s magick during a Waning phase (Lunar or Solar Month) can serve to refresh waters that have become stagnant and complacent. This energy becomes the filter that clears away the debris that builds up from not tending those homey waters and knowing when to let go.

There’s No Place Like Home

It may feel as though I have spent an inordinate amount of writing on the “home” aspect of Cancer. Cancer completes the first quad of the Elements in progression around the zodiacal wheel. This is the first of the Water astrological signs and in the order of things our emotions learn their responses and power first in the place we call home and the family we have surrounding us. Regardless of what that physical state of upbringing may have impressed upon us, when we reach out to the energy of Cancer, we have the opportunity to claim a new state of home and foster our own growth within what we create as our place of foundation and support. Remember that unconditional love begins with applying that gift to ourselves, first and thus enabling us to become the sanctuary of home and heart that may be exactly what another is in need of.

The Healing Waters

Image: Elena Ray

In keeping with these thoughts, Cancer can be used effectively in the magick of healing. Workings that are focused upon overall health and well-being or specifically on the healing of mind or emotions are well suited to Cancer’s energy. The added bolster of its ruling planet being The Moon opens the space of intuitive guidance as we center upon what we wish to apply this energy towards. We are continually surrounded by opportunities to bring healing to the environment, our relationships and ourselves. Learning to identify these moments and then following through with the necessary change requires a large amount of courage. Being fully present and emotionally engaged with whatever we are focusing on often draws up to the surface those areas that need a closer look. In many ways this is the work of a regular Meditative/Contemplative practice. Being able to still our minds long enough for our heart to open and be receptive to what the Divine has by way of guidance.

Read More About these Waters at:

Finding My Compassionate Self in the Waters of Creation

Solar Month Magick

Enhances exploration of how you feel and what forms of expression this process of opening to the deeper wells of our emotions will ultimately make use of:

Cancer as the Fourth sign of the Solar Year concerns itself with emotional foundations that are strong and provide the support needed for maximum growth. The Solar Month of Cancer is an excellent time to begin the process of finding comfort in your own skin and loving both the positive and negative aspects of yourself. Those things that you feel are supportive of making you the best you that is possible deserve the extra attention and care of nurturing. Those aspects that you may consider negative (or shadow) still need the touch of an embrace that accepts them for what they are and then is secure enough to either bid them to release their hold or to work collaboratively in refining who you wish to become.

The energy of this Solar month of Cancer next flows into the Fires of Leo and the call to be fully present, front and center as you stand resplendent in all of your glory and power. To be this exposed and vulnerable requires that you are confident in “who” you are and are able to emotionally handle a deeper level of scrutiny.

The Cancerian approach can be used for short-term projects, but is most effective for long-term workings. A goal, such as working to create a love of self or taking action to commit to better self-care and gentle nurturing benefits from beginning its cycle while the Sun is in Cancer.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Cancer would be the first phase of identifying and acknowledging those aspects of self that need greater care and love. This may take the form of beginning a journal of gratitude and writing those things each day for which you are grateful about who you are. As you move through the Solar month you will begin to see how much within you deserves your love and attention, as well as having confirmation of those qualities others see in you that endear you to them.

Using the cycle of Water and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Scorpio. The Solar Month of Scorpio stands as the Full phase of the emotional (Water) energy, and signals readiness to bring from the depths of the subconscious what will either serve to purify or muddy the flow. Scorpio is a sign of the Fixed Modality and as such its directive is that of stabilizing and coalescing what has been drawn into its stores in preparation for what will be released as the expansive principle. Here, there is opportunity to refine what we claim as our emotional self so it does not forever remain as the stinging tail that catches us off-guard.

The adaptable energy of Pisces (the last of the Water signs) would serve as the point of taking what we have learned of our compassionate nature and extending beyond our own needs to be inclusive of those of others. The Piscean goal is one of service and if everything is in order regarding having addressed the needs of ourself in the previous steps, than heart becomes the fuel that feeds and inspires the heart/mind connection in al who receive its expansive (and contagious) energy.

Lunar Magick: The Intelligence of the Heart

Engages the intelligence of the heart expressed through the waters of the subconscious as the wisdom of loving compassion opens to deeper understanding:

Use of Lunar energy in the astrological sign of Cancer provides the energetic principle of the need for heart-felt intent as the desire that urges on the creation of what will serve to heal, guide and intuitively inspire. Cancer provides the opportunity for deepening the reserves of what we may draw upon to nourish our soul’s purpose. The true nature of Cancer is one that provides safe haven for exploration of heart and understanding. Aligning the Moon’s healing and intuitive force with the vulnerability of Cancer draws up from the subconscious those places of “knowingness” that are Divinely felt and although the process may be a difficult one, this vulnerability makes stronger whatever is held in its birthing waters.

Workings that desire the goal of healing feelings of self-doubt and issues of self-worth benefit from this deep well of resource. Work in establishing the appropriate filters, regarding our emotional responses and workings to strengthen our emotional presence in our relationships is well suited to Cancer lunations.

The New Moon of Cancer could be used to begin the process of establishing appropriate emotional boundaries that will better serve us in our relations. You would spend some time deciding upon which area of your life (work, home, community, etc.) you would like this support to be given. Sit down and allow yourself to open to a specific relationship that would best be served by having more defined boundaries. And, once settled upon, begin the process of settling on a specific and focused action towards this goal. This may be a commitment to speaking up more; expressing your compassion in a more concrete way; showing the strength you have when challenged or anything that would bring you closer towards your goal.

The Full Moon would reinforce the steps taken and bring to light the achievements made thus far. The greatest light will be shone upon your strengths and you weaknesses. The opportunity to refine and deepen the waters of reserve and resource that are held within the successful application of this new way of expression has been readied. And, adding to these waters (using the dynamics of the Moon and its mysteries) with focused intent will ultimately produce an overflow, which becomes the point of release and the Waning Moon’s skimming off the surface what no longer serves.

The Waning Moon’s energy would be used to release (remember, I said overflow?) what remains as emotional obstacle in allowing you to connect to those you love in a productive way. This is also the time to reassess what is most difficult for you to let go of, particularly if this is the relationship, itself. Simply being comfortable in a relationship where there is no mutual respect and nurturing is not truly honoring and loving yourself. And, eventually comfort is replaced by disenchantment and feeling loved becomes a passionate dream that must first be fulfilled by loving yourself.

Read More About:

The Intelligence of the Heart

Some Additional Astrological properties of Cancer

Keywords: Determination, Self-Discipline, Persistence.

The Archetype: The Mother is the archetype associated with Cancer. This exemplifies the aspect of Cancer that yearns for the safety of home and the encouragement of family. A Mother is the quintessential provider of these qualities. Hers is the physical body that housed and nourished as life grew within. Hers was the physical body that provided the milk of life and whose scent was the first that identified a state of being loved. Hers was the voice that soothed and hers was the gentle caress that protected as dependency gave way to exploration of the world and carving one’s own way.

Regardless of your personal relationship to your Mother, this is the archetypal energy that all desire and hold as the space where one may truly be themselves and loved for this “being” wholeheartedly and unconditionally.

Rules Astrological House: The 4th House of the Zodiac, the “House of Family and Home”.

Moving through the Zodiacal Wheel’s energy, the First House is the singular “you” identified by your personality and who you are presently and who you who hope to become. The second House holds the possessions and things you have acquired that further define you. The Third House represents how you express yourself based on what you have learned of yourself (1st House) and what you have chosen to surround yourself with in the material world (2nd House). Arriving at the Fourth House we are now ready to share who we are and what we have acquired in a setting that is sanctuary and with those who are our avid fans. This is the house that expresses the type of energy that can effectively be brought into the space considered “home”.

Color:

The Silver of the Moon’s landscape and the creamy White of fullness of orb are the colors associate with Cancer. This speaks of the watery nature held in Cancer. The value of Silver includes the vibrations of both white and black. This is the polarity of what is in abundance of Light and what has diminished Light. This is also the cycle of New Moon (the absence of light on the Moon) through the Full, when Light shines brightly and back to the absence of Light as the Moon phase wanes. Silver is the reflection of all of those permutations in between and the affirmation of ebb and flow. We seek the connection to Mother Moon not only during Her cycle of phase, but at all times as the benevolent and protective mother looking down upon her children.

Connection and Flow: Gemini to Cancer

I flow from mind
That has searched far and wide
Hungry for all that it could
Receive and communicate.

Understanding now flows
From a heart that is unfettered
The great birthing waters
Have risen and the ebb and
Flow of tides that reach deeper
Have found a home upon the
Shores that gave me life.

Cancer is the Fourth sign of the Zodiac. Having found the power of communication and mental pursuits of Gemini, Cancer is now ready to open the heart to a place of understanding what fuels the mind’s inspiration. Cancer begins the triad of the modalities anew as the Cardinal (beginning) bubbling up of the waters of emotion, intuition and their ability to beginning the healing that is needed when mind loses sight of heart. The flexibility of the mental prowess achieved in Gemini urges Cancer’s energy forward to create something new from the depths of what is most desired.

Seasonally, under the potent rays of the Cancer sun we are enjoying the last few months of heat and warmth before the Fall and harvest soon approaches. This is last call for connecting with friends and loved ones before Winter’s chill takes hold and return to school, holiday planning and the hectic pace takes charge.

Emotionally, the flow from Gemini to Cancer is one of stirring the water’s surface as the winds skim the surface carrying tales of their grand adventures (Gemini). Cancer is the home that we invite all of our friends in to, lovingly preparing a feast befitting the high regard we hold them in. Everything is infused with care and support and the result is nothing less than all-encompassing in what is deeply felt.

As we move through each of the Solar Temples in the coming year, it will become more apparent how interconnected they are. The story that is woven is one of growth and evolution that is just as relevant today as it was to the ancients. We learn from these natural cycles and their application is profound mundanely and spiritually.

BONUS PATHWORKING:
Be sure to review The Hall of Cancer pathworking posted earlier.

Excerpted from The Inner Chamber:Volume One
It’s Written in the Stars(Astrology). R. Fennelly. 2.2013
Resources:

Other Posts to Re-read:

New Moon in Cancer: Temple of the Sun
Arms Wide Open

Full Moon in Cancer: Where Waters Flow

Temple of the Moon: Dark Waning Moon in Cancer

Day Twenty-Eight: Fill Me Up
Day Twenty-Seven: Floodgates of Release

Next Post

Tuesday, July 22.2014
Temple of the Sun: Hear Me Roar-Sun in Leo

Full Moon in Capricorn- Earth Waters

Posted in Auspicious Days, Esbat, Full Moon, The Temple of the Sun with tags capricorn, earth, Full moon, Lunar, Magick, Water on July 11, 2014 by themagickalpen

Full Moon in Capricorn
July 12.2014
7:25am (EDT)

Sun in Cancer

The Moon waxes full tomorrow morning (7:25 am EDT) in the astrological sign of Capricorn. The Full outpouring of moonlight lights up the landscape of our physical world and being and our feelings about our place within them. As with every Full Moon the astrological sign of placement is that which lay directly in opposition to the placement of the Solar Month on the zodiacal wheel. We have been exploring the energy of the solar month and Cancer’s focus towards nurturing and healing. Capricorn, as an Earth sign provides the tools and physical reality through which the realized potential of what love, loyalty and strength of home have the power to create. Its intent is one of slow and steady progress in manifesting the lengths and breaths of its dreams and desires. The point of tension between these two energies is one of nurture vs. nature. The nurture here is that of Cancer and the nature that of the responses of the greater world and community to what we have learned from the experiences of loving support. This is the definition of ourselves and the ability to be loved by those who are not part of our home life and offer their support based upon those lovable qualities we have successfully cultivated. These are the flowing waters (Cancer) of the persistent river that with time move the boundaries of earth (Capricorn) and move out to the Sea.

The image associated with Capricorn is that of the mythical sea-goat; equally at home in the depths as well as being able to deftly and precisely scale the steepest cliff. All the while, the primary source of stability emanates from the central space of physical landscape and earth’s support. Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn. Saturn is the Lord of Time and the energy of structure as held by the Gates of Time. This gives Capricorn a seemingly expansive perspective on time and using that broad view to set goals and with organized deliberation go about achieving them. This intent can also produce inertia and the fear of moving into unknown territory. The trick here is to recognize the opportunity that is arms reach away and then be unwavering in the intent to seize the day.

The Sun is mid-point in its energy of cycle and holds the wisdom of the parent in the maturity of Cancerian outpour. The energy of this parent is one of offering reassurance and providing the emotional support that enables the recipient of this love to move strongly and sure-footedly through the adventure of life. We have felt the flowing waters of Cancer as we have moved through this solar month and everyone has had difficulties of one sort or another that have provoked deep responses and emotional reaction.

Both Cancer and Capricorn are of the Cardinal Modality; meaning that each has a natural predisposition towards getting things started and paving the way using this energy in a catalytic way. Capricorn as an Earth sign provides a space of central point from which things may expand towards future aspirations or submerge into the safety of those full and ripe waters of the lunar tides. Using this energy in conjunction with the healing waters of Solar Cancer keeps those waters as a source of renewal and revitalization that can only be found within the space we call home. Capricorn offers the necessary strength and agility to navigate life’s hurdles and when applied to the waters of the Full Moon, this agility is that which can carefully navigate the turbulence of a rocky sea.

Energetically, this Full Moon is ripe for workings that are directed towards making optimal use of those opportunities that allow our feelings to remain anchored in the strength of those concrete realizations that keep us on the daily path while we explore how resilient we can make them as they stray further from that center of surety. Add the strength of the Solar Month and the “mothering” of Cancer and the recipe is one that will bring comfort and support to all endeavors.

Additionally, we have some other astrological refinements that make this Full Moon one that allows us to dive deeply into those waters that run below the surface and ultimately provide the sustenance that is required to support the natural greening of our physical state of being. These are the Retrogrades whose influence we have been feeling at the depths of our emotional and physical selves and for many have created drama where normally there was smooth sailing:

Saturn (Scorpio) Direct on July 20th
Neptune in the astrological sign of Pisces
Pluto in the astrological sign of Capricorn

The intensity and building up of what has out-pictured as emotional release for the past few months has had the stimulus of Saturn exacting its structure to what has needed to be drawn up into the light. This energy was directed through waters that lie submerged and often become the undertow. Scorpio has churned those waters and the healing of Cancer’s Sun has warmed what was cold and enlivened what was dead within. This re-defining and re-shaping moves forward with the product of its efforts on July 20th.

Neptune adds another level of intensity as compassion and empathy continue to carve out new modes of expression with Pisces’ intention of “feeling” your way through the life experience. And with each of these layers of watery expression added to the waxing of the Full Moon’s flow a higher level of understanding has been reforming who we believe ourselves to be.

The Moon pairs up with retrograde Pluto in Capricorn and what lay at the furthest reaches of our awareness of self now has opportunity to manifest from the deliberate and calculating energy of Capricorn. The caution is one of trusting the process and trusting that we are truly deserving of reclaiming those pieces of our true nature that have waited at the periphery for us to call them back to us.

As I write this, the rain is coming down in torrential downpour, the ending to a bright and sunny day. I am in my home, secure and surrounded by the years of love that are held in every space of it. Sheets of water are running down the streets and their shape is being changed by the boundaries and border of curb and grass that mark the sidewalks. For anyone who is out walking, there is no way of avoiding getting wet (even with an umbrella) as it is a driving and windy rain that holds no respect for shelter or cover.

For me personally this month as been one of my emotions taking the reins. For on who normally proceeds strongly under the guidance of mind, the over- abundance of water has been overwhelming at times. The lesson I have gained in this is that of my being more fully in touch with my physical state. Eating well, exercising and having fun and unstructured time have helped me to navigate some of these emotional challenges from a more human place.

This process has been neither comfortable nor comforting, but I have reminded myself of the Mother’s tough love at times and that being the only way that her child will stop, look and feel the weight of their non-productive actions. The waters that are continuing to find ways of new expression are moving out from a place of love and these are the waters of Cancer and Mother Moon. This is the gift of Carpicorn in creating those boundaries within fertile and life-giving earth that can withstand the gentle flow of calm waters and the torrential downpour of a storm of emotional upheaval.

Resources and Reflections:

Capricorn in Related Posts:

New Moon, New Year!

The Temple of the Moon:

Day 13: Rise to the Occasion: Waxing Moon in Capricorn
Full Moon : Ritual of Anchoring

Neptune Retrograde

Lifting the Veil-Neptune Retrograde

Next Post:
Temple of the Sun- Cancer
The Magick of Cancer

The Magick of Gemini

Posted in The Temple of the Sun with tags Air, astrology, cosmic, duality, esoteric writings, Full moon, gemini, Magick, new moon, Temple of the Sun, Waning Dark Moon on June 8, 2014 by themagickalpen

The Magick of Gemini is based in the realms of the mental and creation of an outcome that is flexible and adaptable in its inventive style. Whatever we apply Geminian energy towards is going to receive the advantage of keen perception and the ability to swiftly communicate what it needs to complete the cycle of seed thought to finished product. Its strength lay in being able to change course as new ideas emerge from a seemingly never ending stream of flow. This can also be a detriment, if the breaks are not put on soon enough and a final determination is made. Indecisiveness, largely from being able to see many views is a caution. However, any workings that require a think tank type of kick-start receive the greatest boost from Gemini’s energy.

Gemini works directly on the Nervous System (it is after all our communication center), so workings that require a calming or slowing down of hyperactivity are best served by using Gemini’s energy during the phases of Waning Lunar or Solar month energy. Similar to a homeopathic approach of like negating like (remember the attribution of Twins to this astrological sign) focus of release of excess nervous energy can be quite effective. Conversely, using Gemini’s action during a Waxing phase (Lunar or Solar Month) can rev up a sluggish decision making process that may be waylaid by too much emotional impact and not enough pure logic. Think of this like receiving a Vitamin-B booster shot to restore energy.

Additionally, Gemini can be used quite effectively in assessing personal health. The symbol of the Caduceus that is associated with Mercury and the healing profession speaks to the healing power found in obtaining the needed information for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Scanning your body in meditation and asking the aid of Mercury and Gemini’s clarity in seeking out areas of dis-ease is a routine practice that many on a spiritual path make use of. THIS PRACTICE DOES NOT REPLACE SEEKING THE ADVICE OF A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER, but our bodies are dynamic in their own information systems and learning to attune to what our bodies are telling us regarding health, diet and the ways in which we use them can be quite purposeful in bodily awareness.

Solar Month Magick

Enhances exploration of how you think and what forms of expression this thought process will ultimately make use of:

Gemini as the third sign of the Solar Year concerns itself with the intellect and the pursuits of mental expansion and flexibility. The Solar Month of Gemini is an excellent time to begin enhancing the mental faculties, pursue further education/study or ponder the effects of inventive mind on creating a more wholistic worldview that takes into consideration the heart as well as the mind. This is also a time for testing the limits of what your effects are on those you interact with motivated by what you perceive to be your true base of knowledge. The energy of this Solar month of Gemini, next flows into the deep emotional waters of Cancer, so whatever progress is made at a mental level will be called to the task of defining itself through feeling your way in moving forward.

This approach can be used for short-term projects, but is most effective for long-term workings. A goal such as wanting to develop and refine your skills of communication or begin an educational project benefits from beginning its cycle while the Sun is in Gemini.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Gemini would be the first phase of stimulating the inventive aspects of the mental process. This may take the form of continuing an education goal, planning a new project (or business venture), or simply plotting out a course of how to more effectively exchange ideas.

Using the cycle of Air and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Libra. The Solar Month of Libra stands as the Full phase of the mental (Air) energy, and signals readiness to bring to a state of balance those options that have blossomed as the layers of mind reveal more detail about what the possible outcomes may be. Libra is of a Cardinal modality so the opportunity to hone in on a singular goal and move forward with the refined product is at hand.

The stable energy of Aquarius (the last of the Air signs) would serve as the point of coalescing the information acquired and elevate it to the level of use for the broader good. The Aquarian focus is one of seeing the bigger picture, recognizing it for its potential and then offering it up in the visionary style that is of benefit to the greater collective.

Lunar Magick

Engages the movement of ideas through the waters of the subconscious as mind and heart interact:

Use of Lunar energy in the astrological sign of Gemini provides the energetic principle of the breath of creation on the emotional waters that birth the great inventions and inspired actions. Gemini provides the opportunity for coalescing what the mind conceives of and what the heart desires. The natural comfort zone of Gemini is relying on wit and strategy with the emotional responses being secondary. Aligning the Moon’s healing and intuitive force with the mental agility of Gemini draws up from the subconscious those places of “knowingness” that are Divinely inspired and informed by feeling and logic.

Workings that desire the goal of quickening the mental processes, opening to creative communication, healings and business interactions aptly make use of Gemini’s energy. Improvements that are relevant to how you express yourself and what is created from that expression also benefit from Gemini’s application.

The New Moon of Gemini could be used to set up the foundation for beginning the process of being able to express yourself more clearly and with more flexibility. You would spend some time deciding upon which area of your life you would like this support to be given. Sit down and brainstorm how you would be best served by this enhancement. And, once settled upon, begin the process of taking action towards this goal.

The Full Moon would reinforce the steps taken and bring to light the achievements made thus far. The opportunity to refine and add more clarity to what has evolved moves strongly through the ideas that come to the surface and the rationale for continuing to feed them stands in the strength of this fullness. And, the Waning Moon’s energy would be used to release what remains as mental obstacles in allowing you to bring clarity to your communications. This is the time to further tweek and modify what has been learned and formulate a logical conclusion that will sustain your efforts.

Some Additional Astrological properties of Gemini

Keywords: Intellect; agility; education; knowledge, changeability.

The Archetype: The Jester is the archetype associated with Gemini. This exemplifies the aspect of Geminians that is entertaining in their prodigious outpouring of information. Often non-stop, at lightening speeds and at times wavering in final decision there is no lack of conversation to be had when Gemini enters in. For some these antics are amusing and perceived as “trying too hard”, often because the delivery of these sound bytes is handled in such a detached and analytical style. Being ruled by head rather than heart can bring about a general consensus of not taking seriously what is communicated, largely because of the vacillating scope of information that is as difficult to grasp the intended meaning as a moving target is to still.

Rules Astrological House: The 3rd House of the Zodiac, the “House of Expression”.

This is the house that defines the way in which you communicate and express yourself in the world. Moving through the Zodiacal Wheel’s energy, the First House is the singular “you” identified by your personality and who you are presently and who you who hope to become. The second House holds the possessions and things you have acquired that further define you. The Third House represents how you express yourself based on what you have learned of yourself (1st House) and what you have chosen to surround yourself with in the material world (2nd House). How we express ourselves depends on communication as the vehicle. How and what we think defines how we engage the world and others. We invent and then re-invent ourselves based upon our inner dialogue. The results of those perceptions then become our new path of expression.

Color: The vibrant Yellow of mind and clarity. This attribution speaks to the mental nature of Gemini and the clarity that is prodigious in the workings of the Geminian mind. Blue is also associated as a reference to the airy quality of Gemini and the limitless vastness of a sky that holds multiple possible outcomes. The intellect moves and flows moving its energy through the aethers much like the radio waves that carry signals transparently and with clarity. If Qabalistically inclined, the color orange is used relevant to the sphere of Hod (pure Mind).

Connection and Flow: Taurus to Gemini

I flow from foundations
That have been strongly built.

The freedom of Mind has now been released
And I am dynamic in what emerges from
This solid ground of inspired inventiveness
Breathe in the power and rise to take flight
As I soar towards the mirror reflection of myself.

Gemini is the third sign of the Zodiac. Having found the strength of grounding and establishing the necessary roots on Taurus, Gemini is now ready to communicate what has been gifted from the resourcefulness of Taurus. Gemini completes the first level of triad’s that comprise the modalities of the Zodiacal wheel. We have experienced the initial flow bursting from Aries and the wrangling of that flow into a place of stability in Fixed Taurus. Now we arrive at Gemini and the mutable modality that both reaches towards the end goal and heralds the gate that becomes the next flow of catalyzing Cardinal energy (Cancer).

Seasonally, under the potent rays of the Gemini sun we are nearing the Summer Solstice and the fullness of the sun’s light in its phase of waxing. The nature of Gemini is to be present dynamically in every situation, making itself known by its ease of dialogue and unique style of communication. This freedom to express has been enabled by the confidence gained through knowledge of the physical state of our being. When we know ourselves from the perspective of what we have accumulated within this earthly form of life and the pleasures of fleshy existence (Taurus), there is nothing left to do but to interact, collaborate and communicate the joy and pain of this life’s existence and the experiences had thus far. (1.)

Mentally, the flow from Taurus to Gemini is one of probing the inventive spirit that naturally arises when we lay foundations. We build a house and upon seeing what the finished product is, we beginning visualizing what each room should look like; imagine what changes can be made that will more aptly show to the world who you are. Taurus was the child, digging in the dirt, making mud pies and seeing everything from a sensorial approach, learning from the experience in preparation for communicating everything it knows. Gemini lets everyone know how much fun was to be had from the experience.

BONUS PATHWORKING:

Excerpted from The Inner Chamber:Volume One
It’s Written in the Stars(Astrology). R. Fennelly. 2.2013

The Hall of Gemini

Turn your focus and attention to your breath. Allow the space of your consciousness to move with the rise and fall of your chest and the filling and release of the lungs. Continue in this manner for several breaths; allowing each to become softer, smoother and slower. With each breath your physical body appears to become lighter and your center of consciousness floats upwards towards the inner eye. You feel enveloped by the mist of transition between the Physical and Astral. And as this veil thins you step through a veil of dark blue mist and find yourself standing centrally in a circular room. As you look around you see that this space opens out to a star lit night sky. The velvety blackness above holds a twinkling of starry light that fills the panoramic view above. The walls encircle you and are of a deep bluish purple. As your eyes adjust to this room you notice an archway just ahead of you. The glyph of Gemini, the Twins hovers in the entryway.

As you step through the orange glow of the Glyph of Gemini you see two perfectly mirrored twins sitting having a conversation. They are both blonde and although they appear androgynous, as many children do, there are slight nuances and physical features that separate them as being male and female. They pause in mid-sentence for a moment, turning to acknowledge your arrival, and then turn back to one another continuing the same thread of thought. Question, answer, and statement flash back and forth between the two at lightening speed. You feel both energized and a bit exhausted as your mental processes are not of this mind-set and cannot keep pace with the chameleon like changes in rhythm, clarity and intonation. You turn your attention to the room and see that books line shelves which encompass all four walls; and papers are strewn about haphazardly as though they had recently been impatiently rifled through and then carelessly left wherever they were put. You stand off to the side and observe how each of the children seems to change their mental position at will. One will agree on what statement has been made and then completely disagree about another. The other seeming to mirror every change of its twin with a steady and regulated pace.

They are discussing their favorite activity of reading and as the conversation becomes more excited, they stand and begin to gesture and point to make clearer their statement fact. As they move around the room going from one conversation to another surrounding this book or that you sense that somehow although appearing to be two, they are actually of one mind. That the duality you are seeing is actually the mental acrobatics of a mind that shifts and moves in accord with wherever the stronger enticement lay. This is the secret of their mental agility. The sheer ability to adapt and change at will to suit the needs of the situation. Although you are excited to have solved this one piece of the puzzle and are beginning to feel more at ease in following the direction, speed and flow of their conversation, your attention is drawn to one corner of the room.

You see a beautifully decorated standing mirror placed diagonally in the corner space between two of the walls. As you move towards it, the sound of the conversation seems to fade and just as you come to standing directly in front of the mirror you turn to see if the twins have fallen silent, and see that you are in the room alone. As you turn back towards the mirror you see more clearly your own reflection. You are a bit surprised, because although you recognize the reflection as being yourself, you also notice that there is the slightest bit of difference. It is not something you could concretely describe or even attribute to distortion of the glass; but rather, more of a perception.

Thoughts of the Coney Island fun house mirrors flood your mind, but those are more straightforward in their deception. This is almost transparent in its subtleness. Your eyes focus on the images of the room behind you that are also reflected. And, again the same feeling of something being ever so slightly different bubbles up. As you stand looking at this mirrored image, you notice that your mood has somewhat changed. You had felt energized and excited, but now as you stare into the glass, you feel a heaviness of mind in trying to solve this perplexing state of vision. It seems as though the longer you stare into this reflection, the more withdrawn and irritated you feel. You take a deep breath, sighing heavily. Just as you release the last bit of exhale, you hear the sounds of heated debate and conversation flooding back into the space.

You turn and see that the twins are once again sitting at the table and debating which game is the most challenging. As the sounds become louder, your mood begins to lift as well. You look back at the mirror and are surprised to see that your image, as well as the room behind you are just as you thought they should be. You think on the changeability of perceptions and ideas and how there are always two sides to every process of thought. You think on the flexibility that approach from this aspect permits, but you also remember the sheer exhaustion of that flexibility and the never ending cycle that can be created by not fully committing to one stream of thought.

You look towards the twins once again and see that they too have succumbed to the mental acrobatics. Each rests a blonde curly head on the table-top, eyes closed. You imagine that even in their dreams they are exploring new topics of discussion, new ways of problem solving and always sensing the dual nature of each expression.

As you deepen into these musings, you are surprised to find that you are once again standing centrally in the circular room. You make mental note that there had been no obvious transition from one space to the other and you think back to the trickery of the mirror you gazed into. Giving this no more thought, you look upwards towards the night sky and it seems as though a few of the stars are shining a bit more brightly now than when you first entered. You take a deep breath in and as you exhale, you feel enlivened and at peace in this space of celestial beauty. You know you will visit many times again as the solar months progress and the thought fills you with anticipation of what each of your journeys will reveal.

You gently close your eyes and when you open them you are surrounded by the blue veil of energy that carried you to this inner sky. As you take a few more deep breaths and fill the intent with awareness of your physical being and return to your physical space, the mist clears and the smells, sounds and sights of the room in which you began our journey floods your senses. You feel the floor beneath you and the chair on which you are sitting. Noises of the mundane world come back filling ear and mind with thoughts of going about the rest of your day or evening. You take a deep breath in, savoring the vestiges of your astral journey and the insight it provided, and strongly exhale out affirming your oneness with the present moment of physical time and space.

Resources:

1. Another perspective of the Taurean to Geminian energy can be found in my two recent posts in the Magickal Pen:

Knock! Knock! Who’s There?
Leaving the Hermit Behind?

Other Posts to Re-read:

New Moon in Gemini: Temple of the Sun
Brainstorming

Waxing Moon in Gemini: Talking Waters

Temple of the Moon:
Day Twenty-Five-The Epiphany of Silence

Day Twenty-Four- Talk it Up!

And, of Course:
The Temple of Mercury Postings

Next Post

Friday, June 13.2014
Full Moon in Sagittarius: Aiming for the Night Sky

The Magick of Taurus

Posted in Lunar, Magick, The Temple of the Moon, The Temple of the Sun with tags astrology, candle magick, celestial, cosmic, earth, Esbat, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Lunar, Magick, Temple of the Sun, Tuarus on May 6, 2014 by themagickalpen

The Magick of Taurus is raw, sensual, grounded in the physical experience and prolific in its product if anchored by desire and emotional attachment. Whatever we apply Taurean energy to is going to receive a potent dose of strengthening and willing and complete i in earthly matters. Taurus is the quintessential astrological sign to make use of when exploring the physical nature of our being and all that is impacted by and results from that physicality . Its primary functions of grounding and anchoring address the very raw and primal instincts that are part of our physicality. Sweat from hard labor or exercise, sexual pursuits and intimate relationships, laying the foundations (literally or metaphorically) of what defines us through the possessions acquired, money and the way in which we engage in the business of our lives all are part of the potency of Taurus.

Venus as the ruling planet of Taurus adds an energy that seeks beauty, harmony and awakening of the emotional self. It is the heart that yearns for romance and connection. This energy supports social interaction and the overwhelming goal is to connect at a deep and often intimate level with those of our choosing. A love of the natural world and what treasures are available to enhance the home life and material endeavors of Taurus are the motivations for remaining strong and at times immovable in what has been decided upon. Matters of the heart are approached in a very concrete and visceral way and the interactions are ones that are very loyal and enduring in their stability. This is the basic need of one human in seeking out its complimentary mate to avoid isolation and aloneness. This expression of Venus is one that is intensely grounded in the physicality of love and relationships versus the Venusian expression through Libra (also ruled by Venus) which is much more cerebral and finds it resolution first in the idea of love.

Solar Month Magick

Enhances exploration of what makes you uniquely human and the physical experiences associated with manifest form.

The Solar Month of Taurus is an excellent time to begin to take stock of what the gifts of your human experience are and how these ultimately effect the comfort or dis-ease you have in navigating all of the challenges and joys of living in a physical state. This is also a time for testing the limits of what that physical form is capable of, taking that information, synthesizing (Fixed Modality) it and then moving forward based on what you have learned of yourself in the physical world. The energy of this Solar month of Taurus, next flows into talkative Gemini, so whatever is done during this time sets the foundations for what we will then communicate and share broadly in the upcoming month.

Taurus as the second sign of the Solar Year is still in the process of “becoming”. What was catalyzed last month in Aries fuels the desire to be fully present and fully engaged in human matters. Making use of this month’s energies to sure up and create a stronger vessel of container for that initial spark requires patience and hard work. With that thought in mind, using Taurus energy as a Solar working should be fully focused on the intent of the possibilities and future potential that the concrete and physical work of building in this phase will ultimately produce.

This approach can be used for short-term projects, but is most effective for long-term workings. A goal such as wanting to become stronger, fitter and healthier benefits from beginning its cycle while the Sun is in Taurus. The byproducts of care and tending to the physical body and its needs are the ability to work in support of maintaining a steady flow of income, which in turn is used to purchase those things that support the healthy lifestyle and those things that give you pleasure and joy.

Similar to the New, Full and Waning cycles of the Lunar Month, beginning the working in the Solar Month of Taurus would be the first phase of solidifying and seeding what will become the stable ground for future growth. This may take the form of assessing our health and the physical steps we have taken to insure that we are able to work and play in a vital and viable state. Using the cycle of Earth and those astrological signs of that element the next point of bolstering the energy would be during Virgo. The Solar Month of Virgo stands as the Full phase of the earth’s energy, and signals readiness to sort through, weed and begin careful and meticulous planning for the harvesting of what we have tended to within our physical nature.

The flexible energy of Capricorn (the last of the Earth signs) would serve as the point of gaining sure footing for what we have learned about our human nature. This would take the form of looking back into the depths of what connects us most deeply to the manifest world and then carrying those worthy products upwards towards completion of defining what makes us human. Successfully scaling this final mountain that leads to knowledge of the interface between our humanity and spirituality is achieved, only, by how strong the foundations and anchors we’ve created in the previous Solar Months of Taurus and Virgo have been crafted. As each of these Solar Months take hold the energy of the working is bolstered, concrete and well planned steps would be taken towards its end goal and progress made is seen through the lens of the changing cycles of flow of solar dynamics.

Lunar Magick

Engages the flow of emotion and intuitive insights through the strength and container of manifest, physical and concrete forms.

Use of Lunar energy in the astrological sign of Taurus provides the energetic principle of stabilizing and infusing the emotional waters with seeds for potential life. Workings that desire the goal of strengthening prosperity, health, and all manner of physical possessions aptly make use of Taurus’ qualities of fertility and manifestation. Improvements relating to your physicality, such as exercise programs, becoming more active and more vital in those physical endeavors benefit from Taurean application.

The New Moon of Taurus could set up the foundation for beginning the process of bolstering your finances. This would be a great time to begin a prosperity working. The Full Moon would reinforce the abundance of what has been gained. Attention would be directed to and gratitude for the work’s success and acknowledgement of the concrete steps taken, in addition to the magickal work set in motion would be bolstered and reinforced. And, the Waning Moon’s energy would be used to release any habits that keep you spending in ways that are not supportive of creating abundance. Release of the attitude of lack and any challenges and barriers that you perceive as keeping you less than anchored in your intended goal would also be made.

Some Additional Astrological properties of Taurus

Keywords: Stability, Foundation, Finances, Longevity, Manifestation, Fecundity.

The Archetype: The Farmer is the archetype associated with Taurus. This exemplifies the deep commitment to Earth and all that is contained in this realm. The Farmer is caretaker and grower of what sustains life. He works the land with love and respect, knowing that his actions will either destroy or create. He/She is intimately connected to the seasons and their impact and relies on the wisdom of his own physicality to insure success. It is this ability to know so deeply the materials that are the ingredients in manifest form that make Taurus to be called upon for grounding and proliferation of what is begun.

Rules Astrological House: The 2nd House of the Zodiac, the “House of Possessions”. This is the house that defines you by what you have acquired. Those physical things that allow you comfort and pride in what you have achieved through the physicality of your own endeavors. Financial stability, strength of home and living the life you wish to live surrounded by those things that you possess. Workings that enhance and are in support of that definition of yourself crafted by what is acquired benefit from using Taurus’ energy.

Color: The rich Green of the Natural world. This is the color of the varied shades of green leaf, wet grass and damp moss that cannot be replicated in the potency of its sensorial effect regardless of how skilled the colorist may be. Green is the color of money and the association is one of the financial stability having adequate amounts can provide. Green is the healing color of herbs that are grown to vibrancy and sacrificed in the making of homeopathic and natural preparations. Using this color to align with the energy of Taurus is to re-member and to strengthen the connections we have to the verdant world around us. It is to anchor ourselves in our planetary home and to recall the opening of the senses as you walked through a lush green field of summer green grasses.

Connection and Flow: Aries to Taurus

I am patient and I am persistent
As I move through life’s course.
And within my breast beats
A heart that holds the earth’s
Wisdom and light deep within.

Taurus is the second sign of the Zodiac and following in the enthusiastic outpour of Aries, Taurus stands ready in its place of a fixed sign. The initial burst of enthusiasm (Aries) is now curbed and brought into form by the concrete solid container that is Taurus.

Seasonally, under the potent rays of the Taurus sun the call is to be outdoors and working in the garden and fields; surrounded by the blossoming of plants and new vegetation. The earth is rich and filled with what is needed to produce crops and fragrant flowers. The preparation and necessary quickening of this state of fertility was conceived under the Aries sun. Seeing all potential and enthusiastically taking action to plant the seeds and lend its growing light. The heat contained within and above the earth warms the soil so that it may be the fertile container that holds the mystery of greening life.

Physically, the flow from Aries to Taurus is one of reveling in our physical form. The anticipation of warmer days, and return to the stimulation of earthy pursuits was fired up as Spring opened a attitude of fresh perspective and the promise of thriving with each day. Aries is the infant and toddler learning of their impact on the surroundings. Taurus is the child, digging in the dirt, making mud pies and seeing everything from a sensorial approach, learning from the experience in preparation for communicating everything it knows as it flows into Gemini.

Other Posts to Re-read:

New Moon in Aries: Temple of the Sun
Dig Deep, Stand Strong and Soar

Full Moon in Taurus: Temple of the Moon
Stand By Me!

Next Post:

Full Moon in Scorpio
5.14.2014

The Speed of Light!

Posted in Lunar, New Moon, The Temple of Venus with tags Air, aquarius, astrology, Esbat, esoteric writings, fixed modality, gemini, Magick, new moon, Temple of Venus on January 30, 2014 by themagickalpen

New Moon in Aquarius
January 30.2014
4:30 p.m. (EST)

Sun in Aquarius

The Moon is New in the astrological Fixed Air sign of Aquarius today at 4:30 p.m. (EST). At the point of the New Moon in any given month the Sun is generally mid-way in its progression through the same astrological sign. We could think of this as Male (Sun) and Female (Moon), Strength and Ease, Action and Flow dancing in harmony with one another. These are but a few of the polarities that could be used, but the basic action is that of illuminating the depths of our intuitive selves. When we consider the Sun we think of dynamic and catalytic and combustible energy. The Moon we sense as flowing and flexible in its expansion and contraction. When Sun and Moon are in the same astrological sign at the time of the New Moon the Sun’s expression of that energy will be one of that holds the wisdom of the parent in its mid-cycle maturity. Lady Moon is just beginning her flow of the astrological sign’s energy and opens her floodgates of possibility knowing that it will be brought into the light of day to be strengthened and supported.

In this case the floodgates to be opened are ones of electrically charged and innovative Aquarian outpour. The mental prowess of Gemini, also a chatty air sign, slows in comparison to that of the mentally agile and attuned Aquarian. Although there is often the tendency to have what is stated get lost in translation, because of unintentional omission. The primary directive of the Aquarius energy is to see far and see wide, enabling the perception, assimilation and understanding of multiple streams of information and their varied outcomes. The omission comes as by product of the ability to process that information very quickly moving from A-Z at the speed of light and confidently arriving at a singular conclusion; deeming what came in between irrelevant, the only goal being to arrive at a productive and viable end.

Now, my writing may seem very mechanical, almost sterile and robotic in its approach and I am intentionally doing this to give you a feel for what it is like to be in the mind of a strongly aspected Aquarian. Information comes as streams of breezy download with barely a moment’s pause between. And, yes, I have a natal Aquarius Sun, which often makes it hard for me to understand why others do not see, what to me is the obvious and very logical conclusion. There is additionally, what is perceived as detached coldness about the decision making process. Aquarius has been given the distinction of being considered the humanitarian; but quite frankly that humanitarian label expresses itself in the ability to sacrifice the one for the greater good of the many. Again, this is formulated from seeing a bigger picture and potential outcome. And, although this does not necessarily make for an endearing individual, the need to know more to better serve trumps the usual pleasantries of social interaction.

Using the energy of an Aquarian Moon offers the ability to finely scrutinize while retaining the “heart” of the matter. The ability to apply a broader perspective to an emotional situation can often move those waters in a more productive way, albeit not always arriving at the same stream. The New Moon offers the impetus to get things going and to return to the beginning once again for a fresh look. Think of an Aquarius New Moon as an opportunity to upgrade your computer (Mind and thoughts- Airy Aquarius) to a quicker and more efficient processor that will ultimately make your work much easier and much more enjoyable (emotional engagement and Feelings- The Moon). Aquarius is of the Fixed modality, so whatever is upgraded, improved upon or given a jolt of fresh juice is going to be stable after multiple stages of synthesis, tweaking and modification. This is an optimal time to jump ahead in trying a new piece of technology that would ultimatly save you time and energy that could be directed elsewhere. Learning how to use a new device or online tool can be taken in the spirit of the New Moon and baby steps of beginning with the intent of giving it a go, and knowing that you can always go back to the status quo if you wish.

These are just a few of the general workings making use of an Aquarius New Moon:

Brainstorming ideas that would be of benefit to groups of people. Starting a new initiative or new charity.

Reaching out to others in a dynamic way to inspire them to take concrete and active steps towards a goal.

Formulating the plans that will underpin a new project.

Any magick that involves, science, creative problem solving, resolution of social conflicts, initializing action in what has become stagnant and archaic.

The social component to Aquarius has nothing to do with the feelings that being social brings. It is a means to an end in the quest to find out more about the world around us and the people in it. That is not to say that no emotional attachments are formed. Quite the contrary, it is usually because of the ability of being able to connect to another deeply and seeing that individual in the light of different perspectives that keeps Aquarius at arms length on the surface. New Moon energy makes use of this in deepening the understanding you have of why and how another acts and thinks, and then anchoring your feelings on the deeper knowledge of what makes that person tick. In this way you are seeing a more expansive and broader view and able to love (or despise) that person more deeply for who they truly are while acknowledging the potential of who they could become.

The Venus Retrograde stations Direct on Friday, January 31st and the last call to harness what has percolated during this time is at hand. Aquarius loves to sort through the most complex material to unravel the threads that have delayed action. The bolstering of the New Moon energy serves to propel your revelations found during this Venus retrograde forward. What results may appear to be intermingled and interwoven threads, but there is specific structure and order to the way in which it has been woven. The relationships you have decided to continue or renew and the way in which you relate to yourself and your personal gifts have opportunity to move into a new state of being carried on the dynamic energies of Aquarius Sun and Moon.

Woven through time
The electrical current
Flashes its intent as
It lights the way.

All has changed from
The beginning of this
Mental discharge and
The end product is the
Summation of all
Possible solutions.

The changing of the Ages
The rhythmic beat of time
Has shifted its focus and
Un-relentless in its purpose
Man has no other choice
But to be carried on the wings
His own making or remain
Asleep in the eye of the
Lightning’s storm.

Check out these previous posts from Temple of the Moon to see how the energy of Aquarius plays out in the phases of Full and Waning Dark Moon:

On A Clear Day You Can See Forever- Full Moon in Aquarius

Looking Further- Waning Moon to Void in Aquarius

New Moon-New Year 2014!

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, New Moon, Uncategorized, Venus with tags astrology, candle magick, capricorn, cardinal, cosmic, earth, Esbat, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Full moon, Magick, new moon, Saturn on January 1, 2014 by themagickalpen

January 1.2014 New Moon in Capricorn 6:14 a.m.

We kick off the New Year with the Moon New in the astrological sign of Capricorn- the Sea Goat. Capricorn is of the element Earth which gives its energy one of foundation, strength and the ability to manifest. It is a Cardinal sign meaning that its energy is one of initializing and acting as the first outpouring for what will be gathered into form as it flows into the Fixed sign of Aquarius on Thursday afternoon.

This timing offers a triple bolstering of new and vibrant energy to draw from. The first day of a New Year boasting a New Moon phase in a Cardinal (Beginnings) astrological sign. We are also still in the hold of a Venus Retrograde so, the opportunity to connect the re-balancing of heart (Venus) and weave that energy into the new paths available with a New Moon in an Earth sign are all supportive towards plummeting the depths (Capricorn- Sea) and sure-footedly scaling the heights (Capricorn-Goat) to lay the ground work for lasting and durable change.

Capricorn’s planetary ruler is Saturn, so structure, order and timeliness are keywords for accessing the sea-goat’s energy. Self-discipline creates the boundaries that can fertilize and inseminate the fertile ground of our manifest form. The aspect of determination in achieving the goal desired and the appropriate pacing of energy, focus and adequate time for expansion and contraction of that focus establish a rhythm and orderliness that ensures an outcome. Notice that I did not say positive, as the determination of whether the outcome is positive or detrimental is all in how discipline is applied and the correct timing for the planting of the seeds. A detriment of Capricorn is that the individual can get so caught up in the process; creating barriers and faulty structures that are self-perpetuated that what should be glorious success withers into frustrated repetition. This is where Saturn as the Gatekeeper of time exerts his will in stirring up the pot so it can move freely and of its own accord if the lessons are heeded.

A New Moon Working in Capricorn*:

Workings may include: career- ambition-organization- stabilizing- structuring

My intent for this New Moon (New Year) is one of building a solid and heart-centered foundation for personal growth this upcoming year.

I will light a white candle to illuminate my mind and thoughts as I reach deeply into the stores of memory. I will sit quietly and reflect on what I have carried forward from this past year. My achievements, my goals and those things that I did not quite hit the mark in the way I had hoped.

I will light a black candle as the fertile space of incubation and setting held within the mask of the New Moon’s shadow of veiling. I will draw from each of these memories the seeds of new planting to begin the fertile ground for this year. I will breathe my Intent and Will into this candle and these seeds of aspiration. I envision it as lit from within ready to shine fully and brightly at the next Full Moon.

So Mote it Be!

* A side note.

In astrology, each of the zodiacal signs rules a specific house (1-12) when placed in order around the flat wheel. Capricorn sits as ruler at the place of the Midheaven in the 10th House of the flat astrological wheel (This is the wheel that follows the order of the Zodiac from Aries in the 1st House counterclockwise around to Pisces in the 12th House and is not associated with anyone’s birth). The Midheaven is the point in the natal astrological chart where “you shine”. It is the space where recognition for achievement and success are held as potential. Capricorn carries this as latent energy wherever it shows up.

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Full Moon in Pisces

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon, Uncategorized with tags astrology, earth, Esbat, esoteric writings, Full moon, Lunar, Magick, mutable, pathworking, Pisces, Virgo, Water on September 19, 2013 by themagickalpen

Full Moon in Pisces

Sun in Virgo

The Mutable Water of Pisces expressed within the Mutable Earth of Virgo

Today the moon is Full in the astrological sign of Pisces. Pisces offers the energy of compassion and intuitive sight and is considered the path of understanding. It is the last sign of the Zodiac and could be considered the Elder in the cycle. This sign stands at the place of endings and heralds in the bridge that will move towards the re-birthing of Aries- the youngest of the zodiac signs. Drawing on what has preceded from the other signs, each in turn and finally brought to conclusion, Pisces is driven by emotional response. Although, there is not always the appropriate discernment applied to determine what is real and what is illusion. Just as the older person looks to past experience to draw their conclusions in the present, Pisces gathers everything to itself, but is not always well equipped to sort through with the same emotional dexterity that youth would bring.

The ruling planet of Pisces is Neptune (with a co-ruler of Jupiter). This presents as emotional release that is expansive and can become all pervasive, drowning the holder of this energy in their own emotional outpour. If allowed to flow in this way, these energies are non-productive and compassion becomes martyrdom. This overflow is the by-product of its co-ruler Jupiter, whose primary function is expansion without consideration of the container within which it exerts its potency. The modality and element of Pisces is Mutable Water. This is the place of flexibility of emotions and insight with the caution given to be mindful that the flexible nature does not over stress the container. Therefore, the need to create stronger and less permeable boundaries is of high priority. In this way the waters may be guided towards the appropriate space of opening to which they will become the new source feeding into the greater river of humanity as healer and source of compassionate sanctuary.

The support of this Full Moon’s energies is found in the Solar Month of Virgo. The astrological sign of Virgo is Mutable Earth. This provides a flexible, yet fertile foundation upon which to sort through the details of what will newly be started. This is the opportunity for analytical and precise organization and inventory of those emotions and insights of the Pisces Moon that serve and those that drain and water-log progress. Taking time to see our flaws and weaknesses in the strength of the sun allows us to heal and grow through transformation. Healing is the work of Pisces and aligning with your intuitive self opens those flood gates so that what is contained behind their restrictive bars may flow freely; hidden and locked away no longer.

Making use of the attributes of the Moon and the Sun and their respective astrological signs the opportunity is one of Water (Pisces Moon) of Earth (Virgo Sun). These are the waters that are needed and thirstily drawn in for fertile and productive growth on the land. These are the waters that smooth and polish the ragged rocks of our daily experience that provide resistance to the natural river’s flow. These are the waters that provide safe haven and hold the mysteries of the depths that make up the vast amount of the earth’s surface; teeming with an even greater diversity of life. These are the waters that ebb and flow at the moon’s call, responsive and reactive to the universal energy and ever flowing in the cycle that comes to its peak of potential at each of the full moons.

Suggestions for Meditative Focus or Esbat Working:

These themes may be used in mediation tonight or woven into a working for your Esbat ritual.

A Clear Flowing Stream

Spend some time thinking about where you have recently felt drained emotionally. Breathe deeply into this area of feeling. As you exhale, allow these feelings to move as though flowing gently in a stream of water. Look upon the waters as they flow and see them as clear running waters flowing out and away from you.

A Pathworking of Healing

The Healing Temple

Sitting in a space where you will not be disturbed, take a moment to make conscious note of your surroundings and the physicality of your being in this space. Gently close your eyes and turn your awareness to the pattern of your breath. Allow your breathing to lengthen and relax into a calm and steady rhythm.

Shift your attention to the space between your brows and the inner screen of your meditative conscious mind. Sit as observer of this screen, taking note of the form of this inner landscape. Now see yourself standing and walking towards this inner screen. A pin- point of violet light forms just ahead of you and begins expanding in diameter as you walk towards it. When you arrive at the place of being immediately in front of this violet veil, it has expanded, stretched and opened to become an arched gateway. The faint glimmer of starlight flickers within its opening and you feel called to step into this place.

You step through this archway and find yourself in the center of a circular room. The walls are a shade of light sky blue and the floor is emerald green marble. You look upwards and see that the room appears to open and the vast panoramic view of stars twinkling offers view overhead. The room smells of Frankincense and is quiet and serene in ambiance. As you look around at the walls enclosing this space you take note of the sensation that the blues are variant in color and the impression is almost one of being encased within a glass structure and submerged in the depths of a clear beautiful ocean.

The floor sparkles like the facets of a freshly polished emerald and light and shadow co-mingle; entwined like lovers moving in the ecstasy of union. Take a moment to breathe deeply and take in the calming energy of this space. As you exhale you see that a chair is placed centrally in the room. It is ornately carved and made of fragrant wood. You approach and sit down, feeling the resiliency and gentle support of this chair. You sit for a moment and allow your body to rest in its supple support.

As you breathe slowly and deliberately you begin to form the intent for this healing work. Draw up in your mind’s eye the vision of yourself, whole and functioning in a thriving and healthy manner. Now, speak softy the intent of this healing. Speak the words that form this intention of what needs healing and what needs release so that process may begin. As you begin to speak you see that the space of floor around you glows in vibrancy. Each word enlivens and informs this space of living energy. You continue to speak the words of release of what needs healing and they drop away from you, falling into this living mass of vibrant healing green energy. You pause now to allow the intent to fill the space surrounding you. The energy of green veil rising upward and encircling you as it draws from the space the words of release you have spoken. Sit in the energy of this healing release; quietly and simply observing each and every word as it is absorbed by this healing green energy.

The green veiling subsides and withdraws back to the floor beneath. You feel energized and have clearer intent about what you now wish to call into your being and this space as whole, enlivened and healthy energy. As you think on what these words shall be, you notice that the energy of the blue walls moves gently inwards towards you. You begin to speak the words of power and healing that affirm your renewed and whole state of being. Each word is held for a moment in a soft veil of blue soothing energy and then is enlivened and transformed into a sparkling bead of blue light. You continue with the affirmations and take note that the blue beads are increasing in amount and the vibrancy of their glow is palpable in feeling and intent. Speak all that you need, amassing as much of this transformed energy as you feel is needed. The air surrounding you is electrified with the energy of these intentions you have formed and you feel energized and enlivened. When you have spoken all that is needed, take a moment to sit and observe the beauty and power of this veil of pulsing blue light encircling you. Make note of how alive and responsive each of these intentions is. Affirm the potency of their nature and the power held within the core of their being.

As you sit observing you see that the vibrancy of the blue is pulsing more quickly now and with light that is increasing in brilliance and intensity. Each breath you take seems to offer more vibrancy to the growing light held within each. This is the brilliance of healing white light holding the intent of mind, heart and will. You close your eyes in response, as the intensity and brilliance of light continues to expand filling the Temple. You breathe in and with intent and focus draw this energy into you. Each inhalation draws more of this vibrant light of brilliant healing into the core of your being and each exhalation moves it into the areas of your body that need healing and renewal. Each breath fills you with this vibrancy and each breath encourages healing and strength. Continue in this way until you feel complete, strong and revitalized.

You open your eyes and see that the room has cleared of the brilliance of this light and looking upward you take note that the stars appear to be twinkling more brightly. You feel completely at one with all that surrounds you and offer up gratitude for the healing and renewal that has occurred. Remain quietly held in this space of gratitude and renewal for as long as is needed.

When you are ready, you stand and feel a surge of strength coursing through you and a deeper sense of your own power to affect change within your self. You look around once again and the walls are now a more vibrant blue and the floor shimmers like millions of small green emeralds, each separate yet more powerful and vibrant in their combined efforts. Take a deep breath in and feel the energy of this place. Declare it as your own space of healing and renewal and affirm that you will visit this space whenever you have need for healing and enlivening.

You see the archway through which you entered just ahead of you and begin to walk towards the entryway. Each step is now stronger in its placement and more purposeful in its intended destination. You arrive at the entry way and see that the violet veil of energy is sparkling more brightly and you feel its density and plasticity of form as you step through it. You emerge and find yourself once again sitting as observer of this inner screen. You breathe into the energy of your experience and with each inhalation and gently exhale you become more fully aware of your breath; the rise and fall of your chest and the physicality of your body sitting in the space in which you began. Gently flutter your eyes open and take a few more, very deep breaths offering the intention of gratitude, health and a renewed state of being.

So Mote It Be!

Resources:

The Magickal Pen Blog

The Healing Temple Pathworking

Books by R. Fennelly:
Info at http://www.robinfennelly.com

The Inner Chamber: Volume One
It’s Written in the Stars

The Elemental Year
Aligning the Elements of Self

Completion: Standing Naked in the Light

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags astrology, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, fire, Leo, Lunar, Magick, new moon, Water on August 6, 2013 by themagickalpen

August 6

New Moon in Leo

Sun in Leo

Posted during the planetary hour of the Sun

Today marks the official ending of the Temple of the Moon journey and the start of a New Moon in the astrological sign of Leo. This is a natural flow of the existing and primed waters (Cancer) receiving the fires (Leo) that will birth their own mound of manifestation (think of the Primordial waters of Nun).

This journey has taught me a lot about not only myself, but also others and the quality of being more receptive to the emotional flow surrounding. I am comfortable in my head and in a state of analytical scrutiny and feel most vulnerable when that guard must be lowered and compassion and understanding are the needed driving forces. It feels very much like standing naked in the full light of day, flaws and imperfections etched deeply ad on display for all to see. There is anxiety that seeps in that perhaps another will see those things as weaknesses. I realize that none of this is true and that the only one really standing in judgement and scrutiny is myself. Which, calls for more compassion in the more complex form of self-love. And, this is the biggest leap of faith and trust in that you have to acknowledge your own weaknesses and strengths and see them as neither detriment nor support, but in truth the synthesis of both and accessible in either form as you Will it to be.

I hope you have enjoyed this journey and found useful insights and new streams to be explored within your own emotional make-up.

I hope that each day has brought a deeper connection to the cycles of the Moon and the abundance of Her outpourings of healing, change and the need for intent-filled flow and movement.

I hope you have revealed a softer more compassionate way of being and strengthened the raging waters that are also necessary for productive outcome in clearing away.

Waters flowed within
The darkness of foundations
Firmly wrought.

Will found its space of opening
As flow came bubbling up and
Expanding with new life.

The droplets gathered
Breath of full force
And Geyser sent
Watery tendrils
Upward towards
Sunlit sky.

Fire and Water showered down
Returning to their source
And, descent brought
Openings of new found wells
Of pristine clear flowing heart.

Blessings in your continued journey!

If you have enjoyed the style of these postings and would like to know more about Astrology and Qabalah please take a look at the resources below:

Traveling Through the Stars: An Exploration of the Basics of Astrology

The Inner Chamber, Vol. One
Its Written in the Stars (Astrology)

The Inner Chamber, Vol. Two
Poetry of the Spheres (Qabalah)

Beginning next week, I will also be posting regularly to The Sacred Vessel Mysteries blog. It took a back seat to this work, but ready to now implement in energetic practice what I started with this project.

Upcoming in The Temple of the Cosmic Spheres:

The Temple of Mercury – October 2013

The Temple of Venus – December 2013

The Temple of the Sun – Aries – March 2013

Day Twenty-Nine: The Midnight Flame

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags candle magick, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, fire, Leo, Lunar, Magick, planetary hours, polarity, ritual, void of course, Waning Dark Moon, Water on August 5, 2013 by themagickalpen

August 5

Dark Moon Enters Leo

Sun in Leo

12:58 pm

Posted during the planetary hour of the Sun in preparation for the New Moon’s energy in Leo tomorrow afternoon

The Moon entered the transition of void at 2:49am and enters the astrological sign of Leo at 12:58pm. The early morning hours held a steady flow and integration of what will be in the solar light of center stage shortly after the noonday hour.

There is already a change in the atmosphere and the soft flow that I noted yesterday gave way to a pricklier dynamic. The ritual last night had the feel of loss, but more of the nature of a great weight being lifted than sorrow at what was left behind. The dual energies of both Sun and Moon being in their signs of rulership (noted on previous day’s post) worked collaboratively and what non-productive emotions that were stirred into action, flowed in a gentle stream into a place of release. The trick is to not reabsorb and draw up the mist of that release, but to let it move steadily and smoothly into the belly of the great deep.

With the completion of this cycle, and the movement of the Moon into Leo through the hours of sleep, I am reminded of the midnight sun, or flame of reflection of sunlight that penetrated the darkness of night. This is another of my favorite pictures (of an eclipse) that I use as a frequent reminder of the merging of the energies of water and fire, heart and will, Soul and Spirit. It also speaks of the exchange of the polarities of light and dark and their powerful expression in the uniting of the two extremes, each acting upon the other, to create a third that is the sum of their combination.

As you light your candles this evening and enter your final post of the journey, take a moment to meditate on this picture. Remain open to what more you can receive with its visualization and how its energy has streamed like black and golden strands of alchemical blood throughout this journey. Blessings of the Midnight Flame!

A Point of Numerology:

Today is the 29th day or 2+9= 11

11 is considered a master number; resonating with the energy of the iteration of itself. One is the singular form, the prime from which having been manifested all else flows. The double 1’s could be considered the point of self and SELF, i and I in communication and support of one another.

In fact, if you reduced the 11 to: 1+1= 2

you would have the number 2 of collaboration with another. It is this energy that establishes transformation and clarity of intent and purpose.

Applying these thoughts to this 29 day journey offers insight into how we started – self/i and the end goal we have moved closer towards- SELF/I

Tomorrow will be the final daily post to wrap up this journey to the Temple of the Moon.

Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for Magick

Full Moon in Aquarius-Breath of Liquid Flame

(Photo taken as I was driving home tonight)

The Magick of Cancer

Full Moon in Capricorn- Earth Waters

The Magick of Gemini

The Magick of Taurus

The Speed of Light!

New Moon-New Year 2014!

Full Moon in Pisces

Completion: Standing Naked in the Light

Day Twenty-Nine: The Midnight Flame

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