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Back to the Middle and Around Again: Pluto Direct

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, Magick, Pluto, Retrogrades, The Temple of Pluto with tags capricorn, cardinal, Pluto, Retrograde, Retrograde Planets on September 24, 2015 by themagickalpen

Pluto Stations Direct
September 25
2:55am (EDT)

Distant planet Pluto stations direct early tomorrow morning moving from its intensity of retrograde that began back in April of this year. Astrologically, this planet of mystery and depth remains in the Earthy and Cardinal sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is known as the “Sea-Goat” which speaks to its energy of navigating both the heights and depths of experience with sure-footedness and a very grounded demeanor. At times, this grounded predisposition leads to inactivity as just the precise placement of action is sought; a pursuit which is not always readily attained. So, with this caution applied to Pluto, the planet of regeneration, death, crossings and those far away and unknown experiences, you may have felt stuck in the same holding pattern of expression and the replaying of the same life’s lessons.

Astrologically, the planet Pluto rules the sign of Scorpio. Much like the ability of Capricorn’s Sea-Goat to reach deep into the emotional depths and rise to the mental heights, Scorpio is equally at home hidden in the earth(Scorpion), soaring for greater perspective (Eagle) and ascending within the Fires of Rebirth as the Phoenix. In this retrograde, Pluto’s shape-shifting is directed towards what is built as foundation (Capricorn) rather than intent upon reshaping the emotional selves. And, just as the Phoenix is the higher expression of emotion transformed into useable and regenerative desire, the goal of higher form here is one of knowledge of the truly Divine nature of our humanity held within the vessel of human form and experience.

I have always felt Pluto to be the point of return, that holds the patterns of all time. We cross the threshold of death (or release) carrying with us the lessons we have learned from experiencing that life. We enter into the unknown, hoping that we will return born anew and transformed through the gift of regeneration. We circle back, so to speak to what was our past, that has now begun our future as we stand in the present of our making. Pluto offers the gift of being able to simultaneously draw from our past, as we use the present action to weave the future that occurs seconds later.

The energy of this retrograde has been a drilling down deeply into the stores of what and who we are as manifest life forms. Think of drilling deeply into the earth, churning up soil, rock and more. Each layer being displaced in the uprising of this energy as the past story of each layer is revealed in present time. What is excavated dictates the response and reaction that will determine what the future steps will be.

Feeding into this revealing of sorts have been the counterpoints of Uranus (July 26) and Neptune (June 12) also being Retrograde. This gave the impetus of Fire (Uranus in Aries)- Water (Neptune in its Ruling sign of Pisces) and Earth (Pluto in Capricorn) weaving their magick of big and lasting change. Think the liquid flow of lava deep within the Earth’s core. I will be writing more about this over the weekend.

Now,as Pluto begins its cycle of return back to the mid-point of a present and processing state Mercury recently stationed Retrograde. This is the opportunity to slow down, unplug (from technology) and really listen to what your messenger self has to communicate about your experience of Pluto’s renewal. Take the time to carefully and thoughtfully review what contracts have been made during this Pluto retrograde at the level of Spirit and your place in the limitless flow of life, energy and intention brought into manifest form – namely you.

Take your time and assess your best vantage point to reach back to retrieve what of your past (lives) will inform this present form. Then, and only then move forward, each step with the sure-footedness of the (sea)Goat as you scale the mountain of the aspirations of your future being.

A Little Visualization:

Take some time looking at the picture I selected to accompany this post. Imagine the spinning of this top and its perfect point of balance as the cycle and flow of top and bottom move just so within the energy surrounding it. Each tip narrowing down(or up) to a thin and perfectly shaped point. If in perfect alignment it does not matter which end you begin the motion from, there are equal in their support of the center mass. This central point the place of flattening and leveling out providing enough circular surface to neither under or over tip. The top spins and simultaneously and seamlessly the energy of the top and bottom points spirals inward meeting centrally and providing the correct amount of tension for the center to spin, cutting through and creating its own vibration of energy rippling outwards, moving through time and space.

Now envision yourself as this top. The points of balance on either end, interchangeable and recyclable as past and future. Both points drawing inward to support the mass of your present experience. All simultaneously moving as one, yet distinctly apart. All shaping and reforming the energy that surrounds and is within you.

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From the Center of My Being-Full Moon in Scorpio

Posted in Uncategorized with tags Full moon, Pluto, Retrograde, Saturn, Scorpio, Temple of the Sun on May 1, 2015 by themagickalpen

May 3.2015
Full Moon in Scorpio
11:42pm (EDT)

The Moon waxes full in the astrological sign of Scorpio late Sunday evening. It uses the cover of darkened night to exert the mystery and hidden truths that are part and parcel of Scorpion energy.

A Full Moon signifies the opposition of Sun and Moon. In this case we have the strength, solidity and straight forwardness of the earthy Taurus Sun feeling the passive aggressiveness of a moody emotional landscape filled with hidden surprises and carefully guarded secrets that is the life’s blood of a Scorpio Moon. Scorpio is known for its mystery and the ability to intuit information as it dips deeply into areas that prefer their privacy. The challenge is one of remaining too long in this space of introspection and the effects of becoming prisoner of your own darker nature. This is also why Scorpio is prone to obsessive and addictive behavior. Now, although this can become a detriment, that same obsessive and addictive nature can be re-tooled to become the passion that guides the course to success and the stability of habitual and predictable response that holds steady the course when everything around is in chaos.

So, how can this energy be used at the Full Moon? It’s a great time to do some soul searching and call to the foreground what keeps you motivated at an emotional level. What are your passions and what form of disciplined action will you create that becomes your positive and productive addiction? My natal Moon is in Scorpio, so I use the energy of a moon in Scorpio to sit in reflection, allow myself intuitive nature to rise up and become the healing waters that transform. An aspect of Scorpio that is often overlooked is that of healing. One of its associations is that of Death. Any death leaves the space for new growth to begin. Having Mother Moon cloaked in Scorpio’s death pall ensures that wherever there is release, healing is soon to follow.

Saturn (Mid-March) and Pluto (Mid-April) are Retrograde:

We are only two weeks into the Pluto Retrograde and already there are signs that many people are feeling its effects. Tightly wound and seeming to be vibrating within with pent up energy that is just about ready to burst is not uncommon and put a group of this energy together and the effect is much like the vibrating tray of metal balls- some bumping into each and causing others to fall off!

I had mentioned in the last post that Pluto is the ruling planet of Scorpio, and although it is not currently in that astrological sign, it still provides one of the underlying currents of this Full Moon’s energies. Mother Moon will provide additional light into those darkened recesses and what has been percolating at a personal level will have the opportunity for closer inspection.

Another Aspect to Consider

Mercury will form an aspect in opposition to (Retrograde) Saturn. Mercury is the planet of communication and Saturn likes to keep order and structure with tight control. With the dynamic of these two in opposition, and the added emphasis of Saturn’s nature while retrograde think on the concept of censorship and difficulty getting everything out that you wish to express (Mercury) because it has just been re-written by the CEO of micromanagement.

Much of what will be communicated will be restricted in its content and interpretation, so as you sit in reflection or have desire to allow the full moon to inform, be mindful that you will only be receiving part of the communication intended. Take what is given and then allow Time (another of Saturn’s focus)to fill in as it will what was not able to be fully received.

Mercury is gearing up for its retrograde on May 18th, heralding a Trinity of Air (Mercury), Fire (Saturn) and Earth (Pluto); all highly focused and directed by their planet’s retrograde.

From the Center of My Being:

Let the fullness of the Moon’s Light and the healing of Scorpio’s waters purify and open up the space of integration and inner work that has been called into action in the very core of who and what you are. This is the time for a bit of breathing room from the rigidity exacted by Saturn as Pluto dug deeply to retrieve and reveal to you what the past held and the future promises. Allow the sting of the Scorpion’s tail to part the internal veiling that has left you feeling at odds and off-center.

Let the deep water’s of Mother Moon’s grace provide the light by the lessons learned from Saturn’s structure may be carried on the wings of Scorpio’s keen sighted Eagle. And, as this flooding of purifying light bursts forth let its fires transform what is ready to receive the blessing of Scorpio’s Phoenix. These steps are the necessary healing that must occur as we enter the next round of retrograde Saturn and Pluto’s catalyzing energy.

Remember, one step at a time. A time for assessing. A time for re-ordering. A time for integration and agitation. A time for transformation. A time for purifying and preparation and a time for things ti begin anew so the next level of steps may be realized.

Read more about Scorpio:
Temple of the Sun-Scorpio

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

New Moon in Leo-Standing in the Spotlight!

Posted in Lunar, Magick, New Moon, The Temple of the Moon, The Temple of the Sun, Waxing Moon with tags astrology, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, fire, fixed modality, Leo, Lunar, new moon, Retrograde on July 26, 2014 by themagickalpen

July 26.2014

New Moon in Leo
6:42 p.m.

The Moon enters its Maiden (New) phase early evening in the astrological sign of Leo. The heat is rising as the Sun and Moon offer the exchange of transformative (Sun) healing (Moon) Fires that are lit both in the brilliance of the Sun and the cooling darkness of the Moon. This is the Fire off quickening within the birthing waters that carry life.

The overall feeling is one of stimulating and dynamically charged energy that makes for nervous tension and unpredictable action. On the surface this may seem like a negative impact, but the proof of its power is largely held in what course of response (not reaction) you choose to undertake when confronted with over-stimulation. This Moon offers the opportunity to align heart and what we “feel” with a goal of dynamic and transforming action. Will is the fire that lights the way on the path to self- awareness. And, self-awareness is the first step towards stepping fully into the Light of that awareness boldly and intentionally.

Fire in the Whole

Additionally, we have the influence of two (2) other planets in Fire signs, one of which just stationed Retrograde:

Jupiter is in the astrological sign of Leo. Expansion of what stirs our Will to action and what fuels our desires is at hand. Jupiter is strongly related to abundance and financial gain, so optimizing its energy to direct us towards action that will stimulate the flow of money or abundance in any area is a working that could be started at this New Moon. The timing of Moon phase as catalytic and beginnings and the Solar Month of Leo having just begun brings an abundance of light to “see” what we are doing, where we are going and the potential of what the outcome may be.

Uranus just began its Retrograde in the astrological sign of Aries and is slowly and incrementally turning up the volume on our neurological receptors. With the advent of this New Moon, the opportunity lies in being able to surrender to this process of fine tuning and go with the organic flow of this stimulating current. The Moon as She waxes offers those respites of cooling the circuitry but we must heed our body’s wisdom and give adequate time to relaxing and non-stimulating activities.

Read more about the Uranus Retrograde here:

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting Light

The alchemical element of Fire is represented by Cardinal and Fixed modalities; so the potential is to harness the first sparks and draw them into something usable, potent and contained . The Cardinal (Aries) energies of initiating and stimulating the aspects of will are held within the circuit board of Uranus giving that initial strike of the match to fuel the blaze. And Sun and Moon are balanced in the Fixed energy of Leo as Jupiter opens the way for broader reach and impact.

The New Moon is an excellent time to begin workings that require the energy of the initial flow needed for beginnings. One of the correlates would be the energy of the sunrise or dawn. A new day is a beginning that is packed full with the potential to become whatever you desire most by the time it reaches the fullness of mid-day. So too, the lunar cycle of the New Moon offers the opportunity to harness the energy of expansion towards the fullest expression of what you wish to bring into manifestation at the Full Moon.

The energy of Leo is one of strengthening. Courage and confidence in actions are supported by Leo’s energy and finding the aspects of self that are magnetic, compelling and inspire are all illuminated by the energy of Leo’s Sun. Workings that have the intended goal of bringing attention to one’s gifts and thus being able to share these with the larger community thrive in this energy. Additionally, work towards bolstering your confidence and shining greater light on your strengths are bolstered by Leo’s Moon.

Standing in the Spotlight

On the eve of this New Moon I’ll be re-calling to myself the energy and strength I felt as a dancer many years ago. The heat of the lights and being center stage stripped bare of everything but the artistry you infuse with your passion for it and the command of be fully present and recognizable in that moment. This is a space of time when I felt confident and strong in my presence in this world and the satisfaction of being able to reach out and touch the heart and soul of those in the audience connected me more deeply to the impact of my actions. This is what fueled me and carried me forward in the art and was the overlay of discipline and memory I have applied to my working of the Craft.

Standing in the spotlight is not something to fear rather it is something to embrace in recognition of the uniqueness we each carry. Whenever we claim our power and strength we are affirming the brilliance of Divine Light we hold within. Re-tooling this strength carried on the fiery flow of Moon’s waters of quickening towards its fullest expression of heart felt passion insures that the Fires of change and deep transformation will occur.

Next Post:
Sun in Leo – A Light in the Tree
Sunday, August 3.2014

Read More About Leo Here:

The Lion’s Share-Full Moon in Leo

The Midnight Flame-Dark Moon in Leo

Temple of the Moon Postings:
Day Two: Opening-Waxing Moon in Leo

Day Three: Fire in the (w)hole-Waxing Moon in Leo

Hear Me Roar- The Sun in Leo

Posted in Solar, The Temple of the Sun with tags cancer, Cardinal Modality, celestial, fire, fixed modality, Leo, Neptune, Pluto, RA, Retrograde, solar deity, Temple of the Sun, Uranus on July 22, 2014 by themagickalpen

Sun in Leo
7.22/2014
5:41 pm (EDT)

Planetary Ruler: Sun

The King

I am Leo
I am the King of the starry
Heavens and beware
The flick of my tail in
Exasperation or the
Ferocity of my roar.

They are but warnings to
Keep your distance
From those people and
Things I nurture and protect.

I stand in rapture as
The flame of sun’s rays
Ignites my varied passions.

Resolute will and determination
Guide my unyielding course
As I move with power
And courage to claim
My place of leadership.

The Sun transits into the astrological sign of Leo, at dusk tonight (EDT). Wherever you are in the world you have felt the Sun’s light at some point in your day and known the beauty of being lit by its powerful rays for all to see. Even if the day has been cloudy and grey you know the Sun has not retreated and is simply hidden in cloud cover. The light always remains. The heat always burns full and strong and the life giving energy it imparts, flows in its dance of nocturnal hiding and diurnal brilliance.

The astrological sign of Leo is one of the element of Fire and the Fixed Modality. Its planetary ruler is the Sun, whose qualities of brilliant light, heat and strengthening are overt in our mundane lives as the daily cycle of sunrise to sunset sets the course of our day. The Sun is the Great Father and together with Mother Moon are the luminaries of sky and spiritual being.

This solar month offers an opportunity to bask in the full glory of your achievements and stand in the light of full disclosure as the Sun breaks through and into those shadowy corners of comfortable hiding. There is maximum potential for using this month’s solar energy to bolster your self-awareness and confidence and to promote a different type of healing that is cauterizing in its effects after having transited through the healing and temperate waters of Cancer’s solar arc. This healing is what is most needed to begin building the foundations of confidence and vibrancy.

The astrological sign of Leo brings the spotlight to whatever its touches. This is the Lion who roars claiming his domain and fiercely protects her young. Couple this with the Sun being the ruling planet of Leo and you are center stage with adoring fans ready to receive You and your gifts. The Fixed quality of Leo’s sign helps to organize all of this glitz and glam so that what is presented is nothing less than fiery in nature.

Additionally, this Solar month is another opportunity for alignment of the polarities of Sun (ruling the sign of Leo) and the Moon when she waxes New in the same sign as Her lover, Leo Sun. This alignment occurs at the level of the mundane as well as the spiritual. When we feel confident and strong in our energy and impact (Leo) we go on to display these same qualities to all we meet, shining brightly and magnetically attracting more of the same (Solar). The potential for being the catalyst that stimulates change in others is high and with focused intent the success rate is assured.

The caution is one of fueling your light so abundantly with grandiose claims and boasts that ego steps in and the natural born leader becomes the tyrannical ruler who sees nothing but his/her own reflection in the glowing orb of the Sun. The Sun has its strength in a refined and intention filled will. Leo bodes well with a Will that has been cultivated to see from a central position that also takes into consideration what lay at the outskirts of that circle that is holding the space of central hub.

All of the Fire signs fully embrace the space of action and claiming the gifts of that action. Leo not only embraces, but wants to announce and show the results of those successes. It is in this way that that Leo becomes self-aware. If this self- awareness is achieved through efforts that are pure of intent and positively focused, whatever fame or status that is achieved by the individual can then be used to make others aware of the greater needs of humanity. This quality is exemplified by those celebrities who use the attention and persuasiveness of their fame to bring attention to the atrocities and mistreatment of those who cannot fend for themselves or lack the means and education to rise above their negative conditions. In their most altruistic form of brilliance, these are those that create charitable foundations or make personal donations to those that champion the rights of others. This is the sacrificial nature of Leo’s energy and the maintaining of synthesis and balance in its universal outlook (more about this in Qabalah post).

The Element of Fire

The Fire signs are those of action, determination and catalytic energy. Their nature is that of inspiration and igniting any situation with enthusiasm and creative solution. The sun shines ever so brightly on all who come under the energy of the Fire signs and non-is more brilliantly lit than that of Leo, the Lion and heart of the Sun.

The Fire signs express themselves through active will and transformation. These are the signs that can most readily “burn themselves out” or those around them. Similar to physical fire, if that enthusiasm and drive is not carefully tended and guided it will destroy everything in its path in a non-productive volatile nature. Expressed through the sign of astrological Leo, Fire is most at home when turned towards public recognition and expression. Those born under the Sun sign of Leo are generally extroverted and like the attention received from others. This is not necessarily a negative attribute (as most tend to deem it), since we all crave to be recognized for our strengths; but for the Leo they feed and fuel themselves from the input. And, if well directed constructive criticism becomes the vehicle for great transformation and praise becomes the step-ladder towards achieving even greater accomplishments that benefit all who come under the warmth of their shining light.

A Fixed Modality

As we have seen, the energy of the Fixed signs is one of gathering magnetically, sorting through exciting and agitating, refining through synthesis and then disseminating the purified product of what has been taken in. The Fixed nature is one that becomes the container of both receipt and release and as mid-point between the catalytic flow of the Cardinal signs and expansive reach of the Mutable signs, it is the space of pause where positive and negative meet in neutrality.

Leo is the second of the Fixed signs, the first being Taurus. Appropriately the dynamics of the Fixed signs would begin with manifest form and earthly boundaries (Taurus) that may then serve as container for the Fires (Leo) that reshape those forms. Taurus gave form to that initial striking of the match (and beginning of the Zodiacal and Solar Year) that Cardinal Aries offered. Now, having arrived at the Fifth (the number five relates to change) astrological sign of Leo, creation can only occur by shining the spotlight intently upon what will feed and quicken it.

Read more about the Esoteric Meaning of the Numbers here:

Numerology: The Art and Science of Numbers

0-9: The Esoteric Meaning of Numbers

The Fixed energy expressed through a Fire sign initiates the will in a way that is similar to the pot coming to a boil. Its action is purposeful and as the heat increases the temperature reaches higher degrees. This fire is contained within the vessel that holds it and must adapt and conform to the constraints. Having this structure allows the distribution of the heat and the culmination of something with the ability to change (or cook) whatever is placed within it.

Hold steady
Stand strong
Be the container.

Hold fast the
Energy that pours
Forth relentlessly.

The Middle Way
Proves firm and true
What generates inside
Soars above and
Reaches deeply below.

Draw up its strength
Pull down its light
Draw in its anchor of center
And allow to pour forth that
Which will be renewed.

The Next Step

Maintaining the idea of the evolving dynamics of each of the Zodiacal signs as we move through the solar year, so too, the Triad of Modalities gains more momentum, maturity and focus of application as we move through each of these rounds. If we look at the dynamics of energy thus far, beginning with the Cardinal sign of Aries, we could think of the three signs that begin the astrological wheel as the quickening fires (Aries- Fire) within the body of manifestation (Taurus- Earth) that gives rise to aspiring towards the heavens (Gemini- Air). Beginning the next iteration of a new cycle of the Triad of Modalities in the sign of Cancer aligns the mind of Gemini with the heart of Cancer. And, emerging from these healing and Divinely informed waters rises the blaze of light that heralds the realization of the Divine Light of Self.

Leo as the second round of the Fixed signs provides the fuel that is concentrated energy that has received the benefits of what has preceded. This is the Fire that is magnetic and whose current is strong and direct in its ability to energize. These are the first stirrings of passionate and lustful desire. This is the Fire that prods you toward a goal that has completely and utterly claimed you as its own. This is the energy that keeps you moving when there is nothing left of your energetic reserves. And, this is the Fire that burns away all doubt leaving you raw from its heat but nearer to newly transformed and vibrant confidence.

The Sun is the Ruling Planet of Leo and center of our Heliocentric world. Power, light, heat and sustaining of life are all held within the energy of the Sun. Just, as the Sun is the center of our Universe, the energy of Leo is one that enjoys being the center of all activities. The Sun is electromagnetic in its form and once in its field draws everything into its fiery center. This is Leonine energy that is potent and strong as it too has an innate quality that attracts attention whether it is driven by curiosity or fueled by notoriety.

Re- Read what has been posted thus far about the energy of the
Solar Year and the Sun in His many faces.

Preparing the Way

At this time of the year in the Northern hemisphere, we are preparing for the First Harvest of Lammas. This is the space of the year where we plan those last summer vacations before the business of school and dedicated work time replaces summer’s freedom. We settled into the interaction with friends and family last month and now the last dog days of Summer can be filled with the focus on what we hope to extend of this connection before Fall’s waning light takes hold. The vibrancy of the Sun and the supportive energy of Leo bolster this last hurrah with the promise that Father Sun’s heat may still maintain its potency as August sets in.

In the Southern Hemisphere the emphasis is on the increasing light of the Waxing year and the promise of balmy summer days just ahead. As the Solar Year transits into the boldness of Leo what was soothed from Winter’s chill last Solar month in the sanctuary of home and family is now ready to come out and play in the fullness of Father Sun’s light. Imbolc is close at hand and the light warms and offers strengthening as the world awakens from its slumber and new life is birthed.

Both are states of awakening and quickening. Just as the energy of Mother Moon and her sign of Cancer offered the cycle of ebb and flow within the birthing waters, now this cycle is energized and replicated by Father Sun in his daily offering of light, warmth and the promise of rest at the end of the day.

The lessons of relationship gained by igniting those flames of Creative Fire as we prepare to reap the harvest of what we have grown (Lammas) or the turning of our Light towards the growth and healing of the world surrounding (Imbolc) are designed to transform and change everything we imagined to be true. Hope has now become reality. The goal is one of transformation as we prepare for the Mutable (expansive) energy of Virgo and the reassessment and analysis of the work we brought into the light.

Read more about Lammas and Imbolc and their dynamics of Light:

WitchVox: Sabbat Articles and Poems

Fiery Waters

Uranus Retrograde in the astrological FIRE sign of Aries
Neptune Retrograde in the astrological WATER sign of Pisces
Pluto Retrograde in the astrological EARTH sign of Capricorn

As we transit into the Solar month of Cancer, the planets Neptune and Pluto remain retrograde with yesterday’s addition of electrical Uranus.

The emphasis this Solar month is on the Uranus Retrograde and its fiery connection to Leo. Leo is the second of the Fire signs and in thinking chronologically, the enthusiastic and contagious energy of action and first experiences that played out in Cardinal Aries has now matured into the full burning passion of youth. We now have the potential for a steady stream of application of transformative energy that will carve out its own inroads as it moves of its own accord and creates his/her own life experiences.

Neptune is the ruler of the third of the Watery astrological signs, Pisces. Pisces is the elder, who has memories of lovers and loves past, knows the expanse of their emotions and freely gives those healing waters to all in need. It is the guide that if sought out will help you realize the distinction between giving selflessly and flooding all that would be viable. Neptune provides the direction for that flow and anchors deeply in the current of experience that will ultimately act as the filter of refining how far and how wide that expanse of change will be.

And, Pluto in the astrological sign of Capricorn provides the boundary of container that builds in its strength and detachment a strong, yet flexible shoreline to contain this fiery path. Pluto as the furthest planet in distance from the Sun provides the subjective coolness that comes with the cumulative memory of past experiences with one foot at the threshold of future potentials. These are the Triad of growth and change. The Fire of Will flowing through the Waters of Emotion held within the manifest (and physical) form of Earth that re-members.

Read more about the Neptune and Uranus Retrogrades:

Lifting the Veil- Neptune Retrograde
Deflecting Light- Uranus Retrograde

Hear Me Roar:

This solar month is one of putting yourself out there and seeing what and who you attract in support of who you will become.

In the chronology of the Zodiac, this is the space of time to explore who we are, what motivates and impassions our physical and spiritual nature. This is also the time to willingly surrender yourself to the burning away of what is false pride and success that was achieved at the expense of another. This is the changeable energy of the young adult who postures, struts and commands attention. This is the space of making bold declaration of your opinion, wants and needs, although not yet tempered by the balance of mature experience. This is the time of the proverbial “blazing new trails” and life is waiting with bated breath for You to “arrive” and make the grand entrance that signals authority over all they command. This is the space of enthusiasm that has matured to become passion and from this passion the lessons are learned of both the positive and negative attributes of one who claims his/her mantle of Kingship.

And, so in the spirit of Leo’s bold intent and style we call forth the energy of the Sun as it continues its zodiacal cycle and once again we repeat the invocation that opened the Gate to this Temple. As you read through it allow the natural resonance of these words of invocation that are twice blessed in this Solar month to fill you with the ecstatic fires of the Sun’s Light and gifts. Think back to the glory of your youth and the young adult who feels invincible. Think back to the fires of sex as they rose in hunger and desire for your lover, at times insatiable in their intensity and fierce in their orgasmic release. Think back to your first act of creation in beginning your own life’s path, free of parents, restrictions and responsibilities other than to self. Think back to staying out all night and still having enough energy to get through the next day’s activities barely missing a beat in the hunt for the next conquest to feed your striving towards victory.

What keys to the greater knowledge of RA’s power of sustained light is hidden within the passions of action and will? This is the gift of finding yourself and having knowledge of what burns brightly at the very core of who you are. Treat this gift as the rarest of jewels as we invoke the Solar Month of Leo. This is the Solar Month that sings the praises of RA and all of the Solar Deities, so stand proudly as a child of the Sun and bellow out the roar of command that call’s the Solar Fires to awaken every cell of your being and fill it with eternal Light.

Hymn to RA

All Hail to Thee, Mighty RA
Blaze of noon day sun.
Your fiery orb high in the
Sky above as we kneel
Beneath the heat of
Your radiance.

All the Gods bow to your radiance
All the Goddesses sing hymns of praise
To Your glory and man
Lays prostrate in humility
And devotion at the altar of
Your making.

Sweet music of adoration and offerings
Brought forth from the Black Land
Rise up in praise and thanks for
Your Sustaining Light.

All darkness flees at the touch of Your hand
All ceases its movement as Your expansive
Rays stretch across the morning sky.

The lotus opens to receive Your Touch
And the sands glisten as rare jewels
As You gaze upon each grain washed
Clean in the boundless ocean that
Reflects the brilliance of your face.

All Hail to Thee
Amun-RA
All Hail to Thee
Who sits high
Above the world.

Khepra in the East
Atum in the West
Whose eye holds the
Point of Life and the
Trifold Arc of Power.

Your eyes see all and
You are the place of return
Within the glowing blackness
Of the Midnight Sun.

All Hail to Thee
All Hail to Thee
Amun, Amun, Amen!

Next Posting: Saturday, July 26th.
Standing in the Spotlight – New Moon in Leo

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting Light

Posted in Auspicious Days, Retrogrades, Uranus with tags cardinal, celestial, esoteric writings, fire, Leo, Retrograde, Uranus on July 21, 2014 by themagickalpen

10:53 p.m.
Stations Direct: December 21.2014*

By definition deflection is… the act of changing or causing something to change direction (Merriam Webster Dictionary). I’ve chosen this analogy for the Uranus Retrograde as a way of defining the potential held in being able to actually feel the impact of an energy that normally moves rapidly and transparently through our being. We flip the light switch in our home and the room is illuminated. We don’t think about the process that has gone into the efficiency of that action and at times we even perform that action as transparent habit. But, everything that goes into the speed of connect between transformer, wiring, switch and hand transforms the space we are in and thus our perception and abilities to perform optimally in that space. This is the energy of Uranus.

Uranus Stations Retrograde in the astrological Fire sign of Aries of the Cardinal modality at 10:53 pm (EDT) tonight. Being expressed through the energy of an astrological Fire sign adds to the intensity of this planet’s energy and the pulsing of electrical current that runs much like high amp voltage throughout. Uranus is the planet of upheaval largely because the energy and inspiration from it comes quickly and seemingly unexpectedly. The key word here is “seemingly” because in reality the groundwork has been laid, although often in a transparent way, and once the path is open for use energy pours through effectively and efficiently. The rebellious attribution associated with Uranus refers more to the natural byproduct of disruption that will occur pushing us out of our comfort zone and/or apathetic state and less to it being the youthful upstart that simply wants to reek havoc because he/she can. There is purposeful action in Uranus’ breaking through and the end goal is one of making sure that all lines of communication are open, ready to receive and disburse and respond quickly when needed.

Uranus is the great electrifying current that rebelliously stirs up whatever its force is put upon. This planet is considered the higher octave of the planet Mercury, the great communicator. The communication set into motion with Uranian energy is that of blazing its way through the circuit boards and enlivening and quickening instantaneously. During this retrograde everything will feel slightly off-course, primarily because of the build-up of energy that has now slowed its speed and exerts pressure wherever an obstruction is found. If it can’t get through, it will most definitely go around, which will feel like additional pressure in areas that may have ordinarily been the outliers. If the electricity can’t go through the wire directly it will back up and short-circuit or disperse fiery charges all along the path.

Additionally, Uranus acting as a motherboard of communication moves at the speed of light, which means this energy quickens and transforms by agitation and exciting the “cells” of whatever it is placed upon. Physiologically, this out pictures as an over stimulation of neurological function. No doubt you may have felt particularly “ansy” for no reason. Because Uranus will for the next several months be hovering in its focused intent it will have the feeling similar to that of pent-up energy that is held in a container that must remain still. Think back to how you felt as a child wanting to ask a question of a parent who was busy at the moment, and you were told to sit quietly and wait until Mom or Dad were off the phone!

Saturn stationed Direct yesterday, July 20th so the rigid container and need for ultimate structure that Saturn has imposed begins its process of loosening as it returns to its forward movement. That doesn’t mean that there still won’t be the tug of war between organized Saturn and scattered Uranus, but the responsibility will now lie within the prevue of Uranus to hold firmly on to what it ignites and allow focused will to form the suitable container for it to be released in time.

Neptune in astrological Pisces and Pluto in astrological Capricorn still remain in their retrograde pattern so we can, if desired, apply the Uranian charge to the deep waters of Neptune as use them to cauterize and heal wherever e feel an overload of electrical discharge. Additionally, Pluto in earthy Capricorn can bolster those over heated wires with re-calling into our physical mundane activities the memories of strategies and coping skills that kept us moving with confidence and assuredness even when we were the most energetically challenged.

Bottom line is that there is lots of shuffling and shifting of emphasis as the planetary energies move into their next dance of interaction. Where you choose you focus these energies depends greatly on what you are hoping to gain by way of change. If you wish to clearing those blockages (of mind or will) that keep you from feeling the energy and pulse of quickened life use the cobalt blue streams Uranian electrical fires. If you want to focus on stirring up what fuels your compassionate and healing nature work with the intention of green flow of Neptune (stations Direct in November).

And, if you wish to manifest the forgotten pieces of your existence move through the yellow stream of Pluto’s(stations Direct in September) synthesis of form. And, the life’s blood that carries the DNA and collective memory of you as a being of Light flows through the red stream. These are the multiple streams of light that are refracted through the prism of your energetic and physical fields. How that light is deflected into the singular beam of pure brilliant Light depends on how we choose to use these retrogrades of transformation. Be kind and gentle with yourself during these next few months, offering the least resistance so that the opening to a new way of shining that inner light can take hold.

Tomorrow the Sun enters the Fixed Fire sign of Leo and things
are going to heat up even more during this Solar Month.

* Triple Header: Uranian energy begins to awaken from its pause of intensity on the date of:

The Winter Solstice

This will be the longest night of the year as we stand ready and waiting the glimmer of dawn’s Light and the beginning of the waxing of the Sun. This is the point where we are able to gather to ourselves what we wish to bring forward from the dark landscape within for closer scrutiny and what we choose to remain behind. This would include those catalytic impulses that have been building up steam and readying to be propelled forward in typical Uranian style.

New Moon in Capricorn and Sun Transits into Earthy Capricorn

Bear in mind that Capricorn is an Earth sign of the cardinal Modality. Its prime directive is that of manifesting in the earthly realms. This is a sign of physical and very concrete realities, so with the boost of New Moon (beginnings) energy and a Cardinal (catalytic components for beginnings) Earth (physical) astrological sign of Capricorn holding the space for Uranus’ energy to push through any blockages we have created for ourselves using whatever we have energized during the retrograde to be brought into our physical and manifest existence.

Take Me Home- The Sun in Cancer

Posted in Auspicious Days, Retrogrades, The Temple of the Sun with tags astrology, cancer, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Neptune Retrograde, Retrograde, Temple of the Moon, Temple of the Sun on June 21, 2014 by themagickalpen

Sun in Cancer

6.21/2014
6:51 am (EDT)

Planetary Ruler: Moon

Summer Solstice

Mysterious Course

Follow the stream
As it weaves on its own
Mysterious course.

Moon rises and waters
Of life ebb and flow back
To the shore of foundation.

Emotion wells up and
Spills out strongly changing
Everything in its path.

Relax into the current
And trust in the
Depth of its reach
The waters will heal
If you sink into their
Loving embrace.

The Sun transits into the astrological sign of Cancer, early this morning. The world will be awakening from the dreamscape and early morning rituals of preparing for work, breakfast, getting children off for activities and everything that speaks of home life and family is just beginning the day. This is appropriate timing for the Sun’s transit into the astrological sign that is the quintessential symbol of hearth and home.

The astrological sign of Cancer is one of the element of Water and the Cardinal Modality. Its planetary ruler is the Moon, whose qualities of emotion, intuition and healing nurtured by the Great Mother are overt in our mundane and spiritual efforts. The natural energy of Father Sun, that of shedding great light on whatever is in its spectrum is now cooled and comforted by the soothing waters of Mother Cancer’s natural gifts.

This solar month offers an opportunity to settle back into the arms of what nurtures you. There is maximum potential for the healing of old wounds, crafting new and deeply fulfilling relationships and feeling the warmth of Summer’s Sun enveloping you in the same warmth of a loving embrace. The astrological sign of Cancer brings this energy to the place of new beginnings and fresh starts as we explore what motivates us at an emotional level and who and what we consider home.

Additionally, this Solar month is an opportunity for alignment of the polarities of Sun and Moon (ruling sign of Cancer). This alignment occurs at the level of the mundane as well as the spiritual. When we feel safe, secure and nurtured (Moon/Cancer) we go on to display these same qualities to all we meet, shining brightly and magnetically attracting more of the same (Solar).

The caution is one of overindulging the emotional aspects to the point of overflow and over sensitivity. Feelings can quickly overtake us when it comes to family (and friends) and what was meant to keep connection flowing can quickly turn to smothering and stagnant waters. Digging deeply into our emotional reserves brings much satisfaction in the long run, but diving head first into waters that have not been tested for appropriate depth can produce a broken spirit that requires long and masterful healing.

All of the Water signs fully embrace the ebb and flow of the emotional tides. Cancer not only embraces, but to a large degree embodies water at its most human and vulnerable level of expression. We all wish for a loving home life and fulfilling relationships. This is not the selflessness of Pisces (also Water) that prefers to provide that home or the expectation of Scorpio (also Water) that believes it to be their right. In the case of Cancer this is the seeking of affirmation that they are indeed lovable unconditionally. If this awareness is achieved by loving oneself in this way and is tended well and nurtured this is the greatest gift that astrological Cancer can bestow.

The Element of Water

The Water signs express themselves through the filter and guidance of emotions. These are the most intuitive of the signs and can also be the most emotionally overwrought if care is not taken to set boundaries in place. In the sign of astrological Cancer, water is most at home moving with the ebb and flow of the moon’s pace. Those born under the sign of Cancer are generally homebodies and loyal to a fault that seek connection at the deepest of the emotional levels. These are the outpourings from the womb of creation.

A Cardinal Modality

As we have seen the energy of the Cardinal signs is one of catalyzing and initiating new beginnings. The first Cardinal sign we encountered was appropriately one of Fire and served to begin the cycle of the Zodiacal wheel and Solar Year. The initiating quality of this sign was one similar to that of striking a match, setting fire to the will to create and providing the fuel to carry that intent forward.

The Cardinal energy expressed through a Water sign initiates the emotions in a way of pushing the boundaries of these waters out beyond what would hold them hidden in the subconscious. This is the catalyzing of longing and yearning which ultimately will produce the vessel of receipt that brings to term the desired goal.

Be gentle as you rush out
Spilling greedily from
What has been opened.

My heart reaches out fervently
Seeking the embrace of home.

Oceans fill my cup of
Yearning to know the
First stirrings of love.

I am cast about on
Waters that bubble up
Tumultuous at times
Hungering for a companion.

Let these waters of need
Erode away the shores of
What holds me back from
Reaching those I hold dear.

Let the waters flow
Fully and deeply that
Carry me home to you.

The Next Step

Knowing how each sign moves to the next and the interaction between each as they evolve towards completion (and threshold of renewal) of the wheel in the astrological sign of Pisces tells its own unique story of the Wheel of Time. When we reach the last sign of the zodiacal wheel, Pisces, we will have experienced four (4) rounds of the three forms of energy expressed as the modalities (Cardinal-Fixed-Mutable). Maintaining the idea of the evolving dynamics of each of the Zodiacal signs as we move through the solar year, so too, the Triad of Modalities gains a more momentum, maturity and focus of application as we move through each of these rounds.

Cancer is the fourth* sign of the Zodiac, and begins a new Triad of the Modalities Cardinal to Fixed to Mutable, each flowing into the other. Being of the Cardinal Modality, the quality of Cancer is that of beginnings and catalytic flow. These are the first bubblings up of what will become a life giving stream of water. These are the first and tentatively offered words of love offered to one you hope will become a lover. This energy is the first bond made between mother and new baby as precious mouth cries out for the nourishing flow of Mother’s milk and comforting breast.

If we look at the dynamics of energy thus far, beginning with the Cardinal sign of Aries, we could think of the three signs that begin the astrological wheel as the quickening fires (Aries- Fire) within the body of manifestation (Taurus- Earth) that gives rise to aspiring towards the heavens (Gemini- Air). Arrival at the next iteration of a new cycle of the Triad of Modalities and beginning this new flow in the sign of Cancer aligns mind with heart and the ultimate catalyzing of what stands fully in the Light of day.

* The number 4 represents stability and foundation. This is the geometric shape of the square; equilateral sides that support and provide a stable base to expand in any direction. This is the quality of Cancer. The love we know (or lack of) plays a great role in how stable and anchored we feel in all of our subsequent relationships. The work of Cancer is restructuring and shoring up our emotional foundations so that we thrive and are able to love and be loved.

The Moon is the Ruling Planet of Cancer. Just as the tides move in a pattern of ebb and flow, so too does the energy of Cancer in affecting the mood and emotional tone of any situation. The natural tendency of Cancerian energy is that of creating foundations that flow and move in accord with what is felt. Safety and security, particularly at an emotional level are a requirement for movement out of that comfort zone to occur. The ease with which this occurs is based in what is considered home with those thought of as family being high on the list of priorities in any consideration. Trust and feeling comfortable in any situation are also attributes that require cultivation when Cancer is in full force. This is prime energy for cultivating deep and lasting connections to what you truly love and feeling secure enough in that love that you are willing to put yourself (emotionally) out there.

Read more about the dynamics of the Moon and Her changeable face in:

The Temple of the Moon

Preparing the Way

At this time of the year in the Northern hemisphere, we celebrate the Summer Solstice and the vibrancy of life and all that has come to fruition. This is the space of the year where we gather to celebrate educational achievements, weddings, vacations and any special occasions that offer us opportunity to be with those we cherish. We geared up for this outreach in the previous month of Gemini as we moved outdoors and became more expressive in the ways we connected and communicated. Now we link the heart of follow through in the plans and promises we made and the ways we have chosen to express our appreciation and pride in those near and dear. The vibrancy of the Sun and the heart focused energy of Cancer lights the way to safe harbor. Home becomes the place of picnics and barbecues and we gather our stores of all the sunshine and moments of interaction; knowing that the Light is waning and the home and emotional ease we have created will be our sanctuary in the winter storms ahead.

In the Southern Hemisphere the emphasis is on the beginning of the Waxing year and the return of increasingly longer sunlit and warmer days. The generating of ideas and the flow of communication expressed in the previous month was one of introspection sheltered from the cold as the armchair inventor and awaiting the burgeoning light of the upcoming Solstice. Now, as the Solar Year transits into the comfort of Cancer, what has offered the comfort of home and family is ready to be infused us as we enter a state of enlivened and newly birthed light within. These foundations of emotional stability and resource will serve well as we venture outdoors with the coming of Imbolc and Spring.

Both are states of movement and require the flexibility of expansion and contraction. This is the ebb and flow of Mother Moon and the opening to her gifts of healing and emotional attachment. The lessons of relationship gained by lighting up those emotional bonds with the outer world (Summer Solstice) or of the inner self (Winter Solstice) have opportunity to reach deeply into the core of who we are as we heal and transform how we “feel” our way through our lives. The goal is one of stimulating the flow of these precious waters to soothe and heal what will receive the full expression of strengthening and Light in the months ahead. This state paves the way for the next phase of growth and expansion when the Sun transits next into the Fixed sign of Leo (whose ruling planet is the Sun! We’re Going to Heat it Up!).

Read more about the Solstices their dynamics of Light:
WitchVox: Sabbat Articles and Poems

It’s All About the Feeling

As we transit into the Solar month of Cancer, the planets – Mercury, Saturn, Pluto and Neptune remain retrograde. The emphasis here is on the Neptune Retrograde and its watery connection to Cancer. Neptune is the ruler of the third of the Watery astrological signs, Pisces. If we wish to think chronologically, Cancer is the child who seeks the approval of family and thrives in a home that is loving, supportive and caring. Scorpio (the second water sign) is the young adult who seeks attachment in a more mature and often sexual way; seeking those partnerships that may evolve into the creation of what they desire their familial and home life to be. Pisces (the third water sign and last of the Zodiacal wheel) is the elder, who has memories of lovers and loves past, knows the expanse of their emotions and freely gives those healing waters to all in need.

This added emphasis raises the waters of our intuitive and feeling nature as we move through the Solar Month. These are the waters that allow all that you wish and hope for to be energized and supported by what you have learned about yourself through past experience and relationship. These are the waters that allow you to be fully present as you create your own space of nurturing. These are the waters that run strong and free carrying you to parts of yourself, yet unknown.

Read more about Neptune’s Retrograde:
Lifting the Veil- Neptune Retrograde

Take Me Home:

This solar month is one of connecting more deeply to family, friends and home as you relax into the healing waters that nurture and sustain you. In the chronology of the Zodiac, this is the space of time to reassess, strengthen and re-forge the bonds to those we offer our devotion and loyalty to, both mundanely and spiritually. This is also the time to allow the drifting away from you that which keeps you submerged and anchored in a way that is not productive. This is the emotional phase of the teenager who sees the world through eyes that are still trusting and at times leave them open to heartache and hurt. This is the space of first loves and having the security of family which allows you to stray a little further away from that base as you explore the world around you. Instinct and intuition are just beginning to mature and hormones flood bodies that live in a world of emotional drama and angst as they seek to define who they are.

And, so in the spirit of Cancer’s intuitive and unpredictable waters and we call forth the energy of the Sun as it continues its zodiacal cycle, once again we repeat the invocation that opened the Gate to this Temple. As you read through it think back to passions and dreams of your teen years. Think back to the perception you had of everything flowing easily through your grasp as these running waters soothed emotions that were heated and unpredictable. Think back to the joys and sorrows and the reliable and comforting support of those you considered family. Think back to what you called home; it may have been your best friend’s house, a favorite hang-out, or the venue of an after school activity (for me it was the theater and ballet studio).

What keys to the greater knowledge of RA’s power of sustained light is hidden within the heart that has felt the gift of family? This is the gift of finding your place in the world and the power of sharing this gift with others as you walk this journey of life. Use this gift wisely this month as we invoke the Solar month in Cancer and allow those fires of RA to move through you as the healing waters of enlivened energy that calls you home.