Fed up with the beauty industry’s impossible standards, Giselle La Pompe-Moore set out to heal her relationship with her skin at soul level. She explains why skincare is a spiritual practice …
Giselle La Pompe-Moore
Have you ever thought about your skin beyond aesthetics?
We can spend hours in front of the mirror analyzing every pore and perceived flaw, but we rarely see beyond this. But on a deeper level, our skin is a barrier between our internal and external worlds. Something both public and deeply personal at once.
This skin allows us to experience the universe around us, to touch and be touched in return. This is why skincare is a spiritual practice.
The color of my skin was different from most of the people I grew up with, and from the women I saw in the media. I loved my skin, but as a black woman I always felt like an “other.” Was always comparing my skin to that of somebody else. The black women I DID see on TV and in magazines seemed hyper-real, with flawless, perfect skin. In an attempt to replicate this for myself, I pursued a career as a beauty editor, drowning myself in products.
Over the years, I began to notice that while creams and treatments can heal the skin externally, they do nothing to address feelings of not being good enough, of shame, and of endless comparison.
And so I took a step back to shift my focus from how skin looks on the outside to what it reflects about our inner life. To investigate the impact of spiritual tools, such as reiki, meditation and tarot, on our relationships with the skin we are in.
Now working as a healer specializing in skincare, I’ve seen how acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema have impacted the way my clients move through the world. I’ve listened to stories about what they’ll do once their skin is “healed, better, or different,” while denying themselves of the life they could be living right now. I’ve also learned that our skin is the physical embodiment of our innate self-worth.
Whether you’re working through a skin condition, are struggling to accept your physical appearance, or want to add some spirit to your skincare, here are the tools that I’ve used on myself and my clients to help shift our skincare mindset …
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1// Give yourself a crystal facial massage Crystals can work wonders helping to set intentions around your skin—and one way is with a crystal facial massage. Here’s how to do it:
Choose a crystal that symbolizes your skin intention. Pink Transparent Calcite (for non-judgment and comparison), Apatite (willpower for shifting your skin mindset) and Malachite (forgiveness, committing to this journey) are some of the crystals I’ve prescribed to clients.
Get comfortable, cleanse your space, and connect to the crystal. Hold it in your hand and feel its energy. As you hold it, visualize your intention. If it’s to help you to forgive yourself for the unkind words you’ve said about your skin in the past, imagine this forgiving energy passing through your body. Then ask the crystal to offer you support and guidance in achieving this.
With the crystal in front of you, start to massage all around your face in upward and outward strokes using a face oil. With each movement, feel your intention sinking into your skin at the same time.
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2// Journal to go beneath the surface A lot of our limiting beliefs about our appearance reside deep below the surface. Use journaling to investigate your relationship with your skin and unearth subconscious beliefs.
Here are a few questions to start with:
-How would you describe your skin? Think about the language you use, is it positive or negative? -What does the word ‘comparison’ bring up for you, in relation to your skin? -What memories do you have where someone made a comment about your skin or appearance and how has this had an impact on you? -What has your inner critic said to you today? Do you believe what it told you? How do you usually talk to yourself when you’re in front of the mirror?
Through journaling, I realized that I used only negative words to describe my skin and would skip past the features I liked. So I decided to start accentuating the parts of my face that I did love, like my lips. See what comes up for you and what tools you can use to release and heal these limiting beliefs. I’ve used tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique), binaural beats and visualization in response to what I uncovered in my journal, and written letters to my skin.
Giselle guides a client
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3// Synch your skincare with the Moon The phases of the Moon phases can provide a mirror to examine our self-image triggers, and a framework for charting our inner work and emotional landscape over a period of time. Here’s how to incorporate each phase into your skincare routine …
New Moon. Use this time of new beginnings to set an intention for your skin. It could be to reconnect with your skin. Start with self-massage, simply feeling the skin beneath your fingertips. This is also the time to add any new products in to your beauty routine.
Waxing Moon. Check in with the intentions you set at the New Moon, examining how you’re feeling about your appearance now, and thinking about how you can move closer to growing your intentions and reconnecting with your skin. Your skin is also the most absorbent and receptive to nutrients now, so add in a serum with hydrating properties or a nourishing face mask.
Full Moon. Take a moment to celebrate yourself, thanking yourself for all of the work you’ve been doing to shift your skin mindset. There can be heightened emotions and energy at this time, so make sure you’re filling your cup back up with restorative baths or an Ayurvedic abhyanga massage.
Waning Moon. Use this phase for journaling and exploring the limiting beliefs that might have come up for you over this cycle, reflecting on what you need to release in order to grow. To support this internal cleansing and shedding, use an exfoliating body scrub, try body brushing, or add in a detoxifying charcoal soap to draw out impurities and toxins.
Dark Moon. Give yourself a break! It’s easy to end up with spiritual overload, I’ve been there many times – digging into shadow work, past life astrology, and the deepest crevices of my psyche all before lunch ain’t easy! Allow yourself this time to restore, heal, imagine, and to press pause.
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4// Use the tarot to talk to your skin The tarot is a powerful tool for working on your mindset and self-worth, and I use it daily for both myself and in my rediscovery: skin sessions. You can start with a single card pull, asking the deck to show you how you can work on your self-image. Use the cards to start a conversation with your skin and listen to what it needs.
Example: In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the Two of Swords depicts a blindfolded woman with two swords crossed over her. The moon is above her and a body of water lies behind her. This card is all about taking the time and space to be still and look inwards. To embody this card, think about how you can create a boundary that allows you to dive into your own self-care. Allow this stillness to offer you intuitive guidance as to where you’re in need of healing and any areas of low self-worth. Use this as an invitation to see through your third eye rather than your physical eyes.
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5// Meditate for both mind and skin Meditation is a powerful tool for shifting our skin mindset, and for relieving the stress that can trigger or aggravate neuro-inflammatory conditions such as acne.
In sessions, I guide my clients through a skin-focused meditation, which fosters gratitude, forgiveness, acceptance, and kindness, and includes a simultaneous facial self-message that creates physical connection with the skin.
*You can download a version of this meditation HERE. You’ll need cleansed skin, a comfortable space, and a facial oil in easy reach, then plug in and tune out.
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Giselle La Pompe-Moore offers one-to-one rediscovery: skin sessions that guide you to shift your skin mindset to a path of acceptance and gratitude. Her rediscovery: soul sessions incorporate reiki, tarot, and meditation. Both are held either virtually or in-person in London. She also hosts monthly Mirrorscope skin healing circles.
Get this week’s astro symbol for your sign with Sandy Sitron’s Numinous Weekly Horoscopes …
Photo: Niklas Wersinger
Aquarius // Aquarius Rising Pushing a wheel up a mountain. Maybe there is extra effort. You might be feeling the burn of climbing uphill. But this is not Sisyphus’ boulder. This is a wheel. Your inventiveness and strategy will pay off. You are working hard and eventually you’ll get to the top. Then you’ll be able to feel the momentum as you coast downhill. Accept where you are and give it your all. It’s fun to put in effort!
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Pisces // Pisces Rising Big stretch. In this symbol, you’re slowly waking yourself up after a nice nap. Stretch and savor a moment of rest. You don’t have to hurry to the next phase yet, but soon you’ll be busy with more activity. Are there any dreamy ideas that have been forming in the background over the last few weeks? Give these a little more thought. They might be important soon.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Aries // Aries Rising Carving your name in a tree. Leave a message for the future. Make your mark. When you put yourself out there it can be scary at first, but in the end there is a meaningful new mental or social connection. Don’t be afraid to embrace the parts of you that are different. Don’t be afraid to share your uniqueness or even weirdness with the world. We need your leadership.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Taurus // Taurus Rising Examining butterfly wings. It’s time to collect your specimens. What will you learn when you look closer? You need to understand the data or the science when it comes to your work, career, or sacred vocation. It’s time to be objective and truly study your dreams and the actions that you’re taking to meet your goals. It will be easier to fly high when you understand the data.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Gemini // Gemini Rising Embroidery. Stitch by stitch. Your design is developing. Your philosophies are expanding. The picture of your life is becoming more clear as you refine and improve, one tiny movement at a time. Step back and get a good look at what you are creating. Then take action and express yourself. This moment is about defining your clear design, then creating it stitch by stitch.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Cancer // Cancer Rising Putting dinner in the oven. You’ve done the mental preparation. Now it’s time to put your creation in the oven and let it do its own thing. There are times when you can crunch and effort and work. And there are times when you just need to let it all play out. Surrender. Take a step back. If you feel the need to do something during this time, then make sure it’s very intentional.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Leo // Leo Rising Infinity mirror. The angles of the mirrors cause your reflection to repeat infinitely. You may not be seeing something accurately. Your mind is working overtime to put the image together in a way that makes more sense. Keep questioning your interpretations. This is a moment to gain new levels of clarity about how you’re showing up in the world and the agreements that you’re making.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Virgo // Virgo Rising Vegetable garden. A garden is wild and scientific at the same time. How can you be earthy, natural ,and wild, but also efficient? You need to feel deeply connected to Mother Earth. Focus on balancing your root chakra so that you feel secure, while also taking care to check the appropriate boxes and get things done. This is a busy time, perfect for refining your work flow. Embody practicality and wildness simultaneously.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Libra // Libra Rising Floating on a cloud. When you were a kid, did you ever imagine yourself floating on a cloud? What a brilliant dream it would be to sink into a soft fluffy cloud bed and gaze down at the beautiful landscape. It’s time to reconnect with your dreams and imagination. Reinvigorate yourself so that there is less mundane and more creative. Get your ego out of the way and play like an imaginative child.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Scorpio // Scorpio Rising A mouse hole. Everybody needs a cozy private space that is tucked away from the outside view. Tend to your inner world. Your relationship with yourself can blossom through journalling. Your home can be simplified and cleansed. Your mental space can be explored through meditation. These are just a few examples of how to go inward. Hold space for yourself.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Sagittarius // Sagittarius Rising Song birds. Our minds can be wild and filled with chatter. Thoughts flowing in every direction. Imagine a bird. Sometimes birdsong can sound disharmonious. Turn the dial in your mind so that your mental chatter turns into song. Pay attention to the words that you tell yourself. You can sing positive praises to yourself, as long as you’re remaining mindful.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Capricorn // Capricorn Rising Number sequence 123. Step by step. You must keep yourself moving along sequentially. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself. It’s not over until it’s over. Be careful not to lag behind. Organization will help. Find your rhythm and keep on moving. This is your chance to see what you can build. The more steady and systematic you are, the more you’ll trust the process.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
The 3 of Pentacles invites us to identify our soul’s area of expertise and collaborate to push our contribution forward, says Brandon Alter … Cast using the Prisma Visions Tarot
Seeking to reawaken her innate magic, Ani Ferlise enrolled in Priestess School. She shares how you can embody this ancient vocation …
Graell Corsini and The Goddess Temple of Ashland
Four years ago, I was feeling alone and unfulfilled. I was dissatisfied with the way I’d spent my college years, and I was frustrated with what was expected of me. And so, seeking more of the magic I had always felt in my heart, I left New York and moved to small, magical, Ashland, in Oregon—and it was here I first heard the word “Priestess.”
I had found my way to Graell Corsini, a loving, fiery, pixie Priestess, and founder of the Goddess Temple of Ashland. The Temple itself, a beautiful dome, is surrounded by gardens, flowing mineral springs, beehives, and tall oak trees. Inside, you are greeted by a wood stove and an altar, decked with Samhain decorations and offerings. Immediately on arriving here, I felt something nostalgic and familiar awaken inside of me.
I began my working for Graell at temple “melissae,” cleaning the temple, organizing, sprucing up the altars, and clearing the space. One year later, I asked Graell if she would be willing to do a one-on-one apprenticeship with me and teach me how to Priestess for myself. Over the course of a few short weeks, I immersed myself completely in this ancient vocation.
What I learned totally blew me open, while new insights continue to unfold every day. This is what I have learned so far about the Priestess way …
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A Priestess brings magic to the mundane Graell told me how part of her practice was to make places more beautiful than when she arrived. If she goes into a bathroom that’s dirty, she cleans it. Graell sees this act alone as a living prayer, bringing the sacred to something so everyday. That’s just one example. Taking a shower can become an energetic cleanse, with lavender or rosemary soap, as you visualize the heaviness of the day going down the drain. Cooking can become kitchen witchery when you say, “Thank you for nourishing me,” as you stir intention into your split pea soup with a wooden spoon. The way you Priestess will be as unique as your fingerprints.
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A Priestess honors the darkness along with the light Focusing only on the light is a major imbalance in the spiritual world—for we are made of love, light, AND a deep, deep darkness. We are all born from the darkness. The womb-space, the unknown, the place of rebirth. We confront our darkness every day, and to deny this is to deny yourself of your humanity. The deep, dark unknown must not only be looked at but loved. To honor the darkness, the unknown, the places that scare us in ourselves and in life, is sacred.
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A Priestess does not have to be perfect to be in service We are all capable of manipulation, of stretching the truth a little too much, of judgements, of ignorance, and more. We are always going to be exploring our motivations. Being of service doesn’t require ridding yourself of these human parts. The Priestess approach is to muster up your strength, vulnerability, and courage, and instead of trying to rid yourself of imperfections, to nourish and be gentle with yourself, so that you are overflowing with love. Everything that is not in alignment will then flow out of you naturally.
The Temple
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A Priestess creates sacred space Holding sacred space is a beautiful opportunity with a lot of responsibility. This space can be energetic or physical. You can push your cart into the cereal aisle at the supermarket while a toddler is throwing a tantrum, and you can ask the mother how she’s doing. Or you can be in ceremony, looking each person in the eye, letting them know that you hear them. You never know when the opportunity to hold space will show up!
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A Priestess nurtures self always Being a Priestess means creating a (literal) sacred space for you, too. This space is used to pray and to nurture yourself—a place, when something is too big for you, to give it over to the Higher. Natural disasters, terrorism, and societal injustice, are impossible to take on by yourself, nor are you supposed to. You are here to do your part, and whatever is beyond you needs to have a place to go. So create that space. Organize, clean, and beautify it, so you can show up AND feel held.
Whether it is a home altar, a spare room, dresser drawer, or even your car dashboard, use whatever is accessible. My altar has each of the elements represented, and I use the Wheel of the Year for my inspiration. I keep it beautiful and divinely scented with flowers and plants based on the season, with candles and oils to match, and with crystals and incense to set the tone.
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A Priestess celebrates life with ceremony Every life event can have a ceremony or ritual. Going through a breakup? Moving into a new home? Feeling grateful? Needing to cut ties from a person? Yearning to honor a loss? Ceremony is key to bringing the mythic to the seemingly mundane. Ritual is an invitation for the sacred to come in. While there’s nothing like having a trained guide for major life gateways, there are many opportunities to support yourself during times of transition. For example, if you just experienced a break up, take a cleansing bath with rose quartz, and drink a heart-opening and nourishing tea like Damiana.
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A Priestess is a part of nature When you begin to pay attention to the transitions of the seasons, the shifting of the Sun from sign to sign, and the phases of the Moon, it’s hard to understand how we are supposed to operate separately from nature. Like the Moon and the tides she turns, our lives ebb and flow. From socializing to solitude, from sadness to joy, from confusion to certainty, and from giving to receiving—a Priestess understands that we too are constantly cycling. Be gentle with your tides.
My life has changed significantly since becoming initiated as a Priestess. I came to Graell searching for meaning, and what she taught me is that we find this in making the world better than when we find it, in ways big and small.
Ani at Priestess School
Embracing the magic in the mundane lights a fire in my heart like nothing else has. Turn toward those who have walked this path before you, for more guidance on living a sacred life. If you have any questions, you can find me at kozmicryder.comor @kozmicryder on Instagram, and Graell Corsini at the Ashland Goddess Temple and at priestessgraell.com.
Get this week’s astro symbol for your sign with Sandy Sitron’s Numinous Weekly Horoscopes …
Photo: Dominik Scythe
Aquarius // Aquarius Rising Bubbles float in the sky. Reach for these delightful iridescent globes. They float and dance in the breeze. What idea or dream do you need to reach for, gently? Be playful. When we think about what we want, we sometimes get serious, because we remember that we don’t have it yet. Take a step back and just enjoy the process of watching your dreams float in front of you.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Pisces // Pisces Rising Red sunset. Let the day fall away. Prepare for rest. This is a week for quiet, inward reflection. Meet yourself. Remember yourself. It’s time to connect deeply with the truth of where you are and how you feel. Stepping back from your external world and connecting with your internal world can feel difficult to do, but will inevitably restore you.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Aries // Aries Rising A sword gleams. You are actually totally prepared. Wow. You’ve worked hard to get here. Now share some ideas. Do some teaching. Bring your message forward, somehow. This is no time to hold back. Put yourself out into the fray of conversation, people, and groups. You can even cut deftly through some debris and help create meaningful change. Remember that you have what you need.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Taurus // Taurus Rising Cozy blanket. A blanket helps lock in your own heat. Your 98.6 degree body is already warm. But to stay warm, you have to insulate. Right now you need to maximize on your own energy by delegating, systematizing, and automating. Find a metaphorical blanket that helps you augment what you are already doing in your career, so that you can expand your energy further.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Gemini // Gemini Rising Bouncing basketball. Take aim and shoot. There are certain times in life when you need to play the game. You need to be on the court, engaging, moving, passing, but most of all, going for the goal. This is a game, so have fun with it. Enjoy the competition. Remember to stand behind your choices, and stay in motion. Notice how you’re gaining confidence. Have fun earning points.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Cancer // Cancer Rising Candle flame. The idea here is that you need to keep a fire burning. That could mean tending to an important relationship. It could be focusing on building up your own confidence. Or remembering a promise you made to yourself. The world needs your commitment now. You need to know that you can keep showing up. Prove your steadiness, stay the course.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Leo // Leo Rising Paper airplanes. Fold an airplane shape and see how it travels. Now try another. This is about learning how to communicate. You get to experiment. Write down your message, fold it into a paper airplane and take aim. How can you refine the process of communication so that your true message gets through? How can you be more clear and deliberate in your communications?
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Virgo // Virgo Rising Starfish. A starfish has regenerative qualities. This is a moment for you to decide where you need to adapt. How can you regenerate a part of your life that isn’t working? How can you shift and adapt deliberately? It’s going to come down to determining what systems need refining and then making those improvements in a detailed way.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Libra // Libra Rising A wheel rolls downhill. This is a time to start before you’re ready. An object in motion stays in motion. Get yourself moving even if you’re not sure how or why or where the destination is. Turn every action you take into a fun game. Having fun is sometimes a choice. If you initiate now, your natural drive and enthusiasm will have some room to be expressed. Get yourself in the mood.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Scorpio // Scorpio Rising Engraving. It’s time to groove a new path. We all have routines that are grooved. Habits, preferences, or emotional reactions. This is a moment where you can engrave new patterns. Be very kind and gentle with yourself. You get to be where you are. You get to be you. Use an intention or affirmation that gives you a feeling of deep emotional support.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Sagittarius // Sagittarius Rising Flying squirrel. It’s time to take flight. Zip along without effort. Can you coast a little bit more? Take advantage of the energy that exists around you. This is a chance to connect with more people and come up with exciting new ideas. It should feel easy. So leap out of your comfort zone and coast, finding inspiration as you travel. There are new mental and social connections waiting for you.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Capricorn // Capricorn Rising Kettle bells. There is some effort to be made. But the work should feel productive, as if you’re building up your strength. You need to take slow, deliberate action. Don’t judge the outcome. Just keep training. Keep priming yourself for more challenging moves. Over time you will see the payoff of your hard work and effort. Right now it’s time to build.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
The 2019 Aquarius New Moon is a potent opportunity for fresh visions, transformational downloads, and radical release, says Sandy Sitron …
Photo: Alexandra Marcu
New Moon :: February 4th, 2019 :: 4:04 pm EST :: 15 degrees Aquarius
Hold the earpiece of an old fashioned telephone, and wait patiently. Practice listening. There’s a message coming down the line.
On February 4th we have a New Moon in visionary Aquarius. This moon has a lot to say. But the first thing it wants you to do is listen. Get silent and be present.
Wait for the message. Time condenses as you embody stillness and practice listening.
The message finally comes through. It’s juicy. This moon is wrapped in ideas and potential. It’s like a perfectly ripe pear. You can hold it in one hand, but when you bite into it the juice travels down your arm. A compact message, filled with information.
When you receive the message that this moon will deliver, it will be time to activate. You might slam down the telephone and spring to action. You might go running for a napkin to wipe up all the pear juice. Once it begins there will be no delay.
It is exciting. And transformational. A New Moon is a chance for a new beginning and this one in the sign of Aquarius is helping you bring your ideas and vision for the future to the world. This lunation is pumped up with energy. There’s action and release happening all at once. In the background beats the drum of expansion. Listen for it. Your big ideas are supported. Receive your message and run with it.
Aquarius is the sign of innovation, vision, and collaboration. This is not the time to hole up with Netflix and a cozy blanket. You need to be engaged, alert, and present so that you can incubate new ideas. Then you’ll be able to share these ideas with others and really take things to the next level.
Here are the steps for this New Moon and the days that follow …
Listen and wait for the message.
The message is coming and it’s going to be juicy.
When you get it, you need to spring into action.
Be willing to transform some things. To let go and be surprised.
Set the stage for an innovative new concept or a new mental framework to emerge within you. It’s time for fresh vision. You are ready for it.
Share your heart, your ideas and your vision for the future. You can make change happen. Or maybe you can discover that you are willing to change your mind.
Think about the greater community that surrounds you. How do you want to collaborate? What do you want to share?
The answer will become more clear over the coming weeks. For now, listen for silence on the other end of the telephone. Silence and stillness are your first steps. Silence is nowhere and everywhere. You can hear silence under and around other sounds. Silence has different textures and opacities.
Be very present while you wait. And before you know it, the message will have arrived.
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New Moon conjunct Mercury Fireflies. Tiny illuminations everywhere. Tiny new ideas floating through the air. Grab them quick. Write them down. Don’t get overwhelmed by all the mental activity. Ideas are beautiful. If they hold positive potential they are like gifts. Take any good ideas you are given and anchor them somewhere, in a journal, in your psyche, in a conversation. These ideas will light up your next phase with dazzling promises. So make sure you’re paying attention.
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New Moon sextile Jupiter An awards dinner. Go out in your finery. Eat well and unabashedly. Then stand up and take a bow. You’ve done it and you’ll do more. This aspect is encouraging you, telling you to dream bigger, use your talents, and enjoy the celebration.
Your public is appreciative. There is roaring applause for you at this awards dinner. Soak it all up. Appreciate yourself, too. Take a bow and then keep going. Make your vision better and bigger. Keep your vibration tuned to love. Don’t hold back from enjoying attention or celebration. Let it propel you forward.
The Knight of Cups Rx asks us to get curious about the roots of our triggers, and to let our feelings move through us without flying off the handle, says Brandon Alter … Cast using the Prisma Visions Tarot
After discovering that there was nothing “wrong” with her body except conventional health messaging, Jillian Murphy shares her manifesto for a more inclusive wellness industry …
Photo: Samantha Santy
I had put on 40lbs in my second pregnancy and they seemed to have nestled in for good. I was eating well and moving my body religiously but I just couldn’t lose the weight.
Every well-intentioned health care professional I worked and interacted with as a naturopath was happy to offer up advice about what must be wrong with my adrenals, thyroid, hormonal health, sleep patterns, food combining, mindfulness, sugar intake, etc. etc. etc. and I had worked on it ALL. But to no avail, and I was exhausted from the effort.
Frustrated, I hired a body image and emotional eating coach and, after explaining my long and convoluted health and weight story to this new mentor, she told me something I was wholly unprepared to hear:
“There is nothing wrong with you except for your belief that your body is wrong. You are exceptionally healthy: you don’t have a food problem and your body is exactly, happily, where it needs to be.”
It was one of the strangest, most revolutionary things I’d ever heard. It simultaneously crushed and liberated my soul. Crushed, because, OMG! All the lost time I’d spent trying to “fix” my body. Liberated, because I’d finally been given permission to shed the physical expectations of our culture and just live my life.
The mere suggestion that my body weight and shape may not dictate my health nearly blew up my brain. It set into motion a 7-year journey of critical thinking, self-discovery, and research that would ultimately serve to heal my relationship with food and my body and revolutionize my understanding of health.
What I realized was:
Conventional health messaging flattens beautiful, complex, and biodiverse individuals into 2D facsimiles. Squishes us into mathematical equations, diets, and wellness checklists that promise abundant health and complete control over our bodies.
This messaging makes us believe that if our bodies don’t fit, we are at fault – too lazy, not enough willpower, intelligence, or effort. And in our attempts to conform, we offer up our emotional and spiritual wellbeing, our peace of mind, and sometimes our sanity.
Now, we in the wellness industries are being called to dismantle and challenge outdated, oppressive, and limiting beliefs about food, movement, weight, and health. To present a model for inclusive wellness that is respectful of ALL bodies; critical of information that leaves us feeling confused and in lack; and that offers alternatives to restrictive and prescriptive health ideologies that ignore the lived experience and values of the individual.
This is my manifesto for a more inclusive wellness industry ….
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1// Pursue physical health without compromising your mental, emotional, and/or spiritual self.
When we exercise though our body is asking for rest; when we cut carbs or calories despite our body begging for sustenance; when we skip dinner out for fear of not having the “right” food options; when thinking about food and health consumes our every thought – we sacrifice our sense of peace, connection, and joy in the pursuit of physical “health.” The outcome is a feeling of depletion despite doing “everything right.”
The shift: Put physical health back in its place, as one piece of the health puzzle and not the whole picture.
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2// Respect and appreciate the diversity of human bodies.
All bodies deserve access to quality healthcare and health resources without judgment or shame. Current body type and weight ideals are problematic and unscientific (including the Body Mass Index or BMI). They negatively impact our relationship with food and movement, and encourage the stigmatization of all but a small percentage of bodies deemed “appropriate.” Those in bigger bodies are judged harshly and mistreated in every sphere of society, from the workplace to medicine.
The shift: We must shed the belief that losing weight is the #1 path to health and wellness and work instead to pursue behaviors that have been proven to have a positive impact on health – whether we lose weight or not – while developing a much broader and inclusive definition of bodies we deem healthy, attractive, and worthy.
Photo: Samantha Santy
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3// Define “health” and “wellness” for yourself.
These terms are social constructs that differ across communities and cultures. It’s also important to recognize that many people don’t have the privilege of prioritizing wellness, even if they want to. We can own our own investment and interest in health and wellness without projecting it onto others. Imagine how many hours a day/week could you free up if you let go of food, body control, and worry.
The shift: Consider what aspects of health and wellness actually light you up. Can you think of moments when you’ve judged the health and wellness choices of others? Begin to think about how our narrowly drawn ideas about these concepts impact the overall health of our society.
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4// Become the leading expert on YOU.
We have been taught that we must rely on externally devised, highly moralized food plans telling us how much to eat, what to eat, and when to eat. The Now Age way is to turn to models for nourishing ourselves that put us back in touch with our innate ability to regulate food variety and quantity. These models consider the needs of our physical bodies, while also taking the mental, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual aspects of food, movement, and health into account.
The shift: Promote eating based on our bodies’ internal cues instead of following fad diets or parroting somebody else’s food rules. (ED: read Jillian’s tips on using body positivity to unlock your intuition).
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5// Cultivate a sense of purpose and worth beyond your physical form.
The exhaustion, digestive issues, inflammatory processes, and body concerns I see in so many of my patients are one part physical, two parts spiritual/emotional. We feel disconnected and the stress of floating through the world unsure of where we belong, what makes us worthy, and what our purpose is shows up as dysfunction in our thought processes and bodies. We then cling to the rituals, routines, and ideologies of wellness and weight that serve as the ultimate distraction.
The shift: Replace diets and health “regimens” with rituals that connect you to the moon, meditation, talk therapy, dance parties, ditching toxic relationships, eating mindfully, speaking up, saying no, walking in nature, swimming in the ocean, lighting a candle, giving back. Anything that reminds us that our worth is inherent, we are more than our bodies, and we are connected to everyone and everything.
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6// Work to change the systems in place that deeply affect the health and wellness of our culture and community.
Socioeconomic status is the leading determinant of health. Accordingly, we must work to shift these issues on a systemic level if we truly care about our health and the health of those around us. There are systems in place that can’t be “love + light”ed away, and we all have a responsibility to pull apart our own oppressive beliefs and work toward amplifying the perspectives of those who experience this system differently.
The shift: Realize that representation matters – if we want to feel normal and acceptable in our various forms, we need to SEE those forms and diverse paths to health. Start with your social media feed by including a wide range of body shapes, sizes, races, abilities, and gender expressions, and enter into those spaces with the intention of listening. As you learn, commit to engaging those who share your social identity in conversations that question your current health and wellness beliefs. Be an active catalyst for change.
Dive into this month’s medicine for your sign with our Numinous Tarotscopes February 2019, cast by Melinda Lee Holm. Artwork: Prince Láuder
Art: Prince Láuder
AQUARIUS // AQUARIUS RISING The Lovers
Happy Solar return, Aquarius! Your birthday gift from the cards is a chance to cozy up to the concept of true partnership. While you are an exceptional friend, always ready, eager, and willing to help out, things can get a little sticky when it comes to the C word. The idea of commitment can sometimes get tarnished and dulled by conventional notions of settling down, falling into stale routines, and succumbing to boredom for the sake of stability. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can keep your beloved freedom and partner up – professionally or personally – benefitting from the support and talents of another, forming a whole stronger than the sum of its parts. The trick is in being very clear right up front about what you want and how you aim to get it.
As you begin another trip around the Sun, you’d be well-advised to test the waters of engagement early and often. Call up a friend to help you out on a project you’d normally forge ahead with alone. Finally say yes to that co-worker who’s always asking if you need any help. Go on a date. The magic of true, healthy partnership is that it allows both parties to thrive as individuals within and outside of the context of the relationship. While no relationship of any kind can exist without some sort of conflict, a great partner should keep you mostly feeling more powerful, productive, and inspired than you would be alone. Get out there and find out what it takes to have and to be the best partner you can!
Aquarius stone for February: Rhodonite opens and soothes the heart to allow a free outpouring of love and compassion. It promotes unconditional care for and appreciation of others.
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PISCES // PISCES RISING 10 of Wands
It’s the shortest month of the year Pisces, but it just might end up being one of your most productive. The great creative forces of Fire are waiting at the ready to burn through your to-do list in lightning speed and leave you time for more fun creative pursuits. Fire is the element of action, intuition, creativity and magic. The items on your list may or may not take place in the material world. Maybe you have a list of concepts you’ve been wanting to get around to mulling over, some ideas or political positions you’ve wanted to explore a bit more before forming an opinion. Now’s the time! Your processing speed is unrivaled throughout February, so focus in on what you want to accomplish and start checking those boxes.
The thing about the tens is that they anticipate a return to the Ace. You don’t usually build up from the ten, you circle around and begin again. So make sure that you’ve got your eye on the prize voted most likely to make you feel like a total champion once you wrap it up and tie it with a bow. This is a month for Big Chores. Passion projects are fueled by another beast, they are buoyed by emotion and existential need. Save them for a rainy day. This is your opportunity to tackle the things that you avoid eye contact with, the things you stay feeling guilty about because they seem too big to get into. Open your eyes and mind and step bravely into your new accomplished future.
Pisces stone for February: Gold Sheen Obsidian ignites the solar plexus, illuminating previously unrealized talents and the confidence to use them while clearing away any energetic blockages to success.
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ARIES // ARIES RISING 8 of Pentacles
You are getting down to the nitty gritty this month, Aries, digging around in the dirt to find exactly what sort of environment will suit you best in the long term. When I say environment, I mean it in the broadest possible sense. This being the suit of Pentacles, the most obvious interpretation is a physical environment, the material world that serves as your home. If this is where your mind instinctually focuses, go there. Rearrange your furniture, get into that tidying show everyone is freaking out about, throw some paint on the walls, whatever it takes to get your home environment to a place where it feels like it’s supporting you and not stressing you out. And if the place itself stresses you out and you have the means, get a new place.
However, there is more subtle interpretation of environment that also relates to the realm of Earth. The sort of color and buzz of the air around us, the charge of a space, the space in between that holds us all together. February is your time to make sure that THAT environment is set up in a way to support you long term as well. So if your apartment is editorial perfection, sit in it with your eyes closed and feel where it needs another kind of tune-up. Refresh your altar, ask your crystals whether they’d like a new view, experiment with a different cleansing modality than you usually use. The Pentacles don’t have to be all work, but they do have to work for you and this month you can make that happen.
Aries stone for February: Hematite grounds the energetic and physical bodies and brings focus to the mind, allowing a steady pace of productivity to unfold and progress.
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TAURUS // TAURUS RISING Wheel of Fortune
While the Wheel of Fortune can bring frustration to some, I am betting hard on this being a VERY cozy place for you to live this month, dear Taurus. The glory of the Wheel is that it brings everything in accordance with Divine timing. The cruelty of the Wheel is that it brings everything in accordance with Divine timing. You get what I’m saying? Surrendering to the timing of the Universe can be a huge relief or an extreme challenge. Commit to choosing the former now. Meet all goals, personal and professional, with an open mind and heart and an attitude of “this or something better in accordance with the good of all beings.” Sometimes we focus so intently on pushing on a particular goal that we cannot see a new opportunity flying right in front our face.
To be clear, I don’t mean to suggest you take your foot off the gas completely. We all need to do our part to keep this ball rolling. Letting go of the fantasy of control does not release you from responsibility. Rather, it focuses you on your specific tasks, opens your eyes to what you can control, and directs your energy to places it can be of greatest use. My goal here is simply to invite you to take in the scenery as you go, pay attention to signs, and if you hit crazy traffic, pull over and have a cup of coffee instead of sitting in your car fuming. You never know who might be waiting to meet you in that cafe!
Taurus stone for February: Blue Calcite eases worry and anxiety by opening communication with inner and Divine truths. It allows all levels of being to rest and be rejuvenated.
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GEMINI // GEMINI RISING Page of Wands
Ooo, Gemini, I like this movement for you. Hot on the heels of the master of manifesting abundance, you’ve got the open, experimental nature of the Page here to bring you new ways to play with Fire. Experimentation is kind of like having a really great conversation with yourself, something you are very adept at in the best ways. This month, that ease of developing and exchanging ideas is going to take root in a more intuitive place, bypassing the potential pitfalls of the analytic mind and instead taking hold in a more ancient animal instinct zone. You’re going to find all sorts of ways to express your creative impulses – personally, professionally, spiritually, magickally. This is a rare oppotunity to really expand your experience of your own power.
Say yes as often as you can to situations that allow you to explore new avenues of inspiration. Collaborate with new friends and with old friends in new ways, take art and dance classes, give yourself time to wander in whatever way and whichever direction you feel drawn to. This month truly is for you to play and there is no more playful element than the Fire that the Wands hold. It was some of our earliest real magic as humans to make it with our own hands and it still holds that promise and wonder energetically in our lives. What is the Fire you want to create in your life? Where will it take you? What will it transform and what can it destroy?
Gemini stone for February: Ammonite Fossils remind us of our ancient roots in the evolutionary chain, and focus our vision on how we can continue to evolve on this plane spiritually and energetically.
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CANCER // CANCER RISING The Hierophant
As a cardinal water sign, you are a natural teacher, dear Cancer. Your open heart and deeply held desire to do good in the world tend to lead you to places and situations where you can be of service comforting and quietly leading. This month, that instinct is getting a huge boost and alignment with your highest spiritual aspirations, maybe even those you are not yet aware of. While we have much to learn from all cards in the deck, The Hierophant stands alone as representing an embodied teacher here on Earth. This teacher can come in many forms and can represent us encountering or becoming a spiritual guide. Ideally, it foretells both. The very best teachers operate with the understanding that there is always more to learn, that we can never know everything, that even the most learned and experienced can benefit from a good teacher.
This month, make time to listen to the wise around you. Engage in deep conversations with the people you find most inspiring, read their books, listen to their lectures, follow their guidance. If you’re drawing a blank, ask friends you trust who they follow and try their teachings on for size. At the same time, be open and willing to lend a sympathetic ear and a gentle guiding hand to those around you in need of some direction. This can be a casual conversation over coffee, a more formal mentorship relationship with a co-worker, or even volunteering to read to kids at the public library. The spiritual can flow through the act, not necessarily the content. The Divine is often quiet, like a little crab in its shell.
Cancer stone for February: Magnetite works to draw in to your personal sphere all that will be useful to you in the pursuit of any goals aligned with your highest purpose.
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LEO // LEO RISING King of Wands
The King of Fire for my fiery king of the jungle. What a win, Leo! This energy is going to feel like a breath of fresh air, especially after the challenging introspection of last month. You are ready to burst out of your cage and into the world with newfound insight into what you want to experience and create. You’ll have a magic touch, able to turn drab to fab in the blink of an eye, whether in your personal space or any situation you happen to find yourself in. And I suggest finding yourself in as many situations as possible! Say yes to parties and social engagements, then focus on exactly how you want them to play out. I think you’ll find you have more sway than you may imagine on outcomes that seem from the outside to be completely out of your control.
Do be careful what you wish for. I am guessing you have a bit of cabin fever and may be tempted to focus on conjuring fun and adventure. I support that. All I ask is that you do it in a way that includes some measure of useful productivity. Itching to get out of town? Take a road trip with a friend you’ve been wanting to collaborate on a project with and make it a creative retreat. Want to go nuts on the dance floor all night long? Great! Stay hydrated and go easy on the booze so you get the physical benefits of moving that beautiful body without losing a day to a hangover. You get the picture. Have fun, keep it productive.
Leo stone for February: Aegirine is a great ally in facing challenges of any kind. It helps to clear negative thinking, allowing creative solutions and paths to emerge where defeatist thinking once was.
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VIRGO // VIRGO RISING Queen of Swords
Well, Virgo, it looks like all that wandering last month really helped you to clarify some things. That big heart of yours has something to say and the absolute NEED to say it. The beautiful thing is, with the Water energy the Queen brings to the Swords, you can bet that you’ll have a gift for saying it with love. You have a reputation for being … particular. And sometimes that can come with assumptions of rigidity or being harsh or judgmental, but I see right through all that. Your attention to detail allows you see the heart of a matter. Your finely tuned vision sees the minutae others gloss over and you can be affected by what you see quite deeply. This is a gift.
This month, all these impressions you’ve been logging along your journey are coming into focus in a very personal, emotional way. My guess is you’ve felt a shift churning for some time that really came to the surface last month. Now you are ready to talk about it. Begin at home, in conversation with yourself. Sit and ruminate, journal, make paintings about it. Once you have your messaging on point, you can begin to bring it out in layers, first to your inner circle and chosen family, then out to wider and wider circles depending on the nature of your message. With your high ideals and aspirations and the Queen’s insistence on being felt and heard, you could be giving a speech or publishing an essay on a topic near and dear to your heart.
Virgo stone for February: Celestite brings a feeling of deep inner peace, allowing loving and well-received communication of personal truth to flow freely both within and to others.
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LIBRA // LIBRA RISING 10 of Swords
You’re set up for high achievement in your native element, dear Libra, and I have full confidence you’ll put this energy to good use detangling some of the hairier mental predicaments you may have backed yourself into over the past few months. We all talk ourselves into a corner from time to time, either internally or right out in the open in front of everyone. That is a normal part of being human. The problem comes when the threads of our argument become so tangled that we can’t follow any of them through anymore. This is where the 10 of Swords excels, cutting through these knots to clear the path back to the pure truth of the Ace. So where are your knots, Libra?
I can feel you recoiling at the mere suggestion that some of your statements or positions may have caused chaos or confusion in any form. You have a deep desire for peace, and acknowledging having a part in disturbing it can be difficult. That’s ok. We’re not here to dwell on what happened, we’re here to forge ahead with grace and love! This month, focus on loosening your grip on the positions you take on issues great and small, on allowing some air in, letting the situation breathe a bit, relax out of an argument and into a rumination. When you do, you may find that some of your more challenging entaglements fall into discreet, sorted pieces all on their own, restoring the balance you hold so dear.
Libra stone for February: Aventurine encourages appreciation for and growth of loving abundance in all forms. It gently eases anxiety and turns the attention of the heart and mind to expansion.
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SCORPIO // SCORPIO RISING 4 of Cups
Your brooding heart is craving some emotional balance this month, Scorpio, and the cards are here to provide. The fours are a real mixed bag for me. I get a little uneasy at the potential of a false sense of security that they can sometimes hint at. But I am into this one, especially for you, my fellow Water sign. I admire your ability to face the deepest and darkest emotions head on, to dredge them up from the sea floor to see the light of day. It’s hard work that few are willing to do and I know can get exhausting. This month, it’s your turn to rest. Let the depths lie. Now it’s time for you to float gently on the waves, integrating what you know and forming an internal foundation for heart-centered peace.
Whether you’re partnered or single, see how many ways you can find to be your own dream date. I hesitate to even bring it up, but my preference would be for you to ignore Valentine’s Day. Unless you have a tried and true way of celebrating with a partner, the pressure is just too much. Spread the celebration throughout the whole month and find small ways daily to celebrate love, alone or in relationship. True emotional peace cannot be given to you by another, it must come solely from within. You have such an incredible capacity for love and devotion, Scorpio. Focus that attention on yourself and see how blissful the calm waters can be.
Scorpio stone for February: Ruby in Zoisite shows us all we have to appreciate and celebrate in our lives. It brings a happiness that can only come from a deep true love for and acceptance of oneself.
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SAGITTARIUS // SAGITTARIUS RISING Ace of Swords
Oh wow, Sagittarius! Straight from the King to the Ace. Look at you, fully integrating that Air mastery and getting right back in line for a fresh helping of Divine truth. While you’re staying in the highest vibrations of Elemental Air, the position you take within it will be quite different this month. In January you were in full delivery mode, shouting your message from the mountaintops. This month, you are the receiver, keeping your antennae tuned to the impulses of Divine communications emmanating from all corners of the world, all beings great and small. While this can sound overwhelming, you will have a knack for picking up exactly what you need to know exactly when you need to know it. Stay alert, stay open, and practice discernment.
The discernment piece can be tough. How do we stay open to messages potentially coming from literally anywhere and also discern which are truly Divine and which are a mere distraction? By maintaining high mental clarity. Drink plenty of water, meditate, get enough sleep, meditate, get some exercise, meditate. MEDITATE. Only with mental clarity can you trust your internal barometer to tell you when something just doesn’t smell right. We live in a world that blasts us with messages all day every day, and they all claim to be The Truth. It’s up to us to do the work to prepare for the onslaught, control our intake, and align with what supports our greatest good. Fortunately for you, Sagittarius, that should be easy to see.
Sagittarius stone for February: Covellite encourages diving deep to overturn stones hiding even the most uncomfortable truths, and assists in processing and integrating them for maximum growth.
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CAPRICORN // CAPRICORN RISING 5 of Pentacles
Well, Capricorn, you are getting a lot of heavy lifting done right at the top of the year. This month, you’re clearing up some fear of lack that was likely left kicking around in the void left by all that energetic excavation last month. Know that this is normal, natural, and healthy. All of the Fives revolve around distorted perception creating chaos. In the suit of Pentacles, this twists our pereption of our material world, bringing up fears around poverty and material inadequecy. We all know that there is no amount of money that can magically make every person feel they have “enough.” That is made perfectly clear in witnessing the phenomenon of greed in the world. Material adequacy is a mindset that can be cultivated and maintained to alleviate unnecessary stress in our lives.
If your total bills are more than your total bank account balance right now, you either hate me or think I’m an idiot or both. That’s ok. If I can open you up to the idea that fear of lack is not a useful strategy to alleviating financial distress, I will consider this a great success. Whatever your circumstances, moving through change and through release work will bring perceptions of lack in one or more of the Elemental spheres. We tend to ascribe “reality” to that perception of lack when it manifests in the realm of Earth. I’m here to invite you to release that too, and to work towards an acceptance that leaves you with more energy to put toward shifting any situation that is truly not serving you.
Capricorn stone for February: Aragonite Star Clusters lend support in facing the root of our fears. They can open up channels of insight that bring the clarity and strength needed to move forward.
Get this week’s astro symbol for your sign with Sandy Sitron’s Numinous Weekly Horoscopes …
Photo: Solaiman Hossen
Aquarius // Aquarius Rising Casino glamour. You’re on a roll. All eyes are on you as you call out your moves. Yes, it’s a little bit of a risk. That’s the fun part. Where are your ready to push out of your comfort zone and take a gamble? This moment only exists now, so soak up the attention that’s drifting your way. Embody adventure. Let yourself go a little bit wild and make your moves.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Pisces // Pisces Rising Freshly planted seeds. You have to plant a lot of seeds, because some of them won’t make it. It’s a numbers game. Remember that. You can’t be too self critical or try to control this process. You are just planting seeds and seeing what takes. Don’t interrupt your own flow. Put new things in motion and drift alongside without judgement. Enjoy the process and be curious.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Aries // Aries Rising A balloon floats over the the parade. There’s a big balloon in the shape of a clown floating overhead. Some satellite of your own creation is making an impact. Gaining attention. This is a moment to broaden your reach and gain visibility. While you’re looking up into the sky, take note of what you’re shooting for. What are your goals and future visions? This moment has everyone taking notice of your future.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Taurus // Taurus Rising Circus animals. Your strength resides within. It’s time to put your power on display. Train your power. Hold yourself to the highest standard. Understand the uniqueness of what you have to offer. Put yourself out there and don’t hold back. This could happen at work or on some kind of public stage. Share your real spirit with the world and appreciate the recognition.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Gemini // Gemini Rising An ear to the ground. It’s time to soak up some new information. There is much more to learn. For now, press pause on action and focus on learning. You might find that you take up a new philosophy that helps you feel motivated. Or that internalizing new information makes you more competent moving forward. Slow down so that you can speed up.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Cancer // Cancer Rising A dried flower in the garden. Let anything extra crumble away. Would letting something go feel like a relief? Maybe you let go of some pressure you’ve been under. Or maybe it’s an old story you’ve been telling yourself. Or a relationship that’s run its course. Release the unnecessary at every opportunity. Don’t try to fill up the void with something new. Just be there in your winter garden.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Leo // Leo Rising Kittens in a basket. Overflow. Excess. Let it all hang out. Be yourself, unapologetic and natural. Be playful and have fun. Harness whatever jubilant energy you can muster. Play, connect, talk, share, collaborate. Especially with a good friend or a special somebody. With this person, act like you both come from a litter of adorable baby animals. Closeness is good.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Virgo // Virgo Rising Playing the trumpet. We all have different instruments we use in our daily lives. Now is the moment to master them. Becoming excellent takes time. It takes practice. Use this opportunity to focus on the details and refine your technique in every life area. Get organized and efficient. Work hard, practice hard. Pay attention to your habits and health. The results are soon to follow.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Libra // Libra Rising Sun beams. If you’ve been waiting for your moment in the sun, wait no longer. Be as creative as you can be and let that creativity be fueled by play. Tension and ego will get you nowhere fast. You also don’t need to chase every detail right now. You just need to focus on enjoyment and self-expression and see what happens next.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Scorpio // Scorpio Rising Milk out of the carton. Mild symbolizes nurturance and and security. Maybe you can make self-nurturance portable. What positive self-soothing habits do you bring with you every day? If everyone had good self-soothing practices, the world would be a calmer place. Be kind to yourself. That’s easier said than done, so you might need to remind yourself daily.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Sagittarius // Sagittarius Rising Plow the field. Till the soil. Ready yourself for new adventures. Even as you’re wrapping up the old, you need to know what’s ahead. Let yourself be in the moment, but gather ideas about the next steps. If it’s hard to come up with concrete ideas, focus on how you want to feel in your next adventure. Prepare for future phases with the same patience a farmer uses on the field.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Capricorn // Capricorn Rising Cereal boxes. You have resources to draw upon- whether those resources take the shape of food in the pantry, some practical common sense, or supportive friends. This is a great moment to understand what’s at your base, holding you up. This sturdy base is important because expansion is coming. The more you understand your stability, the easier it is to stretch and reach later on.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
As we launch into the innovative electricity of Aquarius Season, The Star Rx asks us to commit to authentic self-care and reclaim the parts of ourselves we’ve forgotten, says Brandon Alter … Cast using the Prisma Visions Tarot
The 2019 Leo Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is a powerful invitation to push past resistance, hit the refresh button on your creativity, and show up ready to sparkle, says Sandy Sitron …
Photo: Karina Tes
Full Moon Lunar Eclipse :: January 21 2019 :: 12:17am EST :: 0 degrees Leo
Lace up your shoes and get ready to play a game. Grab your bowling ball and hurl it down the lane. It’s time to take aim. You’ll set up the pins and you’ll knock them down. How the game is played depends on your exuberance, focus, and finesse.
On Monday at 12:17am EST, the skies light up with a Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in the sign of Leo. There’s a lot going on at this Full Moon. Most importantly, we get ready to hit the refresh button. Since February 2017, most of the eclipses have illuminated the Leo/Aquarius axis, and this is the final one. The Leo/Aquarius Eclipses have helped us define our individuality and loop us into the collective.
Eclipses help us end old patterns and start new ones. There are multiple themes coming to the surface at this important lunation. Mercury (the ruler of writing) is still in matter-of-fact Capricorn, so I’ll be practical and describe these themes one by one:
First of all, how are you approaching your work? How do you set ‘em up and how do you knock ‘em down? With Mars square Saturn exactly at this Full Moon, you need to go after what you want, but you need to do it in a structured way. This aspect can put the pressure on. Are you willing to release some tension and create a new pattern around how you work?
Next, put yourself out there and play the game, while tenderly tending to your ego. You have something to share and you need to shine. This is a Full Moon in the theatrical and brilliant sign of Leo. Leo urges you to share your unique soul with other people, through creativity and play.
Sometimes the R word, “resistance,” comes up when we try to put ourselves out there. It can be scary to be exposed. This Full Moon urges you to push past resistance and fear so that you can get out there on the slickly polished floors of the bowling alley, ready to play. Do a little dance. Show off! Shine!
Is there a message or creative spark that you’ve been too afraid to share? This Eclipse might open the windows and doors for you. Create a new pattern. The sign of Leo reminds us to begin by being playful and see where we go from there.
Finally, circumstances may seem precious or important right now, but can you set your ego aside and make it into a fun game where everyone gets to take a turn? The more that you are able to release a preoccupation with self, the more mental perspective you can achieve.
Overall, this is a moment for spontaneous and creative action. Have fun with it! Play a game. When the bowling pins are cleared away, it’s time to start all over. Let yourself have a fresh start every time. Allow space for your uniqueness, and use this Full Moon to celebrate and release!
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Full Moon square Uranus Electrifying dance moves. Shake it, shake it, shake it off. You’re dancing. And your body is making all kinds of surprising new shapes, almost without your conscious permission. Allow yourself to be surprised by your own choices. This Full Moon offers moments of action followed by lightening bolts of self-discovery. Did you even know you had it in you? Open to the fact that the plan can only take you so far. There is genius that arises in the moment.
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Full Moon trine Chiron A mud bath. You are removing layers of residue. Sitting in the muck might be a way to feel clean. Healing is happening easily and spontaneously. It’s taking unexpected twists and turns. It could be that one moment you’re covered in a dry clay mask, dirtier than you’ve ever been before, but in a good way. And the next moment your skin glows with refreshment. Don’t be afraid of tears or emotional release. Just like the mud bath, they are an unexpected way to peel back the layers.
Get this week’s astro symbol for your sign with Sandy Sitron’s Numinous Weekly Horoscopes …
Photo: Tim de Groot
Aquarius // Aquarius Rising Fish swim in a school. They’re moving so fast that they become a blur, an incredible dance of synchronized movement. Know when it’s appropriate to go with the group. And know when you need to define yourself as an individual and go your own way. Not every battle will be worth fighting. and it’s important to maintain the integrity of the group. You must also be able to take a stand There’s a lot going on. Ride the waves but remember what’s most important.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Pisces // Pisces Rising Almond butter sticks to the roof of your mouth. The big lessons are being taught through the everyday occurrences. This doesn’t have to be a big deal. You may be learning how to negotiate logistics or free up more energy. The best thing you can do is be present in the moment. Stay centered in your body. Inquire about the workflow and habits that serve you best on a daily basis. Discover how you can create more space and time in your life.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Aries // Aries Rising A grand bouquet of flowers. Splash onto the scene and bedazzle the crowd. No need to hold back. In fact, it’s time to notice where you have been holding back. Where have you been playing small? Why have you been staying on the sidelines? Now’s the time to power through any hesitation. Put yourself out there in a fun and dynamic way. Can you measure your impact somehow? It will feel good to hear yourself being complimented.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Taurus // Taurus Rising Hydroelectric power. You’re gearing up to make a fresh start. But before you can do that you have to make sure the water is flowing properly. Is anything blocking your flow? Your emotional flow? Your intuitive flow? If you’re feeling a little disconnected, begin by giving yourself a block of time to get cozy at home. Keep the distractions low. Journal or chill by yourself. No TV. What’s there? What’s coming up? This inquiry will help you find your power.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Gemini // Gemini Rising Looking at the cards you were dealt. What’s your next move? Think it through. Take time to make your assessments. Remember that this isn’t the only hand you’ll be dealt during this card game. That means, stay in motion. Make decisions, discard, bluff, make your bets, assess the odds. Then start all over. You are currently in the mode of collecting information. Plus, you’re honing your mental skills. Stay sharp, have fun, and play the game with curiosity.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Cancer // Cancer Rising A penny in a gum ball machine. Where do all those pennies go? Are forgotten gum ball machines filling corners in decrepit shopping malls, brimming with spare change? Find your resources. Know what you have. These may be tangible resources that you need to count, monitor, and honor. Or they may be more ephemeral resources, such as your sense of self-confidence. Know yourself and trust in your resources.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Leo // Leo Rising Celery hearts and hearts of palm. You’re discovering how you can bare your true heart and soul to the world. It’s a slow and tender process. If you become exposed without the proper preparation, you might wither like a vegetable left out in the sun. No need for that. Reveal when you’re ready. Then step back and recharge. Get used to the rhythm of shining and re-energizing. You are learning how to use your energy so that you can impact the world with grace and pizzazz.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Virgo // Virgo Rising A blade. You may not feel ready, but it’s time to cut away the old. A blade makes a clean cut. However nothing about this moment may seem clear cut. So it’s a puzzle. How do you know what to excise when clarity is playing hide and seek? You might just have to go for it. Begin to release the past through forgiveness. Use compassion as your blade. Compassion and forgiveness will help you release the old without cutting off anything important. Release gently.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Libra // Libra Rising Towel away sweat. You must be getting pumped up. Raise your heart rate, figuratively speaking. What is all this activity for? So that you feel strong enough to give back to the collective. Give back your wisdom. What have you learned? How can you share that with the masses? Pump yourself up for it. Only do it if it feels fun. It may be a bit of an exertion, but you’ll know it’s the right move to share your vision if you feel energized afterwards.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Scorpio // Scorpio Rising A farmer surveys the field. When you gaze at your figurative fields, you might notice some systems that you’ve put into place. Look at what you’ve accomplished. Get perspective and contemplate how far you’ve come. You can’t keep grinding without doing some kind of review. So take a step back and gaze out over the horizon. Honor your achievements. Now make a plan for the next phase. Planning is how you stay on track. Give yourself the gift of the big picture.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Sagittarius // Sagittarius Rising Rolling dice. It’s time to take some risks. Live large and out loud. Your exuberance has ebbed and flowed in different ways over the course of your lifetime. Reconnect with your boldest self. What does that part of you need at this moment? Find something that will inspire you to take up space, not out of egotism, but out of the need to share your truth with the world. This is a great time to travel and explore and raise yourself into a higher perspective.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
Capricorn // Capricorn Rising The center of a rose. Make time for intimacy with another person or with yourself. This can be physical or emotional intimacy. Intimacy is defined as being able to share your truth without the fear of judgement. Is there a relationship in your life that could benefit from more true intimacy? If so, does it seem important to face any fears that are in the way of you opening your heart? There are new levels of heart opening to be explored. Welcome in emotional healing and release.
Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandyhere or follow her on Instagram.
As we prep for next week’s Total Lunar Eclipse, the Page of Pentacles Rx asks us to restore our connection to the deepest parts of ourselves so we can live straight from the heart, says Brandon Alter … Cast using the Prisma Visions Tarot
Want to take self-love to the next level? Find out how to marry yourself with poet and activist Lisa Luxx’s guide to pledging your solo spiritual commitment …
In 2016, I married myself. Legally taking the name of my higher self, I became Lisa Luxx, had the initial of selfhood tattooed on to my ring finger, ‘I’, and vowed to always come home to me.
It’s been two years since then, a period of time that has burgeoned with political chaos, which continually leads us back to ourselves to question our position within the greater whole. So in 2018, I decided it was time to re-meet my commitment in ceremony, an act that I intend to re-visit every couple of years to steer the course of my affections for both myself and the wider world.
Here are my top tips on how you can hold your own marriage to your self, because 2019 just might be the year for that …
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1// Pick a date that’s meaningful When I initially planned to renew my vows it was due to be on the 7th of December. But I hadn’t had my eyebrows done in time and I figured if I’m not going to start turning up for myself now, what chance does this marriage stand? It wound up being on the 21st, which has been my favourite number since I was a young child. An auspicious one, at that. Actually 7 is a number I always associate with my ex; now I’m sure my lazy beauty routine was actually divinity intervening.
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2// Choose your witness/es The idea to renew my vows in a ceremony came up during a therapy session. My therapist/life-facilitator is one of the few people who really speaks my language, so I asked her to be my sole human witness. However, I also had the four elements present to witness. I filled a very small corked jar with soil from my parents garden, placed two green candles on my Tata’s old gold candlestick holders, took a homemade smudge stick to bring forth the air and lashing of local Yorkshire water. I sat the elements on a mirror in front of me as I read my vows.
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3// Get yourself sexy On the morning of my ceremony, I soaked myself in a rose water, almond oil, lavender, and sandalwood bath. Rubbed coconut oil into my warm skin. Danced with myself naked in front of the mirror before spritzing my fave Diptique perfume and slipping into my Dalmatian suit. Serve the best of yourself to you. Your beauty is for your pleasure first and foremost.
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4// Write your vows in the mirror My vows were a mix of everyday bona fide daily lifestyle choices, such as always putting my actual body before my mind’s desires; ‘I will not finish catching up with Whatsapp’s or reading to the end of my page when the rumble comes, when the thirst coarsely reminds me of my physical needs.’ And commitments for how I’ll manage to make myself a better person in community; ‘I’ll actively practice unpicking and dissipating insecurities, as my duty to our world. So that I can see the world as it is, not as it could hurt me. So I don’t hurt myself through my fear of being hurt. So I don’t hurt others through fear of pain.’
While rehearsing my vows, I caught my reflection, laughed and said “hey, you’re not supposed to be hearing these yet” – getting so used to spending time with my reflection until I reached a point of comfort where I could have fun with it was a melting point.
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5// Say the vows in the mirror until it sinks in Loving yourself in front of a witness won’t always come easy. It will feel awkward at times and you’ll be in head mode rather than heart mode. That is to say if you’re like me you’ll be feeling so self-conscious at times, you’ll notice you’re not embodying your words. To counter this I repeated a vow numerous times, looking directly into my own eyes in a mirror, until I felt what I was saying sink in. Take your time, speaking your promises to you until they become a physical sensation. The unexpected outcome of this is that now, whenever I’m feeling low or anxious, if I can find my reflection I can bring myself back to a place of loving comfort.
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6// Find a charitable cause to support I requested wedding gifts from friends and family in the form of donations to The Syria Campaign, an organisation that means a lot to me. Marrying yourself is not an insular act, it’s about mobilizing yourself to be a better link in the chain of ‘we.’ A very overt way of setting that in motion from the get go is to encourage your friends and family to support your love for you and your simultaneous commitment to them all by making a donation to an NGO, delivering bags of shopping to a food bank, or volunteering at a local grassroots initiative for a day.
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7// Prepare for pain I’d love to say that since the ceremony I’ve been doing exactly as I promised in my vows and ‘never forgetting how much I love to dance with you [me].’ But no, it has been uncomfortable. I cast my mind back to that day and sometimes feel an urge to delete it all from my therapist’s memory and mine; I feel shame, I feel pain. No good rebirth comes without a death. Let yourself feel that, let it exist within that day as much as the joy will.
In becoming the best of you, you are becoming a human complete; this is about owning your responsibility to the world through commitment to self-observation. See yourself without interfering. Don’t cling on to the parts that are breaking off.
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8// Consummate the ting I have a practice that I like to call ‘astro-masturbation,’ whereby I make love to apparitions of myself. It can be me as I am, me with a better haircut, me in my trans dreams, but it’s always me. Sometimes there’s two of me, sometimes there’s three, four, five of me, but they’re all visions of me making love to me. I get to switch between giving and receiving endlessly and equally, and they’re the best orgasms I’ve ever had.
Lay down your favorite blankets, light that incense, and make sweet love to yourself while listening to Banks sing ‘I fuck with myself more than anybody else.’ My vows promised, ‘I will make love to you not because I want to use you as a tool of pleasure but because I love you, because you turn me on, because your body, my body, is my favorite body of all the bodies on earth.’
If you feel moved, Lisa asks for wedding gift donations to The White Helmets, unarmed volunteer rescue workers operating in Syria’s most dangerous zones, risking their lives daily to save the lives of others.
