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Meanings & Intentions:

New Moon - new beginnings, turning inward

Waxing Crescent - setting intentions, planting seeds

Quarter Moon - begin taking action

Waxing Gibbous - respond to life's reaction and adjust

Full Moon - reap what you sowed, receive

Waning Gibbous - embrace gratitude, share your gifts

Quarter Moon - cleanse and release

Waning Crescent – surrender

Hey Moonbeams …

The Full Moon on Wednesday May 26th is definitely the time to look up! This is the only total lunar eclipse of the year. A total lunar eclipse happens when the earth is lined up between the moon and the sun, creating a shadow that gives the moon that red/orange glow-hence the name blood moon. Spring’s final full moon is also known as a Full Flower Moon. Indigenous tribes in eastern North America called it a Full Flower Moon to signify the colorful blossoms of this time.

As the eclipse arrives with a shadow crossing over the moonlight, it’s anyone’s guess what truths will be revealed. Eclipses always follow cycles and generally come in pairs-the Lunar Eclipse, which falls on the Full Moon and a Solar Eclipse which falls on the New Moon. Wednesday brings us Sagittarius Full Moon Total Eclipse and on Thursday June 10th we have a Gemini New Moon Solar Eclipse. The time between these two pairs of Eclipses is considered the Eclipse Gateway and is a period that usually lasts for about 2 weeks. It’s kinda like having an extra potent full moon every night-a peak time for manifestation. The thing with Eclipses is that they represent portals that elevate and push us, shining a light on what is needed to change. Use this time to connect with your inner, true self. Also in astrology, a blood moon eclipse is said to bring sudden change or a need to transform or shift our lives in a new direction. Having a lunar eclipse in the free- spirited sign of Sag will allow us to set our intentions and aim our arrows in that direction, knowing within that any transformations that unfold are part of your evolution.

Under the lunar eclipse we also are gifted the energy to be able to see people &

situations in a new light. Lunar eclipses are a time to let go and surrender, to release, purge, and do what is best for your soul. Paired with the Sagittarius Full Moon the eclipse will help us see deeper and offer a shifting energy that many of us have been praying for. Can you feel the shift? Are you ready to be guided on a completely different path? Then just breathe and surrender…the revelations and changes just might rock your world.

Moondust and Love to you always, Debbi

Full Moon Eclipse Moon Water

I LOVE everything about Moon Water and plan to make some Wednesday and each night of those powerful interim weeks between eclipses. Moon Water has many energetic and magickal purposes and uses…. it can be used like blessing water… it can be used to enhance your spells and rituals…it can be used to anoint money to increase wealth…to anoint yourself to increase psychic awareness… and so much more.

Step-By-Step Guide:

1. On the night of the full moon, place a clear quartz crystal in a jar of purified water. (Can also make by the gallon).

Hello Moonbeams!!!

As we relax days after Beltane, it is time to ask ourselves:

What do I need in order to feel happy fulfilled and yes, loved. Taurus, like spring, is bursting with new life, but after all the crazed energies of the last 2 months, we are being encouraged to trust our instincts and deepen our embodiment to our own sexuality. This New Moon on May 11, 2021 (at 2:59 PM EDT) will usher us into eclipse season with a Super Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse at month’s end…a time of shifts and transformation. So, before all that how about some fun?

May is such a lusty month…flowers blooming, the warmth of the sun, fertility and of course the lusty celebration of Beltane to start it all. And just to cement all that…Taurus is ruled by the sensual lover Venus. Mmm-hmm. There will be no holding back. Now is the time for all those self-care rituals you have been putting off. You know the ones…massages with scented oils, aromatic baths and any beauty treatments that include rose. Historically, the flower itself was a symbol of female sexuality and the oil & rosewater were often used in magical rituals to honor Venus. This mind-blowing flower is often connected with love, romance and forgiveness and is said that it can soften even the hardest of hearts.

I know, I know: Taurus wants to indulge and that is what I am saying, right? However, this moon also gives us the space to make plans, organize our thoughts and connect us with the strength of self-worth needed to navigate the intense changes which will occur during eclipse season. For all the procrastinators out there, don’t fret if you haven't gotten your intentions totally outlined. Deep down in your sub conscious you already know what your intentions should be- your conscious mind just needs to catch up. Under the influence of this Taurus moon our thoughts turn to grounding, a strong solid earthy foundation on which to stand. Ground your bare feet into Mother Earth and express your gratitude for all the abundance she provides. This will also help you detox your body, reduce inflammation, and help you relax as you glide through May with a harmonious, romantic ease. As witches know, the new moon is an excellent time to shine! So go ahead my loves, you have no idea how brightly you glow!

Blessed Be

The words you use have power. Even if it's unintentional, your words can have a profound negative impact on your yoga practice. When used consciously, words can be an incredibly positive force. Substituting high vibrational verbiage for discouraging or abrasive language can be the difference between spiritual awakening and trauma.

Today we're sharing 26 words and phrases that have no business being in your yoga practice. We'll also give you some great alternatives to replace them with so you can continue to progress on your journey to your best self!

UM/ SO/ LIKE/ HERE- These are all filler words and create an energy that comes across as being unsure. Practice removing filled space with expansive words or breath expression.

YOU KNOW- This is an assumption/ filler word/ people come to yoga to learn depth. Take this entirely out of your teaching speech.

KILL- Kill your ego... kill your self (Bikram)... my so and so is killing me..... Remove any language that indicates the word kill in it. Not only is it a low vibrational word, but it is also a manifesting word that allows dis-ease in those around you and yourself.

SHOULD/ NEED- These are judgment words. Avoid "You should feel this, or you need to feel that." Replace these phrases through explorative speech such as "You may begin to feel..." or "Explore through sensation..."

ING words- Be as present with your directions as possible. Be in the now. Place vs. placing, breath vs. breathing, inhale vs. inhaling, etc...

OUR/WE/LET'S- Speak to the individual as you teach. When speaking of human characters, it is acceptable to use a collective form.

REACH- Creates space for unaligned postures and compromises the integrity of the joint. Exchange this phrase for words like extend, lift, float, enhance, expand, lengthen, contract and press.

GUNNA- Truly, let go of this word while you're teaching.

Want even more yoga language tips? Try our Yoga Teacher Training Module on Effective Language In Asana, totally free!

YOU/YOU'LL WANNA- Exchange for create, explore, invite.

GOING TO- Swap for create, advance, open, step into, explore

COMING INTO- can become redundant and out of the present tense. Instead, use come to, expand, advance, create depth, or a simple direction.

SPREAD- This is a trauma word and can be anxiety inducing. You can spread love, joy, happiness. All other body parts replace this word with extend, outward, expand, lengthen to, widen, and place apart from.

TOUCH YOURSELF- This is a trauma/trigger phrase. Instead, use place a hand, add depth by, press your hand into.

FEEL YOURSELF- this is a trauma/trigger phrase- other options - witness yourself, experience the sensations of.

I WANT YOU TO...- This is a forceful demand. Instead, substitute for invite, explore, explore the sensation, try, invoke, create.

MAYBE- This word can be used to find exploration after you have given proper placement. Be directive, then open the door for options. Use sparingly as when used too often, it gives the effect of uncertainty.

THAT...- Ex: that leg, those hands, the foot. Personalize the practice by using your foot, your hand, etc.

WE- If it's a personalized movement, pretend that there is only one person in the room. You can say we as a collective description to the human force.

JUST- "I just teach yoga." Just is a dangerous one. Using it reduces something to trivial, insignificant. When you feel this word start to come up, use it as a powerful reminder to declare boldly and with pride.

Want even more yoga language tips? Try our Yoga Teacher Training Module on Effective Language In Asana, totally free!

DON'T- The phrase "I don't" is an affirmation of your determination and willpower. When using don't, you can choose that for your personal power and will when making decisions and directions for yourself, to write or use in speech to others. "Don't" gives the same effect as "should." It is a judgment. Create an invitation to more instead of don't do this or don't do that.

BUT- Leave this out of your teaching verbiage altogether. This is the number one stagnant word of the English language and devalues anything you stated before the placement. Exchange for however, furthermore, etc.

CAN'T- Same as with "never." Every time we say can't, it's a declaration that whatever it is we aren't yet able to do is ultimately out of reach. The truth is, how do we know? Tell yourself you can, always. And keep practicing until you get it.

WRONG (OR RIGHT)- If you're breathing, focusing, and staying fully present, you're doing yoga. Obsessing over doing Warrior Two "right" implies there's only one way to do it. Fact is, none of us look the same in Warrior Two, and even the same person may look different on any given day. Every yogi is unique, bringing to the practice his/her own genetic code and fascinating yoga journey.

PERFECT- Coming to yoga class allows you to fail (first attempt in learning), to be imperfect, with no repercussions. Our practices grow stronger by playing on the edge of our limits, falling out of poses, and letting out our emotions. Perfection doesn't belong on the yoga mat or in life, and no one is perfect. We practice every day to serve the self to serve others.

FIGHT- Fight or flight is part of life. Using the word fight in life allows "fight" to manifest.

F#!$?%!*- Cursing is a direct route into frustration and even anger. Notice what happens to your heart rate, your breath, and your jaw when you inwardly curse. Even if you aren't cursing aloud, the yogi next to you will surely feel the negative energy. So flip it around and choose love.

How about you? Do you avoid these words during your yoga practice? Bring your attention to the words you use in your next yoga practice and see what words come up for you. We encourage you to seek out more loving, supportive alternatives to complement your practice.

Want even more yoga language tips? Try our Yoga Teacher Training Module on Effective Language In Asana, totally free!

Hello Moonbeams!!!

Things are about to get intense, because the full moon of Taurus season happens to also be the first supermoon of the year — and it’s here to shine a light on our deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. Also known as the annual Pink Moon, this one takes place on April 26th (11:31pm EST), in the intensely emotional water sign of Scorpio.

Scorpio is ruled by Mars and Pluto…On the night of the full moon Mercury, Venus and Black Moon Lilith will be joined together awakening the dark feminine and bringing out our shadow sides with repressed emotions (this is watery Scorpio, you know) and our deepest desires. Depending on how you use this energy, the days after could be transformative and therapeutic or filled with chaos. After all, the aggressive, agitated Mars is up against La Luna, with her gentle intuitive nature. There will be some powerful intense energies here. Scorpio, in its shadowy mystery, is beckoning you to go deep. To stop looking away from the abyss and dive in. Red wine, black candles, marigolds and dark crystals can be perfect additions to your altar for a Full Moon in Scorpio. Do your magickal work at night when the Moon is its brightest. And as always, please do what’s necessary to protect your energy. Because…

Pluto, the planet of transformation death and rebirth, will go retrograde on the 27th and stay in that place until October 6th. What does this mean for you? Well, if you can restrain yourself from self judgement and sabotage, this event is bestowing you with the opportunity to finally and fully transform…to release all those old patterns holding you back. Trust in the magick of life and you will be reborn anew.

Crystals: Amethyst, Smokey quartz, Sodalite, Obsidian

Herbs: Belladonna, Basil, Sage, Catnip

Colors: Maroon, Red, Black

Goddesses: Lilith, Hecate or Kali

Full Moon Shower Soak

If you don’t have a bathtub to soak in, our full moon shower works wonders too! Simply place flowers, oils and salts into your bath tea/muslin bag and then hang from the shower head so that the flowing water runs through the bag itself. The entire shower will fill with the aroma and power of the cleansing ingredients inside the bag, not to mention the water passing through it will then rain down on you and your aura!

Ingredients: Sea salt, oils of patchouli & ylang ylang & rose petals

Our remote ancestors said to their Mother Earth:

'We are yours.'

Modern humanity has said to Nature: 'You are mine' -

The Green Man has returned as the living face of the whole Earth so that through His mouth we may say to the Universe: 'We are one.' ~ William Anderson

Native American philosophies tell us that our actions effect the next seven generations. This message is more important than ever with leaders who deny climate change and the sad rollback of many environmental protections that have taken place. The world is shifting and changing around us.

As an herbalist I connect deeply with Mama Earth and share with you daily all the medicine she has for us. But, our home is in a state of emergency and Gaia needs our love now more than ever.

When we open our hearts and listen to nature, we send HER love…when we realize that it's time for the seas, the forests and the divine feminine to come together and awaken, we send HER love...And when we teach our children to care for the Earth we send HER love.

Thinking of Earth Day reminded me of a song I heard years ago from the CD Fire Prayer by Denean called Song To The Mother. The song is both beautiful and powerful. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsHczk5sdD8
 

Hello Moonbeams!!!

Can you feel the shift? It is April, my loves, and Luna is ready for a breath of fresh air. The New Moon rises on April 11th or 12th (depending on your time zone) and it’s carrying some powerful energy for manifesting our desires and new beginnings. Aries is a Fire/Cardinal sign governed by hot blooded Mars, so if you have been procrastinating on making some changes in your life, this moon should give you that drive to move forward. The sign of the ram is all about desire, passion, instinct and letting that fire move you forward. With four planets also in Aries, the energy will be even

stronger…our powers of manifestation heightened and our ability to draw in and attract what we desire enhanced threefold. But be vigilant…Mars, after all is the Roman God of War. You might want to think before unleashing the Aries arrows of pure fire.

When the moon is new, you can barely see it, and the sky can appear black. New moons are an ideal time to do shadow work or acknowledge our dark/shadow selves that we typically like to keep hidden. The light draws what was hidden in the subconscious mind into the conscious mind so we can shake it up and make some positive change. Recognize what your mind is telling you.

I have always thought of the moon’s phases linked to the ocean’s tides…the tide is pushed and pulled by the phases. As women closely aligned to the moon and sea, we can best utilize the power in both by flowing with the rhythm of the moon in each of its phases. For this new moon try a little bath magick in that giant cauldron in your home. Water and salt are inherently cleansing, so run a bath, add some sea salt, your favorite essential oil blend and some crystals. Light a candle and climb into the tub. Just let yourself be. This is where the healing begins. Tune into all of your senses and feel the quiet energy of the new moon.

until next month moonlovers…peace & love
 

Hello Moonbeams!!!

WOW the Pisces moon has been a potent one! Thank the goddess Luna has moved into Libra ending this month with a potent Full Worm Moon Sunday March 28th at 11:48 am PDT/2:48 pm EDT.

More than anything Libra desires balance (I should know, I am a triple Libra!), so this moon ushers in a time to focus on areas we have neglected and restoring harmony to our lives, focusing on that root chakra to keep us centered and grounded and the heart for some self-love. There are three things you can do during this Full Moon in Libra: release what is no longer serving you, take a self- love bath, and use this energy to make changes in the month to come. Be aware though… Libra is the most peace-loving sign of the zodiac, so this is a time when we want to focus on keeping the peace.

The sign of Libra is the element of Air, which rules over our thoughts. Under this influence we can stew and be self-critical, especially if we feel we’re not feeling confident in terms of love. Time to water those seeds and focus on healing oneself this month. Offerings to the Goddess are always good during a Full Moon in Libra.

Ways to Ritualize this Moon

• Crystals: Sapphire, Peridot, Rose Quartz

• Herbs: Roses, Elderberry, Nutmeg

• Love Bath: organic pink salts, dried rose petals, lavender buds, a little ylang-ylang & vanilla eo’s and add a rose quartz to the tub…and light pink/red candles

Libra reigns over all relationships. Governed by Venus—planet & Goddess of love, romance and pleasure—when we live deep in the well of love, we live with justice and integrity as our guiding force. So, yearn for your big love sisters, feel the wanting and turn to your inner temple, light the fires, make love to yourself with presence and speak sweet nothings into your ears...that special someone may also hear.

For all those with a little Libra in them... and to all you genuine through-and through-Libra souls (there is no mistaking us!!!) I wish you love on your special day.

Libra rules the lumbar spine, kidneys and adrenal glands.

Please enjoy this body-love yoga ritual…

Bow~Chaturanga~Upward Dog~Downward Dog~Dancer~Warrior II~Reverse Warrior~Goddess~Tree~Easy Pose

The wheel of the year has once again turned. Yesterday, the Sun moved into the sign of Aries symbolizing not only a new astrological year, but also the Spring Equinox, also known as the holiday Ostara or as some call it “the Pagan Easter”. Christian religions celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the equinox, which this year would occur on April 4th.

The Equinox represents the balance of light and dark-a day and night of perfect balance…the light increasing until finally reaching its peak on Litha, aka the Summer Solstice (June 20th, 2021). This is the season where the plants awaken, and the first buds burst into bloom as the last frost passes and the earth softens with its own awakening magick, preparing one for the cleansing spring rains.

Ostara is sacred to Eostre the Lunar Goddess of abundance and fertility (from who we get the word estrogen). She is usually shown with her 2 symbols…an egg in her hand and a rabbit in her lap: the egg symbolizing birth and creation-the whole universe in many traditions and the rabbit representing reproductive fertility and as a symbol of the moon is closely related to the goddess. According to myth, Eostre emerges from the depths of the earth where she has been quietly resting and spring is here!

Celebrate Ostara:

• Spring Foods: home baked breads, hot cross buns, asparagus, honey, dairy, egg based dishes and dessert (custard pie, frittatas, egg salad, etc…)

• Spring Flowers: daffodils, jonquil, tulips, lilies, primroses, violets, crocuses, peonies, narcissus and all spring flowers especially pussy willows

• Ideas for your Altar: colored eggs, seeds, feathers, green, yellow & purple candles

• Spring Incense: strawberry and all florals

• Ostara Crystals: jasper, aquamarine, amethyst, rose quartz

• Ostara Colors: light green, lemon yellow, pale pink

In this article, we'll be going over the origins of Buddhism and mindfulness. We'll talk about their connection as well as some practices you can use to help live in the present moment and free of suffering. Who knows, maybe you'll become the next enlightened one!

The Buddha lived from 460 to 380 BCE, and he taught from about 425 BCE until his death. For nearly 40 years. He was born to Maya, and his dad was a clan chieftain. His name was Siddhartha before he became The Buddha. There was a priest who prophesied that Siddhartha would become The Buddha and would become a spiritual teacher.

The story goes that his parents didn't want Siddartha to lead a brahman or priest's life because they don't get married or have children. Brahmans and priests live a life of poverty, but his parents wanted a life of luxury and comfort for their son. They loved him so much that they decided to shield Siddartha from suffering and protect him from the world.

So Siddartha lived for years, sheltered in his home. He never went outside or had any experience with the real world. Then one day, his parents decided to let him take a walk down the street. However, Siddartha's parents didn't want him to experience suffering. Hence, they did their best to clean up the streets and make the surroundings look nothing short of perfect.

However, it turned out that there were people on the street that should not have been there. On Siddartha's journey outside, he came across 4 sites that significantly impacted him. These were an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an outcast from society (a yogi).

From these 4 experiences came what we know as The Four Sites:

The old man, the truth is that we all age.

The sick man, the truth is that we all experience illness.

The corpse, the truth is that we cannot avoid death.

The Yogi, the truth being a radically different way to face life and live in freedom.

After these four sites, he decided to leave his family and live among the yogis to pursue a radically different way to face life. He tried many different techniques, but none of them helped him until he sat under the Bodhi Tree and came to realize the Five Remembrances.

The Five Remembrances are:
I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.

I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape having ill health.

I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape my death.

All that is dear to me and everyone I love is of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.

My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.

Practice:

I encourage you to take a moment to sit and mindfully meditate on these 5 Remembrances and allow yourself to notice how you feel when you contemplate the meaning of these words. See if there is one that impacts you more than the others, or if they help you to become more mindful of your thoughts and actions.

Were there certain ones that were easier to accept?

What did each one make you think of?

Feel free to journal your thoughts and come back to them repeatedly to see if and how your feelings change.

For many, Buddhism and mindfulness can be difficult to internalize and may even start to cause a bit of anxiety. The idea that we will all age, get sick, and die is a hard reality to face. Add that nothing is permanent, and everything can be taken away from us at any time, and it's not exactly what most would consider bliss.

These are things we don't want to talk about. Much of society spend their money, time, and energy to avoid or cheat these Five Remembrances. But the sooner you can get comfortable and accept these ideas, the sooner you can begin to remove suffering from your life.

Meditating on the 5 Remembrances helps us find acceptance, so we suffer less. That's when the zen state really starts to manifest.

The goal of mindfulness practices and Buddhism really comes down to experiencing less suffering. The way we go about this is by living in the present moment.

The past is in the past; it is not real. The future is not yet here; it is not real. All we have is the present, right here, right now, and the actions that you take in this moment. The Buddha realized that we are either living in the past or in the future. We are also living under conditioning or beliefs that don't allow us to be fully present in our lives. Because of this, we miss living our lives altogether, which may be the greatest suffering of all.

That is what mindfulness practices. Living in the present moment, experiencing life. As you begin to master this in a meditation environment, you can take it out into your everyday experiences and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

So there you have it, the origins of mindfulness and how Buddhism influences this practice.

If you enjoyed this, you'd also love our sample module for our 200-hour yoga teacher training! It includes a 60-minute video training all about Mindfulness and Buddhism. Click here to access it for free.

Hello Moonbeams!!!

Marchs' New Moon moves into the sky on the 13th at 5:21 a.m. EST, under the mystical sign of Neptune-ruled Pisces-my favorite keywords for Pisces are: *Dreams *Creativity *Psychic *Divination *Intuition *Surrender. Let it be & it will become.

The best feature about a new moon is the feeling of starting anew... a fresh start or a new beginning as you journey through the spiral of life or in the case of Pisces swimming through the seas of life. Here’s the thing…I am a triple- a Libra sun, Libra moon, and Libra rising, which is A LOT of air. To create some balance with that, I tend to work with water all the time! Water brings me back to center, balancing all that Libra air. The use of water from the sea is an important aspect in Moon Magic (salt being a crystal form). The "charging" of water, and the release of the "charge" through evaporation, is an important aspect.

And now here we are…back to the sea… in the magical realm of Pisces…her rainbow fins sparkling as she swims alongside romantic Venus and spiritual, oh, so dreamy Neptune. Neptune, the planet of unconditional love, is now aligned with the heart awakening energy of Venus poised to activate that heart chakra and lead us into a deep emotional love. Just remember that excess Neptune energy is like seeing the world through rose colored glasses so listen to your inner voice.

This moon is THE spiritual reboot we need, forcing us to connect with our feelings and assess where we currently stand. Pisceans are not entirely at home in this world. At times they prefer their ethereal life to their physical one as they are forever dreaming, creating, and imagining a better reality. With any New Moon we ask ourselves where do we go from here? What are our dreams telling us? What is your soul yearning for right now? Things to ponder as we prepare for spring’s rebirth…March 20th the first day of spring as well as the astrological new year…all leading to the full moon in Libra on March 28 to balance our hearts and close out the month.

New Moon Altar Magic

In the center position a bowl of saltwater and submerge a white seashell into the water. As you do so, whisper the name of the Goddess who rules the current phase of this moon Diana. Around the bottom of the bowl, set nine white shells, forming a crescent. If the magic is for the gain of something, place the shells from right to left. If the magic is for the removal, or loss of something, then place the shells from left to right. Leave out for 3 days.

until next month…peace & love