Full Moon August 2018 - Practical Magic

Can we all hear a collective sigh of relief? Yes, we can - the Eclipse season is over, and things are starting to look a bit less threatening. This Sunday's early morning Full Moon in Pisces is like a soothing balm spread lovingly over a raw wound, and we all will feel its effects.

The Full Moon is the ideal time to purge that which no longer serves you, and to sow the seeds you planted at the New Moon. Since we have no strong negative aspects to this lunation, we can expect that the mystical waters of Pisces will wash us all in its peace. It's interesting to look at the astrological chart for this, so I've posted it below. You'll see that there is a triangle shape formed between the Sun, Saturn, and Uranus. Sextile aspects turn this triangle (Grand Trine) into a Kite. This is most favorable.

The Sun is trine Saturn, which speaks of achievement and recognition. Things will seem well-balanced, and this is a good time to listen to the wisdom of the elders. The Sun is also trine Uranus, which increases intuition and insight. Coupled with the Moon rising in Pisces, this makes a perfect time to work on your psychic and occult abilities. Moon is conjunct the fixed star Sadalmelik, which also bodes well for adding to your psychic toolkit. Saturn is trine Uranus, as well, and that's good for career prospects, increased self-confidence, and learning technical subjects. Perhaps now's the time to study astrology?

We mentioned the star Sadalmelik, one of the more important stars in the galaxy. Arabic for "Luck of the King", it's an indicator of success and favor for those in authority. The Moon is also conjunct a second star, Fomalhaut, another important star. Known as one of the four royal stars of ancient Persia, or as one of the Archangel Stars of the Abrahamic religions, Fomalhaut represents the Archangel Gabriel. It is said that this star can cause malevolence and havoc, and can either be good or bad depending on the aspects. Luckily, the influence of the planets aspecting this moon, it bends toward benevolence.

All in all, this is an auspicious Full Moon that highlights a need for security, which will manifest as motivation and inspiration to develop skills and abilities. Rely on your inner strength and curiosity about the mysteries of life to understand belief systems that may be different than yours. This will help bring about healing, which we all need so much. In addition, you'll be happy to know that Mercury stationed direct on August 18, and Mars will station direct on August 28.

The Tarot card that resonates with this lunation is Eight of Cups. The stone or crystal that will help you is Blue Lace Agate, for it's tranquil effect. Also, you may find Rainbow Moonstone beneficial, as well as Labadorite, for their moon related and magical qualities. It's always a good idea to perform a ritual cleansing on the Full Moon with either sage or Palo Santo. We have both at Hoopla! Emporium, in addition to incense, essential oils, and candles. Come see us! Until the New Moon, blessed be.

Sept. 2017 Full Moon - A Double Edged Sword

After August's fiery spectacle of eclipses, both lunar and solar, we're heading into a quieter time with the September 6th Full Moon in Pisces. Are you ready for the shift in energy? We hope so, since this watery Pisces Full Moon helps us understand our true intentions.

Because of several contingencies, however, this Full Moon can, as our title reveals, be a double-edged sword. Remember, Pisces is the sign of intuition and psychic abilities, and in this lunation brings insights into our deeper thoughts, feelings, and emotions, as well as an occasional psychic flash or two.

We're predicting a stronger reaction to this Full Moon because it is conjunct with Neptune, which makes our already emotional sign of Pisces somewhat confused, weak, and vulnerable to illness and deception. Neptune begins retrograde at 12° 49' Pisces - how will Neptune's influence affect your mood and close relationships? As mentioned, Pisces is highly emotional, so this Moon will increase your emotional sensitivity and empathetic abilities. You may experience increased susceptibility to untruth and scandal, which can be worrisome in today's charged political atmosphere.

Mercury, in retrograde since mid-August, is stationing direct on Sept. 5, the day before this Full Moon. What's fascinating about this is that it is stationing direct in the same degree of Pisces! So this is the second edge of the sword, like a double dose of empathy - don't be surprised if the feelings of others (even televised or digital media reports of others' feelings) causes you some emotional distress. As the Messenger to the Gods, Mercury is responsible for communication. As such, expect him to reveal any messages or insights to the surface during the week that follows.

Conscious self-awareness will help filter out any negative distractions. Use this sensitivity for good and be of aid to victims, which is perfect advice during this time of great need and turmoil here in the U.S.. Your emotional comfort will carry a healing quality, so be generous and spread it like glitter!  Remember, the effects of a Full Moon last for about two weeks, just in time for the effects of the New Moon to take precedence.