Title: Aquarius Full Moon, Giclee on bamboo photorag, 2019

Aquarius Playlist for your listening pleasure: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2MRlVTrEuFqjQXw9NliE93?si=PKV3y6x7S6SJuodwJNcrBg

Description: This is the time when we’re more inclined to march to the beat of our own drum. Aquarius is anything but cookie-cutter, and this lunation will have us trying to figure out what it is that makes us unique so that we can share it with the world. Aquarians are social butterflies, making friends and influencing people wherever they go. This isn’t surprising considering Aquarius rules the 11th House of Friendships! When the Moon moves into this gregarious sign, you’ll feel the urge to call your friends, make plans, and get out and interact with those around you. The Aquarius Moon could also have you feeling a little but more rebellious and spontaneous than usual. You may crave freedom and a distraction from your everyday life. If you’ve been feeling stuck in a rut, this is when you’ll decide to change up your routine or break old habits. This Full Moon occurs when the cooperative Aquarius Moon opposes the individualistic Leo Sun. This cosmic coupling allows us see the difference between satisfying ourselves (Leo) and collaborating with others (Aquarius), and helps us understand the relationship between teamwork and individuality. The community-conscious Aquarius Full Moon reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves, and that acting on our ideas and ideals will benefit everyone. You’ll probably wonder where your invitation is because it’s always a party when the Full Moon is in Aquarius! Full Moons spark an increase in activity and energy, and Aquarius is one of the most outgoing signs in the zodiac. You’ll be more apt to let your hair down and have a good time during this fun-loving Full Moon.

Essential Oils: Neroli, Lavendar, Rosemary, Peppermint, Begamot, Cypress, Mimosa

Colors: Electric Blue: The clear color of the sky, mint green, pink, lavender

Stones: Amethyst, garnet, aquamarine, Amber, Labradorite

Asana: The sign of Aquarius is associated with innovation, objectivity, altruism, independence, and intuition.  On a physical level, it rules the ankles, lower legs, and circulatory system.  Focus os feeling grounded so that your big creative and unconventional ideas can soar freely. Chair pose, playing with coming up onto toes, Eagle Pose, any intuitive movement (really let it get weird and give yourself the freedom to move in a way you don’t normally.  Aquarius is the “non-conformist” after all) Turn on some tunes and just let yourself dance around.

Magic to be done under the light of this full moon can include (but not limited to): friendship, acquaintances, politics, electronics, freedom, science, ESP development, breaking bad habits, problem solving, objectivity, luck, meeting new people, social justice, hope.

A meditation/magick ritual:

Items needed:

• Light Blue Candle

• Incense of your choice

• Journal

• Paper/Pen

Sometime before sunset, gather a small candle, a large plate to put underneath it, several small pieces of paper, and a pen.  Bring them to a quiet place where you can protect yourself from distractions and interruptions (or a wind that might whip or extinguish your candle).  Ideal would be a spot that allows you a good view of  the eastern horizon, where the Moon will rise just after sundown.  As this is a ritual celebrating the elements of fire and air, you may wish to bring some sage or a stick of incense to place on your altar.  Reciting a prayer or sacred phrase from your particular tradition will help to calm your spirit and call in divine energy.  Watching the breath—inhaling in, exhaling out—will further deepen this sacred space.

RAISING THE ENERGY
In this gently focused state, wait for the first sign of the Moon.  When you spot her brilliant light at the horizon, attune your heart to her presence, and light your candle.   Then tune into those reverent ones scattered around the world who, like you,  are also lighting a candle to celebrate the Full Moon.  How many hundreds of thousands of candles, flickering on hundreds of thousands of altars must the Moon be seeing tonight!   With this image, join in the interplay of Leo and Aquarius:  Feel yourself as one creative being united with the collective energy of others, in a spirit of reverence for earth, humanity, and the starry cosmos.  As you light your incense or sage, inhale the sacred energy in the atmosphere, wafting on the smoky perfume.

THE HEART OF THE RITUAL

Personal Ritual: Now survey your life with an eye to what is obstructing your true self from flaming out in all its radical brilliance and beauty. Perhaps you are plagued with doubts about the value of your work. Maybe you are filled with unreasonable fears, or persistent feelings of anxiety. It could be that you have held onto anger over an unfair situation, or a person who has slighted you. Often, negative habits persist that block us from accomplishing what we most desire: we procrastinate on fulfilling what we sense is our soul’s purpose, ignore our friendships, or, swamped by the minutia of life, forget the deeper side of life. Choose one or more of the traits you want to banish, then write them down on a piece of paper. Folding it up in the palm of your right hand, place your left hand over it and say “Begone in the fire! Begone in the air!” Then burn your piece of paper in the candle flame (making sure that your holder catches the pieces of burnt ash).

Collective Ritual: Now survey the world with an eye to those problems that cause suffering in the world. Of all the difficulties that riddle the human condition, what are the ones that stir you most deeply? Perhaps it is the imperiled environment, the melting glaciers and rising oceans, the vanishing rain forests and species. It could be imperiled human rights, human trafficking and refugees fleeing inhumane governments. Maybe it is the lack of treatment for the mentally ill, the problems of homelessness or gun violence. Choose what you feel most strongly about, write it on a piece of paper, fold it up in the palm of your right hand, then place your left hand over it. Taking the energy that you have freed up from your personal “banishing” ritual, vow to consecrate it to healing this particular issue. Then burn your piece of paper in the candle flame (making sure again that your holder catches the pieces of burnt ash), saying “Begone in the fire! Begone in the air! Let me be the change I want to see.”

As always, adapt your ritual to fit your own needs