Astrological Currency | A Celestial Guide

It's been a while since I've sat down to write a thorough analysis of what's happening out in the cosmic ether of planets, magnetic fields, transitions and moons. The atmosphere is bubbling with hot and cold energy right now. Sensual, psychic gasses are making our consciousness humid with change. Shifts in the barometric pressure have us loaded down with heavy subject matter. Our lives are up for review in some key places that will have long - term effects on the next four years. We are navigating some serious water that has very critical information for you to download. Manually slowing down is an important step in learning how to use these powerful influences to your advantage. Sometimes, it just needs to be laid out all in one place. I really enjoy the meditative practice of taking the time to reflect on the state of my own affairs as I write a comprehensive article like this that hopefully, clarifies some things for you too and answers your lingering questions. I always know it's time to do this when I start getting a ton of inquiries from friends and clients asking "what the hell is going on right now?"

Enter the Sun into Leo. A solar cycle that is marked by it's ambitious creativity, firey passion, headstrong ideas and most notably, a prominent social and sexual energy. We have a full Moon in Aquarius approaching on July 31, which is Leo's polar opposite. This will affect the energy that the moon carries. Aquarius is very opinionated, stubborn, fixed, inventive and innovative, unique and driven. It will also be a Blue Moon. This occurs when there is more than one full Moon in a calendar month. 

This solar movement happened just before we dove headfirst into the dueling effects of Venus in retrograde, lasting from July 25 - September 6. This is marked by two phases that illuminate the double - sided nature of Venus who is the goddess of both love and war. The first is Hesperus - the loving, reflective and sensitive evening star.  Shy and intimidated, she clings to security or is drawn by old flames and karmic relationships that have shaped her past. Protective of her story, she defends her ghosts with honor. Temptations will be intensified. This effect will be challenged by the Moon - Pluto alignment which asks us to curtail excessiveness. Venus is a reflective pool. Her mirrors are a constant reminder that her world is shaped around her sensuality. When she retrogrades, her duality is felt more deeply and the two sides of her become a dynamic force that ask to be recognized.

The second phase is Lucifer, the last two weeks of Venus retrograde. She is the bringer of light. A dark cupid with strong sexual prowess, she's the morning star. Likely to indulge in sexual behaviors that are driven by the reproductive organs, her energy can over - stimulate the spiritual system. It is better to resist the desire to detach from the mind and give in to purely physical pleasure, but instead find a way to combine the two. The negative effects of psychic, over - sexualized stimulation gives us false confidence. It feeds the physical ego, leaving nothing but misery or shame or drama in it's wake after Venus goes direct again. Both of these influences can be utilized for positive outcomes, though the latter phase has a tendency to explore the dark a little more, unafraid of what she may find about herself. Perhaps getting to know herself a little better and understanding what triggers she has that have the potential to unhinge her. She is mysterious and powerful and can harness her intense sexual magnetism to create incredible artwork, music or anything driven by passion.

Venus and Jupiter have also culminated into a month - long dance where they will be visibly conjunct. A conjunction is when two planets are so close together that their appearance will be very bright and look like a double star. They will be accessing each other's energies. They will share magnetic fields in Cancer and Leo until August 13 . This is what Astronomers have been calling the Star of Bethlehem. These two planets are so bright that they create an incredible light in the sky that could serve as a guide to the west. This conjunction has strong feminine and masculine energy all at once. It opens us up for success with regard to real estate, inheritance, investments, creative surges, family relations, children, conception and home life.

The aspect that can complicate these pleasant gains is the fact that Mars and the Sun are currently also sharing Cancer which starts a new fire altogether. It encourages us to make a new pass at our regular routines, to shake it up and create healthier habits while incorporating affirmative daily practices. It can also rev up our defensive nature to resist change. It asks us what is standing in the way of true success? They want us to live and lead with real authority. Emotional makeovers are being activated by the magnetic centers of a Moon - Pluto alignment. Yes, Pluto is still out there. Immaturity is the knee - jerk reaction of resisting what we instinctually know is best. This also means we have already started to work with these influences. Be aware of potential parental and family conflict that could arise, especially between women.

And last, but definitely not the least, is the challenging station of Mercury, which rules Gemini, the sign of communication. Mercury has just gone direct after leaving it's natural ruler and will begin another retrograde cycle September 17. The aftershocks of it's interaction after being squared off in Chiron, who represents the wounded healer in our natal charts, can be felt for weeks. Currently, Chiron occupies Pisces and is also in retrograde. This may feel as though an old wound is being opened up again. It may give rise to the sensation that you never fully healed from it before, and it is time to revisit that situation. It can also heighten the sensations of inner turmoil left unchecked. Pisces is the sign of spirituality and illusion. It is critical to push through this transit with clear perception and analytic decision making. It will feel more natural to swing with the heavy pendulum of emotion and get swept away with the tide, but the effects of that could only inflame the scar tissue. Use spiritual modalities to find your center. Communication is ruled by Gemini and it may have too much space around it to be effective right now. The undefined boundaries can be disorienting and counter - productive. When there is less space and planets are closer together, they behave harmoniously. Try to redefine lines of communication. Make your thoughts clear and known to avoid misunderstandings. Minimize expectations and make the ones you have realistic. Verbalizing them will clarify the space.

Unlike a conjunction, a square is formed at an awkward angle. It makes the energy between planetary bodies challenging or combative. Aspects are all about the angles created as planets move around each other. The energetic fields are conducive and radiate a positive charge in closer proximity. A trine is basically a triangle and an opposition is 180 degrees apart.

This is a lot of information to swallow, I totally get that. But, the important message and take - away here is to slowly absorb it day by day over the next two to four months. Come back and revisit this page in a week and see what themes are resonating with you. These atmospheric flares are at their peak intensity and they are our allies. Remember that your choices in life are directly related to whether you choose to react defensively to your circumstances or be proactive with what you've got to work with. You're in the driver's seat. Breathe, and just drive.  

March Polarity: Sun in Pisces | Full Moon in Virgo

This month's full moon in Virgo is one of those special transits where it happens to occupy the polar opposite of the sign that the sun occupies, which is Pisces. It doesn't happen like this every month, but when it does, the energy surrounding the full moon is amplified by its complimentary and polarizing effect. This means that the sun and moon are exactly 180 degrees apart which is exactly where Pisces and Virgo are in relation to each other, regarding their solar positions.

Pisces at a glance: The last few years have been productive in shoring up a spiritual practice that is now maturing and will serve you long-term. It will also help you discern the position of your moral compass. Artistic endeavors will soothe frayed ends. Approach medications and any mind-altering substances with modesty because Pisces is super sensitive to the effects of them. Job opportunities are increasing and positions of leadership will open up. Deepen your dialogue with commitments you've made. New terms are being written and old ones are being revised. Watch for big changes in June and July. Be resourceful in the face of financial challenges. This is a good time to redefine your brand. Symbolism that centers on sensitivity will serve as a light that shines on the future of your unique self, newly improved. Love is changing. You will make intense connections over the next year through foreign affairs, travel, co-workers and professional alliances. Stay grounded in reality instead of getting swept up in fantasy. Juice up existing relationships with passion and strengthen ones that need a little extra attention. Fertility is all around you.

Virgo and the polar moon: In this position, the mind and attitude are sharpened. Work is calling. Themes centered around service and health are also in focus. This is a good time to organize your office or work space. Detail-oriented tasks are especially good to tackle. Edit, weed or clean out a closet. Improving something will give you some speed in the fast track to accomplishing that to-do list.  Use this energy to critique, analyze or solve an important problem. Giving advice comes naturally under this influence, but learning when to accept it becomes a greater challenge. Doing it with grace, femininity and class will yield the best results.

Polarities are especially powerful alignments because the magnetic field they share at this angle is stronger in this position, especially when it involves a sun | moon alliance, and even more so when it happens on the full moon. This total aspect is fully effaced at 12:05 pm and moonrise is visible at 8:23 pm. Go outside tonight and take a minute to consciously participate in what is happening upstairs. The more aware we are, the more we stand to benefit these incredible acts of nature, that otherwise can be easily missed.

NAMASTE!

Mercury Retrograde 2015 | Outlines, Highlights and Insights

This time last year, I explained what exactly happens out there when Mercury retrogrades. Instead of going over all of that again, I'm going to jump into what this particular year holds for three transits of retrograde we will go through this annual cycle. You can hop over to my previous post here to get a quick overview of the scientific explanation of retrograde. The important thing to know about approaching these phases are the themes of each, how it affects you and with a little guidance, the ways to prepare before they start and how to utilize your energy when you're there.

That said, most people would prefer to "sleep" through retrograde because we often feel bombarded by conflict and frustration. But, it's really a magical opportunity to energetically capitalize on what the universe is handing us. Turning conflict into growth is truly a learned behavior that takes a bit of mental agility and commitment. Meditation is a powerful form of practice. The mind is a generous organ that responds to patterns of behavior. Re-routing the pathways inside of it requires something of us - a dedication to make a change so that we act instead of react. Reacting is a defense mechanism whereas acting is a form of initiative.

Retrograde brings us closer to spirit because it activates our right brain - our lunar self - and heightens our senses and awareness. We are likely to be more mistake - prone due to its' "wobbly axis" disposition and if we approach these phases with smart caution, we can safely and effectively navigate the underworld zone. Literally, this is the house in your natal chart where Mercury retrogrades. Remember to wrap up solar, left - brained activities and gather information to bring down into your cave for a spell. It's your free ticket to be more eccentric. Some of our best work can be made here. Shine a light on your demons and your darkness. You will come out brighter than ever.

Transit periods for 2015:

• January 21 - February 11: Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius: Clear the air everywhere. Build sturdier bridges or make repairs to them. Travel and commerce work well together and provide lasting results for future success. Make a talisman, an altar or medicine bag during this re-boot. Problem solve without bias. Critical thinking can yield good writing. You will dance with the devil's advocate from a distance, including heated debates that could trigger a knee-jerk reaction. If you can find what house on your natal chart the Sun and Mercury are conjunct, this will be where your conflict will originate. Power through and don't take it personal.
• May 18 - June 11: Mercury Retrograde in Gemini: Take a second look at tending the fires of all relationships. Redefine your support systems. Tighten all of the bolts, replace the stripped ones. Look even deeper at your relationships with children, whether they are your own or not. This is a good time to study something and redirect your energy mentally which will sturdy up the body for going direct. Frustration and inflammation surrounding conflict has the potential to unhinge you if you don't stay grounded. Focused meditation and mental strength training are called for. When left to it's own devices, the mind can exit the building without reason. Create or re-write a mantra and say it every day until this cycle passes. It will keep you in tune with the linear process between your thought and your action.
• September 17 - October 9: Mercury Retrograde in Libra: Renew your vows with yourself and your self care routine. Start a red hot love affair with all of you all over again. This phase centers on relationships and the quality of communication we have with them. Are they open or closed? Fluid or Strained? Active or static? Create new creative outlets. Design, build, invent, re-make, re-do, remodel. Start projects that reflect beauty. Take your creative process to a new level. Construct a ladder to your higher self and climb it with purpose. Access the 5D by making it to the top with a fresh perspective on your place in the world. This defines your relationship to other living things, your mirror.

In close, find the medicine behind these energetic time-outs. Go inside and pad yourself from the negative flares of others. Absorb them with integrity, clarity and educated responses. There is always more to learn from conflict and problems. We always make it to other side with new tools to use. We just have to dig a little to find them.

NAMASTE!

Autumnal Transitions, New Moons and Eclipses

I just revisited my solar return for the 37th time. This year, that feels like a lot of laps. But, instead of feeling exhausted or overly aware of the fact that I'm getting older, I have embraced it with a lot of love, lightness and energy. I feel invigorated and sensitive like I'm growing new skin. Libra rules over serpents and lizards and molting is certainly a sensation that I know a lot about. It happens in 7 year cycles for me and Libra also rules the seventh house of the zodiac. These are not coincidences. In fact, I'm quite convinced that there is no such thing. This time of year represents the deeper values of moving into fall when leaves are turning into little papery jewels and starting to fall from the trees. Plants are gently guided back into a big growth spurt as they flourish in the welcomed, cooler temperatures and begin setting roots for winter. It's no surprise that this affects other living things as we all share the same bit of air, sun and earth.

On a larger scale, today is marked by the first day of the sun into Scorpio, a New Moon in Scorpio and a partial solar eclipse in Scorpio all moving right into the eighth house. We begin our next cycle into the realm where we are confronted with some more serious issues. Themes that will be exalted over the next 30 days will be harmony through conflict, conscious sexuality, learning lessons through service, addressing the psychological underworld, exploring secrets and wading through the water of confrontation. Our struggles in life are our greatest teachers, forever dedicated to showing us the light inside of the dark. People that try and break us down, destroy our spirit and manipulate for personal gain are the most valuable. We learn to love on a deeper level as we find compassion for them, their negativity and their sadness. Those energy sources only amplify our higher self and give us fuel. As we transform their flares into something positive, we disarm their weapons and assist in their healing journey. They point us toward death and we embrace the change, turning it into new life.

New Moons are empty cups, waiting to be filled with intention. They hold the blackness of beginnings. They call us out to project what it is we want from our lives. Take a little time to hold a silent meditation and give shape to your dreams. Forgive those that have hurt you. Say good bye to Libra and Venus as they exit our immediacy, leaving only the lasting imprints of your higher self and the elder sister of the tribe. Be prepared to learn volumes of things in the months to come. Saturn is the teacher and he is moving into Sagittarius, the sign of higher learning, travel, religious study and good fortune. There are incredible things happening to those who listen, who fine-tune their awareness and who take a little time to enjoy the view. The cosmic interface is under the pulse of your finger. Touch it.

Full Moon in Cancer | January 15, 2014

Though the Moon in December was technically fully effaced in Gemini on the 17th, it quickly moved into Cancer 9 hours later and magnified the still powerful effects of being in it's most resonant home. Today however, Moonrise is at 7:06 pm and full by 10:52 pm. She has already occupied Cancer for two days and the differences of these two Moon transits will be felt.

Take the themes of the Moon and Cancer, put them into a tea cup and pour warm water on top. You'll find yourself immersed in a brew of instinct, intuition and emotion. Psychic precognition and spirituality will be on your mind. Allow your passion and sensuality to guide you with gentle, compassionate hands. Retreat into your home and do water rituals like bathing with herbs, fertilize your garden, make soup and drink tea. Embrace the water. Hold it. Go under and open your eyes. Feel the liquid shawls slide across your skin and rest in the weight of it's waves. This is a very feminine influence. Cancer is the nurturer. She mothers everyone and everything. She tends and takes care of those in need. She rules the reproductive organs. She has a giant heart that looks like a shell. There's a pearl inside. Wear it with silver and abalone. Resonate with the magnetic energy that is the strongest. Gather it up like string and let it drive you, uninhibited.

There are also subtle flares that can be felt with all Full Moons, coming from the influences of the angles made between the Moon in full (it's most powerful position) and the other planets. These are called aspects. They form squares, triangles and diametrically opposed lines.

• Moon square Mars | Challenging influence felt with freedom, restraint, expansion, travel, exploration and physical activity.
• Moon opposition Mercury | Polarizing or magnetic influence felt towards introvert | extrovert, mental activities or study, invention, learning, new concepts and ideas.
• Moon trine Saturn | Harmonizing influence towards challenges and limitations, problem solving, lessons and morals.

These are fleeting aspects that will shift every few days but whose effects are powerful when added to a Full Moon equation. Keys to understanding Astrology are drawn by looking into the areas of our life that become illuminated each day, month and year. It allows us to get a deeper understanding as to why themes in our life continue to repeat and why we feel drawn or compelled to activities, moods, objects and elements. Life is too short to waste a Full Moon - go out and jump in the water!

Surviving Mercury Retrograde 2014 | Prospects, Positions, Perspectives

Let's talk about that thing that drives everyone up the wall into chaos every year, numerous times. Even non-believers will blame their cathartic messes on Mercury Retrograde without even knowing what exactly that means. All they know is, it causes frustration and complicates everything when it's happening. And the truth is, living things will be affected by it's apparent backwards motion whether they choose to or not. We don't have a choice when it comes to planetary influences. Magnetic forces work scientifically, under the thumb of nature. We are at the mercy of it and the best advice here is to just go with it. Don't resist - lay down in the water. Educating yourself on the principles and key functions of big transitions and learning how to use them to your advantage arms you with a tool for your tool box.

So what exactly is Mercury Retrograde? The planetary bodies are in constant forward motion meaning, that Mercury only appears to be moving backwards when actually, it has just slowed down it's usual speed as it becomes conjunct with the sun. Mercury is the closest planet to the sun and as the two form certain angles 3-4 times a year, their magnetic fields become antagonistic for roughly 30 days, which is about how long it takes for each one to move into a new sign. Where ever your sun is in your birth chart, is where your Mercury will also be. And when Mercury appears Retrograde, it's affects are felt with restraint, challenge and limitation as it tries to push against the magnetic forces that are creating resistance.

Mercury rules the mind, mental activity, analysis, invention, problem solving and the nervous system. These will be the primary rooms affected with difficulty. You will likely hear Gemini and Virgo bark the loudest as both are ruled by Mercury and are polar opposites. The phases of Retrograde are themed by the sign that it and the sun are occupying during the transit. It will also have an affect on the parts of the body those signs rule and their accompanying qualities. The road to successfully exiting the phase with the little or no casualties is simple. Avoid signing contracts, binding agreements and executing wills or deeds or documents (if possible) until after Mercury has gone direct again. Be aware of conflicts with superiors, authorities, officials, partnerships and co-workers. These can be especially confrontational. If you feel something arise, try and diffuse it without fireworks. After all, YOU will be the one with the insight as to why eruptions are happening and you will be able to take the inside track to the high road. Competition will feel heightened and argumentative natures are illuminated. You may find yourself taking opposition to someone for no reason but to take the opposite. This can be productive but typically ends in a stand off. Stay composed and centered - this will stabilize this effect.

Here are the Retrograde transits for 2014 and the themes they will occupy. Put it on your calendar so that you can stay afloat when conflict feels suffocating:

• FEBRUARY 6 - 28 : Sun conjunct Mercury on the 16th in Aquarius, the sign of invention, creative originality and uniqueness. Remember that art is a process, not an immediacy. Focus and harness the power of this highly competitive influence by accepting a challenge with individuality as you define and redefine your goals. Rules the shins and ankles.
• JUNE 7 - JULY 1 : Sun conjunct Mercury on the 20th in Gemini. This is the transit where Retrograde will be most difficult all year, due to the intensity of Gemini, highlighting snap judgement, biting rhetoric and sharp-tongued wit while fueling the deeply imaginitive mind that leads to great thinking and conceptual thought. A healthy debate would be educational. Rules the hands, wrists and forearms.
• OCTOBER 4 -25 : Sun conjunct Mercury on the 17th in Libra offers poise, command and control over communication but challenge in partnerships and relationships. You might be inclined to revise your artistic endeavors and your nature to create beautiful things. The spark of new ideas and projects would be a good place to put your excessive energy. Rules the low back, the lumbar and the booty.

I hope this explanation sheds some light on your challenges for the new year during these transits where ultimately, you can come out on top with deeper insight and a sharpened awareness of what this all really means. I am certainly not saying that Retrograde is easy, but it can be better than just tumbling into the ether with our claws out.

December Full Moon

What are your FULL MOON MEDITATIONS for today? This particular aspect is effaced with polarity as the sun and moon were in opposition at 3:28 this morning, occupying a solar Sagittarius and a lunar Gemini. It has since moved into Cancer and carries the harmony of being at home in this position. The moon rules Cancer. This is the alignment that magnifies the moon's greatest influence. Everything will be felt with more intensity for the next two days. This is a good time to work on your home-space. Rearrange it, wash it, organize it. Cozy up on the inside with stimulating material about mind expansion, spirituality and knowledge. Meditative practices will be especially powerful and your mind|body connection is ready to receive. Deepen your dialogue with water. Hydrate, irrigate, bathe, make a soup. Use any conflict you might feel to delineate the mystery behind the subconscious. Focus on action instead of reaction. Transform tender heart strings into music and radiate love, warmth and affection. Weed your garden and find the zen of the act. Cultivate your creativity because you will have an explosive instinct to share it with the world by Friday morning.

WHOLE WOMAN

In March, I was invited to participate in a healing workshop that was to take place in beautiful Laguna Beach, California.  Two dear friends of mine who I deeply admire and respect, were organizing a tribal intersection of women through modern culture.  It was called WHOLE WOMAN. I was asked to serve with my gift, which was to design and lovingly prepare the food for the retreat, and I accepted. The weekend was to be filled with a high vibration including yoga, guided meditation, chakra discovery, holistic body care, card reading, gemstones and pushing our feet through the ocean sand as we listened to our hearts echo across the water.  How could I possibly say no? The collective consciousness asked for a vegetarian, gluten-free menu.  It was an awesome challenge and I really wanted to bring some dishes that would carry the WOW factor and still be something that these women would be inspired to recreate at home for their families and friends. Luckily, since my hands were quite full in the kitchen the majority of the time, the mega talented Greer Inez of MAMA HUSSY was there snapping shots over my shoulder so that we would have some rad content to bring back to Oklahoma. This is the dinner I made on the first night that was delicious, healthy and very well received!

This recipe is a good substitution for a pasta dish when you want some traditional Italian flavors and is perfect served with salad and crusty bread.

Ingredients:
2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise, stem end trimmed
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
4-6 mushrooms, cremini, baby portabello or white button, sliced
1/2 red, white or yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced, optional
2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
nutritional yeast to taste, optional
kosher salt + pepper
olive oil
fresh parsley, chopped + fresh basil, cut into ribbons
red sauce such as marinara or a homemade version
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
freshly grated parmesan cheese or mozzarella

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
Start your rice if it has not already been cooked
Scrape out your zucchini boats with a spoon, leaving 1/8 inch rim around the edge
Chop this and set aside for the stuffing
Start your sautee by heating the olive oil to medium in a large skillet
Add the onion and sprinkle with a little salt, cook about 5 minutes
Add the mushrooms, zucchini, garlic and red bell if using, cook another 5-7 minutes until tender
In a large bowl, combine your sautee with the rice and about a tablespoon of nutritional yeast
Adjust the salt + pepper, add a little cayenne if you like it spicy and a handful of the parsley
Stuff your zucchini with a spoon and press down into the cavity so that there are no pockets
Lay them out face up on a sheet pan
Top them with parmesan or mozzarella if using and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top
Bake for about 20 minutes or until the zucchini shells are tender when pierced and golden on top
As you bake, warm up your red sauce on the stove
Serve  by placing a large spoonful of sauce in the middle of the plate
Position your zucchini directly on top and garnish with parmesan and the basil ribbons

Always serve cooked food with a raw salad for optimum digestion

Bulbs

Spring rituals begin just after my son's birthday on March 1st. Although gardening is a lifestyle for me which never sleeps, there are obviously the seasonal hurdles to deal with. I like initiating the season with Bulbs. This is the month when last year's bulbs begin to emerge with baby green, pushing up through the mulch with their leaves which often resemble knives. It is also when I start new ones inside. This is called forcing. You can purchase bags of bulbs in greenhouses and garden centers sometimes as early as February. You can also find indoor kits that are made for showcasing your bulbs as they emerge. This Christmas, I received something similar which is where I got these Narcissus. These are also called Paperwhites. They will make green, grassy foliage and will bloom in a bright window. The bittersweet nature of all bulbs is that they are incredibly gorgeous, often fragrant, but with a brief show. Most are finished within a few weeks. At this point, they become dormant until next season, as they do not like the heat. They thrive in cool temperatures and are triggered to recede when the day time thermometer  is much over 75 degrees. This ritual also allows me to connect with the consciousness that is sparked into life and motion as I begin to spring-clean my house, get rid of stuff, organize closets and make room for all of the new things that accompany the season of Aries - first house of the zodiac. It represents the spark of creation and synthesis. New ideas and projects come to life after months of hibernation. Hopes and desires take on new shape as they bloom into fruition. 

After your bulbs have lived their expectancy indoors, you can transplant them to a sunny place in your garden. You will see everything start to yellow which means it is not photosynthesizing anymore. Cut the old foliage just above the neck of the bulb and plant them about 4-6 inches deep. They will have the best show the following Spring if you plant them in a group about 1/2 inch apart, or by lining them along the edge of the front of your bed. You should mark them with a tag so that you do not forget where they are and accidentally plant on top of them later. It is always exciting to see the first signs of life come up in what has been inactive for months. I think it's pretty remarkable how the dance appears to happen flawlessly and with little effort each year. It's something you can count on. 

Spider Cider Wellness Tonic

I've been curating this recipe for years now. It's actually a really old remedy that has gone through years of changes, names and ingredients. I love how passionate people are about their herbal remedies. When you make a recipe your own, you mark it with your imprint. It becomes part of your tool box. I've been practicing herbal alchemy for nearly 15 years, studying the properties and propagation of medicinal plants. This is the under current of my work. If I was born to do anything, it's the integration of horticulture and medicine.

Though my second language is Astrology, I have found many ways that these two subjects are constantly cross-referencing one another. Each sign of the zodiac rules a plant, a tree, an herb, a metal, an element, a cell salt, a color, a number and a part of the body. Using this table, I have been able to tailor remedies that are aligned with these hot spots, utilizing both Astrology and Horticulture. The relationship between humans, plants and the atmosphere goes deep. It sounds complicated but it's pretty simple, actually. Something not achievable through modern medicine and mainstream religion exclusively, it remains unacknowledged by most institutions like a theory upheld by outdated findings, when in fact, this information pre-dates modern medicine by centuries. 

The plants and minerals and compounds found naturally occurring in the earth are our best kept secrets. They have laid the framework for which the current understanding of "cure" now lies. Pharmaceutical medications are great at destroying things on a cellular level, meaning everything all at once. They fumigate the body with a chemical ether that confuses the instinct to heal and repair with it's own responses. It leaves a kind of ignorance in it's wake and the body now has to work twice as hard to restore normal function and start again. It erases critical cell memory. The integrity of the internal landscape is compromised. Conversely, herbs and minerals and plants work WITH the body as a remedy, not a fix. The language between the two is a dance. It stimulates immune response that does not disturb the beneficial bacteria. Our bodies are learning to be stimulated to heal instead of being told what to do. Immune response is turned on like a light and the road to recovery begins.

The compounds in this recipe are incredibly powerful and should be approached with respect. It addresses many complaints and discomforts. It is tailored for daily use and I encourage that so that the immune system remains in a responsive state so that it can react effectively to anything that is introduced. I am happy to share this with you, as it is a part of my daily ritual and perhaps it should be a part of yours! 

100% Organic Ingredients

• Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• Horseradish root
• Ginger root
• Turmeric root
• Onion
• Garlic
• Habanero 
• Jalapeno
• Thyme + Oregano

Though I carry this all year long, there are benefits to the summer and fall batches. This is when all but two of these ingredients comes directly from my organic garden. The Turmeric and Ginger root are always purchased from an outside source because they do not grow in Oklahoma, but are always certified organic. This in a raw food. It is cured for 40 days and gently strained. There is a layer of sediment at the bottom, which is very important. You should shake your bottle every time before you dose. You want these power house particles in your body!

Overall, this product stimulates immune response, assists with digestion, balances PH, addresses anxiety, high blood pressure, nausea and stimulates appetite. It is antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is also a cardiovascular aid, neutralizes toxins, releases endorphins and oxytocin, addresses fatigue, detoxifies the blood and regulates the menstrual cycle.

Every order comes with literature about the product with dosing guidelines, functions and a complete ingredient list. These prices include shipping + tax for the U.S. You can check out through PayPal on the home page with the link on the right sidebar. Don't hesitate to email me if you have questions or concerns.

Casting Spells

I have a lot on my mind lately as I consider the annual ring around the sun that focuses on the calendar year. Personally, I consider my new year starting on my natal return instead of January 1. In my line of work (Astrology, the science of pressure and time), we believe that we gain the most personal power and inertia when we revisit our birth date. It puts our state of mind into a new perspective and the spirit is allowed the space it needs to reposition itself among the current transits, which are familiar. Though traditional, I find resolutions to be pretty over-rated. The success rate is less than that which is projected and there is always that feeling of expectation when standards are set at immoderate levels. Everyone seems to lean towards grandiose accomplishment instead of focusing on little things that can be met on a daily basis. It's kind of daunting to consider maintaining it for a year, not to mention. I always tell myself to minimize my hurdles to 30 day cycles. It's much easier to think in small boxes than it is to consider the view of twelve of them. One of the Libra mantras is BALANCE. It can be a tricky concept to apply, as balance itself, rests on the highs meeting the lows, somewhere in the middle. Sometimes I think that it can also be 60|40 or 70|30, as long as you bring it back to 50. Obsessing over the perfect balance can be maddening and can occasionally cause static. However, I am trying to vow to live with a little more moderation. Let's be honest, it's a lot of fun to get crazy. I've found that learning to get crazy a little less often is usually the best sacrifice. I can live with that.

So. This is a picture of me and my beautifully witchy girlfriend with whom I've recently had a deepening of friendship. She's a Sagittarius, which is my moon. Needless to say, I'm pretty sure that's why I've really taken to her lately. We snapped this very magical photo over Halloween when we were in full regalia, watching the Flaming Lips play an incredible show. That marks the seventh time I've seen them, and without disappointment. They have certainly mastered the art of performance. Anyway, I always wear a good fur for new year's eve (sometimes faux) but this one is real and extremely vintage from the 1930's. I love dramatic makeup and these eye tattoos are the most fun I've ever had on my face. They stay for days with setting powder and are so easy to apply. Press ons. I plan on switching it up a little this year with a pink leopard spot pattern, a vintage white lace maxi and my five inch Litas by Jeffrey Campbell. At least the only thing lacking moderation that night will be the level of my awesome.

Hypericum

I'm always encouraging people I know to consider the view, to take a little time to enjoy it. It's so much easier to give advice to others than it is to listen to your own heart sing. Why is that concept so difficult? It seems like it's time to fine-tune and redefine myself in the wake of change. I'm terrified of success but the idea of not achieving it is horrifying. Confidence is something that you don't acquire, it's something you work at. I suppose like other emotions, it has it's high and low. I just want to hang onto my ability to stay confident in all of the new territory I have started to embark upon. The OKIEMAMA zine is now available online to read. My first published article on Astrology is there. I feel good about that. I just had two of my pieces of jewelry included in a wonderful editorial by Sisters of the Black Moon, whose site I adore. I feel good about that. I threw an incredible graduation party for my husband last weekend who just completed his state exams for architecture and is now licensed. I feel good about that. I have an incredible garden that is flourishing and beautiful and healthy. I feel good about that. But for some reason, I still feel like I have to consciously work toward letting go of my past. Things that I cannot change. I have overwhelming moments of sadness and doubt and I think it keeps me from moving forward in the way that I really want to. Do I need therapy? Does that work have lasting effects on the future? Can you undo some of that emotional programming that you underwent and can you go onward with single-mindedness in pursuits? I think the answer is YES! Affirmations of the highest kind can work miracles on the subconscious and today, I am doing that. It's just kind of a moody day. Something is brewing in the atmosphere and it too, shall pass. One day at a time is kind of trite, but remembering to consider the 30 day cycle is what's important. Namaste.

Cherry Oh Baby

The day opened behind rose-tinted Givenchy. My mind must have hit the refresh button sometime through the night. I can read omens like cards. It's a thing I do. The veil is thinner for me with regard to the psyche, subconscious, projection and intuition. Not that mine is any better than anyone's - it isn't. Mine has the ability to penetrate solid matter. Mine has the ability to see and sense things just moments before others do. Mine has the likeability of a mirror. I am really good at helping others see things about themselves. This is not subject to opinion. When you can work like a go-between, it's something else. "Medium" is over-used. I hate catch words. Let's say "gateway" like you're moving through a psychic wormhole. Like that much better.  I don't do anything special at all. It's kind of the same thing as preparing a recipe you have made many times, when you need no guide or instructions. Turning off, tuning in, dropping out.

Anyway, before I digress too far, what I was getting at was that yesterday evening, I was feeling very sensitive and in-tune to anything red, pink, rosy, feminine, earthy, organic. Though these are themes I indulge often, like most things, they swell and regress at appropriate times, usually signaling an atmospheric change. Be it weather, personal emotion, state of the body union, moon or Venus transit. The variegated Thyme in my garden is really a survivor - it has been leafy all winter! Occasionally drifted over with a little frost, it appears to enjoy a gentle thaw. It has been turning more red and pink as the days have gotten shorter. That is photosynthesis at work there. The plant receives less sunlight and photosynthesizes less, meaning the less green pigment is made inside the cells. That's why trees turn red and orange in the fall. If you notice, it will always be the side of the plant or tree that faces directly into the setting sun that has the most color change. It's gorgeous. It's right on time with the arrival of my moon cycle first thing this morning. More symbolic than anything, and probably just to me. I wanted to start making and creating beautiful things today, as the moon's position is steadily and appropriately Pisces. Cue the imagination! Usher in creativity and drop the curtain on the waking dream state. Like a hazy, euphoric walking around kind of high. I associate the Pisces effect with dopamine. Really get into feel-good stuff, which usually requires some personal restraint and a tighter grip on control. It always seems like a good idea to take everything to the next level, with no ceiling under this influence. The lunar pull alone will do this, but when you add the menstrual muse it can ignite something quite unpredictable.