Citrus and Evergreen
We awake with the Sun-Mars square still clanging in our heads; Our Ego’s; our egos and the egos of others atop gatling thrones, the ticker-tape of bullet belts flowing like a conveyer parade in halting soldier steps before the gates of the ivory doors, teeth of horn that crash down and macerate opponents and personal pawns when they march into the mouth of doom. It’s OUR own mouth’s munching, or at least our cynocephalic selves gnawing and barking in our sleep, holding the hare’s sent into our territories by other players, their terrier minds ratting us out and probing our holds for holes, as molars grind us awake, and pemba powder falls from our lips like dandruff from a hot halo, arranging itself into schematics of attack on the checkered marble below that look like the karakteres of vanquishing angles who keep all the demons boxed into their respective hours as roosters race with feathers aflame and feet projected forward; a hand reaching from the dark, trembling with heat as sleeves of fire lick at the wrists and make fingers curl in clutch, then form a fist and propel into infinity only to circumnavigate the globe and strike their enemy in the back of the head at just the right moment. Bells toll in slurred tempo heralding the victory/defeat, and tectonic migrations rumble the audience, who’s faces contort like aging statues as they wear the masks of deep antiquity. There is a loudness so complete its quiet; the somber leaden blanket under which giants slumber during X-rays that last centuries stacked galactic. The clock spins in reverse, chasing expiring digital integers, looping through the many zeros and slaloming around the ones. In all this lurching and throne lifting, all these rockets raised by flaming crowns, all these football plays where we awake as soldiers, run from caves and slash down adversarial sentries, in all these dawn raids and cycloptic visions, amidst choreography of rooster style strikes, despite the slowness of the pace, we managed to misplace something: dropped keys, forgot passwords, corrupted messages, scrambled playbooks, grabbed the wrong file, lost the list, switched positions; suddenly we find to our astonishment we are solids and they are stripes, that we are black and they are white, that we are shirts and they are skins, suddenly, halfway through the match, and all the plans we had, all the ways we were going to win, have to now be thought up from fresh. So grab a torch and sidle near, and bring something along with which to sketch in the sand.
Sunday March 25th
At 9am the Moon in Cancer squares Mercury in Aries, highlighting his retrograde nature; our reconsideration of how we think and what we want to say punches us in the gut; how do we even know what we need if we don’t remember who we even are. “I dunno, what do I even eat anymore?” As perhaps, we find our diets have changed and we linger over a blank page instead of rolling out a list. We remember all our favorite foods, our favorite beds and how our lifestyle has changed, wondering if we’ve made the right choice in who’ve we’ve become. Maybe its just a matter of changing our habits?
In quick succession as afternoon becomes evening the Moon opposite Pluto (4:30pm), trines Jupiter (7:30pm) and squares Venus (9pm). With our identity lost in the corridor we hunger for both sustenance and mystery, although, the obsessions we stumble upon don’t necessarily feed our bodies, in fact they distract us from the table, but this might be just what the doctored ordered; a diet disembodied from personal impulse and given to much wider coherence.
Wednesday March 28th
Luna having checked in with Mercury again on Tuesday morning and then Jupiter by Tuesday night, this time trine and square reversed, she may have developed a different conclusion, the scales seesawing to find adjustment. What the character we play does have needs that can be more important than how we feel; The pilates instructor doesn’t want to be caught at the Cheesecake Factory and the belligerent hick doesn’t want to be busted with his truck parked at the co op. Although, as we are led into Wednesday Venus conjoins Uranus at 8pm and its likely our scopes will get broadened by bombs that blast insights into new experiences, and who we are opposed to who everyone else is expands through impulsive, romantic or creative action. We could stumble upon considerably more personal variation as we suddenly come face to face with unexpected pleasure or beauty. Revolutionary seductions and aesthetic revolutions, as well as surprising material gains or random relationships with unexpected people. If you want to ride the pony and not get bucked off the horse enact an intentionally experimental attitude regarding all venusian affairs (art, beauty, attraction, pleasure, value, love). Although, keep in mind, this doesn’t mean you should attempt to break any wild stallions, take heed and go easy especially as the Moon trines Mars by 9pm; we may be yearning for a little bit more of an action packed feature than we are accustomed to.
Thursday March 29
It’s time to face the music as the Sun squares Saturn at 10am tensions, problems, frictions and frustrations in or against the structure become glaringly obvious or grievously within view. Our eyes pop when we look at the daunting rungs or stone stairways circling to the top— to one side steps and to the other rubble or crag. Sinister jungle gym hierarchies, looming boundaries, stone etched laws, inescapable obligations, foundations older than memory, restrictions of the earth; all clang against our personal space bubbles as if they were iron lungs, or time capsules drifting through space. We can see the things that are broke and need our attention, those problems that won’t fix themselves and require our effort to solve. There may be tension between our duty and our desire for self-gratification, a dispute between what we HAVE to do and what we a WANT to do, now or simply in life in general. Despite low energy, gloomy outlooks, conflicts with authority, obstacles and the like, we may find great productivity here as our wills grind against the walls; not necessarily fun but we get things done. Certainly, doing taxes far from highlights our individuality, although it buys us personal freedom compared to the results of neglecting them altogether; ask Willie Nelson. Anticipate you’re head on fire with your feet in cement, and don’t be surprised if people are mad because you’re stuck in their territory, or them in yours.
Saturday March 31st
On a much different note, Venus ingresses Taurus and enters rulership where she becomes disposed toward luxury, as the jewels of the earth drip off her jaw, and juices run sensually over her skin. As we are forced to turn our attentions to work, we might as well approach it with green thumbs and eager bodies rather than creaking bones and stiff joints. Venus brings the flesh to the equation, reminding us that the earth is a place we can caress and lay upon as well as press against and prepare in ways that yield abundance. Such wealth may very well come easier, even though Saturn still demands our patience, Taurus time can be a time of laziness, so we must concentrate on keeping up an organic pace of progress while enjoying fruits as they come rather than sack out and assume berries will fall into our mouths. This should be an exceptionally hands on creativity and focus on fecundity where we turn to steady crafting and gardening. If we are to go shopping, Saturn might prefer antiques and history books, and if laying around in fields amongst flowers, eating fruit we may need to set alarms so as to still make our appointments. As Venus and Saturn will be trine and in harmony there’s no reason why we cannot labor slowly and sensually enjoying the body by day and indulging and gratifying the self sensually at night, as long as we’ve earned the reward. Laws and obligations retain their strictness, but they may become more in accord with Mother Nature’s house rules rather than the CEO of Old Dominion Materials Corp.
Venus in Taurus is surely nice, but the situation as a whole is stormy, highlighted by the Moon’s square to Mars and Saturn early in the am; we roll over in bed to get poked and jabbed sharp and firm. Mars will be applying to conjoin Saturn until April 2nd, which can incept rather evil events. Irritating obstacles, highlighting structure’s strength and weaknesses and peoples possession of or lack of energy all at once. What walls will fall under attack and which will protect us from fire. Which guns are jammed and which level the battlefields like a hail of boulders. This creates a very risky day to begin new ventures, attempt constructions or inaugurate important work, unless of course your activities are of a malicious nature. You may become convinced people are intentionally fucking with you, and in some instances you may be right. Expect specifically disputes over property and territory, what actions take place on which side of what line. You must remain strategic and find an outlet for the energy. Put it into a methodical, safe and productive project where it is unlikely you will argue with others, otherwise major conflicts could escalate into violence. There is typically something nasty in the news when Mars comes around to Saturn, but this is the first time in 28 years they came together in such malefic dignity and power: Saturn in rulership and Mars in exaltation. This can portend doom, but also incites its opposite, at least for the powers of good, as its a time when action might become impossible and powerful offenders get stopped, such as in late February of 1990 when Exxon and its shipping company are indicted on 5 criminal counts and President of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega announces a cease-fire with the U.S.-backed contras. No matter what side you’re on, good or evil, be extremely careful of injury, health, violence and argument. Play it like chess.
By the time we are brewing morning beverages we receive a Full Moon in Libra around 8:30am. The Moon separating from squares to both Mars and Saturn while in Venus’ sign of Libra, Venus herself having just entered rulership in Taurus, the Moon opposite the Sun in Mars’ sign of Aries, while the Sun separates from squares with Saturn and Mars, meanwhile retrograde Mercury applies to conjoin the Sun and then square Saturn and Mars himself.
This is quite a climax to the past months themes, and smells like the blossoming and coming to fruition of needs for social activity which must be brought into balance with visions of independence. Both sides of the balance are experiencing tension against strategic actions and the laws of nature and society. The social activity and needs for social balance remain pleasurable and tactile despite the irritations and tensions, like bonding with a bunch of friends in sensual experiences amidst an angry protest, or during a trial of labor, like feasting and banter panning attempts to bust ass building a house or raising a barn frame. The talk and fun detract from the work, and the work detracts from the talk and fun, and there is so much going on it is unlikely you will be able to fully express yourself as your heart burns to. Social sensuality mixed with power moves, deadlines and obstacles. Disputes or conflicts over property and territory. Stuff falling on your head. Reminds me of the world of Jeremy Irons in the Borgias, or insert any other lavish power struggle period piece soft core porn social drama studded with stars in exquisite costumes. The tensions and dangers are very real, but like popular television series, so are the pleasures.
The Full Moon occurs in the 15th Lunar Mansion Al-Ghafr. In this Mansion there is a focus on wealth and prosperity as well as discord, but either way, it is material matters that will be getting the most light. This is echoed by Venus’ new interest in Taurus pleasures and the Mars-Saturn team up in hard Capricorn. We look to the land for both fun and fortune. Agrippa says dig pits, Ashmole adds also conduits and the Picitrix wells; all of which as ways to buried treasure. This certainly might be gold coins and jewels guarded by gnomes, but in magical traditions this frequently implies hidden knowledge; particularly earth knowledge; and with Mercury in retrograde it is wise to be bearing down, deeper into materiality and see what the true essence of material manifestation really is. In Aries he is in a fire sign, personal fire, our fire of inspiration and drive, the spirit that moves us to action. Can we find a hidden pipeline to our own spirits by digging deep into the soil? By examining the stones we pull up? Are there other personal secrets that unlock passages to the muse below our feet, or in the center of the earth? Can money flow clandestine into our house underground through a tunnel in our basements? We will only find the treasure if we look, and pass it by perpetually if we shirk the shovel.
All traditional sources warn against travel here, and this Full Moon likely for the best, as it is likely to be dicey out there with Mars and Saturn colliding in the ecliptic. Safer to stay home and do some landscaping, you might excavate a chamber filled with riches.
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Moon of Hyldemoer Herbal Notes for Liminal Light
March 25-31, 2018
These notes are suggestions for herbal allies to assist with the effects of the cosmic influences of this week. Before imbibing any of the herbs recommended, research recommended dosages, & ask yourself & research such questions as, Does this herb interfere with any medications I am taking?, Does this herb match with my constitution?, Do I really need to take this herb into my body? Be wise: listen to your own body, intuition, guiding spirits & the plants themselves.
Imbibing the herbs recommended is of course only one way of meeting the herbs. There are multitudinous manners of developing relationships with our herbal allies including sitting with the fresh or dry herbs, or a picture/drawing of the herb, making an amulet to wear or have on your altar (adhering to planetary hours/days), visioning or meditating with the plant, & taking an herbal body or foot bath (In this case remember your skin is the largest organ of your body). Use your imagination & listen to the plants, they have been on this planet much longer than we have, are our Elders & have much wisdom to offer.
This week’s forecast states, “There is a loudness so complete, it’s quiet.” As the Sun in Aries is continuing to separate from the square with Mars in Capricorn, we must continually be aware of our health, our immune system, our concentration & keeping a cool head. The ole morning constitutional, swim, exercise routine is more important than ever, to allow fresh air, physical movement which then in turn allows our lymphatic system to properly eliminate toxins from our bodies. As stated in previous weeks, our lymph system, the cleaning, janitorial system of our bodies, does not have its own pump, but instead relies on body movement to clear that which is not needed from our bodies.
Some herbs like Ginger & Cayenne may need to be called upon to promote strong circulation as well as some cooling herbs like Marshmallow, Burdock & Chickweed.
For protection from harm, call upon Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) as a flower essence to create a psychic filter around oneself, or carry some of this warrior herb on ones body. Carrying our protective Sun herbs like Angelica, Cedar & Bay leaf combined with Martian protective herbs, Pine, Wormwood, Dragon’s Blood, & Blessed Thistle in a satchel with a protective sigil is important right now.
Sunday-Wednesday, March 25-28
As Mercury continues to retrograde, continue to call upon Underworld guides such as Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), Wood Betony (Betonica officinalis) & Vervain/Blue Vervain (Verbena officinalis/Verbena hastata). These allies can assist one in deciphering the murky messages being received from the depths through our dreams & mediations & allow us to walk fully with the untangled communications on Earth.
Wednesday, March 28
On this day as the Moon trines first Venus at 4:30 am EST & then Uranus at 5:45 pm EST, we are offered romantic/creative actions & unexpected pleasure. In this time of tense Mars/Saturn conjunction, Mercury retrograde, & numerous squares with Saturn, & Mars, really relish & honor this time of unexpected pleasure. Feast on the sensual berries of the Earth, fill your home with flowers, bathe with Rose (Rosa sp.), Our Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis), Milky Oats (Avena sativa) & Bachelor’s Buttons Centaurea cyanus) flowers & leaves so that you are glowing & ready for anything, while sipping on your favorite love tea or brew.
Thursday, March 28
Today as the Sun squares Saturn at 10 am., and we are feeling “inescapable obligations” & our “head on fire & our feet in cement”, call upon Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), an ally that soothes the nervous system as well as clears the mind for necessary action, Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) a heart tonic that keeps us focused on our goals, as well as allows us to see open pathways we could not before & Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), a dear mint family relative that cools a hot head & warms a discouraged spirit. Continue calling upon ones chosen Adaptogens to assist our bodies, minds & spirits to step with confidence & concentrated focus.
Saturnsday, March 31
Today as we experience the Full Moon in Libra opposite the Sun in Aries, as well as a harmonious trine between Venus in Aries & Saturn in Capricorn, & feel drawn to being social with a working theme, continue with any of the triad of Gotu Kola, Motherwort, and/or Lemon Balm to keep ones spirit’s high as well as focused.
As Mars is applying to conjoin Saturn in malefic dignity & power in Capricorn, for the first time in 28 years, there can be very real tension & danger. Continue to call upon the Adaptogens, carry ones protective herbs, & ask for assistance from our calming nervines, Milky Oats/Oatstraw, Skullcap (Scutellaria laterfolia), Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum), & Vervain/Blue Vervain (Verbena offcinalis/hastata).
References:
Cunningham, Scott. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs Llewellyn Publications, 1997.
Culpepper, Nicholas. Culpepper’s Colorful Herbal Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 1983.
Wood, Matthew. The Book of Herbal Wisdom North Atlantic Books, 1997.
Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants North Atlantic Books, 2008.
Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants North Atlantic Books, 2009.
Moon of Hyldemoer, Suzanne Stone, Community Herbalist.
This information is not a substitute for a health care practitioner. Not to be reproduced without permission.