Happy Birthday to all born under the sign of Virgo!

Happy Labor Day! 

The Goddess Temple of Palm Springs

Photo credit: Milo Shah, Pixabay

Last night, Mother Moon’s bright glow cast palm tree shadows on dusty desert driveways. I imagined how easily long ago tribes, living in lusher landscapes, could have hunted elk and deer in preparation for the long cold winter ahead.

In the present, the Hunter/Blood Full Moon in Taurus marks a time to turn inward. The veil between worlds is spider web thin, increasing access to helpful ancestors. Through meditation, scrying, shamanic journeying, or channeled writing, trace whatever ancestral trauma may be present in your life that may be blocking you from reaching your goals. As images or words come to you, bear witness and gain insight, but do not engage with whomever, or whatever, you see or hear. 

Once you complete your journey back through your bloodline and are again grounded in the here and now, light a candle for those who have carried and perpetuated your family’s ancestral trauma. Bless them and forgive them. After all, you may have observed yourself in a past life. Then, fortified with new knowledge and insights, vow that the trauma ends with you, that its power over your bloodline is now broken.

May it be so!

Blessed be.

Ariella

Halloween Book Deals

If you’d like a little escapism after performing such heavy spiritual work, here are two specials running through October 31, 2023. 

Spell Struck by Ariella Moon

“A fantastic YA paranormal read, reminiscent of the film “Practical Magic”!  ~InD’tale Magazine

A sweet teen novel about first love, sibling rivalry, mental illness, & magic.

https://bit.ly/3QhVE6K

Regular ebook price: $2.99

Through Halloween: $0.99 at Rakuten Kobo.

Available in the United States and Canada

The autumn equinox occurs in the northern hemisphere on September 22, 2022. This annual astronomical event, when day and night are in equal measure, is an excellent time to bring yourself into spiritual and emotional balance.

Only six moonwalking planets stand in your way.

 Planets in Retrograde

We are in the thick of Mercury retrograde until October 2, possibly causing communication and technology breakdowns. Saturn retrograde grips us until October 23, causing us to reexamine our friendships and long-term goals. 

Mars retrograde, October 31, 2022—January 1, 2023 may lead us to notice:

“…curiosity is at an all-time high, communication is even more rapid or divisive than usual, or misinformation unspools at a dizzying speed.” ~Chani

Until December 3, Neptune retrograde prompts us to reexamine our aspirations.

Meanwhile, the energy of Jupiter retrograde, active through November 24, pushes us to grow our network and fuel our dreams. But Uranus retrograde, which lasts until January 22, 2023, requires patience. 

Disharmony is catching, but only if we give it power. 

Choose to override retrograde influences and instead create healing and balance. Turn your thoughts inward and ask, “Where and how do I want to spend my energy?”

 To Achieve Balance and Harmony, Draw in Earth and Celestial Energies

Visualize the chakra (vortex of moving energy) in the arch of both feet opening. From these apertures, extend invisible roots into the ground, then draw Mother Earth’s calming magnetic energies up to your Heart Chakra via the major chakras located along your spine. The Heart Chakra is the center of the subtle human energy system.

Now shift your attention to the Crown Chakra at the top, or slightly above, your head. From this vortex, draw down to your Heart Chakra grace, gratitude, and tranquility. By blending the nurturing energy of the earth with the expansive, protective energies of the divine, we can bring peace and balance into our life. 

More on 2022 planetary retrogrades:

https://www.wellandgood.com/saturn-retrograde-aquarius/

https://chaninicholas.com/how-mars-in-gemini-will-impact-your-life/ - :~:text=The reason Mars will spend,decided to extend their stay.

https://www.today.com/life/astrology/6-planets-in-retrograde-2022-meaning-rcna47614

Do we control our own fate?

                    Sarah E. Bradley, InD'Tale Magazine.

Photo by William Farlow

New Moon Magic

March 2, 2022
12:35 pm EST, 9:30 am PST

The Healing Power of Water

Photo by Ant Rozetsky

Water Magic for Releasing Anxiety, Depression, or Grief

RELEASE DAY!

For my dedication, I used the Gaia Oracle Cards by Tony Carmine Salerno

Cover Reveal Day

Available March 2, 2022

The Beloved Dead and Helpful Ancestors enter our thoughts in October and early November when the veil between realms thins. This is particularly true for those whose loved ones passed during COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions when we were prevented from visiting terminally ill relatives, or gathering with our support groups following a loved one’s death. No wonder now, more than ever, people desire remembrance rituals, ancestor altars, and guidance in how to honor loved ones they have lost.

The Need For Ritual

Rituals help us accept and honor life passages, including the soul’s journey into the afterlife. When we gather, witness, and offer or receive support, we alleviate the heavy vibration of grief and loss. I witnessed this transformation during a recent ritual I facilitated in the high desert near Joshua Tree.

Photo Credit: Rob Coates

Each member of the group had experienced a heartbreaking loss during the pandemic. Compounding their grief was their inability to gather together for support. I asked each woman to bring a photo and mementos representing their loss. As wind gusted outside their small Airbnb, we sat on woven blankets around an altar that included live lavender and marigolds to subliminally raised the dense vibrations.

Photo Credit: Anne Nygard

In turn, each woman spoke about the items they had brought. Their lovingly chosen photos and mementos created vivid, sometimes poignant, other times funny or inspiring portraits of parents or a dear pet that had passed. Each woman lit a candle to honor her loved one and illuminate that soul’s journey. Others shared representations of unwelcome life passages that had rendered them grieving and adrift, fearful of the uncertain path ahead. They lit candles to brighten their way forward. After over a year and a half, the women finally had the chance to mourn together and support each other.  

Chant: The Blood of the Ancients

by Charlie Murphy. 

Sung by Hebamme Kiria Vandekamp

It’s the blood of the Ancients

That runs through our veins

And the forms pass

But the circle of life remains.

Beloved Dead and Ancestor Altars

Any shelf, wall niche, or tabletop can be transformed into an altar. Ancestor altars serve as touch points, sacred spaces where you can gain guidance from those who passed. Avoid placing the altar in your bedroom. And remember, the altar is meant to honor and build a relationship with those who have transitioned, not summon them.

The Beloved Dead may be friends, mentors, or pets that have passed. Ancestors may pose a greater unknown, so be sure to only address and honor helpfulancestors who intend your highest good.

The Basics to Include:

·     An altar cloth. Spirits like white, but let your instinct and lineage guide you. Your Beloved Dead and ancestors may prefer a clan tartan, or an African Kente cloth.

·     Photos

·     Mementos 

·     Candle(s)

·     Representations of the 4 Directions/Elements 

Air: A feather, bell, rattle, or incense 

Fire: Candle(s)

Water: A goblet or bowl containing fresh water; or a sea shell

Earth: crystal or other stone, a potted plant, or a small bowl of salt

Photo credit: Nick Fewings

Día de Muertos altarsoften include crepe paper marigolds, paper mâché sugar skulls and skeletons, and seven tiers to represent the seven levels the soul passes through to reach its final destination.

Through rituals and altars, connect with your dearly departed. Respect and release those in transition. Illuminate their path, knowing they will be available soon for advice and protection.