First Steps : The New Moon in Aquarius

As Above, So Below

All we need to know
is written in the stars,
guiding and healing energies
inscribed on the face of the firmament
in crystalline calligraphy.
Studying the illuminated manuscript of sky,
tasting the cold immensity of distance,
we muse, measure, and meditate,
dream, reflect and imagine,
wondering if the lyrical light of stars
tells our story, brings out heart's desires.
Longing to know,
we lift our faces to the night sky,
listen for star song,
seek moon blessings,
pray for their gifts
of light and prophesy.

- Sherri Rose-Walker -

Welcome to the first post for the New Moon Healers Project!

The first New Moon of the year takes to the sky in the sign of Aquarius. Aquarius has the energetic signature of a storm cloud - building up with electric current it strikes suddenly and is soon spent, but its impact lingers. The lingering impact of Aquarius is attributed to the fixed nature of the sign (as opposed to cardinal or mutable the two other energetic modes of the zodiac). What the New Moon in Aquarius offers us is the ability to take that first, impactful step in the direction of our choosing. When we are unwell or suffering from dis-ease it can often feel like things are happening to us or are out of our control. We were given a cold by a sick co-worker. Or we don’t have time to sleep because there is too much work. If we take any time to rest we’ll miss out.

The New Moon in Aquarius asks us to access our ideal. What do you ideally want to be feeling? How would you ideally be taking care of yourself? If you a lightening bolt wish that would suddenly release challenges for you that you feel are holding you back, what would change?

image via breno machado

Just as we can feel the strike of inspiration during a New Moon in Aquarius, so too can we feel the build-up of tense energy. Now is an excellent time to do a body scan and notice where you are holding tension. Doing so will help you prepare for the New Moon in Aquarius ritual offered below. To perform a body scan simply rest quietly with your eyes closed. A key component of this exercise to regularly let out deep relaxing breaths and inbreathing again into your belly. Bring your attention your toes and notice if you are holding tension there. Move your attention slowly up from your toes to your ankles, then calves, knees, thighs, and so on, asking yourself if there is tension present in any of those areas. Continue to scan your body until you reach the top of your head.

If any of the places scanned held points of tension, you can do a number of things. First, is to focus on that area and ask yourself, “What is the name of the tension I am holding here?” and address the issues as they arise. Another option is to return to the spots of tension and offer healing energy without necessarily going into the details of what the tension is - this is a good option if you know that the tension stems from a source of trauma that you do not have the space to address right now but are still seeking relief. The third option is to return to the places of tension and visualize a cauldron before you or a hole dug in the earth lined with sacred stones. Visualize your tension leaving your body and settling into the magickal cauldron or earthen equivalent. Follow-up by filling those spaces of tension within your body with healing energy.

You can perform a body scan at any time and its an incredibly useful tool to help you check in with yourself quickly and effectively. There is no need for us to walk around like storm clouds of tense energy - we can offer ourselves softness instead.

What follows is what you’ll find for every post of the New Moon Healers Project - a sacred poem (which started our post), a ritual that is simple and minimalist in nature, an introduction to plant allies of the current New Moon, and oracle questions to help you open the way to healing. You’re encouraged to share your insights in the comments below or via a post on instagram (be sure to tag it with #NewMoonHealersProject so we can all follow along). That way we can continue to fill our collective well of wisdom. Blessed be to that!

Elecampane (Inula helenium)
New Moon in Aquarius Plant Ally

Elecampane is a Remedy Herb of Aquarius meaning that it helps to alleviate illnesses and distresses associated with the Water-Bearer and helping them to find their balance again. Aquarian imbalances tend towards the spasmodic and erratic which is why Elecampane, an anti-spasmodic herb, can be such a great remedy. Elecampane is particularly useful for spasmodic coughs and complaints of the lungs. As a sign that tends towards holding tension, Elecampane is a great releaser of tension. Magickally, Elecampane helps awaken psychic vision and our ability to perceive and connect with the Good Folk. Herbalist and astrologer, Elisabeth Brooke, recommends Elecampane for connecting with the transpersonal will. 

As Aquarius is a fixed air sign those under its influence can get caught up in the perception that their ideas are permanent and unchanging. Elecampane addresses this persistent clinging to untrue permanency. Very often, the condition of the Elecampane personality seems quite permanent. But it is not. Elecampane is a heartening plant. There is no infection of the spiritual system that it fears. 

As an energetic remedy, Elecampane helps us to connect with real community instead of letting our vision of idealized community block the way. With Elecampane, you’re not only connecting with the community of other people, but the community of the Good Folk and spiritual guides.

Click here to read the full Elecampane Plant Profile.

Flower + Gem Essences for the New Moon in Aquarius: Water Violet (Hottonia palustris), Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius), Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis), Azurite, Tall Yellow Top (Senecio magnificus), Vine (Vitis vinifera), Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Comfrey (Symphytum spp.)

Essential Oils for Aquarius: Birch (Betula lenta), Cedar (Cedrus deodara), Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Neroli (Citrus aurantium)

image via sarah dorweiler

First Step of Healing Ritual

Go to that space which is sacred to you. As nine is the sacred number of the Moon, begin your ritual by taking nine centering breaths. Turn to the four directions of east, south, west, and north and greet them in your way. Raise your hands up to the sky and greet the Moon. Place your hands upon the ground and greet the Earth. Hold your hands above your heart and greet yourself.

Now is the time to welcome in the power of the oracle. Use your divinatory tool of choice to ask the sacred question(s) or meditate or journal on the question.

When you have clarity around the first step you need to take in order to become your own healing, take a moment to form a simple sentence that describes your first step. Examples of simple and powerful sentences are:

• I will start my day with 5 minutes of meditation to center my spirit in my healing work.

• I will go to bed early enough in order to get a full night’s sleep that I require for healing.

• I will say “I love you” every time I see my reflection.

• I will begin to journal again because it helps me to know what I am feeling.

When you are ready speak your sentence aloud nine times in the following manner. Open your arms wide and feel your heart energy expand to fill the space. As you speak your sentence, slowly bring your arms together, thereby focusing your energy on your intention, and then clap your hands together at the end of the sentence. Do this nine times in a row. At the end of the ninth recitation say So mote it be! or a similar phrase of power to seal the spell.

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World Spirit Tarot

Oracle

With a divinatory tool of your choosing ask the following question. You can also ponder it during meditation or through journalling.

What is the first step I need to take in order to realize my healing?

Additional queries to consider:

• What do you ideally want to be feeling?

• How would you ideally be taking care of yourself? 

Tarot Cards of Aquarius

Every card within the tarot deck has an astrological association. The following correspondences follow the system laid out by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. You can add these cards to your altar as part of your New Moon in Aquarius magick or use them in readings to help with determining celestial influence or timing (i.e. this will come to pass at when the Moon is in Aquarius).

• The Sign of Aquarius: The Star

• The Air Signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius: Ace of Swords

• Venus in Aquarius: Five of Swords

• Mercury in Aquarius: Six of Swords

• Moon in Aquarius: The Seven of Swords

And that, wise-ones and dreamers, is the start of our New Moon Healers Project.

Be sure to share your insights and experiences in the comments below or via instagram with the tag #NewMoonHealersProject. Learn more about the astroherbology of Aquarius by reading my in-depth profile on the sign. 

For those of you ready to learn how to work your magick and create your herbal remedies by the cycle of Moon and star, you're invited to join The Lunar Apothecary.

Blessed New Moon, healers.
May your healing be healing to us all.
May our healing be healing to you.
Blessed be.