Total Lunar Eclipse of the

Full Flower Super-Moon 

May 26, 2021 @ 7:14 a.m.

    Well, that’s quite a mouthful, isn’t it? This is the fifth moon of Creation and also the largest Full Moon in 2021. According to the Algonquin First Nations, as plants breathe in new life and flowers break through the Earth's crust, they  reveal their Spirit side for all the world to see. The life-giving energy which occurs at Spring is one of Mother Earth's most powerful healing medicines. During this Moon we are encouraged to explore what Spirit means to each of us personally. 

     Due to the weather, I for one was unable to see the Super Moon in April. The sky, although lit up as if it was day, effectively hid the Moon behind thick gloomy clouds. Fortunately, we have another opportunity to see the Moon in all her glory. Last evening the Moon was building her illumination in order to peak this morning at 7:14 a.m. So if the stars align, tonight we will see a most mesmerizing Super Moon.

     In addition, the Earth has cast her shadow on the Moon giving us a Total Eclipse.   But it's not really 'total' because rays of sunlight still bend around the edges of the Earth to reach the Moon. The shorter wavelength colours of blue and green get scattered by Earth’s atmosphere, but the longer wavelength colours of red and orange still reach human eyes - just like at sunset. Because of this, the Lunar Eclipse is also referred to as the 'Blood Moon', even though it is more of a striking rusty copper, than a deep, dark red. The best views of the Eclipse will be along the west coast of South and North America including Hawaii, and Eastern Asia.    

     As the Moon orbits Earth, she does so in an oval (elliptical) shape, not in a circle. This is why the Moon is closer to Earth at certain times of the year. The strict definition of a Super Moon refers to ‘the single closest New Moon and Full Moon each year’. Therefore, the Flower Moon is the only real Super Full Moon in 2021 as she is approximately 153 kilometers closer to Earth than the Pink Moon. 

Astrology 101

     There is a lot happening in the sky and it all translates into energy here on Earth. On the 23rd, Saturn stationed to go retrograde until October 10th. An out-of-bounds Mercury is slowing down to go retrograde in Gemini on the 29th – make sure those hard drives are backed up! The key words for Mercury retrograde begin with 're'. Re-do, re-organize, re-think, re-structure, re-build. Keep that in the back in your mind if you are starting something new. There is a really good chance you will need to 're-do' it in the future. If you send out anything by mail - make sure you keep copies. 'Re-read' what you send out into the world - email, texts and any other form of communication. Just like you need to pause before you press 'send', double check before you press 'delete'.  

     Also, this eclipse is the first of three this summer. In the Beaver’s Moon Lunar Eclipse newsletter, I explained what a Lunar Eclipse is, and check out the Full Pink Super Moon newsletter if you want to know more about Mercury Retrograde. 

     This Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius (opposite the Sun in Gemini) brings us back to the last Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius which was this past December 14th. Think back to that time in your life, the events, situations, projects etc. If you work along with the cycles of the Moon, you will now begin to see the results. However, if at that time you were avoiding things, or perhaps sweeping them under the proverbial rug, guess what will show up again? This Eclipse will give you a second opportunity to clear out that old energy. 

     The Eclipses always involve the Lunar Nodes. Nodes are the two points - North and South -  where the orbit of the Moon intersects the path of the Sun. We all have a North and South Node somewhere in our birth charts. There are several theories about what they truly represent, but the consensus is that the North Node relates more to the positive manifestations in your life – qualities and gifts to develop and expand on, including your life purpose; whereas the South Node is more about the releasing and letting go of negative influences. This Eclipse will be in the South Node i.e., what you need to release and let go of (see Full Moon ritual below). 

     Over the coming weeks think back on all that you’ve gained and learned – especially when life did not go the way you imagined it would go. We can quickly dismiss these occurrences as failures that bring disappointment, embarrassment, or even shame. This is the energy to turn that around. Find the gifts wrapped within the disguise of failure and see them for what they are - lessons from heaven to teach us resilience, wisdom, and compassion. 

"...that darkness might be a medium of vision,

and that descent may be a movement towards

revelation rather than deprivation."

- Robert Macfarlane, Underland

     This Sagittarius/Gemini eclipse is also fantastic energy to work on your spiritual development - remember it is the year of the Hierophant. Think of the Sagittarians in your life – energetic, ambitious, generous, free spirited, open to living their best life, and rarely saying no to a challenge. They don’t like to be confined and tend to have expansive personalities. Sagittarius is the sign of the philosopher and explorer - all fire and passion. Walt Disney, Jamie Foxx and Tina Turner all have their Rising Sun in Sagittarius. So, use this fire energy and focus on Spirit, just as the First Nations did and still do. What fans the flames of your passion? Really think about that. Are you making the most of everyday? If you are not spending your time doing something you love, then what’s the point? Follow that devotion, see where it leads and make it your own. 

    What do I mean when I use the term 'Rising Sun'? People have reached out and asked about how they can get their own astrological birth chart and how to figure out what their Rising Sun and Rising Moon signs are. Two of the best resources I can provide is Café Astrology and Astro Library. These websites offer a ton (literally a ton) of free information on anything zodiac related, including astrological forecasts. If you’ve never completed a birth chart, these websites can provide you with a complete astrological report. Please note that there are many such websites available, but these tend to be my go-to. Knowing your natal chart is the key to working with the energy in the sky. You will asked to enter the date date, (if you have it) the exact time of your birth, and the location of where you were born. 

     Once you know, or you may already know, what your Rising Sun and Rising Moon sign are, let’s look a little deeper. The Sun is not a planet, but it is considered one in Astrology, just like the Moon, because of the energetic effect on us humans. The Sun is considered the most powerful and influential planet when it comes to predictive astrology and determining personality traits. It is the ego; the way others tend to see you. When someone asks: “what is your sign?” They are referring to your Rising Sun Sign - the zodiac sign the Sun was traveling through at the time of your birth. Mine is Aquarius. 

     But if you ever looked at a natal pie chart, you see many little symbols and lines all over and around the pie. Take a closer look. Can you find Pluto on your chart? Or Jupiter or sensual Venus at the time of your birth? All of them add layers and facets to your personality – like an onion. So where was the Moon at the time of your birth? You got it – that is your Rising Moon Sign. Once again, mine is Aquarius. 

     Your Rising Moon is the second most influential factor. Where the Sun sign is more a descriptor of how the world sees you, the Moon sign is more about how you see yourself – the emotional you, the inner you. 

     The Moon cycle and where she was in her orbital journey is another layer. Consider my Rising Sun and Moon signs, both in Aquarius. What phase would the Moon be in at the time of my birth? Waxing? Waning? Full? Nope – I was born exactly on a Balsamic (Dark) Moon. This is the Moon’s resting period (approximately 23 hours long) where she has waned from a sliver to complete darkness, before moving once again into the light. What could that potentially say about my personality? To the world I am an Aquarian - approachable, friendly and communal. But in reality, as those who know me well can attest, I am a true introvert who gains energy from solitude and loses energy in a crowd (Balsamic Moon).  

     So, if you haven’t already, get your natal chart done – it is great fun. Find your Sun and Moon signs and enjoy discovering more about yourself. We will continue to explore your personal birth chart in future newsletters. If you want to read more about the relationship and personality influences of the Sun and Moon at the time of your birth, I recommend the ground breaking book The Lunation Cycle by Dane Rudhyar. It’s an oldie but a goodie. Also, if you have any specific questions or subjects you would like to delve in deeper, please send a quick email and I will do my best to answer them in coming newsletters.    

Working with the Full Moon  

    The Moon is about inner work at an emotional and even sub-conscious level. When the Moon is Full, she is at the high point of her lunar cycle, brimming with bright light to shine into the darkest, deepest corners of your soul. It is the single most powerful time of the month for looking within, for mending, for disseminating barriers and for releasing the past. It is the ideal time to let go of negative energies and old patterns that no longer serve you. Add to that the Eclipse and it's like a double-espresso of energy.  

     The Full Moon in Sagittarius asks you to pay close attention to how communicate. You may be more defensive or argumentative - definitely passionate. But this also pertains to your internal dialogue. What are you saying to yourself? That you are beautiful? Intelligent? A divine creature of the universe? Speak nothing but the truth; but do it in a way as you would talk to your best friend.  

     Also note that when the Moon is Full, she opposes the Sun.  This means they are in opposite signs of the zodiac, marking a prime time to see what in your life may be out of balance. Are you over-indulging in things that are not good for you – unhealthy food choices, too much television/media, excessive alcohol? The Full Moon reminds you to be kind to yourself. Are you spreading yourself to thin? Pay attention to the serendipitous happenings which draw your attention to the need for harmony in your life. 

     In the last ‘Working with the Moon’ we expanded on just using the phases of the Moon. To that, we added the impact of location within the zodiac at the time of the Full and New Moon. This newsletter, I wish to add a third layer - working with the elements of each of the zodiac signs.

     Elements come in to play in many ways, but my favourite is within rituals. The Moon is currently in Sagittarius, which is a fire sign, and the Sun is in Gemini, which is an air sign. What happens to a bush fire when the wind gets a hold of it? It builds, spreads and expands. And this is exactly what can happen with the intentions you create during this time.  

Full Moon Ritual

     By incorporating the elements into your Full Moon ritual, you strengthen the intent. Add the Eclipse energy and you can create an inferno of positive change. You can incorporate anything you wish into the ritual: various scents, crystals, music - whatever your little heart desires. If you don't know where to begin, start with this simple ritual, and build from there to make it your own. Remember, your presence is the magic that transforms your actions into ritual.

  1. Find a private place where you will not be interrupted. 
  2. Light a candle - to recognize the Sagittarius element of fire. If you have sage, burn it to clear and cleanse the air.
  3. Sit and place both hands on your heart chakra and breathe slowly and evenly. Allow yourself to explore your heart and bring to light all that you wish to release – negative self-talk, self-limiting beliefs and habits, and even the people in your life that do nothing but drain your precious energy.
  4. Write your thoughts down on a piece of paper.
  5. Now add all the things currently beyond your control that you wish to surrender – pain, loss, the weary world.  
  6. Use your voice to incorporate the Gemini element of air. Say out loud your intention to release and surrender all the things on your list. If you're not sure what to say, try: "I ask this list of negativities be released from my mind, body and heart. I give thanks for the gifts of genius within past pains and disappointments and surrender any attachments as they do not define me. I am a loving and creative being, trusting in the flow of life as I move forward a little lighter and a little wiser. So be it."
  7. Then burn your list. 

Note: if you would like to take this a step further, recite your intention every day between the Full Moon and the New Moon. You can even save your list to burn it on the day of the New Moon. 

Bees

   Did you know that approximately one-third of our food supply depends on insect pollination? This means, we simply can't do it without their help. Bees are part of that group we call 'pollinators' and they are an important part of our ecosystem. Indeed, the non-native honeybees may be the culinary creators of that sweet golden nectar, but it is  the native bees who are the champions to widespread pollination.       

     It’s not just the human food source that depends on the process of propagation; it’s required for most flowering trees and plants to set seed and continue their survival. When the blossoms of your vegetable plants droop and fall off, it’s because they have not been pollinated. 

     Currently our bee population is at risk due to the overuse of pesticides. First and foremost is the need to remove the use of these toxic insecticides. However, it is also important to plant what bees need the most - flowers that provide the nourishing nectar and pollen to feed them and their offspring throughout the entire season.   

     Our Canadian bees reside in temperate zones, so their biggest challenge is finding enough food in early winter and spring and then again when temperatures cool down later in the fall. Fortunately, the bees are not that picky. If you are thinking to add to your garden, consider planting a seasonal smorgasbord for the bees:     

Late winter and early spring:

  • Flowering trees and shrubs like vernal witch hazel, maples, and willow. 
  • Fruit bushes such as raspberry, blackberry and blueberry.
  • Spring-flowering bulbs.
  • Spring perennials like golden alexander, dianthus or wild columbine.  

 

Mid-season: 

  • Flowers such as black-eyed Susans, any of the coneflower family, thistles and milkweeds, daisies or yarrow.     
  • Herbs such as lavender, basil, mint, rosemary, dill and sage.

 

Late-season:

  • Late bloomers like helianthus, dahlias and asters  

 

This is a very short list of some of the more popular and consistent bee-positive flowers and plants. They are widely available in seeds and nurseries carry most of them. There are many more options to choose from - and most also attract butterflies and hummingbirds. For a complete list of plants specific to the region you live just check out xerces.org. 

When it comes to choosing which bee-friendly flowers to plant in your garden here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

  • The shape of the flower. There are about 4000 different kinds of bees. That means one size does not necessarily fit all. Some bees have long tongues and have no problem reaching into tube-shaped blossoms. Those with shorter tongues tend to prefer an easier access, such as daisies or sunflowers. Best to plant a variety of different shapes and sizes to attract a mix of bee species. 
  • The colour. Unlike hummingbirds and butterflies, bees can’t see the color red. They tend to be drawn to blue, purple, white and yellow. 
  • Keep it original. Native bees prefer native plants. These tend to be local, low-maintenance and easy to find. Stick to this as much as possible. There are hybrid plants, which aren't truly the original species and tend to have less fragrance, pollen, and nectar (or none at all) that pollinators need. 
  • In general, perennials are the best choice when it comes to good quality nectar. But annuals have the advantage of blossoming all season long. If you plant herbs in your garden, place them throughout the vegetable garden. Best to let some flower before cutting so they draw bees to your other plants.  
  • Before you buy, ask the grower what chemicals were used, and if possible, stay pesticide-free and organic. A systemic insecticide could mean the whole plant (including the nectar and pollen) is toxic.

So, consider this bright beautiful creature the next time you want to enhance or expand your flower garden, or when choosing your herbs. This little warrior is what the entertainment world would call a triple threat. His talents are used for food, medicine and even the base of some beauty products. Nurture this little creature, and he will feed the world.   

TAROT CARD

For The Full  Moon In Sagittarius

Five of Swords

 

You may be experiencing a time when things are just not working out the way you would like. The air around you is heavy and draining, and there is a deep sense of underlying injustice. Remember that these events do not define who we are. We will look back on these moments and find the gems of wisdom and the shifts we made because of them. And we will be grateful. This Full Moon, release the negative emotions you attach to the situation and begin again. It is a new day. Do not waste any more of your precious energy on analyzing. You intuitively know what you should do. So just do it. 

               The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne

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