August 12th, Full Moon in Aquarius: Let your true self free

 

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Tomorrow we will have a Full Moon under the sign of Aquarius.

Both the Sun and the Moon form a square aspect with Uranus, which being a planet linked to Aquarius becomes in this situation particularly active: we will feel unwilling to endure anything that limits our freedom and hinders our independence and we will be tempted to subvert the whole system of our life, there will be the desire for a drastic change, especially with regard to things that have been tormenting us for a while.

It is known that with the full Moon our emotions take the reins of our mind, with this lunation they will be even more overwhelming and we will have no problem shouting our needs and our intentions to the world.

The dominant themes of this full moon will be: independence and rebellion, we would like to feel unconventional, especially in the way we relate to our community and in social events, even our way of conceiving relationships with others could undergo a change of course more akin to our unique personality.

Furthermore, Aquarius is strongly characterized by a humanitarian energy aimed at the well-being of the community and the planet, an energy that, let me tell you, is at least necessary in a historical period like this in which concern for the fate of our ecosystem MUST move something before it's too late. We therefore welcome all those drives that can lead us to a greater respect for Nature and a better connection with Her, even more so if we consider ourselves spiritual people.

This Moon is also conjunct Saturn thus influencing all that is our structure and our sense of responsibility. Often Saturn is seen as an bad planet, which brings unpleasant movements in our life, but the truth is that with the help of Saturn we continue on our path for real, as if we had a strict father to guide us and who teaches us discipline, but it is thanks to this discipline that we can achieve and make our dreams come true!

With Saturn in Aquarius conjunct the Moon, the time comes to ask ourselves: Are we really living authentically and respecting ourselves? It is therefore time to get rid of all those constructs that we have self-imposed to better blend in among others, let's get rid of old habits and recover a new structure, because only through the continuous search for the true self can we have total freedom.

Happy Full Moon!

♄Unornya

July 28th, New Moon in Leo: Claim your Power

 

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Tomorrow we will have a New Moon under the sign of Leo and it will be a real breath of freshness in this last period of tension in which we were overwhelmed by our emotions.

This Moon speaks to us of abundance, creativity, self-esteem and joy, it will help us to have a real awareness, we will realize who we are and what we want to achieve from the world.

From the 19th of July Chiron went into retrograde motion together with Saturn, Neptune and Pluto. Chiron also has a very important cosmic energy to use to work on oneself as it represents our most ancestral wounds, the wounds of our inner child; when this asteroid goes into retrograde motion it is as if these old wounds are still being felt, causing us familiar suffering, like scars we had forgotten we had.

It is the right time to fully understand what and how has hurt us and channel the powerful healing gifts of Chiron, make them our own, in this way we will take a step forward in our spiritual evolution and some of these wounds will be closed permanently.

What a better sky then to focus on improving yourself? And I don't just mean active work on one's personality, but also concrete actions to improve one's life, for example by cutting bridges with people who represent an obstacle on our path. Take courage and put an end to toxic bonds, to those relationships that in one way or another tend to turn off your light. Remember that people who accuse you of arrogance when you recognize your worth and demand that your limits be respected are not a useful relationship, in fact, they are problematic.

This lunation will allow us to feel in the fullness of our power, it is the ideal time to try something new, something that will allow us to get out of the comfort zone and the daily routine, do not be afraid to throw yourself in as the forces of the universe will give you the full support.

Given that, also thanks to the trine that the Moon forms with Jupiter in Aries, we will feel in great shape and decidedly more optimistic, I strongly recommend any ritual of manifestation, especially for what concerns fame, success and abundance, keeping the focus on our career and social life. In the period from the New Moon to the next Full Moon you will begin to see signs of change, I recommend that you keep an open mind.

Happy New Moon!

♄Unornya

Menstrual Cycle and Moon Phases: Ancient Knowledge of the Sacred Feminine.

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We are about to leave a phase of the year dedicated to the Moon, the Albedo, the Sacred Feminine, the Matriarchy and with it that is what most distinguishes it: the uterus and the alchemical cauldron of creation which is the female womb.

In this chaotic mayhem that was the beginning of this just past Cancer Season (Roe Vs Wade an example above all), it seems the ideal time to talk about topics still now considered taboo by Western civilization after millennia of Abrahamic hegemony; we speak precisely of the menstrual cycle.

Ancestral, alchemical, as fascinating as it was condemned over the centuries, it is linked to the phases of a Woman's life from birth to death, marking them as seasons during her existence - the key to creation par excellence.

Not surprisingly, the comparison with the Moon is spontaneous: a complete lunar cycle lasts ~ 29.5 days while the menstrual cycle on average lasts 28-29 days (ranging from 21 to 35 days).

The pale satellite also controls the tides, the agricultural cycles - according to popular tradition, the plants should be harvested during the full moon phase, as the gravity of the celestial body would influence the content of active principles of the plant itself; it goes without saying what effects it can have on our bodily fluids such as blood.

Our ancestors, following the natural cycles and turning their eyes to the sky, immediately made the association: not surprisingly, many civilizations still use the lunar calendar, think of the Chinese New Year or the Muslim Ramadan - to name just a couple. Naturally, the movements of the Sun and the Moon were used to mark the time in a historical moment in which there were no clocks and daily life was mainly based on Nature and in harmony with it.

It is no wonder that the menstrual cycle was also marked by celestial movements.

But what does science say nowadays? Are menstrual cycles and moon phases really related?

If we talk about what is considered modern science, Charles Darwin was one of the first to notice the similar duration between the menarche and the lunar cycle and several studies have been conducted since then.

In the 1950s, Dr Eugen Jonas noted that a considerable number of people became pregnant outside of ovulation, theorising there were more fertile periods influenced by the various phases of the moon, rather than the menstrual cycle itself - but it was branded as a charlatan, thanks to his unorthodox beliefs related to astrology.

In 1977 a study confirmed that women who began their menstrual cycle on the new moon became pregnant much more easily.

In 1986 a famous study was conducted which showed that, out of 826 women, almost 30% menstruated in conjunction with the New Moon, a study later confirmed in 1987.

In more recent times, however, different results were found:

In 2013, testing 74 people, no synchrony was noted in this regard.

While in 2021, it was hypothesized that the menstrual cycle could be synchronized with the lunar cycle in the past but the lack of synchrony with the natural world, artificial light and the phase shift of circadian rhythms may have altered this process.

** Read here how to tune into the rhythms of Nature **

So, in essence, modern science does not find any connection between one phenomenon and another - even though there are events altered by the phases of the moon (for example, the quality of sleep) that are well documented. But as often happens, when it comes to elements related to femininity and its mysteries, there are not enough studies and funding to investigate them.

If we wanted to approach this phenomenon from a holistic point of view, instead, what can we deduce from it?

In ancient civilizations, before the patriarchy imposed itself with its overwhelming influence, the menarche was considered a period of power, beauty, new life, and purification: a real rite marking the passage of time and symbolizing a rebirth - literally, since it is the uterus we talking about.

Traditionally, menstruation should align with the New Moon - the ideal time to renew our intention and rest, or the Full Moon, as described by Miranda Gray in her book "Red Moon"; let's see them together:

• White Moon Cycle: If you follow this cycle, your body will menstruate during the New Moon; thus being at the peak of fertility during the Full Moon. This is the most “traditional” cycle if we can say so, as it would align with the natural rhythms of the Earth (precisely see the peasant traditions we mentioned earlier).
• Red Moon Cycle: If you follow this cycle, it means that your body will menstruate during the Full Moon and reach maximum fertility during the New Moon. Despite the apparent countertrend compared to the "canonical cycle", it was seen as the cycle of priestesses and shamans - as their creative energy was propelled outwards rather than inwards.

What happens if our cycle doesn't follow these phases? Are there any right or wrong phases?

Absolutely not: as in all laws of the Cosmos, there is no concept of right or wrong. Some people have irregular periods and can deviate from the usual phase even for the most regular of us; take me as an example: since I had it for the first time at 10, I had it regularly every 28 days - almost breaking the second. But it can happen, of course, over the years to get out of phase because of stress, travel, disease ... While before I was aligned with the White Moon Cycle, in the last few months I tend to have my moons during the Waning Moon.

What can it mean?

For each of us it has different meanings, think about the properties of the phases of the moon - the very same properties you would use for a magical work. For example, taking the Waning Moon, it can indicate a time when we need to get rid of what we no longer need. There are no coincidences, if your body aligns itself in such a magical, raw and vulnerable moment to a specific alignment, believe me that nothing is left to chance.

What I can recommend is to take note of your menstrual phases - in addition to the traditional calendar notes, there are a myriad of apps that can help you with this (I, for example, have been using Flo for several years now). Write down the phase of the moon you are in, take time to rest, meditate, journal, take care of yourself.

♃Ludna

July 13th, Full Moon in Capricorn: Release your Fear.

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On July 13th we have a Full Moon under the sign of Capricorn.

It will be a particularly intense Moon as it will be conjunct Pluto and in opposition to Mercury and the Sun in Cancer.

Usually when the Moon is in Capricorn it is in a position where the control of emotions is particularly balanced, this time however the influence of Pluto will be felt, being it a particularly intense planet that speaks to us of power, ambition and that that we want to hide, our dark side.

The Full Moon has traditionally been a moment of release and trust and precisely the planets of this sky warmly invite us to release our fears, especially our fear of asking others for help, identifying our needs and communicating them to them, even at the cost of having difficult conversations.

It’s time to understand what we need, therefore put pride aside and talk about it with others, without being afraid of resulting weak, as we all have a dark side that we’d like very much to be able to hide but that this lunation will illuminate well as if it shines a spotlight on it.

As the sign of Capricorn speaks directly to our more adult and responsible side, it is time to ask ourselves where we want to go and if the direction we are taking is the right one. When I tell you to identify your needs I mean just that, which is to visualize your main goal and understand what we need to achieve to get closer to it. For this reason it is necessary to get rid of the limiting beliefs that make us anxious and afraid to dare, preventing us from reaching our maximum potential and putting the idea in our head that "we are not enough".

Another thing we must necessarily get rid of is the attachment to the comfort zone; we have wallowed for a long time in the idea we have of ourselves and of our life, so much so that now we are afraid to take the necessary steps to improve it.

The question we need to ask ourselves is: which side of ourselves are we afraid of losing and why? Is it really that important to our personal growth or does it just slow down our evolution?

Find the courage to break those old habits, those patterns that can also come from our family environment, the place from which we were born and which represents a point of reference for understanding where we come from, which however we do not need and are not part of the vision. future of ourselves and where we are going.

The dominant topic of this lunation will therefore be our personal growth as individuals and career, set your intentions based on these issues to make the most of the energies of these days.

Happy Full Moon!

♄Unornya

29th June, New Moon in Cancer: The Matriarch.

 

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Today we have a new Moon under the sign of Cancer, its natural domicile, so we will perceive harmonious energies that will benefit us if we know how to make the most of them.

The influences of this new moon will make us feel more sensitive and emotional than normal, so let's take advantage of this amplified energy to tune into the vibrations of this cosmic event and thus allow us to fully understand how we want to feel and what we really want to sense.

Like all new moons, this is the most powerful time to set our intentions for the next month and manifest what we desire; the theme of this new moon is emotions, it is therefore appropriate to focus on our inner world: do visualisation exercises about what you are perceiving right now and try to give a name to your needs.

The sign of Cancer brings us very nourishing and caring vibes, I would dare to say maternal, which will therefore take care of our desires as a sort of cosmic embrace from the universe.

The Moon and the Sun in Cancer form a square aspect with Jupiter in Aries, which might generate some tension and, if we put it in correlation with the theme of this lunation, this implies that once we have identified our needs, we will be afraid to ask for them, as if we demanded too much or did not consider ourselves worthy.

It is precisely on this that we must work, learning to ask for what is right for us, relying on those who can truly give us support.

This lunation also speaks to us a lot about the sacred feminine, we have a very active Water element in this sky with Moon and Sun in Cancer, joined to Lilith but also Neptune who has just started its retrograde motion in Pisces, sending us strong reminiscences of a stormy sea rippled by the waves.

It is no coincidence that in this period there has been a return to talk about uterus and abortion, unfortunately with very sad and disconcerting news. This continuous attack and these attempts to control female power are yet another demonstration that patriarchy moves and operates through governments of rules and oppression - the result of a toxic masculinity, which for too long has denied the sacred feminine: so powerful as to be the door between one life and another.

The archetype of Cancer is precisely the Matriarch, and in this moment more than ever it is important to be in contact with one's sacred feminine (regardless of gender) to be complete, to ensure that a part of us is never again denied in favour of another - thus leading to dangerous imbalances, such as those we have witnessed in recent days.

Lilith will help us in just this: allowing us to recognise our authority, inducing us to free ourselves from the chains against the toxic masculinity, product of an Abrahamic patriarchy that has always tried to crush us in vain.

In solidarity with our American sisters.

♄Unornya

Doon Hill - A Portal Onto The Fairy World

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At the Summer Solstice, it is impossible not to mention the paranormal: since the sun is at its peak, during its long journey in the sky, even magic reaches its full power under its golden rays. Throughout Europe there are legends related to the solstice and how natural laws were overturned on this particular day.

As often happens on the occasion of these particular astronomical events, the veil between the worlds becomes thinner and thus communication with the supernatural is favored.

Not only are there particularly suitable periods of the year, but also places of power where other dimensions are more accessible. One of these is Doon Hill, a small corner of peace and lush greenery at the foot of the Scottish Highlands. Although small and probably known only by the most accustomed fans of British folklore, it is the scene of a truly fascinating story about the fair folk.

It happens to be the place where the remains of Reverend Robert Kirk rest, author of "The Secret Commonwealth" and whose fate is still a mystery shrouded in the mists of this magical land.

Kirk was the minister of Aberfoyle, where he remained until his death: he achieved moderate success as the author of the first complete Gaelic translation of the Bible, but his true fame was reached postmortem thanks to the book The Secret Commonwealth - a collection of folklore and legends written between 1691-1692, but published only in 1815.

Kirk, despite his Christian faith, was the holder of what is called "second sight" - which may seem an oxymoron, accustomed as we are to today's conception of Christianity. But we must remember that many Christian customs are imbued with paganism and vice versa, intertwined over the centuries - especially when it comes to rural places, instilled with pre-Christian customs. It was therefore not uncommon to hear of "second sight" in the Scottish Highlands, it was almost routine and prestigious status.

Wandering through the local countryside, gathering evidence of encounters with the fairy folk, he used to frequent nearby Doon Hill - a hill surrounded by woods, not far from his parish. There he said he often encountered ethereal creatures "somewhat of the nature of condensed cloud and best seen in twilight", - who illustrated the habits and customs of their people. They dressed and talked like humans, danced, celebrated, sang but with substantial differences: for example, they fed on the lifeblood (foison) and managed to pass through tiny holes and cracks in the walls. Their homes, where they lived in a society with a well-defined hierarchy, were located underground and often visited this dimension during the nights of Samhain and Beltane - when the veil between worlds was thinnest. There were also differences in what we can call "moral": the fairies were neither good nor bad, sometimes they made themselves useful to others by giving advice on how to fix tools or warning of imminent dangers, sometimes instead they kidnapped young mothers to breastfeed their children, they seduced humans and / or stole their infants - think of the famous changelings for example.

They had nothing to do with the sweetened version that we imagine today: according to legends, they are thin and shiny beings - similar to the Elves described by Tolkien, which have roots in Norse mythology.

The Norse and the Anglo Saxons, indeed, called them alfar (elves). 

In Ireland they were known as sidhe, while in Scotland as sith - meant as inhabitants of the Sitheans, mounds considered portals to the other world, while in Wales they were called ellyllon (shining beings). Today's connotation of fairies derives from the French fée and then Englishised into fairy.

Those who met them, during their crepuscular celebrations, were overwhelmed by an irrepressible desire to dance and follow the procession - often ending up in their world and then being unable to return. Only the purest of heart and most gifted in the arts were able to receive gifts and return to this dimension.

Returning to our Robert Kirk, one day he was mysteriously found dead at the top of the hill. The reason for his death is still a mystery now ... it may have been an illness, maybe he fell into the wrath of the fairy people for having revealed their secrets, some say that the body was simply a simulacrum and the real Robert Kirk was transported to the kingdom of fairies.

Whatever the truth, his body (real or not) is buried at Aberfoyle Cemetery, while Doon Hill can be visited via a peaceful and relaxing path - lined with trees covered with ribbons, prayers, flowers and offerings. Pulsating memory of a folklore that was and still lives in the hearts of those who visit the hill, perhaps hoping to meet some supernatural being.

Whatever you do for the solstice, be careful.

The veil becomes thin, and with it the visits on this plane more frequent.

♃Ludna

June 14th, Full Moon in Sagittarius: Looking for the right Path

 

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Today we will have a Full Moon under the sign of Sagittarius.

It will be a super moon as in this period our satellite is closer to the earth, consequently it will appear larger in the night sky and its influences will be more powerful.

This lunation will direct us towards the search for a creed, for something that makes us feel safe and that gives meaning to our life, after all Sagittarius is a sign very linked to philosophy and travel, intended both as a physical journey but above all a mental one, the journey of the soul.

With this Moon, the universe requires us to let go, free ourselves from the burdens that prevent us from finding clarity in our path.

Sun and Moon are in opposition as in any full moon, this time however we also have Neptune which forms a disharmonious square aspect with both, Neptune is the planet of dreams but also of illusions, it can help to bring confusion in these days in which instead we will be looking for a right direction, we will probably be tested; slow down your pace and seek inner calm, in this way you will improve your focus on what you need.

Decide carefully what deserves your attention during this time.

In recent months we have all worked with a strong energy of transformation, many of us have gone through a real metamorphosis; this Moon represents the moment in which we abandon ourselves and trust the energies of the universe, we do not need to damn ourselves to achieve something, sometimes it is enough to wait like the caterpillar in its cocoon while waiting for the right moment to show itself to the world as a butterfly.

For the most impatient, this will be a real test of confidence! You need to know that on our path we will often encounter bumps and obstacles, it is human to take a break, it is right to know how to wait and accept that perhaps that obstacle has been placed there to make us reflect and induce us to recalibrate our direction.

So take the opportunity of this temporary fog that induces the energy of Neptune to stop you for a second, isolating yourself for a while from the chaotic world in which we live and working on refining your intuition. Ask the universe to receive an idea, an epiphany, a sign that will lead you on the right path.

Finally, use the energy of Sagittarius, not so much to move on an adventure, but more to find that lightness you need, aware that sometimes life can be a game and that you can also take a moment to live here and now for no particular purpose.

Happy Full Moon!

♄Unornya