Sacred Self Care Guide for April 2018 from Rising River Wisdom School
In all the worlds’ mythology and culture, there have been wisdom keepers, those who looked to the natural and the hidden worlds as a guide for life on earth. Within these seekers are stargazers, who ascribe meaning to the “stars” and their movements through the solar system.
Though Earth’s Moon is no star, it reflects the brightest light we can see in the night sky. Its phases are a part of human consciousness, and its movements affect systems on earth and sea. When we align our activities to the Moon’s cycles we find a greater connection to both our bodies and intuitive wisdom. Read on for some self care wisdom inspired by the new moon.
Rising River Wisdom School is an immersive program for those looking to step into their own power and carry wisdom for themselves and the world around them. Below you will find some Sacred Self Care insight for April from Rising River Wisdom School’s incredible teachers – we’ve got you covered for setting intentions with the upcoming new moon, to seeking insight from animal guides and plant medicine plus lots of guidance for mindfully navigating the world with your vibrant well-being in focus.
New Moon Wisdom from Michelle Prentiss:
Aries New Moon 4/15/18 6:57pm PDT
Sabian Symbol for Aries Moon: “Through Imagination a Lost Opportunity is Regained”
A NEW MOON is when the Sun and Moon are co-joined (conjunct). April’s New Moon is currently hanging out with communication planet Mercury in Aries, the sign representing the start of Nature and Astrology’s growth cycle. Aries keyword is “I AM” and within Aries season is the energy of commencement – we feel the need to get things done NOW!
Added to the Sun and Moon is the planet of Revolution Uranus – hand in hand with Dwarf Planet Eris (named after the Goddess of Discord). Eris was only discovered in 2005 and is actually bigger than Pluto! Eris represents how going against the “powers that be” can produce something magnificent in our life. Friction can create the “ pearl beyond measure”, deeper self-knowledge, accomplishment of goals, creativity, cohesion.
Here we have quite a line up of electric energy in the sky and the best way to take advantage of this power is to assert ourselves – by following our passions, moving our bodies in healthy ways, being flexible with change and knowing that sometimes in strife and definitely through striving we grow, we evolve and we triumph.
Mercury in Retrograde goes direct prior to the full moon. As it does it conjuncts Chiron in Pisces which is getting ready to move to Aries on the 17th.
The Wounded Healer/Teacher archetype is coming to the Warrior, integrating the two, putting awareness into how we can transform our hurt into help, it’s really showing us how our compassion which is borne of pain – can catalyze us into progressive action.
This combination breaks free old, stagnant patterns of being. We aren’t living in a time where we can skate along status quo anymore. Remember worlds are always created out of chaos or the crisis of need. Aries ruler Mars is in Capricorn, as is Saturn and is exalted – which means that the Warrior planet works best in the sign of mastery. The most important thing to understand is that through intent and working step-by-step in the direction of our goals we can accomplish all that we dream.
It’s not un-sexy to work hard, do the work and trust the process! Jupiter though in Retrograde, beams support. Hidden forces of benevolence put wind in your wings.
Believe, Imagine, Trust, Speak Your Truth and March Faithfully Forward in Courage! Make wishes and goals centered on these themes and watch them grow!
New Moon in Aries Plant Spirit Advice with Jacqueline Zajdman:
With the new moon and sun illuminated in Aries, the element of fire sets the tone for this vibrant transit. Fire is an incredible tool that witches and herbalist’s a like use for transformation. The idea of transmutation is much like alchemy; creating a magical process of change, combining different elements of matter into something new, transformative, purified. These are all major themes being highlighted as we experience the current bloom and outburst of spring, as well Mercury going direct this new moon. The heat that has been building this Aries season is now ready to burst into action!
Working with plant alchemy and the energy/spirit of plants is an amazing way to move effortlessly through this time. Let’s call on our plant allies that will help stoke the fire and keep our flame in balance, burning radiantly without setting it all ablaze. Our solar plexus chakra or Manipura, is symbolic of our power center and fiery natures. When in balance, we are self-confident, express a healthy ego, ambition, drive and decisiveness. A strong solar plexus helps us stand tall in our power center. Represented by the color yellow, plants that carry yellow or golden flowers speak to this chakra through joy and uplifting attitudes.
Think St. Johns Wort, Damiana, Chamomile, Poppy and Calendula. These flowers are bursting all over the California landscape, calling us to relax our nervous systems from the energetic heat of the season. They can be steeped in an infusion and worked with daily as gentle nervines to the system. Calendula also works as a facial spray or toner for refreshing the skin. Whether you are drinking in plants, or merely earthing (standing barefoot to absorb mama earth’s negatively charged ions to reduce inflammation), get out in nature! Simply looking into the bold face of a gorgeous Poppy will remind you to open up, appreciate your strengths and honor your inner power!
New Moon Animal Spirit for April By Brook Albrigo:
This New Moon brings in a much needed break from the retrograding and somewhat harsh energy around how we communicate with one another and ourselves. Last month, Badger warned us about engaging in combative confrontations, controlling our tempers while still standing our ground. Some of us may have learned this lesson the hard way, we engaged despite and had to retreat to lick our wounds from the battle. It was a tough month for many!
This month our new animal guide brings in a welcomed burst of inspiration and a beautiful message after learning some difficult lessons. The Toucan with his bright and prominent beak and feathers sings us back to life after the deep shadow work of Badger. Native to Central and South America, the Toucan is considered to be useful in penetrating the spirit world by Healers in the Amazon. They have a very loud and unmistakable song they sing and are more often heard before they are actually seen, unafraid to to express themselves boldly.
Toucan asks us to step out from the shadows, pick ourselves up and gather the confidence we gained from facing what has challenged us lately – even if you are the Badger that got in a nasty fight, still licking your wounds – you still survived didn’t you? THAT is a victory and something to feel confident about. Get out there! Be seen. Be heard. Share your story and your truth.
This is a social bird that likes talk – reach out to friends, socialize, meet new people and try new things. Rekindle forgotten friendships and make dates with those you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Show off those bright feathers and beautiful beak. You earned this! It is ok to be yourself and Toucan asks you to take off any masks and be unapologetically, truly, and purely YOU. Stay true to yourself and those that you love and it won’t matter who is judging your song. If you would like to connect with Toucan on a more personal level, feel free to do a meditation inviting Toucan in to come to you and communicate what specific medicine it brings you at this time. Find a recording of his call and see what emotions come up. You can also keep an image or small statue around or even watch nature documentaries with Toucan in it paying attention to how they move and react.
