Lunar Eclipse February 2017 ~ Space Dust – Darkstar Astrology

Lunar Eclipse on February 10 2017 at 22º Leo Aspects: Trine Uranus/Eris & Sextile Jupiter. Fixed star: Pherkad in the right foot of the Little Bear

Moon Leo 3 does not sugar-coat for the sake of popularity. In a sign that seems so ego-driven, the maternal energy of the bear is actually more about helping others than themselves. It depends on how evolved the soul is, with other harsh aspects there can be a ruthless drive and tyrannical tendencies. At this time we might have to face traits caused by a difficult childhood, one where we had to fight to be ourselves. Of course this eclipse can work to toughen the soul up too, and by the end of the 3 months more belligerent.

Despite all, even if decisions taken at this time rub people up the wrong way, they are still admired for being courageous choices. As the head of a nation, company or family, this eclipse enables trail blazers who will do whatever it takes to protect those little cubs in their care.

At the mundane level this is the great patriot willing to die for their country. (Country = descendants.) Loyalty is the number one demand at this time, so woe betide traitors. Those who stoop to revenge at this time will suffer greatly, but they won’t care who else they bring down with them. So keep a wide berth from the great sinking bear!!

Three fixed stars found around the eclipse degree: The first is Tania Australis (21º 41′) a red star in the paw of the great mother bear. These stars in Ursa major have a Mars quality according to Ptolemy. “It is said to give a quiet, prudent, suspicious, mistrustful, self-controlled, patient nature, but an uneasy spirit and great anger and revengefulness when roused.” Ras Elased Borealis (21º 26′) is in the lion’s head. The Ebertins say it can give rise to mental illness and depression depending on how it is configured. Since this is an eclipse, there is always a ‘wild card’ element to this energy. We have already seen so many celebrities meltdowns in the media, just expect more from those with 22º Leo in their charts!

Noonan says the Lion’s head stars “are said to indicate those with an appreciation for language and a power of expression, but also those who may be heartless and cruel.” So this star adds a mocking, satirical quality then. The brightest of the stars and closed to the eclipse degree is Pherkad (21º 36′) is found in the Little Bear Ursa Minor. The constellation gives “indifference and improvidence of spirit, and to lead to many troubles.” We can also bear in mind that even though these stars have very rough edges, the ancient navigators looked upon them as guardians and guides since they are close to the poles. Rough diamonds then!

Lunar Eclipse February 2017 ~ Aspects

The Sun is opposite the Moon in a lunar eclipse. This opposition is part of a mystic rectangle aspect pattern which links the eclipse with Jupiter opposite Uranus at 21º/23º Aries/Libra. Lets look at the aspects that make up this rectangle.

Moon trine Uranus brings an abundance of radical and innovative energy to the public. Self-assured rebellion occurs from those who don’t give a fig about conforming to the status quo. The trine brings to fruition personal freedom, revolution and electric genius. At this eclipse the more outlandish people behave, the more popular they become.

Sun sextile Uranus creates brilliant, visionary situations and the courage to break through conventions. This rebelliousness comes from having gone through a period of conformity and orthodoxy. The stability of the past, at least provided a stable anchor from which this Uranian ship can explore. So conversely, it is the very fact that we have had such a safe, stable background in the past that we feel secure enough to take great leaps into the Uranian unknown.

Moon sextile Jupiter. The imagination is expansive and pioneering, inspired by overseas or inner travel. The eclipse energy will still support the roots though, no matter how far afield we might voyage. Those touched by this moon should attract benefactors. Sometimes this comes as a reward from generously nurturing and supporting other artists in the past.

Sun trine Jupiter has strong beliefs, so this aspect of the eclipse probes people to do their duty and support those who they deem worthy enough or not as the case may be. There is a strong sense of justice and a look at how fair some laws are. Reforms in the law could be made at this time. Sun trine Jupiter gives the foresight to spot talent and potential in apprentices. Agents are on the look out for fresh blood at this time.

Jupiter opposite Uranus creates exciting new utopias and visions for the future that can inspire others to follow the path to illumination. Uranus is the great enlightener, so it can be a Kundalini awakening also since with Jupiter spirituality and sex merge. Jupiter and Uranus also both share thunderbolts in common!

Lunar Eclipse Mystical Rectangle

We had a mystical rectangle pattern back at the Gemini Full Moon December 2016 where I likened it to opening a Christmas present. I called it ‘Unveiling’ and pondered wether the packaging was more glamorous than the actual contents. The theme this time is similar with Jupiter opposite Uranus being activated again.

Back then Saturn was opposite the Moon. “The internal pressure caused by the oppositions could lead to a breakdown. If the internal tension is not diffused, substance is lost. Sometimes the bottled-up pressure leads to mental confusion, there is a conversion, a transformation from Saul to Paul. That leads to a wholesale abandonment of what was important before, thus enabling a spiritual rebirth.” [1]

Before Christmas there was a lot of tension waiting to be released. People were sitting on the Gemini fence, flip-flopping from left to right, not knowing if Trump would make it to inauguration. The end of the year does have a certain doomladen “End Times’ vibe. This rectangle is different. It actually has Saturn crowning it and looks like the apex of a roof. This eclipse can be more hopeful.

Lunar Eclipse February 2017 ~ Summary

In order for real change to take place in society, there has to be a concerted effort to organize and get one’s message across in a non-violent fashion. The Lunar eclipse activation of one of the most positive aspects of the year is something to be excited about! It looks like truth and integrity will shine through. Uranus is the new technology which we can use as a way to awaken ourselves and others. The cyber world is a double edged sword and we must always remember to unplug ourselves so that we get good dose of earthing energy too. With this eclipse we see the good side of technology and how we can use it to unchain ourselves from slavery.

Knowledge is power, but unfortunately state-sponsored education works to dumb down the younger generations. These days they are also crippled by debt as soon as they enter their adult lives. In effect, today’s youngsters are enslaved as soon as they leave college whereas their ‘uneducated’ grandparents left school, went to work and could afford to start a family straight away. They matured very early learning through having responsibilities in life. Jupiter is about higher-learning so at this eclipse we look at what ways we can educate ourselves so that we can make better life choices and be truly free and sovereign human beings.

Another point about slavery is that it is also about being a sex slave. Young people are being groomed into sex slavery through internet porn. As mentioned, Jupiter opposite Uranus can symbolize the Kundalini. The internet can be a great awakener, but there are so many rabbit holes you can fall into. It is only a very small percentage of people who follow the priestess snake of wisdom, while others get vectored into the prostitute snake of the lower chakras! However just a small percent is all it takes to move the masses, as long as a critical mass is reached. Looking back at the mystic rectangle, Saturn makes a minor grand trine with the Sun and Jupiter. This this may be where the trickle-down effect starts from. Saturn is actually pretty close to Galactic Center too at 26º Sagittarius, so maybe there is just something in the star dust!

1. Aspect Pattern Astrology. Bruno & Louise Huber. P 163

Source: Lunar Eclipse February 2017 ~ Space Dust – Darkstar Astrology

Jupiter Retrograde February 2017 – Unexpected Luck

Jupiter Retrograde 2017 begins on 6 February 2017 at 23° Libra, and stations direct on 9 June 2017 at 13° Libra. I will talk about each phase of Jupiter retrograde 2017 including when Jupiter enters and leaves the retrograde zone. Before that however, you will find a brief description of what it means to have Jupiter retrograde in the natal chart followed by the general meaning of Jupiter retrograde in transit.

Overall, Jupiter retrograde 2017 is very promising for achieving growth and happiness in a particular area of life that is important to you now. Unexpected good fortune is at hand with work, travel, education or a new relationship. Whatever your hopes for the future may be, this years Jupiter retrograde is an opportunity to make great leaps towards living out your dreams.

If your goals are unrealistic, deceitful or greedy then the Jupiter direct phase from June to September 2017 may result in disappointment and loss. Even if you are traveling on the right path at this stage, you will be reminded how important it is to be happy and content with what you have. Jupiter retrograde 2017 requires introspection and an awareness that inner, spiritual growth is necessary for your hopes and dreams to materialize.

Jupiter Retrograde Meaning

Jupiter retrograde in the natal chart means that there was a problem in achieving goodness of the soul a previous life. This certainly does not indicate a bad soul, but that there will be some lessons or extra effort required this life in order to achieve goodness of the soul, to be genuinely happy and content.

Jupiter retrograde by position and aspect shows the areas of life, or the personality traits and behaviors, which specifically require extra development. The optimum Jupiter nature is broad-minded, happy, comfortable and content. A healthy Jupiter is continually growing and expanding in philosophical and spiritual outlook. The aim is to be charitable, generous, friendly and welcoming to all people, regardless of social status, religion, cultural or ethnic background.

Jupiter retrograde in the chart could show as greed, selfishness, gluttony, extravagance, wastefulness or self-righteousness. Addiction, intolerance, bigotry, ignorance or showing off may be holding you back. Whatever is stunting your personal and spiritual growth is what Jupiter retrograde focuses on. This could well have been an ongoing problem hindering success over many incarnations. Events or relationships will keep reinforcing the problem area this life, especially during Jupiter retrograde phases.

Jupiter retrograde in transit is a regular cycle occurring every 13 months and lasting for about 4 months. Transiting Jupiter retrograde represents a time of philosophical or spiritual introspection and reflection. During the previous months since Jupiter entered the retrograde zone, you will have been dealing with particular issues involving growth and development, happiness and success.

Jupiter retrograde means that whatever area of growth you have been developing is so important, that extra time is needed to take stock and make sure everything in order before you continue. You may be tested to make sure you are ready to receive the good fortune, new romance, or increased wealth you seek.

On the other hand, it could be that a negative Jupiter behavior such as greed or addiction has been getting out of control. In this case, the Jupiter retrograde months will offer a chance to recognize and admit the problem. Things may get so out of control that an intervention or some drastic event must occur in order to shake you out of your complacency or ignorance.

By the time Jupiter stations direct, you should have come to terms with the relevant issues and be prepared for the next phase. In the third and final Jupiter retrograde phase, from the direct station until Jupiter leaves the retrograde zone, positive growth and development lets you bound ahead toward ultimate success and happiness.

Jupiter Retrograde 2017

6 February 2017 Jupiter stations retrograde at 23°08′ Libra

The Jupiter retrograde 2017 chart below clearly shows a right-angled triangle formed by Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus. Overall, this is a positive configuration with the two harmonious blue aspects turning the challenges of the red opposition into opportunities for success.

Fixed star Spica 24°04′ Libra greatly increases your chance of success during the Jupiter retrograde phase. Here we have the most fortunate planet on the most fortunate of all fixed stars. This alpha star of the Virgin gives wealth, success, happiness and love. Spica conjunct Jupiter in particular assists in spiritual development and psychic awareness. It offers protection, advancement and the possibility of wealth to even the poorest of people.

Jupiter opposite Uranus greatly increases your need for personal freedom and excitement. You will feel a strong urge to react, or rebel against anything that is stopping you from having fun and doing what you want. A sudden event may release your built up tension and lead to a major change in circumstances. You can find adventure and personal growth through travel, education and new relationships while still maintaining certain core responsibilities in your life.

You can find creative and ingenious ways to relieve the boredom without causing total chaos and disruption. Though technically a challenging transit, the relief from stress and tension can be very satisfying. A change in beliefs or social interaction may be all it takes to act as a circuit breaker. At the deeper level you are seeking a burst of higher awareness, to transcend your daily routine and bring on a spiritual growth spurt.

Jupiter sextile Saturn slows the speed of any change and reduces the shock value. You can rely on sound judgement skills to only chose those opportunities that are right for you. These opportunities may be in your career, through investment or business deals, or in your personal life as major material possessions or relationship choices. Patience, perseverance and a strong work ethic ensure your gains will be enduring and substantial.

Saturn trine Uranus also makes any growth spurts more lasting. It makes the changes in your life run more smoothly. Change will not be as upsetting or erratic as Jupiter opposite Uranus alone would bring. You will remain calm and patient, planning every step methodically. You can find new days of doing old things without rocking the boat. You could take the lead in your career to initiate needed changes and gain respect and recognition from your boss.

Source: Jupiter Retrograde 2017 Unexpected Luck – Astrology King

Drink to Your Health – Long Winter Months Ahead – Good Witches Homestead

During the long, chilly winter months, our bodies need all the help they can get to fight infection.

Colds, viruses, and the flu lurk at the door and a simple handshake can lay one out for weeks. To build up the immune system and stave off bugs that run rampant in winter, try incorporating herbs like rosemary, sage, and lemon balm to your morning tea or coffee. All three of these herbs promote longevity and aid in strengthening the body’s defenses. Add them directly to the basket of your coffee pot for full infusion. Remember to gently crush the herbs in your hands first to release all of their essential oils. If you’re lucky enough to have a coffee grinder, that works even better. Simply add the sprigs or dried leaves to the beans and grind away. Then dress the drink as you normally would.

Don’t forget to consume fresh juices for more immunity-building in the darker months Reach for 100-percent juice varieties of blueberry, orange, pomegranate, and goji, which ward may ward off everything from the common cold to cancer. Juices are also a great option for flavoring teas, coffee, and punch.

For instance, you might add a shot of noni juice to coffee every morning for an antioxidant boost. Noni fruit is derived from trees found across the Polynesian islands and shows promise in fighting fatigue and combating aging.

Drink to Your Health – Ten Best Winter Drinks.

Beat winter’s cold bite and warm up with these cozy brews.

What better way to celebrate the colder, restful months than with a hot beverage?

Whether you’re looking to cozy up to the fire with a mug of herbal tea or entertain guests with spiced cider, there are dozens of recipes to choose from. For those special occasions with family and friends, reach for ancient recipes like mead or glogg to toast the season. You can enhance a bottle of wine with rich, earthy spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, or licorice root. For a warm punch that pleases a crowd, mix wine with liquors like brandy, Schnapps, Cointreau, Grand Mariner, or Galliano. Then jazz it up with stevia, fennel, basil, or woodruff. Most of the recipes found here are non-alcoholic, but suggest a liquor if you want to add a little “spirit.” Double the recipes for a larger crowd and keep the brews warm on the stove or in a crockpot. Garnish with pretty herbal flowers like chamomile, lavender, pineapple sage, and mint. Or use edible stir sticks like licorice root, chicory, cinnamon, or rosemary bark.

Peppermint Patty

The Aztecs considered chocolate a food of the gods. Montezuma, the Aztec emperor, purportedly indulged in the drink known as cacahuatl more than 50 times a day. Often, chiles, cinnamon, or anise seeds were added to cut the bitterness of this cocoa-based beverage. It wasn’t until Cortez brought the recipe back to Spain that sugar was included. The addition of peppermint adds a refreshing bite and promotes circulation.

1 tablespoon dried peppermint in a tea ball or cheesecloth

1/3 cup hot water

4 cups {1 quart} milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

Suggested liquor: peppermint Schnapps.

In a medium saucepan, combine peppermint and water. Simmer over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil; stir for two minutes. Remove peppermint bundle. Add sugar and cocoa, stirring constantly, and continue boiling. Remove from heat, add milk, and stir. Serves 5.

Hot Buttered Cider

Originally, apple cider was a fermented alcoholic beverage manufactured across the world in countries like Spain, France, and England. Early American settlers began making the drink almost as soon as they arrived and it was quite popular in most households. In pagan cultures, the apple was a symbol of immortality and used in many love spells. {For a simple love charm, cut an apple in half, remove the seeds, and share it with the one you adore. Then bury the seeds beneath a full moon for a long and prosperous relationship!}

1 gallon of apple cider

6 whole allspice berries

Half of a nutmeg seed

3 cinnamon sticks

8 cloves

4 pats of butter

Chamomile flowers

Suggested liquor: spiced rum

To a large pot, add cider and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes. Strain into a pretty punch bowl and dot with butter. Garnish with chamomile flowers and serve warm. Serves 12.

Warm Mead

Thought to have originated in Ireland, mead dates back to ancient times. Brides and grooms toasted with the drink for a month after their wedding. Traditional mead is an ancient fermented beverage made from honey, water, yeast, and spices. The original process is very complicated; this is a simpler, heated version.

1 bottle Chardonnay

6 sprigs of sweet woodruff, washed and dried

1 vanilla bean

1/4 cup honey

In a medium saucepan, combine wine, woodruff, vanilla, and honey. Gently heat until honey dissolves. Remove woodruff and vanilla and serve in goblets. Serves 4.

Rosemary Coffee

This recipe might seem strange, but if you love rosemary, you’ll enjoy it. And because rosemary stimulates the mind, this caffeinated drink provides a double pick-me-up.

1/4 cup fresh coffee beans or ground coffee

1 sprig rosemary

Water

Grind coffee beans with rosemary sprig and brew. If you don’t have a grinder, chop the sprig first; then add it to the coffee basket before brewing. Serves 10.

Hot Toddy

My Irish grandmother used to make this for me when I wasn’t feeling well. It’s great for colds and sore throats and I make it for my husband and myself when we’re under the weather. The honey is soothing while the lemon detoxifies. Add the whiskey to help you sleep.

1 tea bag of orange pekoe, green, or black tea

1 cup of water

1 teaspoon honey

1 wedge of lemon

Suggested liquor: whiskey

Brew tea in water. Remove tea bag and pour into a mug and add honey and lemon. Serves 1.

Winter’s Nap Tea

This tea has all the makings to send you to dreamland. Lavender soothes and relaxes while valerian and chamomile promote sleepiness.

1 tablespoon loose-leaf chamomile tea

1 tablespoon dried lavender buds

1 tablespoon dried valerian

Water

Add all ingredients to a coffee basket and brew with water. Or heat in a saucepan and strain before serving. Add honey if desired. Serves 6.

After-Dinner Tea

After a big meal, sipping on this tea can help aid digestion and, as a bonus, it tastes great!

1 licorice root grated

1-star anise

1 tablespoon dried orange peel

Small handful anise seeds

Water

Muddle all ingredients together, and place in a tea ball or muslin bag. Gently heat in a medium saucepan filled with water. Remove herbs and spice and pour the liquid into mugs. Serves 2.

Swedish Glogg

A mulled wine that originated in the Scandinavian countries, glogg is enjoyed around the holidays and includes warm spices, nuts, and dried fruit. While many recipes call for a sweet wine like port or even sherry, you may find that the drier varieties better complement these ingredients. You can substitute the brandy for a fruity Schnapps like the peach.

1 whole orange

Handful of cloves

1 bottle dry red wine

1 cup blackberry brandy

6 cinnamon sticks

1 handful raisins

1 handful slivered almonds

Wash the orange and pierce it with the cloves. Add all ingredients to a large pot. Gently simmer until warm. Do not strain. Pour into a crock pot to keep warm. Serve in mugs. Serves 6.

N’Orleans-style Latte

Cafe Du Monde is a coffee and pastry shop located in the French Quarter of New Orleans. They serve pots of chicory-flavored coffee alongside tasty Beignets, fluffy triangle-shaped fried donuts dusted with powdered sugar. Chicory has been used for centuries as a coffee substitute. Is earthy flavor adds a rich, smokey taste to the hot beverage?

1/4 cup coffee beans, or ground coffee

1 chicory root

Milk

stevia powder

Grind coffee beans with chicory root, or grate root and add to the coffee basket. Brew with water. Add milk and stevia to taste. Serves 10.

Morning Power Tonic

There has been much chatter in the news lately regarding “power fruits.” Pomegranate, blueberry, goji, and acai berries are said to do everything from boost immunity to combat chronic illnesses. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, phytochemicals, and anthocyanins, these fruits are the new wave of healthy eating. But age-old lemon balm here is also known to promote longevity. In A Modern Herbal, author Mrs. M. Grieve claims that John Hussey of Sydenham, who lived to the age of 116, drank lemon balm tea daily for 50 years!

1 cup purified water

2 tablespoons dried lemon balm

1/4 cup cranberry juice

1/4 cup pomegranate juice

1/4 cup blueberry juice

1/4 cup acai juice

1/4 cup goji juice

Add lemon balm to a tea ball and gently simmer in water for 10 minutes. Remove lemon balm and add juices, simmering for 5 more minutes. Enjoy at the start of your day for an energy boost. Serves 2.

Source: Drink to Your Health – Long Winter Months Ahead – Good Witches Homestead

Crystal of the Week: Ammonite – Holistic Experiment

Ammonite is a very powerful earth healing fossil with a spiral shape that symbolizes continual change and evolution. It is often used for activating kundalini energy and life path energies.

Often put in homes to attract health, prosperity, and success; it draws all of the negative energy and releases them as fresh, positive, and loving life force energy. It’s known as a powerful stone that balances the mental energies and brings higher forms of truth to the physical plane.

This stone can help balance the thoughts and internal communications so that they are both healthy and vivacious. It’s also great for helping the user understand the balances inherent to relationships.

Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Purposes

On a physical level, Ammonite lowers blood pressure, increases vitality and stamina, and heals any problems with the ears, lungs, and degenerative disorders. It’s often used for childbirth to give the mother strength and vitality and can balance body heat, any electrolyte imbalance, restores cellular fluids, and regulates the metabolism.

Ammonite is also used to increase life span and eliminates inside the subtle bodies that are not in perfect alignment due to their lineage. It can be used to purify and restructure the body and promotes the absorption of minerals. This stone also helps reduce pain and swellings as well as inflammations, restores mobility and eases cramps, and lubricates the joints.

On an emotional level, it lifts the heaviness that is sometimes felt during depression, it releases negativity and promotes a successful and positive attitude. This stone lends valor to get out of bad situations and helps the user accept permanent changes which positively affects the user’s lifestyle.

This stone is often used to strengthen the user’s will to live and helps appreciate life in order to live it to the fullest. It brings growth, wisdom, and wealth, and provides stability to its user and encourages their survival’s instincts.

On a spiritual level, Ammonite is a grounding stone that focuses on the Base/Root Chakra as well as the Third Eye Chakra. It’s often used to awaken the Kundalini energy and it is loved by Feng Shui practitioners because it has a positive effect on the flow of Chi or energy, helping its user to cleanse and detoxify the body.

It’s often used to draw off all of the negative energies from the surrounding aura and carries the spirit of change and personal growth.

Disclaimer: Crystal of the Week are a spiritual support to healing and are not prescription or healthcare information.

Source: Crystal of the Week: Ammonite – Holistic Experiment