The January Gemini full Moon arrives with a roar at 19:24 MT on the first day of the year. 2018 begins with a powerful burst of energy and the intensity of the storm god, Rudra. The waning cycle ahead is equally intense so be mindful of your need to ground and land- even while this storm energy is moving through.

It will be especially important to be diligent with the mental body in the days ahead, as it will be strong and ready for action. Can you tame the mind, rather than let it run away with you? Time in nature and in meditation will serve you well as the Moon begins to release in the days ahead. Even with the intensity and power of this cycle, retreat, alone time and silence are more essential than ever. Resist the urge to force your steps and push for outcomes.

Moon is in Ardra nakshatra at the time of the Full Moon. Rudra, the storm god, rules this portion of the sky. His energy is sharp and action oriented. There is drive, force and even aggression with this constellation. Expect big bursts of emotion and energy, while tempering extremes and imbalance. How can you channel this energy with intention and insight?

The symbol of this nakshatra is a tear drop, inviting grief, sadness and the wisdom of loss to burst from the emotional body. However, this portion of the sky is more prone to anger than touching the sadness that lies underneath. Expect emotional upheaval and plan for grounding, gentleness and safe containers to hold you. Can you touch the anger within? What lies underneath your anger? What needs are surfacing. Find healthy ways to release your emotions in the days ahead. What supports your emotional body movement? What resources allow you to ground, land and connect within?

Use this waning cycle to cut and release ties that are unhealthy and under nourishing- especially relationships. There may be anger at others, or others may be aggressive towards you. Use clear boundaries and honor your needs. Focus on your inner needs and cultivate practices of presence and connection with self and others. The pelvis and lower body may feel unstable in the days ahead. Stay rooted in your sacral chakra and heart. It's time to heal and be healed. Release conflicts and inner battles. What is keeping you disconnected? Deepen your inner power and purpose. Land in your heart and root into the earth. Use the power available at this time to move into bold new territory in all areas of your life.

Let this cycle help you deepen your inner power and purpose. Take empowered action steps. Be bold, courageous and visible. This will require that you lean into your shadow and personal mythology- especially on the mental body level. Where are you deceiving yourself? Playing small and disempowering yourself? It's time to step up and step in. The coming days will require you to look at your darkness, shadow and illusions more closely. Use this to help you transform, change, heal and grow. The immense power available in this cycle ushers in an exciting and remarkable year ahead. This is not the time to play small. Put power behind your desires and ask for more. The only thing standing in your way, is you!

Horoscopes for 2018 are coming!

Create A Life of Thriving With These Five Steps:

Step #1

Write a list of all the things you are grateful for. List the people, experiences and parts of your life that truly make you feel glad to be alive. Are you grateful for your health? Your children? Your garden? Your amazing clients? Put it on the list!

Step #2

As you look at your gratitude list, pause and be still. Where do you feel the sensation of gratitude in your body? Can you feel it rising up from your belly or spreading across your chest? Try to locate the sensation and clearly identify it.

Use this physical body feeling as a tuning fork. Keep coming back to this sensation as a way to touch in with the feeling of thriving and nourishment. More of that please! This is what you want to create more of in your life!

Step #3

Create an image of this feeling of gratitude and the sensation of nourishment it brings into your body. Use craypas, paints, collage, pen and ink or any other medium that inspires you.  Use colors, textures and shapes to create your image. Take 20+ minutes to create your image then give it a title.

Step #4

Move your image. Use your image to inspire a movement exploration. Let your body move in response to your nourishment image with an intention of "moving with your feelings of nourishment".  What sensations emerge for you during your dance? What awareness? Allow 5 to 10 minutes for this movement exploration.

Step #5

Harvest in your journal some of your key findings from this process. Answer these statements:

I sense___
I feel____
I imagine____

Bonus Step:

Pick a few people to share your gratitude with. The best way to amplify this feeling is to share it with others! Use post it notes for a quick thank you or get more elaborate and write out a love note to someone special. Write a sweet message of gratitude to your child or give your neighbor a friendly mailbox surprise.


JOIN ME and the Moon Tribe for 7 Days of Gratitude. Daily inspiration to keep your heart full as you step into the new year!

The June New Moon comes just after the Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere) while Moon is transiting Gemini and Ardra nakshatra. New Moon arrives on June 23rd at 20:31 Mountain time, inviting in powerful changes and uprooting for the waxing cycle to come.

Four planets transit Ardra nakshatra at the time of the new Moon- Mars, Sun, Mercury and Moon. The unpredictable Ketu gives his gaze, promising change and release. Mula is on the Eastern horizon. Both constellations are notorious for challenges and change. Expect shifts with support, stability and grounding. Stay rooted and grounded as much as possible. Let your pelvis be a resource for this awareness. Your lessons will come in big waves, through powerful change and release. Storms can bring great learning so pay attention to the way your storms show up and what they are here to teach you. Something important is breaking free. Let it go.

The constellation of Ardra is Rudra's domain. As the storm god, he brings power and force, potency and strength. He offers momentum, and transformational energy through the emotional body. Rudra brings big emotions- especially through grande emotional body waves, tears, anger and sadness. This energy is your power and if channeled properly, can support forceful changes- for better or worse- as well as destruction and successful attacks. The symbol of this constellation is a tear drop.

Transformation, release and instability are a powerful part of this coming cycle. Find your grounding cord and hold on. Relationships become a challenging part of this change process, but will provide much growth, wisdom and teaching. Pay close attention to the messages arriving, the mirrors you are looking at, and how the wisdom arrives. With this big release taking place, there is potential for an all new support system to replace it. As you let go of relationships and change your inner dynamic, clarify what you need in order to feel safe, grounded and supported. This is not a time to take risks or be careless. Be careful, cautious and intentional with choices and actions. Go slow and steady.

Destructive and aggressive forces are at play in the weeks ahead. Be mindful of your part in this process. Release challenging emotions in healthy, conscious ways and try not to take your challenges out on others. Take responsibility and accountability for your own feelings. Create healthy boundaries and honor your needs for safety, security, trust and stability. Find ways to get your needs met with skill and conscious awareness.

Read more about what to expect with June's transits.

Solstice occurs on June 20th at 22:24 Mountain Time. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight, also called the Summer Solstice. In the Southern Hemisphere, on the other hand, it is the shortest day of the year and is known as the Winter Solstice. Solstice comes from the Latin words sol, meaning Sun and sistere, meaning to come to a stop or stand still. On the day of the June Solstice, the Sun reaches its northernmost position, as seen from the Earth. At that moment, its zenith does not move north or south as during most other days of the year, but it stands still at the Tropic of Cancer. It then reverses its direction and starts moving south again. The opposite happens during the December Solstice. Then, the Sun reaches its southernmost position in the sky - Tropic of Capricorn - stands still, and then reverses its direction towards the north. Read More About the June Solstice.

Just after the Solstice, Saturn retrogrades back into Scorpio on June 20th at 22:33 Mountain Time, returning to his enemies sign and the powerful depths of the 8th sign of the zodiac. Saturn will transit Scorpio another four months, before re-entering Sagittarius and Mula nakshatra on October 26th, for the remainder of his 2.5 year transit through this fire sign. Read more about Saturn in Scorpio.

Use this two part process to clear, release and transform old, stagnant mental and emotional body energies into space, opening and possibility. Start with the Tapping Meditation to clear big emotions and then move into the Creative Ritual in order to deepen your creation process and manifest more love, gratitude and nourishment into your life. Share your comments, questions and experiences below!

Step 1

Use this podcast as you tap through these points:

Karate chop point (side of the hand).
Crown of the head.
Eyebrow point (above the eye).
Side of the eye.
Under the eye.
Under the nose.
Chin point (crease of the chin).
Throat point (collar bone/throat chakra).
Heart point (center of chest).
Stomach point (above the navel).
Side body (nipple line at side of chest).

Tap six to ten times on each point and just keep cycling through the points. Repeat the phrases I use aloud. Notice any thoughts, stories, memories or emotions that emerge as you tap. These are important pieces to return to, do more tapping on, as a way to clear blockages. As always, if the words I use don't work for you, change them to support your process more fully.

Part 2

1) Using craypas, paints or pencils, create an image of the space you've created through this tapping meditation. What does this "space" within you feel like? Create an image that expresses this feeling using colors, textures and shapes. Allow 10- 20 minutes at minimum for image. Title your image.

2) Use your image to inspire a movement exploration. Let your body move in response to your "space" image with an intention of creating more inner awareness. What sensations emerge for you during your dance? What messages? Allow 5 to 10 minutes for this movement exploration. I encourage you to extend this time frame as you recycle this process.

3) Harvesting. In your journal answer these questions:
I am, I want, I need, I sense, I feel, I imagine.

What deeply nourishes me? What no longer nourishes me?
Where do I feel support in my life? Where do I need more support?
What am I opening to? What am I closing to?

June brings an unusual amount of storm energy to the surface, sparking multiple layers of Rudra to be activated for the majority of the month. As Mars, Sun and Mercury all march through the constellation of Ardra during the month of June, the wrath of the Storm God is enlivened. These transits culminate at the end of the month with a new Moon in Ardra nakshatra on June 23rd. .

Mars moved to Gemini on May 26th, but shifts into the second constellation of this air sign on June 5th. Mars is the warrior planet, synonymous with action, doing and force. Ardra brings big, powerful, forceful energy- so be aware of the power in your actions until June 25th.

On June 14th, Sun moves to Gemini and will enter Ardra on the 21st. Swift moving Mercury moves to Gemini on June 18th and into Ardra on June 21st as well. This creates a tight conjunction of Mars, Sun and Mercury for the latter half of the month. The mind will be extra heated and aggressive. Expect anger and rage to surface. What is the underlying need of your anger? What is your anger really sharing with you about your deeper needs?

Retrograde Saturn gives his direct gaze to this powerful and aggressive planetary combination until he shifts back into Scorpio on June 21st. Ketu gives his gaze as well, increasing frustrations, sudden explosions and release. This impact on the multi-planet Rudra effect will provoke an increase in violence, quick change, powerful expressions and forceful actions. This is a time to be extra methodical, careful and cautious. Use your power wisely.

The constellation of Ardra is Rudra's domain. As the storm god, he brings power and force, potency and strength. He offers momentum, and transformational energy through the emotional body. Rudra brings big emotions- especially through grande emotional body waves, tears, anger and sadness. This energy is your power and if channeled properly, can support forceful changes- for better or worse- as well as destruction and successful attacks. The symbol of this constellation is a tear drop.

This month will require working with the emotional body in very conscious and intentional ways. There is a tendency towards excess aggression and emotional pain. Big waves of undigested grief will need to be put into creative actions and channeled into communication, creativity and self expression. Give your emotion a purpose. Seek right-relationship with your emotional intelligence. Upgrade your emotional skills and don't let feelings go unnoticed. Avoiding and neglecting your emotional body will increase sudden explosive responses and increase challenges. Ask your self daily: What is my emotional body sharing with me? What is it letting me know I need right now?

Gemini increases the creative activation possible as three planets move through Rudra's stormy territory of the sky. This is the sign of lovers- two opposing energies coming together and giving rise to a third energy. There is creativity and possibility in this sign. It connects to the hands, self expression, communication, the Arts and courage. Notice in your jyotish chart where Gemini sits. This is where the powerful force of Rudra will be activated this month. How can you channel this powerful energy effectively and thoughtfully?

Aries: Find ways to channel your big emotions into self expression and the expressive Arts. Step into your courage and use it on a whole new level.

Taurus: Self express and speak boldly- but be mindful of how you use your powerful voice. Once words are spoken, they can't be taken back.

Gemini: You may feel extra hot headed this month. Stay cool and find ways to release emotions, pressure and steam consciously. Keep your head cool.

Cancer: Release emotions, grief and losses. Let death be a powerful force of change and transformation. Allow Spirit to contain you.

Leo: Gains come with big releases and letting go. What are you making space for right now? What has to be let go of first before you have room for it?

Virgo: Channel the immense power available into your life offering. Step into your gifts and share in noticeable ways. Be seen- but try to make it be in positive ways.

Libra: Consciously leap into your power and purpose. Align your big emotions with your dharmic path and inner truth.

Scorpio: Don't get sucked into the underworld- as compelling as it may be. Find ways to come to the surface. Transform and transcend.

Sagittarius: Relationships bring big changes and transformation, emotions and heat. Find your needs in the midst of the storm. Stay grounded.

Capricorn: Digest and release grief and big emotions. Heal and process stuck, resistant feelings. Tap into deeper needs and avoid bad habits and conflicts.

Aquarius: Align with your power and gut intelligence. Trust your instincts and digest the big emotions showing up. Let them guide you towards your power and inner knowing.

Pisces: A storm is rumbling through your heart and home this month. Batten down the hatches. Purge, release and acknowledge the waves. Find your shore.

The tides begin to turn as the Moon wanes, cycling towards completion. This new Moon begs for more- more of everything. It especially wants you to feel more- so that you can start making some bigger changes for yourself. This may not be a comfortable process. Watch excess on every level and notice where you're just trying to numb or mask your painful shadow parts.

New Moon is on July 4th at 05:02 am. Metaphorically this is a day of independence in the US, which suits this new Moon and waxing cycle to come very well. How much freedom will you feel? That depends on your willingness to show up for yourself and break open the shadow you are clinging to.

At the time of the New Moon, four connections to Ardra nakshatra occur. The new Moon is in Ardra as well as the Sun. The sign on the horizon is Gemini, placed acutely in Ardra. Gemini's ruling planet, Mercury is in this constellation as well. The ruling planet of this star pattern is Rahu, insuring that shadow will be encountered.  Rudra owns this part of the sky and as the storm god, he is sure to deliver. He especially offers emotional outbursts connected to anger and rage. Big waves of tears, grief and pain can be moved as well, which is an important next step for all of us- after just finishing up a Mula Nakshatra waning cycle that certainly tilled the inner soil.

Ardra nakshatra awakens the emotional body in powerful ways and stirs the inner prana. The power of Rudra is dense, compacted emotional body energy that effects the pranic winds and its fluidity of movement. This power can be used in many different ways. It can provoke powerful creative life force energy, or destroy the inner wisdom- or both. Ardra nakshatra natives are known for their bigness and lack of satisfaction with anything but all-star status. I often refer to this constellation as the "rock star" lunar mansion because it is notorious for big energy- big emotion that is. Prana is responsible for life and the absence of prana is death. The pranic winds (maruts) moving in the physical body, stir the emotions and provoke the feelings within. Prana is synonymous with Rudra. Since disrupted prana or life force energy is the root cause of all illness, Rudra can also heal these dis-eases. He is fierce and provocative, strong and forceful in his power.

The effects of this new Moon and the waxing cycle to come will provoke big energy and movement of the inner winds. This can be a powerful ally of support for your healing process. Step into this process with intention and surrender to the grief that will be bursting forth. Your ability to move with the powerful emotional waves will deepen the level of healing that can take place at this time. Resisting the waves will prove futile, and only intensify the emotional body. Anger is just repressed sadness, repressed grief. Deepen your relationship with your own grief process and the many losses you've experienced. Grief gives us the opportunity to learn the art of deep surrender. Avoiding or neglecting the steps necessary for change will only delay the process and make it more painful. This is a Rahu ruled nakshatra after all and he notoriously brings intensity to whatever he touches. Your job is to lean into the pain, challenge and darkness, not resist.

This process of awakening that is provoked in this cycle is particularly connected to changing the mind and old stories- as Ardra's sign, Gemini, is ruled by the mental body, Mercury. The effects may be felt on the level of relationships, creativity, writing, hands, arms and shoulders, as well as all forms of communication. Ketu's drishti on Sun, Moon, Venus and Mercury at the time of the New Moon, insures breaking open and breaking free in the cycle to come.

As the emotional body cup fills and expands in the coming two weeks, pay close attention to what you are releasing. What is there no more space for, no more tolerance for? What do you need to release in order to make more space? What are you inviting in to this space being created? This must be an intentional process. Notice where you're resisting this opening and releasing process as much as you consciously can.

Look for stories that say "I don't have time", or "I don't have the money," as well as "Things are fine". These are all messages that you are staying in your comfort zone and resisting getting your needs met in new ways. It takes radical awareness and dedication to move beyond the old story of scarcity, but will be worth your effort. All you have to do is keep showing up for yourself- fully, in deep presence. It also requires you say yes to new resources and support for your path.

Many wait until the pain is so horrific that they seek support. You don't have to wait that long. This cycle may force you to take action because of the pain. Notice your willingness to move in closer. Notice your resistance to showing up and being with yourself in your pain. Notice how easy it is for you to avoid it and cover it up. Be especially mindful about drugs, intoxicants, caffeine and uppers like sugar in the weeks ahead. Cravings will be stronger. This is just your way of avoiding the emotional body issues that are arising. Stay true to course and be clear about your direction.

This cycle will be stirring the emotional body very acutely. Use this Creative Ritual (psychokinetic imagery process) as a resource for working with the emotional body and lean in closer to the messages arriving.

1) Where to do you feel the challenging emotion in your body? Name the emotion and notice where it lands within you. Be specific. Are there colors, textures or shapes that arrive with this place in the body? Are there any words or messages? Keep leaning in closer and listen carefully.

2) Create an image of your challenging emotion. What does it feel like? What colors, textures and shapes arrive? Create an image that expresses your experience and sensations within your stomach/solar plexus. Spend at least 20 minutes creating this image. I suggest using paints or craypas and a large piece of paper. Title your image. In your journal or on the back of the drawing answer this question:
If your image could speak what would it say?

3) Movement Exploration. Using your image as the inspiration for your dance, begin to move your body in response to your image. Let your body move in response to your image- as though your body is having a conversation with it. Let the colors, shapes, textures etc. invoke a response and let your body express this through movement and sound. Continue to develop your dance for 5 to 10 + minutes. Then respond to these questions: I sense, I feel, I imagine.

4) Harvesting. Answer these baseline statements in your journal once you have completed
the previous steps.

I am
I want
I need

I sense
I feel
I imagine