FULL MOON and MERCURY RETROGRADE: Pause, Process, Proceed

FULL MOON and MERCURY RETROGRADE: Pause, Process, Proceed

2016 has been a tough year that has pushed many to their personal limits, helping some to have breakthroughs while others to have breakdowns. The end of the year brings us a full moon, Mercury retrograde and a new moon. These typically can play on our emotions, our minds and our nervous systems. Do take care of yourself and your loved ones these days. The more loving energy we allow ourselves to exude and reside in, the better for everyone.

December 14: Full Moon in sidereal Taurus 28'16 Mrigashirsha nakshatra

The full moon will be exalted in the sweet and gentle Mrigashirsha, the "searching star," a degree of Taurus (and Gemini). This sign connects to the deer, and has a strong need to wander and explore. It is a soulful sign, exploring the physical and etheric worlds alike, striving towards personal growth, a deeper understanding of its surroundings, and ultimately enlightenment. It is one of the sweeter signs of the Vedic zodiac, yet it does have antlers and will use them if need be. It is wise to support others (and ourselves) in this exploring nature rather than forcing our will and potentially provoking others during this time.

This particular full moon is also however considered unsupported and can leave us feeling somewhat unsupported or even abandoned. An unsupported moon always needs reminders to reach out to loved ones -- it even needs reminders that it is loved! These are things we may all need to do this full moon. Reach out. Express love. Uplift and be uplifted.

This moon is also connecting with the Sun (as full moons do) and to stern Saturn, which can bring some more resistance to support and even create a pulling away. Rather than running away out of fear of attack as its symbol, the deer, can do, this full moon seems to be supporting us to also find the strength within this quiet space. To consciously and actively take it. To make room for mindful practices and activities. To actually take time alone and be true to our individual needs. Not being a victim, feeling lonely or feeling abandoned in this space, but rather finding a deeper more soulful connection to the inner/higher light (Sun) and to the discipline and even austerities Saturn so beautifully brings.

This full moon: connect with loved ones but take time for you.

December 20-January 7: Mercury retrograde in sidereal Sagittarius

Since 2016 hasn't been enough of a tricky year, we are going to wrap it up with a good dose of Mercury retrograde! I see this as a blessing in disguise (and that doesn't mean I won't be kicking and screaming every now and then about it). Here's why:

Mercury retrograde affects the big C's of our lives: communication, connections, computers, cars. As always, we are reminded that things can go haywire during this time, but especially the 5 days before and after Mercury goes retrograde and direct (so December 15-25 and January 2-12 - although it seems to have already made itself know for the last few days! There are longer Mercury retrograde "shadow" days which can last a month, but I have found these direct 5 days on either side carry the most challenging events).

So what does this mean? And what do we do?

These are reflective days.
Retreat and release days.
The take stock of things and reorganize days.
These are the days to get to that thing you've been meaning to do for so long (like clean out that closet or make that photo album or do that cleanse already...).
These are the days to also lay low if you can.
These are the days to not take things personally. (So important as we have a powerful full moon this month too!)
These days are necessary in order to release from the old so we can realign with our new / true path.

But these days aren't always easy. We like to hold onto things from the past, even if the time is complete.

Do your best to get those important documents signed and sent before the heightened days hit. And if you can't, then have a few trusted friends review anything important for you. Get whatever you can done before Mercury hits:

Get your computer backed up.

Get that check engine light figured out.

Create stronger passwords.

Have that talk before it has to be had.

Wear green to uplift and appease Mercury, especially on Wednesday (Mercury's day).
Speak slowly and from a place of truth and calm response rather than reaction. Respond not react.

Practice slow and mindful breathing (pranayama). The lungs are a place where grief resides according to Ayurveda, and so the longer exhale is excellent as it helps release toxins. Breathe in for 6, breathe out for 8 - and build up from there.

Oil up! "Abhyanga" - Ayurvedic personal oil massage - is one of the best things to do to protect your nervous system, boost immunity, and to calm the mind. Here's how: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/.../self-oil-massage/
And here's why: https://drclaudiawelch.com/abhyanga-ayurvedic-oil-massage/

The Sagittarius influence will support the truth to come out, but it can also bring a "higher than thou" attitude. Let's not do this. Let's be mindful in our connections.

If we can look at Mercury retrograde times as opportunities for personal growth and for learning to manage our frustrations, then we have mastered something huge in life.

So many fear these times - and it's understandable why! Things can go a little bananas and we can experience loss. Emotions can flair and our minds can feel overloaded. If we can take a step back and go deeper, there is usually a place where we can take a pause, integrate whatever we were being presented with, and then respond. How we respond is everything. Let's throw reactions out the window this Mercury retrograde. They just show there's some victim mentality showing up. Let's empower ourselves by taking a pause to reflect, release and reorganize our response.

Some questions for this Mercury retrograde / holiday season:

Do you feel on edge? If so, can you identity what is making you feel overwhelmed? Is there a way to diffuse the overwhelm? (Ask for help, say no to things,...)

Do you have supportive practices (yoga, meditation, walking, hikings, swimming, fitness classes...)?

Do you have time with others? Remember healthy connections and reconnecting are a typical Mercury retrograde gift.

When confronted with a challenging situation, what's your response? Do you react and yell? Do you take a moment to process and then respond?

How is your breathing like when you have moments like this? Slow, deep, full, calming breaths are key.

How is your sleep? This is a great time to become more aware of your sleep needs. They say the hours between 10pm and 2am are the best time for deeply repairing REM sleep.

Have you been thinking of someone from the past? Is this a chance for you to reconnect or release the karma?

Have you taken time to look at your personal truths?

:::BE WELL and HAPPY HOLIDAYS:::