Venus-Moon Underworld Gate - Moving Deep Fears into Passion

November 14th, 2017 is when the Moon entered the Balsamic Moon phase, the last phase of each Moon cycle. Here is where we RELEASE, emotionally, that which needs to go, that which we have held onto far longer than needed. Here we CLEANSE ourselves, emotionally (and sometimes physically!) of the toxic thoughts, feelings, beliefs and fears that have been holding us back in some regard until now.

Poles for a Tipi? Sheep River, AB Nov 2017

The Balsamic Moon phase occurred at 07 degrees of Libra 22' at 6:13 a.m. MST - Libra asks for renewed balance, peace and harmony Within and Without - within the WE - our relationships with others, and ourselves. A re-balancing act of release to make room for more light, love and beauty to enter Within and therefore Without. Like attracts Like - energetically if we are desperate for a relationship we'll attract desperation from others or attract nothing and no one. If we are at peace Within Self, content with our Inner and Outer lives, then we will attract more of the same. Whatever is going on Inside, we'll attract more of the same, from the Outside - via people, relationships, issues, situations. All in aid of awakening our awareness of where we sit Within ourselves, first.

The Moon met up with Venus, our Desire Body, as a Star Gate, on November 17th at 1:17 a.m. MST at 12 degrees of Scorpio 22'. We have successfully completed our descent into the Underworld, begun April 23rd, 2017, releasing distortions from each of our Chakras (Crown to Root) monthly during each Balsamic Moon phase along the way! The Root Chakra was our final challenge - all about our sense of stability, security, survival instincts. Considering the economic climate here in Alberta, and Calgary and area, these themes have truly hit home for most of us, connecting with our deepest and darkest Fears!

From THIS Balsamic Moon phase (November 17th) until early February 2018, Venus has disappeared from the skies and is considered to be in the Underworld. We are all now experiencing our respective Inner Death, dying in some regard as we release everything we thought we knew about our truest Desires. We are undergoing a mission - to be at our most vulnerable, naked and basic Self - to truly 'see' ourselves as we discern what we desire to hold onto to, and that which we desire to let go of.

Ask yourself: "What are MY True Desires, for ME? Are my Desires Truly MINE? Have I Desired what Others wanted for me, rather than what I wanted? How do I KNOW My True Desires are Mine? How do I unearth Mine?"

Lean-To, Sheep River, AB Nov 2017

The answer to some of these questions can be found in the House of Life Experience within your natal chart that Scorpio resides within - at the 12th degree and 22nd' of Scorpio. This is the House from which your deepest-held fears to Desire your deepest passions this lifetime reside! Scorpio is the Scorpion, stinging self and/or others, out of fear, if we get too close to the Truth of the matter before our Ego-self is comfortable to look at it. I see Scorpio as digging deep, getting to the root of the matter, over and over and over again! And it takes as long as it takes - for each of us - we have our own process of Time and Belief and Letting Go. It takes as long as it takes. Period.

Assisting Venus this time is Jupiter (!) our planet of expansion beyond current boundaries set in place by our Ego-self. Jupiter brings forth LOUD and CLEAR messages, encounters, conversations, relationships and experiences to create AWARENESS of what it is we're afraid to 'see', let alone feel (Scorpio is the fixed deep water sign of the zodiac AND the MOST PRIVATE sign!). As we each experience our respective Underworlds, we will begin to understand that which has been a barrier or blockage, emotionally, so high and wide we were unable to 'see' or 'feel' past it. It's been deeply overwhelming in fact.

Navigating this Underworld phase:

• Scorpio brings forth our investigative/research abilities and skills. How far down are you willing to go to excavate your deepest-held fears/emotions/feelings that have buried your deepest desires?
• Deep Waters of Emotion - here it is most important that you seek support - professionally or otherwise - someone to help you navigate the mine-field of an emotional roller-coaster ride and tsunami wave(s) of fear/emotion/feeling along the way. 
• Breathe your way through this Inner Journey as you walk through it. The Ego-self will be very creative, along the way, to distract, resist, escape and/or run completely away from this journey. Be gentle with yourself and others. Whether we are conscious of it or not, we all undergo the cycles, together.
• Having Jupiter within Scorpio for the next year, we'll be assisted to keep on keeping on to find our Higher Truth - what's my purpose, why am I here, what do I have to offer? Again, after releasing the distortions we felt comfortable dealing with during the previous Balsamic Moon until this Balsamic Moon (all about our basic securities, safety and stability to feed, clothe and house ourselves) it is amazing timing to delve deeper, now, to see another perspective, another way to DO work, have a job that brings income that pays our way forward now, despite the current economic realities.
• Scorpio, ruled by Pluto, brings forth the death/rebirth cycle, over and over - the do-overs - to keep chipping away at those fears our Ego-self throws our way in the hope we give it all up! That power/control struggle Within that is mirrored Without from our key relationships, situations, events and experiences we draw to ourselves. 
• We are all learning to MASTER our respective Ego-self, to allow ourselves to work WITH our Higher Self/Future Self/Divine Self more by listening to our INTUITION and how we FEEL every step forward. What deep insights are you receiving? Are you spending time with them? Add it to your investigating To Do list, do the Inner research, dive deeper, listen closer, take action accordingly.
• Interestingly, Jupiter rules Sagittarius, the sign where the current Mercury Rx (retrograde) timing will occur! Here we will be MINDFUL (Mercury) of how and where we're seeking that Higher Purpose, who we communicate with about it, how we connect and partner with one another, out in the global arena. Both Jupiter and Sagittarius rule the 9th House of WE SPEAK - what are you saying, and what am I receiving from your message? The 9th House represents how we seek out the Higher Truth of what we BELIEVE to be True, for each of us. And we seek out Others to connect with, discuss between, decide on next steps from. We've been in the pre-Mercury Rx Shadow timing since November 14th until December 2nd, slowly coming up to the Rx phase. The actual Rx timing is December 3rd - 22nd. Thereafter, until January 10th, 2018, we experience the coming up and out of Mercury Rx as the post-Rx Shadow timing. I will write another post of more of the details soon.
• In the midst of all this, Venus is still with us, within the Underworld, showing us the way forward, casting off Desire that need to die, Within, psychically, emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. It can be that complete if we are willing, ready and want to. Note: these Desires can be ones held onto from other lifetimes and past lives, not just dreams and wishes from this lifetime. Take note of this. 

Dive deep. Be truthful with yourself in order to be truthful with others. Let go. Allow room and space for your True Passions to pop on up, having been deeply buried under all that fear and need to control life/others etc., before now. We are only aware of what we're aware of at any given moment. Breathe. Love your Self (Venus = self love!) and give yourself at least one hug a day! See you on the other side!

Blessed BE! Namaste!

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff Astrologer | Teacher | Writer | Speaker | Facilitator

Photo Credits: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, November 2017

Venus-Moon Underworld Gate - Moving Deep Fears into Passion

November 14th, 2017 is when the Moon entered the Balsamic Moon phase, the last phase of each Moon cycle. Here is where we RELEASE, emotionally, that which needs to go, that which we have held onto far longer than needed. Here we CLEANSE ourselves, emotionally (and sometimes physically!) of the toxic thoughts, feelings, beliefs and fears that have been holding us back in some regard until now.

Poles for a Tipi? Sheep River, AB Nov 2017

The Balsamic Moon phase occurred at 07 degrees of Libra 22' at 6:13 a.m. MST - Libra asks for renewed balance, peace and harmony Within and Without - within the WE - our relationships with others, and ourselves. A re-balancing act of release to make room for more light, love and beauty to enter Within and therefore Without. Like attracts Like - energetically if we are desperate for a relationship we'll attract desperation from others or attract nothing and no one. If we are at peace Within Self, content with our Inner and Outer lives, then we will attract more of the same. Whatever is going on Inside, we'll attract more of the same, from the Outside - via people, relationships, issues, situations. All in aid of awakening our awareness of where we sit Within ourselves, first.

The Moon met up with Venus, our Desire Body, as a Star Gate, on November 17th at 1:17 a.m. MST at 12 degrees of Scorpio 22'. We have successfully completed our descent into the Underworld, begun April 23rd, 2017, releasing distortions from each of our Chakras (Crown to Root) monthly during each Balsamic Moon phase along the way! The Root Chakra was our final challenge - all about our sense of stability, security, survival instincts. Considering the economic climate here in Alberta, and Calgary and area, these themes have truly hit home for most of us, connecting with our deepest and darkest Fears!

From THIS Balsamic Moon phase (November 17th) until early February 2018, Venus has disappeared from the skies and is considered to be in the Underworld. We are all now experiencing our respective Inner Death, dying in some regard as we release everything we thought we knew about our truest Desires. We are undergoing a mission - to be at our most vulnerable, naked and basic Self - to truly 'see' ourselves as we discern what we desire to hold onto to, and that which we desire to let go of.

Ask yourself: "What are MY True Desires, for ME? Are my Desires Truly MINE? Have I Desired what Others wanted for me, rather than what I wanted? How do I KNOW My True Desires are Mine? How do I unearth Mine?"

Lean-To, Sheep River, AB Nov 2017

The answer to some of these questions can be found in the House of Life Experience within your natal chart that Scorpio resides within - at the 12th degree and 22nd' of Scorpio. This is the House from which your deepest-held fears to Desire your deepest passions this lifetime reside! Scorpio is the Scorpion, stinging self and/or others, out of fear, if we get too close to the Truth of the matter before our Ego-self is comfortable to look at it. I see Scorpio as digging deep, getting to the root of the matter, over and over and over again! And it takes as long as it takes - for each of us - we have our own process of Time and Belief and Letting Go. It takes as long as it takes. Period.

Assisting Venus this time is Jupiter (!) our planet of expansion beyond current boundaries set in place by our Ego-self. Jupiter brings forth LOUD and CLEAR messages, encounters, conversations, relationships and experiences to create AWARENESS of what it is we're afraid to 'see', let alone feel (Scorpio is the fixed deep water sign of the zodiac AND the MOST PRIVATE sign!). As we each experience our respective Underworlds, we will begin to understand that which has been a barrier or blockage, emotionally, so high and wide we were unable to 'see' or 'feel' past it. It's been deeply overwhelming in fact.

Navigating this Underworld phase:

• Scorpio brings forth our investigative/research abilities and skills. How far down are you willing to go to excavate your deepest-held fears/emotions/feelings that have buried your deepest desires?
• Deep Waters of Emotion - here it is most important that you seek support - professionally or otherwise - someone to help you navigate the mine-field of an emotional roller-coaster ride and tsunami wave(s) of fear/emotion/feeling along the way. 
• Breathe your way through this Inner Journey as you walk through it. The Ego-self will be very creative, along the way, to distract, resist, escape and/or run completely away from this journey. Be gentle with yourself and others. Whether we are conscious of it or not, we all undergo the cycles, together.
• Having Jupiter within Scorpio for the next year, we'll be assisted to keep on keeping on to find our Higher Truth - what's my purpose, why am I here, what do I have to offer? Again, after releasing the distortions we felt comfortable dealing with during the previous Balsamic Moon until this Balsamic Moon (all about our basic securities, safety and stability to feed, clothe and house ourselves) it is amazing timing to delve deeper, now, to see another perspective, another way to DO work, have a job that brings income that pays our way forward now, despite the current economic realities.
• Scorpio, ruled by Pluto, brings forth the death/rebirth cycle, over and over - the do-overs - to keep chipping away at those fears our Ego-self throws our way in the hope we give it all up! That power/control struggle Within that is mirrored Without from our key relationships, situations, events and experiences we draw to ourselves. 
• We are all learning to MASTER our respective Ego-self, to allow ourselves to work WITH our Higher Self/Future Self/Divine Self more by listening to our INTUITION and how we FEEL every step forward. What deep insights are you receiving? Are you spending time with them? Add it to your investigating To Do list, do the Inner research, dive deeper, listen closer, take action accordingly.
• Interestingly, Jupiter rules Sagittarius, the sign where the current Mercury Rx (retrograde) timing will occur! Here we will be MINDFUL (Mercury) of how and where we're seeking that Higher Purpose, who we communicate with about it, how we connect and partner with one another, out in the global arena. Both Jupiter and Sagittarius rule the 9th House of WE SPEAK - what are you saying, and what am I receiving from your message? The 9th House represents how we seek out the Higher Truth of what we BELIEVE to be True, for each of us. And we seek out Others to connect with, discuss between, decide on next steps from. We've been in the pre-Mercury Rx Shadow timing since November 14th until December 2nd, slowly coming up to the Rx phase. The actual Rx timing is December 3rd - 22nd. Thereafter, until January 10th, 2018, we experience the coming up and out of Mercury Rx as the post-Rx Shadow timing. I will write another post of more of the details soon.
• In the midst of all this, Venus is still with us, within the Underworld, showing us the way forward, casting off Desire that need to die, Within, psychically, emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. It can be that complete if we are willing, ready and want to. Note: these Desires can be ones held onto from other lifetimes and past lives, not just dreams and wishes from this lifetime. Take note of this. 

Dive deep. Be truthful with yourself in order to be truthful with others. Let go. Allow room and space for your True Passions to pop on up, having been deeply buried under all that fear and need to control life/others etc., before now. We are only aware of what we're aware of at any given moment. Breathe. Love your Self (Venus = self love!) and give yourself at least one hug a day! See you on the other side!

Blessed BE! Namaste!

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff Astrologer | Teacher | Writer | Speaker | Facilitator

Photo Credits: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, November 2017

Venus-Moon Gate via Root Chakra

Okotoks, AB Fall 2017

We have been in the Balsamic Moon phase since October 15th at 7:25 p.m. MDT at 07 degrees of Virgo 52'. We began this Moon cycle in Virgo and we will end it in Virgo. Processes, perfection, procrastination, being of service, assimilating / eliminating / sorting / organizing. Physical health and daily work.

Each Balsamic Moon phase (the last of the 8 Moon phases within each Moon cycle) brings forth an emotional release in some regard. We release that which we've been working to become conscious of, about Self, since the Moon cycle began at New Moon (in this case, September 19th). By Full Moon there is an illumination/awareness of what it is that is to be released, and perhaps the Ego-Self is reluctant to let go of. We navigate through the Disseminating Moon phase to draw about the wisdom of what we've learn about within Self, then the Last QTR Moon phase brings some form of 'crisis of consciousness' whereby our Ego-Self must reorient itself in preparation to ALLOW this emotional release to occur during the Balsamic Moon phase. Hence the timing of resistance, denial, blame, diving into our addictions - all ways our Ego-self wants it all to just go away and leave me alone!

Please note: every Moon cycle, occurring every 28-29 days, brings a new opportunity for Self Growth, some aspect of our respective Inner Unconsciousness brought up out of the Darkness of each New Moon phase, to be fully illuminated by the Full Moon's light as to WHAT the heck that was all about (!) then as the Moon's light wanes from Full to New again, we learn to ALLOW the Letting GO of whatever emotional distortions we've been hanging onto that no long serve us on our respective Life Paths.

Sheep River, Okotoks, AB Fall 2017

THIS is the cycle of the Moon, also ruler of Cancer and the 4th House of Home / Mom / Mothering / Nurturance and how we learned of love/nurturance from our family of origin (within our respective birth charts). Within our original Home. How we DO nurturance - or not - for Self, then Others.

Each Moon cycle brings up emotional stuff to the surface to BE revealed, healed, and finally let go of during the Balsamic Moon phase - if we're ready to do so. If not, we bring it all with us into the next New Moon and Moon cycle and it either is buried again, or we deal with it, along with whatever new aspect of emotional healing comes forth in the new cycle. Cool, eh? We each have the CHOICE to grow or not grow, to learn or run away or bury it all over again. "And the beat goes on...."

Venus and the Moon have been meeting up during the Balsamic Moon phases since April 23rd, 2017. Each meeting created a Venus-Moon Star Gate associated with one of the major Chakras - those energy centres we carry along our spines from the crown of our head to the root base where the tailbone is. Tuesday, October 17, 2017, the current Venus-Moon Star Gate began at 7:57 p.m. MDT at the celestial longitude of 04 degrees of Libra 33'. Here we began our journey of releasing distortions associated with the Root Chakra.

Libra, as a cardinal air sign of the Zodiac, brings forth the renewed need for balance, harmony, peace, love, negotiation, love and beauty in all things/people. There will be a re-balance for all from this Balsamic Moon phase of yesterday until the next, November 17th.

The Root Chakra brings forth some, or all of the following, for each of us to grapple with:

• Ruled by Saturn - brings forth our connection to Earth - how grounded are you, truly? What do you need to do daily to bring this about? Walking? Running? Meditating? Just being in Nature? Saturn is where we discern the right and proper structures within our respective lives, the goals we set for ourselves and hopefully achieve, and is where our Ego-Self's greatest fears of achievement, success and abundance reside!
• Chakra Colour is RED
• Action - Structure, Limitation, Physical Identity. If there is too much or not enough of the first two, then we undergo an identity-crisis in some regard.
• Element - is Earth! Connect connect connect as much as possible this next month! BE grounded.
• Main Issues - Survival/Stability, our Physical Needs, and Sense of Safety! Do any or all of these issues trigger a response within you? Is it a happy response or ?
• When Imbalanced - Anxiety disorders, unfounded fears, nightmares, issues with colon, bladder, elimination; lower back, leg or feet issues. For men, prostate issues. Eating disorders may also be a sign of imbalance here.
• When Blocked - Anxiety, lack of physical energy, a sense of being ungrounded - feeling disconnected from Mother Earth. Here we can seem like balloons racing all over the place and not accomplishing much! Slow down, breathe, and walk step by step...
• Mantra to use during meditation to create balance/release these blockages - LAM
• Sanskrit Name is Mulhadara (for those of us who do Kundalini Yoga - the mool band is a tool used to release blocked energy herein during the Kriya for Elevation - as warm-up and tune-up of the spine, aids in circulation of prana to balance the chakras)
• Affirmation to use - "I am safe, protected and secure. All is as it should be."
• NB: The above chakra information is from The Chopra Center; astrological affiliations from Medical Astrology; Kundalini Yoga information from the booklet "Keeping Up With Kundalini Yoga".

Stormy Weather Okotoks, AB 2017

Each Venus-Moon Star Gate brings forth an opportunity to become conscious of some aspect of the Self in order to heal it. The Balsamic Moon phase conjunctions of Venus and the Moon since April 23rd have brought us slowly through each major chakra, Crown to Root, as we slowly descend with Venus/Inanna into the Underworld, casting off distortions we've held onto that have affected each of the chakras. We let go of whatever distortions we feel comfortable with at the time. Some of us purge wholeheartedly, others with fear, hold back. 

There is NO right or wrong way of how we each navigate these Venus-Moon Star Gates, each of the Moon's phases or Moon cycles! We each have our unique process (Virgo) of how, and when, we LEARN about what was hidden deep inside before now. This is the beauty of Astrology! There is always another turn of the Wheel of the Month, Year and planetary cycle within which to delve wholeheartedly into change, healing and letting go!

During this last Venus-Moon Star Gate, we will cast off the last of the chakra distortions for this particular Venus/Inanna Journey of Descent into the Underworld. We've all been experiencing this since April 23rd, consciously or not, and will culminate with a symbolic Death Within as of November 17th when we truly enter the Underworld phase of our Journey. There will be an aspect of Self that we truly let go of. Venus rules our Desires, what we attract to ourselves through wishes and dreams via people, events, experiences. The Desires we thought were key before now will undergo a deep transformation - all due to the people, circumstances and experiences we've been undergoing since April 23rd! Fear Not! 

Okotoks, AB Fall 2017

Bottom Line: our Ego-self clings to safety, security and the same-old, same-old - likes to keep the status quo as much as possible! Hence the denial phase, running away phase, distraction phase, anger/blaming phase, diving into addictions phase - escapism - in order to prolong the agony or totally ignore what is loud and clear to others around you. This will be a huge learning/healing Venus-Moon Star Gate folks! Breathe, walk, and know whatever you consciously become aware of is GREAT! We are all doing the best we can at any given moment in time. LOVE THYSELF. As Above, So Below, As Within, So Without.

We are all mirrors to one another. We see, hear, feel, touch and taste our lessons, one step at a time, within many cycles, occurring, seemingly, all at once! Be aware of the lessons coming forward, the distortions you are learning to let go of, heal, and love through. There is ALWAYS a greater reason for everything!

NAMASTE!

Photo Credits: 2017 Laurie Rae Rezanoff, in and around Okotoks, AB September/October

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, Astrologer | Writer | Teacher | Speaker

Venus-Moon Gate via Root Chakra

Okotoks, AB Fall 2017

We have been in the Balsamic Moon phase since October 15th at 7:25 p.m. MDT at 07 degrees of Virgo 52'. We began this Moon cycle in Virgo and we will end it in Virgo. Processes, perfection, procrastination, being of service, assimilating / eliminating / sorting / organizing. Physical health and daily work.

Each Balsamic Moon phase (the last of the 8 Moon phases within each Moon cycle) brings forth an emotional release in some regard. We release that which we've been working to become conscious of, about Self, since the Moon cycle began at New Moon (in this case, September 19th). By Full Moon there is an illumination/awareness of what it is that is to be released, and perhaps the Ego-Self is reluctant to let go of. We navigate through the Disseminating Moon phase to draw about the wisdom of what we've learn about within Self, then the Last QTR Moon phase brings some form of 'crisis of consciousness' whereby our Ego-Self must reorient itself in preparation to ALLOW this emotional release to occur during the Balsamic Moon phase. Hence the timing of resistance, denial, blame, diving into our addictions - all ways our Ego-self wants it all to just go away and leave me alone!

Please note: every Moon cycle, occurring every 28-29 days, brings a new opportunity for Self Growth, some aspect of our respective Inner Unconsciousness brought up out of the Darkness of each New Moon phase, to be fully illuminated by the Full Moon's light as to WHAT the heck that was all about (!) then as the Moon's light wanes from Full to New again, we learn to ALLOW the Letting GO of whatever emotional distortions we've been hanging onto that no long serve us on our respective Life Paths.

Sheep River, Okotoks, AB Fall 2017

THIS is the cycle of the Moon, also ruler of Cancer and the 4th House of Home / Mom / Mothering / Nurturance and how we learned of love/nurturance from our family of origin (within our respective birth charts). Within our original Home. How we DO nurturance - or not - for Self, then Others.

Each Moon cycle brings up emotional stuff to the surface to BE revealed, healed, and finally let go of during the Balsamic Moon phase - if we're ready to do so. If not, we bring it all with us into the next New Moon and Moon cycle and it either is buried again, or we deal with it, along with whatever new aspect of emotional healing comes forth in the new cycle. Cool, eh? We each have the CHOICE to grow or not grow, to learn or run away or bury it all over again. "And the beat goes on...."

Venus and the Moon have been meeting up during the Balsamic Moon phases since April 23rd, 2017. Each meeting created a Venus-Moon Star Gate associated with one of the major Chakras - those energy centres we carry along our spines from the crown of our head to the root base where the tailbone is. Tuesday, October 17, 2017, the current Venus-Moon Star Gate began at 7:57 p.m. MDT at the celestial longitude of 04 degrees of Libra 33'. Here we began our journey of releasing distortions associated with the Root Chakra.

Libra, as a cardinal air sign of the Zodiac, brings forth the renewed need for balance, harmony, peace, love, negotiation, love and beauty in all things/people. There will be a re-balance for all from this Balsamic Moon phase of yesterday until the next, November 17th.

The Root Chakra brings forth some, or all of the following, for each of us to grapple with:

• Ruled by Saturn - brings forth our connection to Earth - how grounded are you, truly? What do you need to do daily to bring this about? Walking? Running? Meditating? Just being in Nature? Saturn is where we discern the right and proper structures within our respective lives, the goals we set for ourselves and hopefully achieve, and is where our Ego-Self's greatest fears of achievement, success and abundance reside!
• Chakra Colour is RED
• Action - Structure, Limitation, Physical Identity. If there is too much or not enough of the first two, then we undergo an identity-crisis in some regard.
• Element - is Earth! Connect connect connect as much as possible this next month! BE grounded.
• Main Issues - Survival/Stability, our Physical Needs, and Sense of Safety! Do any or all of these issues trigger a response within you? Is it a happy response or ?
• When Imbalanced - Anxiety disorders, unfounded fears, nightmares, issues with colon, bladder, elimination; lower back, leg or feet issues. For men, prostate issues. Eating disorders may also be a sign of imbalance here.
• When Blocked - Anxiety, lack of physical energy, a sense of being ungrounded - feeling disconnected from Mother Earth. Here we can seem like balloons racing all over the place and not accomplishing much! Slow down, breathe, and walk step by step...
• Mantra to use during meditation to create balance/release these blockages - LAM
• Sanskrit Name is Mulhadara (for those of us who do Kundalini Yoga - the mool band is a tool used to release blocked energy herein during the Kriya for Elevation - as warm-up and tune-up of the spine, aids in circulation of prana to balance the chakras)
• Affirmation to use - "I am safe, protected and secure. All is as it should be."
• NB: The above chakra information is from The Chopra Center; astrological affiliations from Medical Astrology; Kundalini Yoga information from the booklet "Keeping Up With Kundalini Yoga".

Stormy Weather Okotoks, AB 2017

Each Venus-Moon Star Gate brings forth an opportunity to become conscious of some aspect of the Self in order to heal it. The Balsamic Moon phase conjunctions of Venus and the Moon since April 23rd have brought us slowly through each major chakra, Crown to Root, as we slowly descend with Venus/Inanna into the Underworld, casting off distortions we've held onto that have affected each of the chakras. We let go of whatever distortions we feel comfortable with at the time. Some of us purge wholeheartedly, others with fear, hold back. 

There is NO right or wrong way of how we each navigate these Venus-Moon Star Gates, each of the Moon's phases or Moon cycles! We each have our unique process (Virgo) of how, and when, we LEARN about what was hidden deep inside before now. This is the beauty of Astrology! There is always another turn of the Wheel of the Month, Year and planetary cycle within which to delve wholeheartedly into change, healing and letting go!

During this last Venus-Moon Star Gate, we will cast off the last of the chakra distortions for this particular Venus/Inanna Journey of Descent into the Underworld. We've all been experiencing this since April 23rd, consciously or not, and will culminate with a symbolic Death Within as of November 17th when we truly enter the Underworld phase of our Journey. There will be an aspect of Self that we truly let go of. Venus rules our Desires, what we attract to ourselves through wishes and dreams via people, events, experiences. The Desires we thought were key before now will undergo a deep transformation - all due to the people, circumstances and experiences we've been undergoing since April 23rd! Fear Not! 

Okotoks, AB Fall 2017

Bottom Line: our Ego-self clings to safety, security and the same-old, same-old - likes to keep the status quo as much as possible! Hence the denial phase, running away phase, distraction phase, anger/blaming phase, diving into addictions phase - escapism - in order to prolong the agony or totally ignore what is loud and clear to others around you. This will be a huge learning/healing Venus-Moon Star Gate folks! Breathe, walk, and know whatever you consciously become aware of is GREAT! We are all doing the best we can at any given moment in time. LOVE THYSELF. As Above, So Below, As Within, So Without.

We are all mirrors to one another. We see, hear, feel, touch and taste our lessons, one step at a time, within many cycles, occurring, seemingly, all at once! Be aware of the lessons coming forward, the distortions you are learning to let go of, heal, and love through. There is ALWAYS a greater reason for everything!

NAMASTE!

Photo Credits: 2017 Laurie Rae Rezanoff, in and around Okotoks, AB September/October

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, Astrologer | Writer | Teacher | Speaker

Venus-Moon Star Gate in LEO September 16, 2017

Bow River & Centre St Bridge

Venus-Moon Star Gates, a recap:

Venus is the planet of desires, our Desire Body, and she teaches us about self-reliance within partnerships and relationships. It all starts within you, before you attract the people, events and circumstances outside of you that bring healing, self-awareness and self-love amidst challenges, Ego-mind resistance and drama. Which we call Life Here on Earth!

See my 3-part series of posts re: the Venus Synodic Cycle and the journey all of us, women and men, undergo every 19 months as Venus dances in the evening sky, as the Evening Star, disappears behind the Sun (the Underworld phase), then rises as the Morning Star. Her dance is our dance. Heartfully and soulfully.

We all undergo a process of Letting GO of something that is attached to our Emotional Body during the Balsamic Moon phase, the last phase of every Moon cycle. Each New Moon phase heralds a totally NEW Moon cycle, and brings with it a new theme for us to uncover, explore, heal and then let go of by the Balsamic Moon phase. Cool, isn't it? A monthly emotional rejuvenation plan - who knew?

Double Rainbow 2017

Each monthly meeting of the Moon and Venus creates a Star Gate of Opportunity to cleanse and clear one of our Chakras (those energy centres located along our spine). While Venus is a Morning Star (her Star journey descent into the Underworld - see my post of Inanna's Journey) we humans are able to throw off as many distortions as we individually will allow from each chakra's gate. Talk about energetic cleansing, all on an emotional level!

Since April 23, 2017, we've collectively, from one Balsamic Moon phase to the next, been healing distortions within our:

• Crown Chakra - April 23rd, began removal of the Crown of Authority;
• 3rd Eye Chakra - May 22nd, began removal of the Royal Staff of Perception;
• Throat Chakra - June 20th, began removal of the Necklace of Communication; 
• Heart Chakra - July 20th, began removal of the Breast Plate of Compassion;
• Solar Plexus Chakra - August 18th, began removal of the Ring of Personal Power.

Previous Venus-Moon Star Gate within Solar Plexus Chakra, just completed:

From the August 18th Balsamic Moon phase in Cancer until September 16th at 10:34 a.m., when Venus and the Moon met in the sky, we all experienced letting go of distortions we've clung onto within our Solar Plexus Chakra, this lifetime and from previous lifetimes. Think back and remember what you experienced, emotionally, during this latest Balsamic Moon to Balsamic Moon time period. Anything stand out for you?

July 2017 Storm Clouds, Okotoks, AB

Cancer is the cardinal water sign and brings forth moodiness, sensitive feelings and family dynamics to induce the labour pains (!) of much-needed change. The Moon rules Cancer, and together with Venus, initiated something NEW in how we handle our solar plexus chakra teachings.

Distortions you've been carrying within that Solar Plexus Chakra of yours have been let go of  now (fingers crossed?). Perhaps not ALL distortions - just the ones you were willing to heal at this time. The Solar Plexus Chakra is where we experience the following (according to The Chopra Center):

• Colour - is Yellow,
• Action - through Force, Strength, Control,
• Element -  is FIRE - expressed as anger, frustration, resentment, impatience OR love, creativity, joy and action,
• Main Issues - can be through Ego Identity, Personal Power, Ambitions/Goals,
• When Imbalanced - Suffer from low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, anger or control issues, weak digestion due to digestive fire, AGNI blockages,
• When Blocked - Low self-esteem, lack of willpower, fear of rejection,
• Heal with RAM Mantra, Sanskrit name of Manipura, and the Affirmation: "I accept myself and am positively empowered. I do enough and I am enough."

Looking over this list, how did you do? Was Pandora's Box opened for you? Were you aware of the depth of Ego's need for control and power struggle issues during this process? How well were you able to nurture yourself through this Ego battle? Don't despair if you think you've missed this opportunity to heal. Whether we are consciously aware of this timing or not, we all underwent some aspect of healing our Solar Plexus Chakra on some level! Remember: the Moon travels through all 12 signs of the Zodiac every 28-29 days - and will pass through Cancer again. Another opportunity awaits!

Current Venus-Moon Star Gate just begun:

McDougall Centre, Calgary, AB 2017

During the next Balsamic Moon to Balsamic Moon phase cycle (begun September 16, 2017 at 10:34 a.m. MDT) Venus and the Moon met within the fixed fire sign of LEO on September 17th at 6:34 p.m. MDT at 27 degrees of Leo 32', creating another Star Gate for us to pass through.

Now, between September 17th and October 16th, we'll collectively remove distortions we carry within our Sacral Chakra - as we take off our Ankle Bracelets of Creativity.

According to The Chopra Center, here's what we work on, personally, within the Sacral Chakra:

• Colour: is Orange;
• Action - Creativity, Emotional Identity;
• Element - is WATER - the energy that brings emotions, feelings, intuition and insights to the surface of our Emotional Body to be dealt with and shared;
• Main Issues - Emotional balance, Sexuality/Desire, Procreation;
• When Imbalanced - Emotional instability, creative blocks, fear of change, sexual dysfunction, depression and our addictions (!);
• When Blocked - Creative blocks, intimacy issues, inability to flow with change;
• Heal with VAM Mantra, Svadhisthana Sanskrit name, and use the Affirmation: "I am beautiful, creative and unique!"

Remember: all of us will experience our respective processes of Letting Go of our distortions within this chakra during this Balsamic Moon to Balsamic Moon phase cycle as we pass through this latest Venus-Moon Star Gate! Each of us is unique, and therefore each of us has our own unique process of self-awareness, coping, healing and letting go. For some it may seem easy-peasy - why? Could be they've already dealt with most of the imbalances and blockages within their Sacral Chakra before now. This doesn't mean they won't experience any struggles - it means they've dealt with more of the load before now. For some of us it could be quite a struggle.

Victoria Ocean Views Sept 2017

I have become aware, these past several years, that each Moon cycle and planetary cycle seems to really make us CONSCIOUSLY AWARE of what we need to know and learn about ourselves, moving forward. It is getting louder and louder, "in your face" energy, events, people, situations and circumstances - almost instantly! Breathe and walk THROUGH the cycles is key. Distracting, escaping and ignoring will not help.

As an example, the Venus-Moon Star Gate journey through my Solar Plexus chakra was rough, with a lot of self-awareness and humbled acceptance that I have more work to do in this area of my life. This is what our life here on Earth is all about: self-awareness and what we CHOOSE to do with the awareness, and WHEN. This is why I love love love Astrology! It always helps me to understand the WHY of current challenges, and that there is a beginning and an end to each cycle of challenges.

Question is: do I hunker down and wait it out or do I consciously allow myself to HEAL myself through it? Considering current hurricane storms brewing down south - I'd rather do the emotional healing as much as my Ego-mind will allow! How about You?

Namaste!

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, Astrologer | Teacher | Writer | Speaker | Facilitator

Photo Credits: Laurie Rae Rezanoff 2017

Venus-Moon Star Gate in LEO September 16, 2017

Bow River & Centre St Bridge

Venus-Moon Star Gates, a recap:

Venus is the planet of desires, our Desire Body, and she teaches us about self-reliance within partnerships and relationships. It all starts within you, before you attract the people, events and circumstances outside of you that bring healing, self-awareness and self-love amidst challenges, Ego-mind resistance and drama. Which we call Life Here on Earth!

See my 3-part series of posts re: the Venus Synodic Cycle and the journey all of us, women and men, undergo every 19 months as Venus dances in the evening sky, as the Evening Star, disappears behind the Sun (the Underworld phase), then rises as the Morning Star. Her dance is our dance. Heartfully and soulfully.

We all undergo a process of Letting GO of something that is attached to our Emotional Body during the Balsamic Moon phase, the last phase of every Moon cycle. Each New Moon phase heralds a totally NEW Moon cycle, and brings with it a new theme for us to uncover, explore, heal and then let go of by the Balsamic Moon phase. Cool, isn't it? A monthly emotional rejuvenation plan - who knew?

Double Rainbow 2017

Each monthly meeting of the Moon and Venus creates a Star Gate of Opportunity to cleanse and clear one of our Chakras (those energy centres located along our spine). While Venus is a Morning Star (her Star journey descent into the Underworld - see my post of Inanna's Journey) we humans are able to throw off as many distortions as we individually will allow from each chakra's gate. Talk about energetic cleansing, all on an emotional level!

Since April 23, 2017, we've collectively, from one Balsamic Moon phase to the next, been healing distortions within our:

• Crown Chakra - April 23rd, began removal of the Crown of Authority;
• 3rd Eye Chakra - May 22nd, began removal of the Royal Staff of Perception;
• Throat Chakra - June 20th, began removal of the Necklace of Communication; 
• Heart Chakra - July 20th, began removal of the Breast Plate of Compassion;
• Solar Plexus Chakra - August 18th, began removal of the Ring of Personal Power.

Previous Venus-Moon Star Gate within Solar Plexus Chakra, just completed:

From the August 18th Balsamic Moon phase in Cancer until September 16th at 10:34 a.m., when Venus and the Moon met in the sky, we all experienced letting go of distortions we've clung onto within our Solar Plexus Chakra, this lifetime and from previous lifetimes. Think back and remember what you experienced, emotionally, during this latest Balsamic Moon to Balsamic Moon time period. Anything stand out for you?

July 2017 Storm Clouds, Okotoks, AB

Cancer is the cardinal water sign and brings forth moodiness, sensitive feelings and family dynamics to induce the labour pains (!) of much-needed change. The Moon rules Cancer, and together with Venus, initiated something NEW in how we handle our solar plexus chakra teachings.

Distortions you've been carrying within that Solar Plexus Chakra of yours have been let go of  now (fingers crossed?). Perhaps not ALL distortions - just the ones you were willing to heal at this time. The Solar Plexus Chakra is where we experience the following (according to The Chopra Center):

• Colour - is Yellow,
• Action - through Force, Strength, Control,
• Element -  is FIRE - expressed as anger, frustration, resentment, impatience OR love, creativity, joy and action,
• Main Issues - can be through Ego Identity, Personal Power, Ambitions/Goals,
• When Imbalanced - Suffer from low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, anger or control issues, weak digestion due to digestive fire, AGNI blockages,
• When Blocked - Low self-esteem, lack of willpower, fear of rejection,
• Heal with RAM Mantra, Sanskrit name of Manipura, and the Affirmation: "I accept myself and am positively empowered. I do enough and I am enough."

Looking over this list, how did you do? Was Pandora's Box opened for you? Were you aware of the depth of Ego's need for control and power struggle issues during this process? How well were you able to nurture yourself through this Ego battle? Don't despair if you think you've missed this opportunity to heal. Whether we are consciously aware of this timing or not, we all underwent some aspect of healing our Solar Plexus Chakra on some level! Remember: the Moon travels through all 12 signs of the Zodiac every 28-29 days - and will pass through Cancer again. Another opportunity awaits!

Current Venus-Moon Star Gate just begun:

McDougall Centre, Calgary, AB 2017

During the next Balsamic Moon to Balsamic Moon phase cycle (begun September 16, 2017 at 10:34 a.m. MDT) Venus and the Moon met within the fixed fire sign of LEO on September 17th at 6:34 p.m. MDT at 27 degrees of Leo 32', creating another Star Gate for us to pass through.

Now, between September 17th and October 16th, we'll collectively remove distortions we carry within our Sacral Chakra - as we take off our Ankle Bracelets of Creativity.

According to The Chopra Center, here's what we work on, personally, within the Sacral Chakra:

• Colour: is Orange;
• Action - Creativity, Emotional Identity;
• Element - is WATER - the energy that brings emotions, feelings, intuition and insights to the surface of our Emotional Body to be dealt with and shared;
• Main Issues - Emotional balance, Sexuality/Desire, Procreation;
• When Imbalanced - Emotional instability, creative blocks, fear of change, sexual dysfunction, depression and our addictions (!);
• When Blocked - Creative blocks, intimacy issues, inability to flow with change;
• Heal with VAM Mantra, Svadhisthana Sanskrit name, and use the Affirmation: "I am beautiful, creative and unique!"

Remember: all of us will experience our respective processes of Letting Go of our distortions within this chakra during this Balsamic Moon to Balsamic Moon phase cycle as we pass through this latest Venus-Moon Star Gate! Each of us is unique, and therefore each of us has our own unique process of self-awareness, coping, healing and letting go. For some it may seem easy-peasy - why? Could be they've already dealt with most of the imbalances and blockages within their Sacral Chakra before now. This doesn't mean they won't experience any struggles - it means they've dealt with more of the load before now. For some of us it could be quite a struggle.

Victoria Ocean Views Sept 2017

I have become aware, these past several years, that each Moon cycle and planetary cycle seems to really make us CONSCIOUSLY AWARE of what we need to know and learn about ourselves, moving forward. It is getting louder and louder, "in your face" energy, events, people, situations and circumstances - almost instantly! Breathe and walk THROUGH the cycles is key. Distracting, escaping and ignoring will not help.

As an example, the Venus-Moon Star Gate journey through my Solar Plexus chakra was rough, with a lot of self-awareness and humbled acceptance that I have more work to do in this area of my life. This is what our life here on Earth is all about: self-awareness and what we CHOOSE to do with the awareness, and WHEN. This is why I love love love Astrology! It always helps me to understand the WHY of current challenges, and that there is a beginning and an end to each cycle of challenges.

Question is: do I hunker down and wait it out or do I consciously allow myself to HEAL myself through it? Considering current hurricane storms brewing down south - I'd rather do the emotional healing as much as my Ego-mind will allow! How about You?

Namaste!

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, Astrologer | Teacher | Writer | Speaker | Facilitator

Photo Credits: Laurie Rae Rezanoff 2017

A Moon Cycle of Eclipses and Mercury Rx!

Full Rainbow, Okotoks, AB 2017

Hi All! It's been a busy time for me - selling a house, moving out of Calgary, settling into a new space in Okotoks, Alberta! Love that we had a quick selling time - and move. Always a great sign that all is moving forward as it was meant to. I am glad to return to my Astrology practice. Thank you for your patience whilst I devoted my time and energy to other challenges.

This current Moon cycle has many twists and turns! Let's see how it's been unfolding so far:

• New Moon began Friday July 23rd at 00 degrees Leo 44' whereby both the Moon and Sun stood together at these celestial coordinates AND holding hands with Mars at 01 Leo 52'. Hence my theme for this Moon cycle is: "Heartfully taking Creative Action! If you don't feel it from the Heart - don't do it!" Leo rules the heart, and the back (supporting ourselves) and the Sun rules Leo! This Moon cycle is all about creating and shining our heart light out into the world around us, with fun and play, and ensuring our Inner Child comes along for the ride. Leo can be the King or Queen of the Mountain, wanting everyone else to DO what I DO. Drama King or Queen ensues if we're not listening to our inner self for what we truly NEED to DO for ourselves this cycle. Leo is fixed fire - taking creative action and dealing with the details yet stubbornly so - not going with the flow and coming up for air from time to time for fun and play!

• Mercury Rx (retrograde) Shadow timing began July 24th within the late degrees of LEO (!) and is currently moving through the mutable earth sign of Virgo - being of service, perfecting processes, and looking after the health of your physical body. Mercury rules Virgo, so there may be significant mental changes coming your way this Moon cycle if you've felt mentally blocked in deciding what program or regimen to get back into now. Virgo also rules our daily work and work environments. If there's too much distraction, noise, etc. getting in the way - what is it you need to decide upon, discuss and strategize on how to mentally move forward in these areas of your life now? The Mercury Rx timings always make us aware of how we are mentally getting in the way of ourselves. We learn information we didn't know we needed to know, before now. I love Astrology! The circle of 12 Houses in our natal charts shows the progress of the Moon (monthly) and the Sun (yearly) around it. As each luminary and fast-moving planet completes its journey and returns to where it began in our respective charts - we see how we've evolved since the last time that luminary/planet came by. What have you learned about yourself since the last time Mercury traveled through Virgo (July 31 - October 8, 2016? Where are you still struggling within the above-stated themes that Virgo brings into your awareness now? 

• The actual Mercury Rx timing begins August 13th at 11 degrees of Virgo 38' going BACK through the degrees it has already traveled through since July 24th! When a planet seemingly goes back over its orbit (Rx - retrograde) the usual forward-moving energy is now brought Inward - making it all very personal - up close and so personal we canna hide from the awareness and challenges of the WHY am I feeling this way? Whatever isn't working for you, mentally, will show itself, in spades! Be aware that Mercury rules how we think, what we think, how we communicate - with others and within to self (Inner Talk) - and relate our Self with Others in our life. Be aware that speaking up and standing up for Self (all that Leo!) is what we require to do now. You won't be able to move forward in your own life if you don't let others around you know what it is you NEED for you. We are experiencing a do-over right now. Another opportunity to speak up, converse, decide, learn, study and practice - via the Mental Body - all that we've been putting off doing before now. The timing of Mercury Rx ends as of September 5th as Mercury stations Direct at 28 degrees of Leo 26', moving ahead yet again over the degrees/minutes it was at as of July 24th! This time, we have Direct and forward-moving energy to help us with the direct ACTION (via this New Moon in Leo) to make positive decisions and have those forthright conversations, heartfully, that need to be had. And remember: Expect the Unexpected during Mercury Rx! Plans and ideas will change. New information and decisions will come into play. New people - people from your past - will come forward, adding to the mix. I love watching how each new Mercury Rx timing plays out! Very cool!

• The post-Mercury Rx Shadow timing begins when it stations Direct, September 5th, until Mercury finally moves PAST the celestial coordinates of where it went Rx August 13th - which will be September 19th, moving past 11 degrees of Virgo 38'! Do you see how the Mercury Rx timing brings forth 2 more opportunities to revisit conversations, mental thinking, decision-making, and Inner Talk scenarios?! Take advantage of all of this for your inner growth. The Sun assists with Heartfelt Action during this Moon cycle, while the Moon assists with your Emotional Body's feelings and intuitive insights along the way. Those of us who have Pisces / Virgo Sun's, Moon's and/or Rising Signs, will be especially affected. Sagittarius and Gemini Sun's, Moon's or Rising Signs will also find some stress and tension to make changes mentally too. The other earth signs - Capricorn and Taurus - may find some ease along the way, while Aries and Aquarius signs will definitely need to let go of old patterns and conditioning during this Mercury Rx timing. Keep on keeping everyone!

Prairie Storm Clouds, 2017

Now for the Eclipses! We experience two eclipse seasons per year - the first set occurred February 10th (Lunar Eclipse in LEO during the Full Moon) and 26th (Solar Eclipse in PISCES during the New Moon). A Lunar Eclipse brings forth the Emotional Body's needs to express itself via feelings and intuition, receiving from others - mainly our Inner Feminine energies at play. A Solar Eclipse brings forth the Inner Masculine energies - to take action, assert self, be creative in some way, to give to others. Take note of what occurs in your life just before/during/after each eclipse. The Eclipse themes highly continue for 6 months after, and for up to 3 years thereafter. Yet another opportunity for Self/Soul Growth. Here's when the next eclipse set will occur and their themes to take note:

• Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse August 7, 2017 at 12:11p MDT at the celestial coordinates of 15 degrees of Aquarius and 25'. At each Full Moon we experience some sort of AHA moment of understanding self in some regard - seeing what has unfolded within our respective lives since New Moon (July 23rd in LEO) amid the themes I related earlier -  heartfelt creative action, supporting self along the way. The Lunar Eclipse will make us EMOTIONALLY aware of how well we learned what we needed to learn, and includes following our intuition. Aquarius brings forth an aspect of knowing what it is our Future Self requires and wants for us NOW - and being a fixed air sign, much to talk about with friends and groups and peers! Plans for the future - with others - in community. As true authentic selves, within community - we look for what it is we truly require to BE ME, AND ask for assistance within our community AND give back to community. This is a central theme for the New Age of Aquarius - BE authentic to self, connect with community, and together we will move forward, each on our respective true life paths. Interestingly, Leo is the opposite sign to Aquarius, and brings forth the creativity, fun and play, leadership and Inner Child themes that assist with all the Aquarius themes. We cannot BE one without the Other. How do you create an AND between both? This is the challenge!

• New Moon/Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017 at 12:30p MDT at the celestial coordinates of 28 degrees of Leo 53'. Another New Moon brings unrealized potential of soul/inner growth - which we are 'in the dark' about until the following Full Moon phase. This eclipse brings forth ACTION of some sort that we've emotionally been working on within this current Moon cycle begun July 23rd! Ensure you are consciously AWARE of how you feel, intuit and wish to receive during this Moon cycle and will then BUILD upon with Heartfelt Creative ACTION right away as the upcoming New Moon begins August 21st! NB: this Solar Eclipse is a TOTAL Eclipse that will be seen from most parts of North America! Very much bringing forth HEART to those living in economic straits and coping with interesting political changes and leadership personalities. LEO rules leadership - is it coming from the Heart or from Ego? Who do you wish to follow? Work as a team or dictated to? Here is where we 'see' in the outer world what we each are working on in our respective inner worlds. As the Shadow of this eclipse passes over North America - what hidden fears and anxiety will be brought up and out of your heart to heal and love through? Consciously ride this wave of heart-opening moments, challenges and awareness.

Moon Globe, Okotoks, AB 2017

Interestingly, the Balsamic Moon phase of the previous Moon cycle (the last Moon phase for that cycle that begun July 19th at 9:11p MDT within the celestial coordinates of 12 degrees of Gemini 39') when Venus and the Moon came together to create the latest Venus Star Gate via the 5th Chakra - the HEART Chakra! How cool is this? Another reason why I love love love Astrology! Previous cycles of the luminaries/planets set us up for succeeding cycles - all in aid of assisting each of us on our onward/inner soul path journey here on Earth! So cool considering the CURRENT Moon cycle theme is LEO too! And the next New Moon/Solar Eclipse is LEO too! 

Venus, our Desire Body, is assisting us to open our hearts, while the Balsamic Moon (all about LETTING GO of distortions we've hung onto, until now) brings opportunities to let go, emotionally! For those of you who have been following the course of the current Venus Star Journey from Aries, we journey through all 7 Chakras from Balsamic Moon phase to Balsamic Moon phase. We've been descending into the Underworld via Venus and the Moon since March 2017, healing distortions, so far, within our respective Crown, Brow/3rd Eye and Throat Chakras. Now it is all about the heart, our hearts, and heartfully what it IS we truly want/Desire for ourselves, NOW and in the FUTURE.

For those curious and interested in learning MORE about Astrology and how it brings forth 

timely insights and healing within YOUR particular soul/life journey - 

call Laurie Rae for a truly insightful Astrology chart reading today!

Call 587.437.3520 or email myhouseofastrology 'at' shaw.ca for an appointment either 

In Person, Over the Phone or via Skype/FaceTime

and begin your conscious Soul/Inner Growth Journey today!

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, Astrologer | Teacher | Writer | Speaker

Photo Credits: Laurie Rae Rezanoff within and around Okotoks, AB 2017

A Moon Cycle of Eclipses and Mercury Rx!

Full Rainbow, Okotoks, AB 2017

Hi All! It's been a busy time for me - selling a house, moving out of Calgary, settling into a new space in Okotoks, Alberta! Love that we had a quick selling time - and move. Always a great sign that all is moving forward as it was meant to. I am glad to return to my Astrology practice. Thank you for your patience whilst I devoted my time and energy to other challenges.

This current Moon cycle has many twists and turns! Let's see how it's been unfolding so far:

• New Moon began Friday July 23rd at 00 degrees Leo 44' whereby both the Moon and Sun stood together at these celestial coordinates AND holding hands with Mars at 01 Leo 52'. Hence my theme for this Moon cycle is: "Heartfully taking Creative Action! If you don't feel it from the Heart - don't do it!" Leo rules the heart, and the back (supporting ourselves) and the Sun rules Leo! This Moon cycle is all about creating and shining our heart light out into the world around us, with fun and play, and ensuring our Inner Child comes along for the ride. Leo can be the King or Queen of the Mountain, wanting everyone else to DO what I DO. Drama King or Queen ensues if we're not listening to our inner self for what we truly NEED to DO for ourselves this cycle. Leo is fixed fire - taking creative action and dealing with the details yet stubbornly so - not going with the flow and coming up for air from time to time for fun and play!

• Mercury Rx (retrograde) Shadow timing began July 24th within the late degrees of LEO (!) and is currently moving through the mutable earth sign of Virgo - being of service, perfecting processes, and looking after the health of your physical body. Mercury rules Virgo, so there may be significant mental changes coming your way this Moon cycle if you've felt mentally blocked in deciding what program or regimen to get back into now. Virgo also rules our daily work and work environments. If there's too much distraction, noise, etc. getting in the way - what is it you need to decide upon, discuss and strategize on how to mentally move forward in these areas of your life now? The Mercury Rx timings always make us aware of how we are mentally getting in the way of ourselves. We learn information we didn't know we needed to know, before now. I love Astrology! The circle of 12 Houses in our natal charts shows the progress of the Moon (monthly) and the Sun (yearly) around it. As each luminary and fast-moving planet completes its journey and returns to where it began in our respective charts - we see how we've evolved since the last time that luminary/planet came by. What have you learned about yourself since the last time Mercury traveled through Virgo (July 31 - October 8, 2016? Where are you still struggling within the above-stated themes that Virgo brings into your awareness now? 

• The actual Mercury Rx timing begins August 13th at 11 degrees of Virgo 38' going BACK through the degrees it has already traveled through since July 24th! When a planet seemingly goes back over its orbit (Rx - retrograde) the usual forward-moving energy is now brought Inward - making it all very personal - up close and so personal we canna hide from the awareness and challenges of the WHY am I feeling this way? Whatever isn't working for you, mentally, will show itself, in spades! Be aware that Mercury rules how we think, what we think, how we communicate - with others and within to self (Inner Talk) - and relate our Self with Others in our life. Be aware that speaking up and standing up for Self (all that Leo!) is what we require to do now. You won't be able to move forward in your own life if you don't let others around you know what it is you NEED for you. We are experiencing a do-over right now. Another opportunity to speak up, converse, decide, learn, study and practice - via the Mental Body - all that we've been putting off doing before now. The timing of Mercury Rx ends as of September 5th as Mercury stations Direct at 28 degrees of Leo 26', moving ahead yet again over the degrees/minutes it was at as of July 24th! This time, we have Direct and forward-moving energy to help us with the direct ACTION (via this New Moon in Leo) to make positive decisions and have those forthright conversations, heartfully, that need to be had. And remember: Expect the Unexpected during Mercury Rx! Plans and ideas will change. New information and decisions will come into play. New people - people from your past - will come forward, adding to the mix. I love watching how each new Mercury Rx timing plays out! Very cool!

• The post-Mercury Rx Shadow timing begins when it stations Direct, September 5th, until Mercury finally moves PAST the celestial coordinates of where it went Rx August 13th - which will be September 19th, moving past 11 degrees of Virgo 38'! Do you see how the Mercury Rx timing brings forth 2 more opportunities to revisit conversations, mental thinking, decision-making, and Inner Talk scenarios?! Take advantage of all of this for your inner growth. The Sun assists with Heartfelt Action during this Moon cycle, while the Moon assists with your Emotional Body's feelings and intuitive insights along the way. Those of us who have Pisces / Virgo Sun's, Moon's and/or Rising Signs, will be especially affected. Sagittarius and Gemini Sun's, Moon's or Rising Signs will also find some stress and tension to make changes mentally too. The other earth signs - Capricorn and Taurus - may find some ease along the way, while Aries and Aquarius signs will definitely need to let go of old patterns and conditioning during this Mercury Rx timing. Keep on keeping everyone!

Prairie Storm Clouds, 2017

Now for the Eclipses! We experience two eclipse seasons per year - the first set occurred February 10th (Lunar Eclipse in LEO during the Full Moon) and 26th (Solar Eclipse in PISCES during the New Moon). A Lunar Eclipse brings forth the Emotional Body's needs to express itself via feelings and intuition, receiving from others - mainly our Inner Feminine energies at play. A Solar Eclipse brings forth the Inner Masculine energies - to take action, assert self, be creative in some way, to give to others. Take note of what occurs in your life just before/during/after each eclipse. The Eclipse themes highly continue for 6 months after, and for up to 3 years thereafter. Yet another opportunity for Self/Soul Growth. Here's when the next eclipse set will occur and their themes to take note:

• Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse August 7, 2017 at 12:11p MDT at the celestial coordinates of 15 degrees of Aquarius and 25'. At each Full Moon we experience some sort of AHA moment of understanding self in some regard - seeing what has unfolded within our respective lives since New Moon (July 23rd in LEO) amid the themes I related earlier -  heartfelt creative action, supporting self along the way. The Lunar Eclipse will make us EMOTIONALLY aware of how well we learned what we needed to learn, and includes following our intuition. Aquarius brings forth an aspect of knowing what it is our Future Self requires and wants for us NOW - and being a fixed air sign, much to talk about with friends and groups and peers! Plans for the future - with others - in community. As true authentic selves, within community - we look for what it is we truly require to BE ME, AND ask for assistance within our community AND give back to community. This is a central theme for the New Age of Aquarius - BE authentic to self, connect with community, and together we will move forward, each on our respective true life paths. Interestingly, Leo is the opposite sign to Aquarius, and brings forth the creativity, fun and play, leadership and Inner Child themes that assist with all the Aquarius themes. We cannot BE one without the Other. How do you create an AND between both? This is the challenge!

• New Moon/Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017 at 12:30p MDT at the celestial coordinates of 28 degrees of Leo 53'. Another New Moon brings unrealized potential of soul/inner growth - which we are 'in the dark' about until the following Full Moon phase. This eclipse brings forth ACTION of some sort that we've emotionally been working on within this current Moon cycle begun July 23rd! Ensure you are consciously AWARE of how you feel, intuit and wish to receive during this Moon cycle and will then BUILD upon with Heartfelt Creative ACTION right away as the upcoming New Moon begins August 21st! NB: this Solar Eclipse is a TOTAL Eclipse that will be seen from most parts of North America! Very much bringing forth HEART to those living in economic straits and coping with interesting political changes and leadership personalities. LEO rules leadership - is it coming from the Heart or from Ego? Who do you wish to follow? Work as a team or dictated to? Here is where we 'see' in the outer world what we each are working on in our respective inner worlds. As the Shadow of this eclipse passes over North America - what hidden fears and anxiety will be brought up and out of your heart to heal and love through? Consciously ride this wave of heart-opening moments, challenges and awareness.

Moon Globe, Okotoks, AB 2017

Interestingly, the Balsamic Moon phase of the previous Moon cycle (the last Moon phase for that cycle that begun July 19th at 9:11p MDT within the celestial coordinates of 12 degrees of Gemini 39') when Venus and the Moon came together to create the latest Venus Star Gate via the 5th Chakra - the HEART Chakra! How cool is this? Another reason why I love love love Astrology! Previous cycles of the luminaries/planets set us up for succeeding cycles - all in aid of assisting each of us on our onward/inner soul path journey here on Earth! So cool considering the CURRENT Moon cycle theme is LEO too! And the next New Moon/Solar Eclipse is LEO too! 

Venus, our Desire Body, is assisting us to open our hearts, while the Balsamic Moon (all about LETTING GO of distortions we've hung onto, until now) brings opportunities to let go, emotionally! For those of you who have been following the course of the current Venus Star Journey from Aries, we journey through all 7 Chakras from Balsamic Moon phase to Balsamic Moon phase. We've been descending into the Underworld via Venus and the Moon since March 2017, healing distortions, so far, within our respective Crown, Brow/3rd Eye and Throat Chakras. Now it is all about the heart, our hearts, and heartfully what it IS we truly want/Desire for ourselves, NOW and in the FUTURE.

For those curious and interested in learning MORE about Astrology and how it brings forth 

timely insights and healing within YOUR particular soul/life journey - 

call Laurie Rae for a truly insightful Astrology chart reading today!

Call 587.437.3520 or email myhouseofastrology 'at' shaw.ca for an appointment either 

In Person, Over the Phone or via Skype/FaceTime

and begin your conscious Soul/Inner Growth Journey today!

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, Astrologer | Teacher | Writer | Speaker

Photo Credits: Laurie Rae Rezanoff within and around Okotoks, AB 2017