Cosmos | Full Moon in Pisces

Last month’s Leo Solar Eclipse helped us reset + plant new seeds for the future. It left a strong impression on our energetic body + we’ll be feeling its effects for the next several months. Tonight's Full Moon in Pisces is our first “harvest” point.

This Moon leads us away from Leo’s fiery light + into the cooler, Piscean depths of our subconscious. She guides us inward to understand where life is trying to lead us. We gain a deeper understanding of what we’ve chosen to plant in our garden.

Pisces has an intuitive, creative + dreamy energy. This Moon helps us understand our true goals + illuminates what is really guiding our lives. The work is in re-aligning intentions + motivations with the highest calling of our souls, so we may bloom to our fullest potential.

As the Pisces Moon brings insight into our deepest thoughts + feelings, she inspires a release of psychic energy. This is a powerful time for an active energy cleanse – clear the stuck or lingering energy you no longer want to carry. As the last sign of the zodiac, Pisces brings a sense of completion + with our active participation, this Moon inspires a needed endpoint - whether it be a relationship with another, an aspect of your relationship to self, a job, or simply, a way of being.

This FULL MOON:

Theme: Empower yourself to mindfully plant your new garden.

How: These energies are available to us, but integrating them into our life requires active participation. We need to slow down + connect to self. Meditation, quiet walks + journaling are all powerful ways to quiet the mind + let this energy flow through + work her magic.

Treat yourself: Lavender infused soaking salts to send you into deep relaxation + meditation. A beautiful + earthy scented candle to help clear lingering energy. Lunar infused essential water sprays to amplify positive vibes.

Cosmos | New Moon in Leo + Solar Eclipse

Tomorrow we not only have a New Moon in Leo, but a full Solar Eclipse. As always, the New Moon offers an energetic clean state - a powerful time to set intentions - but with the eclipse, this opportunity is on steroids.

Astrology studies how the planets relate to each other, the energies these relationships create + their effect on us. Sun conjunct Moon (solar eclipse) is the strongest, most important aspect in all astrology.

Think about what physically occurs during a Solar Eclipse – the Sun (which represents the masculine, our outer identity + ego) goes dark behind the Moon (which represents the feminine, our inner-world + the mysteries beneath the surface). When the ego light (Sun) goes away, we see the mysterious truth behind it.

This eclipse is a powerful shift of perception when the Moon (soul) blocks the Sun (ego) – mentally + spiritually, it’s an invitation to set ego aside + look at life with soul at the forefront. If we take the time + space to meditate on this energy, we’re given a different perspective on who we are + why we’re here on Earth.

Because the August 7th Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse was in Aquarius (Aquarius is about the collective + group consciousness) + we now have a Leo New Moon, we build on that Aquarian energy with Leo qualities. We’re asked to bring our power, leadership, gifts + visions (Leo) to the world (Aquarius).  

Leo rules the Heart + this eclipse opens the Lion’s heart. As the feminine Moon blocks the masculine Sun, we’re reminded of our collective need to heal our masculine – meaning shift how we show up in the world, balance what’s out of balance + become more heart-centered. We are also reminded of our Leo-based shadow qualities (arrogance, self-importance, the need to be right) + asked to release these soul traps.

Lastly, this is also a time for collective growth…especially in the US where this Solar Eclipse is taking place. In a year of “The Patriarchy Gone Wild”, we have cosmic synchronicity at its finest. A sign from the cosmos for the divine feminine to rise…a Women's March on the solar system.

This NEW MOON + SOLAR ECLIPSE:

Theme: When the Moon (soul) blocks the Sun (ego) – mentally + spiritually, it’s an invitation to set ego aside + look at life with soul at the forefront.  Emboldened with Leo energy, we are proud to show up authentically + heart-centered for ourselves, our community + our world.

How: We need to be clear + present to identify + learn from these energies. It’s a good time for body/mind/spirit care – whatever that means to you.  Take plenty of time alone to meditate on everything that is coming up, cooking + shifting – this kind of revolutionary change is a mindful practice.

Treat Yourself: Beautiful, earthy scents to foster self love. Crystals to support energy + meditation.

Cosmos | Full Moon in Aquarius

It's quite literally written in the stars, that  August 2017 looks remarkably intense. With Mercury's upcoming retrograde + two eclipses - this month feels shaky, metamorphic + perhaps life altering.

Our first eclipse is Monday August 7th, when the Moon is full in Aquarius - Aquarius being a sign that most accurately exemplifies the need for change + transformation. Every Full Moon marks an energetic peak, highlighting realizations + culminations in the world of 5 senses. However, an eclipse always doubles the intensity (and we have two eclipses this month, lunar + solar). Eclipses tend to shake up the status quo + bring significant developments about major life events; they push boundaries + spur major personal growth.

This transformational energy goes hand in hand with Aquarius' reputation as the social agitator of the zodiac. The forward thinking water bearer is a perfect vessel for this powerful metamorphosis - in a way, Aquarius is to eclipses as a conductor is to electricity.

With Aquarian energy, whatever surfaces this Full Moon, will be about our need to: be true to ourselves, stand apart from everyone else + rebalance unequal power dynamics that surround us. It's time to take back our power + make sure we are in the driver's seat of our own narrative.

The energy percolating in the cosmos + in turn us, is a gateway to our intellectual, emotional + social emancipation. We're asked to cross this final threshold, which separates us from freedom + our rightful community of likeminded individuals. Other people's perceptions + opinions don't matter as we make these changes - our own empowerment + emancipation as individuals seeking a community that understands us on a spiritual + mental level is most important. Because, in that community, we will always find the freedom, support + love we deserve + through it, we are able to give it all back to the world at large.

It's time to take risks, find our way out of the ruts that keep us stuck + muster the courage to stay true to ourselves. Don't turn your back to the beautiful, purposefully chaotic upheavals manifesting under this full moon.

This FULL MOON:

Theme: Emotions will be intense - but let them rise to the surface (don't resist). Be brave + release feelings, thoughts, habits, relationships you no longer need.

How: Through practices like meditation + yoga, we learn to separate our "true selves" from our conditioned "human form". It's only our human form that is fearful, self conscious + stuck in dysfunctional patterns. Dedicate some time to any practice that quiets the mind + get to know your truest, eternal self (call it soul, gut, intuition, whatever you want). Hear + listen to it above all else - it will be your guide + never lead you astray. This connection to yourself will be the faith you need to move gracefully through challenging waters.

Treat yourself: A grounding crystal to help quiet the mind’s chatter. Luxurious, earthy scrubs + oils – to pamper + connect with your body.

Cosmos | New Moon in Leo

Sunday’s New Moon in Leo has a potentially confusing energy – on one hand it inspires us to seek the joy, beauty + pleasure in life + on the other hand, it asks us to take responsibility for our actions. Approach life in the coming weeks with curiosity, instead of judgment + discover what feels good to you. We’re asked to relax into the flow of our lives – which is not to be mistaken as a passive effort - as we are also asked to take complete ownership + responsibility for how we are choosing to live + what we say “Yes” or “No” to.

Remember, your soul came to earth at this time for a specific reason - we all chose to be here + learn the lessons that are currently unfolding. The universe supports us in our journey toward our truest self + while everything in life happens for a reason, we must allow the universe to work her magic by listening to our intuition + making that tough decision that deep down, we know is right. The universe has a beautiful plan for each of us, but we must lean into the flow of our lives to experience it.

If there is something in your life you need to let go of or need to bring in, deeply think about how you can take responsibility for all of it + what actions to take to get your life where it needs to be. A good question to ask over this New Moon is – How can I take responsibility for myself + my life + where I want to be?

This NEW MOON:

Theme: Where do I want to be + how can I take responsibility for myself + my life to get there?

How: Get quiet + listen to your intuition. Everything you need to know is inside of you, you just need to listen. Once you feel connected to your Higher Self, set your intentions + map out HOW you can work toward making your dreams come true.

Treat yourself: Palo Santo to clear stagnant energy in your physical space. Incense to quiet the mind’s chatter. Moon Angel Cards to communicate with your spirit guides + allow them to ask thought provoking questions.

Cosmos | Full Moon in Capricorn

Today we have a Full Moon, where the Cancer Sun opposes this month’s Capricorn Moon. This opposition asks us to look at the balance between our inner world + home life (Cancer) versus our public life + responsibilities (Capricorn). The energy of this cycle helps us uncover + understand our intimate feelings + how they externalize + either give or take away our power.

The Cancer Sun is focused on family, home, nourishment + ancestral patterns…

while the Capricorn Moon asks us to consider our sense of duty + responsibility out in the world.  Painful family issues or patterns may come to the surface + Capricorn inspires us to challenge our deep-set inner wiring. This Full Moon asks us to empower ourselves + take greater responsibility over our emotional world + tendencies. Cancer represents the origin + Capricorn represents the goal.  We need both energies + this Full Moon invites us to discover a harmonious balance between the two.

This Moon illuminates a conflict between roots + direction. Something has been building inside of us + now is the time when the cosmos demand we let it out. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this means for each of us. In the same way the Moon lights the night sky, a symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives.  These revelations are emotional + there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. We need to let it out + express ourselves.

Another powerful layer to this Moon comes from her alignment with Pluto – the planet of death + rebirth.   This energy may feel sharp, change is painful, but it ultimately helps us release that which we no longer need. The beauty of “let go + let God” Pluto is that you already know what or who needs to be released; and, the challenge is that now is the time to do what you already know you need to do (but have probably been putting off). The Cardinal (means action oriented) signs of Cancer, Capricorn, Libra + Aries are particularly strong right now. This helps you kick into high gear.

This FULL MOON:

Theme: Look deeply into yourself – there’s much more than meets the eye – and ask: am I living bravely + authentically for me or am I living for how I think I’m supposed to be?

How: Strengthen personal boundaries + honor your most intimate feelings.  Keep these discoveries in mind while navigating the delicate shores of your relationships to people + work.

Treat yourself: An earthy, romantic candle to celebrate quiet moments alone as you delve deep into yourself. A thought provoking book to ignite your journey of self discovery. A journal to write down feelings + insights.

Cosmos | New Moon In Cancer

Tonight's New Moon in Cancer marks the beginning of our new lunar cycle. It’s a powerful time to commit to personal goals in alignment with positive Cancerian energies.

Among these qualities are: honoring our deepest, most intimate feelings; recognizing the security + safety we feel from wherever we call home; allowing ourselves to accept support + offering support to others; starting a project to improve our domestic lives.

The Cancer Sun’s positioning with Mercury indicates a very busy time mentally. Thinking AND communication is strong – with so much on our minds, we want to chat + are able to express ourselves clearly.

With Mercury in Cancer, we move from the desire for quantity to the need for quality in terms of the information we are attracted to. We think, speak, and take in information on a deeper, more intuitive level. This is an emotionally rich period + our sensitivity strengthens our psychic awareness.

All in all, make plans + lay the foundation for big (or little) new beginnings. Focus on new ways to enhance family + home life + build up your feelings of security + safety. We are particularly alert and observant right now + ready to put our plans in action.  Remember “home” doesn’t need to be considered in the most literal sense of the word. This moon asks us to define “home” for ourselves – perhaps it’s the beach or the yoga mat or more traditionally, the place you sleep at night.

This New Moon is also particularly creative + magical as it occurs at the same time as two powerful trines: Venus trine Pluto + Mars trine Neptune. All in all, this potent Cancer energy inspires + supports us in making important life changes that will benefit us well beyond this lunar cycle.

This NEW MOON:

Theme: Nourish your home life  (+ define home for yourself)

How: Ask yourself where you feel most safe or secure, most connected + at peace. Explore ways to deepen  + celebrate this connection.

Treat yourself: Honor your space + indulge in home improvements. New loving touches to revere your safe place in the world. It’s also a great time to gift a loved one + express gratitude for the people who make us feel at home.

Lily Muse | Meet: Madde

She’s our shop girl extraordinaire - Madde has been holding down the fort as the Manager at our Rose Ave. shop since day one. Her passion for all things Lily Ashwell + making ladies look + feel their best is undeniable. We love her + if you’ve ever stopped in the shop we’re sure you’ve fallen in love too. If not, go say hi! xx

Nickname?

Madde, short for Madelyn

Profession and/or passion?

Shop gal

Favorite flea market find?

Pink cowboy boots I found in Wyoming.

What do you look for in vintage denim?

I look for variety in vintage - I like the super soft faded pairs with lots of wear + also the darker gems that are still perfectly intact despite their age. When shopping for myself I tend to avoid jeans I have to tailor - I like them to be perfect length and fit, that’s what sells me. That’s why shopping for Lily is so fun, I get to bend my rules for all types of gals.

6 SENSES Q&A:

SEE - Define your personal style in 3 adjectives:

Laidback, frisky

HEAR - A sound you love + why? (a song, an instrument, a sound in nature)

Music comes to mind, and wind. I love driving with the windows down + some good tunes.

TASTE - A favorite to cook right now?

Pasta

SMELL - Your favorite scent + why (perfume, flower, anything)

Jasmine

TOUCH – What is your skincare routine?

I wash once or twice a day, for sure at night + am currently using Living Libations Sun Dew Crème – it’s a creamy yellow color and the black glass jar it comes in is really nice. I also mask once or twice a week because I like rituals + so does my skin.

INTUITION – Do you have an activity or practice, that’s only purpose is to bring light to your life? (meditation, astrology, exercise, arts etc.)

I love a hot bath with soaking salts + oils, maybe with some music or a book ( + a glass of wine).

Cosmos | Full Moon in Sagittarius

Today’s Full Moon in Sagittarius inspires us to zoom out + look at the big picture. Strong Gemini energy is also buzzing around (the sun is in Gemini) - keeping us present + reminding us every small step must work toward our big dream.  

Gemini is logical + comfortable in the present – while Sagittarius inspires us to venture beyond it. All signs have strengths + weaknesses - the best of Gemini is intelligent + communicative – the shadow of Gemini is small-minded + stagnant.

The key this month is learning to harness the light in both Gemini + Sagittarian energies – to think big + boundlessly (Sagittarius), uninhibited by fear but also logically + with the understanding every big leap requires many, thoughtful little steps (Gemini).

While this Full Moon is about attitude + disposition, it’s also about communication + how to productively speak your truth. Sagittarian energy helps us identify our big picture goals + beliefs, while Gemini helps us communicate our truth in a methodical way.

The last major theme of this lunar cycle is adventure. Sagittarius reminds us to broaden our horizons + explore. Once we’re in touch with our big beliefs, we may channel logical Gemini + set our dreams into realistic action.

In the same way the Full Moon illuminates the night sky, her energy brings everything to the surface. Embrace this clarity + ask questions about how you’ve been navigating through life. Call on Sagittarian + Gemini energy as needed. The universe supports us in our journey toward our best self + best life xx

This FULL MOON:

Theme: Open your eyes + see beyond your comfort zone

How: Meditate + connect to your deepest, soul-knowing voice. Ask yourself: what big beliefs or ways of life are important to you? Is your life in alignment with this soul-knowing voice? Allow yourself to daydream + fantasize about what your truest life could look like, without fear. Practice free-writing in your journal + see what comes out.

Treat Yourself:  An earthy, meditative candle to inspire quiet moments with your inner voice. A beautiful journal to inspire free-writing. A daring lip tint or cheek stain, to support bold energy outside of your comfort zone.

Cosmos | New Moon In Gemini

Today’s New Moon in Gemini is a potent Super New Moon - it’s the closest the moon will be to earth all year. With a second Super New Moon coming in June, things may feel intense over the coming weeks with a double hit of strong lunar energy.

The Moon is associated with our inner world – our deepest emotions. It has a way of bringing our subconscious to the surface. While challenging, this also opens the gates to profound change.

This New Moon falls in Gemini, our thought driven sign. The Moon always speaks to our intuition + innermost voices – and with Gemini’s energy - we are focused on our thoughts + how we have been communicating to ourselves, each other + the world. This moon is here to teach us our thoughts don’t really belong to us. Imagine your thoughts as a stream washing over you – and the thoughts we gravitate towards are the ones in alignment with the vibrations we are emitting.

Practice being the observer of your thoughts + remember not to identify with them. Our ability to think is a powerful tool + helps us make wise, informed choices – but we are not our thoughts. Practice deep grounding + centering – connect to your body + let your intuition be louder than your head.

The universe gives us a challenge to teach this lesson. Venus’ relationship to Pluto this month triggers annoying situations in love + finances. Control issues may arise in existing relationships. Tension may come to the surface + result in manipulative behavior. At the root of such behavior is deep fear or insecurity about not feeling loved or valued. Ask yourself – are these feelings rooted in truth + how do I liberate myself? Do I need to step away from this situation or do I need to adjust my relationship towards it?  

The universe will support us in this transformation - the Sun’s relationship to the Moon this month gives us an invigorating burst of energy + initiative. As we question old habits, we naturally search for new ways to make progress + move into our future.

We all have the ability to empower ourselves + choose how we experience our flow of life. We all have the power to choose the thoughts we listen to. Mother Moon is giving us an opportunity to reprogram the way we think – or the relationship we have to our thoughts. And when we master our thoughts, we will be able to master our life.

This New Moon:

Theme: Let your heart + gut speak louder than your head.

How: Connect to your physical body + practice listening to it. Yoga (or any mind/body exercise) is a powerful tool. Meditation to quiet the mind’s chatter + connect to intuition.

Treat Yourself:  Rainbow Fluorite, a grounding crystal to help quiet the mind’s chatter. Luxurious, earthy scrubs + oils – to pamper + connect with your body.