December 2020 – Page 2

December 9, 2020

COSMIC COCKTAIL

Horse’s Neck

Sagittarians are often symbolized by the mythological centaur – an archer that is half human, half horse. This creature is said to be able to traverse both the spiritual and physical worlds understanding both the need to grow spiritually in order to advance materially.

Sagittarians are often drawn to horses, so this cocktail may be right down their (mythological) alley! Also, it’s super simple to make, and really delicious and I’m all about a cocktail that doesn’t require too much time, effort or supplies and are low on the bells and whistles (if getting right to the point doesn’t embody the Sagittarius spirit, then I don’t know what does!)

Serves 1

2 ounces Whiskey

Ginger Ale to fill up

Long Strip Lemon Peel (for garnish)

Pour 2 ounces of Whiskey into a Collins glass already filled with ice. Top off with Ginger Ale and garnish with a long strip of lemon peel. The strip of peel is supposed to represent the long regal Horse’s Neck – hence the name of the drink!

Let me how many… um, I mean, if you like these! Haha. But seriously, it’s holiday season, and this is an easy one to put together, so let me know if you try it!

xo

Rebecca

[jetpack-related-posts]

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

Adaptogen Series Three!

Adaptogenic Skincare

So I am a big believer in choosing a skin routine that is good for you, and sticking with it. It has been said that you need up to 3 months using a product to see the results and I have definitely found that to be true.

In my teens I jumped around a lot in terms of routines, products and plans around my skin. Any new thing I read about (usually containing harsh chemicals) I was willing to try, but usually just once, or until the bottle ran out, and then I was on to something else.

Then in college the mom of one of my close friends came to visit for a week; she was a dermatologist and she changed everything. I mentioned that I grew up in Arizona and she inquired about my skin care as a child and teenager. Well, let’s see… I vividly remember using tanning oil with my mother around the age of 10, I worked in a tanning salon (IN ARIZONA!!) in my high school years where I tanned regularly, and I spent my fair share of time laying out by resort pools in Scottsdale… S-C-A-R-Y.

I learned that much like eye and dental health, skincare should be preventative, not reactive, which is why you should start treating for things before they become an issue.

Now living in Seattle, where my skin was having a break from the sun and dryness of of the desert, she then inquired into my current skincare routine. Cue the crickets.

What I learned that week when I was only 21 has made all the difference for how I’ve approached skincare overall, and it’s from the inside out and the outside in. Double attack and health (not necessarily vanity) focused. It includes supplements (there are specific probiotics that promote healthy skin!) for internal health of the skin, and topical products for external skin health.

I also understood that much like eye and dental health, skincare should be preventative, not reactive, which is why you should start treating for things before they become a problem. I also learned that products should be added from thinnest to thickest: liquids to creams. So for example, a liquid exfoliator like Moon Juice’s Acid Potion, which I share below, would be a first step in a skin care routine.

Products should be added from thinnest to thickest. Liquids to creams, so a liquid exfoliator, like Acid Potion, would be a first step in a skin care routine.

I’ve never been one for super harsh treatments or for products that have lots and lots of main, active ingredients I don’t understand or can’t pronounce, so when I came across the company Moon Juice in my adaptogen search (I wrote about their AMAZING adaptogenic collagen in another post you can find here) I was super intrigued by their adaptogenic skincare products.

How do Topical Adaptogenics Work?

So we know that ingested adaptogens work by managing your stress response by adapting to your own unique needs, and by working with your adrenal glands and nervous system internally to bring balance and calm to your overall system.

So how does it work when you use adaptogens directly on your skin?

Adaptogens can work directly to soothe and calm irritation (rashes and redness), inflammation (puffiness) and stress (which manifests as premature aging or, in other words, dryness, discoloration and the breakdown of collagen.)

Topical adaptogens work directly on skin to sooth and calm irritation (redness), inflammation (puffiness) and stress (which manifests as premature aging in the breakdown of collagen, dryness and discoloration.)

Don’t get me wrong, ingesting adaptogens is still incredibly beneficial for your overall system and your skin, but you can double up by using them directly on problem areas topically as well. Like I said, double attack!

Here are three of their products I’ve been incorporating into my tried-and-true routine over the last few months, that have acted as boosters in hydrating, reducing inflammation, increasing elasticity, diminishing redness, evening skin tone and even offering protection against blue light (YES!)

Acid Potion

Ingredients

Lactic Acid
Gylcolic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Niacinamide
Reishi

Moon Juice’s Acid Potion is a combination of Lactic, Glycol and Salicyclic Acid that works to unclog pores, promote cellular turnover and resurface skin for a smoother and softer texture. And the best part is that it’s REALLY gentle; it won’t dry you out!

It has Niacinamide, which supports the skin barrier by increasing it resiliency and making pores smaller. Reishi, an adaptogenic mushroom, helps to hydrate, soothe and balance the skin. I really love this. I use it at night after a gentle cleanser and let it almost completely dry before adding gels and creams on top.

Plump Jelly

Ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides
Beet Amino Acid
Silver Ear Mushroom

This Plump Jelly lotion is smooth and light and absorbs really nicely. It’s really hydrating and I put it on directly after the Acid Potion. I had been using a very expensive Hyaluronic Serum from Germany for years, and this has taken its place, outright.

I was using an expensive Hyaluronic Serum from Germany for years and this has taken its place, outright.

The adaptogenic Silver Ear Mushroom (also known as the Tremella) helps brighten the complexion, and it helps boost blood circulation which is beneficial to making the skin look full and have more elasticity.

What’s remarkable is that it is almost identical in it’s chemical structure to hyaluronic acid, so it has almost an equivalent effect (and then add the glow from all that extra blood circulation and it’s a winner in my book! No other plain Hyaluronic Acid is going to do that!)

Cosmic Cream

Ingredients

Ashwaganda
Jojoba Oil
Grape Seed Oil
Silver Ear Mushroom
Reishi Mushroom

This Cosmic Cream is a buttery smooth cream that I apply as my final step at night. It smells SO good. Adaptogenic mushrooms (Silver Ear and Reishi) offer anti-inflammatory and hydrating benefits, while powerhouse Ashwaganda protects the skin against aging by blocking blue light and slowing collagen breakdown.

Ashwaganda is astringent, protects the skin again aging by blocking blue light and slowing collagen breakdown.

Ashwaganda also has astringent properties and helps the skin produce the appropriate amount of natural oils to keep the skin hydrated but not oily. This cream takes a bit of time to absorb so I only use it at night. It’s not greasy at all, just rich.

Final Thoughts

I’m just scratching the surface here, but I’m really into the benefits adaptogens can have for overall wellness. I’ve been able to incorporate these products in with my other products with no issues, and I’m happy so far!

Do you have any adaptogenic products you’re using that you love? Drop a comment below and share! I’ll check them out!

xo

Rebecca

[jetpack-related-posts]

ASTROLOGY

Eris

Later this week Pluto will square Eris for the third time this year. I’ll get to the specifics of this aspect toward the end of the week as this post is about Eris itself: a dwarf planet that doesn’t get, in my opinion, it’s fair share of attention in the astrology world, and when it does it’s esoteric and random.

I feel like it’s a planet that should be more considered, especially when casting charts about world-wide experiences, especially given what’s been happening across the globe since 2008. But we can just look at this year to see Eris’s impact, and we will when we look at the 2 squares that have already happened this year (January 26 and June 14th – I’ll leave you to recall the importance of these dates) and the upcoming square the end of this week (they’ll square 5 times total before Pluto moves out of Capricorn.)

So Eris. What do you need to know?

Like Pluto, Eris is a dwarf planet, it moves very slowly, taking 599 years to orbit the sun (compared to Pluto’s 248 years) but as astrologers, we believe the effects of Pluto are incredibly impactful, and so we should feel the same of Eris.

Historically, Eris derives its name from Greek Mythology. She is the sister of Mars and well, let’s just say there’s a familial similarity. She delights in war and “the groans of men dying in battle” – it has even been inferred that in times of war she appears, mixing in with the wounded, increasing their pain. Yikes.

Whatever her affect, she brings chaos and pain wherever she goes. That being said, in astrology we believe all things (signs, planets, houses and therefore people as well) have two manifestations: high evolutions expressing the most refined vision of their qualities, and low evolutions expressing the more basic, underdeveloped qualities. The goal of course is to rise into your highest evolution of each placement in your chart, but the shadow side is always there. So for a dark-facing character like Eris, what is her “high evolution?”

[Eris] likes to win, but not as much as she likes to see you lose.”
STEVEN FORREST

Steven Forrest boils it down to “vicious competitiveness…she likes to win, but not as much as she likes to see you lose.” While Pluto may bring transformation through darkness, searching our unconscious for the challenging realities we need to face, but there is always reward of growth on the other side; Pluto is rooting for your development. Eris… not so much. She’s not here to see if you can get better on the other side.

However, the intensity in which she’ll force you to participate will bring out your best. That’s the silver lining; she will drive you to your edge creatively, emotionally, physically, etc. And she will weed out the weak. I’m pretty sure if she had a slogan it would be: “Rise to the occasion or die.”

If [Eris] had a slogan it would be: “Rise to the occasion or die.”

So, with just that little introduction and a glance around the world, can you feel her presence now?

Later this week I’ll talk about Pluto’s placement in Capricorn, Eris’s placement in Aries and the different potentials this upcoming square could manifest.

Consider this

I’ll leave you with this to consider:

Eric is in Aries, the sign of “I AM” – self-oriented, focused on our right to live the way we want to, to create our lives independently and live by our own rules, the first house of the zodiac where spirit first incarnates into being and we become aware and responsible for our own autonomy. In it’s lowest evolution Aries is incredibly selfish, impulsive, reactive and aggressive. In its highest evolution Aries is protective, ambitious, passionate and honest.

Squares infer tension and friction. Friction in astrology means energy… and opportunity.

Capricorn is about structure and organization, the tenth house and our relationship to the structured world we live in, career, social circles, governmental structures and so on. Pluto has been here since 2008 and Pluto’s work in a sign is to bring out the shadow of that sign. We have been seeing the shadow of “BIG” society for some time now. Capricorn in is lowest evolution is judgmental, unforgiving and negative and in its highest evolution is disciplined, responsible, practical and caring.

Squares infer tension, and friction. Friction in astrology means energy…and opportunity.

How do you think these two energies will interact when confronted with each other? This is what I’ll dive into later this week, but I’d love to know your thoughts!

XO

Rebecca

[jetpack-related-posts]

December 5, 2020

SATURDAY SPELL

Incense Burning

Incense burning is another easy and beautiful way to infuse intention and to practice a bit of modern magic if you’re new to imbuing manifestation into your home. Next to candle making, it’s one of my favorites, and it’s a lot more accessible and less time consuming too!

What I like about the ritual of incense burning with a hanging burner as opposed to simply burning an incense stick, is that the process feels relaxing, centering and meditative which can help when you’re dispelling negative energy and trying to usher in some positive vibes!

Much like with candle making, you can choose what herbs you’d like to use, based on smell or meaning; it’s very personal, but I will share what I use often in my home regularly to shed heavy energy and call in lighter vibrations.

What You’ll Need

A Hanging Incense Burner (there are some beautiful ones on Esty – this one and this one are particularly gorgeous in my opinion!)

Herbs (these can be purchased at health food or spiritual stores or ordered online. This is a nice starter kit and has all the herbs I used below.)

Charcoal disks (I use these)

Matches or lighter

Here I used White Sage (cleansing, healing, removes negative energy), White Copal (connects to spirit realm, purifying, clears and calms spaces), Patchouli (boosts immune system, enhances mood, fights depression) and Sweet Myrrh (clears and balances emotions, cleansing and grounding)

Instructions

Place charcoal disk in the bottom center of the burner

Select which herbs you’d like to burn (only a pinch of each will do!)

Light the charcoal disk

Slowly and gently cover the disk with the herbs

Place the cover on the burner and allow herbs to begin to smoke

For a home blessing, walk around the house gently swaying the burner, repeating your mantra as you cover doorways, windows, corners (you can also isolate to one room or area if there some bad vibes just in one space)

I like to say: “I release all negative energy from this space. You have no power here. I release all energies that do not serve me, all fears that limit me. I welcome positive and radiant energy into this space. ”

This ritual can be done at any time; some do it at the changing of the seasons, at the beginning or ending of a lunar cycle, or just when you feel like the vibe in your home is stagnant.

I don’t believe there is a “right” or “wrong” way to practice any spiritual ritual, and I shy away from spiritual elitists who claim there is! You do you, and do what makes you feel good. Manifesting is all about energetic vibrations; you can’t force it.

If you give it a go, let me know how it feels!

xo

Rebecca

[jetpack-related-posts]

December 4, 2020

Motherhood

Baby After Miscarriage

Tomorrow, Saturday, December 5, I will be joining Noelle Hatton of Mothering Every Mother, to discuss miscarriage and astrology and where the two intersect and what can be gained from looking at your and your baby’s natal charts.

Conceiving after miscarriage is a raw, beautiful and challenging experience.

I experienced four consecutive miscarriages after our second son was born, and having had no medical explanation (at that time) left me feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and absolutely heartbroken.

We conceived our daughter Gigi (now 4 years old) after these losses and my pregnancy and early months of parenting her were some of the most challenging I’ve had. The anxiety, guilt, fear and love are intertwined and can be conflicting at times.

“…there are some things in life that you are never able to truly put away, they are just wounds you learn to live with.”

I came to find out that I was severely vitamin deficient and that had likely been the medical explanation for my losses, but the experiences had nonetheless left me different as a woman and a mother. And I sought understanding – not necessarily closure, because there are some things in life that you are never able to truly put away, they are just wounds you learn to live with. But when you understand them, you can live with them with far more grace.

I went through my miscarriages during a Saturn transit for me; understanding that this was a period of challenge and restriction that promoted me toward growth, gave these experiences purpose. This transit was encouraging me to get clear on my own personal direction and self definition; it was a maturation of the lens through which I processed experience. It came back to my need to prioritize and re-evaluate where I was focusing my energies.

I went through my miscarriages during a Saturn transit; understanding that this was a period of challenge and restriction that promoted me toward growth, gave these experiences purpose.

In addition, seeing the charts of each of these beings that existed for short periods of time in our spiritual plane, did a lot for me to see where we were connected, how the energy I experienced when they were with me was expressed in their celestial fingerprint.

Astrology asks us to believe in reincarnation, that our souls return to continue their karmic duty, lifetime after lifetime, evolving and progressing a bit more each journey, bringing with us the skills we need to work through our karma. Many mothers feel that their baby’s energy stays close by, or even returns to them in a later pregnancy (I have had both of these experiences and will share more in later posts.)

Everyday I see my children, these beautiful beings who have chosen me to shepherd them through these formative years, instilling in them the values they’ll need to navigate the world on their own. I get to see how they self-express, evolve and challenge themselves. I may not have gotten to see the full expression of the babies who only stayed with me a short while, but their impact was no less.

When you have been through the loss of a pregnancy, nothing will replace that baby or the possibilities that were a part of their growing life. Nothing should. It took me a while to realize that miscarriage is so widely shared among women – one in four will experience pregnancy loss on their journey to motherhood. It seemed as though almost every woman I shared my losses with could respond in kind, or offer up a story of someone they are close to who had been through similar. But though it is common, doesn’t make it less difficult, important or heart wrenching.

So if you’ve been through loss, know you’re not alone and know that whatever connection you have to your baby is authentic, real and valid and there is a large, loving community here to support you, listen to you and offer you comfort and understanding.

Please join me and Noelle on Saturday (10AM EST/5PM SAST) if you can. If you’re unable she will be saving the Live to her Instagram profile.

Also enter to win one of TWO free mini readings with me I’m giving away to TWO mothers who have experienced loss. It will include a reading of your and your baby’s chart; details below and on my IG page to enter.

IG LIVE GIVEAWAY

TWO MINI READINGS FOR MOTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSS

TO ENTER/DETAILS:

1.) Follow me @astrologicalmama and Noelle Hatton at @mothering.every.mother on IG

2.) Comment on my post and/or tag one person who would benefit from the IG Live or from a reading

3.) You DO NOT NEED TO ATTEND THE IG LIVE TO WIN!

4.) Entry is open INTERNATIONALLY (you must speak English to enter)

5.) Winners to be selected Saturday, DECEMBER 12

I hope to see you there, and/or connect with you soon!

xo

Rebecca

[jetpack-related-posts]

December 3, 2020

Cosmic Cocktail

The Greyhound

It’s finally turned to winter here in the northeast, and it’s cold! I’m dreaming of warmer weather and wishing we could escape somewhere beachside… summer seems so far away!

Sagittarius is the sign connected with travel and I always feel that travel bug come on in the beginning of December (it doesn’t help that I grew up in Arizona and anything below 65 degrees is enough to send me into full hibernation mode or running for the airport!) So, if we can’t go to the beach, the best I can offer is a summery cocktail that brings an island-y vibe into your home instead!

Serves 1

1 1/2 Vodka *I got fancy and used Ketel One Grapefruit and Rose

Grapefruit Juice to fill

Lime wedge, for garnish

“Straightforward, classic drink.”

In a Collins glass filled with ice, pour in vodka. Top off with grapefruit juice and a slice of lime as garnish (I add a little fresh squeezed lime as well!) Violá! So simple, and just like that, you’ll feel (almost) like you’re relaxing poolside!

Let me know if this gives you the island-vibe you need to get through to the holidays!

xo

Rebecca

[jetpack-related-posts]

December 1, 2020

Wednesday Wellness

Adaptogen Series Two!

Welcome back to the second post of the Wednesday Wellness Adaptogen Series!

Today I’m sharing the Lung Tea: CommuniTea from Anima Mundi Herbals. This adaptogenic Tea is supportive of overall respiratory health, specifically the lungs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes the lungs are where we carry trauma, grief and emotional pain. Autumn is also associated with the lungs in TCM, making this tea a really wonderful choice for the next couple of weeks.

Health Benefits

With COVID-19 prevalent across the US and other parts of the world, bringing in herbs like Astralagus (immune boosting, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory), Nettles (manages blood sugar, flushes bacteria from the urinary tract), Ginger (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory), Reishi (boosts white blood cells, lessens fatigue) and Holy Basil (reduces inflammation) among others, this tea offers up a powerful boost to the lungs!

Additionally in TCM, maintaining consistently healthy energy through the respiratory system leads to clear thinking, openness to creativity, new ideas and clear communication. There is so much happening astrologically over the coming month as we enter the Age of Aquarius; our minds and bodies need to be ready as we individually and collectively move into the beginning of a new cycle. Cleansing our vital systems is one simple step to streamlining our energies and simplifying this process.