“Whether it’s science or magic, if it’s of fun benefit, enjoy!” ~ ed

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It can feel ever so daunting looking out into the world, eyes wide open at the ensuing chaos unfolding on a global scale, unsure where to focus our attention, whether on doom and gloom or blind faith and optimism.

As if we are standing on the edge of a blank page, an unwritten chapter, an overwhelmingly uncertain next chapter to co-author, unsure if our creative juices will still fire accordingly with so many energetic upgrades, activations, and upheaval, taxing our nervous systems on the daily.

To be a creator and artist, and to have the chaos of the human and soul existence as a muse, is to breathe life into spaces where death has formerly reigned as ruler of its domain. To be a dreamer of a new world takes grit, fortitude, dedication, and a healthy bit of delusion to muster courage in creating gold from chaotic ashes of destruction. We see a world on fire, literally and metaphorically, fires burning thousands of acres and lands across the globe, leaving some without safe keeping of a home. Weather patterns continue to rise and disrupt in chaotic, unpredictable fashion, naturally and unnaturally driven.

Outside of the collective energies, we look to our own individual lives, and perhaps see a deeply discordant environment, job, or ways of living and existing. We feel the gripping of our old survival brain onto what has been, even if it’s slowly killing us and stifling our spirits and sense of aliveness. We feel some days like bringing the match and the kerosene to burn our old lives down and finally have tangible proof and reason to walk away for good.

An inner volcanic energy is rising and we can no longer suppress what is true alignment with our souls and what is becoming a source of constant irritation to our souls and spirits for overstaying in places and spaces that deplete, abuse, harm, numb, stilt, and siphon our energies. We are so tired of being fed on by parasitical entities and energies, systems of abuse and suppression that take and take and take from us until we are left with nothing more than a semblance of a life force. How to embody our individual strength and will against tyrannical forces of oppression and suppression of the God spark inside of us? How do we remember the innate power of divine creation we carry within us in the midst of everyday stress, fear, anxiety, and overwhelm?

To be an individual human is to exist in a realm of deeper understanding that we are not an island in and of ourselves. That we belong to and exist in a weaving tapestry, a mosaic of art, a web of connection to others and our shared humanity. How do we stay rooted in our sovereign self and heart and also find the spaces and communities where we belong and where our light and gifts are needed, celebrated, and most welcomed?

We have been moving through intense energies for the month of July, as if time has sped up and slowed down all at once. Retrograde energies pull us inward and slow us down asking us to listen to the voice and stirrings within the silence and stillness. And yet we stand at a precipice, an opening up to a whole new chapter of becoming.

As Mercury has been retrograde in Cancer, our past and deeper held emotions called us home, to listen, to go inward, to feel the pangs and pains of anything left unfelt and unloved. To mother the parts of self whole again. Cancer season has been a deep feeling time to reconnect with our hearts and feel what’s there. Have we closed our hearts down to life and love out of numbness, self-protection and fear of loss and pain?

We have had even more planetary energies joining Mercury in its retrograde slow down, including Neptune in early July and Saturn beginning on July 26. We are also in the pre-shadow retrograde period of Chiron and Uranus. July is a game-changing month before we launch into eclipse season in August, bringing even more change and unexpected energy.

We have had a significant basket pattern in the cosmos, otherwise known as Barbault Basket or the “Cosmic Cradle,” which involves a rare geometric arrangement (basket/cradle formation) of the slow-moving outer planets (Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto). They are all clustering together at 4 degrees of air and fire signs, working harmoniously with each other through supportive trines and sextiles. This is significant indeed because the transits through the zodiac wheel for each of these planets varies greatly from 12 months to 20 years, so it is an extremely rare cosmic alignment to have all of them at the exact same degree point. This energy will be peaking from July 15-24 but will occur again in June 2027 at 6 degrees of the respectable signs. Named after now deceased French astrologer André Barbault, this configuration reflects and mirrors the rise and fall of civilizations, political upheaval, technological revolutions, and major turning points in history. Barbault successfully and accurately predicted major collective and global events years in advance such as the fall of the Berlin wall and the COVID-19 pandemic.

These four outer planets in the basket support the ongoing energies of systemic collapse and breakdown so we can creatively break through into the next transformative decades of spiritual innovation and stewardship of the new world. A deeply transformative time continues to beckon us forward to creating a brand-new reality, future, and world. And it’s going to take the courage of a lion to spiritually revolutionize our broken world. A revolution of heart and soul. A revolution and rebel-ution against systems meant to break us down. A phoenix rising energy through the fires of transmutation. Dissolving the fears we harbor of being more fully rooted in our divine, creative power and sovereignty. Spiritual solutions and breakthroughs come more often than not, though, through the portals of extreme intensity. We can feel the old dissolving now even as the future still feels unwritten and unchartered. These planetary energies require our active participation, asking us to believe in a more soul-aligned future that only comes through bravely leaving the past behind and stepping into change and innovative energy.

Yes, we are so very tired and weary now of hearing that more change is coming, but we are also vital and creative instruments in that process and have a more evolved, conscious understanding to support those changes. Can we harness the brave and brazen lion-hearted energy of those in epic quests and tales to remind us of the mission and purpose to it all?

As Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings says so wisely, “But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it’ll shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something. Even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.”

Frodo: What are we holding on to, Sam?

Sam: That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo…and it’s worth fighting for.”

This devoted, loyal-as-can-be Samwise energy is exactly what we need to make it through our own individual and collective hero’s journey and quest through the darkness, carrying our unique ring of burden and karmic attachments to alchemize and resurrect our inner power and light. Walking to the edges of Mordor, the fires of Mt. Doom, often times, many times a day even, throwing into the fire for transformational release our traumas, programming, and conditioned fear, brokenness, and darkness for our individual selves and the collective rising. We need each other more than ever to survive this individual and collective soul quest. Mythical and magical tales and stories oftentimes are so deeply rooted in the fabric of truth, in the very archetypal structures of reality, not just fantasy contrived out of thin air. This Samwise energy perfectly mirrors and mimics that of Leo season too, of which we are presently in: loyal, steady, devoted, fixed in his beliefs, and his supportive stance in helping the ring bearer to brave the daunting journey through the darkness and uncertainty of unknown outcome and carry the karmic load of the fate of humanity.

Leo energy lives within us all, stoking the flames of our hearts awake again. Coming out of the deep and not always smooth sailing waters of Cancer season, Leo energy and season is usually most welcomed. And yet, we can feel this is not a typical fun or carefree Leo season. Leo energy awakens the creative artist within again, beckoning the inner child to come out to play, sing, and dance, to take up the stage of our own performance, to let our light be seen and celebrated. Leo energy is here to remind us of the courage and bravery it takes to let ourselves be seen in all our glory. To take up space. To express and use our voices. To embody our most authentic selves. To share our gifts with the world. To come out of hiding and our Cancerean crab shells again. To bravely lead from the heart and choose to align with the power of self love in action by boldly using our creative force.

This is the wake up energy we need, and yet we feel a magnification of this Leo energy already with Jupiter expanding the fixed sign energy for the next 12 months. Jupiter is asking our hearts to swell up three sizes like the Grinch (we’ve possibly become), to remember how to feel joy, lightness, and excitement for the sheer act of creating our lives each and every day. Too often, we have and can feel overburdened in the heart space by duties, obligations, have tos, and shoulds. A running list that never fully gets completed because it usually repeats itself the next week. Groceries, laundry, cleaning, duties, duties, duties. And repeat. Work, sleep, repeat. Jupiter in Leo says, “Of course that’s why you’re lackluster for daily life and depressed! Life was never meant to be a list of things to get done. It was meant for play, creativity, joy, and doing what actually lights you up! Do more of that please!” 

As we make our way through the creative fires of Leo season, we approach this powerful, electric, transformative, and expansive full moon in Aquarius on July 29 at 10:35 a.m. EST and at 6 degrees of the fixed air sign. The full moon here joins the Barbault Basket cradle energy (peaking a week before) to emotionally amplify the configuration. And in Aquarius, the collective will be emotionally feeling the need for change on all levels, perhaps shedding left versus right identifications of political standing and coming together as one people to say, “Enough! Enough of the tyrannical, controlling, oppressive, abusive systems. We are taking back the power and putting it into our own hands so we can create a new world bent on spiritual justice, order, sovereignty, and truth.” 

Aquarius is Leo’s counterpart, here to shake up the collective sludge if it’s become too sticky and outdated. Aquarius energy is the zoomed out perspective, the bigger picture awareness of the sum of all the parts of life working in cosmic order and tandem even in the perceived disorder. Aquarius energy is revolutionary, innovative energy. Energy that often feels galactic and not of this earthly plane and planet. The weird, unusual, alien energy of being different, standing out, thinking outside the box, shaking us out of conformity. Aquarius is fixed air, the water-bearer, here to carry the knowing that all life is sustained by one source. And we are all a part of and connected to that source. Life-giving source. And we must take care of it like the stewards of life we are. And yet, to not be attached to one particular outcome of life going one way or another. To be vast enough to see the bigger picture of humanity always unfolding, a running web of possibilities and pathways. Aquarius energy is of the people, the collective heartbeat, the humanitarian speaking up for those without voices or a platform, the rebel with and for a cause. Aquarius energy is deeply connected to the development of AI and technology as well, and it’s becoming increasingly vital that we not go into imbalance and lose our connection to our innate humanity and sense of real human connection to one another. Though jobs may be changing as well, may we not lose sight of our humanness and how much we need to stay tethered to reality and not drift too far out into the digital interfaces.

Aquarius energy is ruled by Saturn and Uranus, two vastly differing planetary make-ups. Saturn rules our 3D fixed reality, tradition, and structure. Uranus rules innovation, nonconvention, shake-up energy, freedom, revolution, change, and technology. And, yet, Aquarius with the intellectual prowess of a PhD doctoral student rocking a hippie shirt, says, “F*ck it. I can bring the structure and the revolution of that structure. I can bridge the old and new world through my electric presence and activating energy alone. I shake sh*t up just by existing and emanating truth. F*ck it. I got all of this.”

Aquarius energy is the group mind, though a true Aquarius thinks for themself and does not fall sway to groupthink propaganda. Aquarius energy rallies for freedom of the soul and the collective mind. Don’t f*ck with the freedoms of a true-blue Aquarius rebel. Aquarius energy reminds us that liberation for one is liberation for all, and liberation for all is liberation for the one. As we free our own minds from the programming of fear, so do we serve the collective fear to be purged. Aquarius is the heart of humanity, and Leo as its counterpart is the human heart beating and thumping in our chest.

The Leo/Aquarius axis is one we will be getting to know on a more intimate and personal level for the next 18 months as the nodes of fate transition into these two signs on July 26, a few days before this full moon. This full moon is a taste and semblance of the lessons, growth, and soul mastery we are being initiated deeper into these next many moons and months. Aquarius energy now rules the north node point of dharmic invitation. So this full moon sets the stage up for release around shadow Aquarius energies (feeling alien and not of this world, feeling orphaned in a world we don’t feel we belong in, carrying the collective burden and weight to our detriment, feeling detached and aloof from the purpose of it all, focusing on doom and gloom of the humanity crisis) so we can more clearly be a vessel and welcome the higher octaves of the Aquarius archetype (finding and knowing our true sense of belonging, community-supported structures, innovative thinking, freedom for all).

Leo, ruling the south node point of karmic release, is now asking us to release shadow Leo energies around excessive pride and identification with our ego, hyper-individualism that leaves us feeling desolate, cut off from others and alone on an island, the excessive need for validation, approval, and needing to perform for love or to belong. To know that we don’t have to go at it alone anymore and can weave our way back at any point and are always connected to the tapestry of our shared cosmic family and collective soul of humanity. That we are never truly alone on this journey of awakening to consciousness. And even if we have been in a longer season of being alone (and becoming more sovereign in our energy), can we still feel our interconnectedness to others?

Leo as the south node ruler will encourage us to release the pressure we feel to constantly be seen or producing our art and creating in a way that feels forced and laborious. And all the meanwhile, a return to the inner, wild, creative child. To resurrect and channel our wild, creative force out into the world so we can be a light in the world and of service to self and soul. Freedom of our creative energy is the call and the answer to the call. We belong because we are here. Can we feel a sense of belonging to ourselves first? Start there. Then move outwardly. To the nature beings perhaps first. Any fears around losing yourself to the collective chaos, energy of others or the group will be highlighted. Leo says, “Shine baby! Shine bright. Shine far. Be a mother f*cking star.” And Aquarius says, “I’ll bring my inner lit lantern to light you up too, and we can light this sh*t up together.” 

This full moon is powerfully making some aspects as well, to light this sh*t up even more. The full moon will be making a conjunction to Pluto, retrograde in Aquarius. This alone and in and of itself is a lot. Pluto here activates hidden, suppressed fears and the full moon illuminates them for us to see and know the origin and source of them on a subconscious made conscious level. So we can rise like the phoenix back into our sovereign soul power. Kali ma energy to burn it down so we can be free. Pluto brings the intensity and the kerosene. As truly sovereign beings, we know we hold the match. In Aquarius, the collective match is lit, transformation of our human-held fears back into our power initiated now. For the sake of our soul-led evolution. We can expect and anticipate the underworld and unconscious speaking a bit louder here. Recognizing the voices we’ve taken on from the programming of the world and knowing that the voice of fear, judgment, and control was never ours.

The shadow of the collective imprint on our unconscious mind is illuminated. Pluto here says, “Wake up to your own power so you can reclaim your consciousness from the siphoning of the collective fear group mind.” Hidden or concealed truths can also be illuminated during this time, whether within ourselves or within the larger landscape of the power grid of the collective. Truth on the global scale of power rising to obliterate the shadows of deception where we’ve been controlled by the larger powers that be by giving our power and energy to the fear-mongering machine. Calling back our power from fear programming is so imperative now. Add to this even more expansive energy with Jupiter opposing Pluto and the moon, amplifying the emotionally held fears and the opportunity to reclaim more of our innate power. The energy is ripe for transformational change within and without and Jupiter adds in an extra dose of it, but also some benevolence and grace to soften our hearts and remind us that there is gold in the grit of alchemy too. Pluto strips us down to what’s real, raw, and authentically true as Jupiter comes in and asks, “What space have we created through the release to magnify and magnetize in the blessings waiting for us?” We can’t receive in clenched fists when our energetic capacity is on overflow. So we must create the space so the blessings and abundance can flow in and we actually have the capacity to receive it. Pluto and Jupiter work in tandem here to help us dissolve and move away from previous versions of self, staying open to our own evolution even in the intensity and releasing resistance to change.

Jupiter will be a key player for the rest of July too, as it makes a cazimi (conjunction) to the sun here as well, amplifying our hearts and consciousness to create the life we truly want. To harness and channel our creative heart into the life we truly desire to live. And, yes, that takes belief in the impossible made possible. This full moon begs the question: “Can we reach for the future while staying rooted and sovereign in the heart of the now?”

Venus in Virgo will be making a square to Mars in Gemini adding an extra tension and release point around our relationships, values, and masculine/feminine energy. Venus in Virgo values the details, the perfection of getting it just right, the health of mind and body, habits and routines that support us. Mars in Gemini is excitable and off to the races with ample ideas of how to get sh*t done (just not always the direction and follow-through). Venus here wants the body in balance and Mars here can have a hard time focusing on routine. Venus in Virgo connects us back to the journey we’ve already taken with the previous south node ruler in Virgo and the north node in Pisces. As we released the shadow traits of Virgo energies of hyper-perfectionism, self-criticism, and needing control over life, can we now embrace more of the beauty in the imperfection of ourselves and life? To know that there is order in disorder? These energies of Virgo/Pisces will be with us still during eclipse season, so more to release and let go of here too so we can surrender more deeply to the path of soul.

Mercury stations direct on July 23, but still in its shadow for two more weeks, will be making a supportive sextile to Venus. Our minds and values are aligning more deeply now. The moon will also be making a sextile to Neptune in Aries, bolstering us with spiritual purpose and support for the cosmic and collective mission we came here for. We are here to create the future of humanity after all by sowing the seeds of our heart-aligned vision. Saturn stationing retrograde on July 26 until December 10 will be the structural support we need to do any karmic clearing these next few months as eclipse season winds up. A deep maturation period to reflect upon where we need more self-discipline and self-accountability, as well as refining our inner spiritual authority for building the foundations of long-term, sustainable growth. Our duties and responsibilities may also weigh heavier, though, like a weighted vest we can’t seem to shake off no matter how hard we try to run away and seek freedom.

This Aquarius full moon is buzzy and busy. As Aquarius rules our circulation system and how energy flows throughout the body, may we remember how to find and create more fluidity and flow in our own energetic channels that we are sovereignly responsible for. Even when they feel (and especially when they feel) jammed up and clamored with the energies of the collective crap. To not get lost and distracted in the collective noise and instead stay rooted in our sovereign hearts. Can we set the burden we took on as ours down? Can we stay connected to all that is while not losing our sense of self? Aquarius energy reminds us that we are only here for just a little while after all. And we must make the most of our time here. Be the freedom seeker. Be the revolutionary thinker. Be the black sheep even of the cosmic family. Let this full moon remind you that different was never wrong. Weird was never unlovable. Eccentric was never too much. Your authentic self and heart were never lacking or deficient.

Let this full moon electrify you and jolt you awake again. Strip you down so you can have space and capacity to create the new. Let this full moon remind your heart it is safe to let go of the old now. It is safe to call in the future that’s already been leaving you voicemails. It is safe now to find the groups and communities you truly belong to. It is safe to be seen. It is safe to be loved without performing for it. You were always the art and the artist. The canvas and the paint. Let. Your. Heart. Full. Of. Love. Be. The. Art. And. Mark. You. Leave. On. This. World. Awaken. To. Your. Inner. Creative. Fire. And. Freedom. To. Be. Fully. You. Release. The. Heavy. Burden. Of. The. World. Create. The. Future. Timeline. In. Fuller. Trust. Of. Its. Imminent. Becoming. Awaken. To. Your. Life. Force. Blood. Pumping. Heart. Chambers. Eliciting. Vibration. And. Sound. Resonance. And. Reminders. Of. A. Life. Fully. Lived. And. You. Lit. Up. By. It. All. Light. Yourself. Up. Again. And. Let. The. World. Be. Lit. Up. By. You. Aho. Amen. And so it is.

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Check out Anna’s podcast on the Aquarius full moon on Spotify or Apple.

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Check out this poem inspired by the current configuration of Barbault’s Basket next: