First New Moon of 2015 - How to harness the Aquarius Supermoon energy in your life

This Aquarius New Moon is a powerful one! The first New Moon of 2015 is a Supermoon, meaning that it is much closer to the Earth than normal and therefore, we can feel it in our bodies and hearts much more profoundly. If you've been harnessing the New Year energy wisely, you've taken the first three weeks of the year as an opportunity to reflect, absorb and forecast for the year ahead. Instead of setting arbitrary goals and trying to figure out what you want to do this year, you've asked yourself "How do I really want to feel this year?" And from that place of understanding what type of energy you want to bring into your life in 2015, you can then start to craft goals and action items that will invite these feelings and sensations into your reality.

Why is it important to be in touch with the moon? This exact question was answered to me on so many levels this morning. I participated in a New Moon Temple hosted by Goddess Rising and the response was this: The magic Wild Woman inside each of us can be remembered and then revealed once we re-connect with the natural lunar cycles. Let go, let it flow, let the moon guide your soul.

So here we are, friends. The first NEW MOON of the year has finally arrived. But, what does it all mean? Well, a New Moon is the ideal time to plant seeds. To build, to grow and to expand what we want more of in our lives.

How do I make the most of a New Moon cycle? First ask yourself, what do I need to release? Or what am I ready to weed out of my life? Then, participate in some sacred new moon rituals.
- light a candle
- take a few deep breaths
- physically shake out old tension, stress, disappointments and regrets
- keep breathing
- release the old {journal or say out loud what you are ready to let go of}
- plant seeds of new {journal or verbalize what you are ready to create}

Under the January 2015 New Moon, I am planting seeds of . . .
- global cooperation
- supported and supportive energy flow
- an abundance of resources and love
- VIBRANCE: feeling alive and inspired every single day

I am ready to step into my own as a woman and create something new, inspired and radically beautiful. To connect like-minded souls on a larger stage. To connect all the dots. 2015 = infinite! I am ready to show the world that:
love is magnetic, unity is possible, hope is alive, and dreams can be reality. 

photo credit: klaus lange

my new moon alter from today's ceremony - candles, seashells, journal, 

crystals, and the angel card "Dana" - which is also my mama's first name :)

tonight's gemini full moon - are you ready to connect the dots?

This last full moon of 2014 peaks at around 4am California time on Saturday, December 6th and comes loaded with some powerful questions. What type of energy are you putting out into the world? What type of life do you really want to be living?

Gemini, represented by the twins, is a sign of duality. This full moon illuminates the opposing forces in our lives. Notice in your life where the tugs exists. Where are you feeling pulled between two drastically different things? In what parts of your life are you really fearful....and in what parts are you really loving? This Gemini Full Moon brings those opposites to the surface and encourages you to seek balance to find a happy place moving between the two with grace and ease. Own the dualities in your life. This month, stand in your power. And in doing so, take ownership of your life and direct it in the way that you want it to go. 

This Gemini Full Moon is the time to wrap up old, toxic energies that are no longer serving you. We must do the hard work now and move from the darkness to the light so that 2015 can begin on a positive, uplifting note. Use these next few weeks to tie up the loose ends of past pain and move forward into the light. 

Astrologer Kelly Rosano says ~ “Real growth is painful at times. Change is the only constant. Growth is optional. The Gemini Full Moon message is to Step Up. Be brave. Get in the driver seat. Empower yourself.” (via mystic mamma) 

Gemini is also the powerhouse sign of communication and community. Start articulating what you really want out of life. Reach out to your community. Let them know that you need help and support in your spiritual journey. Don't have a tribe yet? One of my favorite astrologers, Rebekah Shaman has this advice about tonight's moon -- Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, Gemini full moon boosts our courage so we can start sharing and speaking our truth. However, Gemini reminds us to also be self aware and take personal responsibility for everything that is happening in our lives. Take time out from miserable, depressing people and use the friendly, communicative, adventurous Gemini energy to find a new positive, uplifting community. This Gemini moon will show us mind-blowing synchronicities, magical meetings and connections and how everything is interconnected when our hearts and minds are aligned with the same purpose."

Gemini is the great connector. Now is the time to connect the dots of your year. Look back with love at 2014. How has each event (good and bad) led you to where you are at in this very moment. How have the people you met shaped your reality? Who has opened YOUR eyes to new ways of thinking? Who have YOU helped see the light? Now, in this final Full Moon of 2014, is the time to see and really, truly believe that WE ARE ALL CONNECTED. We are all one. 

tonight's taurus full moon - feeling fierce?

Have you been feeling more energized lately? More focused on your goals than usual? If so, you are perfectly in sync with the cosmos!

This early November Full Moon brings the ambitious energy of Taurus into full effect. Typically, the last two months of the year tend to get lost in a haze of holiday gatherings and over-indulging, with more focus on letting loose and less focus on our goals. However, this year is proving to be much different! The opposite energy is circulating right now -- a fierce, determined, Taurus-influenced energy is encouraging us to do the opposite of years past. During this moon cycle, your drishti is on point. For all the non-yogis, that means your gaze or your focal point is spot on. Keep your eyes focused on your goals over the next two weeks. Don't be deterred by a bustling social calendar. Now is the time to indulge -- in your work, in your passions, in anything you have been aspiring towards all year long. It could finally be yours, if you choose to harness this potent, steadfast Taurus energy. 

The perfect yoga pose to practice under this full moon is a posture that truly challenges you. One that makes you dig your hands down into the earth, find your roots and learn how to fly. For me, this is handstand. Some other perfect challenge poses for this particular moon are: pincha mayurasana (forearm stand), koundinyasana (hurdler's pose) and titibasana (firefly pose). 

Taurus is an Earth sign so don't be afraid to practice outside. Now is the ideal time to feel the sand (or grass) between your toes and re-establish your connection with mama Earth.

For those of you that are feeling unclear on your goals, unsure of the next step to take in your career, relationships and/or life in general, don't worry -- we've all been there! I encourage you to soak up this determined Taurus energy and start to focus on what you really want out of life. The answers will come if you take time to listen. Even if you're life isn't making total sense right now, understand that everything is unfolding as it should, and there is indeed a higher purpose.

If this speaks to you, please take the time to experience our latest Mermaid Meditation. Janalyn Yanover and I created a series of seven meditations, inspired by the sea. This is number two. The "confidence" meditation will align you with your divine purpose, give you clarity and that push forward to continue to pursue your goals and dreams. 

I am trusting that I am exactly where I'm meant to be in my life at this very moment.
I have faith that the Universe will take good care of me on my journey.
I release the need to control or over-think the way my life is unfolding. 
I have faith that the Universe has my back. 

{if embedded video isn't working, you can view it here as well}

check out our other mermaid meditations here. namaste!

tonight's aries full moon lunar eclipse - what's holding you back?

Tonight, we will experience a total lunar eclipse during the Aries Full Moon. This represents lots of changing, powerful energy in the air that can be harvested for reflection and used towards the betterment of yourself, if you so choose. 

There are 2 full lunar eclipses in 2014, the first one occurred on April 15th and the second is this one on Wednesday, October 8th. This eclipse happening now brings closure and a period of winding down as we transition in Mercury retrograde this fall. What events from the late spring (April 15th and on) are you ready to put behind you? How can you bring yourself full circle during this Aries Full Moon eclipse and graciously close out this phase in your life? According to NASA, here in California, we will be able to clearly see this total lunar eclipse between 3:25 and 4:25 AM and it will appear 5.3% larger than the one back in April.

My favorite moon reader, Rebekah Shaman explains the upcoming moon phase in this way: "The Aries full moon total eclipse will help us to see what internal processes are stopping us from shining bright. Aries is the fiery first sign of the zodiac, the youngest of the signs and the one that is the most impetuous, aggressive, superior, competitive and immature. This eclipsed moon can remove the veil so that we get to see this weakness within us and where it is not serving us." 

It just so happens that in conjunction with this eclipsed full moon, I'm also currently obsessed with the book "The 4 Agreements" and am using the month of October to present these special agreements, one each week, in my yoga classes. Yesterday commenced Week One and in all my classes, we are collectively moving through the first agreement, "Be Impeccable With Your Word". Spiritual teacher Don Miguel Ruiz describes this first agreement as the most important one you can ever make with yourself. It is through this agreement that you can change the course of your life and direct yourself towards freedom and liberation. 

Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

I agree that this is the most important "pact" you can ever make with yourself. So many times throughout the day, we find ourselves in situations where we are tempted to gossip about others. In our society, oftentimes we're even encouraged to spew negativity and hatred from our lips. Many, many times, since I was a child up until this very morning, I have found myself in groups of girls (sorry ladies -- we are definitely the biggest culprits of this!) where the only topic of conversation is about someone else and how they choose to live their lives. On a deeper level, gossiping or sometimes we call it "connecting" with our girlfriends feels good and like we are bonding with them on some profound level. But, at the end of the day, that's just not true. Listen carefully to how a personal speaks about other people to you. This is how they will speak about you to other people. Think about it: it's all fun and games gossiping about others until you are the one being gossiped about. 

This whole "be impeccable with your word" thing is actually two-fold: not only should you be mindful of the words you speak about other people, you should also be extremely mindful of the way you talk about yourself. When looking at yourself in the mirror, in photos, on a yoga mat, when you catch your reflection walking by a window....try starting with positive affirmations before the negative ones arise. Recognize your outer beauty AND start to appreciate and acknowledge the inner beauty you are developing over the years through new found wisdom and spiritual connection. The most important relationship we can ever have is with ourselves - choose your thoughts and your words wisely.

This all ties back into the current moon phase we are traveling through. This eclipsed Aries Full Moon invites us to notice what in our lives is holding us back from becoming the most vibrant, positive version of ourselves. To me, it all comes back to our thoughts, which manifest as our words. When we are being truly impeccable with our words, speaking with intention, we are kind to ourselves and those around us. We are not tempted to get caught up in petty gossip or trying to bring others down to make ourselves feel better. We surround ourselves with positive, uplifting people who engage in profound conversations and support the growth, nourishment and flourishing of others. As the ravishing Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” 

 What are you discussing?

Today's Pisces Full Moon - How to Ride this Wave of Ocean Energy

Another super Moon has arrived, which is the 3rd and final one of the year, stirring up more emotion and conflicted energy as we wrap up the carefree days of summer and travel into a new season. This particular Full Moon falls under Pisces, which is ruled by the water element. Pisces by nature are compassionate, creative, intuitive yet also highly sensitive people. Whether you are a Pisces yourself, or are just feeling the intensity of this particular moon, notice if you are overly emotional today. If so, that's OK. Use this time to journal, vision board, write lyrics, photo edit -- any creative outlet that helps you embrace this Piscean energy hovering around us for the next few days.

Here is a thought-provoking Full Moon reading I came across and wanted to share with you all. This reading was crafted by Kelley Rosano:

“The Pisces Moon is in a harmonious energy flow with Saturn and Pluto. This can open the door to greater abundance in your life…The abundant life includes love, joy and well-being…We also need to feel strong and effective. This requires self-mastery.  “Be the captain of your ship. Be the master of your destiny. Your power lies in how you take care of you. You want to love your Self more than the need for other people’s approval. Otherwise, you are giving your power away to forces outside of you. 

“When you live from the outside, you can end up at the mercy of other people. Lost and confused. This is the dark side of Pisces. When you are empowered, you live from your authentic self, from the inside-out. You are proactive. You are empowered. You are using your resources wisely…” © Copyright 2014 ~ Kelley Rosano All Rights Reserved.

[horizon light photography]

A great mantra to repeat over the next few days is "I am proactive, I am empowered, I am using my resources wisely." If this resonates with you, try saying to yourself (or even better, outloud!) while breathing deeply. This can be during your meditation practice, while stuck in traffic, while doing dishes -- wherever you find a moment of stillness, use that time to find your breathe and repeat this mantra. While most Full Moon Yoga is more grounding and restorative, this particular Pisces Full Moon brings up a lot of emotion, so instead of a typical heart-opening practice, I am opting to teach a more strength-building lunar flow in my classes this week. Some great postures procured from our September #mermaidyogis challenge for this particular Pisces full moon would be the following:

Utkatasana (chair pose - day 8); Anjaneyasana (high lunge - day 9); Tiger Pose (day 13); arm balances, like Koundinyasana (day 14); Titibhasana (firefly pose - day 19) and of course, general core-strength building exercises. Click here to view the full month of challenge poses.

Lastly, here is a great flow I found from international yoga teacher Anita Goa that incorporates all of these strength building elements that are needed under this Pisces moon. Ride the beautiful wave of this ocean-focused full moon and many blessings on your journey! XO

Mermaid Moon Meditation

The energy surrounding the full moon is powerful and potent. Each month, we are offered a new opportunity to unplug and re-charge our spirits with the healing energy of the full moon. Lots of times, you will hear yoga teachers or healers say harness the energy of the full moon - but many people have a hard time wrapping their mind around what that means. I've been studying the moon cycles for the past four years, and what I've learned is that under a full moon, the collective energy of the Universe is super-charged, at a higher intensity than normal, so there runs the risk for miscommunication, confusion and general misunderstanding in both personal and business settings. It's generally advised not to negotiate contracts or make any big business decisions on or around the full moon. Instead, this 3 day period allows us the opportunity to pause and reflect. 

The photo I chose here is of the first full moon of this year ~ January 16, 2014. I was leading a yoga retreat down in Mexico and this big, shimmering moon rose above us as we ate our welcome dinner on the hotel rooftop. I had just finished leading the first yoga class of the trip, it was a deep restorative practice that united our energy as a group. Suddenly, this gorgeous moon came up and captivated our hearts. We all knew it would be one to remember.

So, here we are. Six months into this year. Looking back to your first full moon of 2014 - where were you? What was going on in your life? I'm sure there have been some big shifts in your life, hopefully for the positive, but either way, take a pause to notice what's changed. Good, bad or neutral...one thing's for sure - you've come a long way, baby! Tonight's the night to acknowledge the growth and plant the seeds for what's to come. I invite you to expand this mini-meditation into whatever you need. Repeat each mantra just once or multiple times each. Above all, just breathe. The Universe wants to heal your soul and focus your mind under this full moon. Close your eyes and be open to whatever comes up!

breathe in : I AM HERE

breathe out : I AM NOW

repeat three times

inhale : GRATITUDE

exhale : COURAGE

repeat three times

I am grateful for my past, courageous in the present and excited about the future.

repeat three times

Year of the Horse - Giddy Up!

Yesterday, Thursday January 30th welcomed the SECOND new moon of the first month of the year. The first new moon was on New Years Day (January 1) and brought lots of fresh, positive energy and a chance for new beginnings on the first day of 2014. This second new moon is a chance for a second beginning. Many of my students and friends (myself included) have felt like 2014 didn't get off to the start they would have preferred. Now, the universe is giving us that second chance! Another fun fact about these two new moons of January is that they are both considered "Supermoons"

. . . a new or full moon which occurs with the moon at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth. By this definition, a new moon or full moon has to come within 361,863 kilometers (224,851 miles) of our planet, in order to be a supermoon.

This awesome occurence of TWO Supermoons in one calendar month won't happen again until January 2018. Wow.... just imagine how much will have changed and shifted in our lives by then!

This current New Moon is ruled by the air sign Aquarius. According to my favorite astrological reader, Rebekah Shaman....

The Aquarius moon gives us permission to dream a better world into being.  It is pragmatic, logical and objective enabling us to see things in a more truthful light. This is the moon to start thinking outside the box to change those things you are not happy with. Over this humanitarian moon, we become more aware of the bigger picture, rather than get caught up in our separate dramas and issues. We also naturally feel more sympathetic and compassionate, as this moon wakes us up out of our slumber and we see the injustices that are happening around us. This is a good moon to take some time out in Nature, or the wilderness. Remember to take your shoes and socks off, so you spend some time barefoot on the ground. Plant your feet firmly on the earth and feel the electro-magnetic pulse of Mother earth enter through the soles of your feet, and flow around your body.  Let its natural creativity inspire and stimulate you.

Today, Friday January 31 marks the first day of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year in which we welcome the Year of the Wooden Horse! 

punta de mita, mexico ~ photography by janalyn yanover of horizon light photography

In Chinese astrology, the Horse represents a surge of new energy - picture a horse charging out of its stable - expected a year that is very animated and extroverted with lots of forward propelled motion! Giddy Up!

According to Karen Abler Carrasco of the Western School of Feng Shui...

The Horse energy inspires powerful INTUITION and an indomitable surge towards freedom in every aspect of life. This is a year to follow your inner voice like never before, for it will have a universal cosmic ch’i within it.  Higher guidance is with us every step of the way.  Reach for the sky, call up your vision, fuel your plans with vision boards and creativity, find a fresh path and pace yourself well.  This yang Horse year has the potential to channel the powerful new upthrust of Wood’s Ch’i through the Horse’s Heart energy of Fire and into every project we start, every desire we reach for.  It will keep our eager plans from being dominated by too much “head” and not enough “heart.”

Step up and out of any old clutter, stored memories, should-have-dones or regrets.  The time to deal with that is over for now.  Untangle your thoughts quickly and get clear on what it is that you truly desire in this lifetime.  Your trusty steed is here, full of vibrant health and tremendous stamina.  It should be quite a fast ride, so grab a fistful of mane, hang on to the reins, cast your old cares to the wind and let out a whoop of delight – Yeeehaaw! Upward and onward we thrive!

january 2014 ~ playa pascuarito, sayulita, mexico

Yoga teacher and astrologer Diane Booth Gilliam of Yoga Journal magazine has some great insight on how to harness this year's Horse energy to benefit yourself and your yoga practice....

Horses are heroic because historical battles were won (or lost) based on the brawn and agility of these majestic creatures. Harness the energy of this Horse year by using yogic practices to stay strong, and you’ll be ready when opportunity knocks. Some suggestions:

High Lunge: With one foot back, and the opposite knee forward, this asana gives one the appearance of being ready to take off, out of the starting gate. That could be why some schools of yoga call this Horse Rider’s Pose. Use this pose to strengthen yourself for the wild ride of 2014.

Natarjasana (Lord of the Dance): The new moon’s transit through Aquarius highlights the ankles, while Capricorn correlates with the knees. This pose focuses on both these joints, which keep us steady and stable—important qualities to embody as we’re exploring exciting new things. Lift the back knee high, then reach back and grasp the ankle (instead of your calf or foot). Feel balanced, and trust your innate ability to make smart choices.

Camatkarasana (Wild Thing): You make my heart sing—and as your chest is expanding in this deep back-bending pose, remind yourself that freedom and power are yours for the choosing during Horse year.

Full Moon Flow

There was some amazing energy at last night's FULL MOON YOGA ♥
A big thanks to all the yogis that came out!

Here is some insight into the meaning behind July's moon:

"This Cancer-Capricorn Full Moon illuminates this conflict between roots and direction. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic "illumination" occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It's time to express ourselves, and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is fresh, unrefined, and not particularly rational as yet."

Full Moon Yoga at the Beach!

Join me this Monday, July 2 for another magical Full Moon Yoga at Law Street Beach in PB. For all you San Diego locals, this is an incredible way to experience your city from another angle. If you are just passing through, practicing yoga under the bright full moon while watching the waves crash in front of you is not to be missed!

Bring a friend, a mat & a smile ~ see you there!

$10 suggested donation, benefitting Yoga for Hope.

More details: http://www.birdrockyoga.com/