08/27/2023
Pisces Full Moon 8/30/2023
Myth and Healing Ritual
Pisces is a mutable water sign, ruled by the planet Neptune. The arena is the 12th house, in an Astrological wheel the 12th house is our subconscious, the place we are unable to control. Here we learn to surrender, have faith and trust in the unknown. We are steeped in water, emotional and intuitive. We are returning to our source, it is like a death. In older forms of Astrology it was considered the house of our undoing, a place of sadness. It is also referred to as the house of Karma.
Consider that we may need to be “undone” at times, so we can begin again anew in the sign of Aries. What could it mean to be “undone”; not being cooked enough, where we are raw, wounded or having to face places we made choices which did not serve our greater good. Here we feel out of control. Like diving blind with no idea what will happen but being compelled to do so anyway. This is part of the wheel of life and when we do this we create new space within us which is followed by a re-birth. Like a snake shedding her skin or a Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Individuals with Pisces Moon can be deeply spiritual and committed to whatever form they choose. They may easily fall into a pit of sadness or despair. There is natural access to the “collective unconscious” as defined by Carl Jung. They can be psychic and have trouble with boundaries; distinguishing their own and others. In order to function there can be a need to be highly structured in daily routine.
The opposing Sun sign is Virgo; a mutable earth sign inhabiting the 6th house of health, healing and service. Virgo is the perfectionist, the one often described as being “picky”. One of my Astrology teachers describes Virgo as holding the fabric of the universe together. This sign is often mis-understood. Virgo knows what it takes to make things happen. Someone has to do the often tedious but necessary work.
These signs in opposition employ the needed dynamic of bringing spirit into form. Pisces has the vision, the connection with that which is beyond our human experience. Virgo is deeply embedded in physical reality. As they work together, we see manifestation of spirit into form.
Here is our mythic story; Poseidon meets Vesta
Poseidon, King of the Sea lies in his cavern, amongst treasure chests overflowing with brilliant, multi-faceted jewels & gems. There is great power in these gems, which exist beyond the physical realms. His wisdom is for anyone who wishes to surrender & have faith in a fluid, boundless nature without walls. Way too much to ask of most human’s, Poseidon is well aware that these gems belong to him & rare others. On this Full Moon Poseidon chooses to go on a journey to meet Vesta who he is deeply drawn to. He will travel to Rome to the temple of the Vestal Virgins.
He arrives at the temple and is greeted by Vesta, lead Priestess. Poseidon is their revered guest. He is pleased. As the night goes on he & Vesta speak with each other. She tells him of her deep love for the great mystery of life & the divine peace she has within. Poseidon, living in a sea of constant change does not know much of peace. Instead, he holds the key to surrender & moving with the tides. He understands allowing life to unfold.
She knows how to shape it. Vesta explains how the women work together to help others. How their actions are made sacred through their presence, focus & attention. She talks about how Vestal Virgins feel complete in their relationship to themselves & the great mystery. As they speak, Vesta is aware that Poseidon with his watery nature could easily put out the fire. She must help him understand the importance of keeping it burning.
She invites him into the inner chamber & shows him with her body. Together they meet in a coupling of passion & emotion. His emotional nature fills her, tears run down her cheeks, she cries out. She brings her fiery intensity to take him beyond what he has known before into an ecstatic peace. The power of this union is felt throughout the land.
Vesta gains new trust in the importance of emotion & intuition. Poseidon learns of deep ecstatic peace. This union cannot occur very often, as it is a perilous trip they must make to come together. Their differences have taught each new ways of being. Both enter the great mystery of life but in different ways.
Healing ritual:
Enter the water; this is the night for a ritual bath or hot tub. Under the full moon if possible.
Light as many candles as you can to honor Virgo; Vesta. Do this as you let go and relax into the water. If you like essential oils, put some into the water. Bring rose petals to float on the water if you like.
You are entering a place of complete surrender. Allow water to guide you, relax all your muscles and let go completely. Become aware of sensations in your body. Notice small muscles and what happens when you breathe into them and ask them to release tension. There will likely be tension, this is fine, don’t try to force anything. Notice, lean in to whatever you feel or sense. There is so much to learn about surrender. This is like developing a new muscle. Be a beginner.
When you feel complete with this part:
Look into the flames, asking for guidance with anything you would like to know more about. Imagine you are in the temple of the Vestal Virgins. Here you learn to bring your sacred true soul-guided self into the world. But first know this is an initiation. A place where faith and trust are guiding lights. Little else matters here. Listen, ask, and be guided.
When you are complete, ask for a gift to bring back and put on your altar so you can remember this experience. (of course, this is metaphorical but you can also find something that represents it). Light a candle for the Virgo month ahead which ends on September 22nd..
