Reflections on love and light

Today we slip into a watery, flowing, space, lit by the warm glow of a flaming torch.  This is a space of luminous, love, light and reflections. The New Moon in Sagitarius is dark so our own inner light combines with the flickering torch to reflect our adoring gaze in the still waters of a deep pool. What are we gazing upon? Why, the beauty of our own radiant luminosity of course. Twinkling eyes, soft skin, glowing heart. Couldn’t you just stare at yourself forever?

We’ve done some clearing in the previous snacks. Now is the time to nurture and nourish by practicing exquisite self care as an act of love. And while the Moon is New, it’s also the time to gaze within and plan our next steps forward.  These three cards with their focus on love and light, root us firmly in our heart space, in particular that moment of stillness in between each heart beat from which everything we bring into existence radiates. It is a moment, much like the New Moon, pregnant with creative potency.

The Two of Cups is the card of love in The Tarot (not The Lovers, oddly enough). Associated with Venus and Cancer it calls in an inflowing of initiatory, creative energy, and the conjunction of polarities; new moon and full moon, Masculine and Feminine. Water in its highest form.

Without the Ace of Wands, our boat might just drift idly ‘life is but a dream’ style. Luckily, the ace is the fire in the engine, the spark in the idea, the burning desire that’s keeps us moving forward. The Ace, says yes this is all delicious and beautiful but we need some direction here. Let’s set a course.

The Queen of Pentacles is this boat’s captain…or rather midwife. She gazes lovingly into the reflective pool of her own luminosity; patiently, guiding, nurturing, loving and supporting. However her sword reminds you; she is ready to jump in swiftly and protect where necessary. With her devoted focus on these watery reflections she guides you to be the light you love to see.

Yesterday, I came across this poem by Nayirah Wahed. It feels fitting.

We
Return to each other
In waves.
This is how water
Loves.

They say magic is about the unification of the will, a clear channel between our conscious and unconscious desires. But there’s something really yang in the statement; A + B = C, where A = your conscious desire. B = integrating your shadow. C = The pot of gold you want to manifest. Today we are reminded that the manifested goal gives us direction which is good but the real juice is in the flowing dance of our own internal waterways. This is where the luminosity is. Let’s all just take some time to gaze upon ourselves there.

What’s The Best Way To Love Yourself?

Ok, indulge me here a bit…

Here’s a  practice I learned in a strip tease workshop, possibly the best thing I’ve learned ever. Yeah…Greatmother’s rolling in her grave again. There are three magic phrases that every stripper/enchantress knows.  They carry the power to build your confidence, open your capacity for self love and send a message to your subconscious that you are the most amazing, luminous creature on this planet.

The Stripper’s Mantra

1. I look amazing.
   Strike a power pose. Feel the power of your body and know that this is true.
2. I smell amazing. Say this slowly with an intake of air, maybe a toss of your hair, as if you radiate the scent of heaven on earth. Believe it to be true.
3. I am living velvet. Say this slowly as you carress some part of your body. Your cheek, your arm, your thigh. Feel the delicious truth of your velvety awesomeness.

Which Brings Us To The Spell

Have you ever seen houses with mirrors in the windows? Facing out? This is an old custom in The South for protection, specifically for reflecting negative influences away and keeping your home safe from energies that might harm you. Mirrors are most commonly used, but any shiney object placed in a window can have protective porperties

Instructions

1. Open your ritual space.
2. Pull 3 cards asking: What are the gifts of my light?
3. Place at least one small mirror in a window of your house facing outward. Recall that The Queen of Pentacles isn’t all love and roses, she also carries a sword. As you place the mirror, say ‘All outside influences that would cause me harm or obstruction are reflected by my light.’
4. Practice The Stripper’s Mantra several times, feeling the pleasure of your own innate awesomeness, your absolute deliciousness. Really get into your sexy, seductress/seducer. Allow the power to build through experiencing yourself as powerful, sexy, magnetic and irresistable. You are living velvet!
5. Spend some time meditating on New Moon intentions.
6. Close your ritual space