A look at the astrology of the week of November 28, 2017 - December 4, 2017  

The big story of this week is captured by the Gemini Full Moon on December 3 at 10:46am US/Eastern. Forming an exact T-square configuration with Neptune at 11° Pisces, the Sun in Sagittarius opposes the Moon in Gemini to shine a brilliant light on the need to live up to our higher aspirations and spiritual ideals, to pursue our vision for the future and the creative growth it contains. Our choices around walking our talk and honoring our spiritual ideals will have far-reaching consequences, as the planet of conceptual thought, communication and commerce, Mercury, stations retrograde in a tight conjunction with the planet of consequences, Saturn. 

Should we choose to delude ourselves or others, and maybe drown in binge-shopping in an effort to fill an aching void or poignant longing, we might find ourselves forced to confront our defense mechanisms. Whether that’s an inner escape artist who takes us away from emotional discomfort, or a bully who tries to crush our self-esteem in an attempt to keep us small (and safe), finding our source of belonging to something greater-than-ourselves can provide a haven from distractions which keep us from being fully present to our lives and our most important relationships. 

One way to access our capacity for presence and empathy is to find a quiet, contemplative space late at night, at 11pm or even midnight, and write a love letter to yourself. Or if that’s too hard, try writing a love letter to the Milky Way galaxy, or to some other aspect of the sacred world which inspires you with wonder and awe. Write a love letter to yourself (or some Sacred Other) about all of your/their wonderful qualities, the things you truly love about yourself/them, and what you celebrate about your life or about the Sacred Other. Describe in loving detail the ways that you have succeeded, and all of your noble and worthy actions, your beautiful ways of being. You might imagine moving your center of consciousness from your head or brain and into your heart center, before beginning to write. The time of day is important because late at night is when the completely accepting, deeply loving parental or adult part of us is easy to access. If you find critical voices cropping up to distract you, thank them for trying to help, but you’re going to play around with this! You might let yourself re-read your love letter whenever you are challenged by inner and outer circumstances, to remind yourself of your true size and your true beauty. 

Such a practice is supported by the long-term transit of Jupiter trine Neptune which begins this week (Nov. 2017 to mid-Sept. 2018), helping us expand our understanding of the world and what is possible in it. Jupiter trine Neptune also enlarges the empathic imagination from which a creative response to life’s challenges can flow. Coupled with the strong revolutionary impulse this week and within the full moon as well, connectingyour courage to your vision, compassion and inner faith can help align you with your higher callings. Allowing fear or inertia to hijack your aspirations could instead result in your own or others’ erratic behavior, potentially setting yourself up to believe that you have to fight others to get what you want. Half the fight will be in overcoming your own inner saboteur.     
 
This Mercury retrograde is good for revising one’s philosophy of life, and embracing limitations as an important part of creativity. We might have to face consequences of being too sloppy in our thinking or concepts, and have to start over. The theme of self-centeredness will come up for many of us, and we may have to face the cold fact that sometimes conflict happens, when our needs/desires are at odds with the needs/desires of others. 

Key dates:
Nov. 14  Mercury enters its own shadow at 13°  Sagittarius
Dec. 3   Mercury stations retrograde at 29°  Sagittarius
Dec. 22  Mercury stations direct at 13°  Sagittarius
Jan. 10  Mercury exits its own shadow at 29°  Sagittarius


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Cosmic Sightings by our dear astrologer Erica Jones 
For an astrology reading contact her here
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Step into the realms of Soul and enlarge the conversation you are having with the world through an astrological consultation. With Erica as your guide, cross the astrological bridge between heaven and Earth to transform liabilities into assets and cooperate with the energies and forces presently shaping your life.

CACAO BLISS BOWL
with Mangosteen + Mushrooms

A delicious bowl that can honestly be had anytime of day. Enjoy it for breakfast or have it as a healthy dessert. Loaded with herbal power and exquisite flavors. 

2 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cups frozen cauliflower (a healthy fiberous filler)
• 1 banana
• 1/2 avocado 
• 1 tsp mangosteen hibiscus
• 2 Tbsp coconut cream powder
• Handful of strawberries
• 1-2 Tbsp raw cacao powder (*depends how chocolatey you're feeling)
• 1tsp Soma mushroom elixir 
• 1 tsp vanilla bean powder
• 1 ¼ cup almond mylk - or choice of plant milk
• Handful of frozen blueberries
• 3 ice cubes (if you like it cold)
• Toasted coconut chips, blueberries, strawberries, bee pollen for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Blend all ingredients in high-speed blender until very smooth. Pour into two small bowls. Garnish with desired toppings and enjoy!