The June full moon occurs on June 6 at * 5/6 1312 MDT * 2012 GMT * 0512 AEST 6/5 in the lunar mansion of Jyestha in the sidereal constellation of Scorpio.

The June full moon is known as the Strawberry or Rose Moon in the northern hemisphere as wild strawberries begin to ripen.

The ruinous kala sarpa yoga that has split the heavens over the past two months and brought so much suffering upon the world has finally been broken with Mercury moving outside this pattern on May 29. This will lead to an increasing easing of the pandemic. For now, at least. The coronavirus presence, with its cytokine storms of karma, has brought us to our knees. In amongst the darkness has been great light and possibility, and now feels time for our strength and community to be celebrated.

The June full moon is less isolated, receiving the direct luminous grace of a doubly strong Venus. Venus sits with the star of Rohini, the Moon’s favorite wife, the star of nourishment and dharma. The Moon here is in a placement in the constellation of Scorpio, regarded as debilitated, and is likely to be involved in emotional strategies of secrecy and camouflage. With a dignified Mercury still sharing the house with Rahu. Both under the influence of the star Ardra, whose symbol is the teardrop, reflecting the grieving in our world as we struggle to discern the distinctions between information and truth.

The Moon’s position in Scorpio, the passionate and powerful sign of transformation and rebirth, signifies the experience of this month will remain connected to 8th house themes of manipulation, annihilation, and agonies, all of which are before us.

Jyestha is a mystical and fiery star, the most psychic of Nakshatras, symbolized by a round protective talisman, suggesting protection from hidden, occult forces. The radical and mighty God Indra rules Jyestha, and thankfully for us, remains active in the astrohood. In the Artharva Veda Indra wears a talisman to ensure his victory over evil forces. He has been holding the space of our heartbreak through this season of sorrow, and as we rise, Indra asks us to offer our transformation to serve others and build a new world. To take responsibility, to develop our resilience by our connection to our center, from which we can serve this world.

Pop your celestial seatbelts on beloved astropeeps, for we are entering a volatile eclipse season, the first pair of lunar and solar eclipses occurring on June 5 and June 21, respectively. The Vedic tradition advises us to lay low, not to observe the heavens, to turn towards spiritual practice, to bathe before and after, and keep it simple on eclipse days. Eclipses can bring immediate and disturbing energies into our lives, as the celestial luminaries are darkened when the nodes of the Moon cross the ecliptic. Take rest, connect, and pray. The next month may feel increasingly intense as we move towards the solstice and a powerful solar eclipse. Take care. Unplug. Find sanctuary from the storm.

By Michael

“Widening Circles”

Rainer Maria Rilke. Book of Hours, I 2

Listen

I live my life in widening circles
that reach out across the world.
I may not complete this last one
but I give myself to it.

I circle around God, around the primordial tower.
I’ve been circling for thousands of years
and I still don’t know: am I a falcon,
a storm, or a great song?

Disclaimer: The power and beauty of Jyotish lie in its individual expression through a natal chart, reflecting the unique influence of the stars and planets upon a personal life. Full moon and global Jyotish posts exploring cosmic influences is a broad look at how the euphoric light is expressing in the world. For a personalized astrology reading, please contact Emily @ www.euphoriclight.com/contact/

Emily Glaser RN, BSN
Clinical Ayurveda Practitioner
www.AgniAyurveda.com

The Role of the Spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In week 73, we are sharing information from authorities in the field of Chinese medicine. We will be talking about a very important organ that rules so much of our health, weight, Lymph fluids so much of our wellbeing is connected to our emotions, and in these particular times, the spleen is in so much stress.

Enjoy share, and like if you do.

The Spleen dominates digestion and helps with bowel movements

The spleen is responsible for the transportation of the food and the water we digest. If the Spleen is weak or dysfunction occurs, it will affect certain areas of the digestive system including the Stomach, Small Intestines, and Large Intestines. This can cause the following symptoms: bloating especially after eating or drinking, constipation, sluggish bowel movements, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, fatty or sticky stools.

The Spleen dominates water metabolism and assists with weight loss

The spleen helps to transport fluids throughout our bodies and assists with excreting excessive fluids.

If Spleen is weaker or in disorder, our body will retain more fluids and the following symptoms can occur: Oedema, especially on the arms, legs and abdominal area and puffy face. Gaining weight easily or difficulty in losing weight. cellulite, sagging, Feeling of heaviness in the body.

The Spleen dominates certain circulation issues and assists with the quality and circulation of the blood

It is common to see many people with circulation issues resulting from Spleen Qi and Spleen Yang Deficiency. This affects the quality of the blood, and lack of circulation. The following symptoms may occur Iron deficiency, low blood pressure, scanty periods, pale face,  lips issues, cold hands and feet, lack of energy, pale nail beds, craving sweets.

What diet or lifestyle choices assist with Spleen’s function? What should you avoid to protect your Spleen?

Food and drinks: the Spleen doesn’t like “cold”

Cold temperature food or drinks affect Spleen function. Avoid consuming large amounts of cold fluids or fruit, and salads, especially in the Winter months – this overloads the Spleen which causes bloating and sluggish bowel movements. We encourage clients to drink warm foods and drinks especially in the winter months or cold days. Examples of warming drinks include ginger tea or puer tea (Chinese tea).

Environmental factors: the Spleen doesn’t like cold and dampness

Coldness and dampness affect the Spleen function (affects Spleen Yang and  Qi), certain symptoms we have discussed can be helped by choosing suitable environments for living in– ie sunshine, warm and dry conditions. Ensure you make time each day to exercise in the sunshine, avoiding exercise in the rain or damp conditions and in water  (swimming may not be suitable).

The Spleen doesn’t like over-thinking

When we mentally over-think this will damage the Spleen Qi. Spleen Qi will slow down and this affects our bodies by feeling tiredness, bloating, heaviness. I recommend regular breaks from sitting at a desk and concentrating to encourage physical movement (ie 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours). Acupuncture is a great source to restore spleen Qi.

To induce weight loss, Chinese medicine aims for a balanced Spleen and Stomach. By strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, the body is able to break down and extract nutrients while sending the waste products to the intestines for proper elimination. The speed of metabolism is increased, allowing the body to process and utilize nutrients with greater efficiency while providing energy and vitality. Water transformation is made more efficient; helping the body rid excessive water and harmful toxic accumulations, whilst the regulation of bowel movements creates a balance of consumption against elimination.

Eating a balanced diet in accordance with the principles of Chinese medicine will rebalance the Spleen and Stomach naturally. There are three general groups of foods within Chinese medicine; carbohydrates, proteins and fruits, and vegetables. Each group has a specific nutritional value and energetic activity. Generally, carbohydrates are sweet and warm, strengthen the Spleen and build Qi (energy). Proteins nourish Qi, Blood, Yin (Water) and Jing (Essence) and tend to be warmer than carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables tend to be cooling, clearing and mobilizing in nature, thus providing a balance to the other groups. By varying the proportions, a holistic balance can be achieved, leading to greater water and fat metabolism.

Salads and Juices

In the developed world, a balanced diet has been associated with the European Naturopathic movement’s beliefs in a diet high in raw foods, such as salads and juices. According to Chinese Medicine, too much raw food weakens the Spleen, eventually leading to weight gain. Eating foods that are already at body temperature or higher protects the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Digestive enzymes (Spleen and Stomach Qi) only work at physiological temperatures. The act of cooking actually contributes to the breakdown of foodstuff, thus aiding digestion. This does not mean that all raw food is bad. In hot weather, some raw foods are good at cooling the body down.

The ideal source of raw

Arugula

 Watercress

 Spinach

Baby spinach

Quality of Ingredients

All produce should be of the best quality available. Food should appeal to the senses, being vibrant in color and aroma, bursting with vitality and Qi. It is important to buy fresh produce frequently, from locally grown areas in the correct season.

Timing of Eating

The Spleen and Stomach have their own internal cycle and prepare to receive food at specific times of the day. If food is not consumed at these intervals, internal disruption results, causing weight gain. Generally, carbohydrate-rich meals should be consumed early in the day between 7 am and 11 am. Smaller meals are recommended towards the end of the day as the body slows down, preparing for sleep. It is not advised to eat anything after 9 pm.

Eating in a Relaxed State

Energy-intensive activities, such as working breakfasts, working through lunch and eating on the run, have a significant negative impact on the function and efficiency of the Spleen, resulting in weight gain.

Overeating – Under Eating

In the developed world we tend to eat too much or too little. Both these imbalances damage the Spleen. It is important to stop eating when you feel you could eat a little bit more, whilst skipping meals or restricting calorie intake can damage the Spleen, leading to weight gain once this practice is stopped.

Acupuncture

More recently, acupuncture has been used to aid weight loss by strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, regulating the endocrine function, reducing appetite, increasing defecation and increasing overall energy and vitality. Following acupuncture, the concentrations of blood sodium and aldosterone decrease whilst the concentration of blood potassium increases, thus improving water and salt metabolism. Further studies have also shown that acupuncture reduces the sense of hunger and slows down absorption in the small intestine whilst inhibiting the hyperactive digestion of the stomach.