On Initiations

“We have to keep on cleaning the mirror.” ― John Coltrane

Dear relatives,

First, as always, a song offering to set the vibe: 

I’ve attempted to write this letter several times, but no words seem to get to the core of what I want to convey. The temporary obstruction of the Sun last week did something. Shift is the term that I’ve been hearing most often from others. I’d have to agree. Given the profound astronomical impact of the solar eclipse in Aries, nestled next to Chiron (The Wounded Healer), it is certain that we are in the thick of many shifts. It’s as if the luminaries held counsel together, and asked us to pay closer attention, to reflect on the ways that harm shows up on a personal and collective level. 

Over the past month, the palpable cosmic changes have called me to rest. More often than usual, I find myself nodding off in the afternoon; reveling in a quick nap between work and other engagements. The harder I try to stay awake, the easier it is to feel my limbs surrender. It’s as if I am being guided into a deep contemplation. 

I keep returning to the word initiation and specifically the question: What is being initiated through us? As the Sun moves into Taurus on April 19, a major and long-awaited conjunction will occur. The planet of expansion (Jupiter) and the planet of reinvention (Uranus) will join together in the fixed Earth sign of Taurus on April 20. The last time these two planets were together in Taurus was in 1941 during World War II, overlapping with The Great Depression. During this scarce period, many people returned to gardening as a source of sustenance and survival. Taurus is an archetype deeply connected to the body, resources, and the land. In nature, this Sign represents a fertile garden with rich loam, or an old-growth forest teeming with memory. Apropos of the moment, Jupiter and Uranus will merge in Taurus two days before Earth Day. On a personal note, I’ll be gathering with folks in my local community for our annual Earth Day celebration in the park. This year, I have the immense honor of presenting a talk on “Food As Medicine” where I will address themes related to food and its constellation of meanings, including nutritional energetics and ways to decolonize our food system. 

Staying with the intensity of Aries season, the Full Moon in Scorpio on April 23 will add depth to the equation. Considering the position of the Moon and the Sun, we can locate ourselves on their axis–between the tangible and intangible, where the ecosystems of fixed Water (Scorpio) and fixed Earth (Taurus) express their interdependent qualities. Within this relational dynamic, we are also witnessing an emphasis on emotions. In the mutable waters of Pisces, we find both Mars (the traditional ruler of Scorpio) and Neptune (the modern ruler of Pisces). There may be big, heated, or murky feelings to sit with this week and into the final days of the month. Mercury will station direct on April 25, and will slowly bring clarity as we move through its post-retrograde shadow. 

Finding supportive and generative ways to express what you truly feel is important and lifesaving. Phone a trusted friend who helps you to feel seen and safe. Practice breathwork to fortify the mind-body-spirit connection, and utilize the breath as a tool in moments that feel particularly challenging. Cast your spells and prayers aloud and scream into the air if you need to. Know that every feeling that you allow to move through you is its own portal. 

Many Full Moon blessings to you!

xo, C