Summer Solstice/Litha marks the beginning of Intense Energy Period

Our up coming Summer Solstice marks the start of a few months of intense energy ahead of us. The solstice not only represents the longest day but the time that our beautiful sun's rays are shining most directly and vertically down upon us. We can benefit from this wonderful energy and use this time, building upon the enhanced energy that we feel within ourselves and emanating all around us.

You can make sun water at the time of the Solstice, sun water made at this time is especially potent and can be used for all sorts of remedies and energising uses. Find out how to make it here

Following on quickly from the Summer Solstice we  have full moon on July 2nd and then a trio of three super moons in a row in August, September and October

The July full moon on the 2nd is the Full Buck Moon, Thunder Moon or Hay Moon, named for the abundance of nature at this time of year. This moon follows hot on the heels of the Litha or the Summer Solstice, our earth will literally will be crackling with super charged energy.

The Supermoon in September comes the closest to us for 2015, being only 357,098 km or 221,890 miles away.

What is a super moon

Why do Supermoons Occur?

Why does the super moon affect me?

Waxing New Moon Energy

As our new moon begins to wax the world is your oyster.Enjoy the increasing energy our earth is giving you right now, start each day smiling!

Each new moon we have brings with it an air of hope I find, there is something about our Mother Earth at this time of the month that is like no other. We are now in the time of the Waxing Crescent moon, a time of incredible energy and growth. Somehow the grass verges look greener, the sky looks brighter, nature is vibrant with hope and we are too. Embrace the feeling and use this energy to pour into whatever projects you have on the go right now. Wake each day with a smile on your face and a determination that today is going to be a good one.

Enjoy the spring like feeling, Waxing moon blessings to you all, AstarteAlison

I wish for you a day full of joy and happiness. Positive inspirational quote

I wish for you a day full of joy and happiness, a day when you feel like blowing bubbles just for the sheer joy of seeing them float into the sky, carrying your dreams toward the heavens *´¯`•.¸¸. ♥ *

Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways.Sarah Ban Breathach.

Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last.  The spring rains will come again.  Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Very uplifting words from the wonderful Sarah Ban Breathnach. She is the author of the book 'Simple Abundunce', helping you to always look on the bright side. Ironically after writing that book Sarah Ban Brethnach underwent a lot more hardship herself and faced financial ruin at the age of 61 after a lot of very poor business decisions. She writes about it in her book 'Peace and Plenty', and shows us that there is always a way out of the darkness however dark that path might look at the time. Just because yesterday was a bad day it does not mean that tomorrow will be.

Abundant blessings in all areas of your life, AstarteAlison

New Moon Affirmation. On accepting the challenges ahead of us in life and practicing Gratitude

We have a new moon today and with it comes an apology from me for not posting in ages. Too much going on I won't bore you with but hopefully life will get on bit more of an even keel now.

So we have a new moon and with it always the hope of new beginnings, fresh eyes on the world, new ways of thinking, amazing opportunities and challenges to be faced. It is an exciting time in the lunar month I always find, as well as sometimes for some an unsettling on, coupled with the time of the full moon I often think this is the most turbulent time, it is how we use this time to our advantage that is the key here really. I have to admit I often do struggle at these times as I do suffer from migraines at the time of the new moon and full moon but try to push through. This is a time of challenge, we all have our challenges to face, the key is how we deal with these. Practicing mindfulness and gratitude are great ways of doing this. Concentrating on the here and now and being grateful for what you have right now, the little things, is a great way to take your mind away from the worry of any larger issues that may be causing you pain. 

What plans do you have for this new moon, do you have any projects you would like to get started on? I plan to book my craft fairs and festivals for the summer over the next few days so that is something to look forward to.

New moon blessings to you,

Alison

Imbolc Blessings to you, sending gratitude to Gaia

Imbolc blessings to you and all you hold dear. The earth is struggling to awaken although much of our planet is still in the grips of winter, we hold onto the idea that spring is around the corner. Snowdrops fight their way out of the cold still earth, reminding us that there is hope in the stillness.

We also send our Lammas love to all those in the Southern hemisphere, giving thanks for the harvest that our Mother Earth brings us at this time.

Wherever you are send out thoughts of gratitude today to our wonderful Mother Earth Gaia for all she provides for us at these times of the turning of the wheel and every day of our lives to sustain us, remember each and every living creature in your prayers, they are all part of this wonderful world we are lucky to be a part of.

Imbolc and Lammas blessings, Alison ☽✪☾

Super New Moons in January February and March. Can you feel the increase in energy?

How has this moon phase been for you? I've taken full advantage of the New Moon this January and gone full on into creating my new website, it is something I have been meaning to do for a long time and have been putting off. As many of you know I suffer from migraines and this puts me off starting big jobs like this knowing that it may be hard to finish them but I decided that I just had to go for it. Our waxing moon has really been in my favour these past few days and I have been able to work really well and have got so much done. I'm very chuffed with myself!! I am also feeling a great deal of gratitude for the wonders of the universe that we inhabit and it's ever changing nature. 

Even my daughter who is not particularly into this sort of thing commented that the moon must be giving her energy as she was feeling it too! She is busy with a heavy work load from school at the moment and so it really helped that the waxing moon was giving her the energy to get through it.

It was a super new moon this January so that may have something to do with it. This means that our new moon was closer to the earth than she normally is. A super moon has to be within 361,836 kilometres or 224,834 miles to be defined as a Supermoon.  At the time of the super moon the effects that we normally feel at the new moon will be accentuated. This super new moon also brings wider ranging tides than normal. The tide rises higher, which is called a Perigean spring tide and also plunges much lower.

  
More information can be found on super moons here: What is a Supermoon?

Our February new moon will also be a super new moon as will be the new moon in March of this year. February's new moon occurring on the 18th will be the most 'super' of the three as it is closest to the lunar perigree. Perigree means near our earth. The new moon on February 18th 2015 occurs at 23.47 UTC and the lunar perigree occurs eight hours later. Our moon in March will arrive on the 20th, approximately fourteen hours after pedigree. 

We will therefore be in for a real treat in February. I'm looking forward to making even more progress on my blog and website then!

If you would like to take a peek at my website it is http://www.astarte-moon.co.uk or you can click on the shop button at the top of the page here. I would love to know what you think, any improvements I could make etc. I'm still learning my way around the new programme. Steep learning curve but I'm getting there!!

New Moon Blessings to you xxx

New Moon blessings to you all.Now is a great time to get stuck into a new project.Mine is working on my new website-slow but getting there! Astarte-Moon.co.uk will soon have a new look so keep an eye out! I hope it will be worth it, it's a steep learning curve but luckily the moon is in my favour, the waxing moon phase we will be in now will hopefully help me on my way!
New Moon blessings to you,
Alison xxx

Brigid's Imbolc blessings positive inspirational quote. Follow the Brigid bliss.

Imbolc blessings to you and all those you hold dear, wherever you are, all around the world.

May the Goddess Brighde be in your hearts and her love bring all the goodness of the first awakenings of spring to you and those around you. Brighde, Brigit or Brigid was celebrated as the Goddess of Fertility, may she bring prosperity, fertility and happiness into all aspects of your lives. Brigid was said to be the mother of the God Yule, she is nursing him now at Imbolc as he grows strong. She is known as the fire goddess and many celebrations centre around fire building and the lighting of candles. Brigid is one of the few Pagan goddesses who still survives to this day, she was adopted by the Christian church and was worshipped as Saint Brigit,  although she was de canonised in the 1960s, she is still venerated in Ireland. 

Embrace the spirit of Brigid and bring her love and joy into your lives. Our earth is awakening, allow yourselves to awaken and blossom, you will be amazed at the wonderful happiness that lies waiting ahead of you. Follow the Brigid Bliss. 

Brigid's blessings to you, AstarteAlison

Ten Fun Facts You may not know about Imbolc, festival of Brighde

Ten Facts You may not know about Imbolc

So of course you know that Imbolc is celebrated on 2nd February and that is is the festival of the Goddess Brighde, Brigid or Brigit. There seems to be many different spellings of her name around! Imbolc celebrates the beginning of our earth's awakening and the return of the light. So the following are just a few facts about Imbolc that I put together that you may or may not know!

Imbolc derives from the word Oimelc which means lactating sheep, hence the connection to the spring time and fertility.

Imbolc is also said to be translated as 'in the belly'

Brighde is known as the Goddess of fire and Imbolc is strongly related to fire with bonfires being lit throughout the land in ancient times.

Brighde or Bridey dolls and Brigits cross are strong Imbolc symbols

Imbolc is often a good time for spring cleaning and cleansing of ones living space to prepare for the year ahead.

Imbolc was re-named Candlemas and celebrated by Christianity 

Groundhog day is celebrated on Imbolc and it is said it originates from the legend of Brighde's snake emerging from the ground.

Trees representing Imbolc are the Rowan and the Willow.

Other symbols for Imbolc are the snowdrop, the swan, candles and the plough.

Enjoy this wonderful season of our earth's awakening, may the spirit of Brighde bring love and light into your hearts and your homes.

Blessings, Alison

Moon Phases for January 2015. Full Moon in Cancer

2015 hopefully will bring a year full of possibilities and happiness for us all. Below are the moon phases for you to help you work with those to help you enable those dreams to come true. Working within the phases of the moon helps you to use the natural forces of the universe work to your advantage: building towards things you wish to grow within your life during a waxing moon for example and looking at things you might want to let go from your life during a waning moon, for example. As we are in the time of a waxing moon on first January this is actually an excellent time for creating those New Year's resolutions or plans that you will actually stick to, their strength encouraged by the growing strength of our wonderful waxing moon. 

Our Next Full Moon is Monday 5th January 2015 * 05:53:18 am
Central European Time (CET)
Moon sign: Cancer 14° 30'

In other time zones:
WELLINGTON = Monday * 5th Jan 2015 * 05:53:18 pm (NZDT)
SYDNEY = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 03:53:18 pm (AEDT)
TOKYO = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 01:53:18 pm (JST)
BEIJING = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 12:53:18 pm (CST)
BANGKOK = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 11:53:18 am (ICT)
DELHI = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 10:53:18 am (IST)
DUBAI = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 08:53:18 am (GST)
MOSCOW = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 07:53:18 am (MSK)
BERLIN = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 05:53:18 am (CET)
LAGOS = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 05:53:18 am (WAT)
LONDON = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 04:53:18 am (GMT)
RIO = Monday * 5th January 2015 * 02:53:18 am (BRST)
SANTIAGO = Monday * 5th Jan 2015 * 01:53:18 am (CLST)
NEW YORK = Sunday * 4th Jan 2015 * 11:53:18 pm (EST)
MEXICO CITY = Sunday * 4th Jan 2015 * 10:53:18 pm (CST)
CALGARY = Sunday * 4th January 2015 * 09:53:18 pm (MST)
LOS ANGELES = Sunday * 4th Jan 2015 * 08:53:18 pm (PST)
ANCHORAGE = Sunday * 4th Jan 2015 * 07:53:18 pm (AKST)
HONOLULU = Sunday * 4th Jan 2015 * 06:53:18 pm (HAST)


This full moon is in Cancer encouraging us to be very honest about our feelings as we go into 2015. Look deep into your heart and examine all your personal relationships to make sure you are on the right track. Keep all that is good in your life and let go of anything that is not.  Venus is in retrograde encouraging us to examine past relationships, heal them and thus strengthen current ones. Full Moon Blessings for January 2015 to you all, may the moon in Cancer bring you all that your heart desires, feel the bliss, blessings, Alison

As we look to the New Year, Hold on to what is good. Inspirational New Year Quote 2015

As we look to the New Year, Hold on to what is good, Let go of what is bad. It really is that simple. Mandy Hale.

New Year Blessings to you all, hope that 2015 brings you a year full of health and happiness. This is wonderful advice from Mandy Hale. The New Year is a good time for looking at what we do and don't need in our lives. I'm not one for a big new year's resolution list but it can be a good time to just take a bit of time to reassess and look at what is working and what is not. Make a few changes, make a new years resolution list if that is what works for you but only if you know it is a realistic one that you can stick to. Keep the good and let go of the bad and look forward to a wonderful 2015 full of bliss and all that you deserve.

Much love and rainbow hugs, Alison xxxx ☽✪☾

You are the magic, absolute belief is the key. Positive Waxing Moon Inspirational Affirmation

You are the magic, absolute belief is the key.

This is a wonderful positive affirmation, print this free e-card out if you like and put it somewhere where you will see it all the time, such as the back of your front door. You are the magic, you can achieve your dreams. Now is the perfect time to set in motion those dreams as we are in the time of a waxing moon, a great time to repeat those positive affirmations.

Magickal blessings to you, Alison

Tomorrow begins with a brand new light. Thoughts on Gratitude.

Embrace your dreams through all of the night, tomorrow begins with a brand new light.

As you fall asleep, think with gratitude of the day that has been today. It may have been a good day, it may not have been the day you had hoped for. Somewhere within that day there will have been things that you can be grateful for. Think of those things as you fall asleep, dwelling on the positive to help you through the night. Tomorrow is always a brand new dawn with its own hopes and dreams, whatever has happened the day before, a new light will make everything seem different. 

Blessings of new light to you, Alison

"You are emerging from the cocoon of your former self. Marianne Williamson Positive Inspirational Quote

"You are emerging from the cocoon of your former self. There are no limits to the extent of the transformation that's possible for you" Marianne Williamson

This is a wonderful and truly inspiring quote by the fabulous Marianne Williamson. She teaches us that it is always possible to change, change is within us and it is never too late to do so, we just need the courage to take those initial steps towards transformation, to shrug off the chains that may be holding us back and move forward towards our dreams. Whatever the terminology we use, the Lightening Process, NLP, mindfulness, all of these are designed to bring about the change from within but first we need to want to change. Are you ready for change, are you ready to take that first step?


Marianne Williamson is also author of the book 

The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for a Radically New Life [Paperback]

Marianne Williamson. 
In this lovely book Marianne talks about change and how we should embrace it. Our lives should be flexible and we are encouraged to find our own path that is truly right for us.

 "Marianne Williamson delves deeply into the rule of change and transition in our lives in this inspirational book, reflecting on the paradoxes that inevitably pervade our experience as she helps us find our way. Williamson examines the paradox of what we gather on the path of life, as our most difficult times sometimes bring about the most wisdom. She then investigates our inherent resistance to change and our recklessness around it. Finally, she focuses at length on the paradox of existence – being firmly rooted yet flexible in our lives.

Providing seven practical principles to support us through the transitions and changes we experience in life, Williamson ensures that whatever change you are facing – whether it's a relationship ending, the loss of a loved one or embarking on a new career path – you can learn to stop resisting the change itself and move into the future gracefully. The Gift of Change also examines the roles of openness and letting go, grieving and forgiveness, and love and fear. Marianne Williamson delivers hope and healing as she brings us to a place where we can truly live in the freedom of love." Amazon.co.uk

So let your light shine, you are brilliant and amazing and others around you will appreciate that light and allow their own light to shine.

Click on the link below to take you forward to find out more about the Gift of Change from Marianne.

Bright blessings of transformation to you, Alison

Launch of new healthy living magazine Harvest 20% discount coupon

I have the thrilling news of the launch of a brand new magazine 'Harvest' This wonderful magazine gives you a seasonal guide to healthy living for a happy life. This beautiful print magazine is packed full of in-depth articles with ideas and inspiration for how you can live better through natural solutions.I have my own contribution in the first issue with the story of my personal Pagan path which I am very excited about!

Modern-day life is hectic and often leaves little room to appreciate the important things in life – the happiness and health of ourselves and our family. We often feel that something is missing in our lives. There is a vast range of alternative solutions out there, claiming to be the one that works, but how do you know where to start?

There is no easy answer to that question but Harvest magazine helps you to find your path through the mine field of alternative therapies and natural remedies to find a happier healthier you, more in touch with yourself and more in touch with nature.

For Astarte-Moon friends I have a very special discount code for you which gives you 20% discount plus 5 mags for the price of 4- bargain for this info packed publication! Just enter the code HARVESTMOON20 at the checkout.

Click on the link below to take you straight to the website:



Issue One is packed with loads of fabulous articles. Of course there is my article which talks about what led me down the Pagan path in the first place, what being a Pagan means to me, and how you can celebrate Paganism in the Autumn. Then there are loads of wonderful pieces of which the following are just the tip of the iceberg. 

• Woodland workout 

Fed up with your local gym? Give nature’s gym a go. We join Oliver Selway in the local woods for a full body workout outdoors.

• Flu fighter 

Don’t let that next cold strike you down. Essential oils to the rescue! Alex Martin explains how to use them effectively to fight off your next cold.

• Garlic goodness 

Much-loved by chefs, but much-maligned for its odour, we rough garlic up a bit and find out why it’s so good for us and how to make some kitchen remedies.

• Plus we’ve got articles on natural deodorants, the paleo diet, exercises from our life coach to unlock true happiness and why playing with your food is a great way to deal with fussy eaters. 

So, give it a try, I promise you won't be disappointed and there is a money back guarantee to make sure you are not! Remember just click on the link above to take you to the website and enter the code to get your discount. You can download a preview of the magazine before buying to checkout some of the articles plus there are lots of great competitions in the blog section of the Harvest website.

Harvest blessings to you, Alison 

A Pagan path with Gratitude for all creatures on our Mother Earth, Gaia.

We are not the only creature on this planet with emotions, feelings and a family life.

Isn't this a beautiful picture? Just reminds us of the importance of all the wonderful beings who inhabit our Mother Earth alongside us. We sometimes have to be reminded that we are not the only ones who to whom things such as family and feelings are incredibly important. Following a Pagan path means to me that all creatures are important on this earth we call Gaia and I constantly offer Gratitude for each and every one of them.

Gaias blessings, AstarteAlison

Happy World Animal Day! A dog wags it's tail with it's heart!

Happy World Animal Day!

A dog wags it's tail with it's heart!

Gratitude quote from Michael Bernard on being grateful for what you already have.

I love this wonderful quote on Gratitude from Michael Bernard. "Nothing new can come into your life unless you are grateful for what you already have. Michael Bernard"

To love unconditionally, to be happy and grateful for the little things in life, we humans have a lot to learn from our pets.Gratitude quote

To love unconditionally, to be happy and grateful for the little things in life, we humans have a lot to learn from our pets.

Gratitude blessings to you, AstarteAlison