This Full Moon is planted firmly in the watery womb space of Pisces, in a Nakshatra called “Uttara Bhadrapada,” which means (among many things) “higher blessings.”


This is one half of a pair of Nakshatras — Purva and Uttara Bhadrapada. Both represent a deep desire to reach the final destination of one’s spiritual quest… Purva through fire, and Uttara, through water. Whereas fire leads to the ashes of complete destruction, water has a softer way of moving through the world, carving the land over time — no rush, no dawdling. Just flow. This is the way of Uttara Bhadrapada — and this is the mood we might expect from this full moon.
Notice which suggestion here resonates for you👇🏻


▶️ If you’re tuned into your intuition and/or have a mastery of your mind, you’re able to mute anxious thoughts. Using simple affirmations or sounds, you anchor your attention and plant positive seeds in your mind, rather than letting thoughts run amok. If this is you, meditation, journaling, channeling ancestors through writing, oracle cards, and other intuitive activities might feel reeallllly good this night. Not much effort is needed to make a magical offering to this Moon — listen to your heart, and don’t question what it whispers to you. Trust.


▶️ If, however, you’ve fallen out practice with your spiritual path and the rituals that ground you recently, I believe this Moon has built-in support to get back on track. Uttara Bhadrapada has the natural support of some of the great gurus of the zodiac — Jupiter (lord of Pisces) for higher wisdom, and Saturn (lord of the Nakshatra) for hard work, diligence, and the release of resistance toward what you know you need for your own well-being. Consider doing a cleansing ritual with water to re-tune into that deep, womb wisdom — as simple as a sacred bubble bath, calm music, and intention setting.
▶️ No matter what, I recommend getting outside to see the actual Moon in the sky, too. Simply witnessing her light is medicine in and of itself. Happy Purnima (Full Moon) 🤗
*Note: My teachings are rooted in Vedic/Yogic Astrology and the actual location of the Moon in the sky.

Other than the Sun and Moon, all the planetary bodies retrograde. Some a few times a year, others less. And if you’ve been following me, you‘ve learned that “retrograde” is an illusion from our vantage point on earth. The entire premise is that the planets appear to be moving backward in the sky — but in truth, it’s just a cosmic illusion. Just as in life, so many of our perceived “problems” are a result our fixed expectations of something— until we look at things differently. Suddenly, the situation morphs before our eyes, and problem solved.


I’ll add that planets don’t “make us do things,” here on earth - despite our culture’s willingness to sensationalize astrology. Planetary bodies in Vedic Astrology (just like characters in any tradition) represent archetypal wisdom that help us understand aspects of ourselves.


All this being said, Jupiter is our giant gaseous friend in the sky and he lumbers through one sign every year. Within that sign, he also retrogrades once a year. This year, he’s retrograde in Aries… and he turns direct just in time for champagne toasts and New Year’s resolutions.


It can be helpful to consider retrograde periods as an opportunity to re-trace your steps, or think outside whatever box you normally find yourself in. Jupiter is the planet of expansion, creativity, fertility (of all kinds, not just children), and beliefs. And unlike some of the other planets who have reputations for “putting us through the wringer,” Jupiter is known as the great guru and the great benefic of the Zodiac. He generally gives gifts and boons wherever he goes.


An example: Fertility. If you’ve been experiencing infertility of some kind — whether children, a writer’s block of sorts, or even too much fertile soil at your disposal — Jupiter retrograde can be a good time to look at your situation with a fresh set of eyes. You may see things or learn something in a different way. Thus, you may be motivated to (in true Aries fashion) take bold action to achieve results.

​Another example: Faith. Our faith can be tested in so many ways. And with Jupiter’s retrograde, we can explore our faith in new ways… read a book from an inspiring new author. Attend worship at a new place. Read a new chapter in your spiritual text that gives a fresh perspective. Follow a new teacher on social media. Try a new style of yoga. Add a new ritual to your morning routine. You get the idea.


Jupiter retrograde isn’t necessarily “losing faith” and “following false gods.” Rather, he can expand our existing faith in all directions. As we say, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Through the end of the year, pay close attention to who you’re called to learn from. It might surprise you — and if the timing is right, it could be just what you need in your life.


One final thought for this time is simply gaining a fresh perspective. Jupiter is the great guru of the zodiac, and we are his students. What have you personally been learning since Jupiter entered Aries at the end of April 2023? This is usually indicated where Jupiter sits in your birth chart, what Aries represents for you + which parts of your life are influenced by Sagittarius and Pisces. (All things best unlocked with an astrologer like me during a birth chart analysis! 😉) Based on that, this is your chance to retrace your steps. Perhaps what you’ve read about, you’ll get to experience IRL. Or something that didn’t quick “click” before is now in full color.


Jupiter represents our capacity to learn and teach — no doubt this retrograde period will be a chance for us to expand what we think is possible for our faith, fertility and our outlook on life.