*Eleditor’s note: Astrology isn’t a religion. We’re not sure it’s a science, either. It’s magic, maybe. But, as with feng shui, say, things affect things. So as long as we don’t go blaming our problems on the stars, as long as we assume responsibility for our own actions…well, hell, a little auspicious coincidence and applicable wisdom can’t hurt. And so, with that grain of salt…enjoy!

The moon will rise full over our beautiful blue planet on Monday, June 20th, on the longest day of the year and our Summer Solstice, and with it will comes with the opportunity for introspection.

Sagittarius rules June’s moon, which was also the position of May’s full moon—a rare occasion in planetary alignment. We are nearing an end of a powerful cycle between these two Full Moons and if you’ve felt in a bit of tailspin, you’re in good company—many of us have been orbiting in a vortex of emotions and even physical upheaval.

Sagittarius can be a tricky influence, but I appreciate its leadership, and when the moon settles in, I allow for complete surrender. If you’ve ever tried to oppose a Sagittarian in your circle, you will know what I mean—this sign simply expects compliance.

Surrendering under a Full Moon becomes a ritual of letting go and breathing in the fine essence of being taken to unknown place. Although our fear may steer us away from valuable lessons, surrender takes us by the hand and guides us to new strengths.

In the past weeks, we have been adjusting our sails to make sense of world events.

2016 has already been a test to our humanity and our ability to heal and forgive. June’s Full Moon is a Harvest Moon.

It is berry season. Berries are soft, tender, easily bruised but exquisitely delicious. Their offering is fleeting but powerful, and I like to compare it to how we deal with trauma. We bruise and bleed when witnessing tragic human events. We seek answers to the often asked “Why?” and in the midst of our pain, it is easy to give up hope.

But we are inside a fortuitous cycle between last month’s and this month’s Full Moons, which focus primarily on harvesting resources. Where relationships are concerned, we can now focus on personal situations or how we relate to our fellow man.

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, a planet whose themes explore expansion and evolution.

Not surprisingly, in light of the inconceivable violence in Orlando, Jupiter expresses social evolution dealing with religion, philosophy and politics. All things are connected.

I’m not blaming the planets or the moon for anything people do, because that would relieve us of all responsibility, but I do see how the positions of the moon and planets expose portals for our advancement. What we choose to do with these lessons is up to us. The Universe is a living, breathing entity and we are part of the ebb and flow.

Here are some things we can learn from Sagittarian influence over the Full Moon.

At the best of times, Sagittarius teaches about truth, enthusiasm, generosity and adventure.

I use these traits to find peace and hope when times are difficult. I find generosity of spirit when aching for answers and believe that people are inherently good and kind. I explore other cultures and understand that differences are nothing to be afraid of, but to be embraced.

At the worst of times, Sagittarius can be intolerant of another’s opinion, speak with such brutal honesty that all communication shuts down and be quite self-assured that they are never wrong. These aspects can cause division and intolerance.

During this Full Moon we are handed a great opportunity to find balance and open-heartedness, forgiveness and hope. Shall we take it, hands held, eyes to a peaceful future? While we could easily to slip into worry and fear, it’s better to surrender to hope—it is a deliberate choice.

In addition to this already heady energy, the Full Moon greets the sun as it stands still in the Northern Hemisphere for the longest day of the year and marks the beginning of summer.

During Summer Solstice we are bathed in light from our two most powerful sources of planetary influence—the sun and moon.

At a time when darkness threatens to overwhelm our hearts, we are gifted with more light than we have experienced in months. Is this a signal to trigger our hope. I welcome this Full Moon and Summer Solstice as a herald of good things to come.

A Full Moon/Solstice Ritual for Opening at Heart Centre:

Full moon energy is potent on the day of and also three days before and after Solstice. There is plenty of time to bask in the light.

On any of the days influenced by the Full Moon, gather your friends and loved ones and plan a Full Moon dance.

If you wish to remain solitary, that is also fine.

You will need:

Music—organize talented friends or bring your favorite summer playlist.

Food—a summer picnic including berries, a light salad and sparkling drinks.

Blankets and pillows.

An area where fire is welcome and safe (can be a grouping of candles set on a flat rock).

Drums and shakers.

Candle tapers.

Pen and paper.

Make a plan to gather in the late afternoon into early evening and create a circular space with blankets and pillows scattered around the perimeter with a safe fire, or candles, in the center.

Lay all the delicious food within the circle and share, remembering to leave a bit for the fairies on a leaf or bit of bark somewhere to the side, using a thimble for their drink. Fairies also adore chocolate.

Take time to exchange stories, food and laughter. When the time feels right, light your fire.

As the sun sets and the moon rises—a most magical time of the day where one is seemingly between worlds—hold hands and stand in a circle, take three deep breaths in and out.

Chant together the sound of all creation—Om.

Take turns going around the circle sharing whatever comes to your heart. Whatever comes is fine, this is an exercise in opening the heart chakra. You may feel nothing or you may feel as if your chest is expanding at the breast-bone as if your heart wishes to escape. Accept anything you feel with gratitude. All is good.

The first person to speak will light their candle and as they finish speaking, light the next person’s candle as a sign of solidarity and peace. Now the person with newly lit candle has a chance to speak, so forth and so on. Blow out the candles in unison when everyone has spoken.

By the light of the moon, sing, dance, drum and howl, inviting all and any elemental beings into your company—if you’re fortunate, you will see the phosphorescence of fairy presence. If you can, find some music for sacred circle dancing and perform some simple steps while holding hands. Circle dance is a powerful way to create magical energy and focus your intention on healing for the planet.

Write down anything you wish to release, such as heartache, old wounds or relationships and throw these notes into the fire.

Toast with something bubbly.

If appropriate, dance naked under the moon or simply lie down under her influence.

This ritual is a sample, feel free to change any aspects of it.

I wish you all the happiest of Full Moons and a peaceful Solstice. May the sun and the moon be your guides always, their light a source of inspiration and hope. Namaste.

Relephant:

Author: Monika Carless

Image: flickr/Courtney Carmody

Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock