*Whether astrology is science or magic, we’re open to most things, if they may be of benefit. ~ Ed.

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The new moon solar eclipse on August 11th marks the end of the eclipse season and brings to a close chapters of our lives that have been unfolding since the previous eclipse season at the beginning of this year.

This means that anything that has been troubling us—bad habits, destructive patterns of behaviours, and relationships that bring turmoil—will naturally come to an end, and we will notice a significant change as we let go of anything (or anyone) that is unhealthy or unfulfilling in our lives.

Whatever we have been manifesting (for instance, relocating or planning a new career move) will quickly come to fruition, and we will receive an abundance of opportunities that help us create a fresh, positive, and exciting new start. This new moon not only brings to an end things we have been going through for the last six months, it is also the start of a new eclipse season and six-month chapter in our lives that runs until the next eclipse on January 21st, 2019.

New moons are all about new beginnings, and there is no better time to make drastic change and a new start than at the beginning of a new eclipse season. The only thing that might cause a hindrance is the planet Mercury, due to it being in retrograde, as it is notorious for being a troublemaker with plans and arrangements. However, as long as we are mindful about how we create change and triple check all details before finalisation, we won’t go too far wrong. 

Although it is normally advisable to wait until Mercury retrograde has ended before making major decisions, this new moon’s energy is far too potent to wait around. It is our choice whether we choose to flow with the moon’s powerful momentum and be cautious with the moves we make, or wait until Mercury stations direct on August 19th to make life-changing decisions.

Either way, change is coming for us, and we will be unable to ignore it, because even if we hesitate and come up with a variety of excuses as to why we need to stay in “safe mode,” events beyond our control will shake us from slumber and force us to question who and what we are prioritising and how they impact every aspect of our life.

I don’t believe there are many who would say that 2018 hasn’t been one hell of a roller-coaster ride so far. We will all likely have noticed that each month has held its own unique energy with many cosmic placements affecting us, and within that energy there were major life events to overcome as well as valuable lessons to be learned.

Some of what we have experienced may have felt unpleasant and uncomfortable as we were constantly adapting to the turbulence, although without consciously realizing it, we were also evolving and growing at rapid speed.

One of the greatest lessons many of us have learned this year is how to accept what we cannot control or change, and how to let go of what is not meant for us.

During this new moon eclipse we are being taught about letting go through losing things we felt were important to us. This could mean people may end relationships with us or we might cut ties, we may either temporarily or permanently misplace items that had sentimental or financial value, or we may lose data due to technology malfunctioning, such as laptops or phones breaking, being stolen, or the information just seemingly “disappearing.” Much of this will be highly frustrating and even emotionally difficult to accept, although it is a major sign that we need to work hard at letting go of our attachment to whatever doesn’t exist in the present moment. 

Letting go is vital for soul growth, as when we attempt to hold on we remain stuck in old energy and struggle to move onward and create new experiences, relationships, and opportunities. Often, we don’t realise that we are holding on, as our emotions become trapped within our subconscious, so the universe sends us sharp lessons (like losing things!) to awaken us so we recognise we are not fully living in the present moment due to our attachment to the past.

The fastest and easiest way to spiritually awaken is not through learning various concepts, philosophies, and ancient practices—it is simply through the acceptance that all we really have is this present moment, and anything in the past or future is no longer or not yet part of our true reality here on Earth. So much of our pain and suffering is due to either anxiety over what’s already happened or fear of what we might encounter in the future, and we waste so much energy conjuring up scenarios and reminiscing about what isn’t actually here in the now. 

When we let go, we move with the flow, rather than remaining caught in resistance. Releasing the past also means we stop stressing about what the future holds, as we are not bringing fears, worries, and mistakes with us. Instead we trust that we have learned all we need from our journey so far, and each day is a new chance to learn, grow, and create new memories, experiences, and possibilities. 

However, it’s important that we don’t expect that existing this way will be free from the trials and tribulations of life, as the ups and downs are essential for soul growth and evolution. The clear message is to let go of the desire to hold or control the past or future—and to move forward without attachment, with acceptance, and expecting the unexpected. 

We often don’t realise the amount of energy expended when we contain so much of our past and live in anticipation of what the future holds—or how disempowering it is. When we learn to let go with grace and gratitude, we instantly discover that we not only feel freer and lighter, but we also let go of pain and suffering, which gives us an incredible amount of energy to focus on manifesting a beautiful existence in the present moment. 

To let anything go, we must surrender to what is. Surrendering is the most powerfully healing and transformational thing we can do—and sometimes it is our only option, as whether we like it or not, not everything or everyone is meant to be in our lives.

The most beneficial way to approach this new moon, with Mercury in the scene, is to spend plenty of time in solitude for much needed introspection, and to meditate as often as possible before, during, and after the new moon to connect with source energy and receive much needed insights, wisdom, and guidance from this important celestial event. This eclipse is the optimum time to clear any energy we have accumulated during 2018, so there is vast space to welcome the new.

All we need is a bowl of water, a floating candle, and sage or incense to burn. Fill the bowl with water, if possible from the ocean or lake, or pink Himalayan salt or natural sea salt added to tap water.

Find a spot outdoors—if possible by the lake, ocean, or in a forest—and sit cross-legged with a straight spine and head slightly lowered. (If this isn’t comfortable, choose any seated or supine position.) Hands can be placed in front of the chest, palms lightly together, and thumbs and little fingers touching one another. Breathe deeply to calm the mind.

Place the bowl on the ground and light the floating candle in the bowl. If you have healing crystals, these can also be placed in the water to enhance the effects of the ritual.

Write on a piece of paper anything you wish to release. It can be a word, a sentence, or entire paragraphs full of detail—whatever feels necessary to purge at the time.

Read aloud what has been written, and then immerse the piece of paper in the water to cleanse and transform the energy relating to the memories.

The flame from the floating candle is a purifier and neutralises any negativity emanating from the note; it also symbolises our intention to let go of any pain attached to it.

Next, inhale deeply through the nose, feeling the belly area expand; hold for approximately five seconds. On the inhale, notice the chest expanding slightly. This allows the heart chakra to open. While we are pausing, the energy stored in our lungs rejuvenates and recharges our circulatory system. We can then exhale slowly through the mouth before pausing for a few seconds and repeating the breathing exercise.

Deep breathing allows the flow of energy (prana) to move around the body and helps relieve tension surrounding the heart area. Each inhaled breath signifies the manifestation of new beginnings, and each exhaled breath signifies endings or releasing.

Continue to deeply inhale and exhale, and allow all thoughts in the mind to float around for a few moments. Notice which thought repeats continuously and focus attention briefly on it.

For a few moments, acknowledge the feelings attached to the thought and envisage gently blowing them away. Continue this process with other thoughts niggling at the mind. Allow them a few moments, and then release by taking focused attention away from them.

Next envisage your heart radiating with love, and repeat a powerful affirmation, such as: “With love, gratitude, and tenderness, I now let go of…” Or: “I release the past and have total acceptance for this moment.”

Meditation is about remaining as much in the present moment as possible. When we are present, there is little suffering. Whenever we feel our mind casting back or projecting forward, it is important to gently bring it back to the here and now.

As we continue meditating, we will release anxiety and any painful emotions accompanying our thoughts. We can meditate for a few minutes or longer depending on how we feel. The more often we meditate, the more effective the practice will be.

Burning sage at the end of the meditation cleanses any negative energy and positively charges the atmosphere with. We can ground our energy by drinking a glass of water with a few sprinkles of pink Himalayan salt in it, and keeping the awareness that we’re safely supported by the earth below.

Once we have completed the meditation, we can transfer our empowering thinking into our daily lives by remembering that thoughts can become repetitive. The more we think about something, the more that thought and the emotions attached to it linger. When we think positive thoughts, we experience “feel good” emotions. The opposite is also true. We have the power to change how we feel by remaining aware and in control of our thoughts.

Many of us may have felt emotionally depleted and challenged by the struggles we have endured so far during 2018, and with the ending of this eclipse season, we are now ready to release them and walk into the last chapter of the year wiser, lighter, freer, and open and ready for new experiences.

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