A Celestial Guide to Companionship

I rely upon my knowledge of astrology to inform me whether a new acquaintance has the potential to become a dear friend (or more). While the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water are a major indicator of compatibility (Earth signs naturally get along with other Earth signs, for example), you should endeavor to have your astrological charts done and compare them. Finding the sun and the moon in the same sign is common among many soul mates. This is known as synastry in astrology. As example, a man with a Virgo sun will be attracted to a woman with a Virgo moon and this is true for every sun and moon combination. It is a true affinity.

    * Fire signs: Leo, Sagittarius, and Aries. People with these signs are bold, courageous, and fun-loving,         and they play well together.

    * Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. These mysterious folks are sensitive, passionate, and                 creative, and they comfortably swim in the same current.

    * Air signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These smart, talkative, and artistic people speak the same             language.

    * Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. These practical, savvy, and successful types enjoy helping     each other to the top.

    * If you “are born on one of the “cusp” days, then consider it a blessing. You get along with everybody!

Lunar Eclipse Ritual: Hunting the Sun

In Norse mythology, the sun and moon were created by benevolent gods to bring light to a dark world. The Norse gods placed the sun and the moon in chariots that flew across the sky, shedding light on the entire world. However, the hungry Fenris Wolf chased the sun and, every once in a while, caught up with it and devoured it, which darkened the sky. When the sun began to burn the insides of the wolf, he would cough it back into the sky. This, according to Nordic folklore, is how eclipses happen.

Eclipses are celestial events that still fascinate us, and you can easily gather a group together for a ritual. Invite enough people to form two circles. Twenty is ideal so you have ten in each circle. Ask half of the people to wear all gold and the other half to wear all black. Those in black are the Fenris Wolves who will eat the sun, represented by those in gold. For safety, everyone needs to wear their best UV protection sunglasses (in gray, brown, or green) to safeguard their eyes.

Well in advance of the eclipse, form the circles and tell the story of the Fenris Wolf. Ask other people if they have any experiences of past eclipses that they can share with the group. Ten minutes before the eclipse begins, have the gold group form a circle around the black group. Direct the two circles to walk, dance, or move in opposite directions. Five minutes before the eclipse begins, have the black group move outside the gold circle and have the gold circle sit down.

When I was at a retreat in Mendocino, California, I witnessed people barking, howling, and moaning to express their roles and the immense power of this imminent heavenly happening. During the actual event, however, everyone will grow silent and experience the extraordinary power of this rare and sacred heavenly moment. As always, people should only look at the sun through special filters. The best way to experience this ritual is to sit with eyes closed and feel its immensity.

In about ten minutes, as the eclipse is occurring, the black- garbed folks should walk away one by one at least ten feet and sit in a circle. When the gold circle is the only group left, the symbolism is the full reappearance of the sun.

When people begin to stir and want to talk, ask everyone to share what came to mind. People often have amazing insights and visions during eclipses. Document these “eclipse epiphanies,” if possible, and remember to include them in your storytelling for the next solar eclipse ritual. 

Astrological Herbology

You can also choose the herbs for your altar based on your sun or moon sign. Explore making tinctures, incenses, oils, potpourris, and other magical potions for your rituals using celestial correspondences. For example, if the new moon is in Aries when you are performing an attraction ritual, try using peppermint or fennel, two herbs sacred to the sign of the Ram. If you are creating a special altar for the time during which the sun is in the sign of Cancer, use incense oils, teas, and herbs corresponding to that astrological energy, including jasmine and lemon. These correspondences create a synthesis of energies that adds to the effectiveness of your magical work.