A Melanie Santos Community Bi-Weekly Digest

 

 

 

 

 

Scroll down for all of the insights and tools.

 

 

We close the month of August with a Full Moon in Pisces, the second of two Full Moons this month. Co-ruled by Neptune and Jupiter, Pisces is compassionate, healing, intuitive, and enchanting, and serves as a symbol of your dreams, intuition and subconscious. Opposing the Sun in organization-focused Virgo, this lunation draws a stark contrast bringing the ultimate dreamy energy. Let’s get into the details and how we can best navigate current cosmic energy for healing, mind, body, soul self-care, and divine alignment. 

 

 

Shoutout to all the Virgo Suns and Virgo Risings! It's your season! Ruled by Mercury and represented by the virgin and earth goddess of agriculture, Virgo is the detail-oriented zodiac concerned with order, truth-seeking, and organization above all else.

 

Virgo rules the sixth astrological house, so themes of systems and organization, work habits, service, health and fitness, and having a sense of usefulness are all highlighted for us right now. Ask yourself: How are these themes playing out in my life currently?

 

Opposing the Sun in Virgo is the Full Moon in dreamy Pisces. This is the midway point of the Lunar Cycle that began with the New Moon in Leo on August 16 that brought focus to our creativity, play, romance, joy, and self-expression. Consider what clarity you were offered and what intentions you set then. 

 

When the first Full Moon perfected in early August, we were encouraged to focus on full circles and releasing intentionally to go into the Autumn equinox next month with clarity and direction. With this Full Moon, we're encouraged to pay attention to what messages our Higher Self is offering us about our journey, what we're meant to surrender and surrender to. Then, use Virgo's practical energy to ground it and help sow the seeds to realize it on Earth.

 

It can be gorgeous energy to work with, but like every cosmic body, it has a shadow. 

 

In its shadow, Pisces energy can be deceiving, delusional, and escapist. This Full Moon could reveal repressed emotions and/or highlight aspects of your life where you've been deceiving yourself by looking the other way regarding boundaries you need to set in your relationship with yourself or others. 

 

The Sun in Virgo brings equilibrium though, offering a chance to anchor your intuition (poised to be extra floaty) and commit to addressing the thoughts, patterns, conversations, and tasks you've been avoiding. 

 

Even and ESPECIALLY if you've been avoiding something uncomfortable, take a brave and faithful step forward because the Universe is supporting your healing and advancement by taking care of it right now. 

 

Speaking of avoidance and healing…

 

 

If you've been feeling heavy, it could be this Sun/Saturn conjunction energy. The Sun represents us and our identity, and Saturn is the planet of structure, restriction, time, and karma. When they come together, they can feel heavy due to the way that Saturn forces us to see things for what they actually are, which, as you can imagine, can feel depressing for some, especially people who lean too idealistic or aren't genuinely telling themselves the truth about where they stand in life.

 

I drop this question around as often as possible because it's an essential pillar of living an intentionally conscious life, so ask yourself: What are you lying to yourself about?

 

If you choose to stay in its shadow, this energy can continue to block you from your truth as it sucks you into an emotional wormhole. Emotions will run high right now, period, but it can be an accelerator for your healing if you're willing to dive in instead of hiding from the tides of shadow work pulling you in.

 

Let me repeat it sans decorative wording: We all want to move forward in our lives in one way or another, and the way that the Sun and Saturn are coming together right now could feel extra heavy, bringing up dark emotions for not being where we want to be. DON'T sulk or succumb to comparison-induced depression. DO engage in shadow work with the feelings that are coming up. 

 

This is very useful for grounding as Pisces Moon energy is very "floaty" and ethereal. It reminds us that to release what no longer serves us, we must be dedicated to dissecting our patterns and meeting our shadow self honestly.

 

Shadow work is exploring and addressing the darker parts of ourselves, such as our fears, insecurities, and traumas, to achieve personal growth and healing. It involves bringing these aspects of ourselves into the light of awareness and acknowledging and accepting them without judgment. Here are some shadow work prompts to work with when you're feeling dark and heavy and want to dissect a specific thought. 

 

Ask yourself:

Don't dismiss this moment by telling yourself you're too tired or that "life is life-ing" too hard right now. As someone who has experienced the deepest, darkest depths of grief at various points in her life, believe me when I tell you that grief can be one of our most powerful catalysts. Pay attention to what's coming up for you as opportunities to grow into more abundant mindsets, ones that align with the Higher Self this Pisces Moon is inciting dreams about.

 

 

I've heard from some of you members that you're feeling very off. Besides a super strong Full Moon, it could be because Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Chiron, and Eris are all stationed retrograde right now. Wild stuff! The only cosmic bodies moving forward are the Sun, Moon, Mars, and Jupiter (who will station retrograde on Monday, September 4)! Here's what all this energy is offering us:

 

Mercury — Mercury (communication) is retrograde in Virgo from August 23 until September 15. During Mercury retrograde, we can embrace the opportunity to review and reflect on our communication patterns. Take extra care to listen actively and clarify misunderstandings. Use this time to revise plans, organize thoughts, and complete unfinished tasks.

 

Venus — Venus (love, money, and beauty) is stationing direct on Sunday, September 3! What a wild ride it's been, right? When Venus goes retrograde, we're prompted to dive into introspection about our relationships, connections and values. What's come up for you to consider about your relationships, finances, values, and self-worth since July 22? What kind of insight have you received about reconnecting with your true desires and what you need to break ties with in service of more harmony in your life? How have you been led to focus on self-love and self-care? What have you learned about connection?

 

Saturn — Saturn (structure, restriction, time, and karma) retrograde (June 17 – November 4) invites us to assess our long-term goals and commitments and see the REAL about where we are on our journey. Reflect on your responsibilities and limitations, seeking ways to better align with your ambitions. Use this time to restructure and refine your plans, where you might be too mentally rigid, and where you need to take more aligned action.

 

Chiron —Retrograde Chiron encourages you to confront past emotional wounds and traumas. Engage in healing practices such as therapy or journaling to gain insight into your triggers. Embrace self-compassion and forgiveness, fostering a journey of inner healing and empowerment.

 

Uranus — While Uranus (unexpected change and awakening) is retrograde (August 28 – January 27, 2024), channel your inner restlessness into self-discovery. Let any shake-ups be the help you need to explore new perspectives and question the status quo. Focus on how things are happening for you, not why. It's about personal growth and positive change, using this time to break free from stagnant routines and rigid thinking. Think BIG.

 

Neptune — Neptune (ideals, intuition, and spirituality) retrograde (June 30 – December 6) is a period of inner reflection and clarity. Challenge self-deception and illusions by seeking truth and authenticity in your dreams and goals. Humanize your visions! They belong to you for a reason! Prioritize mindfulness practices like stillness and meditation to navigate any confusion that arises. This energy is valuable, too. Let it help you align with your higher purpose with its extra weird dose of dreaminess.

 

Pluto — When Pluto (death, rebirth, recalibration) is retrograde (May 1 – October 11), embrace the opportunity for deep shadow work and even more profound transformation. Don't hide from yourself – confront your fears and buried emotions, and let go of what no longer is serving you. Engage in shadow work and embrace change. Seize the opportunity to emerge from this period stronger and more self-aware.

 

Eris — Retrograde Eris (chaos and discord) prompts you to address conflicts and disruptions constructively, and that's because Eris uncovers anything that's hidden. Use this time to identify the sources of strife or stress in your life and seek resolutions through open communication and understanding, even if they incite conversations with yourself. Embrace the challenge of finding harmony amidst chaos, realizing the magic you can make out of your mess.

 

Jupiter — When Jupiter (expansion and luck) stations retrograde (September 4 – December 3), our expansion and growth may take a more inward turn. Instead of seeking external opportunities, this period prompts us to reflect on our beliefs, what we want, and where everything is rooted. It's a time to reconsider our paths and ensure they align with our true values. To make the most of Jupiter retrograde, focus on doing some shadow work, questioning why you want what you want and why you think it would genuinely bring expansion into your life. Reevaluate your long-term goals and make sure they resonate with your authentic self.

 

We all know that Full Moons bring out the wildest in all creatures, and right now, it's doing the same to our subconscious and emotions. Tread lightly and give yourself as much space to be as possible. 

 

If you want to use the energy of the moment for aligned self-care, it could look like drifting off in daydreams (especially when it has to do with the life that you envision for yourself) and drifting back into consciousness to write down what came up for you; cleansing and restoring in water; and organizing and purging what doesn't feel good to your mind, body, spirit, and spaces. 

 

All zodiac signs rule parts of the body. Pisces rules the pituitary and pineal glands, and Virgo governs the digestive system, our second brain. The pituitary and pineal glands have primary physical and spiritual functions for our mind, body, and spirit. Physically, they help our hormones function; spiritually, they are the "seat" of our intuition. As this Pisces Full Moon energy pulses its ethereal vibes through our lives, pay attention to how your intuition works, first paying attention to your body. It's your first and main messenger.

 

Final reminder: If things aren't working out right now or feel extra difficult, it's on divine purpose. Everything is conspiring to show you what isn't working so that you can align with a solution or release the connection completely. Flow with it in gratitude that you're being shown the way…even when it doesn't feel like it. All love, all ways. 

If you have any questions or insights, reply with a note, but know that this email was sealed with the highest of healing intentions. 

 

Stay safe. Stay intentional. Sending love from NYC. 💜 MS. 

 

Journal + Reflection Prompts

 

What am I lying to myself about?

 

 

What kind of insight have I received about reconnecting with my true desires and what I need to break ties with in service of more harmony in my life? 

 

How have I been led to focus on self-love and self-care? 

 

What have I learned about connection?

 

 

Is this thought a fact, or is it made up?

 

What is its purpose?

 

Where did it originate?

 

How did I learn to associate with this thought the way I do?

 

Is it helpful to me?

 

Does it align with what I want for myself?

 

What perspective could replace this thought with?

 

locate your houses + focus your ENERGY

If you're a premium member, you've probably had the pleasure of indulging in our first wellness event of the year, Birth Charting 101 led by Nadia of @selfloveastro. If you need a refresher or haven't watched the workshop yet, navigate to the Member Portal. It's the perfect workshop for beginners.

 

You can find your birth or natal chart for free online – I like using Chani Nicholas' chart generator on her website. Once you have your chart in front of you, locate the zodiac signs that pertain to this moment's astrology (the sign the Sun and Moon are in) and look at the number of the section they're in. That would be the astrological house you're looking for. You can Google “astrological houses" to get an accurate breakdown of what each means, but here is a breakdown you can use now via AstroStyle. 

 

Above is an example of Virgo being in the 9th House of travel, wisdom, philosophy, learning, and ethics, and Pisces being in the 3rd House of thinking, communication, early education, interests, neighbors, and siblings.

 

Knowing the houses makes all the difference in the energy and focus you can bring your intentions. 

full moon intentions

I wholly and gracefully release any thoughts, patterns, and mindsets that are keeping me and my life in disharmony.

 

I lovingly release any relationships and connections that do not resonate with the truth of my spirit.

 

I gracefully release anything keeping me from existing in my authentic truth.

 

I gracefully release the past and present karmic patterns that keep me connected to people, places, things, habits, and mindsets that are out of alignment with my highest possible existence right now.

 

I release the fear of the unknown future and trust that I am divinely supported, always and in all ways.