by Heyde Class From 2000 Moon Sign Book by Llewellyn. I wrote this article many a moon ago and altered just a bit from its original format!
With our demanding work schedules and busy lifestyles, baking has become almost a luxury today. And with the world's increasingly fast pace, it is nosurprise that people often overlook the effect of the Moon on such a simple task as baking. Still, on those occasions you do find time to bake, you will be most satisfied if you plan according to the Moon. This may sound silly, but the Moon can help you produce some delightful, hot goodies from the oven. For instance, during its first and second quarters, the Moon will tend to foster growth in all things. If you choose to bake during the early, or waxing, quarters of the Moon, the growth and expansion of your baked goods will be encouraged. At the same time, you can do no wrong if you bake during a Cancer Moon. This Moon is well-know for its nurturing qualities and just so happens to rule over the stomach, which explains why some people have a tendency to overeat two days of the month. But more to the point, during a Cancer Moon you will feel very inclined to feed people, and baking will seem like any work at all.Unfortunately, the Cancer Moon only comes around once a month for only two days, and there is only a fifty percent chance that this Moon will occur during the Moon's waxing phase. If you have to bake some other time, you can settle for the other cardinal signs of Aries, Libra and Capricorn, as they will produce excellent results during the Moon's first and second quarters.
On the other hand, you are not strictly confined to any particular time for baking. You simply have to realize that if you want the best possible breads cakes, and cookies, the above times are optimal. In fact, there are many factors to consider when baking. Some bakery products, for instance, are more suited for use during particular Moon signs. In all the zodiac signs, foods have certain types of energies and are ruled by their own element and planet. The trick is to choose bakery goods that correspond to the energy of each sign as the Moon passes through it.In the list below, different factors have been taken into account for you. With a little ingenuity, creative genius, and some good timing you can have some great baking experiences.
Moon In Aries: Don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to bake up a storm today, as this fire-ruled sign will inspire you to spark up the oven. As the Moon moves through Aries, zesty, robust, and flavorful baked goods will serve. So if the spirit moves you, go ahead and bake up rich poppy seed cakes, zingy gingerbread cookies, and any spicy goodies you can think of.
Moon In Taurus: Pass up any store-bought baked goods; in this Venus-ruled sign you will feel an appreciation for the finer things in life, including a day spent in baking bliss. Taurus is a resourceful and practical sign, with a good dash of determination mixed in, so as the Moon moves through this sign you are primed for some seriously productive baking. Comfort foods such as apple and cherry pie, oatmeal raisin cookies, ( probably any cookie type will do!) and banana-nut bread, will be perfect for this placid, domestic Moon sign.
Moon In Gemini: As the Moon moves through Gemini, your day is most often spent in quick conversation and frantic errand-running, so it's more likely that you will talk about baking rather than actually doing it. If you actually do find the time to bake during a Gemini Moon, you will be lucky indeed. Your best bet will be quick-baking recipes that require little preparation - almond cookies, date muffins, and packaged cake mixes.
Moon In Cancer: The Cancer Moon is tailor-made for the proverbial happy homemaker. As the Moon travels through this sign, you will want to provide for everyone, inlcuding your tum - tum! Comfort foods that make your loved ones smile are best to bake now, such as blueberry muffins, pumpkin cookies, coconut cream and lemon meringue pies. Your entire family will be very receptive and will thank you wholeheartedly. They may be so happy, in fact, that they clean out the garage or attic.
Moon In Leo: You can show off your baking expertise during the Leo Moon. Your creativity and ability to shine are at their height now, and you will find your efforts most highly appreciated. Showy, complex baked goods are best now; the aromas of pineapple upside-down cake, chocolate chip cookies, and cinnamon-raisin bread will produce many a winning smile and a contented belly!
Moon In Virgo: The practical and health-concsious sign is the best time for using your more detailed and wholesome recipes. Since perfection is Virgo's middle name, you can easily keep up with the highest of standards. A sensible choice for this day would be an earthy whole grain bread. Millet, oat, or barley are good grains to work with. And if you feel the need to spoil yourself, some peanut butter cookies or pecan pie would work nicely.
Moon In Libra: With so many options, making a decision can prove utterly impossible during the vacillitating Libra Moon. But if it is any help, remember that Libra governs all the sweet foods. So you may choose to indulge at this time with any and all types of cookies, cakes, pies, cobblers, sweet breads, or pastries, though your thighs won't enjoy the extra calories. And after all that baking, making up your mind which treat to eat first could also prove quite a feat.
Moon In Scorpio: As the Moon moves through Scorpio, it is not at all unusual to feel drawn tothe kitchen today. The intense nature of the Scorpio Moon may cause an obsessive and overwhelming need for a sweet fix. Try baking up foods with substance and a little bite, such as snappy ginger cookies, savory onion bread, and hearty blackberry pie.
Moon In Sagittarius: During the Sag Moon, you will feel optimistic and adventurous, and may find yourself exploring new baking horizons. Plenty of fresh ideas will fill your head, and your ordinary recipes will scarcely seem enough. Look to bake expansive, filling foods, such as macadamia nut cookies or carrot cake, or specialty foods from other countries, such as lebkuchen. But remember: Sag's motto is one is good but ten is better..So be wary of the tendency to overdo it - during Sagittarius it is difficult to say "enough is enough," especially with a delicious fruit pie staring you in the face!
Moon In Capricorn: Hard work and responsibility fuel the Capricorn Moon, so you may feel a little dizzy from your achievements today. In fact, you'll be so efficient you might find yourself planning your baking needs for the next few months. So while you have the bug to organize, you should take advantage of it to conquer your most difficult baking endeavors. Preparing corn or cheese bread will leave you with a feeling of success. You may even choose to enter your rhubarb pie or orange cranberry muffins in the country fair.
Moon In Aquarius: Don't be shocked if the notion to bake hits you like a bolt from the blue during the Aquarius Moon. This Uranus-ruled sign thrives on doing the most original, unexpected, and unconventional things. So go ahead and experiment with that unusual recipe, and share your efforts with your many friends and neighbors. Remember, the sky is the limit, so tingle your taste buds with some caraway muffins or mulberry pie. Or you can invent your own recipes for pistachio nut or hazel nut cookies.
Moon In Pisces: What a wondrous day to trust your intuition and use your imagination. Ruled by dreamy Neptune, Pisces will help you conjure up new recipes, or will help you go with the flow and surrender to your innermost desires. During a Pisces Moon, you will find yourself baking water-ruled foods such as peach cobbler, apricot coffee cake, or sweet potato pie. So bake on to your hearts content!
Yum..whats better than a warm chocolate chip cookie or a tasty piece of cherry pie? Not much that I can think of..expect for maybe a Godiva truffle!
Bathing By The Moon By Heyde Class
I wrote this article many, many moons ago! And its been modifed just a bit from its orginial publication. But I figured, since I wrote..I can change it! :)
There's no time like the present to pamper and spoil yourself, and bathing is a wonderful experience that can be designed to help with relaxation, healing, meditation, and even romance. You can, if you choose, use the Moon in achieving your desired bathing goals. First off, you should know that the Moon rules over our emotions. The Moon is governed by Cancer, which is well known for its nurturing qualities and sensitivity, and by the element of water, which helps generate our natural healing powers and increase our receptivity. So the Moon is a perfect tool to help intensify or temper our bathing experiences. Furthermore, the quarters of the Moon are important to take into consideration when bathing. For example, from the beginning of the New Moon until the Full Moon, the Moon's energy is increasing. This, than, is the time to make fresh beginnings or to look for growth. On the other hand, when the Moon reaches its Full Moon stage in the middle of its cycle, energy will be at its height. This climax of energy is intense and could generate "waves," so any bath around the Full Moon will be an intense experience in one way or another. In the third and fourth quarters, the Moon shrinks back to its New stage and energy decreases. This is an excellent time for all matters that need to decline or rest.
There are also many tools available for us to use while bathing if you want to encourage the Moons' assistance. Aromatherapy is the art of using scent to transform or to renew our health and emotions. Certain scents, in the form of essential oils, complement the Moon's role in our bath. You should feel free to experiment until you find the ones that have the desired effects, though you should also note that caution is necessary when using essential or fragrance oils. (I am not a big fan of using fragrance oils in the baths by the way.) Some oils should not be used in the bath at all, as they can burn and irritate the skin, and pregnant women should avoid them altogether. Below are listed some of the safer essential oils; be sure to check an aromatherapy book if you use different oils or are uncertain. By taking these precautions, you will have a happy bathing experience. To begin, run your bath water and then use a dropper to add oil. Never add oil into running water, as the steam can evaporate the scent. Swish the water with your hands to help disperse the oil. Only when you are certain that the oil is safely dispersed, then you can get in the bath. Herbs serve the same purpose as essential oils but are used in plant form or as an infusion, which is the liquid remain after coiling and straining the herbs. Herbs sometimes are taken internally or used only externally. You should use some caution and consult an expert before using unknown herbs. You can place the herbs directly into the tub, but always try using a cotton sachet to hold the herbs to avoid a huge mess.
Color is another factor that can affect your Moon bathing experience. Each color has specific attributes and produces different reactions. Such items as music, incense, and candles can enhance the mood of your bath. You can place crystals in your bath water to transform the experience. You can experiment with all of these items to develop the perfect bathing atmosphere for you.
A final consideration in Moon bathing is determining the best Moon sign for certain bathing goals. As you must know, a Moon sign has its own energy and unique vibration and creates proper conditions for particular types of events. Planning your bath by the Moon sign can enhance and multiply the effects you want. Keep in mind, however, that in any month the Moon passes through all the astrological signs at a rate of about two-and-a-half days per sign. Each Moon sign creates a mood that has a direct impact on our emotions only for so long. So to get the right influences that you want, you have to pick the right day. The list below explains the dominant features governing the Moon, and by extension your emotions, through he month. It will be simple for you, then, to figure out the optimum times for certain types of baths. Moon In Aries Aries is a sign with all the vigor you can handle. The Aries Moon, therefore, is the best time to meet all your energy needs. For even more physical energy while bathing, add a few drops of patchouli essential oil to your bath water. For an added dose of gusto, try a little food coloring, perferably the all natural kind, such as beet juice. Red will provide you with plenty of energy, enthusiasm, and courage. After twenty minutes or so, you should emerge revitalized. Moon In Taurus For a truly relaxing bath, the Taurus Moon is the best time. You can make it simple by adding 2 tablespoons Epsom salts and a pinch of baking soda to your water. A few drops of lavendar essential oil will help you unwind and generate feelings of peace. Also, jasmine essential oil is excellent for relaxing the body but may make you sleepy. After your Moon in Taurus bath you should be ready to plant your feet back on the ground. Moon In Gemini If you are seeking mental alertness, then bathe under the Gemini Moon. During this bath you will jump from one thought to the next and be fully aware of yourself. To enhance this process, add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to your bath water. Moon In Cancer If there was ever a time designed to increase your self-love, nurturing Cancer Moon would be it. Of course this Moon sign is excellent for increasing fertility and compassion, and promoting sleep. Add rose absolute oil to increase your ability to give and receive love, and plumeria oil to promote a peaceful and loving attitude. Add five drops of either oil to your bath and a rose quartz crystal for tuning you into loving feelings. Moon In Leo No other moon sign knows as much about pampering as Leo. Born to be a king, or queen for that matter, Leo knows how to live like royalty. For starters, the Leo Moon is a perfect time to take a sunshine bath and flood yourself with radiant light. You may also use six drops of vanilla oil to increase your sex life, love and energy levels. Rest assured, after this bath you will emerge full of life, joyously erotic, and brimming with love. Moon In Virgo Health matters take precedence during a Virgo Moon, so ailments might benefit from bathing in this Moon sign. To help with a cold, add just a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the bath water and breathe deeply. You can also use lemon essential oil but use it very, very sparingly, just a drop or two, as it can irritate the skin. Visualize good health while allowing the healing water and aroma to calm your body and soothe your ills. You will be back to normal in no time. Moon In Libra Love and romance take a high priority today. So if you are planning a romantic evening, try indulging in sensual bath beforehand to get in the mood. Ylang-Ylang or jasmine essential oil added to the bath will further ignite the flames of passion, and six drops of rose essential oil will help you see yourself in a good light. Rose oil is also effective as an aphrodisiac and helps to channel our thoughts to the healing power of love. You may even throw in a handful of rose petals or light some incense for an added effect. Moon In Scorpio The Scorpio Moon is a perfect time for a meditation bath. With the intense and probing power of this Moon sign, you can quiet your mind and sharpen your focus. To help get yourself in the mood, light a white candle while you run your bath water, and add either frankincense or sandalwood essential oils. Both oils are superior for meditative purposes. And if you add some soft music, you can lean back and really enjoy yourself. Moon In Sagittarius If you are feeling depressed or overworked, then Sag Moon will come to your rescue. This Moon sign fosters optimism and joy. Clary-sage essential oil will assist you in doing this trick, as it is great for alleviating depression and creating feelings of euphoria and peace. Just add four drops to your bath water, lie back, and revel in the rising good feelings. Moon In Capricorn Under the Capricorn Moon, a bath attracts success and prosperity. Bathing now can help you focus your attention on pressing financial matters. So break out the patchouli essential oil and sprinkle ( go easy now - 2-4 drops) into your bath water. You will achieve prosperity in no time. Moon In Aquarius Aquarius is known for its objective state of mind, so if you're seeking peace from chaotic life, the Aquarius Moon will bring matters back into focus. Lavender essential oil will aid in this too, so add four drops to your bath and use a blue wash cloth as well. The color blue promotes tranquility. Moon In PiscesTo help induce sleep and awaken your spirituality, bathe under a Pisces Moon. Chamomile essential oil facilitates meditation and acts as a sedative. A few drops of sandalwood essential oil will draw you into a peaceful bliss. Keep in mind, however, that the dreamy nature of the Pisces Moon sign is suitable for any bathing purpose. So you may pick out a favorite oil and relax in the soothing warmth and intoxicating scent.
This article is solely for general information only. Its best to use pure essential oils made by a reputable company. Essentials oils should be used with extreme caution. Be sure to consult a professional aromtherapist or aromatherapy book for further information.
Who can resist a warm, comforting bath after a long hard day? Not me I say! :)