Welcome the Holiday Season Unmasked, Grounded, and Interdependent with the Full Beaver Moon
Saturday November 4th brings the full Beaver Moon in Taurus. This late autumn moon will brighten up the night sky— but not without some lunar experts duking out the specifics of this astrological event. This Beaver Moon takes the prize as the second closest full moon of the entire year, which has made some wonder if it’s to be dubbed a supermoon. While some say it is, others say it fails to meet supermoon criteria (a supermoon simply means that the moon occurs while its orbit is closest to earth, also known as, perigee). But one thing is for sure, and it’s that this event is not to be missed!
And if you want to get super technical, you’ll have to sit tight to catch an official supermoon. The most renowned astrologers say that if this moon was to come just one day later, it would truly earn the supermoon moniker. But, fret not. There is one coming our way in just one month. We will close out 2017 with a supermoon in December!
Historically, November’s full moon is referred to as the Beaver Moon because late autumn was the time of year to set beaver traps before the looming winter caused swamps to freeze. In other words, this full moon reminds us that winter is coming.
Astrologically, the moon will settle near the constellation Cetus, the sea monster. This Beaver Moon will also pass in front of Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus, in the nights following the full moon. And this event is known as an occultation— when one celestial body blocks another. Lucky inhabitants on the east coast of the United States will have the good fortune of witnessing it.
Taurus is a fixed sign and has a reputation for being one of the more stubborn zodiacs. This moon reminds us that we need to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, or else we run the risk of becoming mindless with our actions— sometimes causing hurt to ourselves and others. Here are 3 aromatic self-care rituals that will help you harness powerful characteristics of this full moon.
Unmask Yourself
Following Samhain and Halloween, we enter the darker part of the year that’s soon to bring many family gatherings. Step into who you are truly meant to be and let your authentic self shine. This moon has an uplifting and inspiring slant as it harnesses harmonious energy due to the flow connecting Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto. While these planets pleasantly align, we are able to get to the root of our recent resistance to growth and change. We can tap into our rational mind and recognize the wisdom of doing what needs to be done by taking on tasks bit by bit. Instead of relying on lashing out, passive aggressive behavior, and other non-direct communication tactics to get what you want, take off your mask and ask directly for what you need.
How-To: Make a seasonally inspired DIY pumpkin face mask.
Add 1 tablespoon Manuka honey, 1 teaspoon of organic pumpkin puree, ½ tablespoon bentonite clay, and 1 drop Carrot seed (Daucus carota) essential oil into the palm of your hand. Apply to your face in a gentle, circular motion. Wash off with warm water after 5 minutes.
Ground Yourself for the Upcoming Season
Taurus energy calls for us to align with our core values. What matters to you? Do you want to be doing more of something in your life? Is your soul calling you to let go of certain commitments or people? Sometimes, this stubborn energy all too easily causes us to react rather than respond. We sometimes favor argumentative behavior and anger, as well as rely on pure strength to meet our needs. As we approach the chaotic holiday and winter season, it would be wise to summon this moon’s headstrong energy to get in the flow of a disciplined routine of grounding and self-care.
How-To: Create a grounding blend with uplifting oils from the needles of tall forest trees.
Add 5 drops Balsam fir (Abies balsamea), 4 drops Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), and 3 drops Pine (Pinus sylvestris) into a glass roll-on. Top off the blend with a carrier oil of your choice and rub onto hands and inhale to relax.
Seek Interdependence
This Beaver Moon allows us to re-think our relationships. What aspects of your life would benefit from a little more freedom and creativity? What actions can you take to be more independent? This full moon is influenced by opposing Venus in Libra, which can magnify co-dependent energy. Strive for interdependence. Recognize the interconnectedness of life— of all beings and nature. But, take the time to become hyper-aware of your energy and how others can inspire you or zap you. Remain committed to maintaining your personal boundaries in work and life. Perhaps this moon ushers in a re-thinking of your loyalties.
How-To: When feeling energetically depleted or feel as if you’re leaning too hard on one person or party of your identity, diffuse a fortifying blend to inspire emotional and physical strength.
Add 3 drops Eucalyptus radiata (Eucalyptus radiata), 2 drops Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and 2 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) into a diffuser and breathe deep.
Written by: Leigh Winters
Leigh Winters is a neuroscientist and natural beauty expert. She’s currently an instructor at Columbia Business School’s Venture for All program teaching entrepreneurship around the globe. At Columbia University, she also co-teaches a wildly popular online graduate course that blends venture creation and spiritual psychology— the first of its kind. Previously, Leigh served as a fellow at Columbia University’s Spirituality Mind Body Institute, where she clinically researched contemplative practices, like yoga and mindfulness meditation, and biobehavioral health.
Leigh is a sought after certified aromatherapist and teacher of meditation, aromatic plant medicine, and all-natural beauty formulation. Leigh regularly writes about and hosts workshops on the brain, behavior, and plant medicine.
