Full Moon Reflections: Lunar Eclipse in Virgo
Embracing imperfection
Hello Dear Readers,
I’m excited to share that I’ll be sending out Full Moon Reflections each month: a newsletter that will include my thoughts around the themes of the moon cycle as well as links to the things I’ve been enjoying lately —music, herbs, podcasts, and more. I’ll also share updates on upcoming workshops and offerings. At the end of this newsletter, you'll find a link to sign up for the Mother of Pearl newsletter where I've contributed a tarot reading for their latest issue, to be released in the coming days.
I’m looking forward to connecting with you in this space again!
On Friday, March 14th, at 2:54 AM EST, we’ll experience a Lunar Eclipse on the South Node in Virgo — the second in a series of seven eclipses along the Virgo/Pisces axis.
I have a stellium of planets in the sign of Virgo including my Sun sign. I identify strongly with the sign of Virgo: detail-oriented, service driven and earthy. That said, the shadow side of Virgo is hyper critical. This lunar eclipse sheds light on our Inner Critic. I’ve written about my inner critic before.
My Virgo Sun is in my 12th house, alongside Mercury and my North Node, a placement that can amplify the tendency toward perfectionism and self-criticism. The 12th house is often associated with the subconscious and hidden realms. While my Inner Critic is not visible to anyone but myself, it feels present much of the time.
My best friend once told me that my perfectionism is my greatest strength and weakness. My perfectionist tendencies mean I am always seeking to improve and, therefore, always in process. On the other hand, these tendencies sometimes place me at a distance from myself and others — perfection doesn’t allow for true intimacy. In the past, I’ve struggled to let people come too close lest they notice the frays in the fabric.
And yet, to be imperfect is to be true. To be true is to be known.
Despite the fear it kicks up, I want to be known — to be seen and to be loved for the entirety of who I am.
I keep a picture of myself as a child on my desk as a reminder to speak kindly to myself. When I look at this little one, I feel unconditional love for them. I mirror their same soft smile and feel a sense of ease and calm return to my body. My Inner Critic seems to fade into the background. This little one is allowed imperfection and so too am I.
As I prepare for this lunar eclipse, I am listening to the soothing sounds of Diana Lopez’ Moss Melodies. I also listened to this throwback recently while I was thinking about the Inner Critic and embracing imperfection…The lyrics are actually brilliant and so relatable? Listening to it and singing along was healing for my Inner Child.
The sign of Virgo traditionally rules the digestive system, so I am trying to practice eating slowly and mindfully. For me, that means taking a deep breath to ground before beginning my meal, saying thank you, and eating in silence to allow myself to digest my environment as well. I have been sipping on a homemade tea blend of lavender and oat straw which promote feelings of calm and relaxation. I picked up the herbs from my local herb shop. I also enjoyed this podcast episode on Radical Acceptance by the psychologist and buddhist meditation teacher Tara Brach. In the episode, she talks about breaking free from the "trance of unworthiness” (I found this especially meaningful because my word/phrase of the year is self worth.) Brach introduces the RAIN practice which she describes as “spiritual reparenting.”
⋆ Workshop update ⋆
I am hosting a workshop at the Brooklyn Heights Library on March 22nd for the children’s program I run called Art Nature Play. In this no-cost workshop for children of all ages, we make nature inspired, up-cycled art. This class encourages children to express themselves creatively and cultivate a sense of environmental stewardship. In this workshop, children learn to imagine and create new life from materials that would otherwise be discarded. Creative reuse is the future! Check out our project from last class.
⋆ Collective Tarot Reading for Mother of Pearl Newsletter ⋆
I recently pulled tarot for Mother of Pearl’s Community Catch-Up newsletter. I’ve been attending events with The Mother of Pearl Collective for two years now. Joining this community has been truly transformative. They provide a safe, supportive and affirming space for people to connect to their creativity and one another. This collective tarot reading explores creativity and art making as a form of resistance. We've been reflecting on how to most effectively channel our energy when things feel hopeless and how to resist apathy. Sign up for their newsletter, and the reading will be delivered to your inbox in the coming days, along with community updates.
If you’d like a personalized reading, feel free to reach out or book online on my website. My tarot readings offer a gentle, affirming, and gender-inclusive approach, that center the wisdom of the Inner Child. Each session is personalized to your needs and may incorporate elements of the expressive arts, including visual arts, somatic movement, and creative writing. Whether you're seeking clarity or creative inspiration, these readings provide a compassionate space for self discovery. Readings are offered on a sliding scale.
Until the next full moon (in Libra!) I hope you take good care and experience a magic moment or two.
Love,
Lee