Moon Woman Rising

Moon Woman Guide for september 2012

Fairy Tale by Laura Makabresku

There are flowers enough in the summertime,
More flowers than I can remember—
But none with the purple, gold, and red
That dyes the flowers of September!
—Mary Howitt (1799-1888)

Important dates in September:

September 15 New Moon in Scorpio 10:11pm EST

September 22 - Autumnal Equinox 10:49am  EST This marks the first day of Fall here in the Northern Hemisphere. From here on out, the temperatures begin to drop and the days start to get shorter than the nights. It is also known as the pagan celebration "Herfest" in some circles.

September 23 - Sun moves into Libra (from Leo)

September 29th - Full Harverst Moon in Aries. The name "Harvest Moon" is given to the Full Moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox. There will be both Aries and Pisces energy, as the Moon moves into Aries from Pisces at 9:15am, the Moon is Full at 11:59pm EST.

Sacred + Seasonal Living in September

Lunar Herb for September: Oatstraw. Learn about Oatstraw, one of my favorite herbs from herbalist Susun Weed. 

Stone for September: Sapphire 

Find out what your local farmers are growing right now with the handy guide at www.pickyourown.org - scroll all the way to the bottom of the page (it’s laid out a little funny.)

Noted astrologer Sarah Varcas gives a great overview of the astrological landscape for September on her blog.

For me, September is about transition. It is in September that summer moves into fall. The days and nights transition into their new dance, children are heading to school, and the plants are going to seed. So be kind with yourself during these ever-changing days. Let your own transitions be joyful and smooth. We don't have to have it all figured out right now. We can find our way slowly to our answers. 

X.Aja

 

Healing + Growing

Today, the moon holds her place in Capricorn ♑. 

My herbal medicine shelves have been put to good use recently. Those jars of dried herbs, flowers and roots are keeping me healthy during my pregnancy. They are getting filled too, from my small but productive urban garden. Would you just look at that passion flower? She's gone wild! I suppose I need to cut some down and dry the leaves and flowers for medicine. At least I will get some light back in that window. Even though I make herbal medicine, I always get a little sad when I take cuttings from a plant. I always say thank you and offer up a simple blessing. 

The above planter is just one of our many small plots. Remember it last year? It sure has grown. Just because you live in an urban space doesn't mean growing plants, flowers and vegetables (and medicine too) isn't possible. The above planter is only 8 ft. by 3 ft. and in that smallish space I am growing: sage, lemon thyme, thyme vulgaris, poppies, 2 varieties of seedum, 3 lavender plants, passion flowers, magic carpet, anise hyssop, valerian, rosemary, ivy, nasturtium and little purple flowers that I can't remember the name of at the moment. In my other planters I have vegetables, fruit and more medicinal herbs. 

The planting season started this year at the same I found out I was pregnant. These plants have grown alongside the little being growing inside me. The plants heal me and nourish me. Growth is all around, inside and outside, in my body and spirit. Its a magical time, healing time. 

"Every breath is a giveaway dance between you and the plants." - Susun Weed

X.Aja

Natural Living: Homemade Laundry Powder

I have been wanting to make homemade laundry detergent, or soap-powder rather, for awhile now. After running out of what we normally use, the 7th Generation brand, I decided to give it a try. The 7th Generation detergent works great, but I knew I could make my own for less money and hoped to make it as natural as possible. I tried a recipe that many people love, would work for my front loading machine and is simple to make. The verdict: it works wonderfully, is very inexpensive and is very simple to make. The downside is that the Fels Naptha bar is not the most natural option (but easily remedied). My instructions and more thorough review follows.

1. You will need: Borax, Washing Soda and a bar of Fels Naptha

2. Grate the entire bar of Fels Naptha, using a non-kitchen grater. (I always label my DIY graters and seperate them from food graters) *When your arm gets tired, ask a kind soul to take over for you while you relax and take pictures

3. The recipe: Mix the grated bar of Fels Naptha with 2 cups Borax and 2 cups Washing Soda

4. Find a container to hold the laundry powder - I had the perfect huge glass jar, which made it look like there isn't much powder in there. But I was surprised how much it made. Give it a good shake to mix all the ingredients together. Don't forget to label.

I use 2 tablespoons per load, put in with the clothes rather than in the soap dispenser on my front loading machine. 

Pros: 

- It works really well. Clothes come out clean. 

- My husband likes how it smells like laundry soap.

- It is much cheaper per load than store bought detergent.

- I enjoy making my own products and feeling self-sufficient.

- Less plastic packaging than we were using before.

- A more natural option than many store bought detergents

Cons:

- Takes some time and elbow grease (might be a con to some, although I like that part!)

- That fresh smell is due to some questionable ingredients in the Fels Naptha bar - after some research, found it’s not the crunchiest choice - it contains some chemicals I don't feel good about.

Verdict:

I love it and will use this batch until its gone and then next time, use a different soap bar that is a more natural option - perhaps a Dr. Bronner's soap bar? Happy cleaning!

 X.Aja