☾✩☽ Guest Luminary ☾✩☽
Dr Karen Ward is a Shamanic Therapist and Teacher, trained in the Celtic lineage and Druidic traditions. She co-founded and runs Slí an Chroí School of Irish Celtic Shamanism with her husband John Cantwell. Her PhD research encompassed a specific Energy Therapy technique, based on Ireland’s indigenous healing ways, to safely introduce non-denominational spirituality within a counselling setting which she now teaches worldwide. She is also a Psychotherapist, Supervisor, Holistic Therapist, Writer and Presenter. She co-rediscovered the modern iteration of Brigid’s Way Celtic Pilgrimage and runs Moon Mná Women’s Celtic Circles offering Rites of Passage Ceremonies and online Courses. Karen is the author of many books including Goddesses of Ireland and the best-selling book The Secrets of Ageless Ageing as well as two oracle decks Sacred Ireland Celtic Moon and Brigid: Celtic Goddess & Matron Saint of Ireland. She is a columnist for Naturally Good Health magazine and RTE website's Brainstorm section.
☾✩☽ Astrological Resources ☾✩☽
Here is a selection of some of our favourite Astrologers you can tune into across 2025.
↠ Blue Rose School https://www.andrewsmith.ie/introduction/
↠ Mystic Mamma https://www.mysticmamma.com/astral-insights/
↠ Chani Nicholas https://chaninicholas.com/about-chani-nicholas/
↠ Virginia Rosenberg https://virginiarosenberg.com/about-virginia
↠ Lorna Bevan https://www.hareinthemoonastrology.co.uk/lorna-bevan
↠ Paramatma Siri Sadhana https://spaceweathertransmissions.com/paramatma
↠ Matthew Stelzner https://www.youtube.com/channel/
↠ Jennifer Racioppi https://jenniferracioppi.com/
☾✩☽ Other Recommended Resources ☾✩☽
↠ Karen’s Instagram here
↠ Karen’s Website here
↠ Two elders whose work we recommend you explore: Dolores Whelan & Mary Condren
↠ We also recommend the following essay by Mary Condren
☾✩☽ Cosmic Intel + Teachings ☾✩☽
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, November’s full moon is given the name of the Full Beaver Moon because this is a time of year when beavers are actively building up lodges and dams for the winter. The people of the past would typically set beaver traps at this time to stock up on warm furs for the coming cold. This full moon is also sometimes called the Frost Moon because of the chill in the air!
This Full Moon will reach peak illumination on Wednesday, November 5. This Full Moon is exalted in the archetypal sign of Taurus, ruled by Venus which represents the physical body of the world, Mother Earth and our sensual nature. She is in opposition to the Sun in the alchemical waters of Scorpio.
☾✩☽ Taurus-Scorpio Axis ☾✩☽
The Taurus-Scorpio axis is all about attachments, resources, possessions and obsessions - physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and ancestral.
Taurus and Scorpio battle for the power in relationships. The Taurus archetype speaks to what you own, what you’re worth, and what’s entirely non-negotiable. Meanwhile, in Scorpio’s freakshow, everything must be relinquished — for the family, the relationship, the money.
Intimacy, physical touch and emotional vulnerability are themes of the Taurus full moon, as we reach out and call for what we need. Finding a moment of peace and serenity, creating time for grounding and centering, and setting boundaries are also themes as the sun in water sign Scorpio opposes the moon in earth sign Taurus.
This Taurus moon (ruled by Venus) activates our earthy, sensual nature. With the total lunar eclipse happening, you will be supported through this great transition by giving yourself exquisite self-care, honouring your feelings and body temple, and connecting with our Mother Earth.
This Full Moon holds some wildcard energy and may have us feeling scattered and restless, but the grounding, earthy vibrations from the Taurus bull will be on our side.
☾✩☽ Moon Medicine Rituals ☾✩☽
Create an altar. Create a sacred space in your home - see our guide in aftercare.
Connect with the Moon. Whether or not you subscribe to astrology, the moon is always in the sky, and attuning yourself to the moon's cycle can guide self-care.
New moon: At the beginning of the lunar month, the moon is a new moon. Metaphorically, it's a time to plant the new seeds of goals, intentions, and actions.
Waxing phase: Her growth from new moon to full moon is the waxing phase. This the Warrior Phase—where we gain momentum in our actions.
Waning phase: The Sage Phase happens as she wanes from full, —where we gradually power down, restore ourselves, and integrate lessons learned.
Dark moon: The last few days before the new moon is called the dark moon. Here's when we retreat to our proverbial caves to rest and reflect, preparing for a new cycle ahead
Cleanse. Sage your Home, Bedroom, Chariot & Office. Energetically cleanse the energetic wombs of your life, where you find yourself “creating”.
Observe. Select a journal, and record your dreams, thoughts, insights, experiences and observations.
Collect items: pen, paper, tarot cards, candles, incense, herbs, symbols to represent Luna: mirror, mother, water, seashells, etc.
Have Patience. Have patience with yourself and the journey you’re embarking. Allow yourself the emotional space to process, release, learn, develop and heal.
Lavender Oil. Have lavender in your home, bed or altar. Lavender can bring stillness, and calm an overactive mind.
I Feel. Acknowledge your emotions and journal with what emerges.
Breathe Deeply. The pull of The Moon can bring up strong sensations and emotions – and sometimes this is uncomfortable. However it’s a prime opportunity to feel more and allow the emotion to unfurl. A very practical and grounded way to do so is to focus on the breath and breathe a little deeper than you would normally. Place your hands on your Womb and Heart and take a few deep breaths and feel.
Go For A Moon Walk. Walking in the lunar light in nature can be particularly magical.Watch how the trees move and interact; with The Moon, the wind, with you, and listen, really listen in to the sounds of nature. Moon Bathing can be a truly magical and intimate experience.
Take A Long Luxurious Bath. The Moon affects the tides, the Oceans, the water in our body.
To get in touch with this aspect of nature within and around us – take a long bath.Add in Epson Salts, your favourite essential oil, play some soothing music, light candles and relax.
Tending to your Temple: BodyLiving consciously starts with taking care of your body; the temple that houses you, here on this planet. So, scan yourself from head to toe. How does your body feel? Give yourself all the O2 and H2O your body needs.. Your body will thank you for that.
Ground, Ground, and Ground
The magnetic pull of The Moon is strong so Grounding is super important. If you do nothing else at The Full Moon – ground. It’s especially helpful just before bed as being rooted in the body aids a better sleep.
Beannachtaí 💚
from Kathy and all at The Trailblazery xo