Children of The Sun awaken,
quite suddenly,
bounding out of their flower beds
to embrace the new
tiny sparks turn to blazes,
dancing everything to life
with a shimmy
and a smile
Oh, April! Such a gloriously vibrant month, despite the uncertainty of still-changing weather. We embrace longer days, brighter sunlight, and renewed energy as the wheel of the zodiac turns, beginning the new astrological year with child-like wonder and optimism. The leader of the zodiac, Aries, takes to his sparkly throne once again, and activity is the order of the new day. Though he first makes himself known in late March, Aries turns up the wattage to full blast in April, casting his spell of unbridled, vivacious life force everywhere. Which begs the question: what are you going to do with all that fire?
It’s always a bit of a jolt to segue from emotional, passive Pisces into brazen, action-oriented Aries. The zodiac works like that, by way of balance, but it can sometimes be a challenge if we aren’t quite aware of what’s happening. This month demands that you step out, in some way, and it simply will not take no for an answer, so the key is to work with that energy rather allow yourself to be paralyzed by trepidation. Let Aries guide you, for he is quite fearless!
This month has such a deliciously sexy vibe! I’m so excited for you to revel in it. But we’ll get to that in just a moment. The first thing you must know, is that our dear Mercury goes direct on April 15, after a seemingly endless retrograde. The air clears for all forms of communicating, so now decisions can be made. However, my Loves, be sure to observe the “shadow” that lingers for five days after the planet appears to move forward again. (Planets don’t actually move forward or backward, they just seem to, in relation to the Sun and other planets.) This means that although we aren’t totally in the clear of potential confusions until April 20th, the pressure will certainly ease. When it does, be careful of making those decisions, or jumping too quickly, but by all means do get moving. Call in the sure-footedness of the Ram, and you will be fine.
Now, the fun part! On April 15, that same day, we have an exuberant New Moon in Aries, which races in with tremendous energy, physical vitality, and an unbridled desire for independence. This is an extra-auspicious time to initiate new projects, begin a fitness plan, travel, dance your heart (and your frustrations) out, and work some fire magic. New Moons only occur once per year in Aries, so grab hold and use that energy!
Beauty-wise, a fiery Aries Moon requires some quenching, and a bit of soothing, as fire signs can be eruptive, leading to rashes and stressed-out skin. Let me invite you to a fabulous soireé of a potion hosted by majorly hydrating, anti-aging ingredients. Use 3 drops on a freshly cleansed face, day or night, all during this waxing-to-full Moon cycle, and consider adding it to your regular skincare rituals. (Spare another three drops for your neck and decollete, and your skin will thank you!)
Heart’s Afire Facial Serum
1 oz. organic avocado oil
1 oz. organic rose hip oil
10 drops calendula essential oil
13 drops frankincense essential oil
In a colored glass bottle (the ones with a dropper will work best), combine the avocado and rose hip oils. Breathe in the energy of a super-powered month ahead, seeing yourself reaching for the stars, with the celestial bodies cheering you on! Now drop in the essential oils, one at a time, visualizing a glowingly gorgeous, youthful face to show the world. Cap the bottle, and swirl it 13 times clockwise, raising the vibration of the potion. Place the bottle in a window, or outdoors if possible, to drink in the energy of the New Moon, and the first light of the reborn day.
Avocado and Rose hip are a luscious duo are presented to us by Venus, providing immense moisture, hydration, and wrinkle-fighting love and beauty magic. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and beauty fats they have the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, while humectant properties allow the surface to stay plumped for longer periods of time. These darlings also gift us the cellular turnover of vitamin A (a natural Retinol), and a bit of UV protection for sunnier skies.
Calendula or marigold flowers are ruled by fire, yet offer soothing, curative comforts to the skin, and can be extremely helpful for rashes, inflammation, dry patches, and other irritations. Honored by the ancient Egyptians for their rejuvenating powers, they have been known to bring forth protection, prophetic dreams, and heightened psychic insight.
Frankincense is a powerful, ancient beauty secret long revered for keeping the signs of aging at bay. Ruled by the Sun and fire, it is one of the greatest anti-wrinkle treatments of all time, with the added benefits of lifting and firming skin. It will bring additional protection and an enhanced spirituality to your potion.
Beauty Witch Tip: Rubies are solar-powered stones that impart a fresh, radiant energy to the skin. Sapphires, by contrast, are ruled by water, and are deeply hydrating. Drop one each of these stones in their tiny, unpolished form into your potion on the New Moon, and allow them to infuse the blend with their beautifying properties over time.
We do have a bit of a planetary hotspot, Dear Ones, on April 26th. On that day, warrior Mars joins forces with the king of the underworld himself, our harbinger of transformation, Pluto. Pluto rules that which lies beneath the surface, and forces a death-into-rebirth cycle which can be quite challenging. So near to a Full Moon, this forces things that perhaps we are trying to ignore, or don’t quite know how to change, up to the surface to be dealt with. And with Mars blazing by his side, the possibilities of things getting volatile are strong, to say the least. How best to deal with it? See whatever comes up as purification by fire: necessary, and ultimately cleansing. This energy helps you to clear the air, let go of what isn’t working, and begin anew with that which is meant to stay. And, to be fair, it can be an enormously passionate time, so why not turn your attentions to the sultrier side of things?
Speaking of wanton amour, we return to the playfulness of this month on April 30th, when a steamy Full Moon in Scorpio is unleashed, bringing to light your deepest desires, and the challenges perhaps that you must accept in order to fulfill them. This is a madly sexy time, too! It coincides with the ancient Roman festival of the Floralia, celebrating sexuality and springtime flowers. So pull out all the stops, and allow yourself to be swept up in the tide of pure animal magnetism.
One thing to note: this Moon is known to witches as the Growing Moon, manifesting the power flow of change, self confidence, self reliance, creating, and producing. However, it is also a time to be aware of volcanic emotions, and keep self-centeredness (and the indulgences they can manifest) in check.
I’ve conjured a special drink, just for you, to call forth your seductive self, should it happen to have been in hiding all Winter…
Smoldering Cordial
serves two
1 teaspoon cut damiana leaf
1 teaspoon dried rose petals
1 cup pure spring water
2 strawberries
1 teaspoon raw coconut nectar or stevia to taste
pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, but worth it!)
Begin preparing the tea by steeping the damiana and rose petals in hot water for 10-15 minutes (be careful not to boil the water, as it changes the efficacy and vibration of the plants.) Strain the plant material, and allow to cool. Add the strawberries and the pinch of cayenne to the tea, and blend on high speed until smooth. Sweeten to taste. Enjoy chilled or room temperature.
Get ready – this is one fiery cocktail! Brimming with beautifying ingredients, this lusty drink also serves a potent boost of fire power to your sacral chakra. Sweeten it to your liking to balance the heat of the cayenne, and the naturally spicy note of damiana, against the voluptuousness of the berries and roses. Share it with a (very special) friend, and open up to the Full Moon magic!
Damiana has long been revered by witches as an aphrodisiac. It also elevates your stamina, enhances mood, and is an excellent tonic for overworked kidneys.
Rose is the great, ancient symbol of beauty and love. For all its exquisite, seemingly fragile prettiness, the rose is actually an emblem of great strength. Venus-ruled and sacred to love goddesses from many traditions, it also offers protection, luck, healing, and a formidable dose of nutrients. Vitamins C and A, antioxidants, and minerals make this a beautifying potion that works from the inside out.
Strawberries are amorous fruits of Venus that usher in Springtime. Sacred to the Norse goddess Freya, they are famously powerful additions to any beauty and love potion, bearing tremendous health offerings in the form of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Have a glorious month, my little bonfires!
xo Alise
Yay! I’m so glad that this is a regular feature! I’ve really come to rely on these meticulous monthly survival guides. Totally feeling that Aries fire beginning to creep in for me this week, along with a few Mercury Retro miscommunications 😛 I’m certainly looking forward to crafting the facial serum, my skin has been fairly dried out lately. The Smoldering Cordial sounds absolutely delightful too!
Thank you, Kristi! So glad you’re enjoying the column! I’m with you on the Mercury…Have fun with the Serum, it’s really nourishing for your dry skin. And lap up that Cordial! It’s guaranteed to spark things 😉
xo Alise
Thank you, Kristi! I’m so pleased that you are enjoying the column! The Serum will take care of your dry skin woes, for certain. And do savor the Cordial…it’s a sassy one! XOXOXO Alise
The serum looks fantastic… Getting my ingredients together now. I’ve been on the lookout for something to give my skin a much needed lift. As always you’re right on time with this Alise, thank you!
Can’t wait to try the elixir, too! Sounds so good…
Fabulous! You’re going to love it, I promise! So glad you’re enjoying everything. xo Alise
Once again, you tap into my inner Scheherazade. I’ve been wearing a touch of red all week and I intend to keep it up this whole cycle.
Everything always seems so tangible and luxurious when it comes from you and NEVER a nightly beauty chore, always a beautiful ritual.
Can’t wait for the next instalment
Aww, Claudia! It’s my pleasure. Yes, red! Lots of red! I’m so glad you’re embracing beauty rituals in the manner they are intended…it’s our birthright! XOXO Alise
Thanks for the April guidance! Heavenly as ever! Every column is inspiringly lush. I’m so looking forward to trying both the serum and the smouldering cordi! Do you have any suggestions for a Damiana substitute? Also, do you have a preferred supplier for gems and crystals? Do you recommend the serum for hands as well? My hands are the most sun damaged bit of me (I ride my bike every where and tend to do it without sunscreen to soak up vitamin D, because I err on the side of running low, but damn my hands have suffered!!!) xx
You are most welcome, Meg! I’m so happy you’re enjoying the column. Damiana is in a class by herself, for sure, but you could blend clove, nutmeg, and a bit of passion flower instead. That would make a gorgeous cocktail, with a nice little aphrodisiac kick. As far as gems and crystals, I need to touch them, and I encourage you to as well. Like all gifts of nature, they tend to call to you in some way, and can particularly communicate when you place them in your power hand (the one you write with.) I always prefer rough, unpolished if you can get hold of them. The energy is stronger. Check out local esoteric shops, and let the owner know what you’re after.
Yes, by all means, use the serum on your hands as well! I love that you’re soaking up the vitamin D, but a good rule of thumb is 20 minutes unexposed, then slather that sunscreen on, Sugar!
XOXO Alise
You have noted very interesting details ! ps nice website .
Thank you! Enjoy the potions! XOXOXO Alise
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Thank you! xo
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Merci! Glad to have you here xo
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