Hey, is this thing on? If you were wondering if I had dropped off the face of the earth, I’m sorry about that. I have come a long way from being severely ill, but I still struggle sometimes to muster enough focus and traction to get everything done, especially when Mars acts up– whether the stress is in the sky above or a hard transit to my chart. Then my mind does its own thing for a while. The good news is, I have a new way of keeping myself on task and accountable (a Saturnian blessing) that I will share with you. But first, the Full Moon.
Full Moon in Sagittarius, June 9, 2017
Today’s Full Moon is in Sagittarius. In medical astrology, that brings physiological activity, attention, and blood flow to the parts of the body Sagittarius rules– the sacrum and lower back, butt, thighs, and liver. Sag loves to move. Yoga teachers, body workers, self-healers, and lightworkers, honor the Sagittarius Full Moon with some boogie, some gentle stretching and strengthening, or some therapy to the hip joints, psoas muscle, lower back, and sacrum.
Sag’s ruling planet is Jupiter, which rules fat metabolism– and isn’t it interesting that the parts of the body ruled by Jupiter/Sagittarius are places where we tend to accumulate fat? Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, ruler of the boobs and tummy– so you might have already guessed that these planets and signs are important in the chart of someone who wants to improve fat metabolism and lose weight. And they are important “in the overall” right now, as the culmination of this Lunar cycle occurs in Sagittarius.
Jupiter and fat
How frustrating is it to gain weight on a low-fat diet that is SUPPOSED to be healthy and help you lose weight? Jupiter rules both body fat and dietary fat, but one does not lead to the other! Since this Full Moon makes a favorable connection to its ruler, Jupiter, I’ll tell you a little bit about how I, as a holistic nutritionist, see the relationship between the two, and then I’ll weave in the astrology.
Some of you may not believe me when I tell you that dietary fat does not turn into body fat. Fat is a vital fuel. It’s a vehicle for absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, from your food. Fat promotes satiety and stops sugar cravings. It is important to get the right kind of fats. You can find out about these in this handout on fats that I created in nutrition school.
If dietary fat doesn’t make us fat, then who’s the culprit? Insulin (also ruled by Jupiter, according to Rex Bills) is a hormone that lowers blood glucose by directing fat cells to absorb glucose and chemically convert it to fat. How do you get high insulin? By having high blood glucose (Venus). How do you get high blood glucose? Root causes vary, but most commonly, the root cause is eating the wrong kind of carbohydrates (Venus)– sweets, bready carbs, and junk food rather than fruits and vegetables. High insulin levels are associated with hypertension, obesity, abnormal blood lipids, and metabolic syndrome, the precursor to diabetes. Sugar intake, ruled by Venus, ruler of Libra, controls the balance.
Other culprits, like toxins (Neptune) and adrenal fatigue, can also disrupt blood sugar regulation. Problems like insufficient stomach acid, biliary stasis, and gallstones can affect fat metabolism. If you’re having trouble with a higher amount of fat in your diet, consult a naturopath or nutritionist to help you get to the root of it.
Jupiter and detoxification
Detoxification may be another important key to your well-being right now, as Sagittarius rules the liver, the primary site of detoxification. I wouldn’t push the detox too hard, though– be gentle with yourself, and know your limits. Because Saturn is in the mix too.
The Full Moon’s conjunction to Saturn carries a heavy feeling, asking you to follow the rules and respect your limitations. Avoid your triggers and allergens the best you can. Don’t beat yourself up about any negative effects you’re feeling today. Keep on doing your best.
The Full Moon also pulls in energy from its square to Neptune, ruler of toxins, allergens, and addictions.
After the Full Moon
The energic environment will probably continue feeling various degrees of tight, restrictive and downbeat until the Sun completes its opposition to Saturn on June 15. Until then, be gentle with yourself. The Sun will move on to sextile Uranus, and Venus and Mars will lighten things up, the week of June 19.
A gift for you from my friend Saturn – Habitica, the task minder-slash-role-playing game designed using scientifically proven motivation principles to help you develop good habits and reach your goals. If you need help staying on task and enjoy RPG games, you’ll love it. It is useful, silly, and addictive (in the best way).
Molly Gauthier studied and practiced astrology for 20 years before becoming a certified nutrition therapist. Learn more about her nutrition therapy practice at mollygauthier.com.
