Lunar Eclipse Tea

I’m tired. Part of that could be due to the fact that I have an almost three-month-old still trying to get into a sleep routine and a toddler with endless amounts of energy. Part of that could also be eclipse season.

While new moons energize me (perhaps because I was born under a dark moon?), full moons always leave me feeling drained. That exhaustion is only amplified during a lunar eclipse. Lunar eclipses only happen during a full moon - full moons in general tend to affect us emotionally and physically, and eclipses act like super potent full moons and only amplify this energy. Many people believe that magick shouldn’t be done during an eclipse, mainly due to this state of heightened emotions and disrupted subconscious. While I don't believe that eclipses are "evil" and that magick should be avoided at all costs, I do think it is beneficial to take it easy during this time.

Yesterday we saw a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Gemini - though it was only a partial eclipse, we may still be feeling extra sensitive and vulnerable this week, craving solitude, isolation and rest. When I feel called to give my body and mind a rest, I turn to herbal tonics and teas that are soothing and comforting. Yesterday I created a tea blend of adaptogenic and nervine herbs to help get me through eclipse season - for we will experience a solar eclipse during the new moon on December 14th, too.

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi, or holy basil, is quickly becoming one of my favorite herbs. Not only is it a great herb for stress and anxiety, it is downright delicious. Tulsi is an adaptogen, a classification of herbs that soothe the nervous system and support the body's ability to respond to stress. Adaptogens are unique in that they "adapt" their function in accordance to whatever the body's particular physical, chemical, or biological need is at the time. In Ayurveda, tulsi is considered a rasayana - an herb that promotes long life, perfect health & enlightenment. Tulsi nourishes the heart and spirit, and also helps in the process of grief, which can be useful when feeling lost after detaching ourselves from that which no longer serves us - a typical ritual during a full moon, and definitely needed during an eclipse.

Chamomile

Chamomile is another herb that is super beneficial during a full moon or eclipse - it helps to reduce anxiety and stress while also promoting good, restful sleep. It is great to use in aiding with meditation, and in cleansing and protection.

Oatstraw

Oatstraw serves to restore - it is a nutritive herb for those that feel depleted, tired, and just burnt-out. This herb is packed with vitamins, chromium, magnesium, iron and calcium, which all work together to calm and tone the nervous system, which in turn heals the entire body.

Passionflower

Passionflower is a great treatment for the physical effects of anxiety and panic attacks - it allows for slower, deeper breathing while lowering the pulse and decreasing blood pressure. Though it's main classification is a sedative, this herb boasts many health benefits too, like reducing inflammation, boosting heart health, and improving your mood. Passionflower serves as an ally during meditation and dreaming by reducing mental chatter and promoting subconscious exploration and emotional healing.

Recipe: Lunar Eclipse Tea

Ingredients:

2 parts tulsi

1 part chamomile

1 part oatstraw

1 or 2 dried passionflower blossoms, crushed

Combine all ingredients into a jar. To serve, add 1 tsp of tisane to 6-8 oz. boiling water. Steep for 8-10 minutes, strain, and sweeten to taste, if necessary (but I personally don't think it is).

Take time this week to focus your attention inward and tap into your yin energy - meditate, rest, reflect. Drink tea. Contemplate what you need to detach from in order to reach your true potential. If you’re feeling the physical effects of this eclipse, pause to clear your mind and connect with how your body is feeling. And then drink more tea.