Transformed

I don’t know if it was the Pluto based eclipse we just had, or if it was the shift into the fiery and forceful sign of Aries that did it, but I’ve finally burned through through the worst of those nicotine cravings. It’s taken nearly 3 months to feel ‘normal’ again (but for anyone reading this who is either thinking of giving up, or has just given up – don’t be put off by the length of time - it doesn’t mean I had 3 whole months with NO relief from cravings, it just felt that way a lot of the time).

Only thing is I still can’t go near alcohol, as that was my strongest trigger for a smoke. Give me a gorgeous glass of red wine and a Marlboro Light or twenty and I was in heaven with the door shut, so it has to be avoidance till I’m a bit more used to being smoke-free.

For me the astrology was about north node in Pisces, currently making its way through my sixth house of health and Stuff To Sort. North node sign ruler Neptune (smoke) is of course, in opposition to Saturn (limits), but Pluto seems to have had a lot to do with it all too. Pluto’s been hanging around the IC/4th cusp point of my chart for about a year now, and I feel I’ve done more along the theme of transformation than ever before – including the blog – how do you like the new look?

There was definitely some kind of crescendo of cravings reached around the last eclipse, as if it was the final death throes or something. And then recently, I suddenly realised I couldn’t hear that teeth-grindingly irritating nicotine voice calling anymore, and it was spring; outside the sky was clear and blue, and the daffodils bright yellow like the sun. Maybe it was the equinox, the passing of a season into a whole new energy, I don’t know, but I do know it was worth the dark days to get here.

UK No Smoking Day On 14th March

I stopped smoking on 3rd January this year, and I was doing great up till the full moon eclipse time on 3rd March. Since then I've been hit by intense cravings, and my thoughts seem to revolve around the whole issue of to smoke or not to smoke. I can't sleep at night for the overwhelming ache. Can't write, can't concentrate; I'm spaced out, tearful, with no appetite. It's like I'm heartbroken over the end of a relationship.

So thank goodness for a no smoking day. It stops that feeling of isolation, it puts you back in touch with the reality that there's thousands of others going through the same thing, and thousands of others who've gone through it, come out the other side.

Only thing I don't like about the whole anti-smoking brigade is the use of the message of fear. Bless them, I'm sure they think they are doing it for the right reasons, but I don't think it helps at all painting smoking as the devil's work, or trying to guilt trip or patronise people into stopping. In fact if I had one tip to offer people who are thinking of quitting, it's to keep away from the fear/guilt based stuff, and concentrate on the joy of experiencing what you dreamed about while stuck in the smoking cycle. Feel the joy of fresh air and more cash, of breathing easier and being free of such a high maintenance relationship. It's all good stuff, and you deserve to feel good.

Hopefully I'll be able to write more when I'm through this stage of it (I have high hopes for the new moon in Pisces that is coming up), but for now I'm just following my feelings and going with their spacey, wistful, but defiant flow.

The No Smoking Day website is here
And the About.com site is here, which I found helpful, especially the forum

Two Weeks No Smoking & A New Moon in Capricorn

Well, it's 15 days no smoking to be exact, as every second still counts :-) I've been looking forward to this New Moon, as it was during the Full Moon two weeks ago that I gave up the cigs, and decided to use this New Moon time as my first milestone. Lot's of tears and a few tantrums later, here I am. Smiling too.

The New Moon is exact around 4am GMT on the 19th January, though there's always a day or two either side when the energy is in full flow. It's happening in the late degrees of Capricorn, which means the Sun is about to change signs from Capricorn to Aquarius. This will correspond to a shift of focus of energy very soon, but as Capricorn and Aquarius share Saturn as a ruler, the essence of that planet will still be at work, and no doubt hard at work, being Saturn.

New moons indicate new phases, where we are most receptive to the qualities of the sign they take place in, and where we can set intentions using these qualities to benefit our current circumstances. Capricorn is big on commitment, on responsibility, on discipline, and on step by step progress, because this sign looks long-term, holding a plan in mind to work to, without needing to see immediate results. An instinct for timing and the patience for satisfaction through a slow unfolding of events means Capricorn energy has an edge all of its own.

So during this New Moon, in true Capricorn-style, I'm setting fresh intentions for the future, as well as marking a milestone - the first of many I hope.

Full Moon In Cancer 3rd January

2007 kicks off with a full on kind of Full Moon on 3rd January at around 2pm GMT, when the Moon in comfort-zone craving Cancer stands in exact opposition to the Sun in duty-bound Capricorn. This is an annual occurrence, and part of the solar/lunar cycle we’re all naturally attuned to on the deepest levels, but the question is how best to tap this current energy and work consciously with it?

A Full Moon in any sign can lead to an emotional shift or turning point of some sort, often arising from an ever-increasing tension around an issue that there’s suddenly no escaping. The tension is symbolised by the Sun and Moon positioned at opposite ends of the zodiac, 180 degrees apart, each expressing according to the nature of the particular sign they both occupy.

The Moon rules the sign of Cancer, emphasising the focus on all emotional attachments. The emotional ties can be with anything from actual home and family bonds, to our most familiar friends, as well as routines and habits, and memories and nostalgia for old faces and forgotten places. Meanwhile the Sun in Capricorn speaks of responsibility, duty, maturity and authority. It's all about expectations and demands, terms and conditions, as well as creativity through timing, planning, progress and discipline.

Mix and match these or similar keywords for your personal Full Moon theme. My theme is about a habit I know I have to break. A few months ago, I started smoking again after over two years smoke free. My excuse was the stress of my current living circumstances - I live right on a very busy crossroads, where the traffic literally shakes the walls and rattles the pots and pans. As well as this, I have a noisy neighbour who plays music every night. And I mean EVERY night!

Alternative accommodation is hard to find where I live, but I have a potential new place just perfect for me, that I first heard about last March (on the day of the solar eclipse in Aries!), and I'm just waiting for the call to say it's mine. But it’s been a long wait! And I started smoking again in a misguided attempt to cope with the relentless stress and pressure of the constant noise and disturbance.

So here I am feeling at odds (Full Moon) with this habit (Moon/Cancer), versus the need to get real (Capricorn) and admit smoking is a coping mechanism that isn’t working, having only really brought a new stress all of its own. I've taken the first step and bought my nicotine chewing gum, but haven't had the guts to set the date yet. As far as the astrology goes, I’m well aware this is a great time to be planning to break a habit, as Uranus is in strong and supportive aspect to the Full Moon, and in my own chart the South Node of the Moon is currently crossing my natal Pluto (old habits dying hard!).

Thanks to astrology, I'm also aware that the best way to deal with the at-odds feeling of conflict and opposition is to not push against the feelings that are brought up. I know at some point very soon I'm going to have to feel those nicotine cravings through without resisting by lighting up another cig.

So wish me luck! And I wish you the same if the Full Moon is raising your interest in making a resolution or two...