Magickal Floor Wash
I personally have Virgo on my fourth house cusp, so I can be very persnickety about my home and its cleanliness. I wash my floors every weekend as a way to rid my home of the week’s energy and start fresh. It is like a reset button for me. I figured I would share one of my favorite floor washing recipes and rituals. Feel free to modify it for yourself and with what you have on-hand. The ingredients themselves will only guide and influence but will never be the sole factor here. The intention is in the action and the process, not always in the ingredients alone.
Ingredients
1 gallon of warm water
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 lemon juiced
1/4 cup white vinegar
Tools
Broom
Dust pan (optional)
Mop
Bucket
Directions
Sweep:
Sweep your floor with a broom, collecting any debris that may be on the surface of the floor. In Italian folk tradition, you sweep everything out the back door. However, it is perfectly fine to sweep and just pick up the debris and throw it away. The act is cleansing and doing what feels right for you. Vacuuming is also perfectly acceptable if that is more convenient (or you have carpet). I personally sweep, then vacuum afterward before I mop. Just in case.
Wash:
Combine the above ingredients together in a bucket and stir clockwise 5 times with a mop while speaking what you’d like to release. When washing your floors, imagine you’re scrubbing away your doubts, fears and anything that is holding you back. Lemon acts as a purifier and energizer. Vinegar is a powerful cleanser. Olive Oil blesses, protects and anoints. It also creates a beautiful shine. Let the solution stay on the floor for 15 minutes or so, and then wipe clean. Wiping clean is important as it engages you in the action of tying up the loose ends instead of waiting for things to pan out. The floors will be a little slick from the oil, so be careful!
Lavender & Honey Face Mask
Who doesn’t love a little face mask from time to time? This one is packed with ingredients that are perfect for eclipses, air energy and retrogrades! It is made of Lavender, Honey, and Coconut oil, meant to balance, brighten, restore and refresh. This is an ode to Spring, but also the calm that we must find in the storm. Use this right before bed or just after a hot bath/shower. It will leave you relaxed and your skin hydrated. The lavender is associated with Mercury, calming the anxious energy around the planet. Honey will cleanse and ground. Coconut oil can bring about luck and abundance, while nourishing us.
Ingredients
2 tsp unrefined virgin coconut oil
1 tsp of dried lavender without pesticides or 4 drops of skin-safe lavender essential oil
1 tsp raw honey
Directions
Mix together coconut oil and lavender
Add honey and mix all ingredients together with a spoon or mask brush
Apply to clean skin and leave on for at least 20 minutes
Wash off with warm water or a washcloth.
Tip: You may need to rinse a few times to remove excess oil.
Magical Note
Combine the above ingredients together while stirring the mixture counterclockwise. The counterclockwise motion will help with banishing and letting go. Once thoroughly mixed together, apply to the skin. While the mask sits on your skin, envision the ingredients seeping into you, nourishing and soothing you at your core. Beauty is never just skin deep. As you wash off the mask, imagine you are washing away others’ perceptions and energy only to expose you and your true self. Once this is complete, look in the mirror and tell yourself one thing you love about yourself. Write that down, and place it under your pillow as a reminder that you are all you’ve ever dreamed of.
Added note: test this mixture out on a small part of your body before full application. Use as directed and avoid getting the mixture in your eyes. If allergic to any of these ingredients, please avoid use and substitute for something that works best for you. The magic isn’t due to the ingredients, but instead lives in the intentions and energies you infuse the ingredients with. Thus, you can use your own products or mixtures and still follow the ritual all the same for the desired effect.
Ritual Bath Styling by sign
A birth chart can be good for some many reasons, from having a heightened sense of self-awareness to understanding the depth of your own capabilities. You can also use a chart to guide you in more tangible and mundane ways. One of my favorite uses of a chart is to apply certain planetary aspects or placements to design, style or aesthetic taste. Of course, this isn’t just in the way you style your space, but it can even come down to how you create a more aligned atmosphere for yourself. Since this edition of the zine is particularly watery, I have decided to do a little dive to show you how to style a bath or shower ritual using your birth chart!
First, we should consider what we would want out of the bath itself. Usually, baths are calming and tranquil, leaving us feeling replenished. So, for this article we will look to the Moon and Venus through the signs. The Moon is our internal and instinctual selves, our core needs and where we can replenish our energy. Venus is our sense of beauty, aesthetics, tastes and self-worth. Together, they can paint a picture of what can help you relax in your bath ritual, or really any self-care routine.
Moon Sign
Fire Moons are energetic, fast-paced and sometimes restless. Those with their Moons in a Fire sign can jump the gun or be emotionally reactive. Their core desires and interests lie in creation and seeking ways to constantly find joy and adventure in their lives. Lighting is very important to Fire Moon individuals. It can stimulate their minds, but it can also keep up their optimistic natures. When pulling items for a ritual, consider setting the lighting just right. Movement or activity can be a necessity, as well. If a Fire Moon is going to have a bath, they should bring something with them that will help ease their restlessness. Lastly, Fire Moons should add herbs or elements to their bath water that will fuel the flames within. Ginger or basil can be perfect additions to promote fire energy.
Earth Moons are sensual, grounded and sometimes strict with themselves. They seek simple pleasures and aim to be pragmatic and practical. They may not deal with their emotions or try to “work through them” by burying themselves in actual work or activities to escape. Vulnerability can be a tough spot for them. When engaging in a ritual, Earth Moons need a soft, pleasing environment. Smells are particularly important for them. Choosing the right scent can make or break the experience. They should also consider tactility in their bathtime – using a loofah, putting oil or soap on their skin or rubbing their scalp or feet. To enhance their earthiness, they can add rosemary or patchouli to their baths. A bath ritual should be an EXPERIENCE for Earth Moons.
Air Moons are curious, inventive and communicative. They may not go into the depths of their sensitive natures for fear of getting too much in their “feels”. They seek mental stimulation and can use something to satisfy their insatiable need to know about everything around them. When taking time to unwind and starting their rituals, they need to find ways to quiet their overactive minds. Bringing a book, something to read or a word game with them into their bath can be good. It engages their thoughts, while helping them settle into their bodies. A journal may not be a bad idea either – or even using their phone to record voice memos. We all know that we get our best ideas in the shower! Air Moons also like a little bit of noise. When things are too quiet, it can bother them. Curating the perfect playlist for their baths can be a great way to turn this ritual into an activity. Lavender can soothe them, while bringing out their best airy qualities.
Water Moons are sensitive, compassionate and endearing. They will tend on the moody side, because of their introspective and empathic natures. They need time for respite to replenish their internal cups. What Water Moon doesn’t love a good bath or shower? Really, there is no wrong way to enjoy this. Water Moons do like the ambiance and feeling of what a bath ritual can provide. They should add lots of bubbles, fun bath bombs and bring something to hydrate with. They can also benefit from adding milk and citrus to their baths to nourish their bodies and energize their spirits. Of course, watching a show or just sitting in the quiet can be a great way to escape mundane life and into their dream world. Cedarwood and frankincense can awaken their psychic sensibilities while grounding them all the same. It brings out the best of their aquatic natures.
Venus Sign
Fire Venus aesthetic choices should lean toward the warm side. Reds, oranges and yellows help to stimulate and activate the fire within – allowing it to burn brightly. Fire Venus’s are highly creative and affectionate. They like to give and receive attention. Love for them can be a game or an adventure. Using crystals like Carnelian or Citrine can highlight their need for liveliness and expand their joyful attitudes. Obviously bringing in the element of fire itself is important. Candles and incense can be perfect for those with a Fire Venus.
Venus in Aries: keep the bath space open and warm, add cinnamon to the water. Have candles burning and consider adding tiger lilies or red roses.
Venus in Leo: there should be an air of luxury and plush warmth. Try taking a bath during the daytime for natural sunlight and add sunflowers or lemon balm to the water.
Venus in Sagittarius: bring the fun into bath time. Use bath bombs that turn the water yellow or red. Maybe add a hint of ginger oil or ginseng to the water. Use Citrine and carnations to keep the fire burning.
Earth Venus needs a soothing atmosphere. They could live in rooms filled with plants and wood tones for days and days. Choose colors that are earthy, subtle and natural. Look for textural and sensual additions. Greens, browns, creams and terracottas can ground and relax a native Earth Venus. Those with Venus in an Earth sign show love through acts of service and gifts. They may not be showy in love, but they are solid and seek commitment. Using Pyrite, Jade or Green Aventurine can help with their incredible abilities to manifest. Adding nature into their ritual is a must for Earth Venus natives. Consider bringing flowers into the mix.
Venus in Capricorn: add Pyrite and eucalyptus to the bath ritual. Thyme can be very grounding for you. Bring in low lighting and add a cocktail (or mocktail) to engage total relaxation.
Venus in Taurus: you need lots of sensuality in your bath time routine! Make sure it is a whole EXPERIENCE! Add those bubbles, curate that music and light those candles. Add apple slices, strawberries or foxglove to the water to keep things fresh!
Venus in Virgo: try to keep things minimal. Bring in some blended oats to nourish your skin and add some chamomile into the water as well. Make a green juice or some tea to enjoy the whole process.
Air Venus can be cool, lofty and communicative. There is a need to share their thoughts and ideas with others. They may be idealistic and a little flighty. Lighter blues, greys, purples and jewel tones can be good for an Air Venus. Those colors bring out their curious nature, adding in some depth and complexity. Venus in Air natives like to show love through words of affirmation and quality time. Rose Quartz and Amethyst can be useful to help them communicate openly while easing any worries that they may have. In a bath ritual, they should bring some lavender and a good book to enjoy as they relax.
Venus in Libra: grab your Rose Quartz and Rhodonite! Scent can be important to you, so have a soft scent in the background. Keep the music light and airy. Add lilies and bergamot oil to the water.
Venus in Aquarius: let’s keep things weird. Use a bath bomb that changes the water’s color. Use Amethyst and add Kiwi to the water to keep you refreshed and calm. Burning myrrh and frankincense can be great to activate that third eye.
Venus in Gemini: grab your book! You should have something to keep your mind active while sitting and soaking. Add oats and lavender to your water to nourish you.
Water Venus may find it important to keep that emotional well flowing and full. Relaxation is of the utmost importance because of their need for emotional intimacy and introspection. Learning boundaries can be tough for Water Venus natives. Using Amazonite and Celestine will help with meditation, tranquility and building energetic boundaries. Venus in Water people may show love through touch, acts of service or quality time. They can be very giving in every aspect, but more shy to share their feelings at first. Bring your journal and some good tunes to your bath to help you process your emotions and gain more clarity.
Venus in Cancer: jasmine and daisies are perfect for you! Try adding some mint or lemon oil to the water to help soothe you. Lemons or milk can be a great addition, as well!
Venus in Scorpio: let the water run hot! Try adding hibiscus or cranberries to your bath to stimulate passion. Bring some black tourmaline to ground you and add a little ginger oil.
Venus in Pisces: bath time should feel like a dream to you. Add milk, roses and anise to your bath for an extra sensory experience. Mugwort oil can help activate your psychic sensibilities and oranges can brighten your mood. Have a good playlist ready!
Interior Design & Astrology Case Study
In this article, Chrissy Harrington of Little Chateau and I teamed up to talk about Interior Decorating and Design as it applies to Astrology and your Zodiac Sign. We are going to be looking at The Big Three (Sun, Moon and Rising) & 4th House Cusp (or the IC - opposite the MC), as well as, the elements and the design principles associated with them. Of course, 4th House Planets, Placements and your Venus sign are also a good indication of your home design sense. However, by focusing on The Big Three and 4th House Cusp, you can get an idea of your signs’ aesthetics! If you know your Venus Sign or Sign that the Planets in your 4th House are in, make sure you check those out too!
First, I am gong to start by breaking down the interior sensibilities based on each element/sign in the zodiac - and then we are going to see how that applies to Chrissy of Little Chateau’s space - and my space as well! Chrissy and I also worked up together to come up with ways that you could update your space based on your Astrological Big Three and 4th House Cusp! Read to find out below!
THE ELEMENTS
FIRE SIGNS
Aries, Leo & Sagittarius
Warm tones: red’s, orange’s, yellow’s
Design Aesthetic/Tastes: candles, an entertaining space - bar area, terra-cotta, bright sunlight, gold accents, eclectic taste - inspired by travels, succulents, open concept living, room for creativity, bringing the party home
EARTH SIGNS
Taurus, Virgo & Capricorn
Earth tones: neutral’s, green’s, muted colors
Design Aesthetic/Tastes: luxury feel - textures & natural fibers, light colors, plants, wood accents, personal collections & bringing nature indoors, crystals, food inspired - kitchens are important, magazine quality home style, homebodies - spending time in their space
AIR SIGNS
Gemini, Libra & Aquarius
Pastel tones: light jewel tones, soft purple’s, light blue’s, gray’s
Design Aesthetic/Tastes: airy feeling, minimal design, books & magazines, technology/smart appliances, good lighting, airy window treatments/lots of windows, music is always playing/background noise, easy to rearrange/open concept, metal accents, inspired by what they’ve seen online or in books, learning at home/working from home
WATER SIGNS
Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces
Cool tones - blue’s, soft colors, colors of the beach and ocean
Design Aesthetic/Taste: crystals, spa feel, shiny surfaces/reflective surfaces, good smells (candles, air fresheners), mood lighting, ritual tools, comfy bed, clean bathrooms, nurturing & nostalgic space, tropical & low light plants, making the home a sanctuary - homebodies
Chrissy Harrington’s Space
I did the Little Chateau’s Chrissy Harrington’s chart a while back, and we took a look at her Big Three and 4th House Cusp to see how her space aligns with these basic design sensibilities, and she was shocked! She could not believe how much she identified with the elements of design according to her Sun, Moon and Rising and Aries 4th House. Let me tell you, this girl is mostly FIRE! It’s no surprise that she started Little Chateau with all of her love for interior design and wanting to inspire others through the use of color, texture and harmony.
Chrissy’s Big Three & 4th house cusp
Virgo Sun (Earth)
Aries Moon (Fire)
Sagittarius Rising (Fire)
Aries 4th House Cusp (Fire)
Chrissy’s Design Aesthetic is all about Warm Tones & Earth Tones/Neutrals. She focuses on gold accents and candles to warm her space, as well as, rich and natural textures to add a sense of luxury. Bright oranges and reds really give her home life and energy - playing on all of that Fire in her chart. She loves to entertain at home before going out and has a style that is inspired by her passions and travels - in true Fire sign spirit. Her Earth energy comes in full force with the soft neutral back drop and those beautiful plants adding touches of green to her living space.
LIVING SPACE
Earth Sign Influence: Plants, Soft Neutrals, Pottery, Rich Textures, Organized Space, Natural Materials
Fire Sign Influence: Oranges and Reds, Warm Tones, Pops of Bright Color, Art Inspired by Passions and Travel, Entertaining Space, Open Concept
Chrissy’s Living Space reflects the combination of her Fire and Earth energy really well. In contrast to my space that you will see later, her’s is full of warm colors! The soft neutrals work as a canvas for her bright pops of color, really giving it a dynamic energy (Aries Moon and 4th House). Sources of Inspiration everywhere that ignite her passions really add personal touches (that Sag rising NEEDS to feel inspired). Of course, let’s not forget the perfect position of literally EVERYTHING in her space (Virgo Sun) and how comfort marries functionality. A need to entertain and bring the party home is also reflected in her open layout and her movable brass bar - the kitchen plays a key role allowing for her to host but still stay engaged in conversation. No Fire dominant wants to miss what’s going on! They love being in the know. Gold accents and bright, bright light help in making this space feel lively (Fire energy), while the fur and luxurious textures add a sense of refinement and class (Earth energy).
Bedroom
Earth Sign Influence: Neutral Palette, Rich Textures, Fur, Soft Light, Sheepskin Rugs, Refined, Classic and Chic
Fire Sign Influence: Candles, Sources of Inspiration, Travel Magazines and Art, Globe, Warm Accents
Chrissy’s Bedroom is quintessential Earth sign energy. The refined, posh and polished look oozes Virgo vibes. It’s an Earth signs dream to be covered in soft textures and rich linens. She focuses the design on the light and neutral color palette, but still has a few pops of warm colored accents - a nod to her Fire energy. A Chanel pillow is the definition of Earth sign decor, name brand, but make it comfortable. Like what Earth sign wouldn’t want that?! The use of plants in the room give it that homey vibe to this otherwise super hotel chic bedroom. Displays of her passion of beauty products (total Earth energy) are paired with her love of travel using the globe and European-inspired decor (straight up Sag rising coming through). I could literally go on for days about the luxury feel of her sweet bedroom sanctuary. This is what home decor magazines are made of - but seriously, who wants to move in?! My Libra energy and Virgo 4th House Cusp are living for this aesthetic right now.
Anthony Perrotta’s Space
I obviously know my chart like the back of my hand! In my chart, both Air and Water are very dominant with just a touch of Earth (literally almost no Fire), so I do garner a lot of inspiration for those elements. In addition, with my Venus in Aries (only Fire sign) and my 4th House Cusp falls in Virgo, I also have added touches of Fire and Earth elements in the space. Lastly, my partner and I focus a lot on some principles from Feng Shui in our space, helping to expand and magnify the energy and elements of every Bagua in our Home.
Anthony’s Big Three & 4th House cusp
Pisces Sun (Water)
Libra Moon (Air)
Cancer Rising (Water)
Virgo 4th House Cusp (Earth)
My Design Aesthetic is all about Bright Light Tones & Cool Tones with added Warmth for Balance (Libra Moon). I focus on more nostalgic energy (Cancer rising & Moon in the 4th House) by adding touches of Mid Century Modern and family possessions to give the space character. I also love the Spiritual Side of life (hello Pisces), so you are likely to find ritual tools in every room (and corner) in our home - plus I have a dedicated space for all of my ritual components and spiritual tools.
LIVING SPACE
Water Sign Influence: Mid Century (nostalgia), Family Crystal Stemware (nostalgia), Blue Accents, Tropical Plants
Air Sign Influence: Books, Smart Devices & Lighting, Gray’s, Modular Furniture, Metal Accents, Airy & Modern Space
Earth Sign Influence: PLANTS, Wood Accents, Soft Textures, Crystals, Terra Cotta and Natural Materials
This space is one that I always loving looking at and being in. It is the main artery of our home. It is bright, light and always has sun coming through one of the windows. I have grounded every corner of this space with different crystals, even hiding some on the tops of cabinets (told you). The plants add the right amount of warmth and liveliness to the space - including Rapunzel, our 40 ft long Pothos (we saved this girl from the trash over 5 years ago when she was a wee bit of a lass). I have always tried to cultivate a strong Aesthetic in my living spaces - re: the Libra Moon (I am also Libra dominant). The idea behind this space was to make it place where others felt comfortable, but really where my partner and I felt comfortable - we are both homebodies (Cancer Rising and he’s a Cancer Sun). Keeping the space clean is important to me, I can’t function unless my home is in order (Virgo 4th House Cusp & Libra Placements).
My favorite piece of furniture in my living room is my marble coffee table from Article - that or our Vintage Mid Century Hutch that we scooped up on Cape Cod with the help of a friend (Thanks Nik!). Our bookshelves reflect everything my partner and I love, with each shelf dedicated (and of course organized) to a different passion or interest of ours. My partner and I both have a predominance of Air in our charts, so books always bring us so much enjoyment. This is a space that truly marries some of the astrological influences in my chart.
BATHROOM
Water Sign Influence: Clean Bathroom, Sanctuary Space, Spa Feel, Good Smells EVERYWHERE, Nautical Elements, Tropical Plant
Air Sign Influence: Modern Touches, Metal Accents, Light Colors, Updated Fixtures & Smart Lighting
Earth Sign Influence: Organized Shelves, Natural Wood, Earthy Accents
Quite honestly, this space is all Water sign to me (I mean it is a bathroom). It is my sanctuary. I come here to cleanse physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. During the New and Full Moon cycles, I take my ritualistic baths (cue the Pisces Sun and Cancer Rising). The focal point is our beautiful Bird of Paradise plant (couldn’t help myself, needed plants in EVERY room). When working in this bathroom, my partner and I wanted it to have a spa like feel. We made these minimalist pine wood shelves with basic ply wood and pipes we found, then we found ways to organize and contain our everyday necessities (Virgo 4th House).
Bedroom & our home studio office
Water Sign Influence: Reflective Surfaces, Nautical Map, Harpoons, Blue’s, Tropical Plants & Wave Texture on Furniture
Air Sign Influence: Metal Accents, Gray’s, Smart Devices & Technology, Balance, Bright Light & Metal Desk.
Earth Sign Influence: Wood Accents, Earthy Colors, MORE PLANTS, Natural Materials, Organized Space
Moving into this house, we gained a bedroom (yay!), but we lost so much master bedroom space (it was the size of both of our bedrooms combined basically). Regardless, the more intimate set up has been nice for my partner and I. There’s a few antiques in our bedroom, a nod to the sentimentality of my Cancer rising and my partner’s Cancer Sun. The harpoons and the nautical map were both antique finds when we were living in Massachusetts. We used mirrors to reflect the light from the windows in the space and to make the space feel a little bigger. Our bedroom is all about that Water sign and Earth energy comfort and escape. We focused on neutrals with a few color pops to keep the space serene and clean.
Our Office on the other hand is all Air sign with pops of Water influence - stark, modern, sleek and full of technological goodies (and hints of the ocean blues). The energy of this room is about serving as a more muted backdrop to our creativity. We wanted it to be a canvas for us, but still aid in our inspiration. Not pictured is our big art cabinet. Both my partner and I are artists, creators and designers, so having a space that allows our minds to roam freely is of the utmost importance. My partner has an identical desk in this room (because symmetry is so important to us - he also has strong Libra placements).
Tips for brightening up and changing your space
Interior design is so specific to many, but there are general tastes that fall under each sign! Here are some ways that you can spruce up your space using your Big Three & 4th House Cusp Sign:
Fire Signs:
New Candles
New Accents: Warmer colors (throw pillows, decor items, etc), new gold accents, new barware, brass wine racks
New Art: Focus on places you want to travel and what inspires you
Earth Signs:
New Plants: Go with easy to care for
New accents: earth tones, new blankets/pillows, new kitchenware/utensils
New Linens: Focus on plush and luxurious materials and comfort with soft tones
Air Signs:
New Organization/Tech Accessories
New Accents: grey and pastel tones, new metal accents, new smart devices/speakers
New Books: Focus books/magazines that are on topics that you love or that you want to know more about
Water Signs:
New Bath Elements: soaps, bath bombs, towels and body lotions
New Accents: cool tones and ocean inspiration, new plants, new room sprays and home scents