Eroticism and the Full Moon in Libra
What Freud DIDN'T tell you about Eros + Link to tonight's Moon Ritual
Dear Initiates,
Did you know that it’s Freud who popularized the term “the erotic”? Erotic obviously coming from the god Eros, son of Aphrodite — the goddess of Love.
In fact, Eros didn’t have a major cult like Aphrodite did. She had temples and hymns, rites and priestesses. Eros had none of these.
But Eros was a MALE god, and we have to assume that was a major reason Freud used the term “eros” to describe our drive towards life, love, creativity, sexuality and pleasure… even though Aphrodite [Venus] was the goddess of all of those things, (and Eros’s mother besides).
In psychological terms, the erotic (which we should perhaps call The Venusian) is our path towards wholeness, i.e. individuation.
I like to think of this today – on the Full Moon in Libra, which comes in the middle of Aries season – because Aries is often associated with self-definition, and Libra with relationship(s).
In paganism, and thus in astrology, the gods inform one another.
So even though we might associate Aries with individuation, as the realization of our own depth, our path to joy and inner knowledge,* these qualities are Venusian in nature…
AND, we don’t just take the pleasurable path of individuation for our own benefit.
As psychologist Ginette Paris says, “The cult of [Venus] is not the cult of oneself; it is the artful giving of oneself.”
Without Venus, everything is desolate and lifeless.
Venus, the ruling planet of Libra, is the goddess of BEAUTY, which is what brings happiness and wellbeing to all.
By cultivating our Venus, we cultivate not only our own happiness, but our capacity to bring forth happiness, pleasure, joy and delight in the world around us.
In Somatics, it’s said that what we pay attention to increases in intensity. I like to pay attention to the rhythms of the Moon for this very reason.
When we pay attention to the energetic flowering of the moon, its scent becomes stronger, more discernible.
I hope you’ll join me for my Full Moon in Libra ritual tonight. We’ll be focusing on cultivating that which makes us feel alive and happy. In other words, we’ll be conjuring the Venus within us.
Tonight, Wednesday the 5th of April, 6pm PST. Full Moon in Libra ritual, included in your cost of membership.
Love,
Amanda
* This essay, and our ritual tonight, are heavily influenced by the works of the psychologist Ginette Paris, particularly her essay on Aphrodite in her book, Pagan Meditations. Highly recommend.
**Want to become a member but are experiencing financial hardship? We’ve got scholarships! Email us at guardian@oracleoflosangeles.com
Tonight’s Ritual Will Include:
Venusian Tarot Spread
Journal Prompts
Candle Spells for Kindling Beauty
Discussion of the relationship between Aries and Libra
To Prepare For the Ritual Please Assemble:
Altar items (water, fire, air, earth)
Offerings (incense, sweets, alcohol, flowers, etc.)
A spell candle + candle holder
A copper coin (like a penny)
Something to carve with (like a nail)
Journal and pen
Oil (ylang ylang is a good option, but any oil will do, including olive or almond)
Herbs such as rose petals and orange peels
Tarot cards
Before we begin please take a moment to ground and set the atmosphere in your space.
When: April 5, 2023 — 6pm to 7:30pm Pacific Standard Time
Where: Zoom
Please note if you can’t attend you will receive the replay and can do it at your convenience.