Ask Luna

Dear Jamica, When I read your question, I knew you had to have prominent Scorpio energy in your chart. This is the sign that deals with the dark side of life. And indeed, you have Pluto (power), the South Node (past lives) and Saturn (fears, your calling) all in Scorpio. And, you also have a stellium of planets (including your Taurus Sun) in Scorpio’s house, the eighth. So naturally you’re concerned with matters of birth, death, darkness and the occult – which just means that which is hidden from view.

To answer your question, yes it is possible in magical work to banish dark elements from your life, and possibly from the lives of others (it would be important to gain their permission before trying to do so, however). Banishment has to happen during the waning moon, and works best during the balsamic moon phase, also known as the dark of the moon. Consult Dorothy Morrison’s book Everyday Moon Magic for guidelines on doing a spell of this kind.

However, bear in mind that so much of what we perceive as dark or twisted is a cry for help from the parts of ourselves or others that have been repressed, denied or shamed. So, often the best remedy for ‘banishing’ the dark isn’t trying to get rid of it, but just the opposite – allowing these repressed feelings to arise in a contained ritual setting so they can be honored, integrated or released. Sometimes when I’m in a dark place, I will don a black cape, put on some intense music (Erik Satie’s moody piano compositions work well) and allow myself to grieve or rage for up to a half hour or until those feelings exit my body. I recommend you try this. It’s enormously freeing.  You’re being called to the Underworld to reclaim your warrior priestess powers – which include anger. But repressed anger is dangerous and destructive, so create a safe outlet for your dark feelings before attempting to fight against injustice or tackle other negativity. Ultimately, only t