New Moon in Aries: Fire in the Hole!

New Moon in Aries: Fire in the Hole!

The expression, ‘fire in the hole’ is an old mining expression that was used by miners to warn fellow miners that an explosive detonation was imminent. The April 18 New Moon at 28/25 degrees of Aries occurs at 11/57 A.M. PDT signals just such a warning. An inner explosion of energy is ready to burst forth in our lives. With five heavenly bodies in fire signs (the Sun, the Moon, Uranus, all in Aries; Saturn in Sagittarius, and Jupiter in Leo), we are ready for a fire walk aimed at purifying our lives, and burning off dysfunctional habits, patterns or behavior, and outworn beliefs and thinking. 

Whatever is now purged from our system is that which makes way for us to clarify what needs to happen in order for us to be liberated from whatever may have been holding us back. Despite or as a result of, all the shedding and transforming we have been growing and going through over the past few years, we now have the opportunity of getting to the essence of what we need to move forward. It is time to act wisely, so that what’s been incubating over the past season of our lives can now emerge, be launched, or entered into.  This New Moon in Aries, coming as it does near the end of the sign, leads us into the grounding energy of the Taurus cycle. The New Moon comes in close proximity to the Solar Ingress into Taurus, and so what action is taken now is going to be put into motion and made manifest immediately in the lives we are living.

With the Pisces lunar cycle ending and the Aries lunar cycle beginning as the Taurus solar cycle begins, we get the best of both worlds―energy and concrete action, intention and desire combined with movement and creation.  It is time to commit to our personal goals and to begin taking actions to put those goals into action. We are ready for a more innovative approach to helping create the lives we seek. It’s time to take charge of the life we are living, and to hold onto the reins as the power, energy, and focus of our intentions is given a massive forward thrust. 

Reins are used to guide, direct, and communicate to a horse the direction, speed, and movement we desire. As anyone who has ever ridden a horse knows, the horse is by far more powerful than the rider. To be given the gift of a good ride, the rider must honor that power, energy, and strength. The expression to ‘throw one’s heart over the mane’ refers to surrendering to that power and letting the horse take the leap over the barrier that is before it. To hold back, question, or veer off at the last minute, can be disastrous. This is a time to be brave. 

Years ago during a particularly trying time, my good friend Marguerite sent me a note, the only part of which I recall simply said, “Have courage”. During  many difficult times since then, those words and her perceptive timing,  have sustained me. The New Moon in Aries at 28 degrees is in the third decan of Aries, and we receive not only the strong thrust and momentum of Aries, but also the pragmatic and sound advice of Taurus which cautions us to have courage, remember who we are, and hold onto that truth―using it as our reins at this time. This New Moon holds the potential of being a life saver. 

We often come to astrology or other paths looking for the right advice, the right answers, and the words we need to help us navigate our lives. What we sometimes fail to remember is that we have within us the seeds of truth. Through discernment and reliance on the Universal Truth as we each understand and define it (through our religious, spiritual, and philosophical choices). 

The lineup of planets in one sector of your chart/life (wherever you now find the transiting Sun, Moon, Uranus, Mercury Mars, and Venus) is the area of your life that is receiving the thrust of this energy. Look at your chart, or if you do not have a chart, think about what areas of your life are most in flux and transition. Wherever Aries, Taurus, and Gemini are in your chart/life, this is a major area of movement and energy. Earlier this week, Venus in Gemini opposed Saturn, the Great Teacher, in Sagittarius making us more aware of our responsibilities, and limitations. Whatever came to light, may have seemed like a heavy burden as we may have felt the stress magnified in our minds. We came in touch with our own worst enemy―that doubting, insecure, and negative voice we have within.  We have other voices too, but when we feel the pressure and when we feel insecure and vulnerable, we may only hear the negative voices speaking. As this aspect eases us with Venus moving out of opposition, we will gain greater clarity and perspective. It is important to notice how we sabotage ourselves, and to find ways to cope with these times. 

On Friday, April 17, Mars in Taurus will square Jupiter in Leo, perhaps leading to some impatience. With the desire to act or move or change being grounded in Taurus (we need to feel or see the change actually happening before our eyes) and our energy and desires ties up in the fiery energy of Jupiter in Leo, we may feel thwarted , competitive, excitable, and edgy. Notice if you feel a sense of urgency, and channel your physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental energy into ways that allow for expression without overturning your entire life or taking drastic and unwise actions. Avoid the flames. Do not intentionally walk into a burning building or volatile situation. Avoid explosive relationships, and treat yourself with care, protecting yourself and holding your energy in balance. 

Mercury will also be forming a quincunx with Saturn, and later  a semi-square with Chiron, the Wounded Healer. Friday can be an emotionally challenging day as well as the Moon moves through the final degrees of the lunar cycle and the Dark of the Moon. Delays, red tape, and distractions may be apparent. Slow down, be patient, and do what you can and then let it go. Do not bang your head into the proverbial brick wall. Divine timing is at work; ‘God’s time not mine’ is a good mantra during such times.

Pluto is stationary all day as it is beginning its retrograde phase (until September 25). The Great Transformer will be going back over territory that it has been uprooting. This is a time to reflect, rest, take care of whatever details have been left undone, and bide your time with Pluto’s movement. It’s also a good time to be grateful as you assess the progress you have made, for Pluto wants you to notice what has already been accomplished. As contrary as it might feel when you are feeling great pressure, upset and crisis, it is the best time to practice gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion. Give something to someone else in need, and remember all the support you have received; be grateful for family and friends who have helped you through. Pluto’s retrograde is a period of time to reassess how we are using our individual and collective power. 

Friday, the Balsamic Moon, the final phase of the moon, the sleepy time, we have time to redirect our energies and interests. It’s a good time to tie up loose ends. Avoid making mountains out of mole hills. Understand that at this period of time we are often in conflict between what we think we ‘should’ do, be, have and what is actually possible. 

This is a very important time for us to get enough rest, to nourish and replenish our bodies, and to get enough exercise (without overdoing or over stimulating). Our physical energy is at a low ebb during this time. If you are near a tidal area, notice the extremes of the tide, and remember the same pressure is being exerted on our bodies right now. During the Dark of the Moon, which is this Balsamic time, we may not know whether we’re coming or going. We may feel vague and unclear about our direction, decisions, or relationships. At the same time, we may feel more keenly attuned to our intuition. Our dreams may be vibrant and telling. We are best advised to listen to the inner yearnings of our psyche’s, intuition, and sense of self. Notice how your 2nd and 3rd Chakra energies are feeling. We need to take this time to retreat, reflect, and be a bit more introspective than usual.

For those born during the Balsamic cycle of the Moon, life is about beginnings and endings, and it may take some time to recognize how to navigate through the constantly changing cycles. Those too whose Ascendents are aspected by the Balsamic moon, often make great gatekeepers and guides through periods of transition. We all need those who are attuned to this energy in our lives to help us navigate the passages. Notice who the guides are in your life. They may be able to cast some light on what is needed at this time.  Basically, though, trust your instincts. Listen to what your body needs, indeed demands of you right now. Be gentle with yourself. Being strong and courageous does not mean doing everything by yourself of doing everything!. Being strong means being able to let go of the ego-driven needs we have in order to honor and take care of our spiritual gifts and calling. 

Sometimes those who are strongly affected by these Balsamic, dark moon times, are ahead of their times. In the frustration of not moving fast enough, or of the world and others keeping up with their pace and growth, they can learn to find peace by helping others. When that becomes too draining, it is essential to “come into your senses”. Let your senses awaken and breathe in the natural beauty and essence of life. Take off your shoes and run barefoot in the sand or grass. Hug a tree or plant one. Walk along the river, or climb a hill. Get up atop a tall building and get some perspective. See how far you have come by looking  back over the last year or two. Notice how much has changed, and get in touch with the flow of life. You are in the perfect place. All that is meant to unfold is unfolding in Divine Right time according to the perfect plan for you.  Trust that you are making progress, and use your creativity as an outlet for unresolved or unhappy feelings. Do something that is good for you. Take a small risk and test your daring.  Avoid the big risks, and again, do not put your hand back into the flames of something you know will burn or hurt you. You  deserve to take good care of yourself now. Prepare for the gate that is opening for you with the New Moon in Aries. Put your gifts on life’s altar and honor your place in the Divine Plan.  

I dedicate this column on the New Moon in Aries to my lovely Aries/Taurus daughter who celebrates her birthday on this New Moon. To her and all those friends who are mindfully and artfully navigating the new passage. 

New Doors Open: Aftermath of the Solar and Lunar Eclipses

The new lunar year began with the energy of the Lunar eclipse (and the Solar eclipse two weeks earlier). Spring has begun in the North and Autumn in the South. We are midway between the extremes of winter and summer, and are here in the North, planting new seeds and turning over new ground for even more new ideas, projects, and beginnings. New paths are open before us, and for some, this prospect may be daunting. If you have been working to release the past and be open to what new developments await you, the time has come. What is before you may be so unfamiliar you barely know how to move forward. Embrace the newness with the assurance that you have what you need to meet any needs and challenges ahead. Call on the Divine, through prayer, meditation, and regular discernment, to protect, guard, and guide you on your path. 

The Sun in  20/28 Aries is moving into the third decan, opening us up to the earthy Taurus energy. Venus at 28/52 Taurus and Mars at 7/22 Taurus have already brought a great deal of pragmatic, stubborn, and a very grounded view of romance and our take of interactions, relationships, and our search for beauty and inspiration in the daily flow of life. The week began with the energy of the Full Moon in the Libra and the lunar Eclipse. The waning moon has worked its way towards its present position at 2/1 of Capricorn. This weekend we will experience the third quarter square of the Moon, a time when we deal with the consequences and changes that have taken place over the last lunar cycle as well as any other long term cycles that have called for us to weed out old thought and worn out patterns of behavior and habits. 

This week the Moon has moved through Scorpio, Sagittarius, and now is in the early stages of Capricorn. Notice how your emotional temperament changes during different phases of the Moon and under different signs. As you observe the regular cycles of the Moon, you will begin to notice how different phases and energies affect you. The Moon moves through the 30 degrees of each sign in about 2 1/2 days. The first 10 degrees of a sign carry the energy of the sign before it; the middle 10 degrees are fully engulfed in the energy of the sign; and the last 10 degrees begin to reflect the energy of the next sign. For example, the Moon in 2/1 of Capricorn is in the first decan of Capricorn. It carries the energy of Sagittarius. When a planet reaches 20 degrees (as the Sun is currently in Aries), it begins to attract the energy of the next sign, in this case, Taurus. Since Venus and Mercury both have orbits closest to the Sun, neither is ever more than 2 signs on either side of where the Sun is, however, each can be influenced by the energy of other signs depending how deep into a sign it is. So Venus at 28 degrees (where Venus is now), is reaching the end of her cycle in Taurus and already has taken on some of the energy of Gemini (which she will enter in two days). When any planet, the Sun, or Moon reaches 29 degrees, we say it is in its anaretic degree. This is a crucial degree in any chart, representing the culmination or a finality of some type. This is often a time when we look back, and since this month Venus’ transit through the 29th degree also occurs during the dark of the moon, it should be a time when we look back to grieve, ponder, or contemplate our decisions and choices. This is a crucial time when we may be able to finally let go or come to some kind of understanding that allows us to move forward with clarity and fortitude. 

Earlier in the week some pretty heavy aspects took place. The Sun in Aries formed a conjunction with Uranus in Aries. This signaled a new cycle, an independent journey, progressive changes or reforms, and definitely, CHANGE. Something of significance has changed in our lives. Look to the houses that are affected by where the Sun and Uranus are making their transits. These areas of your life (as well as the houses in opposition, square, or trine) definitely will reflect something that has changed in your life. For example, if Aries is in the 6th house (workplace, physical body and health, daily routines) it opposes Libra in the 12th house (past, karmic ties, mystery and secrets, hidden enemies/challenges, unconscious, intuitive insight). Aries might trine Sagittarius in the 2nd house (self concept, personal worth and value, how we come to value ourselves) as well as Leo in the 10th house (life purpose, career, personal destiny).  Notice how movement in  each house might be affected by new ways of viewing, new demands or challenges, and choices you have made to move forward and grow and develop. Remember, a new path means we start as a beginner in some ways. Regardless of what we have experienced, we are newbies on this new path, and growth and development are about learning, adjusting, and oh yes, even making mistakes and learning how to recover our footing when we fall down. Be patient with yourself, and remember what it has taken to get your where you are on your path of life. One friend said to me recently, how incredible it was that we have survived some of the experiences, disappointments, and challenges we have each gone through. We have survived, and grown. That is what is ahead on this new path. Enjoy the process, and notice how your ego/intellect tries to hold on and handle everything by itself. Remember what it took to change, and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself to move too rapidly. This is not a time to push. Having just climbed a high mountain, a climber needs to take time to rest, regenerate, and recuperate from the challenges. 

The Sun/Uranus conjunction however, makes us all a bit restless…like we need to plunge forward into the heat of battle, so to speak.  We feel less restricted than we have for a long time, and are anxious to make changes. We are feeling stronger, more independent, and ready to go. This conjunction however, may have brought with it some sudden, unexpected event that puts a damper of the charge forward. Take any such changes in stride. Regardless of how it may seem, whatever has come to you at this time is part of the path, and you can handle it and grow stronger as a result. You are equipped to handle what needs to be done, and you have help if you will only ask and accept it. Failure to do so, will be a result of an ego-driven need to be in control. Surely you know that is an illusion.

Mars is in 7/22 degrees of Taurus, and has recently formed a quincunx to Saturn, the Great Teacher (at 4/29 Sagittarius, retrograde). This aspect forces issues, brings things to a head, and arouses some fear and indecision. The unknown or the seemingly unbearable often makes us fearful. We are fearful for different reasons. We may be fearful because we feel vulnerable and find situations or people threatening to our safety or well being. We may feel fearful because we are afraid we are not enough. We don’t have what it takes to handle what come at us. We may feel fear because we want to maintain control, at all costs. Ironically, the cost of trying to maintain control is high. Fear may also come about when we feel our very identity is threatened. The person we have come to be and know may be changing, and this may feel very uncomfortable. Growth and development are all about growing and changing, and astrology is pointing out areas where this is more likely than not. Notice how your own fears might be making certain areas of your life feel more or less uneasy or threatening. If there truly is something that puts you in danger, you do not want to ignore it. Knowing the truth of people, situations, and yourself really can be liberating. Mars in Taurus will ground us in how our actions are connecting us to our energy, our fears and hopes, and desires. We will find greater clarity in whatever areas we are learning to take action and discover our power and abilities. 

Mercury is at 21/2 degrees of Aries, and has squared Neptune in Pisces this week.  We may have felt more negative than usual, casting a jaundiced or analytical eye on situations, relationships, concerns, or crises. We may have needed to look beneath the surface of situations or relationships. We may have had the desire to uncover or unmask anything that smacked of corruption, dishonesty, or inequity. The truth has been outed in many cases as a result of Pluto’s transit through Capricorn. First we can no longer deny what needs changing in our own lives. Second, we are discovering that our own version of truth is just that—our own. We cannot discern someone else’s truth, but we must discern our own as we continue our journey of transition and transformation. Blaming the other or projecting our pain on others is no excuse for not making the necessary changes to improve our own lives. This aspect with Pluto opens us up to the pathway into the deeper recesses of our own dark places, secrets, and mysteries. 

Mercury is also conjunct Neptune in Pisces (another long transformative transit). We have the ability under this transit, to grasp very complex issues and to understand deeply transformative experiences. Our powers of discernment are heightened greatly at this time, and this is a good time to go into deep contemplation, meditation, prayer, and communion with the Divine, as well as  with the world around and within you. 

Another aspect you may have felt earlier in the week was that of the Sun forming a seisquiquadrant to Saturn. It may have felt as if your ego needs were thwarted on all sides. We may have seemed as if everything was at work to block our movement and happiness. The only way through this kind of period is through a practice of thankfulness and gratitude. Make list of what you have and what you are that is worthy of being grateful. Notice how impatience and anger only make matters worse. Give yourself some time to get perspective. Slow down enough to think about what was happening a year ago at this time, and how much things have changed since then. Consider and be grateful for all that you have been given, and control your need or urge to lash out or dwell on what you don’t have. Focus on all the blessings, and show gratitude. That does more to open the gates, remove the blocks, and help you meet challenges. Consider what is raising your anger level, and pay attention to how well you are taking care of yourself. Get ahold of your ego needs, by taking better care of yourself. When we have moved mountains, we need a time of rest and refreshment.

Mercury also forms a seisquiqadrant with Saturn. Saturn the Great Teacher is reminding us that red tape and having to redo something that we had already taken care of, is simply a natural part of the life cycle we are on. There are periods of delays, miscommunication, misinformation, or foul ups. Take such experiences in stride, and keep breathing. Also, tackle the necessities, and avoid moaning and groaning over having to do them. Don’t waste time bemoaning your fate at this time. Again, live in gratitude that your life is what it is. This is what you have created from your energetic desires and actions. Treat it with respect.

Mercury is also forming a conjunction with the Sun in Aries. Minds are sharp now. Clarity is strong. We have an acute awareness of what is needed or what we need to do or understand. When Mercury aligns with the Sun, our awareness is heightened and our desires are fed the fuel of imagination and deep drives.

Mercury forms a semi-square to Neptune in Pisces allowing us to daydream, muse, and spin new fantasies to fee our souls and creativity. 

We need this time to allow our minds and imaginations to wander.

On April 11 Venus enters Gemini, stoking the fires of our creativity and curiosity. Our romantic and adventurous desires are activated, and we are attracted to new ideas, thoughts, and needs. We may be more interested in mental attractions. We see love as an ideal, a changing one at that, and this period has us distancing ourselves from an emotional connection to love and romance and partnership. What we seek now is variety, unique new channels of communication, and a broader, more intellectual swathe to define or envision romantic ideals and possibilities now. 

Also on Saturday, April 11, the Moon in Capricorn forms its third quarter square. As this happens, we find ourselves wrapping up the plans we made at the new moon, cognizant and resigned to whatever changes or alterations life and the Divine may have spun on our own plans. We learn as the Moon transits through her cycles, that while we have a role in setting intentions and carrying our our duties and responsibilities, we are part of a greater flow of energy that has its own way of unfolding the truth for us. 

With Mars in Taurus until May 11, we find ourselves more determined than ever to act according to our resolutions. We may even be quite stubborn and intractable. Patience and taking the longer view is what tempers Mars, and Mars in Taurus calls upon us to take care of what is right in front of us, of what is calling us in the moment and in the very practical and utilitarian now. Do the dishes, clean up, change the tires, or take a walk. Do what this moment invites to do or gives you as a gift. 

What we can look forward to with the New Moon building up for April 18, 2015 is a more peaceful and harmonious time. The New Moon in Aries,  falls on the knot of the Constellation Alrisha, the symbol of two fish tied together. This symbol represents the uniting of wisdom and understanding, of creating and regeneration. As a result of the very tumultuous time we have recently come through, this is a time when we begin to change our perspectives, attitudes, and ways of understanding what we experience and witness.  There has been tragedy and drama over the last month or so, and we now are in the aftermath which has been described as a tsunami-like flood of ‘flaming emotions’. We may be a bit jaundiced in the way we view new experiences, questioning motivations, authenticity, and the ethics of anyone and everyone.  

As long as we are aware of how this attitude may lead us to be just a bit judgmental, we also recognize that once we have been burned, we are more sensitive to the pain of flames.  It is a time to be discriminating and discerning with our choices, but the real focus ought to be on our own ideas, actions, past action and behavior, as that has what led us to make the decisions and choices that may not have been as healthy as we would have liked. Take some time to notice how you allow yourself to be taken in by your own desire to believe in someone else’s motivation and intentions, and in the process may ignore your own instincts and intuition. We need to be operating in a more balanced manner, taking into account how we are responsible for what transpires in our lives and where we need to surrender to the ego needs that are driven by fear, anger, or unhealed pain. 

More on the New Moon later in the week.