Full Moon in Cancer: Wolf Moon Calls us Together

On January 1, 2018, the first Full Moon of 2018 ushers the year in. This Super Moon (largest appearing moon of the year) is called Wolf Moon. Like the wolf, it calls us together to find safety, protection, peace, fidelity, and forgiveness with our families. Family, whether it be kin or friendship in nature, is where we find ourselves at home. The Full Moon at 11 degrees of Cancer (second decan) is in opposition to Venus in Capricorn.

The Moon is at home in Cancer, and emphasis is on the family and gatherings of all kinds that promote congeniality, compassion, and mutual support. What we need and want seems to fall right into our laps at this time if we are open to recognizing and receiving the gifts life has to offer.

The Full Moon in Cancer will aspect four planets in its oppositional transit: Saturn, Venus, the Sun, and Pluto form a cluster of powerful planets in Capricorn. How we define love and affection is tested and challenged during this Full Moon cycle. At the same time, the Cancer Moon forms a trine with Mars and Jupiter in Scorpio and Neptune and Chiron in Pisces. This Kite Pattern formed by the Moon's opposition to Venus and the Sun and the Moon's trine to Mars and Jupiter in Cancer and Neptune in Pisces brings about what Marina of DarkStar Astrology describes as bringing "hope and spiritual harmony. Jupiter trine Neptune is ...a very charitable aspect, but one that needs to be channeled realistically so that the help really does go to the grassroots and needy people." Our capacity for true compassion grounded in practical application in meaningful ways is a major gift of this Full Moon in Cancer. The unhealed/growing edge of Cancer is the tendency to smother and over protect...all ways we try to maintain control. Learning to let go and trust that what is meant to unfold will, is one way Cancer can become more genuinely loving and nurturing.

Cancer is all about love. The Moon is all about our emotional responses. Together they challenge us to grow in love and how we love. Compassion, love, and affection are never meant to be only about self gratification and wish-lists kind of fulfillment. Love comes when we are capable of giving what is needed where it is needed without fear or worry of repayment. The stellium of heavenly bodies in Capricorn enable us to put theory into practice as we learn more about how to express love, nourish affection, and act with compassion in all areas of life. This makes for a challenge during full moons when our shadows are thrown into the light. During the Full Moon, the veils between what is hidden as the veils (inner and outer worlds) is lifted.

The Moon's opposition to Venus in Capricorn has the effect of highlighting the polarity between nurturing and satisfying our own desires.  When we identify our worthiness with our ability to perfectly nurture others or provide the 'perfect' setting, we miss the point of how love is best expressed in mutuality. Allowing ourselves to release control over every last detail, enables everyone to participate in creating the perfection of loved expressed in whatever activities are being shared. Remember, the issue of polarity is alive in every area of our lives, all the time. We cope with the extremes by finding ways to combine the best of both worlds somewhere in the expression of the happy medium. The same is true in love and all types of relationships. I remember my young daughter confusing the idiomatic expression, "It takes two to tango" for "It takes two to tangle."  Equally true, it's our choice to first, recognize what sets us off and second to make some attempt to turn that conflict into a dance.

Shadows are those areas of ourselves that we've not acknowledged, we're learning to deal with, or we're trying to discern.  We discover ourselves feeling emotions we have not expected to feel or behaving in ways that make us feel uncomfortable (guilt, fear, worry, anger, jealousy).  Whatever is boiling up from our own subconscious may spill over into the way we react or respond to all manner of relationships. Cancer is about protecting those we love, providing a safe, nurturing environment, and like the wolf, we will do what we must to protect those we love. Direct confrontation is best avoided, though when some allow their unhealed shadow to loose the reins on emotions, conflicts and anger may be the result.

Since the Full Moon in Cancer also opposes Lilith, the Black Moon, in Capricorn, it is imperative that we maintain awareness of where we are bordering on draining our lovers rather that mutually satisfying each other. There's a fine line between being loving and supportive and smothering and vampirish. Make sure your expectations of others and yourself are somewhere in the healthy and less dominating range...that is if you're looking for a lasting partnership and long-term friendships. This Full Moon in Cancer has the potential for very loving and fulfilling energy provided we do not allow our shadows to overwhelm or subconsciously control us. Ways to recognize when this is happening is to notice what you fall back on when you're feeling vulnerable or less confident. Addictions may trap us into repetitious patterns and behaviors that are not necessarily helpful in maintaining healthy relationships and family structures.

Full moons are good times to release and rid ourselves of outworn and unnecessary objects, patterns of behavior, and needs.

The turning of the solar new year is also a great time to clean up and clear out (before the full moon if possible), so that we enter the new year with the light shining on what we've accomplished, achieved, managed to rid ourselves of, and released from our experiences and relationships.  With the light of the Full Moon in Cancer, we prepare to enter the new year with a lighter burden, clearer vision, and greater insight on what it takes to really create security, safety, nourishing, and fulfilling families and relationships of all kinds. Appreciation for and forgiveness of whatever needs to be atoned for are best expressed in the light of this full moon.

 A  good friend always signs her letters and posts with the words, "Be gentle."  This Full Moon in Cancer also asks us to be gentle with one another, with ourselves, with the Earth and all her resources and life, and with our understanding of what we have come here to do. Go gently into life as a means of creating peace, love, and compassion in your heart and the hearts of all you touch.

Saturn's Sojourn through Capricorn, December

Confluence                                                              Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

On December 19, 2017 Saturn began its transit through Capricorn. Between now and March 21, 2020 this is where Saturn, the Great Teacher will remain. On March 21, 2020 Saturn will transit into Aquarius until July 1, then back into Capricorn until December of 2020 when it goes into Aquarius.

Saturn's Nature. Saturn, the Great Teacher, is a slow-moving outer planet in our Solar System. Saturn's approximate 2 1/2 year cycle in Saturn's 28-29 year orbit around the Sun. As Saturn transits a house/area of our life and makes aspects to other houses/areas of our lives, we achieve what we have been working for. It's a time when we are called to grow and mature. When we resist the growth and changes or when Saturn aspects other areas of our lives we meet with challenges that help us grow, adapt, and face the reality of our lives and potential.

The more we are able to face the truth of ourselves, situations, conditions, relationships, the more our Saturn transit through Capricorn will enable us to gain wisdom, insight, and understanding. And it will help each of us develop skills and an appreciation for our innate gifts and talents. Saturn in Capricorn also brings to ground the very real experience of the benefits of living with an awareness of the present. It also helps us appreciate the past without being tied solely to  memories and past accomplishments. Saturn calls us to examine our expectations and recognize the possibilities and opportunities that best suit our lives and challenges.

The pace of life and growth may seem slower under any Saturn transit.  Saturn's Sagittarius transit encouraged us to focus on our values, beliefs, and how both reflected in our lifestyles and relationships. Now as we enter the energy of Capricorn, we enter a time when conserving our energy and resources becomes more important. Saturn is dignified in Capricorn, making itself right at home. Comfortable with the energy of getting grounded in the energy of our own identities. We seek to conserve, create, restore, and rebuild the structures of our lives. We know what we value as we've examined that closely, so now we focus on making that happen. Any attempt to control others though, will be met with frustration, so plan on focusing most of your attention on what you can change about yourself and the way you relate to others and the world around you.

Perseverance is tested with Saturn's transit, as is patience and courage. It is vital to fight the fears that often come with a Saturn transit--fear of lack, loss, or power.  You'll find it helpful to learn ways to counter and transform the fears as you face struggles, conflicts, or circumstances beyond your control. Whenever Saturn transits a sign/house/area of life, we learn the depth and capacity of our strength, perseverance, and ability to work hard for something we want. Working hard requires that we not overdue or exhaust our energy or resources. Learning the fine line between too much and not enough is one of the great lessons of Saturn.

A key concept in Saturn's journey through Capricorn is moderation. Using our gifts, talents, time, energy, and resources wisely requires that we live with awareness of our body, mind, spirit, emotion connections. Well-being is found not in overdoing to the point of exhaustion but in maintaining a sense of equilibrium. Capricorn is a pragmatic sign, so practical, useful, and meaningful projects and goals are much more likely to help you find satisfaction than overdoing or trying to do too much.

Saturn slows us down, and makes us learn to channel our energy into the immediate, the here-and-now, day-to-day practical habits, patterns, and ways of being. If you are used to 'traveling at the speed of light' this will test your patience and ability to heed to call to conserve energy. Trying to get others to go along with your plans or ways of doing things, may also be frustrating. Work on yourself, and let go of relationships or conditions that are not working. One of the main things that the Saturn transit of Sagittarius showed us where just where we are unhappy, dissatisfied, or blocked by existing relationships, kinds of work, projects, or living arrangements. With Capricorn, we are called to make ourselves at home where we are. If we are physically not where we want to be, this will be a time when we slowly move toward feeling more at home.

Today, December 21 (Winter Solstice in the North/Summer Solstice in the South), Both the Sun and Saturn are aligned in Capricorn. For the first time since the Seventeenth Century, this alignment occurs reminding us collectively of the need to conserve, protect our reserves, preserve what is precious and meaningful, and rid ourselves of unhealthy and toxic situations.  Venus enters Capricorn as well on Christmas Day, December 25. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Venus conjoins Saturn helping to stabilize affections and emotions. The first major aspect of Venus to Saturn helps us recognize how we can recognize the reality of all our relationships. If there are problems that have been suppressed in relationships, they will most likely make their way to the surface so you get an idea of what's real and what's not. Our expectations meet our realities. This is the time when we come face to face with what needs working on and how we might need to change our expectations, habits, or lifestyles. We begin our journey of taking greater responsibility for growing into our full potential and the essence of our being.

Saturn, the Great Teacher, is ushering in a time when outmoded structures, failing systems/relationships, and ways of knowing/being fall apart. This process has already begun, even though attempts have been made to hold onto what once was the ideal or the hope. What is no longer relevant or healthy for maintaining life and healthy systems, now must be replaced.  As worn out systems fall apart, the task of restructuring and rebuilding begins. This happens on all levels of our lives. Personally, we are delving deeper into areas that are unstable, toxic, or inflexible. Authoritarian types of governments and personalities in leadership, will meet with greater and massive challenges.

Only the most ethical and wise will be able to hold onto power as the masses of humanity, now educated with access to communication with one another demand that their systems reflect what is best for the majority, not just the few. Unethical, corrupt, and tyrannical leaderships will face their demise if they fail to take into account the power and strength and will of the people they are supposed to be serving. As we unite with our families and communities to help build, preserve, and conserve our lands, seas, resources, and freedoms, we grow in strength and find greater unity in common values and beliefs that rest on the conservation of freedom, liberty, and the free expression of our guaranteed rights.

What happens within becomes manifest without. What is defined in our basic rights, freedoms, and spiritual truths now become our banner in the face of a great struggle to protect our security and freedoms.  This can be a very productive period, and one which we will discover how strong and resilient we are. The hard work will pay off in greater wisdom and a deeper appreciation for the gifts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of a world that is better for all of us.

Saturn, the Great Teacher's Last Days in Sagittarius.

Saturn, the Great Teacher, has been transiting the constellation of Sagittarius since 2014. On December 23, Saturn will enter Capricorn where it will stay until 2020. These last days before the shift find this powerful planet transiting the anaretic degree (29 degrees) where it makes its final lessons  visible and felt. Look at where Saturn has been since 2014, what area of your life has been the focal point of those lessons? Saturn in Sagittarius is about taking the actions we need to to make the changes our transformation requires.

If Saturn was transiting your first house, Ascendant, what has been transforming is your appearance, your public persona, and the face you choose to show the world. How does the world see me? What do I want to project into the world? What is changing and how can I make the necessary adjustments to these changes?

Saturn in the second house has been working its transformative processes through the way you know yourself on a very deep, defining level. It's also affected how your personal finances have been reflecting your sense of self worth. A big lesson here is to learn to value yourself more highly than you might have in the past. What is your real worth? What do you really value?

Saturn's transit through the third house has to do with all forms of communication, local community, neighbors, siblings, and how we communicate. How am I developing and addressing the different ways I communicate, and working to express myself more fully or more authentically? What new ways of communicating have been born in my life during this time?

Saturn's transit through the fourth house has to do with how we define and understand what home is. This includes our family of origin and whatever we learned in early childhood home. It also has to do with how we've learned to understand what kind of home we need to nourish ourselves. This may have been a period of time when you've redefined what home is or had to learn how to make yourself at home where you are.

Saturn's transit through the 5th house has been about learning to develop your ability to enjoy life. It includes connections with children, birthing, creativity, and pleasure. Saturn in this realm may have weighed heavily on your ability to enjoy life much. During such times of great stress or loss, we have to recognize the simple pleasures in life and learn to appreciate how to allow ourselves to feel joy and have fun even when it seems an unlikely time.

Saturn's journey through the 6th house is about your physical body and environment (where you spend your daily lives) as well as your work. Our physical bodies are greatly affected by how we spend our time.  When we are miserable in our work, our body suffers. The big lesson for Saturn's 6th house journey is to listen to your body and learn to make sure you are doing what gives you joy, meaning, purpose. Our daily life activities need to support our health and well being.

Saturn's transit through the 7th house of marriage and partnerships, surely put some strain on all types of close relationships. During this time, many unions broke up as others were formed. Businesses as well, were affected. Any alliance that required a close partnership agreement were tested. Failure to make necessary adjustments, caused greater stress than normal.  The purpose-to pay attention to what is working and what is not. When you've done all you can do and nothing works, the lesson may be to move on and direct energy into a more life-sustaining alliance.

Saturn's journey through the 8th house focused lessons on handling of other people's resources, your reputation and worth in the larger community, the realm of the Collective Unconscious, the Unknown, life after death, and transitions of all deeply spiritual types. This could have been a period of learning about loss and grief, of discovering questions and new ways of knowing and being that transcend mundane explanations. It may have been a time when great transformations have occurred in your spiritual and/or religious life. What has created a deeper sense of who I am beyond the mortal realm, during this period? What have I learned about my greater worth? This may have also been a time when you've inherited something of great value.

Saturn's transit through the 9th house focuses on cultures, traditions, historical narratives that expand your outlook, perspective, and depth of experience. Ruler of higher education and deep thought, you may have been learning either in a structured setting or in travels, or both, more about the world than you had experienced before? This transit has opened your heart,mind, and eyes to ways of being besides the ones you were familiar with.

Saturn's journey through the 10th house has focused your attention, time, and energy on that which calls your heart to sing and your soul to evolve. The house of Life Purpose and Career has been a training ground as Saturn has been showing you what you needed to know and learn to attain what you seek on a deep soul level. Any loss suffered or hard work, will lead you to attaining your life purpose.

Saturn's transit through the 11th house has focused activities, time, attention, and discernment on friendships and relationships you've acquired within the context of institutions and group activities. Your idea of what or who a real friend is may have changed greatly. And your idea of how you seek and sustain friendships has been a training ground. You've tempered some relationships, honed others, and discovered what needed to be eliminated or changed in relationships.

Saturn's transit through the 12th house has been a heavy time of dealing with the shadow aspects of our lives. Saturn has awoken us to those mysteries, hidden truths, memories, or unexplored parts of ourselves that required attention.  Whatever had been left unresolved in our lives, or had been ignored, came up to seek the light of day. Parts of our psyche appeared for the first time, and whatever we had tried to suppress came to the surface to be dealt with.  How we did this depends on what lessons we learned.

Saturn's transit through Sagittarius was a powerful, active, dynamic blast of energy which affected everyone. And since we are all connected to one another, we were not only affected in one area of our lives, but in most areas as we interacted with others, adapted to new and upsetting circumstances or conditions. This period when Saturn approaches the cusp of Sagittarius and Capricorn is akin to the image some describe of 'their life flashing before their eyes'. Notice what is flashing in and around you. Ride the waves with a sense of surrender and compassion for yourself and others, and simply notice and reflect on what has been unleashed through this passage, what has been uncovered and revealed, and what you've learned about coping with stress, dealing with adversity, and adapting to changing circumstances. What have you learned about taking better care of yourself, for Saturn's transit through Capricorn will be all about grounding your ideas and thoughts into building new ways of knowing, being, and doing.

The Capricorn transit of Saturn will give us lessons about both your professional and public image and your reputation and life purpose. You'll also be developing new ideas about commitments. Your faith and belief system which have been greatly tested, will begin to change form and structure during the Capricorn transit. Saturn's transit through Sagittarius has raised more questions inside you than it has answers. During the Capricorn transit, you'll be looking for answers and will continue to question and test new ways of being and doing, especially, as a way to live your growing faith. There is likely to be a growing depth to your search and you'll find yourself on pathways outside what you would have considered normal.

During the transit of Saturn through Capricorn we will put the newfound sense of wholeness and purpose we feel into practice through the emergence of values including honor, respect, patience, reverence for ancient/universal truths, historical precedence/traditions (those that grow and maintain relevance through time, space, culture, and changes). Previous times that Saturn has been transiting Capricorn include the era of the Great Depression and the Fifties during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Rather than be alarmed, remember what each period birthed in our collective consciousness and responses. During the Depression, we weathered the storms, did what we needed to preserve and prevail, and came out stronger and with greater strength and tenacity than before. During the late-50s-early 60s the ideal what threatened, fears rose, but cooler heads prevailed and a new era of peaceful coexistence began.  We are in in a dynamic, dangerous, and challenging time in many ways; we do have the capacity, tenacity, patience, and stick-to-itiveness that we need though, to work hard to lay the foundation for healing, constructive changes, and restructuring.

Capricorn is a conservative time, and that can be good when we look at the growing edge of being conservative. To conserve, to save, to preserve, that which is good, true, and right, not that which destroys, blocks, or infects. So we need to be focused on preserving what is good, conserving our strength, time, and energy to do what we know is right, and to find balance within our close personal relationships and homes so we can fortify ourselves for the effort we put into maintaining values that reflect our inner strength, that recognize the worth and equality of all people, and that respect and honor the processes that help heal, bind, and unify us as a family of humanity.  I'll be writing more about Capricorn and Saturn. For now, keep on breathing, keep on letting go of having to control or know, and release yourself to the goodness of the Universe and Divine One. Surrender to the law of Love. Love overcomes and is stronger than fear or its antecedents. Love is the source of all Light, and we need to keep our lights shining now.

Super Full Moon in Gemini

Path of Light                                                           Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

The Moon woke me in the middle of this clear, dark night, to tell her tale and let her light shine spread across the pages to enlighten us just a bit. This Super Full Moon in Gemini reaches her fullness at 10:47 A.M.(EST)/7:47A.M. (PST). The Sun in Sagittarius opposes the Moon in Gemini, highlighting the play between the higher mind ruled by Sagittarius and the lower mind ruled by Gemini.

Other aspects that are having a powerful effect on the interplay between our thinking and feeling processes includes retrograde Mercury at the anaretic degree (29) of Sagittarius in conjunction with Venus in Sagittarius at 28 degrees. A critical degree that brings to a head something we've been finalizing, trying to release, or comprehend in not only how we understand love and is expressions, but also how we express that love. We are more concerned now with  what is fair and what is not in our relationships or with the areas where we wish to be more creative, informed, or  becomes more idealistic in our thinking. We may be more optimistic right now, and that is good for it lifts us out of despair, depression, or whatever 'lower' mind spaces we may have become trapped. It is a time when we notice in spades, just what the vital forces are that are pulling at our heartstrings, shaping our thoughts, and in some cases, trapping us emotionally in situations, conditions, and relationships (including inner struggles and lessons) that we need to find a way out of.

Venus and Mercury in Sagittarius in addition to the Sun and Saturn, the Great Teacher, create a misty veil that clouds sound judgment in favor of idealistic and sometimes delusional impressions. Since Sagittarius in in opposition to the Moon in Gemini (lower mind), our emotions may be the primary, moving force that trigger much of the confusion, distortion, or emotional tension under the influence of this Full Moon period. Remember that the Full Moon in Gemini's influence reveals itself over the next two weeks as well. Notice at this time what may be behind the emotional veil for you. What lurks in the shadows or is just out of sight when we feel those twinges of frustration, anger, jealousy, or inflated ego pride? When we are triggered, as sometimes happens under the Full Moon's spell, we look for ways to place blame or responsibility on others or on circumstances when it might behoove us to take a deep breath, step back from a situation for a moment, and reflect about what within our own life or inner being is trying to reveal itself through that negative expression.

Our shadow aspects are scary because, like nightmares, we seldom understand the stark or dark symbols, images, or emotions that rise up in their revelation. We want things to be 'alright' or 'perfect' according to some ideal version we have of ourselves or some expectation that we have become fixated on. Better now to notice what might not be going so well, so we can make way for something better. Remember, Divine timing is not our timing, and along with that, Divine will is not necessarily what we deem is good for us. Better we step out of our own way now, so that right and perfect expression can manifest in our experience. Be gentle and kind with yourself right now. Play with the darkness as if it were a wounded part of yourself that needs a lot of TLC--for that is the case.

The Sun and the Moon are both square Neptune in Pisces right now as well, further clouding and confusing many of our perceptions. Again, we have this interplay between what we want to be and what is. The wannabes are often not remotely near what is.  Today, under the influences of this Full Moon, those cloudy, murky, conflicting areas may become much clearer. Ironic that we get clarity in the depths of much confusion.  Venus' transit of Sagittarius though, awakens in us a strong sense of adventure, so it would be a great time to notice where you would escape, if you could go anywhere you wanted and do anything you wanted, without reserve. What would be the ideal for you, if you had your 'druthers'? Oftentimes in the middle of great conflict and confusion, if we take the time to be brutally honest with ourselves, we can ask the questions and get the answers that hold the key to what pathways are open to you now and into the future.

Venus in Sagittarius is forming a semi-square to Pluto in Capricorn at this time as well. That brings to the surface petty or not so petty jealousies, envy, and maybe even a bit of covetous greed. In other words, the ego nasties. Those elements of our beings that so needs change that we project our own insecurities on others in order to bolster our own ego. Egos are weakest when we try too hard or don't appreciate our own gifts, talents, and blessings. When we long to be or to have what someone else seems to, we need to remember to count the blessings we do have. A simple exercise for a time when we feel nothing is going right or we never 'get what we want', is to make a list of all our accomplishments. What have we finished this past year? What goals have we achieved in the last year, 5 years, decade, or more? 

Get some perspective now, and 'count those blessings'.  It's hard to move forward on our journey when we have no appreciation for what it took for us to get where we are now. Sagittarius' higher mind stuff is ripe for doing just that. Accessing our wealth, our growth, our accomplishments. Accessing the value of the lessons we've learned and the growing edges that we now need to see as challenges rather than road blocks. Even in misty times, we have the capacity to delve deeper into ourselves to summon up our strength to face our own shadow calls. The Gemini Full Moon's emphasis on emotional concern for the immediate surrounding, community is kind of brought to its knees as Mercury turns retrograde tonight, calling us back into a state of grace in inaction. After a period of speeded up, Sagittarian and Uranian (Uranus in Aries) type energy building up to a boiling point, Mercury emphasizes finding completion now in a review and period of reflection needed after so much stimulus and the impact of fire ruled planetary and solar movement.

Mars is also completing its cycle in Sagittarius this week. By week's end, it will enter the realm of Scorpio, but in the meantime, expect some fireworks and final balls dropping in rather explosive and disruptive ways. Mars finishing up its stay in Sagittarius will lead to an energetic and fiery first full week of December. Today is the beginning of Advent in the Christian tradition, and provides a perfect way to help channel and focus our collective minds, higher and lower, on more compassionate, loving, kind, and practical ways to honor and respect one another. We can come together in a collective circle of love to protect ourselves and others from that which threatens and causes us to fear. "Perfect love casts out fear", and at no time has that been more important than now. The more often we can move into that frame of mind and heart, the better.

I just officiated at a funeral/memorial with a family and community that had been shattered by the loss of a young man/boy. When we came together and began expressing our love for the child who'd died, a circle of love, compassion, and healing was formed that helps in the process of coping with the unimaginable. We need to do this daily in our lives. Going it alone and living out of fear is not a healthy response nor is it an effective way of coping. On some level we all need to acknowledge those in our lives who are part of family, community, nation, tribe, family of humanity so that we can discover that which binds us to one another rather than that which divides and separates us.

Right about when the moon light woke me out of a deep sleep (3 AM), the Sun was squaring Neptune. Making that hard aspect to Neptune, the Sun in Sagittarius sparks some part of us to take action. That action for me right now, is pretty evident as I up in the middle of the night writing. It's also likely to spark dreams, intuitive insight, inner conflicts, and trigger charged behaviors as we seek to creatively manifest something of our darkness into the light. Throughout the day of this Full Moon in Gemini, the Moon will make further aspects to Gemini. What is planted in our subconscious, dreams, or intuitive insight earlier in the day will be reflected in our emotional responses later. Notice how you're feeling about being pushed or feeling motivated, and find ways to counter frustration by taking some type of practical action. Often we find answers and/or release energy when we distract ourselves through concrete actions. For example, if we tear apart a bouquet of flowers and toss the flowers into a flowing river, we symbolically are releasing one structured form of beauty for a more flowing expression. Beauty torn apart, takes on new form.

Life, being dynamic as it is, is always falling apart or being destroyed on one level, and transformed and recreated on another level. We can come to learn to appreciate this, when we learn that facing our fears, pain, challenges, failures, or questions, is always a step toward a radical kind  inner, spiritual freedom. Be not afraid to be who you really are, and let yourself soar on the wings, ride the current so the winds, and sail the stormy seas, as you hold your heart open and your mind free to appreciate the beauty within and around you. The beauty of your strength even in moments of failure. The beauty of your mind, even when confused. The beauty of your own sweet messy life, for you and I  and all humans share that same truth. We are not here to be perfect. We are hear to live, learn, love the best we can, and celebrate the one precious life we have right now to live.

One of my favorite astrologers calls this Full Moon in Gemini the moon of the mystic duel. And I believe she has that just right. The duel we fight within ourselves, between our own higher mind and emotions and our lower/practical/pragmatic mind and emotional turmoil.  The Full Moon, the Sun, and Neptune form this cosmic t-square right in the middle of the constellation of Orion, the Hunter, focusing our attention on the need to balance our energy in our collective struggle to fight for our highest ideals. We are giving birth to our karmic destiny, and it matters how we burn off old karmic ties and lessons, as we evolve into being individually and collectively now. This period during this full moon cycle, is a time that affects how we move forward through a period of time that is challenging, confusing, and life-altering.

Perhaps the greatest challenge of this period of time is illustrated by ow we handle the challenges we face right now. How are the polarities of Gemini and Sagittarius being triggered by both Neptune in Pisces and Uranus in Aries areas of our own lives?  Look to those parts of you life/chart to check in on what is most being triggered in your own life.  For example if you have a Sagittarius Ascendant, you now have a stellia of powerful Sagittarius planets in your first house and perhaps also in your 12th. Whatever is left over or brought forward from the past is now playing out in how you are presenting yourself and how you are viewed in the world. Public image and reputation are affected, and the opposite, 7th house is where Gemini probably is so relationships are where the vulnerable, touchy spot is. Typical conflict between my public life and my private life, for example.  Then if you look to see where Pisces is, in this case it would be 4th or 5th house (depends on individual charts) either/both the home/upbringing/how we define home  (4th house) and how we create, seek pleasure, interact with children (5th house)
would be connected. Look to your own chart to see where this cosmic t-square is energizing and shaking things up. If you know nothing about charts, you can probably figure this out if you reflect on what is going on in different areas of your life.

In any case, the Energizer Bunny Full Moon in Gemini is likely to hype things up for everyone today and for the next few days. Gemini's energy is primarily mental stimulation, so we're motivated to DO and GO.  We want to be careful not to spread ourselves too thin, and to take time to channel some of that rather erratic energy into practical, creative, and calming ways. Avoid rushing, going without rest (I'll take a nap later), and burning yourself out.  As I read this I have to laugh. I have a progressed Sun in Gemini and I feel like someone spiked my tea with adrenaline, so I really do speak about this as a consequence of this speeded up energy. You'll probably find that your life will be a little frenetic and super charged so use your energy wisely.

I'm figuring it's going to be a great day to clean up, take along walk, and maybe clear out the cobwebs as we prepare for the holy days we're entering. Each day is a holy, sacred day, when we honor the precious gifts of life that we each have. My favorite scripture comes from the ancients who said, that what is laid before us is the choice between life and death, and the command to Choose Life. In all ways, we have this choice, and maybe now as an act of compassion, we can ask before we speak or act or choose, is my action, are my words, it this choice going to give life? If it's not, make another choice. During this Full Moon in Gemini, what are the questions that are asking that you choose? And which choices that you have seem more life affirming? Whatever you do, Choose Life, and be glad. Be very glad you have this life, this day, this time to bring forth something of value, something of service, something of love, and something of compassion for yourself and for others.

New Moon in Scorpio Healing the Wounded Heart

Renewal                                                               Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

The New Moon in Scorpio on Saturday, November 18, 2017 forms healing trine with Chiron, the Wounded Healer.  Jupiter, Venus, the Moon, and Sun all form a powerful grouping in Scorpio. They trine Neptune and Chiron in Pisces. The Sun and Moon at 26 degrees of Scorpio also form a powerful opposition with Uranus in Aries at 25 degrees. This has been affecting us all for the last couple of days, and has brought about a lot of chaotic, unexpected, and sudden changes or revelations.  Uranus also indicates a desire to start over, head out on a new path, or delve into some new venture in a new way. Combined with the New Moon in Scorpio, the constellation that rules our hidden or unspoken desires, this is a very important time for setting intentions, and being conscious of what we set into motion with our thoughts, words, actions, and prayers.

Venus in Scorpio from November 7 until December 1 also awakens our desires and passions as well as our need for meaningful and sustainable relationships. Along with our deep-seated desires are our equally deep-seated fears about being too vulnerable or consumed by our needs. Because Scorpio rules the unconscious and subconscious realms, much of what we feel at this time may be wrapped up in unhealed and hidden wounds. What we fear and feel now is based to a large extent on what we have not faced about our past or have not come to terms with. Relationships reflect what is growing within us. That's why we need to connect to others.

Venus rules all types of relationships, though it also focuses our attention on the most intimate ones. We learn about our capacity to love through our experiences of love. When wounds go unexamined and unhealed, they appear over and over in the patterns of how we enter into and conduct ourselves in all types of relationships. The deeper the relationship, the more we can grow and experience love. When we are in healthy, mutual, and affirming relationships, it helps us maintain a strong sense of self and a healthy sense of our own well being.  Our capacity to appreciate ourselves and to define ourselves for ourselves, enables us to enter into any relationship with a stronger sense of who we are and what we desire. Examining the truth of who we are at this time, is key to healthy relationships.

Venus forms a semi-square to Saturn, the Great Teacher,  late in the week, causing us to feel a bit isolated or disconnected. Again, the learning process on the wheel of life/love is nudging us to pay attention to what expectations, lack, needs, fears, or desires may be creating blocks between what we desire and what our experience is. At the same time, Venus forms a trine to Jupiter making us feel like we are somehow magically connected to the right and perfect love for us. Notice what you are attracted to, and what it is you are seeking and connecting with at this time.

As I write on Friday, November 17, the Moon trines Neptune (3:00 a.m.) and later conjuncts Venus. Dreams and/or subconscious nigglings may trigger more optimistic and mystical senses. The watery confluence in areas ruled by Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer (those areas/houses in your life/chart) are most affected. Pay attention to your intuitive hits, dreams, and visions. Note any hunches, synchronicities, or deep-seated feelings/memories rising to the surface.

The Sun in Scorpio quincunxes Uranus (in case anyone wondered what all the madness is about), causing us to feel shocked, surprised, and off center about things well beyond our control. What choice we do have is how we cope with the unexpected and disorienting communications. Focusing our time and attention on doing what is constructive, grounding ourselves in the practical business of daily living, helps considerably in channeling the heightened energy of what may feel like ground-shaking and disconcerting events and experiences.

The trine between the New Moon, the Sun, and Chiron the Wounded Healer, falls in the Moon's detriment. This means that it is not in its most auspicious position. Falling into winter in the North, the Moon aligns with the fixed star Aegna which is located in the constellation of the Centaur. Aegna is located in the thigh of the warrior, and it represents the wound we each have that must be allowed to heal so that it does not fester and infect us and our lives. It is however, necessary to expose the wound so that it can heal. Often this is related to long ago traumas that we've not yet dealt with...the ones that we keep tearing off the scab before it is properly healed. Notice what area of your life/being needs some Tender Loving Care, and be sure to treat yourself kindly and gently at this time. Radical self care, a word that popped into our vernacular a year on a regular basis, is what we need to renew our commitment to at this New Moon in Scorpio.

Aegna, the brightest star in the Centaur and the 10th brightest in the sky, represents "friendship, health, honor, morality, refinement, and reputation". It's also considered a star of prophecy, appearing at time when the veils are thin and our mystic channels are open to receiving visions, insight, and prescient messages. Be open to receiving your good news. It is also a time when we can be more conscious and aware of what is going on in our own bodies, so notice what changes, signals, and signs your body is delivering to you at this time.

Of course there are different ways to use this energy, and so avoiding anything that threatens your health, sanity, well being, or highest good should be avoided at this time. Getting lost or escaping into addictions of any kind (substances, too much work, too much escapism ie., t.v., busy-ness) is detrimental. While you may not be the one engaging in unsound practices and behaviors, you will most likely be more aware of the areas of life where this is undermining the health and well being of the collective whole. This powerful time is a good time to put our faith and prayers into action. As we all note, prayers without action are heartless acts. When we pray for others, we must be willing to examine our own hearts and lives, and be willing to change what we can. We can also direct our prayers into areas that are life-affirming and uplifting, and pray for atonement of all for the good of all.

Using this lovely New Moon in Scorpio in our own spiritual practices is vital to helping create the flow of goodness, well being, love, and compassion.  Let your heart sing, let your lips reveal your loving nature, and let your lives renew a promise to giving and receiving love.

Full Moon in Taurus Bringing Forth What is Within

Full Moon in Taurus

In the Western United States at 10:23 P.M. on Friday, November 3 (1:23 A.M. EST), November 4, the Moon reaches her fullness in Taurus. The earthy, lusty Full Moon activates the Earth-Water Axis with the Sun in Scorpio. Taurus’ ruler, Venus at 25/55 Libra opposes the Moon in Aries before she peaks to her fullness. The Sun at 11/59 degree of Scorpio/Moon at 11/59 Taurus also aspect Jupiter at 5/22 Scorpio. Mars at 7/52 Libra and the North Node at 19/57 degrees of Libra are also in the path of the rising Full Moon, making Thursday, Friday, and Saturday has us dealing with highly emotional and potent energy. This has been quite a week as the aspects have been upsetting, challenging, and no doubt stirring up whatever has been held within. 

The Full Moon in Taurus is closest to the fixed star Menkan in the constellation of the Whale/Cetius. The Moon’s trine to Neptune in Pisces is the archetypal expression of the Collective Unconscious and the oceanic and emotional passions that that awakens. Nothing is happening now that does not connect us in some way to the collective wounds, healing, and birthing that must be addressed. With both positive and negative potential, it is vital that we work towards what is good, ethical, positive, creative, and healing. This Full Moon is fertile ground for using our emotional connections for good. It can also cause mental anxiety and stress. Avoid doing anything that aggravates stress-related conditions, or causes you to lose your sense of equilibrium and balance. What is held within the watery depths of the Scorpio-ruled areas of our lives, will appear on the surface and will call for your attention and care.

This aspect of the Moon in Taurus is considered the Rescuer, Healer, Savior.  Beware of those who try to pass themselves off as ‘the answer’. The answer to whatever you are searching for is within you. As Christ Jesus said according to the Apostle Thomas, “What you bring forth within you, will save you.” We each have the answers to what we are here to accomplish and bring to life. Trust that you are guided rightly, and use your powers of discernment to connect to that truth and energy now. This is not the time to raise up golden idols and expect our healing to come from someone who is a figment of our imagination. Or someone who promises you what they cannot deliver. Again, we have the answers within.

Time to listen and be grateful for our gifts.

The Moon in Taurus is also forming  square to Ceres creating a need for us to feel the need to rescue or be rescued. The need to save others or the sense that we need to be saved by someone else, can be more destructive than safe and healing. Take time to find physically and concrete ways  to direct your energy, questions, and ground yourself in the goodness of what you know to be true and right. 

The Earth-Water axis, of Taurus-Scorpio raises up the issues that require balancing between our earthly, material, and physical existence and our spiritual, soul-binding passions and callings. Now is the time to reflect on how our spiritual lives are manifesting in our physical world and daily activities. How we are in the flow of giving and receiving. How we are able to offer our services and appreciate what is given to us by others. It is a time when we must be both present and mindful as we remain aware of the big picture and our own perspective of life as a whole. We are called in the most pragmatic ways to live out our spiritual expression of self and life. 

Time to look at yourself and your life as if it were a dream. Examine the trending and repetitive symbols, archetypes, patterns, situations, and conditions that appear and reappear to call your attention to what you need to learn, know, and do. Time to read and interpret what is needed and wanted now and what is calling you to life? What i demanding your attention, and what is stirring and giving birth now. To help this along, Venus’s is in the same aspect as the New Moon two weeks ago. This requires that we be patient, open-minded, and flexible. Notice where expectations are out of alignment with what you are receiving from the Universe. Trend down to a more peaceful, accepting place so that you don’t block what ways are opening.

Notice where fear, frustration, or anger rise up to distract or tie you up in knots. Because of the very emotional nature of this Full Moon we are being tempered in how we use our emotions and instincts. Our intuition, hunches, and imagination are at a peak point now,and we are receiving great support and assistance in gaining clarity  especially about our relationships and the dynamics that we are engaged in.

Time for emotional adjustments and new goals. Use your imagination,intuition which are highly stimulated right now. There are many opportunities for wealth, honor, success, and abundance  To best be open to these gifts, Saturn trines Uranus requiring a great deal of patience. What we receive now is going to be coming to fruition (or at least the beginning steps) over the next two weeks.   Venus in Libra forms an opposition to the moon just before it comes to fullness. This signals a change in all manners related to love and romance, as well as passions that call us to action.  Abundance is plentiful, but requires that we be very clear about our intentions. Remember what we speak/think/or pray becomes our reality. Be clear about intentions. Be practical, methodical as you use the energy of the Bull/Taurus as like the proverbial bull in a china shop, this power unleashed haphazardly can destroy.

Mercury in Sagittarius is due to change signs on Sunday, so right now it is in its last degree, its anoretic degree. We are releasing what needs to go at this Full Moon time. So either we let go willingly or it is released for us. What defies us is dying and is in its death throes. Honor what is sacred in your life and belief system. Use your spiritual practices and ideals  to guide you, and be methodical, pragmatic, and concrete in laying out the steps you need to take to move ahead.

Something I read earlier this week, seem appropriate for this Full Moon. It refers to women, but I believe it is vital for everyone, regardless of gender. “A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretends and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself.”—Maya Angelou

And that’s why we are all here. To be ourselves, our best selves, and to create beauty and share love with kindness and compassion. And that is the nature of the Full Moon in Taurus. Give without concern for receiving. Love without fear. Share what you have, and find beauty in what is around you. Find the simple truth of life, within.

New Moon in Libra Lights, Camera, Action

October Colors                                                        Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

This New Moon in Libra is not your status quo, keep everything in balance New Moon. It's activated by Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus to spotlight the beginning of a new chapter on your journey. New Moon at 26 degrees of Libra (third decan) on Thursday, October 19 highlights whatever sector of your life/chart it transits. It brings popularity, connection, and lots of attention to that area of your life. For those whose Ascendant, Sun sign, Moon or other major planets are in this sector of Libra, it can be a spectacular start to a new phase of life. This new moon is in peregrine (farthest away from Earth) and is therefore highlighting that which is least fortunate. For example, those who are held in disregard, receive extra attention. Or the area where you most struggle with requires the most attention at this time. If you have trouble making decisions, this may be when you’re faced to take that leap of faith. Risk taking is essential to this. Libra most loves to keep things in balance. Seeing all points of view, and not wanting to rock the boat. The growing edge though for any planet where Libra is, is in taking a stand and acting in ways that make way for or room for growth. 

Biding one’s time, or ‘waiting for the perfect moment’ is not what is needed at this time. The New Moon is exactly conjunct Jupiter in Libra (within 5-7 degrees of where Jupiter just entered Scorpio). This is a very potent and optimistic time, and we may feel ourselves on an emotional roller coaster of optimism and outright fear of what is ahead in the mystery that is the future. Focus as best you can, on how the benefits outweigh whatever tests or tasks the future brings. Whatever you have been preparing for and saying you’ve wanted, is now sitting pretty much right in your lap. Instead of freaking out, be glad that you have this opportunity to start anew. The orbit of Jupiter around the Sun is 2 1/2 years, so your journey is blessed in whatever you begin now. The sky is the limit, so take that risk and pursue that dream or at the very least, take some definite steps in that direction. Make a commitment to move forward in the direction of your calling. 

We are protected by the energy Jupiter brings, and we are infused with that same energy to protect and encourage others. Don’t promise more than  you are willing to deliver, but likewise, don’t be afraid. You are prepared for this next shift, and have been releasing whatever stood in the way of your being able to move forward in some major area of your life. The New Moon in Libra also is conjunct Mercury,We are able to speak clearly, and are receptive to straight forward communication. Being authentic and above board, as well as realistic, helps us make the most of all forms of communication as this New Moon opens a new lunar cycle and a new path ahead. We now are able to use the best of our communication skills. Both intuitive and intellectual knowledge provide the necessary guidance and clarity we need now. Libra Moon combined with Mercury creates the storyteller combination that helps us tell a good tale, weave a new myth, or provide a good rationale for whatever we hope to get across. Humor, charm, and intuitive brilliance gild the tales with a magical quality that Jupiter helps brighten. Watch what you say and how you say it. Be discerning in all forms of communication, and listen to what is being said, and what is not. Notice the details, for they will matter greatly later. 

The New Moon in Libra is opposite Uranus in Aries making us highly attuned emotional to shifts and changes in our lives, the world around us, and in the way old patterns are changing and new ones are developing. We need to shed the old skin, and walk forward in the new.  Because there is such significant change happening right now, Uranus’ electrifying shifts and responses can feel highly charged and a bit frightening. Okay, maybe a lot. Because when we are truly on a new path, or having to adjust to a new reality, we have to become the strongest and best of who we are to manage and thrive. Whatever we would like to hold onto like a security blanket, probably won’t do at this time. We are learning new ways to deal with the rapid fire and unexpected changes that is now our world and is manifesting in our lives. Despite your desire to run away or pull the covers over your head, that is not the choice. The energy of a new again is upon us, and what is needed and demanded now is our highest and most capable thoughts, actions, and service. 

What is necessary in this new environment  is discernment. We need to be able to  sift through the panic-driven actions  and rhetoric and outcries for extreme reactions. Very deep and highly evolutionary developments are possible if we maintain a high level of integrity and compassion. Love can and does overcome fear and hate. Turning our energy, individual and collective into uplifting and righteous thought and actions is what is needed. What has shocked and in many cases wounded us, we will find has tempered us to withstand what is needed to recover, heal, and thrive.  We need to create more beauty, seek greater understanding, and become increasingly tolerant of what we at the same time reject as a source of our attention.  A great awakening has taken place, and we are in the first stages of recovering from the shock and pain. The work before us is great, and our strength and attention is needed to recover. For people in the West, particularly the USA, this chaos and disruption is relatively new, in the scale it’s being experienced now. That is not true, however of the rest of the world where resilience and evolutionary change  plus reconciliation are necessary for survival. Our strength, courage, and resilience is being tested, and this New Moon in Libra focuses our attention on what it is within each of us that can be used to cope with what we are experiencing. 

New Moon in Libra with the Mars-Jupiter influences pushes and invites us to stretch our emotional, physical, creative, and intuitive muscles to allow for a new path to emerge—one that will enable us to move out of a place of stagnation, fear, pain, or hopelessness. As a warrior girds for battle, we have many resources within  and much in our history to prepare us to stand up for what we believe and to work for what is good, loving, kind, and right for all and for the planet. Nothing worth having comes without some sacrifice and dedication to help make it happen. Now is when we can see what gifts, talents, and experiences we have to help us live more purposeful and fulfilling lives.

Harvest Moon: Aries Full Moon Illuminates Cracks in the Shell

Enlightening                   Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

Full Moon in Aries, the Harvest Moon.

This week there are several major aspects that are having a powerful impact on our lives. The waxing of the Full Moon that peaks in Aries on Thursday, October 5, the opposition of Uranus and the Moon, and the final days of Jupiter's lengthy transit through Libra. Combined with other aspects and significant energy shifts, this Full Moon at 12/43 Aries floods our lives with light and energy that can cause great floods of release and retribution. The crows come home to roost. What has been done, now appears in whatever is manifesting in our world, our lives, and our own individual consciousness.

This is and has been a time of great awakening. With Jupiter in Libra for years now, we've been seeking that proverbial balance, and finding that in order to do so, we must first come to know and understand what our own truths are and what we are willing to do in order to defend and allow those truths to guide us.
When Jupiter shifts into the energy of Scorpio, the elements of the unconscious are activated, plunging us deeper into the depths of whatever is lurking beneath the surface. We have seen signs of this already, and our reactions and responses to the upsets and tragedies in our lives, will be very telling. How have we been attempting to find ground as we live and move and have our being on a dynamic, ever-changing planet giving birth?

Aries-Libra Axis.
At 11:40 a.m. (PDT), Luna reaches her fullness in Aries opposite the Sun and Jupiter in Libra. Shining light on our relationships, we find ourselves aware of the pull we feel between our own need to stand on our own and our need to merge and connect in relationship. The realm of balance, beauty, and connection finds the Full Moon in Aries lighting up the spaces and cracks where strength, tenacity, and the need to maintain our grounding is challenged.

The Aries-Libra axis challenges us in areas of our lives where we seek to establish our own path, start anew, and take risks against our need to maintain harmony, be fair minded, and negotiate our needs against the demands made of us in all types of relationship. This includes our desire to create beauty, seek outlets for the use of energy and resources, and live from a deeper understanding of what our own truth is versus what we're being asked to accept. Aries on the other hand, strikes out on its own in ways that care little for a map or guide. Rashness, impulsiveness, and callous disregard for the needs of others radiate when Aries acts from its shadow, unhealed wounds. With Jupiter in Libra, opposite the Moon in Aries, this area of our lives may be more intense and may reveal the underbelly of that which is unhealed in ourselves and others as well.

Aries Full Moon, Harvest Moon.
Harvest Moon comes at the time of the year when what has been growing comes to life and is gathered up to be stored, used, and celebrated. It also is a time of revelation. What have we brought to life, what has our life borne? The Aries Full Moon may trigger us to express ourselves in uncharacteristically strong or explosive ways. Whatever has been festering beneath the surface may now burst through to the surface in our effort to find a way to stand on our own against whatever or whoever has been holding us down or back. This is an inner battle that has been looming for a while now, and while it may be more obvious or easy to see expressed outwardly in the behavior and actions of others, it is a battle going on within as well. Its' a good idea to not overlook whatever you may have been stewing over so that you maintain some sense of equilibrium in the face of what feels like a pot boiling over. This may come in whatever form stress usually takes when you are overwhelmed, feeling out of your depth, or are on the verge of breaking through to some new awareness and stage of development. This Full Moon at 12/3 degrees of Aries will surely light up those areas of your life.

As the Moon transits Aries, it has been making  aspects to all the planets lining up in opposition Venus, Mars, and of course the Sun in Libra. During the night the Moon formed a square to Saturn, the Great Teacher, perhaps disturbing sleep or revealing some deeper lesson in our dreams. The Unconscious works while we sleep, revealing what needs to come to light when we wake. The Moon forms a conjunction with Chiron, the Wounded Healer today too, so pay attention to emotional disturbances and/or shifts that might signal intuitive awareness and synchronicities tied to old issues, wounds, or lessons that define your life path. What are those 'same old things' that rise up in your life over and over, teaching you what is calling for attention and letting your know where you are to seek balance next.

On Thursday, the Moon in Aries opposes Mercury a couple of hours before reaching its exact opposition with the Sun in Libra. Hours later, the Moon squares Pluto, the Great Transformer, triggering underground, unconscious movement.

Mars-Venus Conjunct in Virgo
Mars and Venus are symbolic of the love god and goddess. When they conjoin in Virgo, we get a solid grounding in the depth of their passion and how this passion is bringing forth practical, pragmatic shifts in our lives. This powerful aspect occurs as the Moon rises to fullness: Venus forms an exact conjunction with Mars in Virgo. This signals a very passionate, strong, powerful connection in the areas of your life wherever it hits. Notice what sectors of your life this involves (hint, it's where life has been most active throughout the transit of the Sun through Virgo). With Mars and Venus both transiting Virgo in opposition to Neptune and Chiron in Pisces, is shaking up the order and organizational patterns that have become unconsciously holding you back from growth and development.  Notice when passions are stirred, the old messages that rise trying to set you off course or tempt you to give up practical changes that will unleash greater abundance.

When I awoke early this morning, I looked up at the stars to see Cassiopeia brilliantly lit up in the inky pre-dawn sky. This Full Moon in Aries sits right atop the fixed star Alderamin in the Constellation of The King. The King, husband of Cassiopeia, who originally formed the right arm of the king, now forms the shoulder.  Myth says that King Cepheus was taken into the heavens with his wife Cassiopeia and his daughter, Andromeda to commemorate the deeds of Perseus. According to the ancient teachings of Ptolemy, Cepheus is like Saturn and Jupiter, both severe and sober authoritarians who subject to cruelty and severe trials. Associated with the Tarot card, the Fool, the King, is depicted in royal robes and the attire of a tragic actor. Cepheus, also called the Ape King, was said in Greek mythology as "one who lives on worry and incessantly recalls traditions of a bygone age and old Cato's (the Censor) maxims."

Cepheus is not a strong, benevolent king, but rather one who tries to influence the young, especially would-be warriors, to suffer and perish for his own glory. The message of this Full Moon is to free ourselves of both collective and individual dependence on weak leadership and need for authoritarian rule. Breaking ties with and reliance on the positions and straw idols that threaten us with no power but our own to do so, is necessary now. The Aries Full Moon beckons us to heed the call of our individual path, and strike out on a path that befits our talents, provides for our needs, and rewards us for our toils and gifts. Having completed a great cycle during which we have come face to face, heart to heart with the wealth we hold within, we now set out on a new path equipped and willing to be born to a new life.


Using Our Energy for Good.
The most important thing to remember on this or any new journey is that there are both positive and negative ways to use and express our strength, tenacity, authority, and talents. Discern as you go along what is best for your own well being as well as what is also serving the greater good. To become the pawn of someone who abuses or doesn't appreciate you is the negative way to use this opportunity. It is important to proceed and commit to a new path with an awareness that we must do so with allies who honor and respect the mutual give and take of good relationships.

To do this we need to commit to ourselves and in all we do, to submit ourselves to the power  and authority of what we hold within our own hands, heart, and soul, and to release ourselves from the bondage of depending on external authority to approve and give us permission to be who were are meant to be. Remember who you are, and walk in the light of this Full Moon in Aries, fully honoring your God-given gifts and hard-earned experiences as you enjoy the fruits of the harvest and consider how to carry that abundance forward.

"No authority of any kind can ever know the truth of our own experiences and perceptions. And therein lies our power."
--John Phipps.

Virgo New Moon: Healing Power of the Quest.

The Path                                                                 Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

This month's New Moon in 27 degrees of Virgo peaks late tonight, September 19 or early tomorrow, September 20, depending where  you live. For us here in the Western North America, that is late tonight. The Sabian symbol for this New Moon: A gathering of wise women who enjoy one another's company and who bring their power and mystical energy together for a healing ceremony. We, as a planet, are in need of great healing, and now is the time that we must focus our time and attention on that. We begin though, by taking time to become aware of the the gifts, resources, and hereditary knowledge we have within us, so that we can first work on healing and cleansing our own thoughts, words, actions, hearts, and souls. And then to direct our use of energy into the ways that most nourish and serve others as well as our own divine destiny.

We cannot live another's life, nor can we fix everything in our own lives, let alone anyone else's. This can frustrate us, but now with this lovely and demanding energy of the New Moon in Virgo, we can awaken to what our greatest gifts, wisdom, and graces have prepared us for. And we can spend some time in reflection listening to our soul call, envisioning our dreams, and making some initial steps to move forward into the new lunar year with greater vision.

This month's New Moon is at 27 degrees of Virgo  which occurs in alignment with the constellation called the Cup of Bran or the Holy Grail--a chalice that symbolizes healing powers and ancestral wisdom. The fixed star, Labrum that sits in the crater of the lip of the chalice, is called the Holy Grail. There are many myths and legends that revolve around the search for the Holy Grail, the Sacred Cup of Blessings. And we are each, in our own way, on such a quest. As we enter this lunar energy, we are called to answer the call of the quest.

As the story goes, the constellation represents the cup given to Apollo by Corvus (the Crow). The Chalice/Holy Grail is cloaked in stories about the quest for the Holy Grail. The Chalice/Holy Grail was meant to gather the sacred waters. Associated with the gifts of vision, intuition, healing powers, and ancient hereditary wisdom, Labrum is where the Virgo New Moon is situated.  Directly below Labrum at the base of the Chalice is Alkes, another fixed star that is associated with hereditary mystical knowledge and abilities. Both influence this New Moon at 27 degrees of Virgo. The sacred waters are associated with the richness of the vineyards and a bountiful crop, both of which represent our own bounty. Crucial to benefiting from the bounty of the crops is our willingness to go forth and not to hesitate to use our gifts.

To use our prophetic powers, intuitive gifts, and healing wisdom, we need to avoid indecision and apprehension. For those with strong aspects in mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces), this new moon will have a profound and lasting effect. The Virgo New Moon is also associated with well-watered gardens, vineyards, as well as the cleansing and healing properties of water. This New Moon in Virgo coincides with the beginning of the high holy days of Judaism, and the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana. A sacred threshold time associated in many cultures and traditions as a passageway into the depths of knowledge, understanding, and wholeness.

The misuse of energy can also be evident as seen in the bombastic and tyrannical outbursts and behavior of some who have not learned how to channel their energy into healing and affirming life. The New Moon forms a quincunx with fiery Uranus in Aries. This releases restraints on tyrants, crazed lunatics, and others who crave attention as they unleash their anger, frustration, and pathological need to shock and outrage. A dangerous aspect for those who are in a position to use and misuse their positions and power. What is set off is profoundly disturbing and upsetting, and must be checked and restrained by those who are using their own prophetic powers, knowledge, wisdom, and healing gifts to preserve the harmony of the land.
This New Moon in Virgo is opening a new path that is focused on trying to find ways to heal some pretty serious rifts, challenges, and dangers. Fortunately, due to Mercury and Venus' (also in Virgo) strong influence over this degree of Virgo, healing powers are available. According to Robson, "[Mercury and Venus' influence] gives a kind, generous, cheerful, receptive, passionate and hospitable nature with good mental abilities, but subject to apprehension and indecision. There is a disordered life full of sudden and unexpected events, and great danger of unhappiness, but usually some eminence."  How the New Moon falling at this particular place in 27 degrees of Virgo affects us collectively as well as individually, are being made evident in our own lives and in the world at large.

Earlier in the day before the New Moon peaks, Venus enters Virgo. Mercury, Mars, Venus, the Sun, and the Moon all transiting Virgo, make this a powerful New Moon focusing our attention on how the Earth needs to be healed. Whatever disorder, unexpected events (brought on by Uranus' hard aspect to the Moon), or disease you may be struggling with, is occurring in order to unmask, reveal, and make known the depth of whatever needs transforming in our lives. We are more sensitive and aware of where we are vulnerable and in need of some deep soul cleansing and practical reorganizing of  our lives right now. Now is not the time to hesitate or put off necessary changes. It is a time when we must pay attention to all our gifts of intuition, extrasensory awareness, graces, and resources, for we are being called to tap into our strengths to overcome what weakens and destroys us.

Virgo, the fixer upper sign of the Zodiac, is unusually busy at this time. We are being awakened, sometimes in shocking ways, more often in more subtle, to that which is unworkable or destructive. Often in doing healing work, the healers themselves overlook the need they have to maintain their own health and well being. Now is the time to make sure you are taking good care of yourself, letting go of whatever is draining or destructive to your own being. This may include giving up on some path or project that is or has been a distraction to what is calling for your attention and gifts.

In her pursuit of healing, the New Moon in Virgo is trying to fix the destruction that Jupiter in Libra's opposition to Uranus in Aries. Jupiter who wants to think the best of everyone, always ready to give a second chance, needs to stand firm in its own truth and remain diligent in acting according to that truth. Now is not the time to allow the runaway train to do any more destruction than it already has. Choices we make now, as individuals and as a collective world community, will have far reaching and long lasting effects. Time to choose life, not death. Time to stand firm for what is good and right. Time to stop giving credence to lies, false prophets, and to those who tell us they have answers we need. This is not the time to take on roles that demand more than we are equipped to handle.

The call of this Virgo New Moon in the third decan of Virgo is getting our own homes in order, and making certain we have our own lives prepared for tending to our own gardens and taking care of our obligations. Ceres in Cancer completes a t-square with Neptune and Uranus, and reminds us that we need to go home periodically, return from our adventures and wanderings long enough to remember who we are and what we are here to bring to life. This New Moon in Virgo is a healing moon that calls us home. We are being called to a healing of body, mind, soul, so that we can don the mantle of our powers to heal and use our mind and intuition to support and nurture life and to heal the wounded soul.

When we become more aware of the disturbances in our lives (inner and outer), we may fall into the shame trap. We need to treat ourselves, as we do others, with tender, loving kindness. The magic of this New Moon will be found by accepting on an even deeper level, yourself and your life as it is. Let expectations, plans, or patterns of thought and behavior enter your awareness, and try to view them in light of the reality of your life. Often we set ourselves up to live out some kind of fantasy set of expectations, and we fail to see what blessings we have with who we are and the life we are living.  Time to live with a radical acceptance of being who you are and treating yourself as you treat those you care the most for.

It's a good time to seek some healing yourself. Find ways to express yourself, and rely on those who provide lots of TLC-tender loving care.  It's a perfect time for clearing out whatever has been stacking up around you, and letting yourself find ways of organizing your daily life so that you are living with more creativity, harmony, and receptivity to inner peace and outer balance. Since this New Moon in Virgo is in the company of a stellium of other Virgo planets, the Sabian symbol for this degree of Virgo seems a fitting sign for some powerful and much-needed reflection and self-care. Spend some time in quiet reflection looking over all the starts and stops of the last year. Notice the obstacles you've overcome, and what gifts you've received at different times.

Consider how you were feeling or what you were doing a year ago, and give yourself some credit and a good deal of affirmation for doing your best. Consider just what your own value is and what hereditary gifts you have  discovered over the years. Think of some ways you'd like to develop even more in ways of intuition, healing, and vision. Allow yourself to dream, and let your dreams envision a more whole, peaceful, and life-affirming year ahead. Create a small ceremony to symbolically release what you do not want to take into the new year, new season, new cycle with you. Affirm also that which you want to cloak yourself in. See yourself in shining raiments, transformed, healed, and nourished so that you start anew equipped for the journey ahead, and appreciative of your own gift of life. Send a prayer in the direction of that which most needs healing in your life, and share your gifts of peace in ways that serve and honor others.

Full Moon in Pisces: Spiritual Awakening

The Empress: Abundance                       Tammy Heinz, Artist

The FULL MOON occurs on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at 3:03 AM EDT.On Wednesday morning, a Full Moon occurs, when the Sun in Virgo forms an opposition to the Moon in Pisces.  We are dealing now with the Virgo-Pisces axis. Virgo focuses us on organization, order, service, and grounding of our being in daily and pragmatic functions. It also reminds us to balance daily life with our spiritual life, by integrating one with the otter. It is a time to put our house in order, body, mind, emotions, spirit. Pisces rules our spiritual and creative nature, and delves deeply into the Unconscious, subconscious, and Collective Consciousness. Virgo focuses on what we use to integrate our daily lives, and Pisces focuses on how we use our spiritual gifts to integrate body and soul.  

Full Moons stand in opposition to their oppositional energy, reminding us of some of conflicts, struggles, and obstacles we face. We can work with both sides of the spectrum, and use the gifts of both to more beautifully integrate our lives. Now is the time to be deeply aware of what this feels like and looks like for us. For example, I get the most joy during this time in keeping things in order, finding ways to more neatly arrange life, and getting much-needed chores done. That in itself can provide me with a spiritual kind of rapture.

Just around midnight tonight, the Full Moon in Pisces reaches her peak. At 14 (13/53) degrees of Pisces, she  remains in close conjunction with dreamy Neptune at 12 degrees Pisces, both opposite the Sun in Virgo. This Full Moon in Pisces is in the second decan (ruled by Cancer-security, home, and safety issues) so there may be some heavy expectations to go along with dreamy inspiration as a result of this alignment. Those born within 11-17 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) will feel the greatest impact. Look to the houses where mutable signs are in your chart to determine how this might be manifesting. 

This month's Full Moon in Pisces in the 2nd decan falls in the most spiritually evolving house in the zodiac. Also following the Full Solar Eclipse two weeks ago, this moon highlights the areas in our lives where the first fruits of that transition point have yielded. How have you been growing, changing, transforming in terms of aligning with your spiritual base and identity? It may be a challenging time as we are meant to grow in Spirit, and ongoing Creation means life is full of turning points, gateways, and new opportunities and challenges. How are we equipping ourselves for the rebirth taking place in our world, in our lives, and within each of us soulfully?

Shedding old skins is one of the images that comes to mind when i think of this Full Pisces Moon, for we are changing form and substance on many levels of our being. What no longer fits or is appropriate for this new journey, is falling away now. Deep subconscious rumblings and twinges are making known that new information and old shadow issues are subtly making their way to the surface of our consciousness. Who is reappearing in your life now? What is reminding you of unfinished business or dreams deferred? Notice the signs that appear, synchronistic experiences that happen, or dreams that occur around this time. Notice where you're being called, and what is demanded and expected of you (by yourself as well). Examine you motivations, intentions, and desires, to see how you've lived a congruent life so far.

The combination of the Pisces Full Moon conjunct Neptune is spellbinding in its magnificence and in its awakening and stimulation of intuitive energy and insight. This is a time when you want to be very cognizant of your surroundings and in tune with what you're picking up from that environment and those in it. Pay close attention to your dreams, and trust your hunches, feelings, and intuition now, more than usual. If you're not sure where your intuitive graces reside, notice what is sparked at this time. Do you get glimpses into situations? Does your body signal you with energy hits that prompt you to act? Do you have thoughts running through your mind, like "I need to call Jane..." or "Maybe it would be a good time to look into______". Intuition is very simply, the areas of sensitivity that come to us and that remind us of our higher selves. They are the sense we feel, emotions we have, thoughts we think, and memories we have that connect us to something that needs to be addressed or attended to. Notice what is calling for your attention during this full moon phase.

Deep spiritual evolution is taking place at this time, and it is good to have a compass and a map. And we want whatever gives us direction and guidance to be in perfect alliance with our highest good and best interests, not to mention our wholeness and well being.  Avoid anyone or any dogma that jars or upsets your natural sense of truth and what is right. Trust that your greatest growth comes from within, and the best guides are those who encourage and affirm that. Do what heals, not what breaks open old wounds. Do what enlightens, not was depresses and creates anxiety. Do what enriches yourself as well as others, not what either depletes your or causes you to abandon your responsibilities. Create peace within and around you. Create beauty. Accept grace into all areas of your life. Find stillness, calm, and quiet to allow for the regeneration of your body, mind, emotions, spirit, and soul. Allow a cleansing of thought, word, and deed, and sit in the glow of this Full Moon In Pisces and breathe in the Divine.

And Divine timing is at work just now. Today, September 5, Mercury comes out of its retrograde cycle. As the Full Moon waxes to fullness, Mercury will be delivering some messages we have been waiting to hear or need to hear. This would be a very fortuitous time to spend time in prayer and meditation, focusing on receiving guidance and much-needed wisdom. Listen for the stirrings that awaken your heart, mind, and soul Use your voice to sing praises and chants to help raise your vibrations. Stimulating the 5th Chakra (throat chakra) also helps stimulate the vagal break and thyroid glands, both which help bring greater inner peace and calm. Both are needed now. Make your time sacred time now. Step out of the mundane and into the sacred to receive blessings and grace to live more fully and authentically.