New Moon in Capricorn highlights Gathering of Earth Signs

Here in the Western Hemisphere, the auspicious New Moon in Capricorn arrives late on Christmas at 9:13 p.m. PST/12:13 a.m. EST. This New Moon in Capricorn conjunct the Sun at 4°7” joins to form  a gathering of this powerful Capricorn line up. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto, all outer, slow-moving planets that have long-lasting impact on our lives are being conjoined by the Moon and the Sun. .  Saturn and Pluto are building up in conjunction for what is laying bear, the areas in our lives where transformation has been taking place for the last few years. In areas where we’ve been tested and tempered, challenged, and question, we now feel the full effects.  This energy will continue to build over the next month and will have long lasting effects. 

New Moon and Sun in Capricorn:  With the New Moon and the Sun in Capricorn, our sense of responsibility, ambition, and attention to the guiding principles of law, order, and ethical standards  grows. Focus is on completion and the satisfaction derived from accomplishing our goals. We take time to create new structures, reassess and form standards, and make plans based on what we have learned from our past successes and challenges. A great time to set out a plan for any long-term goals you have been dreaming up or in the process of reevaluating.  

Mercury has been in Sagittarius since Dec. 9, and will remain there until the 28, just before New Years. It will then enter the congregation of heavenly bodies in Capricorn, During Mercury’s remaining days in Sagittarius, ideas are still being gathered. Conversations involve planning and discerning what is feasible and what is not, for future plans and ongoing projects. Sagittarius calls upon us to weigh and measure the benefits and disadvantages to a wide variety of ideas that may be swirling through our minds. Sagittarius always combines a good dose of pragmatism with  optimism, so notice what kinds of ideas, may be dancing in your head during this week. After the 28th, notice how the energy changes from dreaming up ideas to getting down to business. And with the abundance of planets in Capricorn, this area of your life should not be hard to spot. It’s where life is undergoing a complete transformation. 

Venus has been in Aquarius from December 20, and will transit the constellation until January  13, 2020. Themes of freedom, independence all make this area of our lives more unconventional than usual. In all areas of Venus’ realm (love,relationships,  beauty, aesthetics, harmony) expect to want life to be lived more on your own terms than on what works for others

Saturn in Capricorn calls on us to develop self mastery, and Pluto in Capricorn, conjunct Saturn, demands that we cope with issues related to power, our need for control, and abuses of either or both. Pluto is the Great Transformer, Saturn the Great Teacher. They work together, and have been for the last few years, to completely revolutionize some area of your life. Look to your chart to see what area Capricorn rules, opposes, and meets its challenges (oppositions, squares in a chart). Also look to see what you have working for you with both planets (trines, conjunctions, and aspects).  Even the so-called harsh aspects (squares and oppositions) can have a way of calling upon our higher angels. What appears as a loss, opens a new path. What has been challenging and frustrating, now reveals the gifts in the garbage and hard work you’ve been experiencing. 

All the Capricorn planets oppose the North Node in Cancer(what is growing, evolving, unfolding in our lives), which means they are also in conjunction with the South Node (what we have to overcome, learn, and face in our lives in order to grow). North Node in Cancer focus our growth on issues related to safety, security, feeling at home with ourselves and our lives (that which we’ve chosen and that which has happened to us). South Node in Capricorn focuses primarily on what innate issues are in need of becoming more aware of. As it is happening in Capricorn, we can be sure this pertains to very pragmatic, down to earth habits, choices, daily living kinds of issues and behavior. . 

This New Moon in Capricorn occurs with a gathering of powerful planets, the Sun, and the Moon plus the aspect of the South Node. Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, and soon, Mercury are all conjoining the Sun and the New Moon in the cardinal (action, fire)  sign of Capricorn. All who have aspects, planets with 0-8 degrees of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) will feel the greatest energy from this new moon. All of us though, will feel the effects, and be able to take advantage of this energy if we are willing and aware of this powerful new moon time. When a new moon occurs in an earth sign, we can be sure that we will see and experience the effects of the New Moon in Capricorn in very physical, concrete ways. And there is sure to be a series of major events and decisions made during this cycle. 

The New Moon in Capricorn occurs at an annual solar eclipse, a very fortuitous one as it aligns with Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and abundance. The New Moon in Capricorn also aspects Uranus well, and that inspires positive changes and excitement. As with each new moon, all possibilities are before us. We can choose the direction, goals, and perspectives that will serve our purposes. Jupiter reigns over growth, expansion, abundance, prosperity, and good fortune so it’s wise to plant the seed of good intention as this New Moon in Capricorn approaches. There will be pleasant surprises, lots of serendipitous goodies, and fortunate relationships in store. Welcome the blessings of the season of Light and Hope. 

Jupiter trine Uranus also adds much sparkle to this very joyous and lucky time. Chance encounter, unexpected good fortune, surprise visits all signal a time for joyous good cheer. This is a time for great spiritual growth, and it is a time that encourages us to use our spiritual practices to ground ourselves in the light of Divine goodness and Divine will and timing. Often we think we have to do one more thing to make life work just right. While it is important that we be focused on letting our lives serve and love others, and find meaning and purpose in how we live our lives, we are still in need of the ability to surrender our fears, worries, and angst to have faith in what we cannot control or foresee. Our greatest gifts come in unexpected and surprising ways, from sources and experiences we could hardly predict. Allow yourself to bathe in the glow of the beauty within and the opening in the darkness, an opening which shines light on a new path ahead. A journey of discovery and of celebration for life in process, awaits us. All we need to do is show up and embrace each new step, each new day. 

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Blessing for Kwanzaa, and Light and Peace to all people everywhere. May we dedicate ourselves to lessen the harm and cruelty we humans have inflicted on one another. May we work to feed the hungry, comfort the sick, free those in bondage and slavery, and cease from doing harm to anyone and to our planet. May we enter a new decade, 2020 with the Light of compassion alive in our hearts and lives. 

New Moon Sagittarius: Light on the Horizon

On Tuesday morning at 7:05 A.M., the New Moon occurs 4° Sagittarius a mutable
fire sign. The sign of the Archer, Sagittarius’ archetype represents optimism,
enthusiasm, adventure, honesty, independance and constructive action.
As the Sun and the Moon climb out of the depths of Scorpio (but not beyond Scorpio’s
influence and truth), we may feel a renewed sense of urgency for change and acting
on our deepest desires.

The New Moon in Sagittarius awakens us to new paths unfolding. We feel that urgency,
in stark contrast to feeling trapped or stalled as we have been for the last lunar cycle
in Scorpio and Libra. Readying our arrow in the quiver, taking aim we are swift,
but not rash as we now begin taking steps on a new path and in new directions. We
want to make certain that what we are aiming for is grounded in ethical behavior/purpose
and sound judgment. We  must operate from a sure and steady base. Some may feel
the push to act on impulse, but it is wiser to act only after we’ve taken the time to get
our footing and are prepared for the journey. Avoid going off on tangents, making false
starts (due to lack of preparedness) and breaking promises/vows/oaths to which we have
sworn a commitment. What might tempt us to stray off the path in the wrong direction?
Or to push ourselves too hard?  If our intentions are anything less than honorable and
fair, we may find ourselves creating obstacles and troubles. We also accrue some heavy
karmic debt if we use others or fall for a seductive line meant to hinder our soul
growth or steer us into areas where danger lurks. Beware the garish clowns who
through their gaudy disguise or jester-like performances, aim poison arrows at their
enemies and cause us to not recognize their danger until it’s too late. 

The New Moon in Sagittarius is conjunct the Fixed stars of Acrab and Dschubba. Meeting
Acrab at the doorway to Sagittarius, the Moon triggers feelings of relief as if we’ve
escaped from a trap or cell.  Ptolemy (Egyptian astrologer) equated the nature of
Dschubba with that of Mars-Saturn. Dschubba symbolizes sudden assaults,
shamelessness, immortality, shameless usury if this energy is misused.

 If we’ve allowed ourselves to face the truth of how we’re affected by our shadow sides
and how the world is reflecting the shadow, we can use this energy to do some
excellent research. For those involved in trying to discern falsehood from fact, and to
uncover what is hidden, the New Moon conjunct Dschubba can be highly revealing.
This is an excellent aspect for revealing what has been hidden and secret, for
identifying treasonous behavior, and for unmasking psychopaths.  We are in a struggle
to hold our own against the dominant cultural narrative that encourages and uses
corruption and violence to dominate and control. At the very least, but nonetheless
important, is a caution to be wary and patient.

The energy of the New Moon in Sagittarius is akin to having a scalpel or knife. Both
can be used to heal or to harm. Those who act in unethical or ammoral ways, harm
themselves and others. This is a crucial time for those who are seeking the truth, to
use their power for good, not evil. Detectives, spies, forensic scientists, researchers
now discover  answers and reveal what had been hidden. The symbol of the poison
arrow, using power to harm, may indicate the need for caution, and may show us
what has been covered up. Watch for news of friends as well as enemies posing more
of a threat to those in power.
New Moon in Sagittarius conjunct the fixed star Acrab (today, Monday) indicates
great power, honor, wealth, gifts, but difficulty in obtaining a sound or favorable
legacy. In order for the best to build, it is necessary that we have faced our shadow
side and made an effort to change for the better. Then we will feel the winds lift us to
higher ground, our impulses tempered, and our vision clear and strategic. As we seek
authentic truth, a light breaks over the horizon. A new path emerges. 

Jupiter, the beautiful bright body that has been conjoining Venus in the night sky, now
is in her last few degrees of Sagittarius. By December 2, Jupiter will begin her journey
through Capricorn. Horizons will expand, meaning will become clearer and more
intentional in our lives, and we will have the ability to see the bigger picture. As both
the fixed stars and the Moon are transiting the Axis Mundi (Galactic Center), we feel as
if we are receiving a powerful download of knowledge and energy. Receive with open
arms and a willingness to let this intuitive spiritual energy help shape your
understanding. 

Venus has already entered Capricorn. She sits at 0° of Capricorn. Venus steadies
Jupiter’s enthusiasm and channels it into beauty, harmony, and creative acts of
compassion, love, and art. The question we might ask ourselves at this New Moon is
“How do I want to restructure my life?” Align this with a love and connection with
all beings, and let that be a guiding force in what you do. 

Chiron, the Wounded Healer, is in 1°of Aries, squaring both Venus and Jupiter. Time
again to intentionally release where we have felt wounded in love. A practice of
forgiveness may help with this, but however you choose to identify this need in your
life, know healing occurs when we release ourselves from the traps where we find
ourselves still blinded, angered, and confused by what has passed.  The Sun and Moon
in Sagittarius remind us of the wisdom figures who often personified by the Divine
Feminine, demand that we use strategic and critical thinking coupled with intuition
and Divine Intelligence, along with grounded pragmatism to help heal and create
solutions for the issues we face. 

Uranus in Taurus accelerates the pace of movement and change now. Uranus opposes
Mars and squares the Sun and Moon (look to your own chart to see what areas of your
life Sagittarius and Taurus rule), making the battle between will and emotional security
find us feeling threatened just when we need to feel most strong. Remember, strength
does not mean we ignore our feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, or uncertainty. Rather it
calls upon us to “screw your courage to the sticking place.” Though we do not want to
use our courage to do what Lady Macbeth was urging her husband to do when she
says this. And that is the point of this New Moon in Sagittarius. We have a choice to
choose life or to choose death. To use our power and talents for good to better our
society  or to use it for ill, to only service ourselves with no regard for what is good for
all. 

Oftentimes we hold tight to ‘security’ or that which we think is secure, to give ourselves
meaning and to make ourselves feel okay or enough. No real growth, change, or
transition comes however, until and unless we are willing to differentiate ourselves
from what we’re being told is ‘good for us’ so that we can determine for ourselves,
what we believe is going to help us grow and evolve as a thoughtful, kind,
compassionate human being. As this month is about crossing thresholds, from one
month to the next, one year to another, and one decade to another, we are in that
annual movement through fire into earth. And once that movement is complete, at
each stage of this transition, the threat eases and we begin to feel more grounded in
what we know to be true and we then can define ourselves and align ourselves with
what grounds and stabilizes us, body, mind, emotions, and soul. 

Right now, Uranus, the planet that brings sudden and shocking news and changes, is
stationary, at a standstill. We in turn are in the depths of a dream-creating state and
essence which tasks us to surrender the old and receive the new. The Light is shining
above the horizon, in its ascendancy. My favorite prayer snippet, perfect for this time,
is what I pray for you and for all, “Give us grace for today; feed the famished
affections.
New Moon in Sagittarius Chart: November 26, 2019
This phase of the Moon occurs at 4 degrees and 3 minutes of Sagittarius, affecting
people born with personal planets and points at approximately 0 to 8 degrees of the
Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

New Moon in Libra Commitment to Compassion and Love

New Moon in 5 degrees of Libra calls us to start a new lunar month by making a commitment to
whatever has been inviting us in. We may finally feel motivated to start a new program, get back
to work on one already in progress, or to head out on a whole new path altogether. Whatever
fears, frustrations, or blocks may have kept us from finding harmony, now require and in fact, stirs
within us as a desire to get moving. It is said that “action cures fear”, and I find that this is true for
many of the emotions or beliefs that we allow to block our making a commitment to living a
meaningful, purposeful, passion-driven life. By passion I mean whatever that life force within you
is that keeps calling you to more fully express yourself and form the kinds of relationships that allow
you to live in harmony. 

The New Moon in Libra joins the Sun, Venus, and Mercury all in Libra. First conjoining the Sun, for
the full expression of beauty, love, harmony, and compassion, then meeting Venus (17 degrees)
where we create and help shape greater beauty in our lives, perhaps through art, music, or simply
dreaming up new plans or listening to the inner intuitive desires that are filling us at this time.
Next the Moon will aspect Mercury, and we will have the desire to communicate and form deeper
connections with those whose Light draws us forth. All the inner planets are now in direct motion,
and the Moon will begin forming aspects to the outer planets, most of which are in retrograde. The
longer, developing trends that have been bringing transition and transformation to us, are now
receiving some direct connections. 

Issues that may have been problematic, now are resolved. Questions that we’ve found perplexing,
now become much clearer. Timing which has seemed stuck now releases to allow for us to feel
impelled to act at long last. The New Moon in Libra is conjunct the fixed star, Zania. Zania is found
in the left arm of Virgo, and brings refinement, honor, and a lovable nature. The beauty and infusion
of love, affection, compassion, and joy, lead to deeper commitments to that which most stirs our hearts
and gives us life. The commitment we feel at this New Moon in Libra opens the channels for the
support we have needed to bring our plans to fruition and to let us fully engage in bringing our dreams
into the reality of our lives. 

Again I stress how much this New Moon in Libra is a wholly heart-driven kind of energy, and acts as
an invitation to awaken, affirm, and reveal what we need to live a purpose and compassion-filled life.
Issue become more clearly defined, and the only question is, are you willing to accept your highest
good? The New Moon in Libra makes a beautiful sextile to Jupiter in Sagittarius, stirring the best of
what you have to offer and bringing to you exactly what you need to live a fulfilling and abundant life.
Notice the areas of your life where Libra is ruling, and notice too where Jupiter in Sagittarius is.
These two areas in particular are being profoundly affected by your desires at this time. 

This New Moon in Libra occurs at the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, and ushers in the season
of sacred festivals and observances. It is the turning of the wheel of  time, when we begin moving back
into a new cycle. Receive the energy, the inspiration, the beauty, and the intuitive knowledge now that
you need to live each day in greater peace, harmony, and love. 

Turn toward compassion, and heal whatever cracks or wounds need healing in order for you to embrace
your good. We are meant to live in fulfillment of the promise to choose life. Commit to leaving behind
whatever is not life affirming, and move towards that which lights your way. You are meant to embrace
love and be happy and live in peace and compassion. Give your gifts, service, creativity, and love to
those who are near you and who honor, respect, and love you. Show your appreciation and forgive
yourself and others for whatever shortcomings or failings you feel you’re trapped in. Release yourself
from traps where you Spirit has stayed too long, and trust that  living wholly is the best answer to heart
ache, loss, fear, or pain. Embrace the beauty and call to harmony of the New Moon in Libra, and choose Life.

New Moon in Virgo: Powerful Earth Sign Gathering

On Friday, August 30, 2019 the New Moon in Virgo at 6 degrees will form a powerful conjunction with Venus, Mars, the Sun, and Mercury. The Virgo New Moon will also form trines with Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus. On the West Coast the New Moon peaks at 3:37 A.M./6:37 EDT, so you may experience the power of this new moon in dreams or as a  middle of the night epiphany. Those with major aspects between 2-12 degrees in the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces will feel this energy impact the areas of your life where these signs, aspects, and transits reign. 

New moons are always doors to new beginnings. Depending where this new moon is in your life/chart, you are sure to be having some strong ideas about the need for change and actually doing something to make that change happen.  And for those of us who have been going through big changes recently, this is a time when we need to make adjustments, and recommit to what matters most in our lives. We may want to spend some time reflecting before then, about what areas of our lives need redefining, renewing, or redesigning. The call of Virgo is not change for change’s sake, but rather it is for purposeful, driven, focused change for purposes that are clearly outlined and defined. 

The Virgo archetype encourages us to use our critical thinking to, analyzes what is lacking in your everyday routines, daily life/work experiences, and general well being and direction in life. Now is the time for some solid reflection and discernment about your life purpose and the way your current life is reflecting that. If you’ve been making some constructive changes in this area, you may use this time to do an assessment, and make some new plans based on your success so far. If you find yourself seeming to run around the hamster wheel of life experiences, discernment may work best by looking deeper to see what’s so unsatisfying about what you’re doing now and how you’re choosing to live and work.

Our work ought to be a creative reflection of our inner talents, gifts, and desires. If we feel stuck, the problem is within, not necessarily with the outer circumstances. Maybe it’s time to update skills, finish something you wanted to in the past, but put aside. Perhaps what you needed is to imagine yourself living bigger than you have thought possible. As we age and grow, we are meant to keep on learning, improving, and getting better at taking on greater responsibilities and challenges. However, some of us spend too much time focusing on what others define for themselves, and kind of go along, thinking we can wait until later to do what we want. How long has it been since you’ve asked yourself, “How does my life reflect who I really am and what I really want to do?” Virgo Moon aligned with the Sun (self expression), Mercury (all forms of communication), Venus (relationships, creativity, aesthetics, beauty), and Mars (action, doing) all in earth signs, bring home the point in very down to earth ways, the important of being wholly committed to living life as a reflection of our best thoughts, words, deeds, creations, and emotional expression. 

Since the Virgo Moon trines both Pluto, the Great Transformer and Saturn, the Great Teacher, is also puts us right in touch with areas of our life where we feel cognitive and emotional dissonance...where things just don’t feel right or make good intellectual sense. Whatever we’ve been working towards and seeking over the long transits of these two outer planets, is now being called to a time for monitoring the journey we’re on. Time to restock the shelves. Review the plans and make any necessary adjustments. Examine which relationships we are truly committed to, and notice what new stage these relationships are in. We cannot grow if we refuse to adapt, change, and develop in the lives we’re living. And we can’t blame other or circumstances either. We must see how we are adding to the growth, or slowing it down. How we are ignoring what is needed, or responding to the mutual needs of all involved. Are we satisfied buzzing from flower to flower, tasting the fruits of different gardens, or can we acknowledge our place in the here and now of who we are, and honor, cherish, and help nurture the beauty growing in our own gardens? Are you living the life of a perennial, one that renews yearly or as an annual, one that makes  dressy show and then dies? When we garden, we know there are cycles. We know we have to deadhead old, dried buds, to allow for the new growth to form. Where are you in your own cycle? What needs cutting back? What needs nurturing? 

This grand cycle of New Moon in Virgo and the earth sign stellenia also forms a grand trine to Uranus in Taurus. Uranus brings change to bear now! What is desired it brought into being. What is needed, is borne. What is just an idea, now appears in some form to offer new opportunities.  The New Moon in Virgo with all its attendant earth signs, present a perfect time to envision the change we desire, and to take actions towards goals. This demands a willingness to both commit and take a risk. Nothing will change if we never move beyond the goal line. And we won’t be fully into a project, relationship, commitment of any kind, if we’re only seeking a superficial reward.  Risk and commitment both require giving your best and staying the course. Both require a mutual agreement to define and structure that is workable for all involved. In relationships this means, good communication about pragmatic decisions and expectations. For commitments to goals, for example, art, writing, music, drama, education, training, major career changes, it requires a well thought out plan of action defining goals, short and long term commitments, and then, most antithetical, a willingness to proceed forward and continues even when things don’t go according to plan. For you may rest assured, plans don’t go like we want or expect them to all the time. 

Some very Virgo-like qualities, actually very earth sign qualities, include: tenacity, courage, focus, organization, order, and dedication. It would be helpful for most of us to honor these qualities in ourselves and develop them if we find ourselves lacking. Along with creativity and imagination, tenacity and focus help art take form. Along with talent and desire, dedication and commitment to doing make dreams come true. The Virgo Moon and the beautiful earth sign alignment that goes with this Virgo Moon, present a gift to all who wish to gather their forces to create and new path, renew one that needs renewing, or build upon the creativity and accomplishments you’ve already achieved. As I write this article, Venus is trine Uranus. We feel less fearful and more willing to take risks. At this time we want to try new things, but may not be ready to commit. We do recognize now, though, what brings us peace. What gives us life. Keep this in mind as you move closer to decisions you seek to make. Again as I write, the Moon in Cancer makes us feel at home, safe and protected. We seek harmony and peace for everyone, The Moon’s aspect to Uranus gives us a sense of how we might approach old problems differently. We get more creative with changes and innovative ideas that Uranus in Taurus bring into our lives. All week long there are aspects of the Moon which triggers similar thinking and feelings. Mars’ trine to Pluto later in the week

, urges us to find more innovative ways to do what we have come to think of as normal. The New Moon occurs at 6 degrees of Virgo, in the first decan. The Sun at 6 degrees also signifies a few of interesting symbols. One of the Sabian symbols for this degree of Virgo is The Merry Go Round. Another is the Banyan Tree with you being the tree and your roots deeply spread out in the earth. Still another symbol associated with this degree of Virgo, one I find particularly intriguing, is Talismans buried here and there along the road (life) so that travelers and seekers will always be protected. I might add, as long as they are wiling to look for the signs that point you in the right direction. If we are trying to escape the poor choices we’ve made or the choices that are not easy, we may keep running and fail to see the gifts of this moment. At this New  Moon in Virgo, and always, look for the gift in this moment, the perfect gift of presence wherever you are. Look for the gifts that you define as hard, challenging, or scary too. They hold true power if you trust that your life is divinely guided.

New Moon in Cancer, Total Eclipse of the Sun: Seeking Safe Haven

On Tuesday, July 2,2019 at  12:16 a.m., the New Moon in Cancer forms a total eclipse to the Sun. The effects of the New Moon in Cancer will affect what happens for the next six months. Cancer rules all issues domestic including: personal/domestic, family, security, relationships/identity for women, heritage/ancestry/karmic ties, and all things that help us create a sense of home and safety. We will be focused on finding our home base, within and around us, and in securing it so that domestic tranquility is secured.

This is the time to listen to our inner sense of what home means to us. Where do we feel most at home with ourselves and our surroundings? How do we define within ourselves, that sense of peace and serenity that we need to feel grounded and at peace with ourselves and our families? How does our life reflect who we are? What community and circle of familial and friendships do we bond with as we create our home? It is essential during this time that we pay close attention to more than just how we believe something should or should not be done. How we think home is most reflective of our true needs and desires, or not. Intuitive, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs must also be part of any decisions we make at this time, especially regarding home and hearth, the place where we know we belong.

Being that this New Moon in Cancer occurs and forms a total eclipse, indicates this is a new beginning. Before us a new path emerges out of a long period of chaos and uncertainty (in whatever area of your life this New Moon/eclipse falls). For example, it may not fall in the 4th house of home (where all things domestic reign), but in the 9th house of wisdom and belief where we learn to understand and define for ourselves, what home is meant to be. Look to the house which Cancer reigns and the houses/planets that are aspected. That will help you better understand the challenges you might be facing--the areas of learning or growing edge. In my chart this new moon trines the water sign areas that rule creativity and children, art and pleasure as well as how I appear in the world and how I come to define myself and what I value.  The changes in this case, may be more about an inner development than what is appearing externally.  If the New Moon in Cancer were forming aspects to the earth signs however, you might find events and decisions creating some challenges for you to pursue in breaking up older patterns in favor of new ways of approaching your life. With aspects to air signs the challenges might appear more in the form of how your ideas, mind, and plans are shaping up, and for earth signs, the challenges may be found in the activities and toil required right now to bring forth what is new in your gardens. Notice what areas in your life seem to be in flux, and moving in a new direction over the next six months or so.

Cancer is the natural ruler of the Moon. The Moon influences our emotional temperament and helps us find our bearings in and through the challenges and opportunities we greet each day.  When the Moon transits through Cancer, our emotional need for security, especially in the house where we find Cancer, marks a significant time for us to become more mindful of what brings us to equilibrium. What we need to function well on a day to day basis is a sense of well being. Our emotional temperament has a great deal to do with whether or not we feel in balance. Notice where you feel most  'at home' during this lunar phase. Our emotions often signal the areas in our lives where we feel vulnerable, in need, or at a loss for some kind of significant balance.  Rather than trying to control or deny the emotions (I'm fine, when we're clearly not), notice and acknowledge whatever concerns or fears you might have so that whatever is triggering our emotions doesn't go underground and create greater upset and imbalance.

Remember "Whatever isn't expressed is suppressed."  And that's not necessarily going to be helpful in the long run. What is suppressed will fester and rise again, in a more virulent and aggressive way. An example might be when someone tries to 'forget' about a traumatic event. What is normal and even serves as a means of  survival at first, becomes a problem if not allowed to come to the surface in time. The New Moon in Cancer gives us an opportunity to approach what may seem like 'old issues/problems/challenges/ways of thinking and being, in a new way. And the motivation for this will be Cancer-related about finding our emotional home base-within and around us. Lately I have heard more people talking about wanting to connect with and appreciate more, their connections with community. We all do this in different ways. One person may decide to refocus on the community at hand, while another may choose to leave an established community in search of a new environment, calling, or sense of purpose. However you choose to respond to the call for greater domestic harmony and security, this New Moon in Cancer and the total Solar Eclipse will definitely find us closing doors and heading off in new directions. How this manifests depends on you.

The most important element of this New Moon in Cancer is knowing who you are. When we act unconsciously, without regard for who we are and what we require, believe, and desire in the way of well being and emotional harmony, we may miss the opportunities that lay before us. What appears as disruption, disappointment, or dissolution, may actually be the very signs we need to help us discern what is falling away and dying in our own lives.  Everything changes on a regular basis. Nothing is designed to last forever, and so if we keep trying to hold onto something that is dead or dying, we find ourselves struggling against a rising tide. Notice what you have been resisting, and consider how you may be blocking your own good.  Mourn the passing, walk in grace, and embrace the inflow of blessings and new opportunities. Also look into the faces of those who nurture, love, support, and affirm you, and live in appreciation for what gifts you already possess. Often the goals or objects of our desires, are really much less important than the more intangible ones. And the concrete, practical presence of those we love and care for are more real and authentic that the fantasies that would release us from the healthy and supportive relationships that make our journey more fulfilling.

While we live in a results-oriented and driven culture, how we live in peace with ourselves and those we love is really much more sustaining in the long run. When our safety and security needs are not met, we find ourselves in danger both psychically and physically. As this new lunar cycle is unfolding, notice how your personal and professional/collective needs/goals are aligned to fulfill your basic needs. Consider how you need to make adjustments or integrate learnings to meet with your own changing needs and goals. As is often the case at transition or turning points, something is left behind. The known. What is ahead is often not discernible yet. That often makes the future seem scarier. However, and I speak from experience, sometimes that which we fear or resist the most, ends up being the most fulfilling and rewarding. There are no new discoveries without the willingness to take risks and take the first steps forward. One of the best ways to enter transition is in surrender to the good. After all the discernment, we come to a point when we benefit most by taking the risk and then moving on the momentum it releases. Energetically too, when we create space by letting go of something, we make room for something to enter. Make some room for your good to flow in.

Much of what has been happening in our lives in the past year or two has been about the breaking down and breaking apart of various 'knowns' and aspects of our lives. It may be more on the outside for some (loss, change, movement, new input) while more on the inside for others (shifts in belief, understanding, knowledge, inner desires and needs). Or it may be a combination. However it is transpiring for you, do your best to stay grounded in what fits your own inner code of ethics and conduct and whatever reinforces the answer to the command: Remember who you are. It is in remembering who we are in our essence, that we find true peace and belonging.

The New Moon in Cancer, the Total eclipse of the Sun, also conjuncts the North Node. The North Node is the gateway to the future, and as such this New Moon, eclipse are even more potent than normal new moon cycles. We are often dealing with karmic energy (what we've brought into life to resolve and/or what we've created in this life to settle). This new eclipse cycle Cancer-Capricorn last occurred between 2009-2011.  Reflect back on what was happening at that time to get an idea of what might be resurfacing at this time. For me it coincided with a major move and break from one type of life to a completely new one. Similar changes are occurring now.  While most eclipse cycles trigger change over a course of 3-6 months per eclipse, the current transits are strengthened and may have more long term effects, stretching well into late July, 2020.

Other Aspects:

Mercury and Mars have both moved into Leo, the fire sign that propels both action and communications.

Venus is just a couple of days away from entering Cancer at the time of the New Moon, making whatever house is ruled by Cancer in your chart, packed full of energy.

Uranus is in Taurus squaring Mercury. This indicates there may be some mix ups in communication or delays of some type.

Neptune in Pisces trines the New Moon in Cancer, thereby enhancing our intuitive insight. Pay attention to dreams, inner nudges, inspiration, and  signs and messages that come to us at this time. Your subconscious releases all kinds of helpful information now. Pay attention.

Saturn is in opposition to the New Moon and Sun, and thus we may be facing a major life lesson at this time (from now until July 2020). If we fight the lesson, the way will be more difficult. If we 'go with the flow) it will work more easily and will be more enjoyable.

Look to the next year as a time similar to getting on a slow-moving train on which you are a passenger traveling through unexplored territory. Notice what is calling you forward. Notice what is calling you to answer the command of the Old Deuteronomist. "You have before you the choice between life and death---choose life."  Nothing could be more important to each of us at this time. Choose what gives you life and blesses all.

New Moon in Gemini Uniting Within

Tide Pools                                   Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

At 3:03 A.M. on June 3, 2019 the New Moon in Gemini opens up to new lunar cycle. The Gemini-Sagittarius axis encourages us to develop both our personal and social communication skills. It’s a time to listen to what others have to say as well as a time to recognize the we are not alone in our life choices nor in our understanding of what is meant to be. In a culture like ours that focuses so much on the individual sense of independence and personal responsibiltiy we sometimes feel choices depend on what we seek or desire, alone. This new lunar cycle is a time when we seek to understand better how our own fate is dependent on what is going on in a multitude of other people’s lives and conditions. Knowing what we want is not enough for it to simply occur. Divine right timing may not be in accord with our timing at all. The challenge for this New Moon in Gemini cycle is to come to a deeper understanding of what is needed in our own habits and patterns of life in order for changes to happen that are beneficial and harmonious.

The Gemini New Moon occurs at 12/34 °, the second decan of Gemini. This will have a powerful impact on those with planets, points, and transits between 9-17° of the mutable signs (Gemini,Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces).  Look also to the houses in your chart/life where these mutable signs reside. The Sun in Gemini has been waxing for nearly two weeks, so the Gemini energy has already begun to affect us all, personally and collectively.  Mercury, the planet of all forms of communication, is in the waning degrees (27° Gemini), and will soon be entering the energy of Cancer. Movement toward transition in the Gemini cycle means that your feelings, intuition, dreams, and the general energetic environment has already been buzzing with the nudgings and urges to be heard and to hear with greater attention and care. Be sure to notice the house/area of your life where Gemini reigns. This will be the area that is most affected by this lunar season. Changes in this area will be profound and powerful.

Mercury is very at home in Gemini, and you might notice you’re doing a lot more socializing as well as seeking out more depth in friendships, relationships of all kinds, and in how you wish to understand the world you live in. Curiosity and passions are awoken during this cycle, especially on the intellectual level and in the area of social interaction and activism. Because there is so much stimulation, distractions may be a major issue for us too. It is important to give ourselves enough time to quiet our minds and lives in general, and to take time to reflect and reconsider plans, especially after experiencing so much input. Mercury is near last degree of Gemini as the New Moon in Gemini peaks. On June 4 Mercury will enter Cancer, where it will stay until June 26 (when it enters its retrograde phase until July 19.  Keep this in mind when making plans as decisions and actions are best made prior to the retrograde phase, if at all possible.

Venus has been in earthy, sensual Taurus since May 15. She will enter Gemini on June 8. Until that date, our sensual appetites, love of pleasure and beauty will continue to color our view of the world as well as the choices we are pondering. There is also a great deal of concern about the quality of our purchases and choices, and elegance and solid practicality are favored over temporary or superficial ones. Love and romance have us yearning for tangible expressions during the Taurus transit as well. We require solid expressions of devotion. The tone Venus sets after June 8 when she enters Gemini is quite a switch. Variety, curiosity, and a more detached view of love and romance lightens our emotional senses. Intellectual stimulation becomes more important for us than the more pragmatic expressions of Taurus. The growing edge of this transit is noticing how our more lighthearted and perhaps more fickle view affects those relationships we value most. “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold” reminds us not to disregard or abuse our trusted relationships in favor of variety and intrigue.

Mars has been in Cancer since May 15, and will remain there until July 1. Mars in Cancer moves us into the realm of safety, security, and the nurturing of home, hearth, and family. Mars, planet of action, softens some in the realm of watery, emotional Cancer. We are more drenched in the emotional aspect of how our actions affect ourselves and others. Emotional harmony is one of the key needs during this transit. There may be a tendency to be a little moodier than we normally feel (especially if we are not water sign people). On the other hand for those with more water in their charts, this might be a very positive, balanced time with less the stress and edginess of the recent transit through an air sign. We feel more connected and grounded emotionally.

Marina of DarkStar Astrology calls the New Moon in Gemini, the Balancer.  As in all signs, the oppositions, polarities, and dualities innate in the energy of Gemini can affect us in one of two ways. We can fight or resist the duality or we can seek a blending and balancing, a movement toward wholeness. The best way of course is to see how opposites blend to help us cultivate both sides of our inner conflicts and the natural polarities in our nature and the nature of the world in which we live. Fighting and resisting leads to more conflict, greater stress in meeting challenges, and in delays in coming to wholeness or in finding solutions in allowing the unfolding to take place in our lives. This New Moon in Libra occurs as the Moon transits the constellation of Orion. Unlike many of our recent New Moon cycles, there are few heavy aspects to this New Moon. A semi-sextile (think of it as a harmonious nudge or gentle encouragement) of the Moon and Sun to Mars. This makes the energy of the New Moon in Gemini feel more like  release of pressure and stress than other recent transits. That doesn’t mean, however, nothing is afoot.

Orion is one of the more potent and powerful, lusty and sexually energizing constellations, so this will be a very stimulating time. Love, courtship, fertility, and the conquest are highlighted with this new moon. This may express itself in different ways, depending upoin what part of your chart/life the Sun and Moon are currently transiting. It could bring more intrigue, twists and turns, and surprising behind the scenes mystery. Gemini sparks the desire to debate, conquer, compete, and challenge (intellectually). If one does not have a well-developed intellect or sense of social justice and a strong moral code, this intrigue could lead to less than positive and downright dirty tricks. So it’s best to keep watch to make sure you’re not drawn into something that is not what it sells itself to be. There may be a pull between familial obligations and a desire for personal pleasure. This may also manifest as a pull between duty and obligations with work/career and career and a desire and need to be free from responsibilites and the daily routines that may have been weighing you down. We’re nearing a change of seasons and the end to the academic and school year so the need for a more leisurely life may hold the answer to this tug of war. We all need to take breaks, find ways to rest more and restore, especially after a long period of hard work, heavy obligations, and nose-to-the-grindstone kinds of periods. Plan some breaks. Take time off. Set aside a part of every day, indeed within each work period, to stand up, stretch, take a walk, change your pace and perspective. Move things around a bit, and start looking at the world a bit differently. Open windows, get some fresh air, start an exercise routine that takes advantage of the outdoors and nature. Do what you can to build in tranquility, serenity, renewal, and refreshing changes into each day. Be wary of trying to hold the reins of your life and the lives of those for whom you are responsible, so tight that no one can breathe. Leave room, space, and time so that every moment isn’t filled in with activity and obligatory duty. The energy of Gemini is like  a tightly wound clock, and if you get too high of an adrenaline rush, it overwhelms and short circuits your whole body. Get some rest. Slow down your pace. Let go of some of the ‘duties’ you don’t really need to take on. Lighten your load, and give yourself ways to channel that energy into something more soothing. Dance, walk, swim, ride, paint, garden, or do whatever it is that you dream about having time to do. Make the time fit your needs now.

Another ongoing transit and aspect is that of Pluto’s conjucntion to the North Node and Neptune’s trine to the North Node. Pluto, the Great Transformer sitting atop the North Node (gateway to the future) signals the end of what we’ve been transforming in our lives these last few years and the start of a new phase of life where the transformation will unfold in a big way. Neptune, the planet that rules intuition, creativity, the hidden and unconscious trines the North Node as it also squares the retrograde Jupiter. The negative aspect can trigger Neptune’s tendency to deceit and cult-like behavior with Jupiters over the top enthusiasm bordering on zealotry.  Venus is trining Pluto offering a softening on the transformative and transitional nature of the lunar cycle. Notice where you might be pulled towards the darker edge of these transists, and resist getting drawn into the negativity or fanatacism of any of this energy. It is important to remain on an even keel even when the emotional and intellectual seas become rough and stormy. 

Though the New Moon is not being heavily aspected itself, and though we may not be directly drawn into the heavy edge of some of the other aspects, there is much going on behind the scenes--actions and plans which we cannot control or know at this time. Ground yourself in a place of peace and harmony within and within your own realm. Make your plans and changes in accordance with what you know to be good, sound, balanced, healthy, and right. This is a very karmic New Moon in Gemini, so you will be coping with whatever remains to be handled to insure your path is clear forward. Choose the path of the peaceful warrior, and avoid acting as the armed guard of your own life and the lives of those around you. Choose compassion over power. Choose love over hate. Choose peace over struggle. Choose kindness over getting your own way. As the Old Deuteronomist says, “We have before us a choice between life and death. Choose life.”