The Journey                Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

*Before you begin this month's column on the New Moon in Capricorn, it might help to understand a little something about the use of fixed stars in astrological interpretation. The following information should provide you with some insight into the comments astrologers make when referring to fixed stars:

Information on Fixed Stars:

"An additional principle is to be taken in consideration: the constellations, which have also been interpreted by numerous astrologers since very ancient times. The sky is divided into 89 regions which include groups of stars forming constellations, themselves divided into three categories:

• the 29 constellations of the Northern hemisphere, from the North Pole to the ecliptic,
• the 13 constellations on the ecliptic,
• the 47 constellations of the Southern hemisphere, from the ecliptic to the South Pole.

The most important stars in these constellations are called fixed stars. They are 149 and their name includes a letter or a number, and the name of the constellation they belong to.

Thus, there are 80 constellations, which are regions of the sky, usually measuring between 15 to 40 degrees each (half a sign to one sign and a half). Each region "tinges" the near-by angles and planets with its nature, and the 149 fixed stars influence accordingly any natal planet or angle they are in tight conjunction with." (From Astrotheme.com website). 

December, 2016's New Moon at 7/59 or 8 degrees of Capricorn occurs on Wednesday, December 28 at 10:53 P.M PST/Thursday, December 29 at 1:53 A.M. EST.  Occuring in the first decan of Capricorn, this New Moon aligns with the constellation of Sagittarius and aligns directly with the nebula, Facies, located in front of the Archer's eye. The ancients understood the importance of the so-called fixed stars. Nothing in the Universe is truely fixed as everything is in constant motion. However, the constellations provide us with a steady and consistent guide to movement and influences of the energy alive in the Universe. According to Ptolemy, "The stars at the point of the arrow in Sagittarius have influences similar to that of Mars and the Moon; those on the bow, and at the graspe of the hand act like Jupiter and Mars. Those in the waist and in the back resemble Jiupiter and also Mercury in moderation. Those in the feet, Jupiter and Saturn those in the feet, Jupiter and Saturn"  (Robinson, p. 60). The New Moon at 8 degrees of Capricorn aims the Arhcer's arrows in the direction of whatever the penetrating stare of the actor, doer is. Where we aim our thoughts, words, deeds, and intentions, especially at the time of the New Moon, is released directly into the channel of movement toward that goal. It behooves all of us to slow down a bit, reflect on and carefully weigh our thoughts, and move with some caution as we move forward.

This New Moon is the start of the lunar month ahead, and with this powerful energy, we move toward the end of the this year. Aligned with Facies, we want to use caution to avoid rash and violent behavior. The positive side of Facies is that it contains the energy of great feats of physical prowess and daring, but it also comes at some cost. Exercise caution. As I write this column, we are moving into the period of the lunar cycle known as the Dark of the Moon. The few days right before a new moon at the end of each lunar month, is a time to reflect, slow down, and consider what is moving out of your experience, and what it is you want to move toward. Since this is also at the gateway to a new year, we are finishing up a major cycle and preparing for a new one. It's been a tumultuous year, and it is now time to discern what it is we want to release and what it is we want to seed for the future. 

This period is also a good time to spend in reflection, cleansing, clearing, and releasing rituals. Before the New Moon, remove whatever no longer belongs in your home, your life, and your future. Clean things up, get rid of old or unused clothes, appliances, household items, and other objects that no longer belong in your life. It's a time to consider what you want to include in, bring forth, attract, or continue in the new year ahead. What goals are calling, what dreams are beckoning?  

As we enter the dark of the Moon in Sagittarius, it  forms a sextile with Mars in Pisces. That arrow is now  ready in the bow, the Archer, you, are lining up a shot for the start of the new lunar month and the new solar year ahead. What are you wanting to bring forth in the new year? What seeds are you planting? What needs weeding out? What are you willing to invest in order to achieve your dreams?

This Wednesday before the New Moon Mercury conjuncts with the Sun in Capricorn. Mercury rules communication and transportation and the Moon rules our emotions and well being. In alignment in Capricorn they form an odd couple. Mercury's energy is more anxious and excitable than we find ourselves in Capricorn. The Sun's energy is helping us focus our attention on getting what is necessary done. What is right before you that needs tending to? What do you need to do to ground and center yourself enough to be in true alignment and balance as you proceed on your journey? What needs changing, healing, adjusting in not only the way you live but also in how you are living? How has your perscpective changed, or how might it change to more aptly refect your true nature and abilities? What is feasible? What is not? What can you adjust to meet the world as it is?

Saturn, the Great Teacher,  at 21 degrees of Sagittarius is square Chiron, the Wounded Healer, in Pisces. We are forced to confront whatever is unhealed from our past. We are always healing on this life journey. We may feel like we are repeating cycles or patterns, and if we are, we may need to face some part of ourselves that is still deepening in awareness. This is, after all, what growing is all about. And at this particular time with the New Moon we find we are learning that old lessons, chronic conditions, or problems and challenges that recur require an adjustment in our perspectives. If we are going to be dealing with the same patterns over and over, how can we do so with greater wisdom? Now is the time to assess what we have within  us to cope with the choices we have made.  Given our energy level, resources, motivation, skills, talents, desires, time and support, what is truly feasible for us to be considering? And what is not? What could we release, thereby freeing up some space and energy? What could we clear out of our lives, or cross off our to-do lists? These are not new lessons; these are the ones we are familiar with. Let's take a look, decide where we stand, make some adjustments, and prepare ourselves for a new approach with old friends. 

An example of how this works out in our lives, might be in looking at some situation, opportunity, or offer you may have recently said "no thank you" to. Sometimes we make that choice because it doens't 'feel' right. Other times we don't accept an offer because we recognize we have too many commitments already. If we are using our intuitive and esoteric guidance to help discern what the best decisions or choices are, we often find that even if we don't understand why something doesn't seem right at the time, in time we come ot discover, the rightness of such a choice. We refuse one offers so we are available when what we have seeded for our future offers itself to us.  Recently, I chose not to accept an offer for what sounded like a great idea. Something I love doing, good pay in a beautiful place. But something about it didn't feel right for me. What did happen instead required all my attention, focus, strength, and energy, so I am very glad I listened to that  inner voice. It is time to find quiet and peace within and around you so you can pay close attention to what you want to do about that which matters most to you. Getting our of our worry boat and into a vehicle which allows us ways to be creative. To be of service and to find meaning. To work for what is right in ways that sustain and energize us, and to keep moving toward the light in spite of any darkness that appears before us. One candle throws a hole into the darkness. We are those lights, and what we do individually lights up a collective energy that we need right now to counter the darkness that threatens balance and harmony. It is time to experiment with a new perspective on aspects of our lives that are not going to change. 

To help us, we have 10 planetary aspects that come with this New Moon in Capricorn. My Mother, who's birthday is today, would always say, "I' have so much to do. There are so many things that need taking care of." When I looked at her, I wondered what she meant. At the time she was not working full time and it seemed to me as a young teenager or young adult that she just hung around the house all day talking to appliances, cats, and dogs. What I didnt' see was the rich interior life she had, and the connection she had to everything. When young, the young Mountain Goat hiked the hills and valleys of Catalina Island, swam and sat on the rocks with her friends, and wrote, drew, and played music filing her life and the lives of others with purpose, meaning, and beauty. A hard working woman and a wonderful mother, she was ever present. She knew who she was and she found purpose and meaning, adventure and discovery in every new phase of life. She was an avid beach comber, and wrote beautiful poems of her life along the shores. She also wrote insightful and beautiful poetry of her daughters. There was a spirit of purpose, adventure, and presence about her that is very Capricorn-like. And today as I celebrater her life and the lives of my other Capricorn friends, I see such value in being so busily engaged in life...in every moment of the life we have before us.

This is a time for a fresh start, a new begining, but it is also a time to take pride in what we have already learned. Putting what we have learned about ourselves and others, we put our intentions force and make a plan to live within our means. To live within the parameters of the life we have been given, and to use our time to do what gives us life and what serves a purpose in the world we share. We are reacing the end of one chapter, and begining a new one. With Mercury still in its retrograde phase until January 4, we might find that communications and transportation issues are still abit convoluted and sticky. Relax, slow down, wait it out. Do what you can, and then let go of trying to fix what can't be fixed, or hurry up the clock. Be present with yourself, the life you have, and the blessing of having this life to live. Reach out and help someone else. You'll find it helps a lot to get our of your deep, dark self to lighten up someone else's burden or lend a hand or shine a light or surprise someone pleasantly. Use this time and the New Moon on Wed./Thurs. December 28-29 to set your aim toward what is most worthwhile, hopeful, feasible, and creative. And have some fun.Take time to take care of yourself. Peel that nose up off the old grindstone, and look around to find beauty, pleasure, peace, and joy. It's all within and around you. It just requires your attention. Peace on Earth. May we generate Love in all we do. 

Turning Toward the Light: Winter Solstice, Sun Entering Capricorn

Last Quarter Square of the Moon                                                                                          Catherine Al-Meten  Meyers

On Wednesday, December 21, 2016 the Sun changes signs from Sagittarius to Capricorn as the Winter Solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere (the Summer Solstice in the Southern). At 5:45 A.M. EST/2:45 PST the Sun enters Capricorn. Just an hour later, Mars in the early degrees of Pisces forms a semi-square to Pluto in Capricorn just an hour later. After its transit through Aquarius, Mars settles into a more fluid state in Pisces making us feel more spiritually and emotionally motivated than we have been with its edgy and electrical transit through Aquarius. With Mars in Pisces, we tend to avoid confrontation and look at life through a softer lens seeking higher ideals and greater connection with others. We may find ourselves wanting to act with greater compassion towards others, and this couldn’t come at a more opportune time as the holidays are in full swing. The semi-square to Pluto in Capricorn motivates us to reach out in more practical ways, and to use what we have learned in recent transformations to delve deeper into the spiritual messages and lessons that we are being pushed to learn.

The Sun’s entry into Capricorn also encourages us to act with greater propriety and to strive to align our sense of responsibility with a greater appreciation for a higher order. Even amid tumultuous changes, we begin to feel ourselves on a more even keel, and seek to put structure, order, and organization into our lives. After spending some time planning, dreaming, and setting some projects into motion, we become more aware of boundaries, limitations, and expectations based on a more realistic and feasible assessment of our resources and possibilities. We may continue to work towards what we can feasibly achieve or work towards, as we gather with like-minded friends and determine what materials, inspiration, ideas, support, and energy we have to accomplish our goals. For some, this is a time to slow down and get some rest. It is a time of recovery, healing, and release. As we are also approaching the end of the year, we may have no option but to tread water for a while.

Mercury (which just turned retrograde on December 19-January 4) is also in Capricorn. This transit affects all forms of communication making it a time when we need to be more reflective, calm, and peaceful. We need to discern what is the best  way to approach our lives in a more  organized, pragmatic, and balanced manner. We need to consider all areas of our lives (physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, psychological). The aim right now would be to approach whatever we have to do or want to do in a manner that adds to our sense of well being and harmony. Without detaching from our feelings or intellect, we need to weigh in the balance what really matters in our lives and what does not. We have no energy, time, or inclination at this point to waste time, resources, or focus on anything that distracts us or that takes us away from the priorities we are setting for ourselves at this time.

Venus is in Aquarius makes us feel a greater need for freedom especially within any type of relationship and in the way we are envisioning the world and our roles in that world. We seek innovation along with independence, and have more ideas than we have time or resources to tackle them. We can harness some of the energy, inspiration, and desire that we are filled with at this time, and use it to fuel our dreams, and help bring them into manifestation. Our dreams and intuition may be sparked by some very odd or out-of-the-ordinary types of insight or understandings. Pay attention to what is welling up within your dreams, in hunches or flashes of insight, or in passing conversations or associations that seem to spring serendipitously into sight at just the right moment. If we are moving at a slower pace and being more mindful, we will find that what we need appears almost before we can articulate it; what we desire drops little pieces of knowledge, intuition, insight, or perfect timing moments right in our laps. Be receptive to receiving your good, and do not hesitate to express and show your own appreciation, love, or support to those near and far. Respond to the deeper sense of what is the next right and perfect act, and you might be very pleasantly surprised what a release this is.

Venus forms a lovely trine to Jupiter on Christmas Eve, December 24-25. This is one of the most harmonious and joyful aspects possible. Notice where this takes place in your chart. You won’t have any trouble feeling a greater sense of joy, abundance, peace, and harmony in whatever area of your life this touches. It should spread to all aspects of your life, especially if you give up the expectations that life should be a certain way. Live with what is, and allow it to fill you with peace and joy. This is a wonderful aspect for social events, and a sense of trust and love as well as a feeling of greater harmony and connection.

Venus’ harmonious aspects include a sextile to Uranus in Aries, giving us a greater sense of daring and the desire to take some healthy risks. We lose our sense of fear and despair, and find ways to connect in more meaningful ways than we have in a while. Surprising light shines on us and wakes us up to possibilities and hope.  Venus also forms a lovely sextile to Saturn on Christmas Day. This brings a more solid sense of connection and stability into our lives. We feel at home where we are and with those we are with. If we are on our own, we feel connected and grounded and at peace with ourselves as well.

The last quarter square of the Moon in Libra on Tuesday evening reminds us of what we need to release or have ended. We are at the stage of the lunar and solar cycles where we move into a new beginning. Just as the Winter Solstice ushers in the turning point of the seasons, so too does the Moon’s lunar square lead us into the days before the next new moon-a time of the dark of the moon approaches. So we begin our turn toward the Light with a need to go deeper into our spiritual and inner realms. We still need to question, assess, face in some cases, and discern the movement in our lives. We are approaching a major transition time, and yet one that is highly in need of reflection as the movement occurs.

Take the time you need to rest, to quiet yourself on all levels, and to touch the elements that bring you back into balance. A walk by the sea or river, a hike up a mountain trail or out into the yard to gaze upon the stars in the sky. Gather round a fire or cleanse in a warm bath. Swim in the ocean or wander out into the desert where you can get a greater perspective on the limitless possibilities and with the reaches of Infinity. There is so much more than appears before your eyes or than makes sense in your mind. Breathe in the beauty, hope, possibility, and greater Love that overwhelms and overpowers even the greatest sorrow, even the worst of moments. Let yourself be filled with the Spirit of Love and Light, and let it transform you. And you in turn can be part of creating greater love and light as you alleviate and rid yourself of fear and doubt. Blessings for the Winter Solstice, a holy and merry Christmas, and light throughout the days of Chanukah. Every day is sacred, each of us is Holy. Let that truth light the fire within you regardless of what your traditions or beliefs. We are One. Share your light.

Super Full Moon in Gemini and the Mystical Rectangle

Full Moon                                                                                                                              Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

At 7:06 EST/4:06 PST the Moon reaches her fullness in Gemini at 22/26 degrees. The Full Moon is in exact opposition to the Sun in Sagittarius at 22/26. Mercury is in Capricorn at 12/48 in conjunction with Pluto at 16 degrees Capricorn. Venus is in Aquarius at 7/22 degrees, and Mars is at 25/26 degrees of the same sign. Jupiter is in Libra at 18/52 degrees forming an opposition to Uranus in 20/40 degrees of Aries. The Sun’s transit of Sagittarius is in a waning conjunction with Saturn, and is forming a trine with Uranus. Neptune at 9/24 degree of Pisces and Chiron also in Pisces, continue their transits through the watery depths. The North Node is at 7 degrees of Virgo in a waning opposition to Neptune.

The polarities represented by this Full Moon in Gemini opposite the Sun in Sagittarius focuses our attention on the intellect, the lower and higher mind, and all forms of thought. Gemini illuminates the pragmatic, practical, logical approach to life; Sagittarius ignites our fires by urging us to think beyond limitations, boundaries, and darkness. The Sun in Sagittarius is sparking our imagination at this time, urging us to look for innovative ways to cope with problems and deal with issues that may seem unresolvable. The Gemini Moon keeps us focused on our immediate environment asking that we count our blessings and recognize what we have going for us. Between the two, we find the answers we seek. If we go to one extreme or the other, we miss the mark. Time to bring our thinking into balance as a way to calm ourselves for collective and individual action and progress. Whatever new path we have recently begun continues to reveal whatever gifts and challenges we are ready to meet. In Virgo, the North Node places a great deal of importance on getting our lives in order and on taking care of business. This full moon additonally calls on us to get our thinking in order and doing what aligns our thoughts, ideas, and beliefs best with body, mind, spirit, and with whatever it is we are creating.

This Gemini Full Moon opposes Saturn, sextiles Uranus and Ceres, trines Jupiter, and is guided by the fixed stars Capella in the constellation of Ariga, Phact in the constellation of Columba, and Mintaka in Orion’s Belt. The Moon is in the first degrees of Gemini as I write, and will be in the 3rd decan of Gemini by the time of her fullness. The third decan is influenced by Cancer which means we will be seeking ideas that help us achieve greater security and a sense of feeling at home. Capella is thought to be archetypal of the magical power of imagination. Associated with Sapphires and the herb Thyme, Capella’s influence may enhance whatever we are hoping to attract or create. Capella’s wisdom “gives honor, wealth, eminence,renown, a public position of trust  and eminent friends. Capella makes its natives careful, inquisitive, fond of knowledge, and innovation. Phact is the symbolic Dove of Peace that brings a powerful spirit and good fortune into whatever is being molded, envisioned, or created. Mintaka is the third star in Orion’s Belt, and is also considered to be a fortuitous sign. All three of these stars bring out the higher minds and more compassionate aspects of the soul of the world. It brings out what is best within us.

This Full Moon is part of the Mystical Rectangle alignment. The Moon opposes Saturn and Jupiter opposes Uranus. Saturn as a result forms a sextile to Jupiter in Libra and a trine to Ceres and Mars in Aries. The Moon forms a trine to Jupiter and sextiles Ceres and Mars in Aries. This Mystical Rectangle forms an external harmony that conceals brewing conflicts and repressed tension. Saturn’s aspects reveal extreme ambition and a strident desire to be proactive and in command. Jupiter’ opposition to Uranus indicates an eye opening, ear-splitting revelation that sets off a storm of some kind. The Mystical Rectangle represents the need to harness opposing forces and provide security through more harmonious means. This alignment often causes great confusion or blindness before revealing or sparking a major conversion or transformation. A time of great revelations and upsetting circumstances that break down through complete upheaval followed by an epiphany or two. It should be an interesting time.

As the Moon in Gemini opposes Saturn, we find the time has come for getting serious about what our driving desires are and how our energy is being directed along those lines. As the Moon rules our emotional well being, balance, habits, and patterns of behavior, and Saturn rules organization and structure, we find that we are compelled to get our business in order. Obligations and routines become more important than ever, as we strive to get our affairs in order so that we can operate more efficiently and effectively. Our families and our sense of community is strong at this time, and we do whatever we can to defend and protect our reputation and traditions. Anyone who is out of line and who threatens the reputation or honor of that family/community/nation, is dressed down. Preserving honor and saving face is a key element for the society at large and for individuals in particular.

The Moon in Gemini forming a sextile to Uranus in Aries, brings out the radical and those who defy the status quo. This equates to adding fuel to the fire of those who like the attention for their outlandish or nontraditional ways of attracting attention. Personal freedom, independence, and electronic media challenge those who are seeking to get their message out or to affect change. The potential harmony that this Mystical Rectangle presents is nevertheless dependent upon the center not erupting and blowing things apart. We need to harness our energy and channel it effectively. Be attentive and discerning to what is released at this time. The abruptness of the pace of shocking events we are experiencing demands that we maintain cool heads and sound judgment in all we say and do.

The Moon in Gemini sextile Ceres in Aries combine the Divine Feminine energies into a potent and powerful force. Avoid using this energy to act out of woundedness and pain, but instead seek ways to nourish (self and others) and to use your resources wisely. Conserve energy and avoid trying to do it all and fix it all in one fell swoop. Time to nurture and soothe the inner and outer connections and relationships.

The Moon in Gemini sextile Jupiter in Libra shines her light on the bounty, beauty, and breathless wonder of what lies within us and what is possible around and before us. Writers, composers, artists, and all who seek to create beauty and harmony will feel so inspired by this Full Moon that great works and inspirational seeds will be planted and some will bloom before your eyes at this time. What we have nurtured, cared for, and worked hard to bring to fruition will now attract the support of others who want to provide both the resources needed and to provide a showcase for what you have brought to life. There is an element of synchronicity about this Full Moon, being in the right place at the right time. Jupiter is the planet of Abundance, and when in such an alignment, can bestow unimaginable gifts and blessings. Avoid overdoing because Jupiter also pushes us to go overboard at times. Find a way to temper your excitement and revelry. Find that inner joy and peace to ground your creativity and good works in. Let your light shine.

This Full Moon with the Mystical Rectangle also includes the Persephone stellium, the meeting of Pluto and Ceres/Persephone in Capricorn. This aspect draws attention to injustice, abuse, or corruption of some kind. In particular anything or anyone who has stepped beyond the boundaries and who has infringed on, cheated, or abuse of any kind. Whether it be crimes related to abuse of power, authority, position, or imbalances and inequities in all kinds of relationships, this will be a time for accountability and justice. Those who have harmed or misrepresented or abused other, will be held to account for and pay the price for whatever has been revealed.

The Super Moon in Gemini brings the tides to their highest point and all the emotional waters to the surface as well. Use your spiritual and physical practices to bring yourself into balance and alignment, and focus your attention and thinking on what you can do right where you are. Be connected to those areas where you have the most chance of affecting change, and keep your thoughts and your imagination, your intuition and your decision focused on working for what is right and acknowledging the progress, growth, and awakenings that have already taken place. We were created for this moment. Let's use our energy for what is best for creating peace within whatever storms we must weather. Use our thinking for finding solutions to problems, and to discerning what we are called to do next. Spend some of this Full Moon time simply letting yourself be at one with your place in the grand scheme of things, and connect to that which you know as the Divine. Let that fill you and calm your mind, soothe your troubled emotions, and find peace within your heart and soul.