Super Full Moon in Taurus: Rocking the Boat in Turbulent Times

YOU ARE LOVED                                                CATHERINE AL-METEN MEYERS

As of Saturday, November 12, 2016 when I sat down to write this column, I see more major shifts about to take place. Both Mercury, the planet of communications, Venus, the planet of balance and harmony, have both changed signs and energy.  By the time of the Full Moon in Taurus at 3 degrees on Monday, Mercury will be at 3/1 degrees of Sagittarius, the fiery, action-packed archetype, and Venus  will be at  2/52  of grounded, pragmatic, let’s-get-it-done Capricorn.  The Taurus Full Moon is in the Saturn-ruled decan of the sign, making this a very difficult time...a time for learning and reevaluating how our plans have lifted and supported us or failed to do so. Saturn is also in Sagittarius at 15/50 degrees indicating that whatever we are hoping to express, create, or produce may meet with some challenges, obstacles, or set backs.  The Full Moon peaks Monday morning on the West Coast of the US. The Moon Sunday night is the waxing full moon.

With the Saturn and Pluto energy (Great Teacher and Great Transformer) both affecting the energy of this Full Moon in Taurus, the elements of doom and gloom, or as one friend called it this morning, a sense if darkness, may become more prominent. This is not a great time to self medicate or try to bury the feelings or bury ourselves in our own darkness. It is a time for radical self care--doing that which helps you preserve, release emotions of grief, pain, anger, and channel your energy into constructive, loving, affirming acts. One friend got a bunch of safety pins and attached little hearts to them. She’s giving them away to friends as a reminder that love is stronger than hate. This kind act of compassion is what is needed in times of darkness. Something to help quell the ferocity of unexpressed anger and fear. We're not going to 'get over' our pain, and platitudes to ourselves or others about getting on with life are not helpful or even appropriate. Dealing with our pain, grief, fears, anger, that is appropriate. Otherwise it becomes part of our own darkness and often gets projected out on others. We've all seen what this looks like when taken to the extreme in some of unhealed people who are in the public eye and who are having a tremendous impact on the collective. Acting out of an unacknowledged, unhealed shadow is something we do not want to do, especially now.

If we’ve been doing our inner work over the last few years, we know by now that we have to work our way through the low points and work our way through the shadows into the light--the understanding of who we really are and what we are here to do and be. That old platitude, ‘what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger’ may ring true for some now. True only to the extent that we work to heal and come to wholeness...even if that new wholeness looks different from what we had planned on, hoped for, or worked to achieve. Disappointment can be brought down to despair if we aren’t careful. Despair can hold us in place, until we make the small move forward to get to a safe haven. To take one positive step to health and healing. We’ve learned this, and now the need is great for us to all do this personally and collectively. We are in an time of Great Awakening.  For me, that’s what I shall always call this time, the Great Awakening time.  And what we do, and how we develop is how we are living now. We are actively creating the ongoing Creation, and we can make it heaven or we can make it hell. For the sake of the planet, we need to work toward the heaven on earth that we are fully capable of creating if we don’t get stuck in our own expectations of how that’s supposed to play out.

At the full moon in Taurus, face your fears. Use your spiritual practices to center your energy on what is good and loving. Base your actions on what is healing and renewing. Listen to the voices of inspiration and watch for signs of hope and guidance. Dreams should be enlightening and inspiring now. Create, do your art, create ceremony in whatever you do. Honor the precious life under the influence of the cosmic Light. Let that Light infuse you with compassion. Reach out and help someone else through their own darkness. Give compassion away.

The Full Moon in Taurus is connected to the fixed stars of Zarak and Capulus. Found in the constellation Eridanus, the River, Zarak is the boat that represents the deep melancholy that links us to death and despair. The fixed star Capulus symbolizes the wild libido, the extreme male sexual energy released to control the feminine. It’s a pretty potent combination, and we can see it being expressed in its darkest most violent form in abusive and violent sexual assaults or tirades. The female libido is also unleashed at this time, and is fighting to maintain control of its own power. To make the necessary changes to claim a wholeness and directness that can protect itself from oppression, and shadow attempts to quiet or still it. The awakening of so many women through the violent images and language directed at denigrating women, has triggered a great deal of grief, pain, and fear in many. This time we are living through it is essential that self care include finding safe and healthy ways to support one another, to find safety in all facets of life, and to recognize what makes us vulnerable or at risk.  However we navigate the waters of our rivers, will be determined by how awake and aware and willing to tack and shift with the winds of change.

We have within us the feminine and masculine energy. We need to be aware now of both within ourselves. For that's where our true power and center is.

With Mars the action planet and the ruler of all things masculine,  in Aquarius at 3/58 degrees, we can expect to see some unusual changes. Uranus in Aries at 21/21 retrograde, and Jupiter in 13/51/ Libra join Mars in air signs. The power of our thinking and the force of our words project themselves now in sudden and unexpected events. With Jupiter the planet of abundance and good fortune, we can seek the gold nugget at the bottom of the swamp or we can get overcome with  sense of limitless greed and hunger. We need to balance ourselves, grounding in solid, concrete steps to tend to our well being and that of those we are responsible for.  We need to find ourselves connected to the deep spiritual Truth of who we are, and how we are connected to the Divine Light and Truth and one another. We need to understand and work diligently to be one with our body, mind, spirit, and Divine Source. We express our goodness and divine light through the way we treat ourselves and how we treat others. This is the Divine manifest in our lives. Through our actions, thoughts, and intentions, we express ourselves.

Jupiter forms a hard aspect to Pluto, the Great Transformer, in Capricorn as well. Pluto is in 15/31 degrees of Capricorn, and later in the month when Venus forms a conjunction with Pluto, we will find ways to smooth out and achieve some kind of harmony and balance in the areas that are being uprooted, turned over, and reinvigorated. The change is happening so we can deal with changes in our personal and collective lives. Right now though, we are dealing with a whole new energy and experience of just how profoundly our world has changed.  Surprisingly, our dreams of a smooth transition as new growth takes place is more likely to be a rude awakening and smashing of expectations. What is born out of this is a view of what has been hiding beneath the surface, suppressed, festering, or thinly veiled. Our expectations and willingness to overlook what we may have sensed on a deep interior and visceral level, is now difficult if not impossible to miss. I remember different times in life when the ideal that of my  belief system was shattered by the reality of what really was. Once we see and digest the truth of a situation, condition, relationship, or other manifestation of reality, we cannot keep our blinders on.

The veil has lifted, and what comes out from under that curtained off area of our collective psyche or our personal ones, is going to be something we have to face and learn how to cope with, live with, and change to the degree we can.  Change happens, whether we want it to or not. If we want to change anything, we have to figure out how to deal with the consequences. Our individual roles may change, or our art may change. We may find we’re called to put our own experience and training to work to support others and work for improving the system to work for all.  Whatever our experience right now, this Full Moon in Taurus is going to highlight the depth and breadth of just how deeply and profoundly change and transformation have taken place. For the years that Pluto has been transforming our personal and collective lives, we have each been forced to face life more realistically, or at least on more than on a superficial level.

When we role play through life, that is act out of our roles rather than operating out of our deep inner sense of being, we often get trapped in beliefs that sound like platitudes. Platitudes though based on a truth, weaken and diminish the richness and depth of our life experiences if we cling to them like a shell or wear them like a mask. Many are experiencing change as if it were a death. Just as when someone dies, platitudes and empty condolences can diminish rather than console another. “You’ll get over it.” “Get on with your life.”   “It’s God’s will.”  “_____ is in a better place.” or "Get used to it." trivializes grief and pain. Using platitudes is a lazy way of trying to be present. Platitudes diminish the depth of our human experience. In a time when nearly everyone is affected by the changes taking place one way or another, we have to understand that all kinds of dreams have been shattered, regardless of who you are. All kinds of conflicts and fissures have opened up within families, in friendships, in communities, and in the alliances we have with others. The shadow side of each of us has been released through the depth of experience brought on by the powerful changes that have taken place in the way we understand life and our place in it over the last few year. With Mercury in Sagittarius, we might show others rather than trying to intellectualize about their pain. Give comfort. Seek understanding by becoming a support to someone who is targeted by intolerance or hate. Show others through your human kindness. Build bridges not walls. Sit at table and listen. Be quiet and be present.

Events and experiences like the elections, wars, political and economic upheaval, and even discoveries, have transformed the way not only how we see and understand life but also how we experience and deal with change and the shadow aspects of ourselves and others. For most of us, we have been stripped of whatever held us trapped in old, worn out patterns of behavior and thinking. Wherever we resisted, we were forced to renege and surrender by the circumstances that forced the needed change. As a plant must break through the dirt to bend and stretch its branches, stems, and buds into the sunlight, so too are we working our way into the light of our life experiences. Though we are not plants, growth and change isn’t easy for us. I think of the Allegory of Cave by Plato.  A group of people are chained in a dark cave for years. All they know of the outside world is what stories they tell themselves to explain what they see when the outside sun casts light and shadows on the wall of the cave throughout the day. One day, they are unchained, and are able to get up and leave. But getting up itself is difficult. They’ve been sitting in one position for years, and it hurts to get up. And then they have to get the courage to go out of the cave. They may be afraid or they may be excited, but they are all entering a new experience. And the light is blinding. The world is unfamiliar and unusual and strange. How do these people adjust their beliefs and past with what is happening? Well, that is our question when great shifts take place. How do we adjust to what is now after believing, expecting, or desiring something that is different from the present outcome?

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If this weren’t pretty obvious after the US elections, with a country split not only in two opposing camps but with a large majority of people who have remained apathetic or unwilling to participate in the election of a new president and large portion of the legislative body, there is no consensus.The same thing has been happening throughout the world. The fissure that splits the cultural body into pieces, will result in some major systematic and systemic breaks--breaks that will take a long time to repair if indeed there is a willingness to address the flaws.

The Full Moon in Taurus is at Lunar Perigree, the closest the Moon has been to the Earth in 70 years. Seventy years ago, WWII had just ended. The world was just emerging out of one of yet another catastrophic series of conflicts, and was giving birth to the life that we now are living. The moon controls, our emotions, our habits, and our ancestral traits, including the intergenerational narratives that still travel with us. We are constantly being called to acknowledge that within that must be healed, and now more than ever in a long cycle, it is true. And how we adapt now is crucial to what life we live from here on out.

With the Full Moon in Taurus also in opposition to Lilith in Scorpio, we have to make choices about how we are going to live and who we are going to please. We all want to be loved and liked, but we cannot make everyone happy, especially at the expense of our own health and well being and happiness. The choices we make now are the ones that we can live with from here on out. We may make choices that hurt someone or result in our losing connections. To do the work that is ahead though, we must be able to stand in our own truth and be supported and connected to those we can trust and who will stand by us no matter what. Try to be strong and courageous. Do what helps and heals not what breaks down or harms you. Have courage for that which sustains you in times of stress, extreme trauma, and loss. Do what gives you the character, power, courage, and strength to move forward.

The Sun in Scorpio is conjunct Lilith. This has been growing for us all n the sense of no longer knowing where you belong. Feeling isolated or alienated from what was once home or comfort, or the grounding base of your being. For some, I have heard this described as a sense of separation like the death of some part of themselves. No longer knowing or recognizing the world they had been living in. The hopeful part of this is the rising out of the ashes, like the Phoenix. Rising from the ashes of our hopes, expectations, dreams, desires, we now know the world and see it with new eyes. We mourn what has been lost, and awaken to what we have to move forward. The more this has already been part of your experience and the more you have already been living a life aware of prejudice, intolerance, abuse, hatred, or some other form of alienation, the more you will be able to provide the reflecting mirror for those who are just emerging from the cave of darkness. The cave of not having experienced this kind of rude awakening. 

The North Node in Virgo, continues as the passageway from what was to what is.The South Node (what is being released, healed, weeded out) is still aspecting Neptune (planet of illusions, dreams, and excesses). Uranus in Aries and the Priapus that forms to the Moon on November 20 signify what we need to do to get along. To ‘drain the swamp’ of whatever is needed, and to find the inner resources and outer allies to protect and stand in the truth of our own being.  We are at a crucial time in the Great Awakening, and we will not be going back to sleep. Some have already stepped out of the darkness. When you’re ready, you will find allies to walk with you and to work to create what needs to be created and to change what will help us all cope with life on the bleeding edge of change. The raw emotions of the shadow rising, requires that we remember that love is stronger than hate. Love neutralizes fear. Love is God’s directive for living together and for continuing our part in the ongoing creation of Creation.

This Super Full Moon in Taurus shines her light on all we have to work together for creating the world we are going to live in. "The struggle will still be a fight..." and we must be courageous, strong, and awake and aware. Our worst enemy is within us. We are needed to work together to keep trying, striving, protecting our neighbors, and having compassion for everyone. We're all in this together.

New Moon in Scorpio: Ebb and Flow to a New Path

Ebb and Flow                                                                                                                     Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

New Moon in Scorpio at 7 degrees is conjunct Mercury and trine Neptune in Pisces. The New Moon also aligns with the fixed star, Gacrux. Garcrux is part of the Southern Cross constellation, not visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The New Moon in Scorpio occurs at 17/28 (UT) 9:28 PST on the 30th of October. This New Moon in Scorpio occurs at 7/43 degrees in the first decan of Scorpio. This gives the New Moon shades of Libra energy as it peaks.


In addition, the New Moon is conjunct Mercury, the planet of communication. The Moon, emotional temperment and energy finds itself having a difficult time adjusting to the depths and changes in the watery Scorpio’s ebb and flow.  This New Moon in Scorpio stirs things up within us that we need to cope with as we find our grounding and balance. In our efforts to define our true selves, we may feel off center or jarred by thoughts, dreams, news, and intuitive hunches that remind us what we need to do to stand our ground. Without knowing who we are in the midst of such subconsciously charged times, we are apt to get lost in illusions or worn out patterns of behavior or roles.  Noticing where and when this is happening can help us release and overcome the power that has exerted itself on us. We may hope against hope everything will ‘go back to normal’ however, the shifts have occurred. What is best for us at the New Moon is to find clarity and tune into that which points to True North for us. And then set a new path in a more authentic and healthy direction.




Mercury in Scorpio can help us focus on envisioning more clearly what we need and would like to create. When we are willing to see that we can indeed direct our course so that we take into account what is best for us now, we find that doors begin opening and the journey becomes easier. To be ready for positive change, though, we have to be open to allowing ourselves to enter that flow. Once we begin to envision, set intentions, and imagine what we’d like, that energy takes on a life of its own. Being wishy washy or caught up in fear of fantasy scenarios or repetition of what we already know to be unworkable, are options that we need to face and go beyond.


To add a blurring of the boundaries, the Moon in Scorpio is trine Neptune in Pisces. We feel things so immediately and viscerally. It’s hard to ignore the truth of whatever it is that is painful. Avoid drowning your sorrows or blunting your perceptions with drugs, alcohol, or overwork. Allow yourself to feel what is going on and what is rising up in your own awareness, and know that knowledge, of yourself and others, is power.  We can also become addicted or numbed out through our devotion. Be careful that your attention and desire does not result in your merging or losing yourself in the one you love. Just coming out  of the Libra cycle, we are well aware of our need to mediate, negotiate, judge, temper, and balance all viewpoints. The problem with our Libra energy is (in whatever area of your life Libra reigns) we often lose any sense of who we are or what we need. As we become even more deeply aware of who we are and what we want, notice anything we are carrying around (beliefs, habits, expectations, out-dated roles, or attachments) that is blocking us from recognizing and honoring our own best interests and well being.


Use whatever practices and spiritual rituals and truths help you understand what is being born in you right now.  Watch your dreams to see what the symbols, dream plots, archetypes, and messages are helping call your attention to what needs to be released. One very graphic example of a dream that shows a need for releasing and cleansing one’s self of an outmoded way of life may be something like inadvertently flushing a pair of shoes down the toilet with the rest of the waste.  While pretty horrifying at a glance, the flushing of waste--what is no longer usable, the toxins-- is actually a very good dream. Having the shoes go down the drain as well signifies the need to get rid of some aspect of the way we are taking our journey--an outmoded way of life, an element of the journey that is no longer needed. Watch your own dreams and see what messages show up. Also pay attention to those hunches and intuition. Follow up on the ones that seem like they might help you achieve a goal, or find an answer or explore a new area.  The New Moon in Scorpio with Mercury and Neptune both in positive and close alignment is a key time for paying attention to the intangible messages coming your way.



The Sun in Scorpio trine Neptune in Pisces can also bring out  the Magician, Trickster, or Shadow aspect of our Subconscious...the part that surprises, plays tricks, enchants, or sparks our imagination. We can be fooled when we are so vulnerable to so many hidden influences. We can act out of our own child-like impulses and fantasies. Imaginations are active and nebulous. An element of the fairy tale or mythological morality stories might have some lessons for us at this time. As the Sun moves into a sextile with Neptune, this same energy can trigger more devious or delusional and even manipulative. Avoid beatifying the lover when you feel the deeper ties and energetic connections. More than one astrologer has likened this New Moon in Scorpio to the myth of Peter Pan. The element of ourselves or our lovers that won’t grow up, that courts us to step over the boundaries we need for self preservation, or that call that quickens our hearts to lose ourselves, if only for a while. Wendy, the more solid, grown up element of ourselves, represents the solid grounding, the ethics and mores, and the discretion we use to temper our emotions. We can easily experience our own version of this struggle within ourselves and/or within our relationships.

The Sun, the New Moon, and Mercury in Scorpio, Neptune and Chiron (the Wounded Healer) in Pisces, all reveal our deeper intentions, our shadowy struggles, our fears and areas of our lives where we feel humiliated or embarrassed. We want to appear normal, but right now feel anything but so.  The climate active in the collective realm has removed so many veils and blocks, and we feel things so much more deeply than usual. Our desire to merge, unite, and heal is strong, but the most important place for this healing and unifying is within our selves. We need to stop putting all our expectations and need fulfillment onto anything or anyone outside of ourselves. We need to know how powerful we are alone, and then we can enter into relationships, work, creativity, or spiritual identity with a fuller sense of our own gifts, talents, power, vision, and energy. Fears and passions are awakened. Part of the trepidation we might feel is based our that inner knowing that some element of life has indeed ended, and we’re just not yet sure we are ready to move on. Ready or not, this New Moon will highlight just how necessary movement and change is. We often fear the loss of control that comes along with change. The not knowing or not being sure the timing is right. Our unconscious is so powerful, keeping us from anything that threatens us. However, some change is not only safe, but also life saving. We have a limited time in this physical body and we are in charge of how we spend that time. Do what you can to heal up from what is causing your fears to hold you in dark places and keeping you afraid to move into a new direction. Take small steps, but get yourself moving at this New Moon in the direction that moves you to a greater place of harmony within yourself and to that which calls you to grow and flourish.


Scorpio rules all that is transforming and transmuting. It rules the hidden, the secrets, that which we do not want to acknowledge or face--that which we fear.  Whatever is crammed down in side, changes form, for good or bad. Facing fears, facing the unhealed, facing what had disappointed or caused you to flounder, can only help you heal. What is not expressed in some way, is depressed, and stays there waiting to come out in some distorted or hurtful form. Think of dressing up for Halloween to chase the evil spirits away. A tradition to act our, express, the archetypal drama that defines our lives.  In addition to honoring that which has passed, those who have died, or those whom we want to honor and remember, spend some time too, exploring the various masks you wear, the diverse roles you play, and the ghosts that live within you. What would you like to exorcise from your being? How would you like to transform your life? What materials would you like to use to create a new vision for yourself?


During the New Moon cycle, spend some time creating a new version of who you can become from here on out. Identify the times and ways in the past that were key turning points, and see what is signaling a change in some area of your life now.  Use your spiritual and religious practices to connect to the Source, to inspire you to growth and love, and to support you as you deal with whatever blocks, obstacles, or trap have bound your energy and caused you to get lost or buried in fear.  Mercury, in Roman mythology, guided the souls of the dead to heaven. As the veils are thin at this time of year, our connection and communion with the souls of the saints and blessed are near. Look to your past, to those who inspired you, to those who supported and loved you, and to those who taught you through their absence, the strength and courage to live according to your own vision.  Seek within the bright spark of life that sends light out into all areas of your life. Do what makes your heart sing. Begin now!

Full Hunter's Moon in Aries: Reconciling in the Fullness of Being

Full Moon in October                                                                                                                Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

Late last night I went out to look at the stars, and there rising up over the hill to the south was a waxing moon just past the first quarter. The Full Moon in Aries, the Full Hunter’s Moon will peak just after midnight on October 16 (12:24 EDT). In the rest of North America it will reach her fullness earlier (9:24 PDT) in the evening of October 15.  Also called the Dying Grass Moon and the Travel Moon, this Full Moon in Aries signals the full entry into the darkness of Autumn, a time when preparations are underway for winter and when migrations to milder climes is underway. This Full Moon in Aries is conjunct Uranus and sits atop the Fixed Star, Acamar in the constellation, Eridanus, the River.

In ancient times, Acamar was the brightest star in the southern sky (as far as one could see from Greece). It was at the tail end of the constellation Eridanus, the River. The constellation Eridanus “traditionally represents the river into which Phaeton fell when slain by Jupiter for having set the world on fire by misguiding the chariot of his father Phoebus.” The white star, a fixed star, at the end of the constellation was called Archernar in Arabic. Archernar, meaning end of the river, signified travel, quest for knowledge, and dangers at sea. 

The Full Moon in fiery Aries atop Uranus and Acamar could energize our desire to travel, search for deeper and greater knowledge, or might shine its light on what we have already gathered and learned in our journeys of life.A gathering time, when we prepare for the future by assessing our present resources and needs in preparation for the future. What inner resources, experiences, talents, and passions equip us for living out our purpose and carrying on in our journey?

In the third decan of Arise, the Moon is receives the energy and essence of this Venus/Jupiter-ruled sector. The watery essence of the third decan making this Arise Full Moon more imaginative and creative than it would normally be. With the hard energy of Uranus (sudden, shocking, and unexpected events and influences) and some of the rough waters of this leg of your journey. We may be more apt to see the humor and irony in some of the chaotic and crazy events and interactions that are happening at this time. There’s a lift for us as our emotional responses rise above some of the depression and deeply troubling energy that has been felt so strongly of late.  It gets to the point sometimes, when we have to laugh about what is beyond understanding or reconciling. We have to learn to live with what is as opposed to what we believe it should be or what we expect it to be. This is that kind of meeting point between emotions and rational thought...we learn to ride the river in the direction it is flowing.

With Uranus conjunct the Moon in Aries, the unpredictable and rebellious aspect triggers the lunatic fringe as much as it does our own natural tendency to rebel against that which threatens or triggers old wounds and shadow issues. When we fail to deal with the shadow (undeveloped or unacknowledged) parts of ourselves, it appears in more negative forms within us and/or through our behavior and attitudes. Paying attention and acknowledging the hard stuff is good for it helps us understand who we really are. We may feel compelled to lash out or to hide away from our own emotions when we hold everything inside. The call is to stand with the emotional feelings and find ways, to channel that energy into creative and productive ways. Don’t be surprised if your emotional responses and reactions fluctuate wildly. Notice where in your chart the transiting Moon, Uranus, and Sun are transiting. Let yourself be aware of the full range of your emotional being.

Uranus in Aries opposite the Sun in Libra acts as a flame that ignites hidden or suppressed issues, upsetting the status quo. Just when you thought you had it all together, something sets off a sudden release. Uranus is often associated with abandonment issues--we all have them. The fear of being left or ignored or forgotten. It’s a part of our human nature, and rises to the top at times of great crisis such as this aspect signals.  When push comes to shove, we lose our ability to temper our feelings any longer. We may overstep our bounds, or have someone go too far with us, thus setting off a chain reaction resulting in a lot of closed doors and sudden endings. Notice how this plays out in your own life, and do what you can to see what areas you might be vulnerable in at the time of the Full Moon in Aries.

The Aries Full Moon, the Full Hunter’s Moon/Travel Moon/Dying Grass Moon highlights where we need to ready ourselves for the journey ahead, equipped with and supported by relationships and resources that build up and give life and sustenance to our health and well being. We often know deep down what is dying in our lives, but we cling to what we think we cannot live without hoping we’re not really able to see. Listen to your inner voice, and listen to what others are really saying and what they are revealing through their actions. Pay attention to your inner barometer and alarm system. What is threatening your well being at this time, and what do you need to do to arm yourself for the life journey ahead? You know the answers. Listen and take some small steps to move toward the Light. Acknowledge your fear, and let your journey be one that gives you the advantage of movement and positive development. Meet the challenges, that rest within you, and make choices based on your best interests. In that way, you move within the flow of the cosmic Truth and have the creativity, power, energy, resources, and guidance you need to live with purpose. Let your service and art be directed from the heart, not from fear.

The year, 2016, has been a year of completions and transformations. A year when major changes have cleared the way for rebirth and regeneration. It is particularly a year when women’s power and strength are rising as a result of the chains of oppressive laws, traditions, and attitudes are breaking away, one after another. Women are no longer silent. Women are no longer accepting of dated and outworn roles and relationship mores and limitations. We do not speak of one voice; instead, women speak out of a variety of experiences, perspectives, gifts, and passions. Out of old wounds, we rise in healing, and we come to a time when we begin anew on a path forward, unlike any other we have personally or collectively experienced. 

Both men and women benefit when in relationship and in personal development when the Full Moon in Aries meets the Sun in Libra in their annual opposition. We seek ways to find ourselves, independent and centered in Aries as we connect, communicate, and relate in partnership in the Libra Sun,. We seek ways to unite within our own being and with one another, in wholeness. We come to better understand that we must be whole, united within ourselves, and that that is enough. We form partnerships that are not intent on fixing or destroying one another but that are engaged in sharing and supporting mutual goals and individual passions. We each discover our potential, capacity for joy, and power to make significant changes. The last few months have been a time when what has been buried has risen to the surface. We see it in the world around us; we feel it within. We are more aware of our inner truth and feelings and now have the capacity to make the changes to honor those feelings. What cause pain, dysfunction, or depression, needs to be released so the Light can shine from within. Seek ways to open your heart, mind, and soul to Divine Light’s message in your own life always, but especially as the Moon waxes to her fullness in the beginning of the new lunar year in Aries. Blessing for you to do what makes your heart sing.

Gateway to Peace: New Moon in Libra

Autumn Leaves                                                                                                                      Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

On Friday, September 30 the New Moon in Libra ushers in the start of the new lunar month. At 8:11 P.M. EDT/5:11 P.M. PDT the New Moon is exact in the air sign of  Libra at 8/15 degrees.This New Moon in the first decan of Libra, has a strong impact on those with aspects in the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Look to the house that Libra rules in your chart, and notice as well any transits or aspects to the other three cardinal signs/houses in your own chart/life.  Libra’s symbolic emphasis on balance and harmony, highlights the areas in our lives where we are seeking greater equanimity. Issues may arise at the New Moon time that call us to find ways of achieving greater balance of body, mind, spirit in all areas of our lives. How we negotiate and find compromise in relationships is now key in moving forward. Despite a bit of edginess caused by greater awareness of conflicts, challenges, and points of departure, this New Moon in Libra serves as a gatewy into a more peaceful time.

Libra’s ability to allow us to understand ourselves through our understanding of others, helps us greet our differences and challenges with grace, aplomb, and strength. The challenge for Libra is not so much seeing the other person’s viewpoint as it is remembering who we are. Libra’s strengh is being able to empathize and feel compassion. Libra fights for the underdog, and makes room in the circle for everyone, even the bully. The problem or healing edge for Libra though is remembering to stand in our own truth and to speak out from a point of strength as well as tolerance. In other words, instead of hiding behind the diplomatic plesantries that are required to do business, maintain equilibrium, or handle certain situations, we also need to know when to put our foot down and say, “No, that’s not how I feel”, or “No, I won’t do that”.  This is a time when we can learn a great deal by allowing others to be who they are, and then deciding how it is we are going to either be in relationship with them, as they are, or make choices that are more in line with our own needs, health and well being, and code of ethics.  

New Moons always stand in direct alignment with the Sun, a conjunction. The strength of the Libra Sun combines with the New Moon to usher in a new phase of life as well as a new way of being. We choose now how to find and live harmoniously, how to create beauty out of what is growing where we are, and how to discover healing and growth of those areas of ourselves where we may not have seen it before.  This New Moon highlights the more mystical and intuitive nature of our being. In fact because  Though we experience a great deal of confusion and conflict via mass communication, this is a time that highlights peacekeeping and negotiating rather than war and conflict. It is also a very potent time for receiving inutitive messages, visioning, and consulting good and wise advisors. What comes to you now by way of dreams, hunches, life experiences, intuition, signs, omens, or repetitive patterns of people appearing and disappearing, now open many to very powerful insight and understanding. We may see far into our future or have profound awakenings about how the past is present in our lives and in the world around us. We may connect to the Divine nature of our world and our place in it, and feel the overwhelming presence of Spirit within our lives.

Earlier in the week, The transiting Sun in Libra formed a conjunction with Jupiter. We may have felt a sweeping feeling of grace or an easing off of tension and fear. This has paved a way to our greater understanding of how temporary life is and yet how eternal. We are each traveling in perpetual motion forward into the life we are creating. The more we become aware of how our thoughts, words, deeds, and emotions carry highly charged emotional energy, the more we come to understand how important it is that we live in mindful attention and intention to all we do. Nothing is wasted. No word goes unfelt. All we are, and all we do is energy helping create the ongoing Creation. Now, at this New Moon in Libra, it is time to once again examine how we are working from and for peace, with love and kindness, compassion and mercy as our guides.

Pluto in Capricorn just began its forward movement in Capricorn, once again digging deeper into our lives to transform and uproot whatever is not live giving and life affirming. We may find we’re going over old territory in some way. Instead of giving up or giving in to old patterns or behaviors, we need to remember what we have learned as Pluto has been transforming this area of our lives. Look to this area of your chart/life, and review and recommit yourself to growth in all the areas that will enhance your life and others.

According to Darkstar Astrology, astrologer, Marina, this New Moon in Libra, is transiting the constellation Coma of Brerenice. Just below the tail of the Leo constellation (Coma de Berenice was once considered part of Leo), Coma of Berenice is a constellation that represents devotion for a cause or group. The willingness to lay down your life (devote your time, energy, resources) for the good of others in a time of need. The New Moon in Libra sits atop the crown of Coma de Berenice. Berenice II was the wife of Ptolemy Soter III of Egypt. The Moon sits atop Diadem, the alpha star found in the wreath of jewels in Berenice’s hair.

The lessons of Libra include both sides of the coin. On one hand, we are called to be more aware, responsive, and understanding of those whom we are in conflict with, conditions that require compromise and diplomacy, and actions and words that heal, soothe, create, and build more peace and beauty into our personal lives and the world community as a whole. On the other hand, when we have lost our sense of direction or gotten caught up in external issues, conflicts, conditions, or other people’s burdens, we must check in with what is the “log in our own eye”. We must deal with the issues that are affecting our life and the family, community, and relationships that comprise our own circle of life. And we must be true to ourselves in doing so. We cannot abdicate our own responsibiliites at the altar of selfless sacrifice. It is no gift to others if we are falling apart where we are. Let the energy of the Libra New Moon send you on an internal quest to discern just how you are aligning yourself with the guiding prinicples and understanding that defines who you are.

Our lives are all about the constant seeking of balance. The balance between the polarities that are an inherent part of us. The oppositions and conflicts that we are continually meeting, resolving, and remeeting. The play of two child ren on a teeter totter. Be reminded that the point of balance in our lives, the fulcrum, is in constant motion. Our journey is about meeting in the shadows of ourselves in order to find peace, seek resolve, and discover who we are and what we are capable of being and becoming. To find ways to heal and come to wholeness, in the way we live out our journey. As the Sun and the Moon are still in alignment with Jupiter, we can do this more joyfully at this New Moon time. 

Jupiter was said to have taken Berenice’s hair from the altar in the temple where she had sacrificed it for the safe return of her husband from war.  He took her beautiful hair and laid it among the stars in the heavens. Jupiter lifts us from our own sacrifices and suffereings, when we are able to see what gifts we have in even the most challenging and difficult of seasons. The ancient myths and legends tell of universal experiences and emotions that affect all humans regardless of time or place. As with all religious and spririutal symbols, we find those that help us make peace with that which is either too difficult to comprehend or too hard to bear. Use your spritual practices and religious principles and rites to help you find a companion through whatever darkness and whatever shadows you are coping with now. Seek a vision, listen to the still small voice, find inspiration, or gather in prayer with others who seek peace. Use this beautiful New Moon in Libra to help you enter through the gateway of despair into the City of Light.

Full Moon in Pisces: Harvest Moon, Lunar Eclipse, and Return to Wholeness

Monterey Bay                                                                                                                                Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

On Friday morning, September 16 at 9:45 A.M.  the Full Moon in Pisces reaches her peak. The Full Moon nearest the Autumn Equinox is called the Harvest Moon. This Harvest Moon promises to put on an outstanding show as it also features a full lunar eclipse. The Full Moons are named according to what is ripening during that season. The Harvest Moon is also called the Barley Moon and the Corn Moon. Some Lakota Sioux call this moon the Moon When the Plums are Scarlet and the Omaha call it The Moon When the Deer Paw the Earth. What is this Moon called by those tribes who live in your region?  Full Moons are a time of culmination and ripening of ideas. It is a time of fulfillment and the fruition of whatever was set into motion at the time of the New Moon. It can also be a time when you celebrate the completion of projects, stages of life, or different steps in some kind of ongoing process. It is also a time when we are all faced with the polarities that challenge and motivate us.

This month with the Sun in 24/20 degrees of Virgo and the Moon in 24/20 degrees of Pisces, the polarities that are coming into focus deal with the different energies of these two signs.  Virgo, an Earth sign, asks us to tend to the balance between our physical needs, routines, and daily activities and way of life and that of the Pisces, water sign emphasis on our spiritual and creative lives, health and conneciton to Infinite Wisdom.  The Virgo Sun has been motivating and in fact even forcing us to deal with the patterns of behavior, techniques, and our thinking about how we maintain health and well being as well as order in our lives.  The Full Moon in Pisces now shines light on our spiritual selves, asking us to  expend our energy into honoring our spiritual and emotional nature, developing and trusting our intangible knowledge and intuition, and being more open and responsive to our creative urges.

This conflict or challenge, depending on how you have been dealing with these polarities in your own life, are also triggered by the Saturn-Neptune square.  Saturn is currently at 10/48 of Sagittarius in an exact square to Neptune in Pisces at  10/15 degrees. The Full Moon in Pisces will trigger this square before the moon reaches fullness. We will need to be paying attention to the discrepancies in our lives--those choices and conditions that force us to live at the extremes rather than maintaining greater harmony in a more balanced way of life. Paying attention to what sets us or others off, can help us keep a weather eye on how we need to maintain our own balance in spite of what is setting off someone else.

It is necessary as the Full Moon in Pisces rises to her powerful light, to notice how our hungers, angers, levels of exhaustion, or tone of voice signal a need to back off, calm down, or avoid conflicts. When we find ourselves in places or relationships that challenge our ability to maintain balance and a full sense of our Divine center, we need to back off, walk away, or stay out of the line of fire. Things are not always as they appear, and though our senses are heightened, and our intuition is in high gear, we may still be deluded by Neptune’s illusory haze that makes us want to see what is not there. Deal with what is, not what you’d like it to be.

As the Full Moon in Pisces rises over the next 24 hours, it is also approaching a conjunction with Jupiter, a square to Mars, and a quincux to Uranus. Hold onto your hats! The conjunction with Jupiter in 1 degree of Libra promises a glimpse into a bright future, a taste of fruitful possibilities, or hope for a more fulfilling future. Like the first fruits that are prized at the end of the growing season, we get our first glimpse of what is possible if we maintain our inner calm and  keep our focus and commitment on what is growing to fullness in our lives.

The Sun in Virgo’s square to Mars at 28 degrees of Sagittarius may also trigger some impatience, aggression, or frustration. Again, making sure you are taking care of your health, hygiene, and physical needs, can help you head off some encounters of the worst kind. Back away from the fires. Fire can help us create; it can also burn us. Be cautious.  And watch where you are going. This energy can makes us forget to pay attention to the basics. Uranus in Aries brings about sudden, shocking, and unexpected events, news, understandings, and flashes of spot on intuition.  Sometimes our agitation is something we pick up from what is going on in and with others; spend some time discerning, “What is mine; what is someone else’s?”

Notice what houses/areas of your life are most affected by this Full Moon in Pisces, Harvest Moon, and Lunar Eclipse. What is reaching fulfillment in the area where the Virgo Sun is shining? What is triggering this fulfillment and bringing emotional and creative expression to life? How does Saturn’s placement in fiery Sagittarius set off Neptune in Pisces? And how do the houses where Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus are aspecting the Sun and the Moon, seem to be affecting what is growing and coming to fruition in your life?  Not only are all these areas highlighted, but the energy of the eclipse heightens our emotional responses and sets into motion some pretty dramatic twists and turns. What was blocked, may be removed. What was unclear, is revealed. What was thought impossible, gives forth a ray of hope. Change may not happen immediately, but we may get signs, glimpses, or signals of what is going to manifest in the next 6 months. Whatever we have been brooding on is now showing signs of life. We understand something at this time that makes it clearer as to what needs to change, what needs to go, and what needs to end before hope can come to life.


Our senses are heightened, our intuition is keen, and our dreams and impressions are full of sudden and enlightening messages and awareness. It may be a very inspiring time. Set up the easel, pick up the pen, let your visions and fantasies come to life in some creative way. Let your senses and imagination speak to you at this time. Even though we may feel edgy with all this energy swirling about, it will be a time of great passion, excitement, revelations, and mysteries will be revealed. After all the sensible and balanced energy of Virgo and Libra, this Full Moon reminds us of our more mystical and spiritual nature. Get comfortable with the movement, flow with the excitement, and let go of needing to control every aspect of life. Let the imperfections become part of the pattern and fabric of life now. Rid yourself of the perfectionism that prevents you from flowing and growing. Let yourself be immersed in the Light.

The Mars Square,  Venus quincux, and the tight trine to Uranus in Aries, signals the end of an era. The acting out of repressed emotions, and egotistical behavior and attitudes do some lasting damage in the light of this Full Moon. There will be a tendency for some to act out when their needs aren’t met or they don’t get their own way. Beware.

Pisces includes the Constellation of Pegasus. Two fixed stars  in Pegasus include the main star,  Markab and Sadalbari. When the Moon touches Markab this signifies a need to watch emotional reactions and responses. Avoid rash and impulsive behavior. Keep your eye on the road when driving, and watch your temper if you’re feeling off base. Sandalbari portends good fortune unless of course we lose our bearings and start acting like a brat.

As the Full Moon in Pisces squares Mars, there may be a need to feel protective of home and hearth. We may overwork, overdo, or push ourselves too far. This is a time to take extra good care of ourselves. Slow down, get enough rest, and channel emotions through creativity, exercise, dance, music, or some form of healthy exertion. We may also feel more ambitious and courageous at this time. Exercise caution though.

When the Sun in Virgo forms a quncux to Uranus in Aries we may notice an element of fanaticism and obsession that is threatening and explosive. The tendency may be to act and think later. We may want to make an extra effort to hold off on major decision or reactive behavior. Think things through even though you feel you have reached a flash point. Just make note of the feelings, thoughts, and actions that have led you to this point, and wait for calmer heads to prevail. Nothing is so urgent that it cannot wait a bit longer for completion. Knowing what you want is one step in a process that is just at its beginning.


An idea I’d like to throw out this month because it is such a powerful influence on our lives and development is that of the Learning Triangle. This month there are several  strong learning triangles that affect us all. The first is with Moon-Sun-Mars,  the second is with Saturn-Uranus-North Node, and a third is Neptune-Saturn-North Node. A learning triangle occurs in our own charts in the form of trines. In the transiting chart connected with the Full Moon in Pisces, we have more than three of the Learning trines, but they all affect similar areas of our life.

A learning trine is an area of our chart/transit chart that includes a trine and the houses/where the trine exists.  The trine inidcates areas in our lives where we experience wounds, problems, challenges, and our narrative or life story. Archetypal and depth psychology use archetype and myth to help us understand the unconscious and conscious patterns that exist in our relationships. Of course our family triangle is the starting point. Freud coined the term, “the family romance” to show how he believed the Oedipal myth plays out in family dynamics. Whatever myth, narrative, or story you tell of your own family, probably will give you some clues as to what your are working out in your own life.

When we work on healing early in life, we may arrive into adulthood with some good skills for coping and understanding our lives. Most of us, however, don’t complete the learning but instead we carry our past into the present. Some would say we carry our past through the generations, acting the past out into one generation after another. If you believe in reincarnation, we carry the lessons throughout lifetimes.  What we have a chance of doing right now, however, is to look at the areas of our lives where we have unresolved wounds, guilt, anger, drama, unfulfilled desires, and disappointment, in order to see if we can bring some healing about. It's never too late to learn how to change the patterns, energy, and direction of our lives, and this Full Moon in Pisces is one of those very special healing times. With Chiron the Wounded Healer in conjunction with the Moon during this time, our wounds help heal, and help us understand how we can be a source of healing through our example of doing our own work, standing on our own feet, and dealing with what we have come her to do. Find meaning in what has happened in the past, and change what is happening in the present.

My suggestion would be to look in your own chart and see where the dynamics of the learning triangles are playing out this month. Look to the houses/areas of your life where the Moon in Pisces, Sun in Virgo, and Mars in Sagittarius are located. Study this area to see how your emotional well being (Moon in Pisces) is being affected by your ability to express yourself  (Sun in Virgo) in that area of your life, and then see what kinds of actions (Mars in Sagittarius) are happening or are needed.

Another area you might look at is  Saturn in Sagittarius learnings and lessons are receiving some shocks, upsets, suprises that are then triggering major life changes (North Node). Look to the area where each of these is located in your chart/area of your life.

Yet another interesting area might be to see how Neptune in Pisces  (dreams, illusions, imagination, fantasies, misconceptions) are affected by the area of your life where you are learning Saturn’s lessons---lessons that are also causing a major change of your way of perceiving and understanding your purpose, mission, calling, or life style and choices.

Next month I will go a little more deeply into this idea. Play around with this during the Full Moon and the following weeks to see how this plays out and resonates with your own understanding. I’d love to hear how you experience this. There is so much going on in these and other areas, that you should have plenty to examine. A very Virgo and Saturnian way of exploring the Piscean and Neptunian energies of this lovely, wild, and emotionally charged Full Moon in Pisces and Lunar eclipse. Enjoy yourself! Focus on what makes you happy and what brings out your Light.

Full Moon in Pisces: Harvest Moon, Lunar Eclipse, and Return to Wholeness

Monterey Bay                                                                                                                                Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

On Friday morning, September 16 at 9:45 A.M.  the Full Moon in Pisces reaches her peak. The Full Moon nearest the Autumn Equinox is called the Harvest Moon. This Harvest Moon promises to put on an outstanding show as it also features a full lunar eclipse. The Full Moons are named according to what is ripening during that season. The Harvest Moon is also called the Barley Moon and the Corn Moon. Some Lakota Sioux call this moon the Moon When the Plums are Scarlet and the Omaha call it The Moon When the Deer Paw the Earth. What is this Moon called by those tribes who live in your region?  Full Moons are a time of culmination and ripening of ideas. It is a time of fulfillment and the fruition of whatever was set into motion at the time of the New Moon. It can also be a time when you celebrate the completion of projects, stages of life, or different steps in some kind of ongoing process. It is also a time when we are all faced with the polarities that challenge and motivate us.

This month with the Sun in 24/20 degrees of Virgo and the Moon in 24/20 degrees of Pisces, the polarities that are coming into focus deal with the different energies of these two signs.  Virgo, an Earth sign, asks us to tend to the balance between our physical needs, routines, and daily activities and way of life and that of the Pisces, water sign emphasis on our spiritual and creative lives, health and conneciton to Infinite Wisdom.  The Virgo Sun has been motivating and in fact even forcing us to deal with the patterns of behavior, techniques, and our thinking about how we maintain health and well being as well as order in our lives.  The Full Moon in Pisces now shines light on our spiritual selves, asking us to  expend our energy into honoring our spiritual and emotional nature, developing and trusting our intangilbe knowledge and intuition, and being more open and responsive to our creative urges.

This conflict or challenge, depending on how you have been dealing with these polarities in your own life, are also triggered by the Saturn-Neptune square.  Saturn is currently at 10/48 of Sagittarius in an exact square to Neptune in Pisces at  10/15 degrees. The Full Moon in Pisces will trigger this square before the moon reachers fullness. We wil need to be paying attention to the discrencies in our lives--those choices and conditions that force us to live at the extremes rather than maintaining greater harmony in a more balanced way of life. Paying attention to what sets us or others off, can help us keep a weather eye on how we need to maintain our own balance in spite of what is setting of someone else.

It is necessary as the Full Moon in Pisces rises to her powerful light, to notice how our hungers, angers, levels of exhaustion, or tone of voice signal a need to back off, calm down, or avoid conflicts. When we find ourselves in places or relationships that challenge our ability to maintain balance and a full sense of our Divine center, we need to back off, walk away, or stay out of the line of fire. Things are not always as they appear, and though our senses are heightened, and our inutition is in high gear, we may still be deluded by Neptune’s illusory haze that makes us want to see what is not there. Deal with what is, not what you’d like it to be.

As the Full Moon in Pisces rises over the next 24 hours, it is also approaching a conjuntion with Jupiter, a square to Mars, and a quincunx to Uranus. Hold onto your hats! The conjunction with Jupiter in 1 degree of Libra promises a glimpse into a bright future, a taste of fruitful possibilities, or hope for a more fulfilling future. Like the first fruits that are prized at the end of the growing season, we get our first glimpse of what is possible if we maintain our inner calm and  keep our focus and commitment on what is growing to fullness in our lives.

The Sun in Virgo’s square to Mars at 28 degrees of Sagittarius may also trigger some impatience, aggression, or frustration. Again, making sure you are taking care of your health, hygiene, and physical needs, can help you head off some encounters of the worst kind. Back away from the fires. Fire can help us create; it can also burn us. Be cautious.  And watch where you are going. This energy can makes us forget to pay attention to the basics. Uranus in Aries brings about sudden, shocking, and unexpected events, news, understandings, and flashes of spot on intuition.  Sometimes our agitation is something we pick up from what is going on in and with others; spend some time discering, “What is mine; what is someone else’s?”

Notice what houses/areas of your life are most affected by this Full Moon in Pisces, Harvest Moon, and Lunar Eclipse. What is reaching fulfillment in the area where the Virgo Sun is shining? What is triggering this fulfillment and bringing emotional and creative expression to life? How does Saturn’s placement in fiery Sagittarius set off Neptune in Pisces? And how do the houses where Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus are aspecting the Sun and the Moon, seem to be affecting what is growing and coming to fruition in your life?  Not only are all these areas highlighted, but the energy of the eclipse heightens our emotional responses and sets into motion some pretty dramatic twists and turns. What was blocked, may be removed. What was unclear, is revealed. What was thought impossible, gives forth a ray of hope. Change may not happen immediately, but we may get signs, glimpses, or signals of what is going to manifest in the next 6 months. Whatever we have been brooding on is now showing signs of life. We understand something at this time that makes it clearer as to what needs to change, what needs to go, and what needs to end before hope can come to life.


Our senses are heightened, our intuitiion is keen, and our dreams and impressions are full of sudden and enlightening messages and awareness. It may be a very inspiring time. Set up the easel, pick up the pen, let your visions and fantasies come to life in some creative way. Let your senses and imagination speak to you at this time. Even though we may feel edgy with all this energy swirling about, it will be a time of great passion, excitement, revelations, and mysteries will be revealed. After all the sensible and balanced energy of Virgo and Libra, this Full Moon reminds us of our more mystical and spiritual nature. Get comfortable with the movement, flow with the excitement, and let go of needing to control every aspect of life. Let the imperfections become part of the pattern and fabric of life now. Rid yourself of the perfectionism that prevents you from flowing and growing. Let yourself be immersed in the Light.

The Mars Square,  Venus quincux, and the tight trine to Uranus in Aries, signals the end of an era. The acting out of repressed emotions, and egotistical behavior and attitudes do some lasting damage in the light of this Full Moon. There will be a tendency for some to act out when their needs aren’t met or they don’t get their own way. Beware.

Pisces includes the Costellation of Pegasus. Two fixed stars  in Pegasus include the main star,  Markab and Sadalbari. When the Moon touches Mrkab this signifies a need to watch emotional reactions and responses. Avoid rash and impulsive behavior. Keep your eye on the road when driving, and watch your temper if you’re feeling off base. Sandalbari portends good fortune unless of course we lose our bearings and start acting like a brat.

As the Full Moon in Pisces squares Mars, there may be a need to feel protective of home and hearth. We may overwork, overdo, or push ourselves too far. This is a time to take extra good care of ourselves. Slow down, get enough rest, and channel emotions through creativity, exercise, dance, music, or some form of healthy exertion. We may also feel more ambitious and courageous at this time. Exercise caution though.

When the Sun in Virgo forms a quncux to Uranus in Aries we may notice an element of fanatacism and obsession that is threatening and explosive. The tendency may be to act and think later. We may want to make an extra effort to hold off on major decision or reactive behavior. Think things through even though you feel you have reached a flashpoint. Just make note of the feelings, thoughts, and actions that have led you to this point, and wait for calmer heads to prevail. Nothing is so urgent that it cannot wait a bit longer for completion. Knowing what you want is one step in a process that is just at its beginning.


An idea I’d like to throw out this month because it is such a powerful influence on our lives and development is that of the Learning Triangle. This month there are several  strong learning triangles that affect us all. The first is with Moon-Sun-Mars,  the second is with Saturn-Uranus-North Node, and a third is Neptune-Saturn-North Node. A learning triangle occurs in our own charts in the form of trines. In the transiting chart connected with the Full Moon in Pisces, we have more than three of the Learning trines, but they all affect similar areas of our life.

A learning trine is an area of our chart/transit chart that includes a trine and the houses/where the trine exists.  The trine inidcates areas in our lives where we experience wounds, problems, challenges, and our narrative or life story. Archetypal and depth psychology use archetype and myth to help us understand the unconscious and conscious patterns that exist in our relationships. Of course our family triangle is the starting point. Freud coined the term, “the family romance” to show how he believed the Oedipal myth plays out in family dynamics. Whatever myth, narrative, or story you tell of your own family, probably will give you some clues as to what your are working out in your own life.

When we work on healing early in life, we may arrive into adulthood with some good skills for coping and understanding our lives. Most of us, however, don’t complete the learning but instead we carry our past into the present. Some would say we carry our past through the generations, acting the past out into one generation after another. If you believe in reincarnation, we carry the lessons throughout lifetimes.  What we have a chance of doing right now, however, is to look at the areas of our lives where we have unresolved wounds, guilt, anger, drama, unfulfilled desires, and disappointment, in order to see if we can bring some heaing about. It's never too late to learn how to change the patterns, energy, and direction of our lives, and this Full Moon in Pisces is one of those very special healing times. With Chiron the Wounded Healer in conjunction with the Moon during this time, our wounds help heal, and help us understand how we can be a source of healing through our example of doing our own work, standing on our own feet, and dealing with what we have come her to do. Find meaning in what has happened in the past, and change what is happening in the present.

My suggestion would be to look in your own chart and see where the dynamics of the learning triangles are playing out this month. Look to the houses/areas of your life where the Moon in Pisces, Sun in Virgo, and Mars in Sagittarius are located. Study this area to see how your emotional well being (Moon in Pisces) is being affected by your ability to express yourself  (Sun in Virgo) in that area of your life, and then see what kinds of actions (Mars in Sagittarius) are happeneing or are needed.

Another area you might look at is  Saturn in Sagittarius learnings and lessons are receiving some shocks, upsets, suprises that are then triggering major life changes (North Node). Look to the area where each of these is located in your chart/area of your life.

Yet another interesting area might be to see how Neptune in Pisces  (dreams, illusions, imagination, fantasies, misconceptions) are affected by the area of your life where you are learning Saturn’s lessons---lessons that are also causing a major change of your way of perceiving and understanding your purpose, mission, calling, or life style and choices.

Next month I will go a little more deeply into this idea. Play around with this during the Full Moon and the following weeks to see how this plays out and resonates with your own understanding. I’d love to hear how you experience this. There is so much going on in these and other areas, that you should have plenty to examine. A very Virgo and Saturnian way of exploring the Piscean and Neptunian energies of this lovely, wild, and emotionally charged Full Moon in Pisces and Lunar eclipse. Enjoy yourself! Focus on what makes you happy and what brings out your Light.

New Moon & Solar Eclipse in Virgo

The New Moon in Virgo occurs in the form of a solar eclipse on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 2:03 A.M. PDT/ 5:03 AM EDT.  This Thursday morning the Sun and Moon align at 9 degrees of Virgo forming the New Moon. This Solar Eclipse New Moon activates the Saturn in Sagittarius square to Neptune in Pisces. This can ignite issues over boundaries and limits, both physical and mental. Neptune in Pisces’ idealism versus Saturn in Sagittarius’ rather dark side creates conflict, backlash, and an urgent sense of needing to alter or block whatever we find in our path. The need at this time is to take both a protective stance to conserve and create peaceful, safe places while dealing with whatever challenges, threats, or conflicts (internal or external) might be raging at this time.

The New Moon in Virgo urges us to take better care of our health, to get our lives organized and in order, and to deal with whatever is in the way of our sense of well being and harmony.  Because Saturn is forming as aspect with fixed star Antares, the classic struggle between good and evil seems to take form in many areas of our lives, including our own thinking. It is a crucial time to acknowledge what our limits are and to establish some new boundaries if we are letting in too much negativity or false doctrines/theology/spiritual practices and ideas.  Find a sense of safety in how you form your opinions and make your choices. Remember to consider what is best for you in your key relationships. Sometimes we find ourselves so concerned for others or for the conditions we find ourselves in that we forget to take care of our basic health and safety needs.

This New Moon in Virgo calls us to use our healing energy and ability to envision and intuit solutions, answers, new pathways in making choices that are bound to affect us deeply for the next 6 months. Use your hands and daily practices (all related to heart chakra desires and the working out of grief, anger, and fear) to create pockets of healing and havens for safety and peace of mind and body. It is a time to bring the spirit into the body by grounding in the present with each task, movement, and decision we are engaged in. Mindfulness is one of the key practices that allows us to align our spiritual and physical energies. Slow down just a bit more, focus on what you are doing, and notice how your thoughts distract you from being present to each task or thought. Bring yourself into alignment through conscious thought and focus.

The Virgo New Moon and the Virgo Sun in 9 degrees are opposite Neptune in Pisces at 10 degrees. This placement can blur the lines between fantasy and reality. We may feel caught up in fantasies or feel our energy taxed and heavy. The exact opposition occurs ahead of the Neptune-Saturn square, and could signal the areas where we are most in need of some protective practices and life-affirming thinking. With Neptune, our spiritual guide, being activated in the square with Saturn, we need to use caution in how we use our power and talents. And we need to be careful about who and what we let into our experience and life. Exercise caution with any power exchange, and avoid pushing yourself or anyone else, beyond the limits. Be like Neptune’s watery element, and let yourself flow around obstacles. Let your energy go where it needs to go, and remember not to try pushing or stopping whatever is immovable in you or in others. The Neptunian element awakens our awareness, yet flows with ease even in dark and difficult places. We can refresh ourselves in Neptunian waters and ideas; we still need to be aware of whatever is blocking, challenging, or obstructing us from being free and whole. Let whatever is allowing you to flow beyond the rocky shore or the places of conflict, take you out of harm’s way.  Avoid pushing back or insisting on changing the course that life is now flowing. Take care of what you can, and let go of the rest. Including, letting go of the feeling you need to fix something or someone.

On Monday, a few days before the New Moon and the Solar eclipse, Mercury and Venus conjunct in Virgo, and then Venus moves into Libra. The heavy earth energy begins to lighten up a bit. We feel somewhat of a relief from how hard we may have been riding ourselves over the last few weeks. We may find ourselves whistling while we work, and taking a lighter approach to even difficult jobs. We feel more like connecting with others for the sheer pleasure of enjoying one another’s company. We’re a little less stressed and nose-to-the grindstone-like.


The Sun is forming a sesquiquadrate to Uranus in Aries. Something completely unexpected may happen  or come to the surface when this aspect happens on Wednesday. It may signal the need to handle something that we had not expected to have to deal with. This comes shortly before the New Moon and the Solar eclipse, and is an indicator of the kinds of situations and energy we need to deal with. View this as preparation or an early warning sign.

On Thursday, the same day as the New Moon and the Solar Eclipse, Mercury stations for her retrograde phase. So along with the New Moon, the eclipse, and the Neptune-Saturn square, we have a slow down in communications and/or a time to reevaluate everything. We are near the start of the Jewish High Holy days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and this signals the start of the Jewish New Year. Using this gateway as a symbolic time to start fresh, take some time to slow down, take care of what needs tending in your own garden and in your own life, and set aside what is no longer working, needed, or appropriate for who you are and what you are meant to do and be. This is a time to examine your purpose in life and a time to decide how you can make whatever changes are needed to clear the path ahead. This week may seem like a lot is coming together or crashing down to be dealt with. The best way to approach a tumultuous or uncertain time is to treat yourself and others with tender loving care.

Support your own health and well being as you refresh and reinvigorate yourself for the journey before you. We are nearing the changing of the seasons. The trees are already beginning to change colors, the days are growing shorter, and the air is feeling more like autumn each day. In the South, the signs of Spring have started for your changes. When it’s time to transform, take some time to honor all elements of life, to find time to be grateful and appreciative of what gifts you have, and remember to let go of what needs to go. Learn from the past, let go of fear of the future, and summon up your courage to move ahead as a stronger, more courageous soul tender. Let love flow through the waters of your soul to seep out in all you do, perceive, and desire.