Full Moon in Aries: T-Square Signals the Last Straw

Treehouse in a Tulip Tree                                                                  Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

One thing I would suggest as we approach this Full Moon in Libra, is to find yourself a place of peace and calm to ride out some of the storms of life. Not a time to ignore or dismiss issues in life, but a time to examine life in a safe, peaceful place.

The Full Moon in 21 degrees of Libra reaches her peak on April 10/11 (11:08 PM PDT/2:08 AM EDT). The Moon in 21 degrees of Libra opposite the Sun at 21 degrees of Aries is not, so to speak, in her element. Falling in the third decan of Libra, this Full Moon coincides with a strong t-square between Jupiter in Libra, Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn.  You know that area of your life that has been experiencing one transformative jolt after another since 2012? The Full Moon also shines her light on that one last square between these planets and your life; the last in a series of 7 squares since 2012, occurs with this Full Moon.  What that means is, depending on how well you've made the transition from where you were in 2012 and what you've been attempting to release and take on since then, is making one last appearance.

Expect there to be something of an emotional or psychological challenge to this new moon. We tend to be awakened to the Venus-ruled senses, emotions, both collectively and individually. What we've been feeling, coping with, and trying to straighten out in our own emotional, spiritual, psychological, and day to day lives makes us even more sensitive and intuitive during this time. The Full Moon in 21-22 degrees of Libra falls at the point in the chart where it is in peregree (the farthest point). It is considered the position of exile. Exile, loss of face, weakening of power for certain groups are indicated. It this falls on an area of your life/chart that has to do with relationships or public persona, this could be a time when you feel very much on the outside of some aspect of life. Not quite ever fitting in, feeling alienated, or out of synch.

Venus, the ruler of Libra is at a point of transition herself, in the process of completing a retrograde cycle. The Evening Star becomes the Morning Star, and perhaps we need to sleep on some ideas a bit longer, and wait for dawn to illuminate our paths.  Many people are seeking direction, struggling to know which way to go next, and this Full Moon focuses our attention of the aspect the Moon makes with the Fixed star Spica. Spica can be found in the shaft of wheat held by Virgo, an indicator of success, renown, sweet dispositions, love of art, and a shady bit of unscrupulousness.  Be sure to behave with care in all you do.

The Full Pink  Moon in Libra, and her aspects, also signal unbounded good fortune and abundance. Honor bestowed on those who deserve it, wishes come true, good fortune and renown due. Blessings are bestowed. You need only stop in your tracks, see what blessings abound in your life, and be grateful. Another practice that is good for just about any time, is the practice of forgiveness. Part of what helps us release what no longer serves us, is to forgive anyone or anything that needs to be released, and to forgive ourselves for what we have done or failed to do. Definitely time to release any toxic thinking, behavior, patterns, or memories.

This time of the year and this particular Full Moon in Libra, highlights the Ceres/Demeter archetype. The awakening from the darkness of winter, and the return to life.  With the intense t-square between Uranus in Aries squaring Pluto in Capricorn, and the Moon squaring Capricorn (the Great Transformer) we have what one astrologer described as Kali's raging and hungry intense energy arising in and around us. Whatever has been missing from your life, is now made known through an intense longing. With Venus in the Pisces sector of her retrograde, this can be intensified even more...you may have been feeling this already. This energy is intense, passionate, possessive, obsessive, and makes us all feel a bit or a lot like a mother bear protecting her young.  In the macro environment, this may appear with exposing hackers and cheats, conducting of covert operations, and even the launching of invasions (written before the airstrike on Syria).

The Moon in Libra opposite Uranus in Aries, stirs up whatever area of you rlife is ruled by Libra, Aries, Capricorn, and all the cardinals planets.  This is a familiar area for this intense process has been going on for the last 6-7 years.  It should not be too surprising. One person asked me, "What else do I have to let go of?"  I suggest you pay attention to the inner struggles that are going on right now, for they are the parts of your life that have been most transformed, and where you may still have some powerful insights into whatever you've been working so hard on during this long cycle. It's been a bit like a long-term tunnel project in our psyches. We've run into things we didn't expect, found blocks we had no idea existed, and had to face some pretty shocking and surprising realities. In many instances, we have seen old dreams and expectations die, and others just begin to make their way into our consciousness. These aspects stir up areas where you find whatever the main focus of transformation in your life has been teaching you some hard lessons.

As I write the final part of this coolum on Friday, April 7, a huge wind storm is hitting the coast and inland areas of the Pacific Northwest--electric, volatile, and unstable energy abounds. For those who don't believe we are affected by the weather and the forces of nature, I invite you to stand out in a wind storm for a few minutes and feel the power of those negative ions. We are in a time of great volatility and turmoil. We might notice mood swings and an awakening of some dark mourning that has yet to be expressed. Whatever toxic and negativity we hold within (anger, hate, lack of forgiveness, unexpressed grief), becomes either a form of depression or is fuel for time bombs waiting to go off in our lives. In the collective world the possibility of the loose cannon, unhinged minds, or covert enemies can ignite some pretty powerful consequences. Assassinations or other forms of terrorism can be used to trigger the already hair-trigger responses of corrupt or dangerous leaders. This has been building for some time, but is possibly making it's "last hurrah" with this final square ignited by the Full Moon. If you are in an advisory position with a rather unconscious leader, you might find yourself needing to help ground and stabilize your boss.

The Full Moon in Libra quincunx Mars also signals the time is right for those in power to not understand the nature of their own aggression. We all have elements of our unhealed consciousness that we fail to recognize (until it blows up in our faces or finds us caught blind sided). At this time those areas of our personal consciousness are triggered as well as that of our collective. Watch out for hairtrigger reactions, and steer clear of those who are not in control of their emotional energy.

The Libra Full Moon is also quincunx Ceres/Demeter cautioning us to use our right brain, intuition, empathy, compassion, and  sensibilities to discern how to use the abundant energy available. This is a time of the year when we are normally aware of the abundance of Life. Different cultures refer to this Full Moon in Aries as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon---all referring to the life teeming in our waterways and on our land. This is the time also when the beavers are busily making dams along the swollen rivers and streams, and when sea lions, sheep, horses, goats, and other animals are bearing their young. It is a rich and glorious time of year. As the Moon in Libra with it's transformative square to Uranus and Pluto push or shove us into making some decision, we feel ourselves very much aware of where we are on the wrong path or where too much stress has built up. We may feel finally we have reached the point of no return in terms of a job, a marriage or some other form of partnership, or life/work pattern. At this particular time, the dam may burst making it abundantly clear that there is no longer a choice about what needs to be changed.

For those who have been coping with transitions and transformations in a way that has already created a new path or you've recognized the changes that happened to open a new way, this may be a time when the pressure is more on dealing with residual emotional, psychological, physical, or mundane/material dealings. We have to deal with the consequences of our choices at this time. The pendulum is swinging us into a new direction. We feel it, see it, mourn it sometimes, and basically can't help but notice--life is not as it was anymore.

The Full Moon in Libra falls on what is called via combusta (the burning path, explosive way) as it conjuncts Jupiter in Libra at 17 degrees (remember a conjunction is anywhere from 5-6 degrees on either side of a particular point. We feel this ahead of the Full Moon, and its influence continues on. We have already seen this acted out on the world stage, unfortunately. The Burning Path is a do or die situation, bringing finality to situations. There is also an element of aggression involved, and people are easily aggravated. Mars is in its detriment in Taurus, Aries ruler, and this has an effect on this period of time as well. Expect to have to deal with pesky, bothersome, annoying sensations, people, or situations. If all this seems just a bit too unsettling, be comforted with knowing that being forewarned is to be forearmed. Use what you've learned about dealing with crisis, change, transformation, shocks, and transitions to make your way through what can feel like a very troubling period of time. Walking into the force of the wind, one is reminded of how little control we have over the elements of nature. Learn from that.

Shortly after the peak of the Full Moon in Libra, Libra's ruler, Venus stations direct at 26 degrees of Pisces. At this station, Venus forms a tight conjunction with Chiron, the Wounded Healer, and we might feel the pain of a deep unhealed wound. It's an 'ouch' point, that lets us know we have hit a spot that has yet to heal. Venus is exalted in Pisces however, and as she turns motion, we turn inward to do the necessary work on ourselves that allows us to heal more deeply.  Venus and Neptune are both in their element in Pisces, and matters of the heart play an important and vital role in our lives at this time.

Despite all the movement in cardinal signs, we are also moving into a time of reflection, contemplation, and healing as Jupiter in Libra,  Saturn  in Sagittarius turned retrograde on April 6, Mercury in Aries begins its retrograde cycle on April 9, and Ve

nus turns direct in Pisces on April 15.  Retrograde cycles caution us to slow down, resist rash or not well thought out actions. Of the four retrograde planets in April, three occupy the dual signs of Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. This will have a huge impact of financial transactions during this period of time. Look to the houses that rule money matters (2,8) and to other areas where your financial identity is formed (i.e.., artists=5th house, fame/career/life purpose 10th house).

Also of significance in April is the Full Moon in Libra and the four retrograde planets that signal the end to a very long karmic cycle. Not only the transformative cycles that began in 2012, but longer cycles that have opened a new age. For decades we have been preparing for, expecting, or hearing about changes. The riseing of the Divine Feminine. In many ways the rising of this massive change in our human spirit and ways of life are in the throes of labor pains. Transformation and change is not always fun and full of fairy dust. All too often, as this Full Moon in Libra reminds us, we have the capacity now to see the full range of possibilities, and to begin to understand that how we cope with the shadow aspects (the unhealed, unexplored, the parts of ourselves we don't recognize or want to know), definitely affects what unfolds on the path before us. We also are awakened to our true nature, and are called to listen to and be reminded of who we are. Perhaps the best question we can each ask ourselves when times like these test us, is to remember who we are and what we are here in this life to do. What is the calling that life has been preparing us for?  As the winds whip around us, let us each find a beautiful pocket of peace within, and be reminded of the power of our thoughts, prayers, and desires. We can have an effect on the world if first we tend to the business of healing and growing in Light within. Peace to you all.

We are entering the high holy days for the Jewish and Christian people. Ramadan starts at the end of May for Muslims everywhere. In the spirit of working together for a world free of hate and devoted to healing and sharing of life and love, let us all do what we can to heal the energy within our own hearts and with our brothers and sisters wherever they are, whatever their beliefs be. One practice that can help us at this time is forgiveness. Now is a time when healing can be accomplished if we each take time to forgive ourselves, the conditions, relationships, enemies, and whatever stands in between yourself and a loving, compassionate heart.

New Moon in Aries Conjunct Venus Retrograde

The Journey                                         Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

New Moon in Aries peaks at 10:57 PM EDT/7:57 PM PDT on Monday, March 27, 2017.The New Moon and the Sun occur the first dean of Aries at 7/37 degrees. A great time to start something new, be innovative, or try a new way of approaching some area of life. Before forming a its conjunction with the Sun, the Moon conjuncts the retrograde Venus at 3 degrees of Aries.

The conjunction of the Moon with Venus sets the tone for this New Moon period. At a time when there are five heavenly bodies in fiery, impulsive Aries, Venus pulls us to focus more on our higher calling than on our romantic illusions or impetuous desires. This is a time when some may not use the best judgment and get themselves into hot water or jump from the frying pan into the fire in terms of acting without thinking things entirely through.

This New Moon also sits in opposition to Jupiter in Libra. We may feel challenged by competing and conflicting needs, Jupiter, in addition to ruling abundance and good fortune, reigns of law and justice. Jupiter’s strong pull to right wrongs, point out in

discretions, and bring about balance and equity, could result in a number of shocking and surprising revelations.

Jupiter could bring a flow of abundance in the area of our lives that Aries rules (in addition to other well-aspected areas of our chart/lives. With all the energy in Aries, this New Moon could also bring out the charlatans and scammers who want to exploit and manipulate those who are less experienced and more naive. Use good judgement when handling finances and business deals, or for that matter any kind of agreements. Despite all the fire energy being fanned by the air sign Libra, it is wise now to hold off on major decisions. With Venus in retrograde in Aries also, we are in a very vulnerable time. We may have such strong needs to meet our unfulfilled desires, or start new relationships or projects, that we fail to take into account the complications and risks involved. 

The Aries Moon conjunct Venus may arouse our emotions, and for some this may result in violent and uncontrolled behavior. Edginess may be particularly apparent for those with more stressful aspects to the Moon (emotional well being).  Notice how you react and respond to whatever may cause you to feel tense, irritable, or frustrated. How do you normally handle such feelings? How might you channel or redirect your energy so that you avoid more volatile situation. Also, how can you avoid becoming the brunt of someone else’s uncontrolled or misdirected anger?

This New Moon conjunct Venus and Mercury is a very uncomfortable new moon cycle. We may feel the need to be around people and at the same time get very edgy and uncomfortable in the company of others. Noises bother us. and there just seems to be little too much excitement for a peaceful, calm evening. 

New moons are always about new beginnings, and this New Moon in Aries, the first sign in the astrological calendar/zodiac, represents those areas of our lives where we are least experienced. Aries is about taking charge and indeed, charging ahead without much preparation or care.  With Venus, the Sun, Mercury, and Uranus also in aspect to this New Moon in Aries, we can expect an explosive and surprising energy affecting this part of our lives.  

On Monday leading up to the peak of the New Moon, Mars in Taurus is sextile Neptune in Pisces. This aspect encourages us to express our emotions in creative and physical ways. Intuition is strong. There is also a Saturn in Sagittarius-Chiron in Pisces square, an aspect that focuses our attention on solving personal problems and resolving inner conflicts. Also there is Jupiter in Libra square aspect to Pluto in Capricorn, pushing us to make some serious choices over ongoing transformational changes involving past conditioning and destructive patterns, unhealed grief or remorse, and expectations and fantasies (positive and negative). 

With this New Moon in Aries it might be a good time to spend some time reflecting on what your higher purpose is, as well as what your place in the greater scheme of the Universe is. It is a time good time to get a little perspective on our lives, and to release some excessive energy through physical and creative channels. This new lunar cycle comes near the beginning of spring brings an abundance of energy. Allow yourself some time for reflection. Find peace within whatever conflicts and challenges seem highlighted at this time. 

Cup of Communion: Virgo Full Moon, Stellia in Pisces, Venus in Aries, Retrograde

Bleeding Hearts and Pine                                                                                                       Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

The Cup of  Communion that is represented by the Full Moon in Virgo with Venus, our commitments and passions at the base of the Cup, brings us a moment in our lives when we can unite our Soul, Body, Spirit, and Mind in the energy brought to life within us now. Venus's retrograde phase began on March 4 and will continue until April 15. Venus in Aries is impulsive, passionate, and in search of what is worthy of her love.  As Venus retrogrades she wakes us each to how we define and understand our own need for love and the path we have been following. Venus in Aries has formed some upsetting and surprising changes in our views of love, romance, creativity, and finances. We may have faced some shortages or unexpected expenses. Venus' cycle for this next month does have a strong influence on the Full Moon in Virgo. The Full Moon peaks on Sunday, March 12. As Venus moves in reverse through the decans of Aries and then back into Pisces, it will come into a powerful aspect with both the Sun and Moon. For this reason, I will spend some time describing what we can expect with Venus in this retrgrade cycle.

The week leading up to the Full Moon in Virgo is full of challenging changes and influences. The week began with Mercury passing over the Sun in Pisces forming a powerful conjunction. Let's first begin though by looking at the line up for the day of the Full Moon. By March 12, much will have changed. As I write on Wednesday, March 8 (International Women's Day) the Moon is changing signs from the security-conscious homebody sign of Cancer to dramatic Leo. Expect your emotional equilibrium to shift a bit, bringing about the need to act out your needs and desires, or at the very least to feel more worked up and expressive than you might have been feeling. The Moon in Leo makes a number of hard aspects throughout the day though it does give you a hint of what you need to be examining. First the Moon trines Chiron in Pisces (before it changes signs) pointing us toward those old lessons that require some new solutions and perspectives. Later in the day as the Moon squares Mars in the final degrees of Aries, we may feel compelled to wrap up some business, put an old issue to bed, or finish something we started long ago.

On Thursday, March 9 Mars leaves the fiery realm of Aries enteringTaurus. On the same day, we get a pleasant sextile forming between the Sun in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn. Perhaps we awaken to how the transormations that have been taking place in our lives for the last couple of years are finally becoming a part of new perspective and pattern of behavior. Epiphanies, prophetic or prescient dreams, or a soulful awakening can be part of this energy. With Mars in its Taurus, we may begin to feel that we are beginning to feel more capable of having an affect on our environment, the conditions of our lives, or current situation. We feel a sense of spiritual strength that we've been pouring into more fiery and spasmodic release.

Friday, March 10, the Moon leaves Leo entering Virgo. The Virgo Full Moon may feel like a three or four day affair this month as so much energy is being generated. The Virgo Full Moon  is opposite the Sun in Pisces at 21/36 degrees. The Moon makes a series of aspects starting with an opposition to Neptune at 12/5, then the Sun at 21 degrees, Chiron, the Wounded Healer at 24/31 degrees, and then  Mercury at 26/18 degrees Pisces.  The Sun, Chiron,  and Mercury are all in close conjunction making our experience of healing and recovering from old wounds paramount on our hearts and minds And with the influence of Mercury we will want to express it through some form of communication.

The Moon in Virgo's opposition to each of these orbs calls us to integrate the polarities in our lives. We may feel more inclined to butt heads, but with all the Pisces energy, it's more likely we'll combine forces or elements and be more creative. Jupiter will be at 21/25 Libra, retrograde, and Saturn will be at 27/16 Sagittarius. Uranus in Aries at 12/5 continues to make stress aspects, stirring up the post with more surprises and unexpected situations. Once Mars enters Taurus, we'll begin to feel the need to clean up after the messiness made as Uranus continues to create little eddies of confusion in its naive effort to learn something new. We are familiar with this energy in our lives. It's been stirring things up for several years now. Notice that area of your chart/life, and remember what you have learned when dealing with the unexpected.

The North Node, gateway between the past and future, remains at 2/31 Virgo, retrograde. We tend to revisit the past to remember what it is we've learned that will help us move forward. We may feel sometimes like we're taking three steps forward and three steps backward. Look at life as a dance. You're doing the Cha Cha right now with something important. Stop trying to figure out why, just enjoy the dance.

Now to Venus retrograde. Venus retro cycle started on March 4 and will continue until April 15. On the day of the Full Moon, March 12, The Moon forms a quincunx with Uranus in Aries. If we were to look at the constellation called The Crater. Crater means  cup or chalice in Lain. According to Greek mythology, the constellation forms the cup of the god Apollo. Legend says that Apollo needed some water in order to perform a ritual. Apollo ordered Raven to take the two-handled chalice to find some water. Raven being a bird who enjoyed his leisure, stopped by a stream where there was a fig tree. Raven lazed about in the sun for a few days waiting for the figs to ripen. After gobbling the delicious figs down and realizing he was late, he filled the chalice with water, grabbed a water snake, and flew back to Apollo. Raven used the water snake (Hydra) as an excuse for his delay, but Apollo saw right through Raven's lies. Angrily Apollo casts Raven (Corvus), the Chalice (Cup), and the water snake (Hydra) into the sky. He cast a spell on Raven vowing that he should be eternally thirsty.

The Full Moon in Virgo sits right at the base of the Cup, Chalice. It is the archetype of the Healer, the Nurse, and symbolizes the need for us to take care of ourselves or endanger ourselves by depleting our energy and destroying our health. During this full Moon, Venus retrograde calls upon us to look to the areas of our lives where we may have suppressed desires, stored resentment, or adapted a martyr complex from doing too much. We may even feel we have not been appreciated the way we hoped to be.  We can either turn this in on our selves by feeling lie a martyr or getting angry and resentful for others not living up to our expectations.  We may all feel this at times, but during this Full Moon in Virgo, it will be more obvious how this may adversely affect our health, our relationships, and our perspective on life.

We want to be careful how we treat our wounded egos. Addictions need to be put in check; the answer is taking better care of ourselves, not endulging or overmedicating ourselves into numbness.  There is also the likelihood that with the Moon in Virgo quincunxing Uranus in Aries the lunatic fringe may be loose. The need to shock, outrage, or strike out may stem from unhealed trauma from childhood raising its ugly head.  What has been suppressed depresses, that is until it flies out in rage, frustration, or unchecked paranoia.  When we feel unhealed emotional pain rising up, we need to rely on grounding practices and healing connections to help us cope with what remains unhealed. We are not meant to cope with such pain alone, neither are we meant to project it in all our relationships. Take this time to do the work you need to do to heal from wounds from the past.

With Jupiter oppoiste Uranus, the Libra-Aries axis, we have an opportunity to learn and evolve. Whatever inner conflicts, emotional tension, or unresolved trauma we are dealing with can be used to help us grow. Personal development is the gift of this healing Virgo Moon. As we take the wine, the sacrifice of Christ, to help us come to wholeness in communion, we now can come into unity within ourselves, accepting what has happened, facing what we need to to do heal, and then moving in the direciton of choices and attitudes that are life-affirming. What is happening at this Full Moon has triggered this moment in time. It is considered a revelatory, turning point time. One of those moments in our lives when we can trudge along with the illusions we've now become aware of, or we can move towards clarity and light. We've already experienced a lot of this. You may have noticed yourself questioning your own views of romance, family, and your role in life.

One other possibility during this time, is the need to find an answer before we are clear about the illusions we've been under. Avoid starting any new relationships at this time, or throwing yourself headlong into a new project. You may be itching for change, but beware of being seduced into the shiny fantasy whichs a path that doesn't acknowledge your own inner strength and abilities. Saturn in Sagittarius squares the Sun at the time of the Full Moon  calling us to pay closer attention to our needs. It is a time to gain clarity about decisions, balancing head and heart. Discernment is needed to get clearer about where you truly feel commited. Strong emotions may have more to do with unhealed needs than with what is really good for you. Sometimes finishing something is better than trying to resusitate it.

Another aspect that is playing a powerful role in our lives right now is what's called the Hard Wedge or Masculine Wedge. A wedge is half of the Mystic Rectangle aspect. Three planets in a chart form  one opposition, one sextile, and one trine. The mascuine/hard Wedge occurs when those planets are in the elements of air and fire; a feminine wedge is when the elements are earth and water. Masculine energies are considered active, feminine are considered passive. This manifests in the wedge as expressive, acting out, and exerting power (masculine wedge) and calm, determined, and motivated by a sure commitment (feminine wedge). In the case of this Full Moon in Virgo the wedge is formed by the water-earth elements of the Sun in Pisces and the Moon in Virgo. It can be quite a good time to focus in on what matters most in our lives, and commit ourselves accordingly.

It couldn't be that simple, right?  We also have the connections between Mars (Taurus) , Uranus (Aries), and Jupiter (Libra) wedge, so the tendency to act out, feel the need to take a position of power in some way, and be heard. When we have these oppsoing energies, and the power of the Full Moon working together, we really need to be awake and aware of how we are using our energy. Find ways to use your excess energy in constructive ways. Physical exercise, dance, movement, geting outsidw and using our energy, helps to ground us. Avoid being in situations or with people who are out of control, acting rashly, or are draining your energy.  Healthy use of energy and power is what is required right now.  I would say the Leo Moon is going to stir up our emotional energy, so notice what is rising up. And cope with it in healthy, creative, and healing ways.

The  Full Moon in Virgo peaks at 7:5 a.m. PDT on Sunday, December 12. In the US this is also the day we change the clocks to Daylight Savings Time, so energies can be a bit off center. People ask me about when the Moon is really full. The energy of a Full Moon is building up as it waxes to fullness. We will feel the energy of this Ful Moon as the signs change from Leo to Virgo, so use remain alert, aware, and conscious throughout the weekend. Notice how different parts of your body feel. Notice your emotional and psychological states (leading up to and during the full moon cycle). Learn what you can about how the moon's cycles and the different planetary aspects affect you, by simply listening to your being. You may feel more relaxed or more grounded.

Dreams and intuition should be heightened, and the content of dreams, visions, and hunches could be very practical and useful. Align your thinking and intentions with what you want to learn, what you want to create, and how you want to develop. This should be a wonderful time for evolving, working through karmic and lifelong patterns, habits, and residue. Focus on what brings you to life, what allows for the full expression of your life, and what really holds purpose and meaning for you. Sending good thoughts to you. Take this Cup of Love and let it fill you, body, mind, heart, spirit. Let yourself be transformed to be a path for Peace.

The Journey: New Moon in Pisces, Solar Eclipse

The Journey                                    Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

Two weeks ago on the Full Moon in Leo, we had an awakening energy pour into us. Whatever needed to come to the surface appeared in some form or another. Most likely in a dramatic way as Leos are fond of doing. And from that time of awakening to what is transforming, until now, we have all probably been a bit surprised at what we've been called to pay attention to. Whatever came to the surface, ended, or broke open, has revealed what is coming to bear in some area of your life if not in a number of areas.

On Sunday February 26, the New Moon at 7/34 degrees of Pisces will cross between the Sun and the Earth, forming a solar eclipse and creating a Ring of Fire. Though not visible in the Northern Hemisphere, the energy from this event will create a powerful magnetic field altering both our individual and collective energy. We may begin to sense the impending changes as we move closer to the New Moon. During the days preceding the New Moon, during the dark of the moon time, we may be reflecting on or be reminded of some of the chapters in our live that have been closing. Thoughts and feelings arise during this transformational time as we feel the reminders of doors that have closed and others that appear to be swinging open before us. New Moons are about new beginnings, new chapters, and often, a change of direction.

The New Moon in Pisces awakens us on a very deep, intuitive level, and provides opportunities for some deep soul healing to take place. We are attuned to higher dimensions and our thoughts and feelings are being aroused and triggered in ways that urge us into profound healing, provided we are willing to pay attention and work with what the Universe is opening before and within us. It is a time when we might be experiencing the need to acknowledge and let go of old trauma and stress. Whatever (in our own thinking or in the way we are living) or whoever (in ourselves or with our relationships) is trying to manipulate and control the way we are living and experiencing life. When we find ourselves trapped in old patterns, habits, dysfunctional relationships (all kinds), or fear-based thinking, we are in fact blocking our own growth, good, and healing.

What is called for when the odds seem to be against us, when all is falling apart around us, or when the world we live in makes no sense, is something we all have a hard time doing. Now, more than ever, we need to surrender and release ourselves into the flow of life. It is a time when we cannot think or plan our way out of a box; it is a time when we must surrender to the energy that is flowing through the way we are living. Be that person of faith who trust your own Divine nature and who allows yourself to surrender to what is happening. That does not mean doing nothing. It means looking at what’s falling apart around you, or what’s not working despite all the effort you’ve put into something, or what’s not really bringing you to life. Or it might simply be, what has run its course or what needs to change in order for healing and growth to take place?

We know we are alive and growing when the life we live keeps changing. And change it will, despite your best efforts to hold on to something that is no more or to return to some fantasy time in the past when you were okay or happy.  We can remember the times that made us feel alive, that showed us what we were made of, or that stand out as significant. This New Moon time that we are approaching though, is a time to clear the decks. Take stock of what has happened, what needs to be done/changed/mended/left behind. Perhaps there are changes in your workplace or in the way you work.  Relationships may be changing, as they do even when they are working well. Life is full or turning points that occur between different stages of life. Now is the time to do some assessing to see what is calling for more or less attention. One good way to determine this is to ask where you feel connected in life and where you feel disconnected. Simple questions that lend themselves to contemplation. Where do I need a little more spark to feel connected to, for example, my body and physical strength? Where do I need to release a little of the connection so that I have more energy or time or whatever it is you need? For example, less time connected to my appliances and electronic media and more time with friends, walking in nature, working in the garden.

The New Moon in Pisces is about death and rebirth, in the way we live our lives and well as in how we are developing. In particular, what has been born and what has completed its cycle in your life over the last 12 months? What new energy if building up? At the time of the New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Pisces, Mercury will be entering Pisces, joining the Sun, the Moon, Neptune, and Chiron. A stellium of orbs in the watery, intuitive, creative Pisces.The South Node, what we came here heal, is also in Pisces. All focus is on healing what is deeply embedded in our Soul experience. Venus, Mars, and Uranus are all in Aries, Jupiter is in Libra, and Saturn, the Great Teacher is still working its way through Sagittarius. The North Node is retrograde in Virgo, taking us back over the areas in our lives where we are facing a new beginning. Notice any aspects or transits that affect this point in your chart/life. All the action in Pisces is fueling the changes that took place and are needing to take the next step in the transformation you are experiencing now.

Pisces rules the emotions, the physical waters including our own bodies. The New Moon in Pisces is like a refreshing, cleansing, energy bath. We purify ourselves, renewing, refreshing, and regenerating whatever parts of ourselves need to be freed of toxins and residual clutter than clouds our thinking. Now is not the time to attempt to fight against the tide. It is the time to release hold, turn your attention from fear-based thinking and behavior, and ground yourself in the spiritual practices you use to release the need to control and predict outcomes. With the Sun and Neptune in Pisces, anything is possible. Use your thoughts, words, prayers, actions to create some positive, constructive, healing visions of what could be. Use your gifts, talents, and experience (you have, after all made it this far) to align yourself with your highest good.  

Miracles can now occur through the power of love. Universal healing energy is flowing into all of us, through every situation, condition, and experience. Aligning ourselves with the power of Love, is essential for allowing the good to flow. All conflicts, conditions, relationships, and beings require Love, and receiving the love that is flowing now and allowing ourselves to enter into only loving thoughts, connections, or dealings will help shield us and others. Use your power of prayer, thought, action, or service to feel yourself in that powerful presence. Focus only on what gives Life.

Today as I write, there is the first of two very powerful aspects also having an impact on us this week. Today Mars in Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn, both at 18 degrees (2nd decan). Mars the powerful force for action, in Aries is naive and out of control as it comes up against the old immovable object/system of Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto, the Great Transformer, moves steadily, deeply, and slowly while Mars insists of shaking things up in the short term. This aspect is about smashing systems, breaking rules, defying the traditions and status quo. There is an overwhelming need on the part of Mars right now, to win at all costs. We need to use our powers of love and focus to stand firm against this kind of immature and ill-prepared type of action.

By the time of the New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Pisces, Mars will once again make a stressful aspect to Uranus in Aries. This conjunction in fiery Aries, brings an end to what has already transpired. As we observe what is going on in the world around us, we want to avoid getting caught up in unharnessed energy of any kind. We need to use the energy that is within us to hone our own gifts, handle our own immediate needs and obligations, and stay firmly grounded in our Truth. Avoid panic or falling into despondency, which is too often the case when we feel out of control as many do now. This is exactly the time when our metal is tested. We are strong. We are brave and capable. We have survived, learned, and flourished. We have made it through difficult times, and as the saying goes, we were made for this time. Summon up all your finest qualities and remember who you are. Be the best of yourself, and stand in support and compassion with those near and far.

The North Node in Virgo, the gateway to the future, stands juxtaposed to the South Node in Pisces. What we brought into this life to heal. The Solar Eclipse in Pisces triggers the South Node and Neptune. This is the last in the 2-year  Pisces eclipse series, and it reminds us of where we may have been fooled or where we’ve deluded ourselves. Believing ourselves stronger than some of the events that are shaping us, or needing to hold onto to something even though it isn’t working well, is a form of delusional thinking. Life does operate in somewhat predictable cycles. Conception, growth, labor, birth, growth, more growth and learning, completing, letting go, new ideas/conception, well you get the picture. And if we get caught up hanging on for deal life to pieces that are meant to be released, we simply slow ourselves down. But we cannot stop the cycles of change. The South Node and Neptune are pointing out to us what we have completed. What do we need to lose before we can gain a fair and just world? Systems break apart all the time. What worked in the past, may or may not work in the future. Our own lives call for being able to adapt and change as we go on living.

As the New Moon approaches, discover what you have said good bye to in the last year or two. What part of your identity has been washed away, disappeared, or become less important?  Give yourself some perspective by looking back at the different times in your life when significant changes took place. The ones you chose, and the ones that were thrust upon you. What was the shape of your life then, and how does it compare to what is going on now? What worked for you in the past, and what works best for you now? A new moon is often a time when we move forward into a new time and energy, and this one is also like that. However, if we move forward into this New Moon in Pisces without fully acknowledging what has to be grieved, what has been lost, and what blessings you have accrued, you will have a lot more unraveling to do this year, than need be.

Sometimes we are simply afraid to look at the scary stuff. Our disappointments, frustrations, fears, or problems/situations we feel we cannot control. It’s a lot like having a nightmare and waking up wanting to forget it. The best thing you can do for yourself right now is to face those fears. They cannot hurt you if you bring them out in the light. And if you would really rather live in the dark and not know yourself as you really are, then this advice is probably not for you. When we truly want to grow and learn and become more understanding of ourselves and other, this can be one of the most regenerating practices we can engage in. So however you choose to explore during the Pisces times, let yourself go a bit and free fall into the watery depths of your soul, enjoy the beauty that comes from knowing that the world truly does conspire to grant us our highest good. We simply need to be willing to be in alignment with that good, and that means, letting go honey, letting go.

One of the big themes of this New Moon in Pisces as she makes her way between the Sun in Pisces and the Earth, is Change. Accepting, allowing promoting, embracing, choosing, creating, and enjoying change. An image came to mind as I was preparing to write this column and that was of riding a horse. When riding a horse, you use the reins to direct the horse. A horse, like the power of our energy, is bigger than our capacity to truly tame it. However we can direct and channel that energy. We can pull back on the reins in an attempt to slow down or stop our horse/energy or we can use those reins to direct the changes and use the energy. The reins are like our own qualities. Our need for security, our stubbornness or need to control or manipulate.

Our reins can also be used to protect us from danger or to avoid problems or conflicts in our path. Again, a form of security. When a change is imminent, as change is now and during the next 6 months to a year, we can use our reins to try to stop what is happening or we can loose the reins and use them to direct those changes. We will have to suffer some discomfort in either case, but the outcome will be different. When we stop fighting the change and look to the landscape before us we can envision possibilities, which give birth to opportunities and other choices. We may not see what is ahead, but we can be guaranteed when we flow with the energy the way it is going, we move onto the path of freedom.

The Moon in Pisces is truly an insightful, intuitive, spiritual, and highly creative movement that is crossing the path between who and where we are, and what and who we can become. Our emotional well being and health are rooted in our Moon energy, that part of ourselves that filters, signals, and speaks to us of things through head, heart, gut, and senses. Now is a time that we come into a great attunement within and with others. Find time to create sacred space in time, space, and intention at this New Moon. Another aspect that would probably help in this transiiton, is to practice forgiveness. Forgive yourself and forgive others for anything that needs repair or healing. This will help clear the path before you. Welcome the path to freedom, and allow that Divine energy to flow from you through all you do, say, create, and dream.

Awakening of Consciousness: Full Moon in Leo/Lunar Eclipse

Winter Roses                                                                                                                           Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

As we are here on this Earth in physical form with a spiritual center and mission, we are in some ways limited by what we can do. We have a limited number of hours in a day, days in a year, and years in any given lifetime. That being said, we have an unlimited capacity to dream, envision, imagine, create, and contemplate how to use that time and energy. The rising Full Moon in Leo comes to fullness on Friday, February 10 (11:19 EST/8:19 PST).

Full Moons are times when whatever has been hidden or whatever has been growing and building up, comes to the surface or comes to fulfillment. This particular Full Moon focuses on the areas in our lives ruled by Leo (personal expression and fulfillment) and by Aquarius (impersonal expression, team work, what’s best for the whole). Look to the houses/areas in your life where Leo and Aquarius are to gain a better idea of what is being brought into the light now.

The Full Moon in 22 degrees of Leo is in the third decan. The Sun in Aquarius, the Moon in Leo, Jupiter in Libra, and Uranus in Aries form the Mystical Rectangle, a powerful alignment that indicates another powerful, transformative release of energy. The Lunar Eclipse in Leo on this Full Moon occurs on the Fixed Star Pherkad, the star in the constellation of Little Bear, or Ursa Minor (Little Dipper). With Uranus in Aries sextile Jupiter in Libra at the same time, there is a hopeful note to this eclipse, that note indicating our need to help others. In light of the indication that some pretty powerful choices will need to be made (life and death, formidable threats of war and conflict) we need to look to our personal lives to see where this same energy is boiling up.

As the Lunar Eclipse approaches, watch for the Leo area of your life as well as the Leo-ruled people around you to notice more than the usual amounts of meltdowns around this time. Channel energy of built up frustration, or find safe haven and creative releases for energies that need releasing. Expressing yourself in some manner (writing, dance, art, sports, constructive physical activity) is a good time at this time. The Lunar Eclipse occurs in the third decan (taking on some of the next sign, Libra and some of the energy of Sagittarius). Notice how Libra’s need to find the middle ground joins with Sagittarius’ need to act to discover ways to acknowledge and channel the emotional energy that is sure to be boiling up at this time.

This Full Moon in Leo is one that brings to light a crisis of lack. Lack of time or lack of fulfillment may become more apparent at this time. And since this is an influence that is more focused on the personal aspect of our lives, we need to look at how our personal relationships are lacking or in need of some adjustments. There may be a severing of relationships. Look to other areas of your life to notice how whatever lack you are experiencing is affecting other areas of your life. For example, sometimes when we lack personal fulfillment, we over do in other areas as a form of compensation. That’s fine as long as we don’t do that all the time. This is a time to seek a way to determine how you might live a more balanced life.

The Full Moon in Leo may also be a time when we have a major crisis of consciousness. We may have some major epiphanies as we explore our emotional needs. How do the imbalances, lacks, and needs in our lives play off each other? Expect some emotional drama, conflict, and within that, greater awareness. We may have  period of time when whatever we discover, experience, or wake up to has an immediate impact on us. A time when we know on a very deep, emotional level that a shift and change has come.

This Full Moon in Leo and Lunar eclipse is definitely a time when we are pushed to make whatever necessary changes are needed for our own personal happiness and fulfillment. We’ve known this was coming for quite some time, only now we have a clarity and certainty, of what we need to do. And though we may not make a move under the light of this Full Moon, we will know with certainty, the time has come to change. And we begin to envision with greater clarity and command, how that is going to have to take place.

Those most affected directly will be those who have charts with strong planets and alignments to the fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. Look at your chart and see where the fixed signs are, and you’ll probably notice that those four areas are being affected most. Look beyond a limited sun sign approach. See where the major planets are dancing in your life. Right now Saturn, the Great Teacher, Uranus the Great Mover and Shaker, Pluto, the Great Transformer, and Jupiter, the planet of Abundance and Good Fortune (now in retrograde) are interacting with the Sun and Moon highlighting the areas of your life where you can now make some positive choices. This is a time when it’s best not to ignore what has to be obvious to you by now. Whatever is the most emotionally charged, disturbing, or draining, is what is calling for you to notice. Pay attention and avoid being drawn into further conflicts, battles, or a full scale war. No one comes out of that unscathed. Wake up to what is needed for your wholeness, health, well being, and personal safety.

Mercury just entered Aquarius this morning (Tuesday, February 7). We hunger for knowledge. Throughout the first day of Mercury’s entry into Aquarius, the Moon (emotions) squares both Venus and Mars. This ought to cause us to wake up to what is out of whack in our personal lives. When the Moon trines Neptune this evening, we might begin to notice our intuitive sense of what is shifting. Stop focusing on what is falling apart, and pay attention to what is building up within. Wednesday the Moon in Cancer makes a number of aspects throughout the day, further raising our fears and causing us to pay more attention to security needs and threats to our safety and sense of propriety.  In the middle of these aspects, the Moon trines Chiron the Wounded Healer, reminding us that whatever we’re suffering through, recognizing as lack, or discovering the truth of, is part of the process we need to heal emotionally.

Thursday in the early morning hours, the Moon enters Leo. In the afternoon the Sun in Aquarius forms pleasant sextile to Uranus in Aries--perhaps a plesant surprise or shocking bit of good news relieves some of the pressure. The Moon then trines Mars bringing about some positive movement and actions that help us feel our power to bring about needed change and focused direction.

On Friday, the day of the Full Moon and Lunar eclipse, Mercury forms a sextile with Venus. This lends itself to positive conversations and support leading into the Full Moon and eclipse. Saturday also has some very positive alignments, all in the light of the Full Moon in Leo. Just near midnight, the Moon trines Saturn, perhaps indicating the first sense that we’ve begun to understand the hard lessons we’ve been learning. Later in the day, the Sun trines Jupiter, bringing some bounty and abundance to our new lunar year and month. What is manifesting in the light of this Full Moon is meant to be celebrated and integrated into our new year. The Moon will have entered Virgo by Saturday, and we will feel compelled to put some ideas and plans into action. If only in the form of making some solid plans in the forms of wish-lists, dates on calendars of to-dos, or creating a treasure map of what is needed to provide for the areas in our lives that need nourishment, love, and attention.

Celebrate in the light of the Full Moon, and dance in the awakenings that are stirring within you. Focus on that which demands and calls for your fullest attention, and then focus your time, energy, resources, and life on  the full expression of who you are in what is meant to be your new life. Use this precious life you have, the time you have, and the dreams and visions you have to do your best to create the world in the image and likeness of the Divine that dwells within us all.

Happy Lunar New Year of the Fire Rooster; New Moon in Aquarius

Cycles                                                                                                                                    Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

The lunar year, the Year of the Monkey is ending, and the Year of the Rooster is about to begin. On Thursday evening, January 27, the New Moon in Aquarius ushers in the Lunar New Year. At 4:07 p.m. PST/7:07 EST the Moon meets the Sun at 8/15 Aquarius, the first decan of the sign. The Sun entered Aquarius on January 19, and is nearly through the first decan, setting the Aquarian energy into motion making us feel more connected to one another and to higher causes in this very divisive and chaotic time. The New Moon in the first decan is in the most idealistic stage of this transit. Nothing wrong with optimism, but change and transformation requires both labor and birth. And after the birth, the umbilical cord must be cut for life to take hold. 

This whole transformation and birth process is not without pain and suffering. Freedom comes once the cord is cut, and then in order to survive, the entity must learn to live on its own. In the case of the current transformations taking place in our lives and in the life of the planet, the birthing process has been completed, and the post-partum period has begun. The Moon in the first decan of Aquarius is forever looking for the ideal. While hope, a vision of what could be, and optimism are good and useful elements of transformation, they are not all that is required. In the process of breaking away from that which has held, defined, or restricted us in the past, we find ourselves feeling rebellious, resentful, or perhaps ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater. This will pass, but for the time of the New Moon, observe what you are cating your dispersions on, and simply identify what you are having a difficult time releasing. That will go a long way to helping you when you have healed up, recovered, or prepared yourself in body, mind, and spirit to move forward.

We often cling to what was in hopes it can be repaired, revived, or recovered. That’s a normal part of the process, but we cannot move forward into freedom if we are clinging to what was or what one hoped would be. I remember when I was giving birth, the water broke, and I cried and cried because the whole experience of being pregnant and feeling my baby within me growing and changing had been such a precious journey. It is normal for us to feel the grief of endings, in all areas of our lives. This might be one of those times when you feel a great sense of loss for something that was once very precious to you. Allow yourself to honor that as it will help you move into the newness of the new lunar year ahead.

The Moon and Sun in Aquarius sit on the fixed star, Alpha Tucana, the Toucan. The Toucan, with its sharp beak is a trickster as well as a noisy bird. It often duels with other toucans, its sharp beak pecking and biting. This symbolizes the element of arguing, verbal fencing, and loud, noisy bickering...something we might be tired of but might also notice more of during the New Moon phase. As the Moon moves deeper into Aquarius later in the week, this eases up.

Venus at 24 degrees Pisces forms an exact square to Saturn at 24 degrees Sagittarius at the New Moon. It’s a difficult time to express affections as our fear of rejection may be triggered by past events (Saturn the Great Teacher reminds us of what happened in the past). Confrontation ought to be avoided during this cycle, and if you must confront or deal with issues that are hot and edgy, get an intermediary to provide some form of protection for you. Shield yourself from anything that is  a threat, perceived or real, until you feel less vulnerable and fragile. It’s time to treat ourselves with tender loving care. Our egos have been bruised, our hearts have been wounded, and our emotions are right up on the surface, ready to pour forth. We need to build up our strength and confidence before confronting anything that could damage us, body, mind, or spirit. Don’t walk into any burning buildings, and avoid unnecessary confrontations. Hold your own counsel and get support in healing or coping with old wounds and trauma. It’s time for healing. Whatever inner work you do now and in the next few months should help you find yourself in the new identity that is growing in and around you. It’s a time to rebuild our sense of confidence, to renew our strength and energy, and to remember who we are and why we are here. It’s a key time to resurect our sense of purpose and well being.

This Venus-Saturn square is a deep seated reworking and healing energy that may touch on some pretty tender parts of our lives. We need to muster up our courage and be patient as we work on reviving and renewing. Avoid dropping down into despair and hopelessness. Notice where you are feeling unworthy of giving and receiving love. Start with small steps to reconnect to the heart-centered part of yourself. Do simple things to help you rebuild your strength and help you focus on what really matters in life now. Spend the time you need to work throught the different stages of loss, grief, and disappointment with what was, and work to reconnect with your inner gifts and strengths. When we lose something, even a vision of who we thought we were or what we hoped would be, we often feel humiliated and embarrassed. If this is true for you, I will say to you what a dear friend said to me when I felt like this. “You did nothing wrong. All you did was try to love someone. Try to do your best.” And this applies to any loss or disappointment. Focus on what your true intentions were, and give yourself credit for doing your best, and then stop worrying about how others treated you or what was not accomplished, or what will never be.

A very important part of rebuilding our sense of confidence and feeling of worthiness is through appreciation. What are you thankful for? What blessings have come to you? What have you accomplished? What and who are blessings in your life right now? Stop gazing in the pond looking at your refection (the dreams, expectations, illusions, distortions) of the past, and look around you. Where are you now, and what are the blessings right in your NOW? I can tell you one. You’re alive and you’re able to read. Begin to see what there is to be grateful for, and then build on that to do more reaching out, creating, and building a new life.

Venus is about love, creatiivity, harmony, and balance. And it’s about money and resources. There are different ways to use the energy of this New Moon. One is ambition, the other is competitiveness. Both can work together to find you working harder than ever to make something come to life and to increase your financial resources. Whatever you pour yourself into at this New Moon will have long-lasting consequences and will increase your value. Be careful what you expend your energy into. Avoid wasting in in being despoindent or cranky and argumentative. Use it instead to get something accomplished. Move the energy into clearing and cleaning up what needs to be cleared, and begin putting plans into place and working on projects or steps in areas of growth that have reached a new stage of development.

The news during this New Moon cycle may reveal some rather outlandish and crazy-making side shows. Avoid getting pulled into the side shows and instead find a refuge from the storm that is blowing with the changes taking place. We all need a time out to rest up, build up our reserves, and determine for ourselves what is most important to our own development. Whatever we work on in our personal lives, will have a direct impact on the world beyond us. Ground yourself in the priorities that are most important to you, notice what may be holding you back or distracting you, and take action to eliminate contact with crazy makers, wet blankets, and energy vampires. Clean up your act, and take some time to refresh yourself. Run out when the sun comes out and soak up some Vitamin D. Drink lots of water, take lots of walks, and clear the deck of any debris or time wasters that hold the potential to slow your growth and block your vision.

Saturn the Great Teacher shows us what is worth preserving, Venus reminds us of what really matters to us. The New Moon in Aquarius opens the door to the new lunar cycle and new lunar year. The Sun in Aquarius shines is light on where you are right now and what you can actually have some effect on. In the negative realms of life, the areas where people use the Saturnian and Venuvian energy corruptly, we can now also recognize where the corrupters are and what they are doing to use, abuse, and destroy what supports and upholds our fundamental goodness. We need to be vigilant and focused now. We need to be healthy and clear to do this. Now is the time to seek clarity, guidance, and inner strength.

On Wednesday, just before the New Moon in Aquarius, Venus conjuncts Chiron (The Wounded Healer) in Pisces. This brings us an unexpected and welcome opportunity to heal and mend our personal relationships. It’s a good time for building trust, forming lasting commitments, and reaffirming what is best about our personal relationships. This includes seeing where the dysfunctional relationships that are not healed or healing need to be released so that healing can take place in our understanding of what a real commitment requires. We are not to wilingly bury ourselves in unhealthy, destructive patterns and cycles right now (or at any other time for that matter). It’s particularly important now to recognize now though that in the words of Christ Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas, “When we bring forth what is within us, what we bring forth will save us. When we don’t bring that forth, we will be destroyed.”  We cannot ignore our gifts, beauty, talents, and abilities. And we are the Divine gift born into this time, place, and body to do good works. We cannot allow anything or any illusion of who we are or should be to stand in the way. Get some clarity, ask for help, and seek Divine guidance and protection to helpy you become your beautiful, best self. You have a lot to offer the world. The world needs what you have to give, create, and offer. Waste no time in sorrow when you can bless others with your gifts.

Now a little bit about what the Year of the Fire Rooster bodes. It is said that the Year of the Fire Rooster will find people being more polite and less confrontational (despite the way the year starts out). It is also said that people will often complicate things more than they have to be. The year will highlight progress, honor, and integrity.  Rat people will enjoy financial success and many happy events. Ox people will be surprised by unexpected success and unexpected events. Tiger people will not suffer for anything, and will have unexpected last minute help. Dragon people will hear lots of good news and will have much success and will make advances in their careers as well as making progress in all areas of importance. Horse people will have much success and personal happiness this year. There could be imbalances in career. Avoid getting edgy and upset over such issues. Change is good. Goat people need to watch their spending and unexpected expenses. Trouble in the family if they attempt to temper down the Goat. Let the Goat grumble; be there to support changes.Monkey people will have a very good year in their romantic lives. Rooster people will have help for all the problems that come up. Help comes from influential and powerful people. Rooster people are going to have a lot to deal with but the energy and support to get things accomplished. Cat/Rabbit people may have a difficult year with lots to deal with, mostly having to do with material possessions. The Boar people will have a busy, tense year. Financial and business problems will require tenacity and patience. Dog people may have some unexpected health issues to deal with, and may have trouble in the romance area of life.

All in all, the Year of the Fire Rooster is going to be one of dealing with change and transformatiion, clearing out what is no longer working, and taking advantage of new opportunities. After the whacky and unpredictable antics of the Monkey year we are completing, the Year of the Fire Rooster is gong to bring us situations and events that will require quick thinking and fast action to deal with. Whatever challenges arise, seek the opportunities that come with them, and keep using your wit and wisdom to cope with what needs to be tended to.

Catharthis: Full Moon in Cancer & Grand Cardinal Cross Ignite Change

You Are Loved                                                                           Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

If life hasn't already been full of surprises and upsets enough, it's about to reach a cathartic turning point or two more. Both in our personal lives, and in our colletive identity, life has shifted sweeping the rug out from under all expectations and predictions. Take a deep breath, hold onto your hats, and get ready because the ride is far from over. But you are in a good place to get a front row seat to the action. What is going on right now in your own personal life, is mirroring on some level, the collective shifts. What is rising up within us is now calling us to the next leg of our journey. As some have said, this is what we've been prepared for. Ready or not, here it comes. A new yaear has begun, and on Thursday January 12, 2017 at 3:34 A.M. PST/6:34 A.M. EST, the Moon reaches her fullness in the third decan of Cancer at 22/27 degrees.. 

The Full Moon in the third decan of Cancer and the Grand Cardinal Cross forms a volatile and emotional crossroads point. With the Sun in Capricorn and Moon in Cancer in opposition to one another and Jupiter in Libra and Uranus in Aries in opposition, all in cardinal signs, this first full moon of 2017 (and last of the lunar year) trigger both personal and collective floods and eruptions that force issues out from hiding. As the Full Moon in Cancer, the Sun in Capricorn, Uranus in Aries, and Jupiter in Libra, the Cardinal Cross forms two oppositions and four squares. The Full Moon in Cancer triggers the Jupiter-Uranus opposition. Look for four key areas of your life where the Cardinal signs are transiting, and prepare yourself to deal with some major awakenings, releases, and sudden and shocking shifts.

Due to the nature of both fiery Uranus in Aries and buoyant, visionary Jupiter in Libra, this aspect releases some pretty far-reaching and rebellious types of energy, actions, and collective actions, movements, and energy. Uranus rules electricity, and Jupiter symbolizes abundance and beyond-the-bounds inspiration. This meeting and friction ignites us personally and collectively to head out on new pathways and take new directions in the call of personal freedom and liberty. Extremes of all kinds are triggered at this point, and have long-lasting effects where both shocking and surprising changes take place in some of the most unexpected ways.

Polarities are in the extreme at this point, and any compromise or backtracking with personal or collective actions, intentions, and decisions will have lasting and destructive ramifications. We want to stick to that which is calling us to grow and find the right path ahead,avoiding any destructive compromise or unwillingness to see how the die has been cast. We are faced in our personal and collective lives with the choices and responses that will determine how our future will unfold. Be sure you are doing what you are called to do, in the way you are called to do it, and for all the right reasons. Be sure you have disconnected from  any unwanted behaviors, patterns, baggage, or connections as you carry forth what is within you now-acknowledge or not.

Reflect on what you invested your time, energy, and resources on six months ago. Whatever you invested in at that time is now coming back to you with the rewards of that  investment. The Full Moon in the third decan of Cancer brings with it abundance and luxury. Full moons are fulfillment, and so we now reap what we sowed. Where we allowed what was within us to come emerge, will be rewarded now. The retrograde phase of Mercury ends as I am writing this column. Mercury in its retrograde cycle has reentered Sagittarius, and at the time of the Full Moon will be in the anaretic degree (29th/last degree) as it completes its transit of Sagittarius and prepares tor reenter Capricorn. A vital aspect, communications may be fiery, shocking, and critical at the time of the Full Moon as well. Any lull in January energy may be much less than it usually is. As the Moon waxes to fullness, we find ourselves restless and energized. 

The annual Saturnalia festival of ancient times, a time when Capricorn’s ruler Saturn was honored as the table was set and roles were reversed, with master serving slaves in a feast of appreciation and liberation from the normal rules and customs. Some believe this festival (usually celebrated in December) was the festival Christians chose to celebrate Christ’s nativity. This year, the ancient festival falls in the light of the Full Moon, and beckons us to celebrate our freedom and independence from tyranny, oppression as we break the shackles that bind us to that which threatens our freedom and creativity. Cardinal placements trigger change and open doorways to new ways of knowing, being, thinking, and behaving. This is a time to break out of any molds that are inhibiting who you are and preventing you from living authentically and freely.

Whether those shackles are in letting go of thoughts, beliefs, patterns of behavior, toxic relationships and living conditions, or conditions that make living peacefully and in harmony impossible, we will be pushed over the edge by the energy building up now. The Grand Cardinal Cross triggered by the Full Moon in Cancer, fuels our deepest desires for real security, the kind that is rooted in our living our own Truth, not submitting to the false and poisonous dictates of others. This is an life-changing time for us, and we will feel it on some very profound and deep level. One of the ways to see what is shaking out in your own life is to look at what houses/areas of your own life are being affected primarily.

On Tuesday as the Sun in Capricorn  forms the square to Uranus in Aries, we find it difficult if not impossible to guess what’s coming next. Expecting the unexpected is the rule as this transit begins the energizing of the Cardinal Cross. Time to take a wait and see attitude about any major changes or choices that you may have been considering. This does not mean to stop clearing and disentangling from toxic and outworn modes of belief and behavior, but it does signal the need to take some time to reflect, observe, and watch how what you’ve already put into place begins unfolding, in sometimes some pretty amazing and surprising ways.

On Wednesday as the Cardinal Cross continues forming, the Sun in Capricorn squares Jupiter in Libra. This energy may have us feeling restless, unsettled, and anxious. A good time to channel any unstable energy into creative, purposeful, and grounding activities. A very beautiful aspect that coincides with this Full Moon in Cancer is the conjunction of Venus and Neptune in Pisces. The Full Moon in Cancer trines  Venus, Neptune, and Chiron casting a mystical, creative, and healing energy over us. We may be going through a lot of shifting, changing, and transforming, but we are beginning to feel and connect to the beauty of this change in our lives.

The more we recognize the pain, lessons, and challenges of the past have elements for helping us remember how we have leaned to heal, the more we will feel ready and capable for whatever challenges our new pathways and choices hold. For in the forward momentum and movement into becoming more fully who we are, we also remember who we have always been at the heart of our being and essence. Connecting and seeking guidance from the Divine helps us navigate the waters we are sailing. This is a time when psyches are open, vulnerable, and more easily swayed. While what is shiny may be attractive, we need to use our powers of discernment to not pay too high a cost for what is illusory, vague, or fleeting. Ground yourself to what truly speaks from your soul of your own journey, and welcome those as partners and allies who can walk that road with you, not drag you off into dark and tragic places where there is no hope but continually circling the same old loop.

Later when the Sun forms a semi-square to Neptune in Pisces, we may feel we have lost track or slipped back away from the path that seemed so clear in the light of the Full Moon in Cancer. This is only an temporary illusion, a block woven from our own exhaustion, fears, and the normal tendencies we all have when we’re starting off on a new journey. The desire is to run back to the safe places, to return to a time that is no more. What we need to do now is to face the unknown with courage and with determination. And take a rest stop for a day or two to recover from the major shifts that have just taken hold. As we near the end of the lunar year (The New Lunar Year begins January 27-28), this is a time when reflection, rest, and repairing of nets needs to be done so we are ready to begin the new cycle in greater clarity.

The Year of the Fire Rooster is about to begin. The Fire Rooster Year will follow on the Year of the Monkey, a year that has us all scratching our heads and asking, “What just happened?” It was a year full of surprises, upsets, and challenges to whatever we thought was supposed to happen. Surprise after surprise, both good and not so good, marked the Year of the Monkey. Now we head into a different type of energy altogether. The Year of the Rooster will bring new challenges, and will require us to use our wits and figure out practical solutions to challenges that arise. The new year begins on the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. Predicted to be a powerful new year, with no middle of the road when it comes to making changes and moving forward. This is a year when impressions will count more than usual. We want to look our best, make good impressions, and put our best foot forward. Show the world what you are through respecting yourself and taking pride in the appearance of your home, your work, yourself. Make your intentions clear (that requires being clear yourself with yourself). Use what is tried and true, and avoid too much risk. Stick with what you know works for you, and focus on honoring loyalty, hard work, family, commitments, and always looking and doing your best. You honor others when you care enough about yourself to present your best.

As you celebrate the Full Moon and prepare for the New Lunar Year, clean up your act. Clear away clutter, clean the house, car, office, and get yourself some new clothes, a hair cut, and give some special attention and gifts to those you love, in appreciation for the gifts they have shared with you. Happy New Year and celebrate the shifts the Full Moon in Cancer bring to light.