Full Moon in Pisces: Spiritual Awakening

The Empress: Abundance                       Tammy Heinz, Artist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leo, the Lion-hearted: Solar Eclipse

Darkness Settles                                                        Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

The Solar Eclipse at 28 degrees of Leo, is occurring on the fixed star Regulus. Regulus is  considered one of the Royal Stars (Ruler of Persia). The nearly total eclipse (99%) of the Sun as the Moon and Earth line up in direct alignment are in the 3rd decan of Leo. This Solar Eclipse in Leo, 3rd decan of Virgo  signifies a major change, disruption, revelation, and/or major historical breakthrough or event. The effects of this eclipse triggered on August 21, 2017 will be revealed over the next 6 months as the eclipse unfolds in the aftermath of what is occurring now. 

In ancient times, eclipses was considered a malefic event for leaders who happened to be ruling areas in the path of the eclipse. The current President of the US whose own chart shows Regulus rising and conjunct his Mars, may be affected strongly by this eclipse. The path of the eclipse travels across the entire continental United States, and whatever happens to our leaders has an impact on the entire world. So it will be interesting to see how the current administration is affected and reacts to this particular event. For the first time since 1979 (nearly full eclipse), and the first time in 99 years (last time there was a full eclipse), the U.S. will be affected. At such a critical time in our history, we may see some dramatic and explosive signs. The leaders are affected regardless, and will continue to feel and experience the aftermath of this eclipse for at least the next six months. This eclipse however, may have more ramifications and a longer lasting impact.

An almost carnival-like atmosphere has taken over in anticipation of this event. I live in Oregon where  the final path of the eclipse passes over the state. For months people have been booking hotels, campsites, and events in order to witness the eclipse. Many of us are watching with a sense of caution and concern. Festivals to honor the event of Father Sun, Sister Moon, and Mother Earth aligning with one another. With all the hoopla and celebration, we might want to also look at how our own personal lives, the communities in which we live, and our relationship to the collective whole are in or out of alignment at this time. It is a time to pause and contemplate that which is rising up within us to be made manifest.

With all the political and social disruptions caused by our political system being somewhat in disarray, it is apparent to many that what is needed is a deep healing of the wounds of decades if not centuries, that leadership can either foster or irritate and break open. Unfortunately, the rhetoric and abrasive actions of leadership seems to be acting from fear, divisiveness, and hatred. How do we combat harsh realities in divisive times? This Solar Eclipse in Leo may show us the dramatic flashback or eruption that can be caused when a wounded animal is cornered and feels no way out but to attack. Whatever occurs, it is a time to watch, contemplate, and prepare ourselves to deal with the consequences and push back against anything that would harm us.

In Washington D.C., our nation’s capital, more than 90% of the Sun will be blocked during the eclipse. The power of the eclipse can subdue and limit one’s ability to act.  “The Royal Stars.. also believed to govern events in the world. Major disasters, breakthroughs, and historical phenomenons were seen as caused by the stars… When the stars were aligned accordingly, favorable conditions followed, and when they were negatively aligned, disaster was predicted. Because Regulus was the most influential of the Royal Stars, events that took place while Regulus was in dominance were amplified and grave, foreshadowing destruction.”(Darkstar Astrology)

The good news is that during such times when great challenges, obstacles, and crises arise, great and beneficent leaders arise as well. Leaders with Regulus ruling their Moons (emotional temperament) include: Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, and Ghandi.  The leaders who emerge at this time will provide the qualities so needed, understanding, compassion, nurturing, and wisdom. With Regulus in Virgo decan, the focus of this eclipse will be on serving,helping, and nurturing others. And that might be how we find our path through these darker times or times of turmoil, the likes of which we have seen recently and will continue to see until we find a way to right the ship that has been capsized. 

Depending on how evolved, healed, and redeemed a leader may be (or how much we ourselves are healing), we could see either very ruthless and tyrannical behavior or more courageous, servant-leadership focused on the good of the many. When tyranny and ruthlessness rise under this Solar Eclipse cycle, we will also see the wise and compassionate leaders gain strength as they help unite and rally us together for the sake and good of our country, and the world beyond ourselves. I believe we are already starting to see some of this (Sun is already in Virgo decan of Leo) as leaders, heads of companies, faith leaders, and families begin speaking out and risking their own comfort to be trail blazers, active guides, visionaries, and commanders. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (heads of all our military services) have all made a public stand against racism and hateful bigotry. Business leaders have refused to back leaders who have gone to the defense of white supremacists. These actions are but a few of the kinds of stands being made from which new, more evolved leadership is beginning to emerge to push back against the rising tide of tyranny, oppression, and suppression that has taken hold and broken the hearts of a nation. 

Leo is the Lion, the courageous ones. Like the Mother Lion whose cubs are threatened, leadership arises now to protect and fight for what we most cherish and want to protect. In our own personal lives, we fight for what is right. Together we unite with the support of those leaders who are wiling to fight to the death to protect and serve. We fight the tyranny of hatred, oppression, and inequality that threatens every institution, our cherished values and beliefs, and whatever else is a danger to those whom we have sworn to protect, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—for all people regardless of race, religion, gender, economic status. 

This is a crucial time, it’s nearly impossible not to see how tenuous the nature of our civilization is at this time. We are at a point in history where we as a whole, must choose the direction we need to go to preserve and protect the basic rights, liberties, and freedom we have taken for granted at times, fought to preserve at other times. Now is a time when we must stand firm, push back against tyranny, and discover within ourselves, that Lion heart that seeks to fight for what is right. Each of us has something we can do to work towards that goal. 

This Solar Eclipse is triggering and awakening that part of each of us. Pay attention to what you are being called to do to support and stand strong to protect and honor. Watch and listen to see who speaks and acts from a place of true lion-hearted courage, and who is still only interested in ego-driven, hate-filled need. It is vital that we are clear about what strengths, gifts, and energy we have and what calls us to focus on and strengthen so the we add to the strength of the whole body of humanity and the Earth, and we do not add to the destruction and dismantling of what is good and structurally needed.

Living in this culture, and having lived through 7 decades of governments since WWII, my reading of this astrological chart is of course influenced by a lifetime of observations. My interpretations are based on what I’m reading in the chart for this Solar eclipse, and since it so greatly impacts the U.S., it therefore focuses on its leadership. I doubt that many people would question that this is a time of crisis. Read the chart from the stand point of how this powerful influences are calling your to have courage, to stand up against oppression, and to take a stand in times when your choices and decisions really do have a major impact on some of the most important decisions of our lives—as individuals and as a whole nation and world. Look to where Leo is in your chart (its’ where the Sun has been all month) and notice what is screaming for your attention and action. How is your own ability to act with strength and compassion being tested? How can you help others by taking a stronger stand and speaking out against any form of tyranny and for whatever is needed for justice, equity, compassion, and peace?  What is emerging within you, and what has to change or be destroyed?

Full Moon in Aquarius: Green Corn Moon

Blackberry Blossoms                                                      Catherine Al-Meten  Meyers

The Full Sturgeon Moon, Sunday, August 7 at 11:10 A.M. is also called the Corn Moon, Fruit Moon, Grain Moon, depending on what local crops are ripening or game are in season. This month’s Full Moon at 15 degrees of Aquarius, With the Sun at 15 degrees (2nd dean) of Leo and the Moon opposite, both are intensified by Mars’ entry in the 2nd dean of Leo as well. Mars is blazing its way through Leo, first rewards abundantly those who are on its side, and spares no mercy for those who stand in its way or conflict with it in some way. 

With both the Sun and Mars in the 2nd decan of Leo, there can be some strong conflicts between groups of people who clash over worldview, code of honor and ethics, and differences of opinion about any manner of beliefs, practices, or perspectives. Best not to go on the offensive, and to stay out of any arena that could lead to hostilities of a xenophobic or tribal-loyalties nature. Leo in aspect from the 2nd decan can be rather one-sided, egocentric, and closed off to the idea that anyone can see the world in quite as correct a way as him/herself. 

The Full Moon in Aquarius full lunar eclipse emphasize the need to find safe ways to release tension, express views and opinions, and engage in discussions. Aquarius emphasizes the use of innovation or non-traditional ways of meeting needs and coping with issues. We are called upon or feel impelled to be more courageous than we normally might feel. This requires doing so in ways that do not open us to the wrath of those unable to control or understand the lethal power of their sting or the toxic effect of their poisonous tongue. Being brave under fire is easier if we know how to pick a safe position to operate from in the first place. 

This New Moon emphasizes areas related to home, partnerships and marriage, and our emotional well being and expression. Jupiter the planet of benevolence and abundance is square Pluto, the Great Transformer in Capricorn. Aquarius is the Constellation of Copernicus, named after the revolutionary scientist. The Constellation Copernicus, also called the Sea Goat, transforms the waters of our life, and changes the course of our voyage.In our collective voyage, Copernicus and this Full Moon, shine a light on areas of great change and major disruptions in both the political and climactic atmosphere. Storms at sea, disruptions in political affairs, and revolutionary and transformative movement and transition are indicated.

The influence of Copernicus will increase in intensity as we move closer to the eclipse. What you may note or spend time contemplating at this Full Moon in Aquarius is how your desires, hopes, and dreams are coming into focus and finding support.  It is essential that we use our power, authority, achievements, and influence with great care so as not to become too ruthless or arrogant in our quest to achieve. Allow your work to unfold and stay out of your own way. Let the worth of your gifts speak for themselves, and allow the gifts to flow freely in both directions. 

In the week the Moon is waxing to fullness, Venus entered Cancer where we seek a greater sense of security in our relationships, and where we spend more time creating a comfortable and safe home. 

Neptune in Pisces opposite Mercury in Virgo may tend to muddy up the waters in areas of communication and spiritual growth. The unhealed side of Neptune in Pisces is delusion, escapism, and/or deception. All these negative expressions of Neptune in Pisces point us toward areas where we’re still trapped beneath understanding of the shadow parts of our lives and consciousness. Notice where you may be running into the same issues over and over, and notice during this Full Moon period whether or not you’re able to understand a different and new approach to an old problem. 

The energy of this opposition can work one of two ways. It can highlight and intensify the inner conflicts we have, or it can lead us toward a more balanced and harmonious way of reconciling body, mind, spirit, and our own spiritual journey. Of course the big news in August is the upcoming Solar Eclipse on August 21, just as the Sun enters Virgo. (I will be writing about the eclipse in the weeks leading up to it.) The dance between the polar ends or each area of our lives  is a major part of our life journeys. This Full Moon in Aquarius shines it golden light on what we have achieve so far. And it gives us a glimpse into what needs to be adjusted, accepted, or exchanged in order to move forward. Dancing in the light of the Full Moon in Aquarius, may help us cleanse, find release, and focus our intentions in alignment with what is wise, healthy, and mutually beneficial for all. 

Uranus in Aries just began its retrograde phase in Aries. An interesting influence around the Full Moon time is the trine between Saturn in Sagittarius, Retrograde Uranus in Aries, and the North Node in Leo. The indication is that something or someone from the past can play an important role in changes you are considering making or have made. Notice whether or not any of your own natal or progressed planets are making aspects to any of the three, especially the North Node, Gateway to the Future.  Sudden reminders, reappearances, or memories from the past can have a surprising influence on choices you are about to make.

There is a line from an Islamic prayer, a way of describing God’s gifts, to be "beneficent and merciful". This Full Moon in Aquarius calls all to be generous, seeking to share with all what is mutually sustaining, and to be merciful towards others so we do not use our power and authority at the expense of the lives, well being, and welfare of others. Seek during this Full Moon cycle to seek Divine mercy for others and for yourself. Be receptive to the gifts and abundance that comes with sharing, forgiving, and walking away from conflicts, disagreements, and walls that divide you from others. 

Aquarius always seems set to see the bigger picture, the one that sees beyond the current storms to possibilities and outcomes beyond present expectations. Weather whatever storms may arise now, and know that how you handle yourself on the journey is as important if not more so than what is waiting when you arrive at your destination. How you travel defines you. Open yourself to the goodness of all so that you have a chance of seeing it when it’s before you, and when it rises up within you.

New Moon in Leo conjunct Mars: Hold Onto Your Hats

Fruit of the Vine                                                                       Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

On Sunday, July 23, the New Moon peaks at 0 degrees Leo. This New Moon  conjuncts Mars which just entered Leo earlier this week. A fiery combination, and one likely to stir up emotions in dramatic ways. The New Moon peaks in Leo at 2:46 P.M. PDT. The Sun entered Leo just hours earlier on July 22.

Venus in Gemini formed an exact square to Neptune in Pisces at 14 degrees earlier in the week. It’s waning aspect still creates confusion and emotional polarization and/or edginess in areas related to love, romance, creative beauty, and artistic expression. Pressure builds, things fall apart, and life’s certainties shift in ways that we begin to see will have a lasting effect. This New Moon may bring about breakups, surely major changes and alterations brought about by reaching the breaking point or outer limits of tolerance over what can no longer be ignored.

In the wake of the New Moon in Leo, Uranus in Aries stations retrograde. We may have reminders of past alterations, turning point crises, or some other sudden or unexpected upset or transition that we find we still need to integrate or understand. At the same time, it may be a time when we do more reflecting taking time to reconsider changes that have happened and that need to happen. It's a time for second chances,  starting fresh, or reviewing, revising, and reimagining what is needed and what direction to take. Ask yourself, "What could be?" And then listen, and begin plugging away in that direction.

Jupiter in it’s lengthy Libra cycle makes its third and final square to Pluto in Capricorn. This is the area of life where you’ve been going through the greatest transition over the past few years. If you are a regular reader, you may have already identified where this is in your life; if not, look to the realm of greatest change, upset, and deep transformative upheaval. Those same areas of your life are receiving the final thrust of energy and push (motivation if you’re ready/shove if you’re not). The best thing to do with this kind of major aspect is to acknowledge the gifts, resources, knowledge, and expertise you already have that will enable you to do what needs to be done in the transformations needed to make your life free from past patterns and baggage so you can move forward in pursuit of your dreams, passions, goals, and new life paths. 

One of my favorite astrologer’s, Marina of DarkStar Astrology, calls this New Moon the Moon of Tribal Shock, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if we didn’t not only see but also experience some dramatic major shifts and surprising changes ushered on this New Moon at 0 degrees Leo. We’ll be called to seek shelter and to ready ourselves for what lies ahead. Conjunct active, let’s-do-it-now Mars and square sudden, unexpected Uranus in Aries, we can anticipate some fairly significant break ups in families, tribes, and nations. We can also expect to see shifts in both personal and collective areas where we’ve been drawn to and united by clan or cult-like types of groups. Time to determine where your true loyalties are and how you want to find purpose and meaning. Settling for anything less than authentic and life-affirming is not a path that works well for most people under this transit. A new moon always begins a new cycle, and this may be the new moon where  you are brought into greater clarity about what is needed for your path to go in a more life-affirming direction. Awakenings and break ups, embracing and walking away from former loyalties, or being forced out of a situation you’ve not been able to free yourself from—all likely in one form or another during the New Moon in Leo.

This lunar cycle has a very spiritually enhancing element to it. For we seek the unitive or unifying experience often through a religious or spiritual  medium. While that still may be where you find a pathway to the unity you seek, the true meeting takes place on the soul level between our individual essence and its connection with that Divine Source being. However you define and identify with that, we want to remember our path to Divine Unity is both transcendent and imminent. The mysterious, unreachable, ineffable essence and the mundane, daily life connections that truly shape, mold, and define us, are within our grasp, regardless of where we are or who we are or are not with. This New Moon in Leo conjunct Mars and square Uranus in Aries (just before it goes retrograde) calls us to remember who we are, to celebrate what that is, and to find that center within that can remain calm through whatever storms or inconsistencies or diverse options appear before us. 

We are being forged in the fires of this New Moon. Like gold we are being temperate so that we can be shaped and molded into of our golden potential. We are the alchemical material with which the Divine creates, and it is our work and joy here, to use the potentials, creative ideas, intuition, and full expression to co create the world in which we live, and to leave, as our legacy, healing, beauty, love expressed and shared, and ties that honor what is best about ourselves and others, and a desire to heal the wounds that have been inflicted on us or that we have inflicted on anyone else. With the Moon conjunct Mars, we have a yearning to protect and provide for those in our families with whom we connect.  Someone from the past may appear or you may hear from someone who has been estranged or you might have thought lost to you. Take time to make amends when possible, and to loosen the bonds that keep yourself trapped in relationships, jobs, living conditions, thought patterns, perspectives, or life circumstances that are anything but healthy and growing.

Mars in the area of emotional home/well begin can be very emotional, and so avoid explosive and volatile situations that might burn out of control if ignited. And it you get caught up in such a situation, get to higher ground, seek shelter, and understand that this is the time to gain the perspective  you need to do what is right and good for you and yours. Fight or flight responses are the physical choices we have when we’re in danger.  Whether this kind of peril is physical, mental, emotional, psychological, spiritual, or a combination thereof, it is really important to do what you need to do to protect yourself and find safe haven.

This New Moon, the earlier New Moon also in Leo, the February eclipse, and the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse in August all signal a major shift in cultural and universal life and values. The Solar eclipse in a couple of weeks is conjunct the anaretic (last degree in a sign), 29 degrees of Regulus, signifying the completion of some major transformational change. Rather than getting caught up in generational identity or static, dogmatic belief systems, we might want to call upon the Divine powers and angelic forces to infuse us with wisdom, empower us with Love, and guide us in faith. Travel on the pilgrim trail ahead with the hope that together we can weather all storms, heal wounds, protect one another, and create great beauty and bring peace. Begin within, and share what you have to help in this time of great need for healing.

Capricorn Full Buck Moon: Powerful Forces at Work

Waxing Moon                                                                                   Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

July’s  FULL MOON in Capricorn peaks on the West Coast at 8:07 P.M PDT/ 11:07 P.M. EDT Saturday, January 8/4:07 A.M. UTC early Sunday, January 9.  July’s Full Buck Moon is transiting Capricorn, the Goat. The Mountain Goat who is able to climb  nearly impossibly steep cliffs. The Cancer Sun and Capricorn Moon both fall at 17 degrees, 9 minutes in their respective signs. The Second decan of Capricorn and Cancer are at the very heart of these polar opposite energies. At this culminating time, whatever was begun at the New Moon now comes to fruition. Emotions, romance, relationships, and fertility are emphasized under this Full Moon.

The Cancer-Capricorn axis creates either conflict or integration, depending on how well we are able to work with the opposing forces. On one hand, We seek to find the balancing point between our private lives, our need for domestic tranquility, a sound and steady home base, and a core set of values to help us define who we are within the context of home and community. Capricorn governs how we make our reputation in community, how we are held accountable for our public behavior, and what our role is in our ongoing search for life purpose.

Cancer reigns over our attachments, love, and the traditions and roots we value. Capricorn focus our attention on our service to others, our reputation and worth in society, and our living out a higher purpose. One can enhance the other, as long as we constantly seek to lift and balance both needs in our lives. When we are living at odds with this need, we find ourselves stretched too thin in one area or the other, longing to get back in balance. Listen to what your body, mind, spirit, and the symbolic language of your life is showing you. Those thoughts of a hike or swim or moment of solitude by the beach are meant to activate you toward that balance. What may be needed around this time is setting up a schedule or committing to a more disciplined approach to feeding body, mind, spirit, and the mundane tasks of life. For example, rather than letting things go until you have time to, say vacuum or do dishes, or go shopping, set aside dedicated time for those tasks, in the regular schedule you keep. That way, it’s simply part of the day rather than a burden draining you of energy.

Cancer Sun is helping remind us of that internal sense we have of who we are. And envisioning a way to live towards expressing that. Capricorn loves to set goals, accomplish them and transform ideas into action or creativity. This is a very helpful combination for seeking greater balance and doing it in ways that help you establish a new way of life.

If it’s so simple, then why don’t we do it? This Full Moon gives you a hint. Our fears stop us in our tracks. We come into conflict between our need for security and home and our need to answer the callings of our souls or the direction of the path we’re on or seeking to find. Even when we are clear about our path, we discover there are roadblocks, challenges, and points of departure that frighten us. Are we going to be able to go forward? Will we be successful? Will we be able to meet our security needs?  

Along with fear comes doubt, frustration, and sometimes depression.  At those points if you look more closely at your life balance, you’ll probably see that the Cancer needs have not been met while the Capricorn direction and goals have drained us of our resources. We need to take breaks to balance things out.  This Full Moon reminds us of where we may be out of balance. Notice what you spend your energy, time, and resources on.

We find ourselves struggling with how we define our private lives, and maintain our homes, and how we meet our public and community obligations. What value are we to others is a question of Capricorn’s 8th house question. How have I come to value who I am and my worth is a second house question--that area of personal development and value formation? Interesting questions that many struggle with here, include: “Who told you who you were? “What have you questioned about any misconceptions” and “how have you grown to be more yourself?”  This is the Full Moon during which we do a lot of soul searching about this delicate balance in all our lives: personal concern, development, and value versus societal value, spiritual connections, inheritance (what of your past, ancestry, and life path do you bring with you?).

You can well imagine with such profound and deep parts of ourselves stimulated at this Full Moon in Capricorn, we are receiving enlightening and illuminating information, inspiration, and energy. Our personal lives are highlighted, and we have to ask if we are living in congruence with what we value most? And as we look at our position in the world, and in our connection with and involvement in life beyond ourselves, we seek true purpose and meaning.

We experience any full moon in the course of a cycle. The Full Moon, New Moon, or any major transit or aspect, is affected by an endless variety of other conditions and events.  Use your powers of discernment to understand what is growing in your life, and what is changing its very nature. The Sun in Cancer is moving closer to its conjunction with Mars, the planet of action. The Moon in Capricorn is in conjunction with Pluto, the Great Transformer. Jupiter forms a square to both the Sun and Moon, and Neptune in Pisces forms a trine with the Sun and a sextile with the Moon--all of which creates an ongoing energetic process that is causing great disturbances, disruptions, and distortions of reality. We are being forced to confront, cope with, and challenge ourselves to release what needs to go, and step forward in spite of fears and frustration.

Neptune, the giant planet that reigns over the underworld, the depths of consciousness, and the vast expanses of inspiration, intuition, and individuation, is in the 29th degree of the sign, in Libra. This degree is called the anaretic degree, a critical point, an end point.  Something is complete, ended, over. Mourning and grief come in the wake of upsetting circumstances that have a wide impact in our lives. Something has woken up inside each of us, and that something is a tiger waiting to be tamed. We feel passionate about what we value most now. We feel compelled to act, and we feel inspired and even called to fight on, warriors for peace.

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This phase of the Moon occurs at 17 degrees and 9 minutes of Capricorn in opposition to the Sun at 17 degrees and 9 minutes of Cancer, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 13 to 21 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

On Thursday, June 5, Mercury left the security-conscious Cancer for the more risky, fiery realms of Leo. Confidence increases, and we set our goals higher, much higher than usual. Leo time in communications, focuses more on the dramatic, passionate, and expressive creativity of communication rather than on the details.

Venus too, just changed signs, moving from earthy Taurus into flighty, airborne Gemini. Ideas flourish, activities and connections increase at a rapid fire rate. We may have more ideas than time or resources to deal with all the ideas. Consider this a creative, brainstorming time. Also, use the extra passion and energy to take a few risks in the areas of your personal and public persona. Let yourself play out a fantasy or two, or express yourself with a little more flair than usual. Having a good time, playing, and taking time out to just enjoy life, is a necessary part of our maintaining our health and well being. Make a list of what makes you come alive, happy, and refreshed in summer, and start building in time for such matters. Use your words, express your thoughts, ideas, and feelings, and let the chips fall where they may. Time to step out into the light a bit more.

Mars in  its final days of Cancer (until July 20) we recognize how deeply we are committed to our creativity, life purpose, home and community, or whatever else brings you to life. Mars in Cancer is less about achieving and more about treasuring or learning more about those commitments. What we do is more affected by our emotional temperature than it is about what we desire or seek. Avoid over-scheduling or programming your life right now, and focus on doing what needs being done to keep your personal and professional life in balance as much as possible. One way to deal with this kind of wavering energy is by creating short lists of tasks to do, and then systematically using each task as an exercise in conscious living--an active meditation and practice of being present to the task. Try it! Taking a walk? Go a bit slower, and consciously notice your body, surroundings, and thoughts. Doing the dishes? Same thing. Trying to write an article or another chapter in your book? Break it down into smaller parts, and enjoy the little steps of the process. Want to paint? Set up a canvas. Open paints and get ready. Then put brush to paint to canvas, and go until you’re done, for now. Conscious living is what helps deal with the fiery, air-activated, and fluidity of the watery energies, as we feel ourselves activated from the inside out and back again.

This Full Moon in the 2nd decan of Capricorn connects us on a very deep level to the energy of the powerful Mars-Pluto opposition. Jupiter amplifies this energy, making this like a flaming arrow that may tip the scales of justice in Libra. This t-square is a triggering influence right now, and it aligns with stars in the constellation of Lyra, the Harp. This has a tremendous impact on our mental processes, all forms of communication, especially cyber communications. Using Jupiter’s tendency to seek escape in times of trouble, we might take time out for some diversions or we might channel our thoughts, emotional expressions, and creativity into the Pluto-like work of transformation. Work becomes our savior as long as it is not the only way we establish a sense of who we are. Throwing ourselves into our work right now, may be one way to focus and deal with distractions that are in need of coping with.

This second decan of Capricorn highlights the areas of our lives where we have to work hard for a living. We may feel the pressure and sense of scarcity that makes it hard to concentrate. The ground is fallow right now, waiting for renewal, so it is time to take very good care of ourselves. Start by appreciating and valuing what you have, who you are, and what gifts and opportunities you have. Use what you have, and do your best with that. There’s hard work to be done, so now is the time we need to focus on getting ourselves organized and prepared for what is expected of us. Time also to beware of those who might want to use, abuse, or otherwise mistreat you. It may come in a subtle form (passive aggression) or more overt (outright hostility). Be choosy with those partners you pick, especially now, and guard your reserves and yourself. Be on guard to see circumstances and people for who they are, not who they say they are. This is a good time to build beautiful, well-formed, and well-built structures in your life. Prepare your castle so that you are at home where you are, and you have control over who enters your realm.

This Full Moon in Capricorn is one that finds us being more introspective, sensitive, and willing and able to look beneath the veils of illusion. Time to face the shadow, untested, unacknowledged parts of ourselves as we seek healing, refreshment, and re- energizing. The Pluto-Moon conjunction makes this Full Moon even more potent and emotionally trying. It is a time when passions may flair and when sexual energy and tension may open us to more dynamic and rash connections. Reign in anger and find ways to channel physical energy so that you protect yourself. 

This is a time when we are each under pressure to become our strongest, bravest, and most authentic selves. Like a pearl, the pressure is intense; the result is beautiful. As we submit to the challenges and become part of this evolving process, we gain strength and power. Becoming more self sufficient doesn’t mean we go it alone. We learn to give and receive love in the connections we form now, and this will help lift us each to a higher level of existence.

The powerful creative energy that is illuminated by the Full Moon in Capricorn, flows down into the atmosphere and infuses each one of us with a burst of creative fire. Artists, writers, and all who seek purpose and meaning, use your energy and light to create beauty out of the fire and residue of the life you are fortunate to be living. Use your fire with your passions, and bring new life out of the darkness. Allow the light to shine within you. Receive the Divine Light in what traditions and practices you embrace to connect to the God of Love.

Solstice Sunset                                                                                                                        Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

New Moon in Cancer

As I was writing this column this morning, the lyrics and tune to Changes kept coming to mind. "Ch ch ch changes."  As I finished the column, I tracked the song down, and realized both its lyrics and the lyricist, David Bowie, have had a profound effect on us. Talk about someone who went beyond his norm, who broke down boundaries, and exceeded limitations, so at the end of the column are some of his lyrics in. See if they speak to you too. Use the energy and time of this powerful week--Summer Solstice (today), Sun enters Cancer (tonight), and New Moon in Cancer Friday. It's a powerful time, and the energy is yours to use to make life better, to heal, and to make some new choices for a new road ahead.

 As I write today’s column, I do so on the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is Winter Solstice. The Sun enters Cancer two days before  the New Moon at  peaks at 2 degrees Cancer ushers in the Cancer Lunar Cycle on Friday, June 23.  This is truly a time of rapid change and transition. 

Cancer, being the sign most determined to create safety, security, and a balanced home, makes this New Moon at 2 degrees an optimal time for setting new goals, envisioning necessary and desired change, and setting forth on whatever new journey you’ve been preparing for. 

When conjuring up ideas or creating a vision for the path ahead, it is vital that you throw out any preconceived ideas about how things should be or what limitations you are bound by. Go deep into the heart of your passions and desires, though irrational and impossible they may be. For dreams that come true, are born of what we put our energy into. Use your words, actions, intentions, prayers, and imagination to create the blue print for your future. 

Often we limit ourselves because we see the world as limited and limiting. All new moons offer new energy for new plans, however this New Moon in Cancer focuses on what it truly is that we need to feel safe, secure, and at home with ourselves. Whatever you’ve been needing or longing for, is within reach, once you acknowledge just what that is. When we are stingy with ourselves and others, when we hesitate or hold back in saying what we mean, asking for what we need, or offering what we can, we miss opportunities to create deeper connections. This is the time to go deeper to discover what we truly want. And then to begin laying out a map or plan to begin moving towards that.

The clearer you are with your intentions, the better. When I don’t know what I want, how can I expect to see my life change for the better?  Be receptive to the gifts that are being bestowed upon you now, and use your powers of discernment and discretion to narrow in on the essence of what is needed at this juncture of your life. As the energy of Light bestows movement, fulfillment, and creative gifts on us, we are encouraged to open our minds, hearts, and lives for deeper and more fulfilling experiences. Look to the house where Cancer lies, and notice what is growing by leaps and bounds in this area of your life. Be more intentional now in distilling the essential components that provide you with connection and meaning.

The New Moon in Cancer as well as the Sun,Mercury, and Mars are all stirring up the 4th House in our lives.  The fourth house rules our home, how we define it for ourselves, and what challenges and gifts can be found here. Many of us may be feeling the desire to fix up, change, alter, or in some way improve our home environment. Many will be contemplating moves, though this may seem unusual, it nevertheless is a shaking up time. We’ve probably already begun feeling the urge to purge and get moving. We may have been communicating about where we’d like to be or how we’d like to change our living arrangements. With Mars, then Mercury in Cancer, this is highly likely. Mars may actually push us into changes sooner than later once the Sun and the Moon enter Cancer this week. Be thinking about where you feel most at home. Where you can be your true self, and where you are being called.

Though not all will be feeling the need to move, most of us will be feeling the desire to make improvements and changes in our homes. Our lifestyles change with the seasonal changes, however this period of time runs deeper in our lives than normal. We seek depth in purpose, connection, and meaning. Consider how this stellia of water sign planets in both the natural 4th house and the house Cancer rules in your life/chart, and use this powerful time and energy to work some magic in your own life. What you do to improve your own life and direction will have a lasting experience in your life and the lives of those you love and connect with.

Venus’  transit of Taurus  this week focuses our attention on beauty, music, artistic expression, harmony, balance, and love. We feel essentially  drawn to put our aesthetic and artistic talents to practical use. We bring imagination into form. We shape our everyday lives into beautiful gifts and creative expressions. This week Venus makes aspects to Neptune, Jupiter, and Chiron, making us acutely aware of how we have been disappointed, hurt, or disillusioned in love and in our search for harmony and balance. Whatever is coming to the surface, emotionally or via memory, dreams, synchronicity, needs to be acknowledged and an attempt to understand the lessons and changes needed for healing, need to take place. Again, as with the last lunar cycle, healing is on the agenda. What we suppress or refuse to face, becomes our burden in all future decisions, choices, challenges. Take time now to look at yourself with an open heart and a willingness to face, forgive, and make necessary changes in whatever is stopping your progress, growth, and ability to connect with what you say you want.

As the New Moon in Cancer peaks on June 23-24, Venus trines Pluto, the Great Transformer, so if we’ve prepared the way, we can get strong indicators of just how deep a transformation is getting ready to take place. 

The Sun enters Cancer early Wednesday morning, and forms a conjunction with Mercury a few hours later. A good time to pray, make your needs known, sing praises, or otherwise voice your best intentions for your highest good.  Monday and Tuesday are days we find ourselves drawn to last minute decisions and choices, end stages of long term goals or desires, and final thoughts or desires to complete some aspect of our lives. As the Sun and Mercury are both transiting the anorectic degree (29) of Gemini, we may feel compelled to make some kind of statement or decision. Failure to do so, will hinder progress.

Mercury will be in Cancer until July 5, joining with the Sun to bring a desire for nesting and creating a safe home environment in and around us. A really good time to focus on the practice of Ahimsa—do no harm—to yourself and others. Whatever you say, do, speak, think has energy and power, and being mindful of that energy and that power helps you channel your thoughts, words, and deeds in a helpful, healing manner. Kindness is the operative word, and involves being kind to yourself as well. Forgiveness is another aspect of letting energy transform. Forgiving whoever or whatever you need to, including seeking forgiveness yourself, can enhance the transition and transformation that is taking place.

Uranus in Aries signals a clean break with whatever is blocking your path. Whatever needs to be released, needs to happen now. Be attentive to those subtle nudges to release old patterns of thought, behavior, and connections where you’ve let your energy get stuck. We get stuck in all kinds of things, including ideals of who we think we are or who we think should be. We get stuck in memories, old relationships or ways of relating, and we get stuck in the simple daily routines that we refuse to acknowledge or occasionally question. Uranus in Aries is reminding all of us, continually, that life is all about movement, change, and growth. Just when we think we have arrived, we realize there’s a new train leaving the station. And we’re meant to be on it.

Where are you headed? What would you like to do, find, or experience? What’s stopping you from pursuing your dreams? What are you waiting for?  Use this New Moon in Cancer to create the life and home you truly want to inhabit. Give yourself the gift of living life, not just marking time. It’s a powerful week, full of opportunities, gateways, and new doors to open.  Break out of your shell, and let yourself live. 

Lyrics to Changes by David Bowie:

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Ooh, look out you rock 'n' rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Pretty soon now you're gonna get older
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
I said that time may change me
But I can't trace time

Healing Full Moon in Sagittarius

The Healing Full  Moon in Sagittarius reaches her peak at 6:09 a.m. PDT/9:09 a.m. EDT on Friday, June 9, 2017. Focus of the Moon in the second decan of Sagittarius is on women’s health,midwifery, genetics. DNA, and the family history in the healing of the family wounds. The individual and collective families are receiving some special, powerful light this Full Moon to place our awareness on where and how we need to continue healing. 

The Full Moon in Sagittarius opposing the Sun in Gemini focuses our attention on the axis of mental, intellectual, intuitive, and emotional ways of knowing and processing information. Sagittarius Moon looks for meaning, purpose, and ideas to turn into action while Gemini Sun tends to use logic, analysis of sensory input, and connection with the immediate environment. Fire and Air mix to spark a lot of ideas, energy, and disparate and conflicting directions. Our emotional well being is more adventurous in Sagittarius finding us longing for some new and untested challenges.

The Gemini Sun makes us at home with the immediate and current situation while the Sagittarius Moon has us longing for adventure and pushing the limitations and boundaries, whether imposed or self-determined. The challenge of this Full Moon in Sagittarius is to balance between the two polarities as we seek harmony. This Full Moon is all about healing the ways we communicate, looking for new ways to heal ongoing issues, and learning to recognize and cope with our ancestral ties and wounds as part of an ongoing healing journey. We do not leave the past behind, but carry it within us. Facing what has helped us become who we are, helps us cope more effectively and heal more fully.

Whatever has been building up within us is now coming to a head with this full moon cycle. We are facing conflict between our ways of knowing, thinking, feeling, and sensing, and our system of beliefs, and our spiritual and philosophical practices. We may find a need to question, reconsider, examine, and update our practices to fit with how we have matured and what we have learned about ourselves and the world we inhabit. What has changed in the way you perceive life, the world around you, and your part in it? What is missing or in need of connection, and how are you being called to make alterations, repairs, or changes? Where are you on your journey at this time?

All Full Moons tend to spark emotions, and this one is no exception. We have a strong desire to express our emotions, communicate what we feel, think, and believe, and reveal what we are seeking and what we need to heal more fully. This Full Moon forms a square to Neptune in Pisces, and may bring up whatever is necessary for you to deal with what the real issues of your life are. This may result in a change of plans; we cannot force a direction or path that is blocked without removing the obstacles in our way. Notice what is arising as a challenge during this lunar cycle. Look to the areas in your chart/life where Gemini/Sagittarius/Pisces are, and this will help you determine the ongoing situations that needs tending to. 

On June 6, just three days before the Full Moon in Sagittarius, Mercury changes signs. Joining the Sun in Gemini, Mercury is right at home in the chatty and exciting energy of Gemini. Venus enters Taurus on June 6 as well, and grounds our search and definition of love, romance, and beauty in the practical reality and down-to-earth efforts expressed by those we love. Venus in Taurus is all about showing rather than saying how we feel. Our artwork, our romances, our relationships in general are all about doing, bringing meaning into form, and creating the beauty we need in all aspects of our lives. It is a good time for those who seek to redefine their journey to be more inclusive of love, romance, art, beauty, or spiritual depth to envision and create something tangible to symbolize this quest. Decorate your home, redo your look, or create more beauty and order in your garden. Drape beauty in all areas where you want to attract more connection.

Look for love in the simplicity, art in the ordinary, and meaning in the pragmatic everyday acts of life. Mars, the planet of action  and the masculine aspect of life, has just entered Cancer. Our need to create safe, secure, and homey abodes for ourselves and our loved ones is prominent at this time. Neptune, Chiron, and Mars trine one another, and so whatever upset the Neptune square to the Moon creates, it will also be soothed by the ability of each of us to create peace and harmony within our homes, within ourselves. Like a turtle, we need to walk with our protection in and around us. Being aware of how we carry our home with us wherever we are, we find we are never in danger of being unprotected even in the hardest of times. There is that essence within each of us that comes forth when we most need it. We will all become very aware of this during this lunar cycle. 

As I write this column on Monday, June 5, Neptune forms a semi square to  Venus in the final degrees of Aries. This may cause us to feel somewhat confused or misled about something regarding our loved ones or our dreams and hopes. We may be surprised by some news we receive or realize we had been looking at a situation differently than it actually was. We are seeking the keys to understanding how life is changing right now, and on the brink of Venus’ transit from Aries to Taurus, we may receive some last minute reminders of the importance of not assuming too much. Living in fantasy and illusion can lead to unnecessary pain and delusion. Seek truth and travel unencumbered from illusions that keep us from seeing who and what is authentic and real. It’s often comfortable and convenient to slip back into old beliefs and perceptions. Take off the blinders and deal with what is rather than dwelling too much in wishful thinking.

Later in the week and on the full Moon, Venus and Mars form a sextile making for a more fortunate, cohesive, and compatible energy. This Full Moon may reveal a lot about what is growing and coming to life now. At the same time since the Full Moon is at 18 degrees in the second decan of Sagittarius, this Full Moon can reveal some outbursts in the collective sphere. Corruption, abuses of power that come to light now, can trigger some pretty strong reactions…all part of the ongoing transformation that Pluto in Capricorn is pushing through in this cycle. 

Anyone who feels pushed or exposed now, can erupt or react in irrational and unpredictable ways. What comes to light includes using the poor and displaced populations as pawns in a game of human trafficking that involves a great deal of money and unscrupulous international power structures. What is being revealed in the light of this Moon in Sagittarius unmasks those who usually hide in the shadows or find safety behind their positions and power. 

Those who might ordinarily be on opposite sides are now united against that which is unacceptable and obviously corrupt and wrong-headed.

The best use of the energy and power of this Full Moon is to focus on healing—within and in all areas of the world in which we live. Avoid negative expressions, which are intensified with this lunation. Use energy for healing, completing, reshaping, and finding ways to work on the common healing of all humankind and our planet. Use your power for good, and help change the patterns, vibrations, and energy of Life in the channels for peace, healing, and reconciliation.