Aries New Moon: Power of Our Voices and Words

Understanding how astrological trends and aspects affect our lives both personally and collectively is important because we are all part of this dynamic Universe. Ever changing, we find ourselves seeking ways to understand meaning of life through our everyday experiences, and in relation to the world at large. Astrology uses the energy of the dynamic bodies in our Solar System which have an impact on our tides, our climate, and of course on us ourselves. As we are in the dark of the moon (the few days before the next new moon), it is a time to reflect on how our lives have been changing, and how we have been coping with the changes we know we must make.  New moons are times when a lunar cycle begins, giving us a new perspective and new energy in certain areas of our lives. This month it is in the area that Aries rules. That does not mean it only affects Aries natives. We all have Aries somewhere in our chart/lives. And that area affects every other area. This is why it is helpful to know something about our own charts. Look to the house of Aries, Aries rulers Mars and Jupiter, and to the different houses/areas of life that Aries aspects (squares, opposes, trines). Squares signal a prodding and poking making us have to respond or react. Oppositions show us where we find the polarities in our lives, and the need to find balance and harmony. Trines show us where harmonious, helpful energy exists. This New Moon in Aries opposes Libra and trines Sagittarius and Leo. Aries squares Cancer and Capricorn. There are other aspects as well, and from time to time I will explain them. 

March's New Moon at 26 degrees of Aries (3rd decan) peaks on April 15-16 falls midway between Uranus and Eris. Uranus is the planet of sudden and unexpected changes and surprises. It has been transiting Aries for quite some time. Eris, the so-called 10th planet, is the most recently discovered planet in our solar system (2005). Aries, a fire sign and the first sign of the zodiac, symbolizes the naive, pioneer, leaders of the pack, innovators, and the curious explorers who dare to set out on a new path. The Sun has been transiting Aries all month, and this new moon at 26 degrees in the third decan, takes on a lot of the energy of Taurus, the earthy bull. Putting ideas and actions into concrete actions and choices. Whatever we have been preparing for is now underway and/or ready to be put into motion. If we've been thinking about changes, now we'll experience greater energetic input that lets us know we're ready to go. Or, ready or not, it's time. Buckle up! 

The Aries New Moon sits atop the fixed star Kurdah in the Constellation Cepheus, the Constellation of Words. Kurdah is located in the neck, throat chakra of King Cepheus. The third decan of Aries is ruled by Venus and Jupiter. It is also heavily influenced by the Taurean earth energy that promotes large, dramatic, and creative demonstrations and expressions from us. Whatever we may have been holding inside, suppressing, or waiting for, now has to come up to the surface and be expressed. Our throat chakra (right over the thyroid gland in the throat) is the area of our energetic and physical body that controls our voice, our expression, and all forms of communication. It is where we hold a great deal of our power. To give voice to something (in words, language, or deed) is to give it life. Now is the time to be very conscious and aware of what you say and think (thoughts are energy as well) will be formed in your experience in one way or another. So pay attention to how you use your words, and what thoughts you hold onto. 

As the New Moon in Aries occurs, Mercury (planet that rules communications) stations direct, releasing us from restrictions in communication. We gain clarification and what may have seemed fouled up or out of whack earlier, is now made more clear.  With this New Moon, those who have used their words to manipulate, control, mislead, or lie, will be held accountable for their abuse of language and intentions. It is vital that we have ways to channel and direct our thoughts and words into productive, healing, and creative ways. The fiery Aries New Moon affects our emotional health and expression. We need to pay attention to how our thoughts, imagination, and emotions are expressed as what is jarring, upsetting, or confusing needs to be addressed. We can either look at this as an opening to a new series of challenges, or a doorway to a new adventure. See how these two aspects of the New Moon can become part of our unified perspective and approach to the future before us.

With this new moon in particular, it seems very important to watch our words, not to stop ourselves from speaking but to pay attention to what and how we are communicating. For words, when spoken, written, or thought, have energy and power to change us and the world. Ahimsa, the practice of doing no harm with our words helps us pay attention to our thoughts, interactions, and ideas that we suppress, distort, or speak out of our own unhealed wounds. Being civil and respectful is a form of kindness we need to get along with others, and even when we are angry, frustrated, or dismayed, we need to find ways to channel our words and ideas into ways that express ourselves more positively. I was reading a report my Granddaughter wrote about Lee Krasner, an abstract Expressionist artist (wife of Jackson Pollock). She used her art to express many feelings and experiences that she found hard to cope with in her own times (post-WWII in New York) and from her own experience. A Jewish woman who lived through two world wars (b. 1908, d. 1984) she said of herself, "I was a woman, a Jewish woman, a widow, and a damn good painter, thank you, and a little too independent."  She lived the same lifespan as my own mother, and her generation of women paved the way for us to live using our voices with greater freedom of expression. This New Moon in Aries is the time for taking a bolder step forward in that direction. The newest planet, Eris, in alignment with both Uranus and the Moon shows us how. 

Discovered in 2005, the 10th planet Eris, is the dark goddess of our unconsciousness and hidden gifts. According to Maria, Darkstar Astrology," Eris as daughter of Nyx unleashes her strife-bearing children when anyone lies under oath. Eris is simply doing her job of dishing out fate. As a dark goddess she is only balancing the books and keeping the natural order. This Eris is about tough love and brings rough justice. The side of Eris which is the sister of Aries shows up in the next myth.”

Wherever we have not asserted ourselves, and when our voice has been silenced or subverted, Eris seeks release and expression. Uranus releases the feminine from the shackles put upon it extreme forces that ignore our need for harmony and balance between our feminine and masculine nature. The New Moon in Aries conjuncts Uranus creating extremes of  emotional  tension. We are, therefore, more likely to be feeling pulled to one extreme or the other. The new moon rules the Aires-Libra polarity (individual vs relational identity). Whatever we are struggling with or questioning in our understanding and experience of relationships and independence  is now in need of calming and balance. The fiery energy is bringing about great changes. Our continuing need to get our priorities in order, are now reaching a crucial juncture. This New Moon brings this to light in whatever areas are most affected. Look to where Aries is in your chart, and then look to see where aspects of personal and transiting planets affect that area (squares, oppositions, trines, etc.).

Coping  with change requires being scrupulously honest in seeing what is working in our lives and what is not. Examine your habits, patterns, and see what works best and what does not. Allow yourself to see what comes to the surface of your awareness, pops up in experiences happening around you. It may take some time to see the results of our deepening intentions to begin seeing results, so be patient and aware. Do what you need to do to take good care of yourself during the new lunar phase. Fiery energy is strong, and requires a calming influence in order to cope. Change is inevitable, however we need to find ways to move gently through the portals of the majors shifts. Seek guidance, forgiveness, and support for whatever changes you need to make at this time.  The lunar phase ahead is taking you in new directions. Make whatever choices you need to for your best and highest good and your excellent health and well being. 

Full Moon, Blue Moon, Libra Lovely Full Sap Moon.

The Libra Full Moon is on the rise. Spring has begun, and the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox signals that the next Sunday will be Easter. And so it is. The three solemn days of remembrance (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil) fall in the light of this harmonious Full Moon. Passover begins on Good Friday, and the wake of light flooding in and through our lives, will be evident on many levels.

Called the Full Sap Moon, this Full Moon symbolizes the ripening and growing that is ready to be tapped into in our lives. What are you full of? Whatever is bubbling up from within you, is now ready to flow out in streams of consciousness. If we are not aware of what it is, we are apt to find what comes to the surface is shocking and surprising, and perhaps upsetting. Consider how you've grown over the last year and during the period of time between the New Moon and Saturday's Full Sap Moon to reflect on what your life is revealing.

This Full Moon at 10 degrees of Libra (start of the second decan) is powerful. The Moon forms a t-square to Mars-Saturn conjunction and an opposition to Mercury retrograde in Aries. Additionally, and very fortuitously, the Moon also aligns with two fixed stars in the constellations of the Crow and the Prophetess. Glenah, the fixed star in Corvus/the Crow constellation, and Porrima, the fixed star in Virgo. According to Darkstar Astrology's Marina, Porrima, named after the ancient goddess of Prophecy, was also the assistant to the Roman goddess of childbirth.

Porrima rules the realms of Mercury and Venus. The Moon in alignment with Porrima tends to go to extremes, either bringing out the narcissistic need for attention or will motivate us to gather others together to do good works and serve others. A time to be careful to whom we give our affections as in our need and cravings we may not be very discerning with our choices. This placement of the moon is said to be in its detriment, making us far too aware of and concerned with what others think of us. Be careful you don't betray yourself by wanting to look good in the eyes of others during this Full Moon time.

Glenah, another fixed star the Moon aligns with, is in the left wing of the Crow/Corvus. Strangely the fixed star Glenah appears to be in both the Cygnus/Swan Constellation (in the right wing) and the Corvus/Crow Constellation (in the left wing). The Crow/Corvus is a small constellation that sits on the back of the Water Snake/Hydra.
"The constellation of Crater, the Cup or Bowl, lies on the back of Hydra next to Corvus the crow. One of the myths concerning Apollo and Corvus tells how the Crow was sent to fetch a cup of water. During the errand he lazily loitered at a fig tree, eventually returning to Apollo with a water snake in his claws, whom he falsely blamed for his delay. Seeing through his lies, Apollo arranged that the bird would be fixed in heaven along with the cup and the snake. And so that he would know the pains of feeling thirsty, he was to be forever prevented from drinking out of the cup by the folds of the snake." 

It might be interesting to muse on the myths that are used in the mythology of this alignment in Libra. Some see Glenah as a good luck talisman to ward off or punish those who would betray us.

Another myth says “The Raven, was given a task by Apollo of keeping a watchful eye on Apollo’s pregnant lover Coronis. The raven reported back to Apollo the unwelcome news that she was having an affair with someone else. Apollo in anger cursed the raven, and its colour changed from its former silver hue to the present black.”

As one who reveres the Crow, I find Corvus and all the mythology attached to it, fascinating.There are many fascinating interpretations of Corvus, the Crow and Cygnus, the Swan in cultures worldwide. Notice how your own archetypal story unfolds during this and other Full and New Moons over the next year. That will give you an interesting pattern to study as you continue to grow and learn. I guess my biggest questions would be how do my own self interested attitudes related to how I'm observing and participating in the world? How do I bring on my own sorrows or joys as a result of what I have faith in or not, who I trust or not?  What are your questions as this full moon in Libra rises?

The Moon opposing Mercury in a retrograde path in Aries, conjunct Uranus, can be a powerful aspect of this Blue Moon. How have my mind and gut instincts been doing battle since the New Moon? What has caused or relieved conflicts during this time? Have I allowed myself to flow with the tides in motion, honoring both inflowing and outflowing of ideas, time, energy, and movement? What have I cleansed myself of? What have I cleared away to make room for something new? How have I given myself time and space to rest, recover, recuperate, and relax? How have I faced up to the dichotomies that trouble me, and how do I care for myself as I struggle to find balance? Libra, the Great Harmonizer, is also the symbol of the constant flux that is present in our lives; neither here nor there, neither up nor down, and always in motion on the fulcrum of dynamic change. The Moon in Libra makes us evermore aware of this emotional roller coaster we live on.

The Moon in Libra also square Mars in Capricorn.  The impact of this alignment increases our drive to succeed and awakens our sense of competition. Sexuality raises its lovely head too, as the Libra, the lovers, is activated by Mars, action and male energy in the earthy sign of Capricorn. Spring has sprung. This is also an aspect that indicated protection and a need to seek protection. It stirs our ties to our own blood relations, and makes us fiercely loyal and determined to protect our own.   We might see this acted out in high places as well, wherever nepotism, sexuality, and power are at play. The driving force of this Full Moon is in our need for immediate results and action. Be cautious and steady in your choices and in all decisions.

Of course another big, power-packed alignment is the Mars-Saturn conjunction that the Moon in Libra forms a t-square with. Deceit, lies, betrayals, and hidden agendas are being revealed. Our need for things to be harmonious and beautifully in place, is knocked off course. We have to deal with the good, the bad, and the ugly. We may be reminded of our tendencies in areas where we seem to have to learn the hard way. Falling for the same kind of guy or gal, over and over. Believing what we want to have happen rather than facing what is happening. Expecting things to change without our changing anything. Whatever it is in your life, we all have those areas where we keep walking into the same door, or playing the same part. Identify your own patterns, and use this Full Moon to notice the areas where you tend to keep your blinders on or look at through rose-colored glasses.

The Full Moon in Libra's brightness, shines a light, a spotlight on those areas of our lives where we may feel most frustrated or challenged. And our awakening comes in very emotional ways. Time to dance it out, express it rather than suppress it, and let go of whatever holds you back from truly expressing yourself and being with those who mean the most to you. Let the light shine on you in ways that help you find yourself, be yourself, and appreciate yourself as a valuable, loving and lovable, precious human being. Full of energy, spirit, love, and beauty, and capable of creating great works of art, lasting friendships  and love, and serving one another with open hands, open hearts, and open minds. Together we can move mountains. Seek the place of harmony within so you can bind yourself to that harmony in all you do and with all you meet.

Pisces New Moon: Dance of the Soul

New Moon in Pisces, March 17, 2018  6:22 a.m. opens the flow of the Pisces lunar cycle for the next month. A time when we can allow ourselves the luxury of visualizing, creating, and conjuring up our most imaginative dreams.  Pisces, always in search of wholeness and perfection, moves us constantly in the stream of the Collective Consciousnes, inviting us to bring imagination and intuitive knowledge into form and shape. Beginning with the New Moon and growing during the entire Pisces lunar cycle, it is the perfect time to visualize and move toward a more ideal and satisfying life.It truly is a time when we can make important changes in our lives in whatever areas this new moon influences. 

The New Moon in Pisces at 26 degrees trines Jupiter, the planet of abundance and growth in Scorpio and forms  a sextile to that Great Transformer in our lives, Pluto. What we have been brooding over during the last couple of years and preparing ourselves for, begins becoming clearer and more possible than ever before. Now is the time to be brutally honest with ourselves about what we really desire, and how we are or are not working in our own lives to allow this to unfold. With Mercury and Venus both now in Aries, we are more interested in making decisions and moving toward what brings us joy and happiness, than we are in ruminating or dreaming up impossible scenarios for outcomes that most likely will never happen. With both communications (Mercury in Aries) and love and desires (Venus in Aries) in the sign of impatience, fresh starts, heading out on new and unexplored trails, we are more likely to use the energy of the Pisces Solar and Lunar cycles to bring forth what is waiting to be born. The innovative, experimental, and untried path awaits us now. What have you always dreamed of doing, and what is stopping you from taking the actions you need to take them?  With the courage, passion, and risk-taking energy of the Aries planets, we can propel our desires into being now. 

Mars still in fiery Sagittarius continues to spark us to act according to our highest ideals and to pursue those ideals in our own way, not as others might be nor towards what might have motivated us in the past. Notice whether or not your idealism under this transit of Let’s-get-it-done Sagittarius didn’t overshoot its capacity. You may have been excited about a project or choice or two, that really don’t hold the power or commitment to pursue. You may have noticed yourself feeling deep changes (a result of deep transformative movement and growth) resulting in a loss of interest for what once stirred you to action or captured your focus and dedication. Whatever is now coming to the forefront in your life. Looking ahead, visualizing what could be, what is it you envision in your future? What would give you life? What would bring you fulfillment? What do you believe stands in the way? Mars in the final degree of Sagittarius should reveal a full spectrum of what has been building up. On the same day as the New Moon, Mars enters Capricorn where it will stay until May 16. Unless we fall into rigid patterns of thinking and behaving, 

Mars’ transit through earthy Capricorn should provide the much-needed deliberation and persistence to put thoughts and imagination into form, shape, and action. This Mars transit can be a very productive time, if we keep  ourselves free of negative banter and self talk, the kind that sinks our ship before we even set sail Use your spiritual practices to keep yourself lifted out of the depths of despair, depression, or frustration.  This does in no way mean to suppress or ignore your emotions or situations that you find challenging. It does mean using your best practices and understanding of metaphysical principles to work through and express what needs expressing so that it does not turn into some kind of heavy suppressed negative energy.  Healthy practices now are vital for maintaining a flow of energy through body, mind, spirit, and for heavens sake, do what you need to stay healthy be it getting more rest, seeing a doctor if you are having a serious health problem, and maintaining a stable and well-balanced life style—one that befits the life of a creative person. Mars in Capricorn grounds us, and if we’re overdoing, it can bring us to our knees, so pay attention to what your physical being needs in order to support that beautiful spiritual dimension of your being. 

Saturn, the Great Teacher at 8 degrees of Capricorn is going to meet up with Mars soon too. When these two get together, watch out. Do what you can on your own personal level to see that you are keeping yourself in alignment with healthy practices. In all ways, body, mind, spirit, emotions, find ways to ground, center, and maintain an inner calm to carry you through what may be some pretty rough revelations and external (societal) upsets and upheaval. Maintaining calm while all around your are going nuts….seems like there was a saying that these words were part of. You get the meaning though. It won’t help yourself or others if you’re not able to hold yourself together through times where it’s rough riding. 

The North Node (Gateway to Change and the Future) is at 12 degrees of Leo, so the fire signs are all lining up in trine with this aspect. That is a good indicator that whatever you’re contemplating, planning, and envisioning, are leading you to some major change or a change you’ve already made is receiving much needed support, extra resources, and positive energy. How are you using and maintaining an awareness of that flow of energy at this time? Notice what may be blocking or repressing a greater sense of freedom. Take small steps to remove whatever blocks you may be placing in your own way. Notice how others or situation/conditions energize or drain you and your movement.

Earlier in the week (March 12-13) Venus was squaring Saturn lending to us perhaps feeling a bit isolated, dissatisfied, or disconnected. Venus, love and passions square Saturn, life lessons and limitations combined to make us very aware of what we don’t like, have, want, or admire in ourselves or others. As long as we don’t stay trapped in the effects of that energy, we can learn something about our own perceptions and behavior. We then can move forward with knowledge to help us deal better with limitations and struggles. I think this is part of ‘learning the hard way”.  Venus parallel Chiron, the Wounded Healer about this time also helps us heal from some old wounds and become more conscious of patterns of thinking, behavior, and perception that need adjusting to fit our healthier approach to living. Venus will trine the North Node (new beginnings) on March 17-18 making this an opportune time to envision, meet, or begin to see what might be more life-affirming in the way you approach love in all its forms.

The Moon entered Pisces early this morning (3:13 a.m. PDT/6:13 EDT) bringing us into the energy of the watery, imaginative depths of Pisces lunar and solar alignment. An integrative process is underway on all levels of our being, as our hearts and minds fly out in passionate search for whatever  ways our creative and imaginative impulses are flowing.

This truly is a time to celebrate the best of what makes life flow. Listen to the soul speak from within and embrace and receive the energy, power, and passion of the Divine into your very core being as you dance through life from the soulside out. Blessings and celebrations are in order. Blessing for your highest good. Celebrations of life itself.

Full Moon in Virgo, Divine Struggle Between Heaven and Earth

March begins with a Full Moon in Virgo. The Full Moon at 11 degrees of Virgo aligns with the fixed star Zosma in the Leo Constellation. Zosma, a fixed star, sits on the Lion's back. The significance of this aspect is that it makes this Virgo Full Moon, the Saint or the Sinner. According to Ptolemy, the ancient Egyptian philosopher-astronomer, this placed brings both trouble and strength.  How we cope with trouble depends, always  on our ability to transcend the role of victim or martyr to become the warrior. This Full Moon in Virgo shines its light on whatever areas of life there is a struggle to overcome, ward off, and transcend whatever threats and challenges we face.

Added to this the Virgo Full Moon opposes Neptune in Pisces, which adds the tendency to see oneself as a martyr or to be overly pessimistic/optimistic unable to cope with the stark realities of a current situation or issue. In the world at large, this manifests in numerous conflicts, calls to arms, threats from those who are struggling to maintain power. For those who have real power and knowledge, the threat translates to the hammer of judgment or the harsh truth and its consequences raining down on those who have transgressed or chosen a dark path.  Because Neptune in Pisces, its home, strengthens our unconscious, we are challenged by the Virgo Moon aligning with our emotional energy to notice what might otherwise remain in the realms of mystery, fantasy, or unconscious desires or triggers.

While it sounds pretty ominous, for the most part this is a Full Moon that relieves many of a great deal of pressure once they realize the laws of karma, love is reflected in love reign true for us as well. When you've been a compassionate, loving person, that's what comes back to  you a thousandfold.

In the position of the 9th Arabic Moon, al-Zubrah, the Virgo Moon is a good time for planting, marrying, and taking a journey. It is not an especially good time to navigate (make sure you know where you're headed before setting out on a voyage or trip). This placement, according to ancient Arab astronomers marked a time when captives might be freed and when new merchandise would arrive or be bought. Test out the ancients by observing how much of this rings true during the Virgo Moon cycle. While it may seem the polarity between down-to-earth reality and unconscious desires, hidden energy are completely at odds, this is not the case. The unconscious, when allowed to rise up into consciousness, helps us find a more congruent connection with body, mind, spirit, and emotions. The challenge of the Virgo-Pisces axis is always to bring spirit into body, and body into spirit. It is the ultimate experience of the incarnation.  Look to where this is happening in your own chart/life, and enjoy what comes up into the Light for you.

This Full Moon in Virgo, Sun in Pisces (Sun, Neptune, Mercury, Venus, and Chiron, the Wounded Healer) make this a time rich in energy for deep healing and energetic enlightenment. You may use the Moon's trigger of emotional energy to heighten your experience in all forms of communication (Mercury in Pisces) as you also enrich your experiences of love, romance, beauty, and creativity as well as connections with children (Venus in Pisces).  As the moon comes into opposition to Chiron the Wounded Healer, you may find deep healing taking place as well. And because of the Moon in Virgo's powerful aspect to Neptune and the Sun, this may be a very creative time in all areas of art, literature, and creative breakthroughs in science, math, and pretty much every level of our human experience. Bringing ideas, inspiration, imagination, and theory into being is part and parcel with the communion of the Pisces-Virgo axis.  Make note of ideas, give into the desire to communicate and express your creativity,and to dream up new ways to do the practical and the impossible. As long as you are willing to do what it takes to bring an idea to completion or to study and work a theory to its conclusion, the greatest seeds may be planted at this new Moon (ah see, those ancients were right about planting).

While the bright light of the Pisces Sun and the Virgo Moon shine their light of aspects of life that might make us uncomfortable or that we thought we had resolved or released, the new awareness we discover during this lunar phase is really a healthy reminder (Virgo seeks balance and health at all costs) of those aspects, relationships, connections, patterns of behavior, or unhealthy ideas about who we are that still need to be purged. This Full Moon in Virgo opposing Pisces Sun is a time when want to be careful what we invite into our lives, for what we seek will find us. Lift yourself out of fear, anger, lack of forgiveness, or the endless cycle of trying to always be right and perfect. Allow yourself to forgive yourself and others, and to invite in what is beneficial for helping you reach a place of well being and harmony.

Take time to find a peaceful way to absorb the Full Moon in Virgo energy and to awaken the Shakti energy within. The following meditation is one way. There are many ways, including immersing yourself in the natural world, bathing in a ritual bath, praying, and setting aside sacred time and space to allow the beauty of Divinity to fill you and the Light of the Divine to awaken you in body, mind, and spirit. Welcome to March and the lovely month of watery emotional energy that stirs our creative, celebratory energy. Give yourself and those you love the gifts of forgiveness, love, acceptance, tolerance, compassion, and let go of whatever stands between you and those on this journey with you.

Cosmic Adjustment: New Moon in Aquarius, Partial Solar Eclipse, Lunar New Year.

The New Moon in Aquarius ushers in the Lunar New Year on Thursday, February 15 (4:06 PM EST/ 1:06 PM PST). This New Moon at 27 degrees of Aquarius happens in alignment with a partial Solar Eclipse. It highlights what occurred last August at the total eclipse time. Notice how plans, themes, issues, and experiences highlighted last year have evolved. 

The New Moon, the Sun, and Mercury all fall in the Constellation of Cygnus, the Swan (also called the Northern Cross). Cygnus/Swan lies in the plane of the Milky Way, and is visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The Moon conjoins the fixed star Gienah. The partial Solar Eclipse occurs at this New Moon as the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, interrupting the energetic flow and causing us to react differently than we normally would. We are given the opportunity for a cosmic reboot of our energy, patterns of thinking and feeling, and ways of understanding and discovering the path before us. 

The New Moon in Aquarius coupled with the partial solar eclipse, ushers in the Lunar New Year,  the Year of the Dog What does all this powerful, shifting energy hold in store for us collectively and personally? How does the explosion of emotional, spiritual, and mystical energy release in our lives and into the energetic field of our planet?  This new moon floods our intuitive and inspirational channels with a massive amount of energy, so it is up to us to use the energy as we channel it in positive and uplifting ways, and in ways that help us cleanse and release whatever no longer serves us. 

The New Moon in Aquarius focuses our energy and attention on all things related to our relationships—friendships, group activities, community, institutions, and humanitarian concerns.  What occurs or is set into motion at the New Moon, has an ongoing impact for the next 6 months. The New Moon on the cusp of the Lunar New Year, indicates a powerful influence for the whole next year in this area. Look to the house where Aquarius resides in your life/chart to see what is most going to feel the impact of the choices and direction you take now.

The Solar Energy combined with the Lunar energy may knock us slightly off balance as a way to make us aware of where we need to make adjustments and maintain harmony and stability. It can also slam us with an awakening or shocking realization (personal and collective) that shakes our very foundations. The need for us to seek unity within and in the world around us is a vital and earthshaking aspect of this New Moon and the beginning of the new Lunar New Year. Balancing both left and right brain energies and tendencies is crucial. We can no longer live in constant conflict; we must find a place of peace within so we can come into harmony with the  cosmic connections that propel us. The Sun passing through the third decan of Aquarius signal the demise of some, and the fall from a great height of those in positions of power. The Sun is in its detriment here. The Sun rules ego energy, and does not do well when it fails to consider the deeper meaning and the power of Divine goodness. The Moon in the third decan of Aquarius is not thwarted like the Sun is; it moves forward towards the soul’s mission. 

The Sun and the Moon are both at 27 degrees of Aquarius, and conjoining them at 25 degrees of Aquarius is communicative Mercury. Another interesting aspect is the North Node at 28 degrees of Leo in Opposition to both the Moon and the Sun. This will be in effect for several days. The North Node is the gateway to change, so whatever you have or are attempting to change in your life at this time (or whatever is changing on its own accord or at someone else’s whim) may receive some challenging hits. Oppositions can be seen as bad, but I see them as areas where we are challenged to bring balance and focus into the polarities an opposition represents in our lives and ways of perceiving and acting. 

Aquarius is the idealist who sees ahead and is willing to sacrifice for others in order to do what’s best for the whole of humankind. Leo needs and desires immediate gratification, attention, and center stage. We have this polarity somewhere in all of our lives, and so it is a good time to see how this juxtaposition plays out in our own experience. 

For example if you have Leo in the first house and Aquarius in the 7th, your image and persona may be on stage most of the time. Your need for partnerships and marriage however, demand that you view any partnership as necessarily serving the highest good of humanity, and may forget to tend to your own intimate relationships and partnerships, or at the very least may not be willing to devote as much time and energy to keeping the home fires burning. Not in being domesticated, but in honoring the personal needs of yourself and your partner to at least the same degree as you would to how others view you and what you can do for all humanity. The pull is to balance the two and seek a level of harmony. The balancing act between the Leo exuberance, drama, star quality and the Aquarius humanitarian and forward thinking hermit who sits in a cave envisioning world peace and an end to world hunger.

A Second House Leo and Eighth House Aquarius would find the polarity in Leo’s desire to define one’s self and determine your worth according to what helps you shine and excel,  and Aquarius need to serve all of humanity in an innovative and highly evolved spiritual way. 

A Third House Leo and a Ninth House Aquarius would involve the Leo aspect seeking meaning and expression through all forms of outgoing, dramatic expression (theater, literature, performing arts, public office), anywhere where your ideas would be given voice and show your talents and ideas off. Ninth House Aquarius would be interested in moving in distant and unfamiliar fields and places to discover and seek greater meaning and to expand one’s field of vision and knowledge.

The Fourth House Leo and Tenth House Aquarius would deal with the polarity of Home and Hearth vs Career and Life Purpose. Leo’s home would be the center of attention and beauty, the creative stage upon which all of life begins and ends. The Tenth House Aquarius is the endless search to find meaning and purpose through how we live to serve others and add to the body of knowledge in whatever fields we so choose. 

The Fifth House Leo and the Eleventh House Aquarius involves the polarity between seeking pleasure, romance, fertility, children, and creativity versus our commitments and obligations to the institutions to which we belong. Eleventh house is also friendships, so this Aquarius Moon is sitting right here demanding this conflict be addresses. How can we unite the needs of our Fifth house with those of our obligations to the Eleventh House? 

The Six House Leo and the Twelfth House Aquarius highlight the pull between our daily life, physical needs, our survival skills and well being versus our karmic links, unconscious and hidden mysteries, obsessions. and undeveloped spiritual essence. Leo in the Sixth house puts you in the spotlight daily, and affects your health through the energy you pour into everything you do as a your need to be liked, noticed, and appreciated is unstable at times. Also you need to fulfill yourself is key to that life purpose, so if you’re on the right track (and only you can define that), you are seeing all you do as ultimately linked to that divine purpose and life meaning, under the control of the tenth house.

To determine the meaning for Houses Seven through Twelve, simply reverse the sign and apply to the characteristics of what each house represents. For example, Fourth House Aquarius and Tenth House Leo would have the reverse rulerships. Fourth house Aquarius would have unusual ideas about what makes a home or not. The home life would be out of the ordinary, highly likely not very domestic, and might be considered a bit strange to outsiders. Tenth House Leo would be the shining light for a life purpose. Life purpose is all about achieving and making a mark on society, creating something of lasting value, and standing out in whatever field or career one chooses.  

Summary: All the powerful energy combined with the New Moon in Aquarius, a partial eclipse of the Sun, Mercury conjunct the Moon and Sun all prove to be a powerful combination. That it comes just as the Lunar New Year arrives and as the you formation (Finger of God) points directly at Ceres (female energy) and then the North Node (gateway to change), indicates that all forms of communication will be on high alert and stories and narratives will be flying left and right to try to explain, excuse, ward off, or counter conflicts and issues that remain unresolved. Since some world leaders, principally the US President and the Prime Minister of Israel have this aspect pointing directly at them both, we can expect to each person will experience some direct hits to their careers and reputations. Much of what is indicated by some of the aspects includes: cover ups, deception, smoke screens, fall from grace, and revelations of deceit and trickery through drug-related, money laundering, and other types of corruption in Central and South America, as well as hidden agendas, and behind the scenes deceit in and around the Middle East. It does not look like this is going to usher in a particularly peaceful or calm new lunar year. Expect much to erupt to the surface over what is being revealed at this time.  

To handle this kind of chaotic and uncertainty, it is wise to remain vigilant and to seek peaceful ways within our own relationships, families, communities, and our own hearts and souls, to walk in harmony with one another and the earth energies. Look to the areas of your life where you are being challenged and called to adjust, reimagine, and regenerate the way you live, form relationships, and use your energy. What we acknowledge in ourselves can be the basis for healing, and that in turn can help in providing healing to the disharmony of the world.

Blue Moon, Full Snow Moon, & Lunar Eclipse in Leo

Bee Hive Splitting                           Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

The photograph that accompanies this article is one I took when a hive of bees split off from their Queen and formed a new hive, selecting a new Queen. It was an amazing experience to witness, and when I was selecting the photo for the Full Moon in Leo, I thought this was perfect. Because it represents the birth, life, destruction, death, rebirth cycles of life, it seem particularly fitting for this Full Moon in Leo Lunar Eclipse. 

January ends with a second full moon, called a Blue Moon. The Blue Moon, also called the Snow Moon is a fiery Full Moon in 11 degrees of Leo. This Full Moon coincides with a Lunar Eclipse. In the early evening on January 31, the Blue Moon Rises. In the middle of the night, the Lunar eclipse takes place, so this means January ends and February begins with some pretty powerful lunar and planetary energy. Be prepared, and take some time to allow yourself to notice how this lunar transit affects the important areas and issues of your life. 

Lunar eclipse in2nd decan of Leo, provides for gracious gifts of goodness, hosting a party that takes into account the needs of all those  present, and at the same time cuts to the chase with anything or anyone who threatens to put a damper on the other guests enjoyment. Leo the Lion tending to our emotional courage, may lay it on thick with trying to organize and plan just the perfect setting to forge strong alliances. In true Leo fashion, this may border on overdoing, excessive compliments, flattery, or coy disregard for others’ true needs/feelings. 

The Lunar Eclipse in the 2nd decan of Leo makes for the fearless, overwhelming need to reason and debate just to get your point across or to command the center stage. In the second decan of Leo, this can be dramatic to the point of overdone when the lion roars and makes enemies in the process. This Full Moon in Leo is conjunct Ceres, the Feminine Teacher (equivalent to Saturn the Teacher). This makes for  strong maternal energy being exerted in an effort to share the wisdom gleaned from experience and age. The impact of Ceres’ energy on our emotional stability and expression, depends to a large extent on our having come to terms with our own issues regarding our mothers, ourselves as mothers, and the nurturing, creative birthing process that this Full Moon engages us in.

Though this matriarchal energy, her use of pragmatism and practicality, the Full Moon gets the results that may feel like a strict or commanding mother figure (internal and external) pointing us in the right direction. Though the  instructions, observations, or commands may seem harsh, in the end they do help us cut through some of the unrealistic, delusional expectations and/or the unhealed versions of ‘who we are’, to open the door to a new way of perceiving, understanding, and being. The Moon will also pass through the gates of the North Node on this Full Moon, meaning we begin a new cycle that we have, once again, the opportunity to lay down the baggage of the past so we can move forward. 

Understanding too, that with each lesson we learn, about anything in life, simply gives us another experience to use the tools and gifts we already possess for meeting the same issues again later at a deeper, more profound level. Rather than ridding ourselves of our past, we embrace and heal into a knowledge of ourselves, warts and all, that allow us to be authentic and ever vigilant for how we need to keep on growing, developing, learning, and discovering the depths of our capabilities for being our best selves. Best does not mean, however, that we never meet with adversity, or that we won’t meet similar obstacles in the future. It simply means we deepen our understanding of how all that we experience tempers us like fine gold in the fire, and hones us like  a knife being sharpened on a stone, to the acute focus and intensity that we carry within ourselves. 

The Leo Moon conjunct Ceres bring together the feminine energy that is needed for healing. Herbalists, ecologists, caregivers, hostesses, and healers who are attuned to the medicinal healing powers needed for individual and collective healing, can now enhance their knowledge and develop greater skills as they tend to their gardens of healing remedies as they treat their patients and clients, and as they take time for ceremony and healing rituals and practices to improve health of  all levels. It is worth noting that in the energy of a powerful Full Moon in Leo, a Blue Moon, and a lunar eclipse, it is prudent to use caution in whatever you take into your body. Use only the purist foods, medicinal herbs, and be meticulous in your healthcare practices right now. 

We are approaching the turn of the lunar New Year (Chinese New Year of the Dog beginning Feb. 16-March 4), so our tendency may be to feel a strong sense of exhaustion and/or a sense of impending change. Or both.  Full Moon bring the manifestations of what has come before. The Leo Full Moon is one that sines its light dramatically on celebrating and expressing innermost joy or rage, depending on what has been building up. Leo is all about expression and communication of passions and pleasures. 

The Lunar Eclipse in the Full Moon of Leo forms an opposition with Venus in Capricorn. Both the Moon and Venus speak to our hearts and souls of our feminine roles, the feminine archetypes, and our identities as the feminine expression of the Divine. The lunar energy and its rulership of our emotional being, reminds us to nurture, care for, protect, and guard ourselves from anything that would harm or cause us imbalance. Anything that might uproot or knock us off center. It is Luna’s role to guard the temple of the feminine within. Venus, on the other hands, invites us to explore the passions, artistic, sensual, and romantic ways of expression—all of which toys with our sense of adventure as well as our limitations, boundaries, and vulnerabilities. The pull between the Moon (emotional expression) and Venus (expression of emotions) will most likely be in play. Befriend rather than set yourself up for a duel between the two. Embrace both as part of the whole of who you are.

Whatever complexities, polarities, or conflicts you may feel, are reminders of the wholeness of life experience, and how we feel about this, signals the areas where we need to work on learning how to use conflict as a tool rather than a weapon against ourselves or others, or both. 

The Moon in Leo eclipse is forming a quincunx aspect with Jupiter in Pisces. This creates foggy atmosphere, where the veils are thickening, the mists are lowering on our view of the future, and the waters are being muddied to a certain degree, around us. Discerning what is real from what is illusion or distortion can be difficult under this aspect. Jupiter the ruler of expansion, good fortune, benevolence, and abundance, highlights the mysterious, illusionary, hidden depths, those areas where we do not and cannot know outcomes or possibilities. The dark waters reveal periodic glimpses, sparks of light, and hints of something submerged within a memory, in a dream, or just out of sight of clear vision. It’s an odd type of influence, but one that can provide us with an opportunity to see and better understand that though there may be limitless possibilities and an endless Universe, we have a journey before us that follows the paths that are meant for this journey’s enlightenment. 

We can move no faster, no slower than is just right for us and the journey we are on.. Spend some time during this Full Moon celebration, honoring the ineffability to the Divine, and the hidden nature of the Journey to Light. Absorb the strong spiritual energy and the psychic and intuitive hits you get during this time, and be content for now to simply notice the specific signs, images, messages, visions, and ideas you discover in the course of your daily walk. Instead of trying to remember the whole story of a dream (which you may have forgotten), remember the one symbol or feeling from the dream. That is the small bread crumb that is there for you to follow. For example, I could only recall seeing  a Greek urn in  a recent dream. Until I tried to describe aloud to someone, then I remembered a little bit more of the dream. Today when I was reading a book, I opened a page and found a photo of a woman holding the urn I saw in my dream. What it means, is the raw material which now I can use to weave a story to fit into some aspect of my own life and journey. Practice using what you find that seems random and disconnected, and see what kind of tale you can tell. We find meaning through such a search. 

As I write this column, it is Holocaust Remembrance Day, and as usual, I think of Victor Frankl, and his work including Man’s Search for Meaning. A concentration camp survivor, Frankl wrote Man’s Search for Meaning to help himself recover from his suffering and losses. He also developed a theory and practice of psychotherapy, called logo therapy. The basic tenets are key elements in the healing process. The healing of any life trauma requires that we find a way to understand its purpose in our lives and the meaning it has on how we live in the future. His ideas provide a good framework for dealing with the ambiguity, confusion, and perplexities of life. Frankl wrote that:

1. Our primary motivation is our will to find meaning in life;
2. Meaning can be found in any circumstances when we give ourselves over to something greater than our self, whether that is a cause or another person [or the Divine];
3. We always have the freedom to find meaning, even in the face of unchangeable suffering.

Just a little food for thought at a time when we are all suffering through individual and collective struggles that we must find ways to cope with and find meaning through. 

As with anything related to Leo, this Full Blue Snow Moon and Lunar Eclipse is likely to be one of dramatic outbursts, purging, and volcanic eruptions. What has been repressed must be expressed, and if we do not find healthy ways of doing this as we go along, the eruptions tend to be more explosive than we might like when they happen because we are not accustomed to expressing and saying what we really feel. Express yourself, and find ways to help channel and tame some of your most powerful emotions. Tame in the sense that you create meaning from what may feel strange, uncomfortable, or unhealed in you. 

At this Full Moon we get an idea of how something we planted last summer is being birthed at this time. Depending on how stressful the last six or seven months have been, we will see how the fruits of our labor are becoming manifest. We may see that there was not enough to root deeply, and so the plans fell through. Or we may see that what was planted took hold, and grew its roots deeply into the earth to develop a strong root system to withstand the storms. Pay attention at this time of how you handle change and stress related to that change. Are you your own worst enemy, fighting and resisting, or do you allow yourself to work your way through all the feelings. 

Release what needs to go more quickly or with greater intention and understanding, Notice where you hang on for dear life to a sinking ship. Pay attention to how you blame yourself or others for the natural progression and choices you or others have made. Consider how you make choices, and then follow through with what you say your want. Allow yourself to fully see and fully appreciate who you are and how you discern and direct your life. Take stock of the raw materials that form you and your being. And celebrate that knowledge as you take on your power and authority over creating and living your full journey.

The Lunar eclipse has a strong influence for the next three months. We cannot purge what we do not see. In our homes and offices, cars and yards, we find we have accumulated a mass of things, experiences, relationships, and ideas. This is a good time to review old beliefs, ideas, expectations, decisions, patterns of behavior, and concerns to see what you need to do to remove the blocks to your progress and development. This is an emotional time, and if you can sit with and allow those emotions to flow out of you and move over you as a wave of water cleansing and healing you on all levels, that will help you use this lunar energy. Whether you express your emotions in tears, laughter, dance, or purging, allow yourself to look at what comes to the surface. Before we can let go of whatever comes up, it helps to know what it is. Avoid getting caught in the blame and shame trap. Practice acceptance and non-judgment of yourself. It’s a handy tool for healing. 

Make the most of the healing nature of the Blue Full Moon in Leo, and let yourself celebrate the joy of life. Howl at the Moon or dance in the light. Welcome the infusion of Divine Light and Love—the greatest healing power there is.

About Saturn, the Great Teacher

Saturn, the Great Teacher, has just begun its transit of Capricorn. For the next two years and more, Saturn will be having a strong influence on whatever area of your life/chart it is working its way through. Today, the day of the New Moon in Capricorn when six heavenly bodies are transiting the same sign as Saturn (Saturn, Mercury, Sun, Moon, Venus, Pluto), it is a good time to consider how Saturn affects different areas of our lives.

While I mention this regularly in my Full Moon and New Moon columns, I have found another astrologer who has done some fine work on Saturn through the houses. Jessica of MoonKissed has written a series of articles highlighting the effects of Saturn through the different houses. In the interest of not reinventing the wheel and of supporting other astrologers who I find interesting and well informed, I suggest you read what Jessica has to say about Saturn.


Saturn has a profound effect on how we learn our lessons, whether we are conscious of it or not. Better to be aware and conscious, I think.  Hope you find her work enlightening as I do.  Also, Robert Hand's classic, Planets in Transit can be very helpful for understanding the individual transits.

Today's stellia in Capricorn, involves the Sun, the Moon, and two inner planets plus two of the most powerful, outer, slow-moving planets. It is wise to learn all we can about how we can use the energy of this New Moon in Capricorn to make plans, start out on a new path or in a new direction. Slow down, as Saturn always advises, and notice how your  mental, spiritual, emotional, physical, and energetic levels of our lives, perceptions, and experiences are calling for your attention and discernment.

Many blessings as you experience this powerful New Moon in Capricorn today. If you missed it, read the New Moon article below.