Full Thunder Moon in Capricorn: Facing Transittion

 

Full Moon in Capricorn peaks on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:20 P.M. PDT/10:20 EDT.  The Sun in Cancer and the Moon in opposition in Capricorn highlights the balance between being accountable to our inner truths and needs, and meeting our public and community obligations. The Cancer Sun represents our domestic life, our need for creating and feeling at home, and our need for security, safety, and nourishment. The Capricorn Moon symbolizes our journey to take our place  in the line of ancestors, our place in our family lineage, and our place as part of the human circle of life. How do we take on the obligations that we are meant to accomplish and meet? How do we connect our inner truth with our place in the family of life? What are we meant to accomplish, create, or produce with our lives? How are we meant to serve others and help tend to the gifts of the Earth? These types of questions may be arising as this Full Thunder Moon is waxing to fullness? 

This weekend we had the first of our summer thunder and lightening storms here in the North. Thunder and lightening always remind me of the breaking point we each reach in different areas of our lives at different times. As standing and watching the high, dappled, white clouds form a river across the blue sky before the billowing, black storm clouds appear on the horizon, it is easy to  feel the tension in the air as the storm gathers. When the first bolt of lightening lights up the sky, and the thunder clap rocks the ground, rain cannot be far off. Relief, refreshment, and a reminder of what matters most, come together in these two opposing forces of lightening and rain, fire and water, as the earth opens to receive the much-needed moisture and nourishing.  The Thunder Moon, as this Full Moon in Capricorn is called, allows us to connect to our emotional needs and enables us to quench our thirst as we see more clearly, the path that we are on, and the life that we are living.

This Full Thunder Moon invites us to be mindful of and to honor whatever is building up within us, whatever needs to be nourished, and whatever needs to be created at this time. For the last two weeks, feelings, thoughts, and emotional challenges may have been building up, forcing us to pay attention to what now needs to be expressed. Some deep inner truth may have been building, rubbing up against some long-established ideas and beliefs about identity. We may find that we have changed, but are still living as if we were still part of a role, a life, a relationship, or some other major definer of our identity.  We may have found ourselves thinking differently and wanting to change direction, or needing to move outside the boundaries or obligations that had defined our roles in relation to work, to creativity, to relationships, to life styles, to anything that is part of how we express ourselves. When we make changes in our lives, the significant kind that is, it is often celebrated by some who wondered what took us so long. It is just as likely that others will not like the changes, and a breach will be formed which some connections cannot bear. 

With this Full Thunder Moon beginning in Capricorn and the cycle of the Sun through Cancer for the next two weeks, we will come into direct connection with what the dichotomy in our lives is all about. What we do with that awareness, depends on what each of us is ready to do and become. This is a time when many of us struggle with Root Chakra/Muladharra issues and energy.  How do our roots ground us, and where are we connected and at home? In what ways are we growing, and expanding out beyond our boundaries and limitations, and what is forming within us that needs nurturing? One of the ways that this energy might be manifest is through the need for movement and physical exercise. Finding ways to let whatever is building up within you out, may lead you to do some things that you have not normally done. Find ways to express yourself, and use a bit of caution if you have not stepped out into a new type of lifestyle. Takes steps that allow you to build up stamina, stretch yourself in new ways, and open up to finding a greater sense of balance and harmony in how you live and use your life force and energy.  Being open to to Crown Chakra energy input, is vital at this time. Allowing divine inspiration, direction, and guidance to reveal itself through dreams, intuition, introspection, and paying attention to gut instincts, is all necessary in order to bring life into harmony.

The Sun and Mars, are both in conjunction in Cancer at this Full Moon. Mars is a bit muted in Cancer, and therefore what might normally have us feeling like we need to act with decisiveness (were the Mars in another element), instead finds us holding our cards close to the vest. We are not so much hesitant as we are more meditative and thoughtful about what we really desire. Our need to be protective in whatever kinds of actions we take, is paramount at this time. Our approach to our passions is strong and focused, though highly affected by our moods. When the Moon and Mars are in Cancer, we may be feeling some of the energy of repressed desires, unfulfilled expectations, and seemingly impossible or unlikely dreams. Being aware of our moods, and finding ways to channel and express ourselves in creative and healthy ways, can be a big help in dealing with this type of energy.  Mars stays in Cancer until August 8, after which it will move into more fiery and typical energy in Leo, where it will join  the Sun. Keep in mind that Mars feeling thwarted, has an impact on our emotional feelings and experiences. The inner need for release is watered down under an emotional blanket, and acting feels almost out of character. Perhaps Mars is feeling overprotective, and so it is wise to pay attention to and be willing to look at what has and is changing. Avoid feeling like it is necessary to hang on to an identity or sense of feeling at home with ourselves, that is no longer real. Our lives do change, and we lose our sense of authenticity when we try to hold on to skin that we have already shed.

Venus has been in Leo since June 5. Over the weekend Venus formed a trine with Uranus in Aries, bringing us unexpected or shocking news about what is holding our heart strings. Over the weekend it is likely that some of the true passion we desire made its way to the surface of our consciousness. It may appear as just an idea around the edges of our awareness, or it may have come in the reminder of something deep which we have ignored or suppressed for too long. Venus is parallel Jupiter from now until June 30, stirring up our urge to connect, share, and become more deeply involved with those people and purposes that call to us. Also on June 30, Venus will form a quincunx to Chiron, the Wounded Healer, in Pisces. Our need to heal wounds and mend fences may make their way into our experiences right now. When Chiron in Pisces stirs us up, we may be more in touch with our fears, vulnerabilities, or sense of lack. Notice if this is the case, and see if you can discern what is beneath that edginess or discomfort.  What is in the process of healing?

Many of us think that if we feel bad, we have to do something to change it. Or that we have done something to cause that discomfort. Look upon discomfort as a signal from your inner being to pay attention to something that is working its way out of your system. When we eat or drink something that disagrees with us, our body revolts. The body lets us know we have put something into it that is not meant to be there. We may vomit or feel pain or have a difficult time digesting. We may trigger cravings or give ourselves too much or too little of something in an effort to bring ease and relief. At this time, especially when Chiron in Pisces is making aspects to Venus (or any other body), we feel it in our physical, emotional, spiritual, and even in our cognitive bodies. When we have to use toxic medicines in our body, those toxins have a direct effect on every molecule and atom of our being.  We can feel it in our skin and in our soul.  Notice what is causing you to feel off center, ill, or in any way imbalanced, especially in regard to relationships and meeting your needs through connection.

As we work with the energy of Chiron’s effect on Venus’ transit, we can reap the rewards of healthier more balanced health and well being when Venus forms a trine to Jupiter as the Full Moon in Capricorn rises on Wednesday, June 1. New beginnings, fresh opportunities, and growing pleasure in love and all manner of appreciation and indulgence in beauty and love arise.

Mercury’s sextile to Venus over the holiday weekend, July 4-5, lends itself to enjoying ourselves, and having some light-hearted fun. Being with friends and loved ones, sharing in the simple and pleasurable aspects of life are on the menu. Enjoying yourself and indulging in healthy, nourishing meals, games, practices, and activities all lighten up the mood and help us appreciate what we have to be grateful for.

On Monday in the afternoon, Jupiter forms a quincunx to Chiron. This energy promotes self awareness, especially of anything we are uncomfortable or unhappy with. If we use this energy to become more mindful of what we truly feel, this can be helpful. If we let this energy drag us into the pits of self doubt, fear, and anxiety, we can find ourselves feeling lost and atsea—feeling like we have lost our direction.  Rather than letting this energy sink your ship, allow it to help you become more aware of what sea changes need to be made in order to steer our lives in the right direction.   Breathe deeply of the truth of life, and allow yourself to feel the Presence of the Divine in your life. If we think we are all alone with no anchor or support from beyond what we can see, feel, or understand, we may need to examine beliefs about the Sacred and Divine.  If our faith is nothing more than an intellectual debate we have with ourselves or others, we may need to quiet our ego voice and listen and watch for how the Divine is Present in both the Immanence and Transcendence of the Sacred. The Immanence of the Sacred comes in that quiet, still inner knowing, or the guidance of intuition or dreams. Through the message of something you read or hear or even something you say to another that really speaks to your own soul. The Transcendence of the Sacred is alive in the mysteries beyond your own knowledge, coping, or awareness. In signs that point towards something greater than ourselves. In patterns and creation that defies understanding. In the miracles alive in a scientific or mathematical equation. Look around and within and see how you connect to the Sacred. When fear and anxiety rise up, it is time to refocus our attention on something that counters and balances that energy. Try simply being quiet and mindful of one moment, one breath, or one beautiful piece of the world around you.

A few hours before the Full Moon on June 1, the Sun in Cancer trines Neptune in Pisces. This is one of those magical moments in life when things line up for our greater good. We are apt to be in the right place at the right time. We are likely to be highly attuned to our own intuitive truths. Our visions and inner sense of knowing is heightened to such a degree that we can trust our instincts and decisions implicitly.  We may find that  our perspective shifts, and our vision is enhanced. We see more clearly who we are, what we want and need, and what is calling for us to do, be, serve, and understand. We may act on our own best interests now, in a way that is so clear.  Take advantage of this energy to allow your highest good to emerge and to acknowledge your gifts, talents, and resources with blessings and thanksgiving.

Thursday, Mercury in Gemini sextiles Uranus inspiring and benefiting all manner for good business, news, and communications. Surprising and beneficial encounters take place, business has good prospects, and creativity is at a peak for getting ideas and expressions into form. We find surprising answers to new and old questions. Projects we may have been bogged down on, now receive new life and energy. With new insight, shifts in perspectives and attitudes, and a willingness to trust and have faith in both self and the Universal Source, this can be not only a very enlightening time, but also a powerful time for finding solutions to problems and answers to questions that have a direct impact on your own development and soul growth.

On Friday morning, Mercury in Gemini squares Chiron The Friday square between Mercury and Chiron can awaken fears and emotional discomfort. Remember with the Sun in Cancer along with Mars, the underlying issues relate to our sense of security and need to be protective and even defensive sometimes. Notice how your defenses go up, and what walls and snares you construct to keep yourself within self-imposed parameters. What is longing to be born in your life, and what are you afraid of? What is the worst thing that could happen, and then what? Face your fears; don’t use them as a trap. Keep learning to acknowledge those places where your energy is trapped, and find ways to release yourself, a bit a time, so you can put that same kind of focus and energy into something that is life-affirming.

Friday evening, use the learning of the week to enjoy Mercury’s sextile to Jupiter. Allow a more harmonious and life-affirming essence to fill you up. Enjoy doing what allows you to express yourself more fully. It could be a very productive time of the week, and surely one that allows you to nourish, express, and honor that which is growing in the light of the Full Moon in Capricorn. With Pluto’s transformative work in Capricorn over the last few years, we can now see, during this Full Moon, the areas of our lives where we are growing, transforming, and changing in ways that are meant to open us to a whole new identity and level of spiritual and cognitive growth. Open yourself to receive the goodness and light that is meant for you so that you can in turn share that goodness and light with others.

Gemini New Moon: Auspicious Path Ahead

The New Moon at 25/07 degrees of  Gemini aligns with the Gemini Sun at the same degree and Mars at 24/35 degrees of Gemini as well. This makes for a power-packed lunar cycle in the mutable air sign of Gemini. Mercury too is at 5 degrees of Gemini. Though not in conjunction, nevertheless having an impact on all forms of communication. All this energy focused in Gemini, (look to your own chart/life to see where this energy is gathered), opens us to a lunar cycle that is sure to be filled with a great deal of communication, a calendar full of activities, and minds packed to the brim with ideas and plans. 

Venus and Jupiter are both in Leo (Venus at 10/06 degrees; Jupiter at 19/01), and as Venus moves closer to conjoining Jupiter, we can be sure to feel more and more connected and awakened to whatever desires and longings are growing in our lives. 

Saturn is at a crucial point, being at 29 degrees retrograde in Scorpio. This reawakens and reminds us of anything we have recently completed, relationships from the past, and lessons learned through hard work and challenging circumstances. We may feel weighed down at this time, perhaps subconsciously or perhaps quite consciously. We may feel deep longings, desires, or be wrapped up in unresolved memories. Areas of our past experiences may still litter our lives, and we find we are buried under the details of the past or the relics of whatever had passed away from our lives. Clearing space, letting go of objects and reminders, and releasing the old patterns and habits that bound us to what has passed, arises in our awareness during Saturns retrograde cycle. Particularly while in the 29th degree, we feel and experience on a very deep level, the death, the endings, the permanent disconnection of the past. Something may happen to make this much clearer for us, and we may even reap the benefits of whatever has been cleared away from our lives.  Saturn, the Great Teacher, reminds us of what has grown in our lives, what has fallen away, and what new lessons are ours to learn.  During this retrograde cycle, we are taken back (subconsciously and in reflection) over what we have learned. Perhaps we will have a little deja vu, reminders of what once was, and we will have the chance to feel the power of those emotions that connect us to what we’ve left behind or lost.  This may include both positive and negative, and the lessons of Saturn include synthesis of all experience into the way we live our lives from here on.

Pluto, the Great Transformer, is also in its retrograde phase, at 14 degrees of Capricorn.  Again, we are traveling back over old ground. We feel the disruptions of recent transitions and the newness of the transformations that have us wondering if we are capable of adjusting and lifting ourselves out of whatever ennui or lethargy we are trapped in. 

Uranus in Aries, in its long fiery journey, is at 19/52 degrees, forging full speed ahead in whatever area of our lives Aries rules. With all the transitioning and transforming that has been taking place in our lives, Uranus continues to prod us to branch out, seek new adventures, challenge the status quo of our lifestyles, and move out into uncharted territory. In contrast to the lessons of Saturn and the transformative work of Pluto in our lives, we are also feeling collectively as if we need to make the changes we long for, “yesterday”. A growing impatience may be noticeable in some areas of life. As Uranus has been doing from the start of its journey through Aries, finding peace amid the chaos is the clarion call of this transit and of this time. Especially with this New Moon in Gemini conjunct the Sun and Mars, we are filled with ideas, dreams, goals, and plans, and with Mars, with the drive and energy to forge on and move forward with haste. We are also mindful of the tendency to overload and push ourselves over the edge. 

We must be cautious with our resources (physical, emotional, financial, and energetic). To exhaust ourselves at the starting line, is ill-advised. Use your spiritual and physical practices to channel energy now. Move yourself out of ennui and lethargy through movement and pushing limits in small, easy-to-manage ways. For example, rather than trying to make up for lost time by overdoing in some area that is new or revitalizing, break down your experiences into shorter and more regular activities. Begin building in regular time for new experiences, and don’t be afraid to let go of ways that no longer satisfy or meet your needs. For example, if you are used to chilling out in front of the t.v. after a long day, catch yourself before you plop down, and pull yourself out of that routine by heading out the door to walk and watch a sunset. Move out of the habitual patterns that mark your life, at least a bit, and spread your wings by trying something new for a change. Meet up with a friend for a walk or run. Ride your bike or put your kayak in the water and head upstream. Do something out of the ordinary, and slow down while you’re at it. Take longer to do something you normally rush through. 

We are dealing with powerful energy at this time, and our spiritual and physical practices are ways we can handle some of the pressure, stress, or angst that rises us during such times. Move out of the habit of dwelling on some problem or unresolved issue, and get into doing something fresh and new. Issues and problems, questions and answers, often work themselves out when we let go of such an intense hold on them. Relax your mind. Use your meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, swimming, tennis, walking, gardening, or whatever other practices you have for channeling your energy and letting go of stress and anxiety. Read for pleasure, and find uplifting ways to indulge your senses in nature, art, dance, and music. Part of the way we find ourselves and develop true independence is by following our hearts and living more according to the rhythm of our  own heart’s desires. 

Use your hands (heart chakra connections) to create beauty. Embroider, sew, knit, crochet, make bread, paint, polish, or dig deep into the earth. New Moon times are times to plant seeds. As you plant some seeds for summer herbs, vegetables, flowers, and fruit, you will also be planting seeds through your desires, thoughts, and connections you are making. 

The New Moon in Gemini is a time that signals to us that we are finally ready for true change. In my last column, I wrote about the Gemini New Moon as being the super-charged energy that has us dealing with the struggle between the peaceful dove and the nurturing goat of the Milky Way versus the Hunter/destroyer of Orion. This New Moon pits the feminine and masculine energies within us, against one another. As in all things Gemini, the need is to resolve the differences, the polarities within us as well as within all our relationships. The real battle is within, and to project this battle outside into our connections, is liable to cause us to miss a wonderful opportunity to bring unity amid our diverse feelings, thoughts, emotions, and directions. We cannot be everywhere at once, doing everything we desire now. We live life one moment at a time, and need to be focused in any one moment on what is before us. Rather than worrying about what happened in the past and why, or what may happen or not happen tomorrow or next month or year, we need to move our focus into the present. 

The more we can live in this moment, the NOW of our lives, the better. It is in the NOW that we can truly act, move, and have an effect. All focus and fear directed otherwise, is a waste of our time and energy. During this New Moon time, with the powerful presence of the Sun and Mars against the backdrop of the outer planets movement and the inner planets dance, we are caught up in intensity, complexity, and the sense of overwhelming movement, imagination, and action. We need not only to move toward the life we seek; we need to be in it now. Let go of whatever is holding you in place, and move with intention, emotional openness, and a commitment to live authentically in each moment. Catch yourself each time you say you are going to do something ‘later’. Notice how often you tell yourself or others you ‘can’t’. This is the life you have chosen, and this New Moon in Gemini is asking you, “What is it you say you want?”, “Who is it you say you are?”, “How does your life reflect that now?”, “What changes have you made?”, “What’s next?”  and perhaps most importantly, What are you doing now?”. 

Mercury, the ruler of Gemini’s New Moon, just went direct, and is in the early degrees of Gemini. The momentum of Mercury is picking up, and by the New Moon at 7:05 A.M. on Tuesday, June 16, this planet of communication will be well on its way to sending us messages, clarity, and reminding us to awaken to the messages that require our discernment.  Our path has become clearer, and we are poised to set ourselves in the right direction for whatever journey or path we are following. The energy surrounding this New Moon is so powerful, and it can be directed (Mars) in all types of ways and directions. Focus on directing your energy into positive, healthy, and good channels, taking care to avoid harmful, negative, and unehalthy practices and attitudes. Keep your mind and heart clear and full of compassion and love. Know the Truth of your Divine being, and treat yourself with respect; treat others with dignity. 

Last night I went to our local art walk, and listened to a number of different artists and creative people talking about having so many different desires and wanting to head off in so many different directions or have everything work out now, and not have to wait. The general sense I got was a growing impatience coupled with a longing filled with multiple needs, direcitons, and desires. How do we deal with this overwhelming build up of energy? We practice being mindful, focusing on one thing at a time. Acknowledge what you have completed and what your are working on now. Make a little ritual  for yourself on this New Moon. Include some time for gratitude for what has been accomplished. Add some forgiveness and release to the experience. Write down what you want to let go of, forgive, or say good bye to. Symbolically release the past, honor what has been given and what you have accomplished, and be grateful to the Divine that has given you the energy, talents, and gifts to use as you have. When we release, we are symbolically sacrificing some part of ourselves (ego) so that we can be new again. We can receive new insight, intuition, imagination, and can be open to a new vision of the life that is ahead. We can plant seeds, and we can get glimpses of the future, but we must focus on our intentions (what is it we really want) and then surrender those intentions to the Universal energy so that we can be open to receiving what we are meant to have, do, or be. 

Enjoy this exciting New Moon in Gemini, and use the power, energy, and time to focus, discern, and be open to your highest good and well being. Jupiter and Venus are forming a lovely sextile to this New Moon from their transit throug Leo. They are shining their light and abundance on whatever area this New Moon highlights in your life, and are showering blessings on you in that area. Open your mind, heart, and arms to receive these blessings. By the next Full Moon, the two beneficients will conjoin and that meeting will be one of such auspiciousness that we may enjoy powerful blessings. At this New Moon, pay attention to what is being born in you, and receive the blessings that are coming to you now. Uranus in Aries is also sextiling this New Moon, and that adds to the likelihood that blessings will come, and may do so in quite an unexpected way.

Imagine you have been looking for a lost treasure for all your life. You suddenly find yourself in front of a treasure chest…the one you have been searching for. You now stand before that chest, and what do you do? This New Moon is that treasure chest, and all it requires of you is to open it. Act upon your true desires and dare to take the steps you long to do now. Put yourself out on the path, and begin the walk. Go in the new directions, head for the unknown, and trust that you have whatever is needed to reach your goals, create a new life, and live the life you long for. This time is one of those times when we get a glimpse of what is possible, and we if we dare to be honest about what we really want and then take the chance to go for that dream, we cannot lose. Be brave. Know you are meant to bring forth the best life you can, to succeed, and to create what only you can do. Walk out in your truth, and receive those blessings. Turn away from negativity, and keep your heart and eyes on what is good about this moment. What is alive within you now. Be in this moment, and discover the blessings that have been with you for all time. 

In less than a week, the Summer Solstice occurs. Another seasonal gateway that signals a time for passage. This New Moon is also a gateway that aligns with the North Node in Libra, setting a turning point in our lives that will be revealed in the time of the Solstice and in the fullness of the next Full Moon. Awaken to the Life and Love within you, and open your arms, heart, and soul to the blessings of this life within you now. 

Mercury direct and Venus in Leo--change bursts on the scene

This week the third quarter square of the waning Pisces Moon to the Gemini Sun, triggers some edginess. Notice if you find that emotional outbursts or long-buried depression, pain, or frustration have burst through the surface and found their way into your consciousness.

For those with planets and aspects within 17-21 degrees of the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) this square may have a deeper and more long-lasting impact. The decreasing light of this lunar cycle sends us into the deeper, less conscious realms of experience. During this upcoming period when we enter the dark of the moon before next week's new moon, we need to be paying attention to what ends need tying up and what details we need to pay attention to.  With the forward thrust of Mercury, which turns direct today, Thursday June 11, we will feel more energized and less likely to be distracted from matters that need tending.
The Sun remains in the sign of Gemini until June 21. Now in the third decan of Gemini, the decan ruled by the Sun. This decan refers to the placement of the Sun in the weeks prior to the Summer Solstice.  The third decan is the home of the Orion nebula and the Dove and Charioteer. It also contains one arm of the Milky Way. The third decan represents the two sides of Gemini--on one side the super parent who wants to and does it all, as well as the nursing, nurturing breast of Nut the sky goddess, seeking to feed all and provide nourishment to all her children. On the other hand, the great hunter, destroyer, protector represents the warrior archetype of the battle between the two sides of our human nature. The battle between these competing forces within us, plays out in relationships as well as on the stage of the collective world affairs.  What is necessary for harmony to exist, is that the two sides meet in balance and harmony. For the next two weeks, notice how this plays out in your own life, and in the houses/parts of your life where the mutable signs now play out.
One of the ways that the Sun's passage through this third decan of Gemini plays out is through an increased interest and desire to discover more about how to find the happy medium. Many of our activities, and much of our conversation will revolve around seeking answers through different and diverse channels. It may be hard to pin anyone down, or for that matter find the answers in any one place during this time.  The whimsiness of Gemini now is caught up in seeking rather than finding. To complicate matters, Mercury, which is in Gemini and has been retrograde since May 18, increases the tendency for communication, social activities, and all other areas ruled by this chatty planet. Conversations may be more superficial or broad-based and multi-faceted than usual. Chatter, prattle, and off-the-wall communication, theoretical speculation, and balderdash seem to be the theme of much conversation during this period. Seek to use this energy to help discern some of what is capturing the imagination and what seems to be blowing in the wind regarding off-hand thoughts and impressions. Sometimes what is revealed by a person's off-hand remarks, can lead you to a deeper understanding of what is or is not beneath the surface of meaning. Notice how this plays out in your own conversation, and listen to what comes out of your own mouth. What does your own prattle say about what is going on beneath the surface? It's a good time for word play and games, and for artists and writers, this might be a very creative period when some of your ghosts will make their way into your works.
On June 5, Venus entered Leo. This is a period that is full of heartful expressions and generous gifts of love and affection. A very romantic placement for Venus, we may seek and find true love, albeit in discovering where we truly feel at home and in love with life ourselves. The romantic side of love revels in adoration, affection, the full expression of love from lover to the beloved. We seek to heal and come to wholeness through the love we discover in relationships, for we need the validation, appreciation, and affection that a lover expresses revealing a knowledge of our true and often hidden nature. Venus in Leo offers love in flourishes of beauty, gifts, and lavish expressions of affection. We all have Venus transiting Leo in different areas of our lives, so notice which sectors this need for love and romance seems strongest. It may be around 10th house issue (career and life purpose) or in 1st house issues (public face, masks we present to the world, how we are seen and choose to be seen), or 4th house (home, where we feel at home and how we make ourselves at home). For each of us, this expression of Venus through Leo will awaken needs and motivate us to express ourselves and our needs with greater candor and with dramatic expressions and signals. Again for those who are creative, notice where in your life you can use this energy to share the full expression of your intuition, imagination, and heart-felt compassion through your art, work, life purpose, even duty and obligation to others.
Mars has been in Gemini since May 16, and will remain there until June 24. This placement plus all the aspects Mars has been making along with the Sun and Mercury, has revealed a scattered, more versatile Mars energy. In Gemini, this versatility has Mars, the planet of action, movement, and male-centered energy, distributing itself in more diverse, wide-spread and intellectually scattered ways than is usual.
Interesting Aspects this Week.
Venus' entry into Leo is one of the most vibrant aspects affecting the energy we are filled with and surrounded by. Notice how the 'need' to beautify ourselves and our homes this week has been of vital importance. It is as if we suddenly have energy and drive to get things cleared out, cleaned up, and brought into the full expression of the most beautiful and pleasing nature. Getting new clothes, buying a new lipstick, or having your hair cut. Updating your professional portrait, sprucing up your office or studio, or adorning yourself or your walls with colorful tapestries and adornments--all signs that Venus in Leo is at play. And play is part of Venus' energy. Suddenly we 'realize' we need to play, find pleasure, and seek beauty in all we do. And we set out on a mission to bring this beauty into our lives in every possible way. We attract to us what we need to create, channel energy, and craft lives of beauty, pleasure, and delight. Enjoy this transit, in ways that bring you an uplifted view of yourself, others, and life in general. For some, it's been far too long since this energy has been the vital part of life that it needs to be.
And of course, the grand finale for the week comes today. Mercury finally (for it seems like a long month or so) turns direct. The last two days may have been filled with last minutes deluges of left over debris from past storms and romances. We may have been thrown to the lions over issues that we thought we over and done, or we may have been sorting through thoughts, feelings, leftover litter and details from old relationships or past issues that we thought had ended. Remember, the idea of closure or completion is something of a delusion. We carry with us the remains of whatever lessons we have learned or are still learning about the past. We often think this is all about the other person or the job or whatever it is you are leaving behind (or have been left to sort out). In part, this is true, for 'it takes two to tango'.
However, as one old friend mistakenly said, "It takes two to tangle", and that's more like it in some instances. 'We' includes you and me. Long after a person has gone, died, or moved onto a new role in our lives, the I in we remains, and we then understand that the lessons are primarily within us. What about us attracted us to a certain situation or relationship? What about us remained in a situation, and why? What about us needs to be repaired, healed, altered, or changed? What expectations do we have of ourselves, of others, of situations and work, and are we in agreement with those we relate with? The real learning in these retrograde cycles, and in much of the trying stuff of life, is to learn and grow into a happier, healthier person who is able to live in a more fulfilling manner and appreciate self,  others, and life in general for what it is, in any given moment. So notice, over the last few days and month of Mercury's retrograde phase in Gemini, what about the inner struggle between your nurturer and your warrior prince or princess, has been revealed? What have you learned about who you are and what you need and expect from life? And what have you determined for yourself, to create in life now?
Helping you out with this growth and appreciation of yourself and the lovely gift of life you have, was a sweet sextile on Wednesday between the Sun in Gemini and Uranus in Aries. Early in the afternoon, this aspect may have brought some unexpected good news or an enlightening awareness that shines light on ways to adapt to changing circumstances. It was a great time to join with others for mutual benefit, or to attend some social function that may open you to a new way to find creative solutions to problems you have been struggling with. You may found a new mode of exercise, or had a revitalizing experience of some sort. Perhaps you found  yourself open to flashes of insight or surprising approaches to finding solutions, bringing resolve, or healing old wounds in interesting and intriguing ways.
Thursday in the afternoon, Mercury in Gemini stations direct, at around 3:28 P.M. PDT.  A couple of hours later, Mars in Gemini forms a square to Chiron in Pisces. This indicates a clash between our desires and our anger. This may be expressed outwardly, or may rise up within us as a source of tensions and frustration. Chiron, the Wounded Healer, in Pisces is sensitive and may feel very defensive and protective at this time. When we are confronted with our own fears, anger, mistrust, or unhealed pain and imbalances, we do not necessarily want or need to be slapped in the face during the process. We are all too aware of our pain and shortcomings, and this square of rather thoughtless Mars in Gemini may just send us over the edge, releasing a stream of toxic energy or causing some heretofore repressed anger or resentments to surface.  Use this knowledge to channel this type of energy into some healthy release or channel the energy into something useful or relieving. Coming as it does, on the heels of the Mercury station, this might feel like whatever has been building up for the last month, is finally ready to come out on its path to be released and let go of once and for all.
On Friday, the Sun in Gemini squares Chiron as well. Rather than a release of anger, fear, or resentment, this square may trigger some self doubt or lack of self esteem and confidence in our own abilities. Notice if this is the case, again, where in your life/chart this aspect is triggering this type of experience. Avoid the impulse to take someone else's 'good advice'. What is important at this point is to learn to trust yourself. Remember you have access to the Divine channel and Source as does everyone else. Listen to how that speaks to you in your heart, mind, soul, body, and allow yourself the affirmation that you have what you need when you need it, and are led to the perfect and right action. Trust that your decisions and choices are what will help lead you forward and will help rebuild any confidence that has been shaken or challenged. We live a life making choices that we have no idea how they will work out. There is no road map or guarantee that a choice you make today will lead you automatically to where you think it will. We can only trust that we will have the courage, discover the knowledge, and develop the wisdom to navigate and change course when necessary. If one plath ends, we will find another. If one job is over, we have new decisions to make. If one relationship ends, we will discover what we need next. We learn from every experience, and we need to avoid condemning ourselves for not making the 'right' choice, for there is never just one right choice. The great whimsical nature of Gemini is like the fearless fool who travels the road unaware of the dangers that lay in his path. The fool that we are is the adventurer who dares to set out on the journey. The fool is the one who takes the risk, and experiences the full measure of life. The one who does not want to dare like the fool, sits and does nothing, and knows nothing of life. Seems like a simple choice to me, but then I'm a fool, so I would not know any better. Enjoy the journey. Take care of yourself along the way. And remember to  "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold."

New Moon in Taurus: Deepening Within

The New Moon in 26 degrees of Taurus, occurs in the third decan of Taurus. This New Moon forms some interesting aspects including a yod to Pluto, the Great Transformer and a conjunction with the fixed star, Algol. This New Moon is influenced by Saturn, the Great Teacher, Taurus' ruling planet.  We learn about ourselves and the world in which we live by having to face our shadow side--the unformed, undeveloped, unhealed, and unexplored regions of who we are.

If we have not been trying to become more aware of how we affect our own growth and development and how we have an impact on others, we may still be acting out of the unhealed parts of ourselves. It is a good time to practice Ahimsa--the practice of being mindful of how we communicate with others and how we communicate with ourselves. Ahimsa is a practice often translated to mean 'do no harm or non violence. The type of violence we do to ourselves with our thinking and communication, is often ignored. Notice how you talk to yourself or about yourself. What story are you telling others about who you are? Are your words meant to manipulate or do you find yourself trying to control or 'play god' in your relationships? Are you making mountains out of mole hills, or ignoring your own needs in an effort to connect or find meaning through external forces (working too much, neglecting your own health or safety, looking for love in all the wrong places)?
Are you living through delusions you have created to deal with pain, loss, or longing? These are just some of the questions which might come to the surface at a time like this, if you have been neglecting or ignoring some aspect of yourself.

On the other hand, if you have come to understand that under fear resides an opportunity to learn, grow, and blossom, then you are able to use that alchemical process to turn something that scares you into a creative expression or concrete and positive act or deed. For example, even though I am afraid of failing at something, the steps involved in trying to succeed despite my fears, often lead us to great success, beauty, and creative solutions and ideas. Art and all forms of creativity are born out of the unhealed, unexplored, and undiscovered depths of who we are. And we have an excellent opportunity to use Mercury's station and subsequent retrograde phase to turn inwards for deeper reflection.

As the Mercury station and retrograde also occur with the beginning of the new lunar month, we find ourselves on the edge of two worlds--the past and the future, the end and a new beginning, the pause between movement and inaction. These in-between places allow us time to discern and gain greater clarity.

While some focus on how communication breaks down and things don't go according to plan during a retrograde of Mercury, a more powerful purpose of these times is a slowing down and a stilling of our attention so that we can clear up some of our fuzzy thinking or face some of the contradictions and polarities that are causing tension, confusion, or angst in our lives. It is now essential that we use our own clear thinking to make decisions. To have clarity of thought, we must take time to be still and listen to all parts of how the Divine communicates with us as well as how different beliefs, practices, and ideas come into conflict within us. Is our life, the way we live it, in tune with, in alignment with who we say we are and what we say we believe? Now is the time to be as honest as we can with ourselves, as to how our journey reflects our true passions or not.  If we are out of alignment with what we believe and feel we are meant to be doing, how we are meant to be living, or what we are meant to be creating, we need to get clear about this. We need to face contradictions and incongruities.

The New Moon in Taurus' conjunction (that means they are in the same degree and sign--in alignment in the sky) with Algol, the fixed star, we are reminded to avoid anything that might knock us off balance.  Avoid overdoing in any way, especially with drugs or alcohol. Use your spiritual practices to help calm the discontinuity you might feel, to calm the conflicting voices. Acknowledge that at any given turning point time, we are going to be pulled in different directions. One of the best pieces of advice I have ever gotten when feeling so conflicted was, "When in doubt, don't."  Most decisions in life can wait. Action or inaction. Both will have an outcome, but sometimes not acting or reacting will allow the needed space, calm, time, or distance for the energy to quell. Part of the process of 'letting go' is learning how to be both action and inaction. And it is in the inaction often, that we provide an opening for the Divine to enter where our actions keep us too busy to focus on how that natural flow is always working with or without our help.  Let stillness enter you, and be content to slow your motions, hold off on decisions, set aside jumping in to fix something, or hurrying when the signs all point to slowing down. If you need to rest, rest. If you need to stop and nourish yourself, make that the focal point of your mind, heart, and soul. Be in the moment with the small details of life, and enjoy the pause between.

Most new moons are times to set sail in new directions. This new moon is a bit different. It is a time to travel deeper within to observe what is growing beneath the surface, to listen for clarification.   Take small steps toward better understanding of who you are and how you create or destroy, how you block your own good or happiness, or how you deflect your own light. Notice what you are doing that gives you life, and what is draining you of energy. What holds meaning for you, and what is lifeless? Instead of deadening or ignoring pain, listen to what your pain, grief, or sadness is telling you.

The New Moon in Taurus' yod to Pluto and quincunx to Mercury tells us it's time to weed our gardens. This year we have had an early Spring. the second and third growth is coming forth. Our proverbial gardens are overflowing with abundance. For new growth to take place, we have to make room for new growth, so we need to be weeding out whatever is no longer necessary, supportive, or healthy for us.

Creating is a process of focusing and putting our attention of the project, chore, canvas, shot, or page that is right in front of us at this moment. It is getting down to business, one thing at a time, for despite the tendency to plunge into many things all at once, we can only be in one space at a time, and art is created one stroke, one word, or one task at a time. With Pluto, the Great Transformer, slow-moving and retrospective, in this alignment with the New Moon (emotions and balance) and Mercury (communication, information, ideas), we are being pulled into the grounding force of Pluto to solidify our thoughts into action by clearing out room, space, time, and energy. And we are being pulled down to earth to take care of ourselves within the lives we have created where we are.  We begin to pull ideas, experiences, and creations together from over a vast period of time and life experience so that now we can begin to see new life take shape and form out of what we have created and produced in our past. This is a time for focused self discipline. Look at which areas of your life/chart are affected most by the New Moon, Pluto, and Mercury. And the loose opposition of Saturn, Taurus' ruler to the Moon lends its elegance, poise, aplomb when dealing with duty, obligation, family. We need to worry less about appearances and more about substance as we take hold of ourselves and our lives and move into motion with exquisite grace.

Grounding is what is needed at this point. Spiritual awareness and our ability to surrender to the Divine Will, Mind, and Source. We need a connection with that life force that is greater than our own ego-driven mind. We need to connect to that which transcends our own individual capacities. We need to tap into that natural Divine connection we experience through our intuition, intellect, heart-centered knowing, and enteric knowledge.

We need to be aware of how we are affected by that which is not seen, but which is nevertheless present and manifesting within us and in all areas of Creation. We are part of the ongoing Creation, and our physical experience allows us to channel that energy into form through the way we live and what we create and do in our lives. Intuition and instinct provide us with helpful, useful, and important information about what we need to know, do, or say.  The enteric belly, that brain-belly connection that sends signals we call gut instinct, provide the safety devices we need to pay attention to whatever might be threatening to our health, safety, and well being. Honor your gifts, brood over your ideas and designs like a mother hen broods over her eggs. Hold wise counsel, and incubate, protect, and sanctify the sacred gifts within you so that they can take root
and grow.

On Thursday, May 14, we had a powerful Mars-Saturn opposition. Mars make us want to hurry up and get things done yesterday, while Saturn stops, blocks, impedes, or at the very least, slows us down and pushes us to soak up the details that need tending to right in front of us.  I know I woke up in a panic thinking of all the things I needed to do "immediately". It was a pressure-cooker like time for many people, and if we allowed fear, uncertainty, or anxiety to overcome us, we may have had a very difficult day. If we have learned to realize that when these periods of high pressure come up and cause our stress levels to rise, that is exactly the time we need to slow down and honor what the body, mind, heart, soul, or stomach might need. Balance is the key, and breaking down your time and energy into tiny pockets filled with the essentials, is key to handling the high-energy, high pressure times.

While some plans may have been derailed, trust that what does not work out makes way for and necessitates change in a new direction. Even when life doesn't work out according to plans, life always has possibility. Weigh your words and thoughts carefully, as you set new intentions as your words carry weight and energy and their meaning sets the tone for both how you perceive life and how you are perceived.

For many who are nearing or ending the school year, this is a time when a full year's (or perhaps many years) efforts come together in the grand finale. It's also the time to be balanced, mindful, and present, taking one step at a time, one task at a time, and nourishing, refreshing, and resting in the process. I discovered, and I believe this advice is worth considering, during such high stress times, don't quit your job, don't decide you want a divorce, don't do anything drastic or final. Acknowledge that whatever needs to change will eventually change, but now is the time to put your mind on navigating the rapids before you with full attention using the skills, gifts, energy, and abilities you already have. Time to remind yourself, you are enough. You've done enough. And it is okay to stop, eat, rest, and relax. Rest is in the offing, and that will give you that perspective you need.

Friday's Moon in Aries resulted in life speeding up just  a bit. It may have felt like things were finally coming together, and you were making headway with your to-do lists.

As I write on Saturday, May 16, Venus is trining Neptune making healing easier, relief a reality, and a softening and opening of our hearts a definite possibility.  Venus in Cancer and Neptune in Pisces, foster our need to create, find, and imagine the perfect environment and relationship to nurture, safeguard, and foster our feelings of harmony, peace, love, and home. We also can be very vulnerable (again notice where in your chart/life these two planets are affecting you). Our hearts may feel open and we may feel vulnerable and even gullible. This is a supportive, nurturing aspect, but due to the nature of Neptune, if we are not careful, we may be looking at the world through 'rose-colored glasses'. Notice whether or not you are seeing what you want to see or what is there. This can be a healing aspect if we are able to discern the difference. What we long for and what is are not necessarily in alignment, and knowing that is healthy. It may make us feel emotions we would rather not feel, but, and I guess this would depend on what your own perspective on life is, it might be better to face what is than to live a delusional life. See if you can find the gifts in the truth...even the painful truths that cannot be ignored.

A message from the  Venus-Neptune trine is to relax and stop pushing the river. Let things unfold in your life, and stop trying to do everything at once. This soothing, nourishing aspect helps us get out of the virtue trap. The virtue trap is where we equate our goodness to how much we do or what we get done, or how many burdens we can carry.  It is also the trap that tells us that our happiness lies in the hands of someone else.  While we need and enjoy our relationships, we may love our family, and we may thrive on our work, we are complete in ourselves. We need to nourish our own Temple, so that we can give and receive love. No empty vessel ever quenched anyone's thirst. If circumstances seem to be confused, full of conflict, or seemingly impossible, let the energy play itself out. It's like being in an argument with someone, and the argument just continues to escalate. At some point it might be better to take a break, cease hostilities long enough go calm down and get some perspective. I can still remember some heated arguments, but for the life of me, I can't recall what they were about. The energy we invest in some toxic and negative experiences is hardly ever worth what we put into it. What I learned from arguing was that the argument rarely if ever changed anyone's mind or behavior. At this time, think of how you may be wasting your time and energy, and what might be more useful, healthy, and productive--and enjoyable.

Venus in 9 degrees of Cancer trining Neptune in 9 degrees of Pisces is a dreamy time as well. Time for a break, a vacation, or a spa visit. Take time to nurture yourself. Take time to look back and honor what has been born, what has been accomplished, learned, or completed, and honor your achievements.  Work with images that hold meaning for you, and allow yourself to connect to the past and pay homage to what has gone before. Connect with those you love, and let those who have been important in your life, know how much they have meant to you.


Right after Sunday night's New Moon in Taurus with the yod to Pluto and the sextile to Mercury, Mercury turns retrograde at 13 degrees of Gemini. At that time Mercury is  sextile Jupiter at 14 degrees of Leo and inconjunct to Pluto at 15 degrees of Capricorn.
For those with natal and progressed planets within 5 degrees of a 15 degree aspect, this line up could be pretty powerful. This is slowing energy, and it cautions us to take our time. Take on a 'live and let live' attitude and allow life to unfold more. Stop pushing. Through nourishing, slower, more reflective time, solutions, ideas, revelations, and pathways appear or are revealed. Notice your dreams, pay attention to hunches and intuition, and notice all the gifts that seem to drop into your lap or appear suddenly on your path. Day dreaming, meditating, prayerful contemplation, and holy listening all have much to offer during this time.

Mercury forms a wide sextile with Uranus in Aries, and this is an indicator of over thinking and obsessive behavior. This may also stimulate a flood of words inspired by intuitive flashes. What your intuition may reveal is whether or not your life is expressing cognitive dissonance or harmony.  How do your words express the 'you' you want to be and the one others see? What may also come about as a result of this aspect and this type of flood of ideas and thoughts is some creative expression. Sometimes, if we want to sit on some ideas for a while, we might use art, creativity, writing, dance, or other art forms to express what makes no sense in viewing our lives. We all have areas of our lives where what you see is not necessarily what you get.  Use some nurturing outlet to work some of this energy out and give yourself some freedom to express and face yourself without bringing it into the public domain---that is until you're ready. Discretion is a lovely gift we can give ourselves sometimes.

One of the most lovely aspects that occurs with the New Moon is the sextile of Chiron, the Wounded Healer in Pisces with the Sun and Moon in Taurus. This New Moon is a wonderful time to reflect on our stories..who do we say we are? What do we believe about ourselves and our life purposes?  How are we moving to heal? What is blocking us from healing and health? How do we need to change our story? Some of us get so stuck in one or two of the stories about who we are, that we cannot shake loose of an old part of ourselves to develop and grow. For example, if we tell our story through lost love or an old job, we keep the energy of both alive. Do we really want to define ourselves by who we were? By what we once did but no longer do? Do we have to keep proving ourselves to insure that others know we are 'okay', enough, or acceptable? Time at this New Moon to listen to your own story, and expand your own definition of who you are. Celebrate, enjoy, and honor all of you, and embrace the new parts of you that are growing into fullness.

The Full Flower Moon in Scorpio: Passionate Challenges and Changes

The Full Flower Moon in Scorpio: Passionate Challenges and Changes

Where the planets are as I write this column on May 2, 2015.

Sun 12 Taurus 3'21" 15n27

Moon 26 Libra 31'14"

Mercury 2 Gemini 19'49"

Venus 24    Gemini 15'15"

Mars 23 Taurus 22'27"

Jupiter 13 Leo  28'35"

Saturn 3 Sagittarius 5'46"r

Uranus 17 Aries 55'10"

Neptune 9 Pisces 22'34"

Pluto 15 Capricorn 29' 8"r

TrueNode 9 Libra 47'59"r

Chiron 20 Chiron 21'31"

What is bursting forth in your life? At this midpoint in Spring in the Northern latitudes, and the Autumn in the Southern, the two transitional times of year bursting with growth and change. The growing seasons find blossoms bursting forth, seeds sprouting, and trees full of new growth. Notice right now where you are rooted, and what it is you call home. How are you growing as we approach the Full Flower Moon in Scorpio? What is bursting forth in your life? What needs to grow, change, and be trimmed back? And how are you being nourished in all areas of your life? This Full Moon is one that asks us to bring unity to all areas of our life, to meet our personal/ego needs and to honor and live out of our emotional nature and intuitive truth. Finding balance with so much bursting forth, may seem a bit overwhelming, and so take some time to sit in stillness and consider what has been growing in your garden of life. 

The week preceding the Full Flower Moon in Scorpio has been one shining its growing light on those areas of our lives where we are facing the aftermath of the last two and a half years of the seven Uranus-Pluto aspects. With Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn, areas of our lives that required an overhaul and transformation, have been subjected to major shifts, clearing out in a deluge of cleansing and healing energy. For many this week’s waxing Moon has been shining light on the particular areas in our lives where we still need to clear out, fix up, heal, or repair whatever is not working in our lives. At the same time, we have been faced with overwhelming evidence of how we need to adjust our attitudes, behavior, and patterns of thinking about living a sustainable, healthy, and harmonious life on Earth. The Taurus-Scorpio polarity lunar cycle begins making us conscious and grounded in the reality of what is possible and what needs to be altered in the way we think of ourselves or imagine life to be. 

Writing as I am, on the day before of the Full Flower Moon in Scorpio, I am well aware of how this waxing full moon has been increasingly showing us where we need to trim our sails, alter our thinking, or wake up to issues that must be addressed.  For me, this week has been highlighting the areas where Uranus in Aries have been blasting my own Natal Mercury with one surprise after another. This week, that hot spot has been with my means of communication―phone, computer, Internet connections. This area has been going through changes and a series of challenges that had to be surmounted for over 2 1/2 years, and now that the series of Uranus-Pluto aspects is waning (lessening as the two planets move further out of aspect to one another), what still needs to be addressed simply will not work any longer. The fixed signs of Taurus and Scorpio help us cope with these challenges in our life. We can fight the need for change or we can surrender to the challenges and see what needs to be accepted and understood both in the daily reality and working out through self awareness and  relationships (Taurus Sun), just what is speaking to us on the deepest most levels of our being (Scorpio Moon).  

Look back over the past week, and if yours was anything like most people I know, there may have been one particular area or two of your life that was just clamoring for you to pay attention and come to some difficult decisions or make some major adjustments to your life.  For some, this would have been in the way your life unveiled, in a not so friendly way, whatever was demanding your time, energy, and focus. For example, someone may have needed your time and attention distracting you from what you felt you needed to be doing. Or you may have had to deal with equipment, electronics, or some mechanical devices that needed repair or replacement.  For some, you may have been grounded by illness, even though you had a busy schedule planned, and for others you may have been dealing with your own ‘voices’―that inner conflict we have sometimes between the need to take care of and protect ourselves and the need to get things done or meet our expectations of how we should be. 

Whatever area of your life that this was, it is most likely related to the areas that have been going through great transformation and the areas where Taurus and Scorpio now are focusing our attention.  Remember, we have crossed a threshold into new energy and the accompanying new challenges, gifts, and choices that we now face. 

The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. The Full Moon in Scorpio awakens our emotions. This is a time when we are aware and dealing with issues connected to romance, productivity and creativity, and our close relationships. As at all full moon times, the Sun in Taurus is in the opposite sign to the Moon in Scorpio. This is a time that calls for balance and harmony between two fixed signs. Taurus is about what is mine and Scorpio is about what is yours. Taurus focuses on what form ideas take in our lives, while Scorpio focuses on what is being called to transform through our ideals, perspectives, and visions. 

The Taurus Sun grounds us in the day-to-day desire for beauty, security, material prosperity, and living our ideals. The expression, “show me don’t tell” me is something you will hear from someone grounded in their Taurus identity.  The balance lies somewhere between simply living out ideals and honoring the intuitive, spiritual, and vision quest that each human being has. We cannot truly unite or communicate with another person if we are not in some way able to connect to their inner essence and personal vision. Imagine if someone did not acknowledge your basic essence. It happens, and we know it as we feel we are not heard, appreciated, or understood…nor are we loved for who we are. To love another on a deep level, there must be a connection between what I want and what you want, what I perceive and what you perceive, what I understand and what you do, and what my perception of life is and what yours is. And, we need to be able to communicate about it not just expect the other partner to understand or 'get us'. 

Accepting another as they are requires a willingness to regularly communicate.  This Scorpio Full Moon energizes our need to be who we are and understand others on a deeper level. It also demands that we not settle for less. Our inner calling is loud and clear right now, and listening to our desires, our passions, our needs. Whatever areas of our lives are in need of nourishment, healing, and nurturing now demand attention. 

Notice how this Scorpio Full Moon is reflecting your growth, your needs and desires, and your willingness to adjust your thinking to coincide with what is needed for your own personal fulfillment and your ability to connect, understand, and commit to others. Also notice how your daily life (Sun in Taurus) is a reflection of what is missing or needing healing. How do your environment, your diet, your lifestyle, your patterns of behavior, and your priorities reflect well-being, health, and harmony? 

Notice how the Scorpio moon reflects that which has fallen apart, been torn down, destroyed is making way for what is more healthy, fulfilling, and balanced. Notice too what has remained a mystery in your life or in your understanding of a situation, relationship, or some area of yourself. We cannot simply change a condition without also changing our attitudes and perspectives on the dynamics of that situation or condition.  For example, we cannot leave a marriage simply blaming the other for all that went wrong in the marriage. What is needed is forgiveness (of self and others) and then putting into place, the pieces that have fallen apart into a new form, fresh understanding, and renewed dedication on growth and development. Seek now, the balance between the two polarities in all areas of your life.

This Full Moon is a building energy that is reflected in whatever has been building up and growing within us. With the Taurus-Scorpio polarity, it is most often about the intimacies, emotional, and intuitive nature of who we are. At the Full Moon in Scorpio, we allow the mysteries, the passions, the intuitive revelations, and the dreams to rise to the surface and express themselves, fully, dramatically, and beautifully. “In the full expression of our passions, we now express ourselves in the Light of the Full Moon in Scorpio.” (CAM) we declare our love, we express our passions, and we release our dreams.  Some area/s of our lives will be illuminated with this Scorpio Full Moon. Issues or passions that have not been acknowledged or expressed may likely now also come into the light.

At the end of the week before the Moon transited into Scorpio, it transited Libra. The emotional pull of the Moon in Libra may had many of us trying to see all sides to every story, be everyone’s friend, or take care of everything with equal candor, energy, and balance. The challenge of Libra is to maintain our grounding in that which is our own Truth.  We may understand others’ points of view, however, to be true to ourselves, we must know what we believe, we must stand up for who and what we are, and we must honor ourselves, otherwise we are constantly presenting a false front. In a week like we have just had, we may have noticed our tendency to want to please everyone and settle every issue amicably.  We may have also noticed how we had lost sight of who we really are. Hopefully, you took some time to check in with your own reality for a while over the last two days. 

Break out of patterns and ruts, do things a bit differently, and reacquaint yourself with the whole of who you are. Avoid, now and into the future, getting stuck in repetitive and uncreative patterns, habits, and ways of thinking and relating. Think about how you do your work daily. Do you sit in the same place every day? Do you avoid certain parts of your office, home, or studio? Have you neglected areas of your life that need to be reawakened or opened up again? Make it simple (Taurus Sun). Instead of walking up and down the stairs to change a load of laundry, stop in between wash and dry cycles to take a short walk or gaze at the stars from your yard. Walk around your yard and notice what is growing, changing, and how the air feels to you. 

Instead of setting up your office in a way that seems not to work for you, change things around and use the different parts of the office or get rid of the set up. In Feng Shui, it is advised to use every part of the stove. To leave any area unused blocks energy. Use the same principle for your home, office, studio, or garden. Make your life energized and active. Use different parts of your home and exercise different parts of your being―body, mind, emotions, psyche, and spirit. 

Mercury seisquiquadrant Pluto in Capricorn. Puzzling and mysterious circumstances are highlighted by this aspect. Communication in external situations and relationships, and inner ideas, instincts, and circumstances are affected. While the Moon in Libra trines Venus in Gemini, we are also dealt with the clash of wills between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. As Friday, May first  progressed,  Mercury moved out of its aspect to the Moon, we may have felt  edgy, tense, and may have  faced conflict and tension that seemed difficult to pin down.  Today, do what you can to channel the energy into productive or creative activities, and then spend some time releasing pent up energy. Dance, walk, swim, or do something you haven’t taken time to do in ages. Break the routine, and break out of the set of expectations or rut you may have fallen into. Time to break open, let off some steam, and let yourself change the energy patterns that are keeping you obsessing over dead issues or lost causes. 

With the Scorpio Full Moon, we feel ourselves enlivened, activated, and infused with creative, passionate, and dedicated energy. We feel open to healing and new ideas. We feel connected to what is good in our lives, and we readily practice gratitude at this time.  For those  areas of your life where the water signs reign (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) within 5 degrees of either side of the 13 degrees of each sign, notice what is flowing, emerging, and being generated in that area of your life and being. Feel yourself awake, aware, and having an open heart for your highest good, excellent health, and deep, rich happiness. 

At this Full Moon in Scorpio, we find Mercury in opposition to Saturn. Saturn, the Great Teacher, opposing Mercury the ruler of intellect, the mind, and communication, inspires a more serious attitude than usual. We feel more deeply, yearn more fervently, and hope with a great passion. Because we have been forced to face the darker, shadowy sides to ourselves and to our view of life in general, we now can face the challenges, growth, and struggles with greater clarity and truth.  We know more about what we do to hinder our own progress, and we also recognize what is not working or connecting with other people, with certain conditions, and what needs to be resolved in order to make progress breaking down barriers and surmounting challenges. Face your inner warrior during this full moon, and become the peaceful warrior, the servant leader of yourself, tending to what is life-giving and avoiding contact with that which does not give live, which refutes hope, and which lives out its existence circling the drain―neither here nor there, and unwilling to move on. 

Both the Sun in Taurus and the Moon in Scorpio form a hard aspect to Jupiter in Leo. We are still under the influence of the fire sign energy in the outer, slower-moving planets Uranus in Aries, Jupiter in Leo, and Saturn in Sagittarius. This provides a continues feeling or need to purge, merge, and splurge. Fire sign energy pushes us, long term, to do things “now”. Jupiter in Leo is expansive and creative. Notice where Jupiter is in your life/chart, and see how this Full Moon in Scorpio and the Sun in Taurus are activating this area of your life.  Squares provide the needed push, shove, or hard fall that causes us to pay attention to what needs to happen. We are more aware now, of what needs to change in order for us to expand our vision of what is possible. Acting from our small selves, serves no one. Excusing ourselves because ‘it’s not time’, “we don’t have enough or we aren’t enough”, or ‘the timing isn’t right’ kinds of flimsy excuses, should be a signal to you that your are simply afraid to let go of what is holding you back. When we cling like a cat to a branch, holding on for dear life to what is falling away from our lives anyway, we’re in for a hard fall, and a rude awakening. Better to make the choices ourselves than to have the choices made for us by someone else’s decision, than a job being eliminated, or by something breaking down. Despite all the signals, red flags and warnings, we tend to ignore thing until it’s too late. This is one of those times. Notice how you are holding on, holding back, or refusing to be the you you are meant to be now. Go for the gusto. Grab the brass ring. Take the chance, and acknowledge your true desire and dream now. Take a step toward what you really, really want.  The time is now. Don’t make me quote Nike. 

The May 3 Full Flower Moon in Scorpio at 13/23 degrees is like a giant magnifying glass. Whatever you focus on now, is going to be magnified one hundred fold. This is the Beltane Moon in the middle decan of Scorpio, is also according to ancient tradition,  the mid-way point between the start of Spring and the beginning of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In the North, this is the time when gardens are in bloom, wildflowers fill the hillsides, and fields are being worked. The spring rains have brought some relief from drought in some places. As the Sun in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn, we feel the transformative powers of nature at work in our lives, on the Earth, and beneath the seas. Off the coast of Oregon, a giant underground volcano is erupting at a point between two tectonic plates, relieving the pressure and allowing the energy held within, to be released. The earthquakes and continue tremors in Nepal, the volcanoes erupting at different places on the planet, all remind us of our place within the natural order of life on this planet. Within our own lives, we too are feeling the need to release and reform and reshape our lives. Spring is calling us to dance on the earth, dig into the ground, and plant new seeds and ideas in our gardens―inner and outer. 

Pluto in Capricorn is also sextile the Moon in Scorpio making it easier for us to let go, release, and discover our own power and the power of transformation that comes form letting go of what no longer gives us life. For those of us who have to understand before we can make the changes, pay attention now to the wisdom of your body, your mind, your emotional climate, and to the places where you truly feel at home, and where  you don’t. 

Mercury in Gemini (as of Thursday, April 30) is now trine Ceres reminding us to take better care of ourselves, especially during the explosive and chaotic periods of change and transition. Our bodies are telling us what needs to heal, change, and where our unhealthy practices, attitudes, and challenges are blocking and disturbing our energy.  Listen, and honor your inner wisdom. Stay connected to whomever allows you to be yourself, and  turn your attention now, away from anything that is not life-giving, life-affirming, or respectful of you and your finest essence. Respect yourself. Remember who you are, and stand in your truth, willing to risk being yourself and capable of meeting whatever challenges come your way.  The gifts within you, and the blessings waiting for you ask only that you accept the grace of the Divine that is already yours. Open your eyes, open your heart, and open your arms, saying, “I am receiving my good.” Live in gratitude, and be at peace right where you are in the perfect place within and in the perfect place where you are. Blessings to you. 

New Moon in Aries: Fire in the Hole!

New Moon in Aries: Fire in the Hole!

The expression, ‘fire in the hole’ is an old mining expression that was used by miners to warn fellow miners that an explosive detonation was imminent. The April 18 New Moon at 28/25 degrees of Aries occurs at 11/57 A.M. PDT signals just such a warning. An inner explosion of energy is ready to burst forth in our lives. With five heavenly bodies in fire signs (the Sun, the Moon, Uranus, all in Aries; Saturn in Sagittarius, and Jupiter in Leo), we are ready for a fire walk aimed at purifying our lives, and burning off dysfunctional habits, patterns or behavior, and outworn beliefs and thinking. 

Whatever is now purged from our system is that which makes way for us to clarify what needs to happen in order for us to be liberated from whatever may have been holding us back. Despite or as a result of, all the shedding and transforming we have been growing and going through over the past few years, we now have the opportunity of getting to the essence of what we need to move forward. It is time to act wisely, so that what’s been incubating over the past season of our lives can now emerge, be launched, or entered into.  This New Moon in Aries, coming as it does near the end of the sign, leads us into the grounding energy of the Taurus cycle. The New Moon comes in close proximity to the Solar Ingress into Taurus, and so what action is taken now is going to be put into motion and made manifest immediately in the lives we are living.

With the Pisces lunar cycle ending and the Aries lunar cycle beginning as the Taurus solar cycle begins, we get the best of both worlds―energy and concrete action, intention and desire combined with movement and creation.  It is time to commit to our personal goals and to begin taking actions to put those goals into action. We are ready for a more innovative approach to helping create the lives we seek. It’s time to take charge of the life we are living, and to hold onto the reins as the power, energy, and focus of our intentions is given a massive forward thrust. 

Reins are used to guide, direct, and communicate to a horse the direction, speed, and movement we desire. As anyone who has ever ridden a horse knows, the horse is by far more powerful than the rider. To be given the gift of a good ride, the rider must honor that power, energy, and strength. The expression to ‘throw one’s heart over the mane’ refers to surrendering to that power and letting the horse take the leap over the barrier that is before it. To hold back, question, or veer off at the last minute, can be disastrous. This is a time to be brave. 

Years ago during a particularly trying time, my good friend Marguerite sent me a note, the only part of which I recall simply said, “Have courage”. During  many difficult times since then, those words and her perceptive timing,  have sustained me. The New Moon in Aries at 28 degrees is in the third decan of Aries, and we receive not only the strong thrust and momentum of Aries, but also the pragmatic and sound advice of Taurus which cautions us to have courage, remember who we are, and hold onto that truth―using it as our reins at this time. This New Moon holds the potential of being a life saver. 

We often come to astrology or other paths looking for the right advice, the right answers, and the words we need to help us navigate our lives. What we sometimes fail to remember is that we have within us the seeds of truth. Through discernment and reliance on the Universal Truth as we each understand and define it (through our religious, spiritual, and philosophical choices). 

The lineup of planets in one sector of your chart/life (wherever you now find the transiting Sun, Moon, Uranus, Mercury Mars, and Venus) is the area of your life that is receiving the thrust of this energy. Look at your chart, or if you do not have a chart, think about what areas of your life are most in flux and transition. Wherever Aries, Taurus, and Gemini are in your chart/life, this is a major area of movement and energy. Earlier this week, Venus in Gemini opposed Saturn, the Great Teacher, in Sagittarius making us more aware of our responsibilities, and limitations. Whatever came to light, may have seemed like a heavy burden as we may have felt the stress magnified in our minds. We came in touch with our own worst enemy―that doubting, insecure, and negative voice we have within.  We have other voices too, but when we feel the pressure and when we feel insecure and vulnerable, we may only hear the negative voices speaking. As this aspect eases us with Venus moving out of opposition, we will gain greater clarity and perspective. It is important to notice how we sabotage ourselves, and to find ways to cope with these times. 

On Friday, April 17, Mars in Taurus will square Jupiter in Leo, perhaps leading to some impatience. With the desire to act or move or change being grounded in Taurus (we need to feel or see the change actually happening before our eyes) and our energy and desires ties up in the fiery energy of Jupiter in Leo, we may feel thwarted , competitive, excitable, and edgy. Notice if you feel a sense of urgency, and channel your physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental energy into ways that allow for expression without overturning your entire life or taking drastic and unwise actions. Avoid the flames. Do not intentionally walk into a burning building or volatile situation. Avoid explosive relationships, and treat yourself with care, protecting yourself and holding your energy in balance. 

Mercury will also be forming a quincunx with Saturn, and later  a semi-square with Chiron, the Wounded Healer. Friday can be an emotionally challenging day as well as the Moon moves through the final degrees of the lunar cycle and the Dark of the Moon. Delays, red tape, and distractions may be apparent. Slow down, be patient, and do what you can and then let it go. Do not bang your head into the proverbial brick wall. Divine timing is at work; ‘God’s time not mine’ is a good mantra during such times.

Pluto is stationary all day as it is beginning its retrograde phase (until September 25). The Great Transformer will be going back over territory that it has been uprooting. This is a time to reflect, rest, take care of whatever details have been left undone, and bide your time with Pluto’s movement. It’s also a good time to be grateful as you assess the progress you have made, for Pluto wants you to notice what has already been accomplished. As contrary as it might feel when you are feeling great pressure, upset and crisis, it is the best time to practice gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion. Give something to someone else in need, and remember all the support you have received; be grateful for family and friends who have helped you through. Pluto’s retrograde is a period of time to reassess how we are using our individual and collective power. 

Friday, the Balsamic Moon, the final phase of the moon, the sleepy time, we have time to redirect our energies and interests. It’s a good time to tie up loose ends. Avoid making mountains out of mole hills. Understand that at this period of time we are often in conflict between what we think we ‘should’ do, be, have and what is actually possible. 

This is a very important time for us to get enough rest, to nourish and replenish our bodies, and to get enough exercise (without overdoing or over stimulating). Our physical energy is at a low ebb during this time. If you are near a tidal area, notice the extremes of the tide, and remember the same pressure is being exerted on our bodies right now. During the Dark of the Moon, which is this Balsamic time, we may not know whether we’re coming or going. We may feel vague and unclear about our direction, decisions, or relationships. At the same time, we may feel more keenly attuned to our intuition. Our dreams may be vibrant and telling. We are best advised to listen to the inner yearnings of our psyche’s, intuition, and sense of self. Notice how your 2nd and 3rd Chakra energies are feeling. We need to take this time to retreat, reflect, and be a bit more introspective than usual.

For those born during the Balsamic cycle of the Moon, life is about beginnings and endings, and it may take some time to recognize how to navigate through the constantly changing cycles. Those too whose Ascendents are aspected by the Balsamic moon, often make great gatekeepers and guides through periods of transition. We all need those who are attuned to this energy in our lives to help us navigate the passages. Notice who the guides are in your life. They may be able to cast some light on what is needed at this time.  Basically, though, trust your instincts. Listen to what your body needs, indeed demands of you right now. Be gentle with yourself. Being strong and courageous does not mean doing everything by yourself of doing everything!. Being strong means being able to let go of the ego-driven needs we have in order to honor and take care of our spiritual gifts and calling. 

Sometimes those who are strongly affected by these Balsamic, dark moon times, are ahead of their times. In the frustration of not moving fast enough, or of the world and others keeping up with their pace and growth, they can learn to find peace by helping others. When that becomes too draining, it is essential to “come into your senses”. Let your senses awaken and breathe in the natural beauty and essence of life. Take off your shoes and run barefoot in the sand or grass. Hug a tree or plant one. Walk along the river, or climb a hill. Get up atop a tall building and get some perspective. See how far you have come by looking  back over the last year or two. Notice how much has changed, and get in touch with the flow of life. You are in the perfect place. All that is meant to unfold is unfolding in Divine Right time according to the perfect plan for you.  Trust that you are making progress, and use your creativity as an outlet for unresolved or unhappy feelings. Do something that is good for you. Take a small risk and test your daring.  Avoid the big risks, and again, do not put your hand back into the flames of something you know will burn or hurt you. You  deserve to take good care of yourself now. Prepare for the gate that is opening for you with the New Moon in Aries. Put your gifts on life’s altar and honor your place in the Divine Plan.  

I dedicate this column on the New Moon in Aries to my lovely Aries/Taurus daughter who celebrates her birthday on this New Moon. To her and all those friends who are mindfully and artfully navigating the new passage.